Our Town: October 2022

Our TOwn

Volume 13 | Number 10

OCTOBER 2022

Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www.mycnews. com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Mathew DeKinder

PUBLISHER EMERITUS/ GENERAL MANAGER Bob Huneke

PRODUCTION

Becky Brockmann Melissa Nordmann

CONTRIBUTORS

Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore

STAFF WRITERS

Brett Auten Wendy Todd

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THIS SSUE

Around Town

St. Louis University partners with the Habitat for Neighborhood Business to mentor minority-owned businesses so they can maintain and achieve growth and more.

Feature

A city on the move

How Olivette is growing into a sought-after and vibrant municipality

By Wendy Todd

Our Thoughts

Moore on Life author Cindy Moore tackles some tough packaging while Avalanche looks back on the many years of service put in by rurual mailboxes.

Lifestyle

The all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee looks to the future in Automobile Alley. ‘The Fantastic Four’ is heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Entertainment. Cook like a pitmaster from the comforts of home in For the Love of Food.

In Depth

k8 Liborius, housed in the St. Liborius church, is fundraising to be more than just a skate park.

Events Calendar

Staff Writer –Wendy Todd Cover Photo – Submitted

AroundTown

Fresh air

Clean Air Partnership and CMT release 2022 air quality forecasting

The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership on Aug. 25 released data from the first half of the 2022 air quality forecasting season. While the findings reveal no poor or “red” air quality days to-date, the need to con tinue taking steps to help clear the air remains impor tant as we head into the final stretch of summer.

To that end, the Clean Air Partnership continues to work collaboratively with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and other partnering organizations to inform people the way they choose to travel impacts the quality of air area residents breathe, while motivating them to modify commuting behaviors as often as they are able through the summerlong “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute,” campaign.

Over the past few months, the St. Louis region has seen its share of scorching temperatures and a relat ed increase in the number of days when the air qual ity has reached moderate to unhealthy ranges. At the mid-point of the air quality forecasting season, yellow was the dominant color with 47 moderate air quality days, followed by 36 green days where the air quality was good, and four unhealthy orange days for sensi tive populations, including children, older adults and those with existing lung conditions. This reinforces the need for individuals to prioritize lung health by minimizing exposure to air pollution and taking action to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to the problem.

As part of the “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute.” campaign, hundreds of St. Louisans signed up to receive dai ly air quality forecasts at SwitchUpYourCommute.com to stay informed about ozone pollution levels in the region and how those levels can affect their health. Local companies with the most employee participation included Washington University St. Louis, BJC HealthCare and Stifel. As part of this effort, those registered received a text when the air quality was forecasted to be unhealthy, encouraging them to modify commuting behav iors. According to responses, 39% took transit, 30% telecom

muted, 16% stayed home (if the unhealthy forecast fell on a weekend), 12% carpooled, 2% biked and 2% walked.

“Though recent heavy rainfall and intermittent storms have helped regulate temperatures during what has traditionally been the hottest part of the year, we still remain in the peak of summer, when weather conditions create a risk for higher ozone pollution levels and ozone-related health concerns,” commented Susannah Fuchs, Director of Clean Air for the American Lung Association in Missouri, which oversees the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership. “It’s very important that area residents stay informed about the quality of the air we breathe and continue to take voluntary steps to reduce emis sions to help improve outcomes.”

For more information about the “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute.” campaign, visit www.SwitchUpYourCommute.com.

Champion of the arts

15 arts organizations receive nearly $150,000 in grants for diverse arts organizations

On Aug. 26, the Arts and Education Council together with Ameren Missouri an nounced the recipients of the AmerenCares Equity in the Arts Philanthropic Grant Pro gram. Grant recipients will be awarded a collective total of nearly $150,000 in 2022. This new grant program was created to provide funding to historically underrepre sented and underfunded nonprofit organi zations that are racially and ethnically di verse.

Small nonprofits, particularly arts and culture organizations serving local commu nities, were more severely impacted by CO VID-19 than most other types of nonprofits, according to a recent study by the Urban Institute. Additionally, organizations serving urban areas were more likely to experience decreases in donations during 2020. Ame renCares Equity in the Arts is a unique and focused example of a shift in philanthropic giving practices that are designed to pro actively and deliberately meet the needs of under-resourced and historically underrep resented nonprofits that have evidence of racially and diverse leadership.

“Equity is valued greatly by both Ameren

and the Arts and Education Council. We are proud to partner to fund organizations like that are impacting the area, making it better for all of us. Arts organizations throughout our area are overcoming tremendous ob stacles, especially because of COVID-19,” said Jessireé Jenkins, manager of grants and programs for the Arts and Education Council. We’re looking forward to the op portunity to deepen our reach within com munities and organizations that have not had the opportunity to develop a relation ship with the Arts and Education Council.”

“In recognizing these 15 organizations as inaugural AmerenCares Equity in the Arts grantees, we are taking an intentional step to expand awareness of the importance of diversity in the arts, arts performance and arts educational programs throughout our service territory in Missouri,” said Sarah Kramer, director of corporate philanthropy and community impact for Ameren. “This new program and our longtime support of the work led by the Arts and Education Council will help us build on the impact we are making to grow the arts accessibility in Missouri and help power the quality of life

for all our customers and communities we serve.”

The following arts organizations (in al phabetical order) will receive support from the AmerenCares Equity in the Arts Philan thropic Grant Program:

• African Heritage Association

• Afriky Lolo

• Artists First

• Columbia Entertainment Company

• Dragons Drum & Bugle Corps

• Dream Tree Academy 573

• Ferguson Youth Initiative

• Gateway Music Outreach

• HEAL Center for the Arts

• Hispanic Festival Inc.

• Jacob’s Ladder Ministries

• Mentors in Motion

• Pianos for People

• Pointe of Surrender

• Youth Arts & Technology Center

Applications were reviewed by the Arts and Education Council’s Grants and Pro grams staff and representatives from Ame ren. Learn more about the Arts and Educa tion Council’s grants at KeepArtHappening. org.

Looking to the future

MoDOT defines Future64 study’s purpose and need

The Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) has accepted the Purpose and Need statement for the Future64 study.

This statement, developed by the Mis souri Department of Transportation (Mo DOT) in conjunction with local, state and federal partners is one of the first big steps in the Planning and Environmental Link ages (PEL) process. MoDOT is evaluating I-64 between Kingshighway and Jefferson where improvements are due in the cor ridor. Many of the interchanges are out dated and difficult to navigate, the bridges need rehabilitation and maintenance to ensure the corridor stays operational for the foreseeable future and to meet current highway standards.

As a part of this study, the department is working with partners and stakehold

ers to look at all modes of transportation, since transit is currently present and plans for other bike and pedestrian trails are in the works. MoDOT’s intent is to reduce the role the interstate plays as a barrier to movement in the community as future transportation plan continue to be refined.

MoDOT has made data available to the public for interactive exploration through the Future64.com website using the “Inter active Map Tool” found under the Docu ments tab. Users can explore several cat egories of data about the area such as existing safety and traffic conditions, com munity characteristics, and environmental data by turning on and off layers on the maps. The maps offer users the ability to examine the corridor holistically. Based on early feedback from key

stakeholders, advisory groups, and the community, the Purpose and Need state ment guides the vision for the study. The project’s needs and goals are intended to shape the alternatives to be considered in future transportation planning. MoDOT will now begin developing and evaluating conceptual alternatives for the corridor, a process that will require continued public participation and input later this fall.

MoDOT is partnering with the city of St. Louis, East-West Gateway Council of Gov ernments, Metro, and Great Rivers Green way to conduct the Future64 study, which will end in early 2023.

Visit Future64.com to read the Purpose and Need Flyer and view other reports, technical memos and explore the Interac tive Maps tool.

Transit champions

Citizens for Modern Transit honors ‘champions of transit’

Citizens for Mod ern Transit (CMT), the region’s transit advocacy orga nization, recently celebrated the tri umphs of several organizations and individuals in the area who display exemplary com mitment to further ing transit in the St. Louis region.

During its 38th Annual Meeting on Sept. 8, CMT pre sented the 2022 Chairman’s Award to Greater St. Louis, Inc; the 2022 New Initiatives Award to the city of Belleville, Illinois and the REALTOR Association of South western Illinois; and the 2022 Service Award to Norm and Joan Krumrey.

The 2022 Chairman’s Award was given to Greater St. Louis Inc. (GSTL) for being a key advocate in Jefferson City, helping Mis souri state representatives and senators understand the impacts of public transit access. This ultimately led to transit funding at the state level being secured at an unprecedented $8.7 million, marking the first-time funding had been increased in more than two decades. This award was presented to CMT board members Sam Murphy and Adam Kazda on behalf of GSTL.

The 2022 New Initiatives Award was given to the city of Belleville and the REALTORS Association of Southwestern Illinois. Both part ners were recognized for efforts in bringing to life the “Transit Stop Transformation” project at the Belleville Transit Center in St. Clair County. The project – the third of its kind in the region – converted the concrete area between the bus bays and MetroLink entrance into an interactive, playful and engaging space that boasts a vi brant-colored “Art Grows in Belleville” theme. The transformation would not have been possible without the dedication and support of both partners. This award was presented to Kathleen Kaiser with the city of Belleville and Bryan Whitaker with St. Clair County.

The 2022 Service Award was given to Norm and Joan Krumrey, both of whom spent 14 years volunteering as walk leaders of the Ten Toe Express, an award-winning program that helps older adults and other interested individuals lead healthier lives by link ing activity, sociability and exercise with the use of MetroLink and MetroBus. Together they’ve led more than 350 walks. Their in volvement has been priceless to the CMT organization, and both were in attendance to receive the award.

For more information about Citizens for Modern Transit, visit www.cmt-stl.org or call 314-231-7272.

SUBMITTED

PHOTO

6 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2022 AroundTown The 2022 Service Award was given to Norm (left) and Joan Krumrey (right), both of whom spent 14 years volunteering as walk leaders of the Ten Toe Express. They are pictured with Citizens for Modern Transit Executive Director Kim Cella (center).

Sweet music Chamber Music Society of St. Louis Announces changes for 2022-23 season

The Chamber Music Society of St. Lou is (CMSSL) will have a new performance venue and new concert series name along with its 2022-23 season lineup.

The new 2022-23 season concert home is the E. Desmond lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center (560 Trinity Avenue in University City). CMSSL will perform in the concert hall on Monday evenings.

The concert series also has a new name. The series is now called the Michael F. Nei dorff Chamber Concert Series.

“Chamber Music Society of St. Louis is honored to pay tribute to the long legacy and generosity of Michael F. Neidorff with the naming of our concert series in his memory,” said Marc Gordon, executive and artistic director of CMSSL. “There is always an air of excitement when we start a new season. This season, the anticipa tion is palpable as we announce not only the season lineup, but also our new per formance home and series name.”

Following is the lineup for the Michael F. Neidorff Chamber Concert Series, play ing at the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.:

• On Oct. 3, the season opens with “Some Royal Noise,” a celebration of music by and for the crowned heads.

• Oct. 24, CMSSL presents “Without Borders,” a concert featuring music from a variety of countries.

• November brings Maestro Leonard Slatkin on Nov. 7 leading CMSSL musicians in music by Dvořák, Gou nod and Stravinsky as “The Winds Blow Back.”

• Some chamber music favorites are offered on “Playing Favorites” on Nov. 28

•

On Dec. 6, Beethoven’s birthday is celebrated with “Write on Lud wig,” a program of music inked by Beethoven and one work by a stu dent of his.

• “A Visit to Vienna” on Jan. 23 offers music composed by composers who called this music capital home.

• “Lovefest Goes to The Movies” on Feb. 13 with CMSSL’s annual salute to romance through music that in

cludes CMSSL musicians playing the music to a screening of the Buster Keaton silent movie “One Week.”

• Feb. 20 brings back our musical game show “Guess Who - The Re turn” where the audience vies for prizes by guessing the composers.

• Renowned British conductor and St. Louis favorite, Nicholas McGegan, returns to CMSSL for his annual visit on March 6 with a journey “From Baroque to Classical” featuring cellist Bjorn Ranheim in Haydn’s C Major Cello Concerto with music by Vivaldi, C.P.E. Bach and a Mozart symphony made famous in a movie.

• CMSSL string players welcome spring April 24 with “Spring String Fling.”

• May 8 is “Jazzing Up the Day for Mom” celebrating moms with a jazzy fun work about cuisine and the jazz piano duo of Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi.

• The season closer on May 22, 2023 “All About You Again” a program of repertoire chosen by voting from CMSSL and Classic 107.3 listeners.

To learn more about the Michael F. Nei dorff Chamber Concert Series, visit cham bermusicstl.org/concerts.

Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now and information is available on line or by phone at 314-941-6309.

CMSSL performances are also part of the Concert Pass Collaborative program providing free admission for students.

The 2022-23 CMSSL season also holds a number of events featuring students from CMSSL education programs, the fourth year of the Pillsbury Cookie Concert series at the 560 Music Center as well as education outreach concerts and the 12th year of the Master Class Series. This series of eight classes serves more than 30 St. Louis area schools and is free to students as well as the public to observe.

In addition to performances, CMSSL hosts programs to further educate area musicians. The Master Class Series offers students the chance to prepare and perform solo and chamber works, guid ed by a CMSSL artist. The CMSSL and

The Community Music School of Webster University’s Preparatory Program have partnered for the Young Artists Chamber Program, which nurtures the next genera tion of chamber music ensembles. Both programs are open to St. Louis area stu dents and are free to qualified students. Visit chambermusicstl.org for more infor mation.

AroundTown

Well read

The J announces full author lineup for 44th Annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center (The J) will host its 44th annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival from Nov. 6-13. The festival features a lineup of bestselling au thors, investigative journalists, Netflix stars, nationally known chefs, true crime events and more.

A bookend event will kick off the festival on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. with Phil Rosenthal, star of Netflix series, “Somebody Feed Phil.” In “Somebody Feed Phil the Book: Untold Stories, Behind-the-Scenes Photos and Fa vorite Recipes: A Cookbook,” Rosenthal presents never-before-heard stories from every episode of the first four seasons of the series, along with more than 60 of his viewers’ most requested recipes from ac claimed international chefs and local leg ends alike (including Rosenthal’s favorite sandwich finds from San Francisco to Tel Aviv), so attendees can replicate many of the dishes from the show right at home.

On Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., the festival’s key note author, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, will speak at the Staenberg Family Complex’s Edison Gymnasium. Yovanovitch will discuss her new book, “Lessons from The Edge: A

Memoir,” and will be joined onstage by Professor James Wertsch of Washington University in St. Louis. “Lessons from the Edge” follows the arc of Yovanovitch’s ca reer as she developed into the person we came to know during the 2020 impeach ment proceedings.

On Nov. 7 at 1 p.m., a historic fiction panel of authors, Rachel Barenbaum (“Atomic Anna”) and Lisa Barr (“Woman on Fire”), will explore how fiction provides an avenue for exploring important histori cal events through different lenses.

New York Times bestselling author Charles Bosworth Jr. and St. Louis criminal defense attorney Joel Schwartz will take the stage on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. to discuss their book, “Bone Deep: Untangling the Betsy Faria Murder Case,” which explores and expands on the true story behind NBC’s mini-series, “The Thing About Pam.” Writ ten with Russ Faria’s cooperation, “Bone Deep,” takes readers through the perfect storm of miscalculations and missteps that led to an innocent man’s conviction, and it recounts Schwartz’s successful battle to have that conviction overturned.

Join Food Network’s “Girl Meets Farm”

star Molly Yeh (“Home is Where the Eggs Are,”) and bagel expert and award-winning author Cathy Barrow (“Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish: A Whole Brunch of Recipes to Make at Home”) for a cook book panel on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. The two will share stories, recipes and cooking secrets while teaching the audience new spins on traditional Jewish foods.

Julia Haart, star of the Netflix reality show, “My Unorthodox Life”, and CEO of modeling agency Elite World Group, will discuss her Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling book, “Brazen,” on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Propulsive and unforgettable, Julia’s story is the journey from a world of “no” to a world of “yes” and an inspiration for women everywhere to find their pur pose and their voice.

Premiere Pass Tickets, which provide en trance to more than 25 author programs year-round, are available for purchase here: https://www.showpass.com/jewishbook-festival-all-access-pass-2/.

For the safety of our presenters, staff and volunteers, masks will be required for all audience members at all book festival events.

Meeting the challenge

In partnership with Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis Community College is a member of the St. Louis team that has won a $25 million federal Build Back Better Re gional Challenge grant, a big win for the St. Louis metro.

The federal grant will unlock the full po tential of the region’s advanced manufac turing cluster, fueling its growth and con tributing to the continued development of two of the metro’s next generation indus tries: bioscience and geospatial technol ogy.

For its work to purchase additional ad vanced manufacturing equipment that will be used in a new building for engineer ing and advanced manufacturing training

at STLCC-Florissant Valley, the college will receive $3 million. Planning for the new building is underway as part of the col lege’s STLCC Transformed initiative.

“The regional grant award is a great op portunity that will have a positive impact for career training and good jobs for the future,” said Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., St. Louis Community College. “We are thankful to be part of the winning team for St. Louis and we look forward to con tinuing to create a better future.”

St. Louis’ proposal – coordinated by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership – was one of only 21 selected to receive a grant, less than 4% of the original applicant

8 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2022 St. Louis wins federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant

pool. In addition to the $25 million fed eral grant, $16.3 million in local matching funds will go toward the effort, bringing the total investment in the metro, to date, to $41.3 million.

Advanced manufacturing, bioscience and geospatial technology comprise the St. Louis Regional Tech Triangle, which will grow the regional economy through workforce development, community re vitalization and locational equity, and in novation and entrepreneurship. Advanced manufacturing and the Tech Triangle align with the strategic recommendations of St. Louis’ Comprehensive Economic Develop ment Strategy and the STL 2030 Jobs Plan.

Around

The final piece

Installation of final truss marks one of the last major milestones for Merchants Bridge reconstruction project

The $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge that links Missouri and Illinois near downtown St. Louis is nearing completion, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway gave invited guests and the public the opportunity to see one of the last significant mile stones in the project firsthand from the special vantage point of a riverboat cruise on Aug. 26.

Passengers on board wit nessed history in the making as preparations continued for the third and final bridge truss to be floated into place. The in stallation is a crucial phase of the project underway to replace the vital rail artery across the Mississippi River, which is one of the nation’s prima ry east-west rail corridors serving one of America’s largest rail hubs by car inter change volume and gross tonnage.

Dating back to the 1890s, the Mer chants Bridge serves six Class I railroads and Amtrak as a bridge crossing across the Mississippi River at St. Louis, and re placement of the structure has been the bi-state St. Louis region’s top freight infra structure priority since 2016.

Owned by Terminal Railroad Associa tion of St. Louis (TRRA), the Merchants Bridge required reconstruction due to speed, clearance and load restrictions. The overall project includes the removal and replacement of the three river-span trusses, seismically retrofitting the existing river piers, and improving the east ap proach.

Work began in 2018 and, when com pleted in the coming weeks, the new double-track bridge will provide reliable, resilient and expanded freight and pas senger rail capacity, helping move freight faster, cost effectively and more reliably, providing an alternative to more congest ed rail hubs like Chicago.

“In TRRA’s 133-year history helping to ensure the smooth movement of rail freight, our company has never built a

bridge, but today we’re marking a critical milestone in the final steps to deliver our first major bridge infrastructure project –a project that will dramatically improve the flow of both freight and passenger rail traffic through the bi-state St. Louis region,” said Asim Raza, Chief Legal Of ficer, Director of Corporate Affairs for Ter minal Railroad Association of St. Louis.

As a design-bid-build project, recon struction of the bridge uses innovative project delivery methods that have im proved safety and speeded completion while limiting bridge and river traffic out ages. The new spans were all constructed in Wisconsin and shipped to St. Louis for final assembly on the Missouri bank of the Mississippi River and each has been floated into place immediately after the old spans were floated out.

Removal and installation of the three new trusses required three separate 10day rail outages, and three separate river channel outages. The first of these out ages began on Sept. 13, 2021, in prepa ration for the first truss to be moved into position and floated into place on Sept. 17. The second truss was installed in early March. The final truss was floated into place and installed on Aug. 26 and 27, with a portion of that process viewed by approximately 130 on board the riv

erboat cruise that provided the opportunity to witness that piece of history.

Representatives from TRRA and Walsh Construction, the general contractor for the project, provided an overview of the project, its significance to the nation’s freight net work, and the steps involved in placing the trusses. The re placement of this vital rail ar tery has been identified each year for the past several years as the region’s top freight in frastructure priority by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, which is nationally recognized for its innovative and collab orative approach to creating a Priority Projects List that identifies key infrastructure projects and advocates for funding for them.

In 2020, the Federal Railroad Adminis tration (FRA) awarded TRRA a $21.45 mil lion Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant toward replacement of the Merchants Bridge. TRRA is providing 90% of the construction costs, making this project a model for public-private partnerships.

“The Merchants Bridge has been our highest priority project because of its sig nificance in the nation’s freight network,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President – Multi Modal Enterprises at Bi-State De velopment, which launched the St. Louis Regional Freightway in 2014 with a key goal of advancing infrastructure proj ects that support the movement of freight through the bi-state St. Louis region. “Its completion will not only strengthen a vital link in the nation’s freight network, it also reaffirms we are on the right path with our approach.”

Joining Walsh Construction as part of the project team for the nationally signifi cant Merchants Bridge project is TranSys tems and Burns & McDonnell, who are serving as the project engineers. The steel was fabricated by Veritas Steel in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The third and final bridge truss is floated into place for the $222 million project to replace the Merchants Bridge that links Missouri and Illinois near downtown on Aug. 26.

A CITY on the MOVE

BY: KIANA FLEMING

MOVE

How Olivette is growing into a soughtafter and vibrant municipality

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

These artistic renderings show what completed projects around the city of Olivette will look like.

Olivette is often lost in the crowd, a place to drive through but never a destination stop. Overshadowed by the larger surrounding municipalities of University City, Clayton, Ladue and Creve Coeur, Olivette strives to make a name for itself in the St. Louis region.

“In The Center of It All,” the city of Olivette is a suburban community full of charm and local pride. Transforming from a village to a full-service Home Rule Charter city in the mid-1970s, data released from the 2020 Census shows the city’s total population grew 9.91% to 8,504. This Census marks the second highest population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau in the history of Olivette and highlights Olivette as having one of the largest-growing populations of foreign-born residents in St. Louis County.

Olivette provides a wide array of services, including a CALEA-accredited police department, fire protection, building inspections, public works, parks and recreation, with 104 full-time employees.

With an operating budget of $8.7 million, the city welcomes new investments to aid in the strong finan cial strategies that position Olivette to tackle and meet the challenges of the future with exponentially greater results.

Amid a cultural transformation, the vision for Olivette is big, bold and groundbreaking.

10 | OUR TOWN | OCTOBER 2022 Kiana Fleming is Com munications Manager for the city of Olivette.

The goals of Olivette’s Strategic Plan: Dynamic Sense of Place are the robust Dielman Industrial Light Park, home to warehouses, distribution centers and factories, the $13.5 million bond issue that funded the construction of Olivette’s City Center, and the approval of a buzzing development, Olive Crossing.

Bringing Sugarfire’s first location to Olivette, native Olivette resi dent Greg Yawtiz is redeveloping the corner of Olive and I-170. KDG and KEAT Properties will bring a dynamic 14.8-acre mixeduse center that includes a Marriott Courtyard and Element hotel, 181 apartment units, and office space in addition to retail and din ing. This is the city’s first and largest Planned Development District (PDD).

The Olive Boulevard: Concept Master Plan highlights include The Oliver, a chic apartment complex, a Firestone AutoCare, EZ Stor age and Planthaven Commercial Center for retail shopping.

The Opus Group and Hilltop Woods Development group will build a five-story, 207-unit multifamily apartment complex north of Olive Boulevard, while Douglas Properties, the mastermind be hind dozens of luxury homes and mid-rise condominium buildings in the central corridor of St. Louis, will build a 35-unit townhouse development on 2.84 acres, across from the Olivette City Center.

Olivette’s Parks Master Plan implementation provides a new com munity center, renovations to all five city parks, wayfinding signage throughout Olivette and a partnership with Great Rivers Greenway

that will bring an extension of the Centennial Greenway to Olivette. The extension will allow people to connect on foot, bicycle, stroller, and wheelchair from downtown St. Louis to Warson Park, 39 North and Olive Boulevard.

Olivette’s Stacy Park is the world’s newest Urban Night Sky Place. This is the first Urban Night Sky Place awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in the state of Missouri and defined as a municipal park, open space, observing site, or other similar prop erty near or surrounded by large urban environs whose planning and design actively promote an authentic nighttime experience while surrounded by significant artificial light.

Olivette’s blossoming partnerships with 39 North AgTech Innova tion District and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center situate Olivette at the intersection of ag-tech research and innovation.

Collaborating with local partners including the YWCA, 39 North, and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Olivette will be home to a new early childhood education center tackling the lack of quality, affordable childcare in the region. The partnership with the Danforth Center and the ag-tech community in 39 North will enrich the experience by integrating plant life science and in novation into the curriculum to expand children’s knowledge.

Olivette is also located in the desirable top-ranked Ladue School District which draws families of all sizes and shapes to the city.

No matter what you want to do, chances are you will find it in beautiful Olivette. Home to vibrant economy and beautiful sur roundings, Olivette is a special place and is on the move.

Catch them while you can.

OurThoughts

BOXED IN

MOORE ON LIFE

BY CINDY MOORE

Buying anything in a package nowadays can be a challenge. I remember a day when packaging came in two choices – paper or plastic. Not so much any more. I bought a simple item the other day – a shower rod. I brought it home and three hours later I was still attempting to remove it from its container.

The thing was packaged as though it held the nu clear missel passcodes. It was encased in a thick plas tic cylinder as dense as a politician’s thought process, so of course, there was no getting through it.

I first used my own brute strength by trying to rip it manually. I ripped a tendon and came away with some nasty paper cuts only they were plastic cuts –much ouchier! Next, I tried cutting it with scissors; the blades broke. The only thing left was to swallow my pride and ask the man upstairs for help – my hus band, not God, but He was next on the list.

Soon my husband came downstairs with a smirk and some snark and said, “Here little helpless lady, let me put my manly muscles to work.”

He grabbed the container; he twisted; he tore; he grunted and groaned and after ripping a tendon and receiving multiple plastic cuts he said some words the other man upstairs would not appreciate. He then threw the shower rod to the floor and grumbled, “I’ll be back.”

He returned with a pair of garden cutters used to

lop off large branches from trees – no result. He put it under a blow torch and only singed his eyebrows off and melted the first layer of skin from his face.

“This calls for emergency measures,” he wailed.

“What are you going to do?” I asked.

“Call for an emergency.” He dialed 911 and shortly after an EMT came to the door with the Jaws of Life.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “You must think this is a silly request.”

“Not at all ma’am. We get this a lot, but most of the time we can’t help.”

This time they could. The rod stubbornly popped out. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in my shower. I took it back the next day.

Me: “I’d like to return this shower rod. It didn’t quite fit.”

Clerk: “I’m sorry, we can’t return this particular piece of merchandise unless it’s in its original packaging.”

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superla tive kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: some one who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

OurThoughts

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE

The mailboxes have been here longer than most of the residents of this valley. Originally installed sometime in the 60s by the origi nal family who owned our now-subdivided and built-up neighbor hood, there were just a few boxes in the early days. Later, as the few occupied properties multiplied and became a community, longer wooden posts and beams were installed and held up the ac cumulating mailboxes for several decades.

THE END OF AN ERA

the HOA that it simply couldn’t be done at a reasonable cost of time and money. Until now, that is. The new owners of the property next to the highway graciously agreed to donate a small strip of private land for the boxes and a parcel shed. We’re grateful for our neigh bors’ generosity, as the process to deal with the highway depart ment was beginning again, (led by the first guy who attempted it two decades ago) and it wasn’t looking good.

As time went on, the number of mailboxes exceeded the limited space on the beams, and the next halfdozen or so boxes were mounted on posts unceremoniously anchored in five-gallon buckets of cement; a few were simply stuck in gravel-filled buckets. Those “cus tom mounted” boxes required occasional straightening due to the effects of wind, rain, snow and gravity.

Over the years the main wooden beams have not been immune to those same ef fects of weather and gravity. Today, they sag down toward the ground, with one held up only by a couple of rocks placed under the bottom. Much like Wile E. Coyote who has run off a cliff, inertia seems to be hold ing everything from crashing to the earth. Of course, much like the rascally canine chasing his roadrunner quarry, eventually the laws of physics catch up to everything; the mailboxes have got to be replaced.

One of our neighbors agreed to take on this project just shy of 20 years ago. Af ter much time spent on the phone and in government offices, the box replacement job was determined to be a nearly impos sible task. As the boxes were technically in the highway easement (local legend says they were in place before the highway was paved,) our neighborhood would need to have special breakaway mounts, the base would have to be poured of concrete just so, there would need to be a traffic control

plan, traffic control flaggers would need to be on site for the duration of the project, along with a porta-potty for all the work ers, and an expensive insurance policy was required.

Prior to all this taking place, the highway department’s utility easement specialist would have to be consulted to be sure the installation would not conflict with any pres ent or future utility installation, the postmas ter would need to approve the project, and of course this did not include any require ments the county would impose upon us. So, nothing happened, and our proudly shabby mailboxes continued to withstand the tests of time, weather and gravity, be coming a local landmark.

It was always easy to give directions to our neighborhood by telling people, “Come up the highway, start slowing down after passing the forest service road on the left, then turn right at the long string of old mailboxes.”

Anyone familiar with the area immedi ately recognized the signature ratty-looking milepost.

Every few years, some folks who had re cently moved into the neighborhood would tire of looking at the old string of rickety mail receptacles and volunteer to take on the Herculean task of upgrading the box es. Each time, they would report back to

The boxes are still there for the moment, but there is a newly poured concrete pad where several ped estal-mounted “cluster mailboxes” (now in transit), will reside well away from the high way easement, and its associated red tape. A gravel pad awaits the arrival of a prebuilt shed for parcel deliveries. While we hired out the concrete work, all the rest was done with volunteer labor.

The new boxes and shed will simplify the mail carriers’ task, and will help prevent the rampant theft that has been occurring over the last few months.

The old hillbilly-looking boxes are due to be recycled, though one neighbor sug gested placing sections of them around the neighborhood as “yard art.” While the idea had some support, for some reason our wives seem to be strongly opposed to the idea. And we might have to paint the new shed a fluorescent color, so we can give directions to our neighborhood, once the nostalgic old landmark is gone.

Avalanche is a functional il literate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

AVALANCHE

The all new

2022 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

looks to the future

Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, the Jeep brand is the true and authentic SUV hallmark. It brings notable capability, rewarding craftsmanship and beneficial versatility to people who seek extraor dinary journeys, many of which tend to blaze their own trail.

And now with some $7 million in global sales, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets those challenges. Worth noting, it is the most technologically advanced 4x4-capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee to date. Now offered in its fifth generation, the product mix includes the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the first electrified Grand Cherokee, and the new Trailhawk, positioned as their ulti mate and extraordinarily advanced 4x4 Grand Cherokee model.

The ‘22 version is also manufactured on a new underside ar chitecture. This is further coupled with their plug-in hybrid model, an all-new interior and exterior design with world-class artistry. With the objective to achieve off-road endurance, the new classexclusive underside sway bar disconnect enhancement delivers im proved articulation and traction. This is most noticeable when tra versing over rocks and rough terrain. And to take this engineering to yet a higher degree, the vehicle’s unparalleled Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension with built-in electronic semi-active damping deliv ers exceptional ground clearance and car like driving dynamics. In some ways, it’s partly due to the independent front and rear suspension.

Grand Cherokees is also available with three unique and unri valed four-wheel drive systems that include their Quadra-Trac I, II or III. If max towing is your objective, the formidable 5.7-liter V-8 engine is something to consider, as it’s rated at 7,200 lbs. of tow ing efficiency. The standard engine is the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. However, recent seat-time with their powerful Plug-in Hybrid Electric Version (PHEV), the 4xe demonstrates remarkable technology, delivering an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. That compares to the equivalency of 57 miles per gallon. The com bined driving range is more than 440 miles with both the seamless electric drive system and gas engine working in concert. The 4xe PHEV technology enhances the fun, freedom, and adventure that the Jeep brand is known for while providing unprecedented perfor mance, fuel economy and environmental friendliness.

The 4xe propulsion system combines: two electric motors, a 400volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency

and capability. The engine is rated at 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This setup is the precursor of the Jeep brand’s commitment to “Zero Emission Freedom” going forward.

The Selec-Terrain system offers five available terrain modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand in order to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving.

When it comes to safety breakthroughs, more than 110 advanced safety and security features are either standard or available. This also includes Active Driving Assist with hands-on automated driv ing, plus 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras. The all-new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style helps to improve vehicle performance and reliability, while significantly re ducing curb weight, noise, vibration and driving harshness.

The overall design is certainly indicative of the brand, regardless of your viewing frame of reference. Its modern offering has the Jeep DNA distinctiveness. Furthermore, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers enhanced levels of comfort and spaciousness. It undoubtedly will accommodate plenty of cargo. Along with the vehicle’s all-new interior, this Jeep product is offered with a front passenger screen and Amazon Fire TV plus its revised Uconnect infotainment feature includes a processor that is five times faster, when compared to the previous generation. High end leather seating and a 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system are offered as well.

At road test, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe that I drove had a manufacturer’s retail pricing of $69,820 be fore options and shipping charges. Once a few factories additional frills were included, the pricing elevated to $79,000. That also in cluded the $1,795.00 shipping charges. This SUV is positioned in the full-size sport utility segment.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

David Finkelstein is a Master/Skilled Automotive Service Techni cian and retired shop owner. He’s invented garage service tools for mechanics, served on both nation and local automotive trade industry boards, has done years of consulting with various auto manufactures plus test drives new vehicles weekly. David has pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 35 years ago, as his new show “Automotive Insight” can be heard on Saturdays, on the Real Talk Radio Network.

‘The Fantastic Four’ is heading to the

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

After Robert Downey Jr.’s first appearance as Iron Man, Marvel Studios immersed themselves in the superhero genre. Decades ago, that wasn’t the case as Marvel scrambled to keep the film rights to “Fantastic Four,” one of the publisher’s best titles.

In the early 1990’s, legendary director Roger Corman was asked to make a low-budget film that included an impressivelooking “Thing” costume. Though it didn’t appear in theaters, attendees of comic book shows purchased bootleg copies of the film without much difficulty. In the mid-2000’s, 20th Century Fox obtained the film rights to make two “Fantastic Four” movies that, while profitable, irritated fans of the characters.

After a bad reboot almost killed the franchise, “Fantastic Four” will become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2024. Six ty-one years ago, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the superhero team that behaved like regular people. Johnny Storm, the Hu man Torch, picked on Ben Grimm, who became the rock-cov ered hero known as the Thing. Scientific genius Reed Richards led the team that included his future wife, Sue the “Invisible Girl.” Although this team argued amongst themselves, they were first and foremost a loyal family.

Disney and Marvel also made money on other characters created by Lee, Kirby, Steve Ditko and others, but Marvel had some lean years and sold Sony the rights to key characters, in particular Spider-Man. In recent years, Marvel and Sony came to an agreement where Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man, continued in the role and made money for both studios. Hol land’s performance in “No Way Home” was amazing and set up challenges for the webslinger in future films.

So, who should play the live-action version of genius Reed

Richards? John Krasinski, who starred in the American version of “The Office,” made a surprise cameo in Marvel’s “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” as a variant of the brilliant Dr. Richards. Fan reaction to Krasinski’s appearance made it seem as if “The Office” star was on his way to superhero glory, but that may not be the case. Krasinski reportedly has signed with Mar vel, along with a number of other notable actors, for unnamed projects.

For a “Fantastic Four” movie to work, however, Marvel must erase the missteps of the past and look towards the future. The early versions of the comic were set in the 1960’s, but that might not work for contemporary audiences. With real-life billionaires flying into space, Reed Richards could become as well-known as Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. Technology has improved over the last two decades, so that may yield eye-popping versions of this superhero team, including an awesome version of the Thing.

Marvel’s Phase 6 won’t arrive for a few more years, but if the studio can make a great “Fantastic Four” movie, it will be worth the wait.

BY STEVE BRYAN

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Cook like a PITMASTER

from the comforts of home

For home chefs looking to take their cooking skills to the next level, it all starts with a little inspiration and a few new skills. Turn family meals into ex travagant adventures, take backyard barbecues to new heights and impress friends and neighbors with pitmasterworthy recipes.

In fact, it can be as easy as turning on the TV. From beef ribs and barba coa to curried brisket rice and pho rub beef belly spring rolls, viewers are in for a treat by tuning into season 3 of “BB Quest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary.

You can bring barbecue flavors home and cook like a pitmaster with dishes recreated from the series and developed by “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, including Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs, Grilled Jala peno Cheddar Meatballs and Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice.

Learn more about the show and find inspiration to bring the taste of barbe cue to your kitchen at BeefLovingTexans. com.

Ingredients:

Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs

Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 10 hours, 30 minutes | Servings: 8

1 slab beef chuck short ribs (about 4 pounds)

2 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons coarse black pepper

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1 cup water

Directions: Preheat smoker or pellet grill to 275 F.

Pat ribs dry with paper towel; remove moisture on surface.

Combine salt and pepper. Rub beef ribs well on all sides and ends with seasoning, coating generously.

Place ribs in smoker and close lid. Cook 5-6 hours.

In spray bottle, combine cider vinegar and water. Lightly spritz ribs every 30 minutes for first 4 hours of cooking.

Ribs are ready when completely probe tender. If parts still feel tough, continue cooking.

Once completely tender, remove ribs from smoker then wrap tightly in butcher’s paper and place in small cooler to rest 30 minutes.

To serve, slice ribs between bones.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed

3/4 cup milk

2 pounds ground beef

3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns

1 teaspoon five spice powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 skirt steak or bavette steak (about 1 pound)

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

2 teaspoons milk or cream

2 cups cooked white rice sesame seeds (optional) scallions, thinly sliced (optional) cucumber, sliced (optional)

Directions: In skillet over low heat, toast peppercorns until fragrant, swirling in pan to keep from burning, about 2 minutes. Allow peppercorns to cool slightly then add to spice grinder or mortar and pestle with five spice and salt. Crush until fine powder forms.

Pat skirt steak with paper towel to remove moisture then season well with Szechuan salt on both sides.

Place skillet over high heat then add 1 tablespoon oil. When skillet is hot, add skirt steak and cook 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or medium doneness (135-150 F), turning occasionally. Remove steak from skillet then tent with foil to rest

1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese, finely diced

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons kosher salt

OurLifestyle

Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs

Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans

Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Servings: 15

Directions: Place crushed tortilla chips in large bowl. Add milk and allow chips to soften about 10 minutes.

After milk is absorbed, add beef, jalapenos, cheese, paprika, garlic and salt. Mix well to combine then scoop approximately 1/3-1/2 cup of mixture to form meatball; repeat with remaining mixture.

Place meatballs on plate or tray and refrigerate 30 minutes to firm.

Heat grill to medium for two zone cooking.

Place meatballs on indirect heat side of grill away from coals or lit burner; close lid. Grill 25-35 minutes, or until meatballs reach 165 F internal temperature on meat thermometer.

Remove meatballs from grill and cool slightly before serving.

Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice

Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans

Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 2

3 minutes. Temperature will rise about 10-15 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare; 160 F for medium.

Lower heat to medium-high then add remaining oil and milk or cream. Add rice, pressing down gently with large spoon to form large, flat disc covering entire base of pan. Season with Szechuan salt, if desired, then lower heat to medium and cook 10 minutes until grains begin to turn brown

and become crisp on bottom. Break up rice in pan to mix soft and crispy grains.

Slice skirt steak across grain.

To serve, place rice in two bowls. Layer with sliced skirt steak. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions then place cucumber and cilantro on top, if desired.

A skating sanctuary sanctuary

Sk8 Liborius, housed in the St. Liborius church, is fundraising to be more than just a skate park

BY WENDY TODD

Sk8 Liborius hopes there will continue to be no separation between church and skate.

Once an underground space for skateboarders, BMX rid ers, quad skaters, artists and musicians, Sk8 Liborius be came more well-known space for niche athletes and cre atives. But now, after a decade of maintaining a unique community, Sk8 Liborius has come to a close, at least tem porarily. Co-owners, Dave Blum and Joss Hay, are fundrais ing to reopen and symbolically widen its doors to officially welcome the public.

The skate park has been housed in the St. Liborius church,

Photos courtesy Stolen Sun Studio s

in the former Catholic parish of St. Liborius, (from which the organization derived its name) in a his toric district that has been deemed a St. Louis landmark. Blum has stated that “underserved, ur ban youth are the congregation now.”

The organization began in 2012 when the Catholic workers who were running a homeless shelter called Karen House, found the space too difficult to maintain, so they handed the keys over to Blum. The Gothic Revival style church was in bad shape, and Blum, having been a welder, be gan helping to transform the church into a skate park and more.

“The space spent many years unmaintained by the Catholic community before it eventually was deconsecrated in 1992,” said Hay. “It was finally given to people brave enough to tackle the water falls and wind tunnels that had been created over the years. So for the first four years, it wasn’t as much about staying underground as it was about just trying to save the building.”

Sk8 Liborius, which became a nonprofit in 2016, raised funds to restore the building with skate sessions, concerts and other events to continue renovating. Currently it Liborius needs to raise $1 million to reopen and continue its charge.

“Our mission as an organization,” Hay said, “is to raise funds to establish a community activity center in the city of St. Louis which provides a skate park and art and education activities for all ages and backgrounds We want to be a sanctu ary for the counterculture that so often gets for gotten, especially in North City.”

Fundraising efforts have included a two-month partnership with the restaurant, Mission Taco, which held a fundraiser last month that helped generate about $20,000.

In addition to the events and productions that have already taken place at Sk8 Liborius, once the doors hopefully reopen, projected plans in clude continued community events. The orga nization wants to share the space for creative, recreational and educational engagement that involves youth programming such as art classes to provide an environment for young people to “grow creatively and safely.”

The organization embraces the best of St. Louis and recognizes its challenges as it aims to expand on its intent to bridge and fuse communities.

“Without embracing each other’s differenc es, the world is a cruel place, but once you ac cept these differences you can make a beautiful blend,” Hay said. “Sk8 Liborius is living proof that the incredible architecture in the city doesn’t need to rot away, it can be saved, repurposed and po tentially come back stronger than before.”

Sk8 Liborius skate park has been housed in the St. Liborius church, in the former Catholic parish of St. Liborius,