LIFE + CULTURE
ANNIE’S HOPE
ARTS + CULTURE
OPERATION SHOWER
ENTERTAINMENT
UNIQUE GIFTING
Gratitude
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
We're so thankful as publishers and the owners of these three beautiful publications for the people we meet daily, the friends in our lives who have become family. We will never forget our first edition July 2017 "Starry Night." It was such a beautiful blessing and now with 200-plus editions it has given us the ability to support the growth and prosperity of our cities, organizations, and local businesses, fostering connections that bring people together and strengthen our communities.
Our November edition is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We're so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.
This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Thank you for allowing us to share our stories in your home and business. We wish you and yours endless blessing.
With Gratitude,
November 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Schmidt | christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Mel Boban, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Beth Templin, Amalia (Amy) Pappas, Chelsea Haynes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Julie Brown Patton, Katie Lentini, Amalia (Amy) Pappas
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
“Magic Eraser” Treatment
STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Cheryl is an aesthetic nurse injector and laser specialist with 13 years of experience in the industry. She is part of the creative mind behind Renu Med Spa. Cheryl began her nursing career in 2005 working in the hospital setting, then transitioned to working for a well-known board-certified facial plastic surgeon for 12 years where she learned to perfect her craft in the aesthetic industry. She also trained for two well-known laser companies teaching offices how to utilize laser technology. Cheryl prides herself on creating a personal relationship with clients, getting to know them and understand their aesthetic goals. She is continuously educating herself and immersing herself within the industry to bring you the most up-to-date treatments. Cheryl will work with your lifestyle and budget to get you the most refreshed look, and then teach and assist you in maintaining it.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: BGCSTC member Mike Plackemeier inducted into Boys & Girls Club’s Missouri Area Council Hall of Fame. 2: Saint Louis Crisis Nursery child abuse/neglect prevention agency adds music therapist Rosalie Starkweather. 3: Missouri resident Ann Kathryn Kehoe awarded “Best of Show” at 29th Mosaics Fine Art Festival. 4: St. Charles Children’s Entrepreneur Market teaches young people about entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership through experiential learning. 5: The St. Charles Children’s Entrepreneur Market is a unique farmers market, run entirely by kids. 6: Young entrepreneurs show creativity, talent and business acumen by selling their handcrafted goods and products. 7: The first-ever Riverwalk Market Apple Festival was held in St. Charles.
CITY OF ST. CHARLES MISSOURI
CITY OF ST. CHARLES MISSOURI
CITY OF ST. CHARLES MISSOURI
CITY OF ST. CHARLES MISSOURI
SAINT LOUIS CRISIS NURSERY BGCSTC
8: Saint Charles honored grandparents with “A Grand Day in the Park” this autumn. 9: St. Charles neighborhoods observed family-friendly Annual National Night Out as crime and drug prevention event. 10: Streets of Frenchtown filled with sounds of guitars, fiddles in last Hot Summer Nights concert. 11: Watch Fire symbolizes enduring hope that America’s soldiers as POWs or MIA will return home. 12: Veterans Town Hall at Foundry Art Centre provided support/resources to veterans, active-duty service members, families. Photography by City of St. Charles Missouri
13: Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Special Booth by Rudy Beck, Jayson Lenox, John Lenox, Caroline Stolzer. 14: Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Thanks to the organizers, volunteers and fundraising teams. 15: Ribbon Cutting celebration at the newly opened The Marquee at New Town event space.
For half a century, this festival brings holiday spirit to life. With unique storytelling, history and fairytale whimsy, guests enter yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, sugarplums dance and an array of international ambassadors invite everyone to explore holiday customs from around the world. The early origins of the festival trace back to the 1970s, a revitalization that brought Main Street St. Charles back from the brink of disaster. Visit DiscoverStCharles.com/ events/Christmas-Traditions or call 636.255.6110.
Photography by Julie Brown Patton
See Live Reindeer At Ellbees In Wentzville
A live reindeer event will be held at Ellbees on Dec. 19 from 4-7pm. There will be reindeer games, Santa, elfs, hot chocolate and food for purchase. Tickets are $10. Linda Styer, founder of Ellbees general store, says tickets sell fast and every year this event gets bigger and bigger for the community. Visit Ellbeesgeneralstore.com/events-2.
Boys & Girls Clubs SCC’s ACT Prep Program Wins Award
The ACT Prep Program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) received the Program Impact Award at the Missouri Area Council Annual Conference. This recognition celebrates the programs dedication to helping high school members improve their ACT scores and build essential college and career readiness skills. Photo shows Ryan Endres, club volunteer who initiated the program, and Karen Englert, CEO, with the Award. This program is now in its fourth year.
Lions Choice Celebrates 57th Business Anniversary
Lion’s Choice celebrated 57 years in business. In honor of the anniversary, Lion’s Choice crews created a special Birthday Cake Concrete. The Lions Choice in St. Peters is located at 3807 Veterans Memorial Parkway. Founded during 1967 in Ballwin, Lion’s Choice became an iconic St. Louis restaurant brand, originally named Red Lion Beef by founders Marv Gibbs and Arthur Morey. Switching to Lion’s Choice was a nod to saying about having the best of something.
Photography by Lions Choice
SSM Health Outpatient Center at the Streets of Caledonia
Bringing the care you need close to home in Western St. Charles County.
SSM Health’s state-of-the-art outpatient center at the Streets of Caledonia is opening later this year. Multiple services at one location:
• Mammography and imaging services with convenient online scheduling
• Pediatric and family medicine
• SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Specialty Services
• SSM Health’s SLUCare Physician Group
• Outpatient lab, retail pharmacy, and more
Located on Caledonia Parkway, near the Winghaven and Hwy DD exit on I-64.
St. Charles County Library 50th anniversary celebration
THANK GOODNESS FOR DECADES OF LITERACY, INFORMATION, INSPIRATION, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Local Libraries Are Page-Turners Themselves
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Libraries provide access to the world, knowledge, digital resources, community engagement, learning opportunities and the love of reading.
More than half a million people have St. Louis County Library cards. Library cards these days get cardholders more than just items to read and watch. Organizations across the state, including the Missouri Department of Conservation and St. Louis Astronomical Society, provided the libraries with outdoor equipment, musical instruments and technology that patrons can check out for two-week periods.
SOME 'LIBRARY OF THINGS' NONTRADITIONAL
ITEMS THAT CAN BE BORROWED INCLUDE:
• Binoculars, telescopes
• Fishing poles, tackle boxes
• Disc golf, pickleball kits
• Guitars, banjos, ukuleles, keyboards, xylophones, hand drums
• Chromebook laptops
• Projectors
• Wi-Fi hotspots
• VR headsets
• Blood pressure kits
• Tabletop games, puzzles
• Fort-building kits
Local libraries also host beneficial workshops, classes, guest speakers, festivals and special events. Some locations provide job training and access to social workers.
Additionally, library locations provide computers; Wi-Fi services; document services for copying, faxing, printing and scanning; meeting rooms; study rooms; and notary services.
Kristen Sorth is the director/CEO of the St. Louis County Library. SLCL is governed by a five-member board of trustees, which is responsible for selecting and appointing the library director. These board members are appointed by St. Louis County councilmembers based on a recommendation from St. Louis County's county executive.
SLCL is reportedly the busiest library system in Missouri, and one of the largest circulating libraries in the United States. It was established in 1947, and is primarily supported by property taxes from district residents.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY LOCATIONS:
• Bridgeton Trails Branch, Bridgeton
• Clark Family Branch, St. Louis, 63131-3598
• Cliff Cave Branch, St. Louis, 63129-3556
• Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville
• Eureka Hills Branch, Eureka
• Florissant Valley Branch, Florissant
• Grand Glaize Branch, Manchester
• Grant's View Branch, St. Louis, 63123-3935
• Jamestown Bluffs Branch, Florissant
• Lewis & Clark Branch, St. Louis, 63136-5322
• Meramec Valley Branch, Fenton
• Mid-County Branch, St. Louis, 63105-3875
• Natural Bridge Branch, St. Louis, 63121-4905
• Oak Bend Branch, St. Louis, 63122-6507
• Parkview Branch, St. Louis, 63114-5904
• Prairie Commons Branch, Hazelwood
• Rock Road Branch, St. Ann
• Samuel C. Sachs Branch, Chesterfield
• Thornhill Branch, St. Louis, 63146-3771
• Weber Road Branch, St. Louis, 63123-6744
St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library merged catalogs during March 2022 and now offer at least 5 million books, periodicals, movies and items for library members across 37 branches in St. Louis city and county. Library members can reserve items and have them delivered to their branch of choice. SLPL items can be returned at all SLCL branches.
August 1, 2023, marked the 50th anniversary of the St. Charles City-County Library, whose Library District was established on that date in 1973 when the Kathryn Linnemann Library of St. Charles merged with the St. Charles County Library District. It's governed by a board of trustees and funded primarily through property taxes. A limited edition 50th anniversary library card was issued in commemoration of the milestone.
TODAY, 14 LIBRARY BRANCHES SERVE ST. CHARLES COUNTY RESIDENTS:
• Central Services, St. Peters
• Augusta
• Boone's Trail, Wentvzille
• Cliff View, Wentvzille
• Corporate Parkway, Wentzville
• Deer Run, O'Fallon
• Kathryn Linnemann, St. Charles
• Kisker Road, St. Charles
• Library to You Bookmobile
• McClay, St. Charles
• Mid Rivers Mall, St. Peters
• Middendorf-Kredell, O'Fallon [closed for renovations; reopen early 2025]
• Spencer Road, St. Peters
• WingHaven, O'Fallon
St. Charles City-County Library staffers indicate more than 2 million visitors enjoy their branch locations each year.
ARTICLE BY DR. BETH TEMPLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LENTINI
For Seniors KEY TO INDEPENDENCE
ADVICE EDITORIAL: HOW CUSTOM EXERCISE PROGRAM FROM TEAM OF AGING SPECIALISTS HELPS SENIORS LIVE IN HOMES LONGER
What are people most thankful for as they age?
"In my experience, people are most thankful for their health and independence as they age. Many people want to live in their homes as long as possible. When people start to lose their independence, this can be harder to achieve."
“With normal aging, people lose 3% of their muscle strength every year. This can show up in many ways: having more trouble taking care of the home, getting out in the community or enjoying hobbies.”
Why do people lose their independence with age?
"One of the biggest complaints of aging is trouble with walking and stairs. This happens due to loss of strength as you get older. With normal aging, you lose 3% of your muscle strength every year. This can show up in many ways: having more trouble taking care of your home, getting out in the community or enjoying your hobbies."
Is there anything people can do to be proactive?
"Yes. A strength training program can help to minimize strength loss as you age. The key is it must be progressive, meaning it gets more challenging with time. I find the biggest problem with exercise programs for aging adults is they are not challenging enough to build strength."
What if you have multiple health issues?
"Strength training is safe for adults of any age, with any medical issue. If you have concerns about strength training because of a medical concern or pain issues, a physical therapist is the perfect person to help you create a custom program for you."
What's the key to staying independent?
"The key to staying independent is participating in exercises that cover your strength, balance and endurance on a weekly basis. Oftentimes people have one area covered, but not all three of these effectively, leading to declines. This is one of the things we specialize in at HouseFit, creating custom exercise programs to help aging adults age in place and enjoy life."
HouseFit provides free, in-home fitness consultations; sign up by calling 314.939.1377.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
ANNIE’S HOPE
ASSISTING THOSE GRIEVING VIA NONJUDGMENTAL ATMOSPHERE FILLED WITH COMPASSION AND GRATITUDE
The Annie’s Hope organization is a legacy to a former patient of pediatric oncology nurse Becky Byrne, founder/executive director of the nonprofit. Becky says Annie was a young lady who never lost hope for her future, despite the health challenges imposed upon her by acute leukemia at the age of 12. When Annie eventually passed on during 1991, Becky says she knew she had to do something helpful to those forced to
“If given a safe, trusting place surrounded by care and support, every child has the ability to heal and live a productive, joyful life.”
deal with life-ending grief. So, by 1998, she had five volunteers in place. There now are 12 employees and one volunteer staffer who function as a bereavement center focused solely on the needs of mourning children, adolescents and their families in the St. Louis region.
"We believe grief is a universal, normal, natural response to loss, and that there's no single path toward healing," explains Becky. "Grief is a lifelong process whereby the goal is not to 'get over it' but to discover new relationships not based on physical presences but on the love and memories which live on."
She says there are no costs to individuals or families who participate in the Glendale-headquartered program, which is not affiliated with religious groups, health care systems or other entities. Grief referral service offerings include group and school-based support for children (ages 3-12), teens (ages 13-18) and adults. They also provide overnight camps for youths, teen retreats and family social outings and hope/healing gatherings.
Annie’s Hope programs are funded solely through private donations, grants, sponsorships and special events. In fact, the group is scheduled to host a trivia night on Nov. 2 at International Institute of St. Louis from 6:30-10 p.m.
"Helping grieving families discover their own courage, strength and hope for the future is what Annie’s Hope is all about," summarizes Becky. 314.965.5015
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Unique Gifting
ADVICE EDITORIAL: ALTERNATE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.
1. Pre-holiday surprise. For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies. | 2. Future fun. Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients. | 3. Generosity. Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas. | 4. Travel. Gift a loved one with a trip. | 5. Time. Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday. | 6. Love of learning. If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app. | 7. Thoughtful messages. Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting. | 8. Bon Appétit. Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make. | 9. Recipe book. Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.
Helping HandMe-Downs
FOSTER MOM HELPS FAMILIES
GO FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Thirteen years ago, Stephanie Suljak says she saw a need, well, another need. She already had been serving as a foster parent for several years, and had adopted two children.
But then she started talking to social workers to find out where gaps in services to families existed, and what she could do to fill them. What she discovered turned into her founding her own social service agency that today serves more than 5,000 kids a year. She and her family, along with a few hundred volunteers a year, do it all out of an Ellisville-based warehouse that’s less than 2,000-square-feet in size.
“We aren’t just working for babies. With ‘Helping Hand-Me-Downs,’ we’re working for their siblings and their families,” Stephanie says. She learned the gap existed when moms and babies in need left the hospital. Now she provides car seats, cribs, diapers and coats, all gently used, among other things, to families in need.
“It is stuff we would give to, or put on, or own children,” she says.
Stephanie says becoming a foster mom changed everything for her and her husband and two children. “That’s what made me want to give back.”
Today she has four children, ages 25, 22, 14 and 11.
Her husband, whom she says is her “largest funder and biggest fan,” owns and operates two construction companies, Trinity Pools and Sealing St. Louis. “He even drives our shuttle.”
Last year, Helping Hand-Me-Downs joined forces with Dear MAMA to serve families in North St. Louis and North St. Louis County. “What an amazing way to love your neighbor. Throughout the year, we packed the shuttle to the gills with toys, books, clothing and baby gear and headed
to various places to pass items out directly to families in need," Stephanie states.
More partnerships were formed with other agencies. “We went from getting a few referrals a year to pages and pages of requests. One teacher came into the office and got clothing for every child in her class, while a principal sent us a request for 60 coats.”
She says the need increased dramatically from 2022 to 2023, so much so that Helping HandMe-Downs served nearly 1,000 more children. “Although we're excited to be able to meet the need, we're saddened that the need increased that much. Families who've never had to ask for help were finding themselves needing clothing and other necessities,” she says. “The community showed up for sure. Each time we needed clothing to fill an order, the bins would overflow for weeks.”
She says she couldn’t do any of it without her volunteers. “They tirelessly empty bins and sort clothing, toys and other random items with such kindness and compassion. It can be very overwhelming and unrewarding at times, but these wonderful people show up week after week to help serve the community.”
In addition to immediate needs of clothing, food and household items, Helping Hand-MeDowns assists families with finding housing and securing jobs. They also have a coaching program that supports families by giving them tools to navigate life in a healthier manner and offers a safe place to engage in transformative conversations.
“The program’s intention is for families to go from surviving to thriving as stability is created,” Stephanie states.
HelpingHandMeDowns.org
“We went from getting a few referrals a year to pages and pages of requests.
One teacher got clothing for every child in her class.”
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
ORGANIZATION HAS SHOWERED MORE THAN 9,000 MILITARY MOMS AND MOMSTO-BE ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES IN ITS 17-YEAR HISTORY
OPERATION SHOWER
It all started 17 years ago, when it was time for LeAnn Morrissey to send her son off to kindergarten. The former lawyer-turned-stay-at-home-mom says she was looking for a way to “be of help” to other moms. “I was looking for something that would matter,” LeAnn says.
Soon individual box showers became group showers. The first one showered 17 moms at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) in North Carolina. “I wanted to bring them together with other moms. A lot of people related to being away from their spouses and could under-
“I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT WOULD MATTER.”
~LEANN MORRISSEY
At the time, LeAnn was sending care packages to her uncle, who was deployed overseas in the U.S. Army. “My uncle said he had four men under his command who had wives back in the U.S. who were expecting,” LeAnn says. “He suggested instead of sending him care packages, maybe I could send cards to acknowledge them. ‘Recognize those moms’ was his advice to me. That was my spark.”
So, LeAnn gathered friends and family to assemble a “shower in a box” for each of those expectant families. “And because it also gave the husbands, those serving overseas, peace of mind, it really felt like it made a difference,” LeAnn says.
Those four showers in a box quickly morphed into “Operation Shower,” a service that has since served more than 9,000 American families.
stand that was really challenging,” LeAnn says.
Now, “Chief Shower Officer” LeAnn and the Operation Shower team and volunteers shower military moms and moms-to-be all over the United States while recognizing all that expectant military families do for their country.
“Military families need to be celebrated and appreciated. We understand that military families are often separated during milestone events in their lives–like having a baby. Operation Shower works to be there for these families and show them they are not alone,” she says.
And that’s no small task.
With individual donors, foundations, corporations, and loyal sponsors such as Pepsi and the St. Louis Blues, locally, all coordinated by Chief Product Officer Lindsey Fletcher, each family receives a
full baby shower, with a diaper bag, sleep and feeding time items, toys, books and one or two large items, like a stroller, car seat or crib. Volunteers are pooled locally and in each state they serve (Operation Shower just reached Alaska) to help with organizing and carrying out the showers. Her team also coordinates knitters and crocheters who handmake blankets as part of shower gifts.
Amy Belle Isle works from Massachusetts coordinating companies and individuals, including graphic designers, bakers, decorators, florists and photographers, from coast to coast to personalize each shower.
Each shower requires at least 20 volunteers, as well as Operation Shower staff, who help with the showers, LeAnn says. “It’s a lot of work, times 30, for each shower.”
To help reach as many military moms as possible, Operation Shower also created the “B is for Baby” Box (BIBB) program to honor military moms it cannot reach with a group baby shower. And the “Welcome, Baby” Boxes-to-Bases program meets military moms where they are by sending sets of boxes to military bases across the country.
There’s even a private Facebook group wherein moms and volunteers stay connected after the showers, sharing experiences and photos of their babies as they grow.
“It’s all super lovely,” LeAnn says.
For information on volunteering, giving monthly, sponsoring a shower, or donating through their registry, visit OperationShower.org
PODCAST HOST
Cynthia
Kirkpatrick, CPA, CFP
She Lift Project
Podcast Regarding Stories, Struggles, Survival Tips From Successful Professional Women
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
“I WANTED TO HELP TALENTED WOMEN REACH THE TOP OF THEIR FIELDS”
Podcast host Cynthia Kirkpatrick, CPA, CFP, hoped to put a microphone in front of positive-minded people to infuse the world with more wisdom, empathy and support, so she started the podcast 'She Lift Project' during July 2023.
"I wanted to help talented women reach the top of their fields," she recalls. "If a ski lift takes people to the top of the mountain, then maybe a 'She Lift' would take women to the top of the mountain in their careers. We added 'project' to the name because this is a work in progress, evolving as the needs of our community evolve."
In male-dominated industries, Cynthia says she found it challenging to find female perspectives on how to best achieve career goals. So, she decided the concept of a robust, supportive network was key and set out to create a hearty, vigorous one.
She reminds that there's more than one way to do things. "The more we can learn from each other, the better off we all are.”
As a senior financial advisor at Moneta Group, St. Louis-based Cynthia broadcasts the podcast on the first and third Tuesday of each month with assistance from her husband, JJ Kirkpatrick. Visit SheLiftProject. com/podcast-episodes
Views, Villages And Vintage Vibes in Vail, Colorado
All Hail, Vail
Vail is vibrant, vast and versatile. Here are five reasons to make Vail a last-minute holiday getaway:
HEROIC HISTORY
First inhabited by the Ute Tribe of Native Americans long before settlers moved West, the native inhabitants referred to Vail as ‘The Shining Mountains.’ By the 1870s, Colorado began attracting gold miners who later depleted resources but led to plans for a ski resort and first-ever US gondola. Today, Vail is known as a world-class ski destination.
Take a historic, walking tour of Vail during your visit.
VIBRANT VILLAGES
Vail is home to three villages: Vail, Lionshead and Cascade. Each town is lined with pedestrian streets and resembles European architecture. With world-class restaurants, Bavarian-inspiration, and outdoor adventures these quaint villages will make guests feel as if they're on the set of a RomCom based in Europe.
MAGNIFICENT MEALS
Did someone say Michelin?
Two restaurants in Vail received Michelin recognition by landing on the Michelin Recommended list. Osaki’s, a classic sushi bar, and Sweet Basil, an eclectic and whimsical restaurant, are both worth a visit. Pop in to experience these incredible restaurants or the many cozy cafes, booming bistros or family-friendly finds for good food when visiting Vail.
AMAZING ADVENTURES
Vail, Colorado, is an adventure-lovers playground, no matter the season. From hiking and biking in the summertime to skiing and snowboarding during the winter, Vail will never disappoint. Plan a scenic gondola ride with aerial views of the Rockies or book a Vail Ranch experience for a complete, Western rodeo.
SENSIBLE SUSTAINABILITY
Vail prides itself on sustainability. From curbside recycling, electric buses and a composting pilot program, a ‘Sole Power’ initiative that encourages citizens to track their miles through green commuting through summer months and ‘Restore the Gore,’ an educational program about protecting Vail’s delicate Gore Creek ecosystem and many more.
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA HAYNES
Rizogalo (Rice Pudding)
ARTICLE BY AMALIA (AMY) PAPPAS LOLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMALIA PAPPAS LOLI
Amalia Culinary Art Recipe: A Dish That’s Comfort In A Bowl
ingredients (serves 6):
• 3/4 cup Arborio rice
• 1-2 cups of water
• Pinch of salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of an orange or lemon, optional
• Ground cinnamon
instructions:
Step 1. Combine rice, water and salt in a pot and boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook (stirring often) for about 20 minutes or until the rice has softened. Add more water if needed.
Step 2. Add milk, cream and sugar, and cook over medium heat (stirring often) for about 25 minutes or until the rice is very soft. Add zest if using.
Step 3. Cook until the rice pudding thickens.
Step 4. Remove from the heat and add vanilla extract.
Step 5. Transfer pudding into serving bowls and dust with cinnamon. Set aside to cool.
Step 6. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
For more culinary ideas, visit: AmaliaCulnaryArt.com
fall
FOR YOUR BACKYARD
Escape the ordinary and let us bring your outdoor oasis to life. Create memories, entertain guests, and bask in the beauty of nature right in your own backyard. Call us today or
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to start planning your perfect fall retreat!
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN ST.CHARLES COUNTY.
NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 8TH
Disney Junior Live On Tour
Family Arena | 6:00 PM
New to the tour this year is the addition of Ariel from the highly anticipated new series “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” who will make her debut alongside Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and characters from other fan-favorite Disney Jr. series, including “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and “SuperKitties.”
The tour also features the iconic Clubhouse from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
NOVEMBER 9TH
St. Charles Salutes
Veterans Day Celebration
Lewis and Clark Boathouse Parking Lot | 11:00 AM
The event will begin with a parade at 11 a.m., at the Foundry Art Centre parking lot and travel down Historic Main Street to Boone's Lick Road, then turn left. Followed is a ceremony at the memorial and a celebration in the Boathouse parking with live music, food, drinks and vendors with resources and products for veterans and their families.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Ceremony
St. Peters City Hall | 10:00 AM
Join the St. Peters Veterans Memorial Commission to honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The ceremony begins at the Veterans Memorial adjacent to St. Peters City Hall. Refreshments are served inside City Hall after the ceremony. The observation is scheduled to conclude around noon.
Host
With
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NOVEMBER 15TH
40 Miles To Vegas Concert
St. Charles Music House | 8:00 PM
40M2V rocks the Music House. They are a St. Louis-based cover band playing hit favorites from the 70s through today spanning rock, country, dance and pop. With a current list of songs nearing 150, each show is custom tailored to the individual venue. 40 Miles to Vegas is available for festivals, weddings, restaurants and bars.
NOVEMBER 17TH
Annual Favorite Things Holiday Market
Foundry Art Centre | 10:00 AM
This open house fundraiser showcases juried artists, pop-up style boutiques, regional designers and authors while also supporting military families. The event is hosted by Operation Shower, a St. Louis-based, nationally serving NPO whose supporters conduct joyous, awesome baby showers, in-person and delivered to doorsteps, for military families to ease the stresses of deployment and separation. The group's assisted since 2007.
NOVEMBER 22ND-24TH
2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit
St. Charles Convention Center | 1:00 PM
Walk in for free and walk out with new gear and information on the top outdoor programs, services, and resources in the Midwest. Produced by Terrain Magazine and River City Foundation, the family-friendly event will feature more than 200 exhibit booths from the regional outdoor industry, fun kids’ activities, product demos, show specials, food and drinks, and other attractions.
Photography by Juliana Brook Photography
