Town & Style 8.7.24

IN THE

by stephanie wallace

the take part foundation

The foundation presented $100,000 to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The donation will help families pay for genetic testing, an often expensive but crucial first step toward a diagnosis for rare pediatric diseases.

maryville university Crystal Weaver, the university’s director of music therapy, received the Missouri Rehabilitation Award for her work leading the Kids Rock Cancer program, an initiative which uses the healing power of music therapy to help children cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

rung for women

The nonprofit’s “Drag Me to Brunch” event raised $40,000 to support its programming, which helps women accelerate their careers. The event featured performances by drag queens Chasity Valentino, Tassandra Crush, Ming Lee, Alexis Principle and Krista Versace.

missouri municipal attorney association Congrats to Paul Rost, principal with Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, P.C! The local attorney was honored with the Lou Czech Award, which recognizes public service by municipal attorneys.

TRAILBLAZERS

GIRLS

by stephanie wallace

FROM CLASSROOMS AND BOARDROOMS to the media we consume, the impact of gender disparity can be felt in nearly every aspect of society. U.S. women only earn 82% of what their male peers do and 25% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are neither enrolled in education or employed, compared to 10% of boys globally, according to UNICEF. Girls Incorporated of St. Louis works to change these numbers and make gender inequality a thing of the past. For more than 40 years, the nonprofit has been dedicated to inspiring girls and young women to realize their potential.

“Our mission is to support girls by providing education and cultural programs in a safe environment that allows them to rise to their aspirations,” CEO and president Cheryl Jones notes. “We want to inspire the next generation to continue to dream and develop.” Girls Inc. begins working with young women in early childhood and continues to offer support with mentorship and scholarships through college. The local chapter serves more than 9,000 girls annually. Its services include STEM-based programming; summer and after-school offerings in subjects like wellness, media literacy, leadership, performing arts and athletics; and outreach initiatives designed to help girls navigate gender, social and economic barriers.

One of the nonprofit’s major initiatives is Project Accelerate. The program is dedicated to addressing workplace inequalities, especially among women of color in leadership positions. “Project Accelerate works with young women as they transition from high school into college and the workplace,” Jones explains. “We want to change their educational and career trajectory by providing scholarships, mentorship, coaching and social and emotional support to pave career pathways that they were previously excluded from. By increasing the support and training offered to young women, we expect to see growth in female leadership.”

A key component of Girls Inc.’s mission is mentorship. Jones notes that it serves as the foundation for all of the nonprofit’s programming, including helping prepare women for success in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. “Young people are navigating the maze called life,” Jones says. “It’s always good to have someone they can talk to about opportunities and challenges who has already been a trailblazer in that field. All of our initiatives tie back to how important it is to have a mentor.” Girls Inc. participants also develop the necessary skills to become mentors themselves through peer-to-peer opportunities.

Girls Inc. will be celebrating mentors and trailblazers like Laurna Godwin, Joan Berkman and Adrian Bracy who have set the course for women at its annual Strong, Smart, Bold Luncheon on Nov. 8 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The event is one of the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraisers, offering it the chance to share its mission and the success of the girls and women who have been a part of the organization. “So many young women are eager to advance in their careers,” Jones notes. “While Girls Inc. is just one avenue, we’ve enabled thousands of them to reach their goals. With support from the community, we can continue to provide pathways to elevate the next generation of workforce in St. Louis.” &

organized solutions and beautiful cabinetry for your whole home. Call now for a complimentary consultation! 1960 INNERBELT BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE 314.423.3200 | NEWSPACE.COM

2. Dream Play Recreation

Dream Play Recreation has been building childhood memories for more than 33 years. We offer the absolute finest in residential play equipment. Visit dreamplayrec.com and let the adventure begin. 636.795.8856 | DREAMPLAYREC.COM

Take Note

3. The Diamond Bar

August’s birthstone, peridot, will turn heads with its vibrant green sparkle. Experience the allure of handcrafted jewelry like never before at The Diamond Bar.

13360 CLAYTON ROAD, STE. 103 | 314.548.5100 THEDIAMONDBARSTL.COM

4. Holman Motorcars St. Louis

Holman Motorcars St. Louis is proud to be the only ultra luxury dealership in the St. Louis market. Located in the Chesterfield Valley, our exclusive list of automobiles includes Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Lotus and Rolls-Royce. ONE ARNAGE BLVD. | 636.449.0000 HOLMANMOTORCARS.COM

5. St. Louis Antique Festival

Dignified, illustrious, imperial, magnificent, noble and stately, the “royal affair” is coming soon! The 58th St. Louis Antique Festival is Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds Park. You don’t want to miss it! 200 S. BELT E, BELLEVILLE | 608.346.3797 FACEBOOK.COM/STLOUISANTIQUEFESTIVAL

3

GIRLS INC. PARTICIPANTS RAINA, KALEIGH AND DEJA

creve coeur

OF THE TOWNS talk

With many events at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur, you don’t have to be Jewish to attend or fully enjoy them. That certainly is the case for the Used Book Sale this month and the Book Fest in November. First, the sale: The popular event returns to the Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29. Browse thousands of books with titles in every genre, from hard-to-find special editions to your favorite novels and nonfiction reads—along with miscellaneous videos, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. Discover that perfect vacation read or get started with back-to-school reading lists. Proceeds directly benefit the J’s Cultural Arts Department and help bring great authors, films and theater to the Lou. Dates and admission prices are as follows:

☛ Sunday, Aug. 25—VIP Early Access, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.: $100

☛ Sunday, Aug. 25—Public Preview, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: $20

☛ Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 26 to Aug. 28—10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Free

☛ Thursday (‘Bag Day’), Aug. 29—10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Free, fill a bag for $10!

Visit jccstl.com/programs/used-book-sale for updated and complete information. Want to hear from authors as much as buy books? For the book fest, Nov. 2 through Nov. 17, four authors are slated to headline. Diplomatic negotiator Mickey Bergman opens

south county

Planes, trains, and automobiles. And a boat! But first, let’s take to the skies. A retired F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet fighter jet is now part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of Transportation in the wilds of South County somewhere adjacent to Kirkwood, Des Peres and Ballwin. The workhorse U.S. Navy plane, manufactured by Boeing, was dedicated Aug. 3 by USN brass and is now available for all to see, with museum admission. The carrier-based planes, active in Iraq and Afghanistan, saw action as recently as this year. On Jan. 12, Super Hornets from the carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower joined strikes in response to Houthi rebel attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. They also were in action against Houthi forces on Dec. 26, 2023. A speaker series event on the new exhibit is to be held Aug. 8, from 9 to 10 a.m., with Tim Bischof giving a free presentation on the legendary plane. If space remains, registration is required. Other modes of transportation are the subjects of upcoming talks, including one next month on train stations in the metro, presented by Doug Schneider on Sept. 12. On Oct. 10, ‘The Mother Road’ will feature Katie Seale discussing the digital preservation of a massive volume of Route 66 material at Rolla Research Center. And, finally, a boat; specifically, a legendary paddle-wheeler: On Nov. 14, author Dennis Brown will present from his fascinating book, Voices on the River: 22 Days on the Delta Queen. For more on these free presentations or to register, visit tnmot.org.

the festival with his book In the Shadows. A former paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces, Bergman worked in high-stakes hostage negotiations, securing the release of Americans held captive overseas. Julia Quinn, writer of the enormously popular Bridgerton series, is scheduled to appear Nov. 7. On Nov. 16, cookbook author, critic and chef Joan Nathan presents My Life in Recipes, her memoir-cum-travelogue. Wrapping up the event on Nov. 17 is Daniel Handler, most famous for writing A Series of Unfortunate Events under the name Lemony Snicket. Handler’s latest, a memoir and more, is And Then? And Then? What Else? Tickets are available Aug. 18. For more information, visit jccstl.com/jbf-tickets.

tower grove park

It’s going to be hot, hot, hot Aug. 24 and 25 at this year’s Festival of Nations, and we’re not making a weather forecast two-and-a-half weeks in advance. We’ll wager there won’t be freezing rain, at least, to interrupt the 35-plus performances over that weekend from musicians and dancers representing more than 50 countries. And we’ll lay money on the likelihood that many of the performers and scores of cooks preparing and serving all manner of global dishes will be sweating, as will international vendors and some of the 100,000 guests expected this year. But we’re not so much talking temperature and humidity as we are the wild and crazy, Caribbean-flavored dance smash by Buster Poindexter from the 1980s. If you’ve never heard “Hot Hot Hot,” well, you just haven’t been to a wedding reception in the last 40 years. Artists will be playing and dancing to the music of Latin America, Africa, India, the Middle East, China—you name it. And co-headliner Lisa Ramey, a St. Louis native based in NYC, will be singing a hot and heavy, heady mixture of soul and straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll, perhaps with some gospel mixed in. We’re trying to describe an emotional performance of music as muscular as that of late legends Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin—especially if the Queen of Soul were backed by the Rolling Stones. You may recall Ramey from The Voice, when she was on John Legend’s team; surely you remember her ‘Notable Neighbors’ bow in this magazine from early June. Speaking of hot, observers say her career has been like a watched pot!

BILL BEGGS JR. HAS WORN MANY HATS AT NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SINCE BEFORE THE ERA OF THE FLOPPY DISC. NOW HE JUST WEARS A HAT TO KEEP HIS BALD SPOT FROM GETTING SUNBURNT. YOU CAN REACH HIM AT WRTRS.BLCK@GMAIL.COM.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES between Boeing’s F/A-18 E Super Hornet fighter jet F/A-18 E and the newer F/A-18 F?

Whenever you’re alone, why should you always wrap the doorknob in aluminum foil overnight?

While some online articles claim that wrapping your doorknob in aluminum foil will keep you safe while home alone, it is not an effective security measure. Instead, consider a doorbell camera: It’s not only a deterrent, but many are equipped to automatically record video of unwanted visitors or potential intruders.

manchester

One of the first things you notice about retired NHL player Mike McKenna of Manchester is his perfect pearly whites. OK; he was a goaltender and always wore a mask. Plus, his dad, 74, is a dentist. Besides, McKenna is a gregarious guy who’s probably smiling most of the time. But when McKenna left pro hockey in 2019, he was only 34, still a young man who needed to support his family. For a while after retiring, he commuted from St. Louis to Nevada to work as a TV analyst for the Vegas Golden Knights. He’d also written regularly for trade publications, so probably could have continued to grow in a media direction. Instead, he parlayed his economics background from St. Lawrence University toward business and started working his Rolodex, as some Boomers would say. McKenna started a three-pronged attack toward establishing his new career: Network, network some more and keep on networking. Because competition has been in his blood since before he tied on his first pair of skates, he landed as GM of the metro’s first Macadoodles store, in Dardenne Prairie, a St. Charles County municipality that promises to be as big or even better than Lake St. Louis or Wentzville. As a competitor with Total Wine, Schnucks and Dierbergs, McKenna is certain the company’s customer-focused and -driven approach will put his new Macadoodles head and shoulders above the rest. For one thing, you might not get such knowledgeable, professional advice at the supermarket. Nor will you enjoy wine tastings several times a day, every day. Certainly not at a wine bar “under the wine dome,” a rooftop turret surrounded by windows that let the sunshine in to make the vast space airy and bright. This is not a place to run in, grab a bottle, and leave. It’s meant for hanging around and enjoying. Free coffee, free popcorn and staff that want to get to know you and your particular tastes. Talk bourbon. Explore the humidor. Guests are invited to take their time, because, after all, they’re not rushing in and out of a big-box store for more diapers. A Macadoodles visit should be an excursion. “If they come in our store and don’t have fun, we’ve failed,” says McKenna of his store, 9,900 square feet adjacent to a Starbucks and Sugarfire at Bryan and Feise roads. From the Macdoodles in Columbia, Jeff City and other points west, somewhat cynical observers have referred to the look and feel as “Elevated Clampett,” which McKenna and his colleagues just love. But don’t head lickety-split westbound on Hwy. 40/I-64 just yet: Next-to-finishing touches are being applied for an early-fall opening. And is hockey out of his blood yet? Well, his black cap read “Violent Gentlemen Hockey Club.” It’s tongue-in-cheek, but the former journeyman goalie does play regularly, without referees or whistles. And he coaches kids. His daughters Kenlin, 11, and Adeline, 8, love hockey. Kenlin skates with other girls—and boys. “My oldest would be dragged from co-ed kicking and screaming,” McKenna says, grinning. “She loves sticking it to the boys.” On McKenna’s exhaustive Wikipedia page, you’ll see his stats from Pee-Wee (amateur) all the way to when he was waived by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019. Under ‘Personal Life,’ you learn he’s a fan of Swedish metal band Amon Amarth. On Instagram, visit @macadoodles_dardenneprairie. &

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE

your moment

IF THEY COME IN OUR STORE AND DON’T HAVE FUN, WE’VE FAILED ...

Mike McKenna

listen up

St. Louis Public Radio is bringing back the podcast We Live Here for a special season. The podcast was developed following the overwhelming response to coverage of the Ferguson uprising in 2014. In the new season, host Chad Davis and producer Danny Wicentowski reflect on some of the truths that Ferguson exposed with the people still engaged in the work. New episodes are available each week at welivehere.show, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

THE INSIDER

go for the gold

Today in St. Louis anchor Rene Knott has made the trip to Paris to cover the Olympic Games. He is one of 12 TEGNA journalists selected to provide on-the-ground coverage for stations throughout the U.S. This is Knott’s fourth time covering the Olympic Games.

rock on!

The Hub STL in the District is bringing Battle of the Bands 2024 to the St. Louis region. The competition will showcase talent from across the Midwest region while benefiting four local nonprofits: Veteran Community Project, Kids Vision For Life, Stray Rescue of St. Louis and Alive. Each Wednesday starting Sept. 11, four bands will perform at Hub STL, and the audience will vote for the winner by donating money to a designated charity.

PATTY

by patty hannum

HELLO! I AM BACK. Did you notice I was gone? Patty Unleashed has been on hiatus the past few months. Why? I ran out of things to talk about. Hard to imagine, but it’s true. My brain went blank! I have things to talk about now, but unfortunately, some of them are not fit for a family newspaper. You know I am itching to dive into the latest stories about politics, but last time I did that, well, let us just say not everyone agreed with me.

So, let’s catch up. How are you and the family? Certain branches of mine are adorable. Oh, you want to talk about the grandkids? Well, okay. Robbie is four and no longer willing to hug me. He barely will give me a high five. No, the kid belongs to his Hampa. Both of them like to take things apart and then, sometimes, put them back together. Though Robbie much prefers the destruction of things so he ‘can see how things work.’ Dennis is one, and if I am honest,

MERCY HAS DONATED $38,500 to Operation Food Search. The funds will support a MetroMarket stop at the Urban League Head Start in Jennings. The program uses a reconfigured St. Louis City MetroBus and a newly-acquired Farmers Truck to travel to areas with limited access to nutritious food.

he also prefers his grandpa even when I have his favorite foods. He is a little towhead and always has a smile. Both kids are definitely brag worthy.

The rest of the family is good. My brother Mike and his wife Pam hosted a swim party for all 50 or so of us on the hottest day this summer. Nearly everyone who lives in town showed up and a few, including my Tess, came from out of town. All you need to attract my family is a pool and food, which there was plenty of. It happened to fall on Dennis’ (brother and old versus grandson and young) birthday so we were forced to act like this party was for him. Pam had a cake and everything, which meant we had to sing “Happy Birthday.” No neighbors complained about our lack of musical ability so I consider that a win.

I have been a wee bit bored so I have decided I need to do some volunteer work.

TALENTED TEENS TAKE NOTE! Registration for the annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition is open through Sept. 30. Every year, the competition awards more than $50,000 in college scholarships. To participate, students must be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 during this academic year and live within 75 miles of the Arch. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT STLTEENTALENT.ORG.

If you read Town&Style in June, you know there are a large number of organizations that need help. I think I’m best suited for the Humane Society. I just need to fill out the form. Anyone want to come with me? I am pretty sure they limit the animals to just dogs and cats. If reptiles are involved, I may need to find a different place. You know I can’t even walk past the Reptile House at the Saint Louis Zoo. I am convinced those slithering creatures are planning a break out, and it would be just like that movie Snakes on a Plane. Yeah, I cannot do that. I am good with dogs. Just ask Stella and Stanely, the two who live with me. Though like my grandchildren, they prefer my husband. Hmm, there seems to be a trend here. OK, now that we are all caught up it is time to get back to me making you laugh. I will see if that can happen in the next issue. Peace my Peeps. &

back to SCHOOL

Checking Up before school

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

The end of summer is in sight, and that means it’s almost time to head back to school. Early August can be a busy time of shopping for school supplies, finding new clothes and trying to squeeze in a little more summer fun. Even with a hectic schedule, don’t forget about back-to-school check-ups and screenings.

ROUTINE PHYSICAL

A routine physical helps ensure that there are no apparent problems with your child’s development. Before the school year starts, you can catch issues early if they are present and begin intervention. To make the most out of a back-to-school physical, go in with specific questions and topics for your primary care physician. Share concerns like cognitive or behavioral problems, check that your child is meeting important developmental milestones and talk about any changes you’ve noticed concerning eating habits, sleeping or mental and physical well being.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Your child's school may require vaccination information before the start of the new school year. Currently, Missouri schools require students in kindergarten through grade 12 to receive vaccinations for polio; measles, mumps

and rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP); hepatitis B6; and chickenpox. Additionally, students in grades nine to 9 should receive meningococcal conjugate (MCV) and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines.

VISION SCREENINGS

Seeing clearly is a key component of success at school—from being able to read the fine print of textbooks or see the whiteboard from a distance. To ensure your child can learn effectively, they should be evaluated on a variety of vision skills, such as visual acuity or seeing clearly at a distance, eye focusing, tracking, hand-eye coordination, perception and teaming or the ability to coordinate both eyes. Problems with any of these visual skills may add to your child’s academic load as they have to work harder to keep up. Often, children do not realize they have a vision problem and assume everyone sees as

they do, so it’s important to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam before the start of the school year.

ATHLETE CARE

Student athletes may require additional check-ups or medical conversations. Talk with your medical provider about considerations like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising safely and managing your child’s physical condition while they play. If your child has suffered an injury recently, getting it checked before school begins can help ensure a proper recovery and determine if your child is ready to participate in their sports season. &

PARENT TRAP

by dr. tim jordan

SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL

ASK ANY ADULT if they’d like to go back and relive their middle school years and you’ll get a resounding no! I want to share some thoughts about why kids ride such an extreme roller coaster of emotions and how we can best support them.

The teen brain has a superhighway to their limbic system (the area that controls pleasure-seeking and risk-taking behavior) and to their emotional centers, but the road to their prefrontal cortex, the brain’s executive center, is still under construction, lagging behind in its ability to help modulate emotions and impulses. This creates a perceptual dissonance between teenagers’ appearance and their developmental capability, creating a sometimes giant chasm between adults’ expectations and their child’s behavior.

Another cause of kids’ emotional lability derives from their reluctance to experience and channel their emotions. Girls in my counseling practice and retreats candidly share how easy it is to avoid feeling their feelings, with busy schedules and distractions at the top of the list. It’s so easy to pull out a device or turn to social media as a way to stuff their emotions. It works in the moment, but these emotions and thoughts are still there and tend to build to the point of overload. I ask girls a series of questions about potential ways these feelings might leak out. Does it affect your body, with stomach aches or headaches? Do you snap at people who don’t deserve it or at yourself with negative self-talk? Do you have a hard time sleeping? Do you get more anxious, feel less motivated and focused, or find yourself crying but have no idea why?

We need to educate middle schoolers about the value of allowing feelings to come up, being with them for a while, asking yourself what those emotions might be telling you and then using a healthy way to express them. Some kids prefer journaling or writing letters that they throw away. Many teens pour their emotions out using art. Some express themselves with dance or music. Some of the teens I work with prefer to share with parents, friends, a counselor like me or to their pets and stuffed animals. They need to find the medium that works best for them through trial and error.

Many of the adolescent girls I counsel come in with a previous diagnosis of anxiety disorder or depression. But I often discover that their symptoms are due to the process I described above. They are a sign of emotional overload that needs an outlet. When they learn to express their feelings on a regular basis, they lower the accumulated pile and prevent future build up. They also learn that when they’re willing to sit with their emotions and question them, they usually pass pretty quickly, giving them a sense of control they previously lacked.

Let me end with a great metaphor to put the roller coaster of thoughts and feelings into perspective. We aren’t in control of whether or not a bird lands on our heads, but we are in charge of whether or not we allow it to build a nest.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Pre-register

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

At Community, children flourish in an active and experiential learning environment. Our seasoned faculty engages students (age 3 through sixth grade) with a curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, physical education and leadership development, all on our beautiful 18-acre campus.

900 LAY ROAD

314.991.0005

COMMUNITYSCHOOL.COM

COR JESU ACADEMY

Cor Jesu Academy is an all-girls, Catholic, college preparatory school that prepares young women to build a bright future. Inspired by the Charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, every student is encouraged to realize her whole potential with a balanced approach to education that leads to lifelong learning.

10230 GRAVOIS ROAD

314.842.4429

CORJESU.ORG

FORSYTH SCHOOL

Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through grade six to pursue challenges with confidence. Forsyth’s one-of-a-kind campus and engaging curriculum promote age-appropriate independence and prepare students to thrive in secondary school and beyond.

6235 WYDOWN BLVD.

314.726.4542

FORSYTHSCHOOL.ORG

Burroughs (co-ed, grades seven to 12) is recognized as one of the nation’s premier college preparatory institutions. A core curriculum in humanities and STEM is balanced by opportunities in athletics and the arts that encourage students to think critically and explore their interests.

NEW CITY SCHOOL

New City School inspires curiosity and a love for learning in students age 3 to sixth grade through a dynamic program rooted in brain research and an inquiry approach. New City students develop into adept problem-solvers who know themselves, express their beliefs respectfully, and lead with purpose, passion and empathy. 5209 WATERMAN BLVD. | 314.361.6411 | NEWCITYSCHOOL.ORG

PRINCIPIA SCHOOL

Principia School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school providing future-focused programs for students in preschool through grade 12. Our rigorous academic program, strong community and hands-on learning opportunities prepare our future leaders to thrive in college and beyond.

13201 CLAYTON ROAD | 314.514.3134 | PRINCIPIASCHOOL.ORG

ROSSMAN SCHOOL

The Rossman classrooms are alive with daily exploration, experimentation, creativity and skill-building experiences. The well-defined Rossman curriculum, linked with our commitment to teaching kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility, allows us to lay a notably strong academic foundation for our students.

12660 CONWAY ROAD

314.434.5877

ROSSMANSCHOOL.ORG

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Westminster Christian Academy is an independent, coeducational school offering an education focused on community, college preparedness and Christ for grades seven through12. Join us for an open house Oct. 24.

800 MARYVILLE CENTRE DRIVE

314.997.2900

WCASTL.ORG

WHITFIELD SCHOOL

Whitfield, an independent, coeducational school for grades six t hrough 12, offers engaging, active learning through a foundational liberal arts curriculum. Here, we marry challenging coursework with transformative experiences to instill citizenship, critical thinking and leadership skills—and to prepare students for college and everything after.

175 S. MASON ROAD

314.415.1229

WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG

THE WILSON SCHOOL

Since 1913, The Wilson School has excelled in reaching every student. Our deliberately small class sizes, two-teacher model, accelerated curriculum and nurturing inclusive community allow our students to build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in secondary school and beyond.

400 DeMUN AVE.

314.725.4999

WILSONSCHOOL.COM

FUNDRAISER PREVIEW

bgcstl.org

WHY THE CLUB

HOPE FOR HEROES

JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN SOCIETY

by stephanie wallace

BEFORE RISING TO THE RANK OF GENERAL, Joshua Chamberlain played a critical role in securing the Union forces victory at Gettysburg during the Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and went on to command the Union troops at the surrender ceremony for the Southern army. Despite his achievements, his post-service years were marred by the repercussions of having been wounded in action six times during the war, leaving him to deal with chronic pain and discomfort.

Stories like Chamberlain’s are not uncommon for the brave men and women who answer the call to serve the United States in the military. The Joshua Chamberlain Society (JCS) is dedicated to providing long-term assistance to local veterans who sustain permanent combat injuries and to the families of military service members who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “We take a very personal approach, adopting these heroes and their families to offer ongoing assistance,” president Matthew Cutler says. “The sacrifices they made are permanent and so is our support.”

Cutler was inspired to establish JCS after witnessing the impact military service had on members of his family. “I wanted to develop an organization that creates a more welcoming environment for military service members returning from combat,” he notes. “We truly do build a family, allowing veterans to bond not only with our volunteers but each other. They get to connect with people who understand their experiences and struggles.” The nonprofit is able to build a strong community for veterans because of its unique approach. It serves a smaller population, focusing on individuals with severe injuries and the families of those killed in action, allowing them to provide ongoing services.

JCS offers support in a variety of ways. It provides monetary assistance, including helping ensure families can send their children to college. The nonprofit also has a wide network of supporters it can leverage to provide necessary services and resources. “The beauty of our model is that we truly get to know these families, so we can help with whatever unique needs arise,” Cutler says. “One of our veterans was interested in becoming a dog trainer. He was saving up to pay for the necessary classes for certification. We covered that expense so he could fast forward to achieving his dream and finding purpose.”

To provide its services, JCS relies on the support of the St. Louis community. It hosts several events to raise awareness of its mission and collect critical funds. The Bike for Heroes is Aug. 17 in Columbia, Illinois. Shoot For The Troops is Oct. 12 at Black Hawk Valley Hunt Club. The nonprofit also hosts a trivia night every January, and in the spring, it holds its annual Price of Freedom gala. “The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were 23 years ago, but the men and women who jumped into the breach to keep Americans safe are dealing with the ramifications of combat to this day,” Cutler says. “For the rest of their lives, JCS will walk side by side with these heroes and their families in honor of the sacrifices they made.” &

THE JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN SOCIETY IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING LONG-TERM ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL VETERANS WHO SUSTAIN PERMANENT COMBAT INJURIES AND TO THE FAMILIES OF MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN ACTION. PICTURED ON THE COVER: CORPORAL TYLER HUFFMAN OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, STAFF SERGEANT JOSHUA ECKHOFF OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 314.780.0951 VISIT CHAMBERLAINSOCIETY.ORG.

COVER DESIGN BY JULIE STREILER | COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN SOCIETY

THE 2024 JCS FAMILY REUNION

fundraiser PREVIEW

fundraiser EVENTS

9/21

» Glennon Gallop - Charity Polo Match

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital August Busch Polo Club | Noon | 314.577.5605 | glennon.org/gallop

10/5

» Lip Sync Battle - St. Louis Springboard to Learning

Touhill Performing Arts Center | 5:30 p.m. | 314.768.9670 springboardstl.org/lipsync

10/7

» Chefs’ Night Out

KVC Missouri Foundation

Westborough Country Club | 6:30 p.m. | 844.424.3577 missouri.kvc.org/event/chefs-night-out

10/12

» Shoot for the Troops Joshua Chamberlain Society

Blackhawk Valley Hunting Club | 8 a.m. | 314.780.0951 chamberlainsociety.org/events

10/19

» Walk and Roll L’Arche St. Louis Brentwood Park | 10 a.m. | 314.395.5851 | larchestlouis.org/events

10/24

» Great Futures Gala Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis The Big Top | 6 p.m. | 314.335.8000 | bgcstl.org

10/26

» Casino Royale Gala Assistance League of St. Louis Doubletree by Hilton - Chesterfield | 5:30 p.m. 636.227.6200 | alstl.org

» Craft Battle and Brews Craft Alliance Craft Alliance | 4 p.m. | 314.725.1177 | craftalliance.org

11/2

» Champions of Hope American Cancer Society St. Louis Union Station | 5:30 p.m. 314.384.6134 | championshopegala.org

11/8

» 18th Annual Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon Girls Incorporated St. Louis The Ritz Carlton-St. Louis | 314.385.8088 | girlsincstl.org

12/10

» The Rep’s Annual Holiday Benefit The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Loretto-Hilton Center | 7 p.m. | 314.968.4925 | repstl.org

4/25/25

» 19th Annual Evening of Hope Hope Happens for Neurological Disorders

8001 Forsyth Blvd. | 6 p.m. | 314.725.3888 | hopehappens.org

6/8/25

» Drag Me to Brunch Rung for Women

Rung for Women | 11:30 a.m. | 314.451.8500 | rungforwomen.org

drag me to brunch

meet the chairs:

Stephanie Walsh and Vincent C. Flewellen

Why is this nonprofit important to you?

Stephanie: Rung for Women is essential to me because it allows women to participate, grow and develop in male-dominated industries. They promote, empowerand build confidence for every member. Rung for Women also allows women to form strong bonds with members, staff and volunteers, ensuring a successful and meaningful journey for them. I am forever grateful to be a part of this!

Vincent: Drag Me to Brunch is a fun and unique fundraiser—a one-ofa-kind way to not only raise money for Rung for Women but also introduce our community and friends to this needed, impactful and transformative organization.

What will this event accomplish for the organization?

By showcasing the uniqueness of us all with fun, inclusion and unity, we can make a difference.

about the organization

MISSION STATEMENT: To inspire all women to climb the economic opportunity ladder.

Event Details

DATE: Sunday, June 8, 2025

LOCATION: Rung for Women Community Room

Director of Development- Stephanie Boyd and Manager of Partnerships and Events: Bailey Pashia

Why is this nonprofit important to you?

It’s incredibly rewarding to see our educational programs, which reach more than 20,000 youths annually, change lives. With the longest running season in the region, The Rep supports the local economy and fosters artistic excellence—four past artists became Tony Award winners this year! I’m proud that The Rep highlights the diversity and excellence of our community and makes St. Louis a more vibrant and vital place to live

What will this event accomplish for the organization?

The annual holiday benefit will raise crucial funds for The Rep’s educational programs and community outreach, which helps to sustain and expand our impact. We also want to highlight and celebrate our donors and patrons, who keep The Rep not only alive but thriving and accomplishing our mission of providing world-class theatre and arts education to the region

about the organization

MISSION STATEMENT: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis creates bridges between people in the St Louis region and beyond through expertly crafted theatrical experiences that are joyful, unique, inspiring and thought-provoking.

Event Details

DATE: Dec. 10

lip sync battle - st. louis

meet the chairs

Jennifer Wilson and KC O’Brien

Event Details

DATE: Oct. 5

LOCATION: springboardstl.org/lipsync

CONTACT INFO: 314.768.9670

Why is this nonprofit important to you?

Jennifer: I grew up surrounded by teachers, educators and artists. I was very fortunate to have hands-on learning experiences in my home and want all students to experience the same. The work of Springboard helps engage students and teachers in ways that reach depths of a student’s mind and heart that aren’t often explored through everyday curriculum.

KC: The mission of Springboard is to develop children’s abilities to think critically, create, collaborate and communicate. We do this through providing Teaching Artists to transform typical classroom curriculum into an art-based learning experience. The services we provide spoke to me as the mother of a dyslexic child who doesn’t always excel in a standard classroom and thrives when arts are integrated into the learning.

summer. I got to bring three home for my own kids, and when I saw their eyes light up at the activity, I knew this was an organization I wanted to join.

How did you first get involved?

Jennifer: I met our executive director , Cathy, at the bank where I worked. She was so passionate about the organization and always took time to share with me the latest Springboard news. I graduated from Hazelwood and have a family that teaches in SLPS. It was a no-brainer!

KC: My employer, Mercer, hosts a volunteer day each year and last year I had chosen to volunteer at Springboard where I assisted in packing up their art packs that are sent home with kids over the

What will this event accomplish for the organization?

Jennifer: This gala is a fun and unique way to spread awareness about Springboard. It is not your average gala. As our biggest fundraiser of the year, we look forward to gathering in celebration of our ongoing impact and dedication to supporting teachers and students in our community!

KC: Our annual gala exposes our community to the value that Springboard provides to the students, teachers and schools that we serve. The gala allows us to raise funds that are needed to

continue to support our programs like: WiseWrite, Art of Baseball, Baby Artsplay! and so many more. Join us Oct. 5 to support our ability to transform a child’s worldview.

about the organization

MISSION STATEMENT: Springboard to Learning develops children’s abilities to think critically, create, collaborate and communicate.

GIVING BACK

Saint Louis Story Stitchers

by stephanie wallace

SAINT LOUIS STORY STITCHERS was created to give youth an outlet to explore and discuss critical issues, like gun violence and civic pride. The artist collective reframes the narrative around the creative expression and experiences of young people through a variety of different mediums. Now a decade after it was established, the collective has worked with more than 100 artists and 800 youth. It’s ready to enter a new era, including the hiring of its first executive director. We spoke to founder and president Susan Colangelo to learn about how Saint Louis Story Stitchers is celebrating its anniversary and what the future holds for the organization.

Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience...

Chefs’Night Out

October 7, 2024

Westborough Country Club

631 S. Berry Road, St. Louis, MO 63122

Gourmet Food Stations - Artisanal Desserts

Specialty Wines - Silent Auction

We’re partnering with St. Louis’ top country club and private chefs for an unforgettable night. Dine on handcrafted fare while supporting KVC Missouri’s mission to strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect and promote wellness. Scan to learn more and register today or visit kvcmissouri.org/events.

Where did the idea for Saint Louis Story Stitchers come from?

I moved to St. Louis in 2005 when my husband took a position at Washington University. I’m an artist, and in 2012, I liked to embroider stories I found in newspapers. One day, I saw a story about two sisters who were sitting on their front porch in University City and were shot. I hadn't realized what a big problem gun violence was in St. Louis. The two girls were shot not too far from where I live, and they were where they were supposed to be, doing what they were supposed to. I gathered a group of my artist friends, and we founded the collective that night to focus on gun violence and other important issues.

What is the collective doing to celebrate its 10th anniversary?

We’re a youth-led organization, and the kids felt very strongly that we do something meaningful for social justice artists. Our official anniversary is Dec. 24, so that wouldn’t work. Michael Brown Jr. resonates deeply with the young people we work with, so we are planning a youth empowerment summit on Aug. 9. It will feature D.J-ing, graffiti, M.C-ing, break dancing and more lead by artists like Stan Chisholm, D.J. Ntegrity, BlueBeatz, Domo and Rich Grzelka. We’ll have a moment of silence in solidarity with Chosen for Change, a nonprofit created by the Brown family. We’ll also have a panel with an actual police officer and behavioral health counselors. On Aug. 10, we’ll celebrate with a release party for our new album and a Hall of Fame awards ceremony.

How has the organization grown over the last decade?

We started with a small group of artists and just 12 kids. We were meeting in a space that the Kranzberg Arts Foundation let us use for free. The first grant we ever received was for $900 from the Regional Arts Commission. We were able to move into a storefront on North Skinker Boulevard. The Lewis Prize for Music gave us a $500,000 grant in 2021, and it was like a rocketship. We could go after more grants and be in competition for national dollars. This year, we already have 150 youth signed up. We’ve also created The Center in Grand Center, which was something we started talking about in 2018. The youth we work with wanted to create a safe place for their peers to come together and engage creatively, and they designed the space just for that. A lot of time kids don’t have mentors, friends who are anti-violence or anywhere to go, so that leads to crime. Saint Louis Story Stitchers has been invited to share a toolkit for building similar centers at a national conference. It’s amazing to see organizations from across the country reaching out to us so we can share what we do.

Can you tell me about your new executive director, Edwin R. Williams?

Edwin has been an administrator and artist in public schools for years, so he brings a much needed skillset. He has a doctorate in music education. As a musician, he is a great fit for Saint Louis Story Stitchers. Music is the artform that most compels young people to come to us in the first place. He’s very respectful of the work we’ve done over the last 10 years.

What are you looking forward to in the next 10 years?

I’m excited about what we’re working on now. We’ve always been focused on the “we.” We’re a collaborative art studio, so we make and push out work together under Saint Louis Story Stitchers as a collective. We want to add some time to focus more on the “me,” especially for at-risk youth or those who don’t have post-secondary plans. After high school, a lot of young people lose their mentors and support groups—they can even lose their homes depending on their family situation. Our plan is to start offering financial literacy training as well as instruction in technical skills for things like audio production and stage management that can then lead to apprenticeships and jobs.

How can people support Saint Louis Story Stitchers?

We invite everyone to come to events or take a tour. We can always use donations or volunteers. And tell young people about us! We work with young adults aged 16 to 25, and all sorts of people are part of the collective. We have an engineering student at Washington University who does photography, videography and jazz music. Normal high school students participate, and we also work with those youth who are having behavioral issues. It’s a very chill, supportive environment. We understand that being a young person can be stressful. &

TODAY AND TOMORROW EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION archbishop’s gala

by bill barrett

The event benefits the scholarship programs of the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation, which provides tuition assistance so eligible students can attend the private or parochial school of their choice. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and dinner. guests: Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, executive director Julie Scott Soffner, board chair Michael Dierberg

AMERICAN

by diane anderson

Go Red for Women is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. At the luncheon, guests enjoyed refreshments, a live auction and survivors’ spotlight. Event co-chairs Penny Pennington and Pat Coleman, executive director Jennifer Jaeger, emcee Jasmine Huda

section

JIAMIN DIERBERG, THE MOST REVEREND MITCHELL T. ROZANSKI, MICHAEL DIERBERG

MELISSA AND DR. ALEX GARZA

LINDA DECKER, MARCIA NIEDRINGHAUS

KIM AND GENE DIEDERICH

HAILEY DUNAVANT, JULIE SCOTT SOFFNER, REGINA CAVANAUGH

ASHLEY HARRIS, RAEGAN JOHNSON

JENNIFER JAEGER, HEATHER RAINES

JENNIFER KINGSTON, ALYSSA HARPER, STACIE OWENS

PAT COLEMAN, PENNY PENNINGTON

SHUNTAE SHIELDS RYAN, PETER NEIDORFF

JAJA JIANG, DORIS CORDEVANT

MELISSA SETSER, BRIGID ELAM

by bill barrett

The Spring Gala provides essential support for Saint Louis Ballet’s performance season and its outreach program Pointe to Succeed, an in-school program that brings the joy of ballet to underserved children in the community. The event honored Dr. Leo and Pat Whiteside with the 2024 Reverence Award, and guests enjoyed a matinee performance of Sleeping Beauty with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kyle Wiley Pickett.

guests: Event chairs Carol and Tom Voss, vice-chairs Karen and David Spector, executive and artistic director Gen Horiuchi

GEN HORIUCHI, PAT AND DR. LEO WHITESIDE

MARIA STEGE, MIRAN HALEN, MICHELLE MEDINA, SONIA STEGE

LAURIE AND SEAN LOCK

BLANCHE AND JOE TOUHILL

RAY SIMON, MEL PASHEA

LOU VOIT, MARGIE ELLISOR

DAVID AND KAREN SPECTOR, TOM AND CAROL VOSS

NONPROFIT NEWS

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ST. LOUIS

Discover Fantastic Finds Upscale Resale shop. Uncover exquisite clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor and more. Entirely volunteer-run, our sales support Assistance League of St. Louis' programs that enhance student success, empower women in shelters and aid families in crisis.

12778 Olive Blvd. 314.579.9500 alstl.org

CRAFT ALLIANCE

Located in the Delmar Maker District, Craft Alliance offers children and adult classes, community outreach programs and events, and exhibitions in our Staenberg Gallery. Our facility includes world-class ceramics, fiber, glass, print and paper, metal and blacksmithing, and wood studios. Registration now open for fall adult classes.

5080 Delmar Blvd. 314.725.1177 craftalliance.org

GIRLS INCORPORATED ST. LOUIS

Cheryl Jones, CEO of Girls Inc., was one of 25 global leaders who participated in a summit in Mumbai, India, exploring the question “What will shape the workforce of the future?” Issues included education, environment, technology, finance, and diversity, equity and inclusion. 314.385.8088 girlsincstl.org

HOPE HAPPENS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Please join us for our 19th Annual Evening of Hope on April 25, 2025! The event will be held on the 15th floor of Husch Blackwell at 8001 Forsyth Blvd. Find more details at hopehappens.org/events. 117 N. Kirkwood Road, Ste. 201 314.725.3888 hopehappens.org

KVC MISSOURI FOUNDATION

Join KVC Missouri on Oct. 7 for Chefs' Night Out, a one-of-kind culinary experience. Proceeds strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help people achieve mental health wellness.

844.424.3577 missouri.kvc.org

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 58th Season marks the arrival of Augustin Family Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom, the return of the Steve Woolf Studio Series and The Rep's Annual Holiday Benefit, happening Dec. 10, along with the world-class theater we've been producing for more than five decades.

130 Edgar Road 314.968.7340 repstl.org

RUNG FOR WOMEN

Rung for Women welcomed our 500th member in March to our program that helps all women climb the economic opportunity ladder to a more successful and fulfilling life. In 2024, Rung members decreased debt by more than $450,000 and increased assets by more than $100,000. 2717 Sidney St. 314.451.8500 rungforwomen.org

SSM HEALTH CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Run for a future deserved. The Sun Run, a not-to-be-missed event, will take Forest Park by storm Oct. 13. It promises more miles and more fun for runners and non-runners of all ages! The Sun Run supports the world-class pediatric health care provided to more than 200,000 children each year at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. Forest Park Festival and Parking Plaza 314.577.5605 glennon.org/sunrun

JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN SOCIETY

Join us for the Joshua Chamberlain Society's 9th Annual Bike for Heroes! Ride in honor of our brave servicemen and servicewomen on Sept. 15. Register now and support our heroes! PO Box 8475 314.780.0951 chamberlainsociety.org/events

UNION AVENUE OPERA

Sondheim's Into the Woods wraps up Union Avenue Opera's exciting 30th Anniversary Season with performances Aug. 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets available at unionavenueopera.org. 733 N. Union Blvd. 314.361.2881 unionavenueopera.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization. Each year, the St. Louis community comes together for the annual Champions of Hope Gala, led by our local CEOs Against Cancer chapter. We invite you to join us on Nov. 2 at St. Louis Union Station.

1001 Craig Road, Ste. 350 | 314.384.6134 | championshopegala.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

BGCSTL offers dynamic after-school programs for ages 6 to 18, with several locations in Missouri and Illinois. BGCSTL also provides mentorship and volunteer opportunities. We welcome new business partnerships to enhance career and workforce readiness through the St. Louis Internship Program. 2901 N. Grand Blvd. | 314.335.8000 | bgcstl.org

Saturday, October 19 10am - 12pm

Brentwood Park 2924 Brazeau Ave

L’Arche St. Louis’ 3rd Annual Community Walk Roll and

Join L’Arche St. Louis at the beautiful Brentwood Park for a fun-filled outing for all ages and all abilities!

Registration: $25 per person Kids can register for free!

Register by October 7 to guarantee your t-shirt

Route sponsors needed! Contact emmapieper@larchestlouis.org for details.

L’Arche St. Louis is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides community and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more at larchestlouis.org!

L'Arche

PHOTO: JACKIE LEE

L'ARCHE ST. LOUIS

St. Louis broke ground this spring on its fourth home in Brentwood. The project is led by Compass Design + Build. L'Arche St. Louis provides community and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PHOTO BY SUZY GORMAN

Three Grande Locations.

august 7, 2024 next issue august 21

F5 COVER STORY – Glennon Gallop

EVERYTHING SENIOR

F6

F8

FEATURE – It Takes a Village

FEATURE – Tips to Keep Your Memory Sharp

F12 HEALTH FLASH

F14 FEATURED PROPERTY – 7 Huntington Lane, Creve Coeur

F16 FROM THE BLOG OF … SCOUT & NIMBLE

F18 QUICK BITES

FRONT & CENTER – Saint Louis Dance Theatre

F20 HOMEWORK: FROM THE ARCHIVES

CARE FOR ALL

by stephanie wallace

REGULAR

VISITS TO THE DOCTOR are a necessary part of childhood to ensure all children can grow up happy and healthy. However, not all families have medical insurance or the other resources necessary to make that possible. The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital provides outpatient pediatric care to children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. To help ensure it never has to turn away a child, the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation raises funds for the center through Glennon Gallop, its annual polo match and party.

The funds raised by Glennon Gallop help The Danis Pediatric Center provide important resources to patients and their families. More than 75% of patients live below the poverty line. To ensure that families can overcome barriers to health care, its CARES (Connection & Resource Equity Services) program connects them with appropriate resources while care coordinators offer personalized support. “The program was created by our physicians as an evidenced-based research project,” clinic manager Hallie Liskow says. “They developed a survey centered on the social determinants of health. Based on families’ answers, we connect them with resources like food, housing, childcare, employment, transportation and basic necessities. That support continues outside of the clinic through follow-up phone calls and emails.”

Along with the CARES initiative, the clinic provides care to children in the foster care system through its Fostering Healthy Children program, and FACES International Health Clinic supports immigrant and refugee children. “The Danis Pediatric Center is not your average primary care office,” Liskow notes. “We provide resources and additional support you won’t find with most other providers.” The center was originally designed to receive 5,000 patients annually. Now, its two locations are visited more than 21,000 times each year. To meet the rising demand for services, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon opened a new location in Tower Grove, replacing its Midtown clinic in 2023.

To support the The Danis Pediatric Center, St. Louisans can head fieldside to August Busch Polo Club in Defiance on Sept. 21 for Glennon Gallop. Along with watching an exciting polo match, participants can choose from two experiences. VIP guests gain access to a climate-controlled tent where they can enjoy fine wine, a luncheon and auction, and Field-Side Party guests can choose to tailgate or watch from the bleachers. Both VIP and Field-Side options include a divot stomp and champagne toast on the field. “The level of outreach The Danis Pediatric Center provides would not be possible without events like Glennon Gallop,” Liskow says.

In the past, funds from the event have provided new equipment for the center and gone toward purchasing meals and other resources for patients. This year, Liskow notes The Danis Pediatric Center needs support expanding services at its Tower Grove location. “Half the clinic is not constructed,” she explains. “The money raised by Glennon Gallop will help us create an additional 15 patient rooms, allowing The Danis Pediatric Center to see thousands more patients annually. It’s an amazing opportunity to support children and their families and ensure they receive the care they need to thrive.” &

THE DANIS PEDIATRIC CENTER TOWER GROVE LOCATION

It Takes a Village

By Stephanie Wallace

At 90 years old, Gloria Gordon wasn’t ready to give up living independently. However, there was no question that it came with challenges. Inspired by a news story she had seen, she gathered a group of her neighbors in the Central West End to start a grassroots organization. The goal was simple: Work together to make aging in place more accessible and improve quality of life for older adults. A decade later, STL Village is a community of local seniors working to stay independent, active and engaged across the St. Louis region.

STL Village is part of a national movement. It started in 2001 when residents of the Beacon Hill neighborhood in Boston created a plan to support one another to ensure they could remain living independently in their homes. “The Village model builds upon an old concept of people working together as they age,” STL Village executive director Madeline Franklin explains. “We have a governing body that establishes policy, and our programs and activities are generated by our members.” Today, there are more than 240 Villages across the country, with even more in development.

There are three main components of STL Village’s programming. The first is assistance with daily household tasks thanks to volunteers. “For many older adults, chores are difficult or may be unsafe to do,” Franklin says. “Our volunteers help with things like raking leaves, shoveling snow and changing light bulbs. They also can help walk the dog or provide assistance with technology like setting up a computer or navigating email.” A major component of the volunteer program is transportation, ensuring Village members who can no longer drive can access doctors appointments, the grocery store and more. Since volunteers cannot help with every task, STL Village also connects members with preferred providers for larger household projects and other concerns, like in-home health care.

The final part of STL Village’s services are providing members with activities and programs. Last year, the nonprofit hosted more than 100 events, ranging from monthly coffee groups and art classes to visiting wineries and taking docent-led tours of local museums. “We visit places our members have always wanted to go but maybe didn’t have the opportunity in the past, and we also go out of town,” Franklin notes. “We’ve gone as far as Chicago, Kansas City and Bentonville, Arkansas. The bus is always humming with excitement.”

To make its programming possible, STL Village relies on membership fees. Full membership is open to anyone age 50 and older who lives within the membership service area. It includes access to in-home support, preferred providers and social activities. Associate membership isn’t limited by a geographic footprint. It’s an option for older adults who do not currently need assistance at home but would still like to participate in social activities. “Diversity and accessibility were important issues to our founding members,” Franklin says. “They established the Gloria Gordon Fund, which offers subsidized memberships for people who earn less than $40,000 a year. Thanks to support from the City of St. Louis Senior Fund, we’ve also been able to offer free memberships.”

This year, STL Village will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Franklin notes that it’s an exciting milestone, especially considering the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented in recent years. The organization primarily relies on meeting in person, so it had to find a way to transition its programming. “The pandemic was a time when many older people were becoming isolated, so we knew we had to adapt,” she says. “We were able to successfully transition to meeting online, which meant a lot to our members when they were confined to their homes.”

From its inception as a group of neighbors banning together, STL Village has grown to be a thriving community. Beyond offering in-home support, the nonprofit has become a source of connection and camaraderie for its members. “As you get older, your circle of friends diminishes,” Franklin notes. “You don’t have a network of colleagues to pull from and opportunities to socialize don’t happen all of the time. STL Village offers a way to meet people, develop friendships and stay involved in the St. Louis community. We have members with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. All of these people coming together and sharing these unique things makes for a vibrant experience.”

For more information, visit stlvillage.org.

Live Well

Pursue wellness your way at Friendship Village! Stay active by enjoying yoga and aquatic classes or a friendly bocce match. Enjoy a stroll around the winding paths of our campuses, then dig in to a chef-inspired and nourishing dinner with friends. Whatever wellness looks like for you, find it here at Friendship Village. Plan your visit today! Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Private Duty, Home Health, and Hospice options are also available. Chesterfield: (636) 898-8500

Stay Social

Social interaction can help keep your memory sharper longer. It helps ward off depression and isolation—both of which can contribute to memory loss. Socializing also provides the opportunity to talk about things you don’t want to forget or the new things you are learning. Look for opportunities to get together with family and friends, especially if you live alone.

KEEP ACTIVE

Physical activity has big benefits for all aspects of your health, including cognitive function. Exercise raises blood flow throughout the body, including the brain, which might help with memory. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults weekly get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. If you have a chronic condition or other health concerns that limit your physical activity, talk to your doctor or consult a fitness professional about what is within your abilities.

Organize Your Life

CLUTTERED SPACES AND DISARRAY MAY MAKE YOU MORE LIKELY TO FORGET THINGS. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS, TASKS AND EVENTS IN AN ORGANIZED MANNER—DON’T JUST LEAVE STICKY NOTES ALL OVER. YOU CAN DO THIS WITH A PHYSICAL PLANNER OR CALENDAR OR ORGANIZE YOURSELF DIGITALLY THROUGH YOUR CELL PHONE OR ANOTHER DEVICE. KEEP ESSENTIAL ITEMS, LIKE YOUR WALLET, KEYS, GLASSES OR PURSE, IN A SET PLACE SO YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHERE TO FIND THEM. WHEN DOING A TASK, LIMIT DISTRACTIONS. IF YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE INFORMATION YOU’RE TRYING TO REMEMBER, YOU’LL BE MORE LIKELY TO RECALL IT LATER.

USE YOUR SENSES.

Get Some Sleep

Restless sleep and not getting enough sleep have been linked to memory loss. Conversely, deep stages of sleep have been found to have a role in strengthening memories. Research has shown that adults older than 60 had a 70% loss of deep sleep compared to young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Aim to get seven to nine hours a night on a regular basis. If your sleep is regularly disrupted by snoring, talk with your health care provider as it may be an indicator of a sleep disorder or other health problems.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR memory sharp

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

One in eight Americans who are 60 years or older report having at least some memory loss and roughly 35% of them report problems with brain function, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Memory loss can come from a number of factors. If you’re worried about feeling forgetful,

EAT WELL

A healthy diet will benefit your brain, and research indicates that it can help you maximize your memory function. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, fish, healthier fats and herbs or seeds can give your brain a boost. Some powerhouse foods include berries, grapes, watermelon, avocados, dark leafy greens, beets, salmon, trout, shrimp, oysters, olive oil, walnuts, rosemary, sesame seeds and cacao seeds.

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT If you are trying to remember something new, reinforce the memory connection through repetition. Do this both verbally and by writing information down. This can be an effective tactic when trying to remember someone’s name or for recalling where items have been placed. Repetition is most effective as a memory tool when the timing is correct. Spacing out periods of study, especially if you are learning something complicated, can improve recall. Start by repeating it every hour before moving on to every few hours and then every day.

The more senses you engage when learning something, the more your brain will work to retain that memory. According to Harvard Health, research has shown that adults have better recall of images they see that are paired with a smell than those that are not. Brain imaging has shown that the piriform cortex, the main odor-processing region of the brain, activates when objects associated with odors are seen, even if the smell is no longer present. Take note of the smells, tastes and tactile sensations you experience when learning or trying something new.

Exercise Your Brain

Mental activity helps keep your brain in shape in the same way physical activity benefits your body. Engaging your mind can help prevent some memory loss. Mental activities include doing puzzles, reading and playing games. Trying new hobbies or learning musical instruments also challenge your brain. Get out of the house and try volunteering or working with a community group to further stay engaged.

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THE GATESWORTH ∑

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF SENIOR LIVING.

Unique. Extraordinary. Exceptional. These words are often used to describe experiences and places that are good—and may even be great. But such praise is most meaningful when it is earned, when the experience in question is truly unlike anything else, far exceeding the norm—when it is, in fact, the exception to the rule.

“We are confident that we offer our residents a lifestyle that really is exceptional,” says Carrie Montrey, executive director at The Gatesworth, St. Louis’ premiere community for active seniors. And U.S. News & World Report agrees, having placed The Gatesworth on its 2024 list of Best Independent Senior Living communities. “We are equally confident that we’re exceptional because our residents are,” she adds.

cars. Fitness and wellness classes are available, as well as customized programs and personal trainers.

What other evidence is there to indicate that a life lived at The Gatesworth is an extraordinary one? Some of The Gatesworth residents have weighed in on this very question.

“It’s amazing how quickly the staff get to know you. They call you by name and truly attend to things that keep you happy.”

showcase

“The Gatesworth has everything I wanted: beautiful grounds, lovely people, great food and entertainment—and so much more.”

Communities like The Gatesworth are rare, in part because of the long list of amenities to match the varied interests of its residents.

Some sing in the choir, others work in the garden, and still others enjoy onsite fine dining or movies in the theater. There’s yoga, a spa, heated saltwater pool, outdoor barbecues with friends and family, educational and cultural lectures and classes, worship services, evening cocktails and art classes. And that’s just the beginning.

“The Gatesworth means a happy productive life with new friends and that I never have to be alone again. I love the staff—they make us feel so special!”

“Life at The Gatesworth is simply exceptional.”

Ample parking is available for residents and their guests, as it should be—but so is scheduled transportation with a driver in one of the community’s luxury

“When we’re talking about our community and the lifestyle we offer to residents, we like to say, ‘The answer is yes. What is the question?’” Montrey explains. And that really gets to the heart of the matter. The Gatesworth staff are there to ensure residents get the most out of life, whatever they imagine that life might be.

But what matters most to residents of The Gatesworth is that the community feels like home. Because everyone has a slightly different idea of what home should be, The Gatesworth apartments—which come in one and two bedrooms—can be customized to suit personal tastes and needs. The moving process is customized, too, thanks to their move-in coordinator and her team, who are ready to help with the heavy lifting. They make any move a significantly less troublesome endeavor.

The Gatesworth co-owners, Charlie Deutsch, David Smith and Bob Leonard built the community because they wanted to create a place where, after years of sacrifices made for career and family, seniors could celebrate life as they aged. This “the best is yet to come” attitude is the foundation on which The Gatesworth stands.

The Gatesworth is, essentially, a community of active seniors, living life the way they define it; filling it with friends, family, new experiences, continuing education, new challenges, favorite hobbies, moments of contemplation and daily beauty—what could be more exceptional?

M C KNIGHT PLACE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care has redefined standards of senior assisted living with its personalized care, upscale amenities and vibrant community. It provides seniors the right opportunity to rediscover their “old selves” while discovering their “new selves.”

“Our residents are at the center of everything we do,” shares McKnight Place executive director Elizabeth Stotser. “Every decision, every enhancement, is made with their well-being in mind. We believe in providing not just a place to live but a home where residents can thrive and create meaningful memories.”

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Locally owned and operated, McKnight Place supports residents with licensed nursing staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On-site are speech, physical and occupational therapists and various exercise opportunities also keep residents physically and mentally sharp.

provide a secure and supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for both residents and their families.

It’s this dedication to person-centered care that has earned McKnight a place, once again, on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care communities. With its primary focus on the well-being and comfort of its residents, McKnight Place is the right place for seniors who wish to remain independent but need a bit of extra care. Learn how their all-inclusive pricing simplifies the decision-making process.

“Our residents are at the center of everything we do. Every decision, every enhancement, is made with their well-being in mind.”

And the community’s dedication to personalized care extends to its well appointed one and two bedroom apartments, where attention to detail transforms living spaces into havens of comfort. Crown molding and wood-style flooring add warmth and sophistication. Kitchens are equipped with granite countertops and full-size refrigerators, offering residents the convenience of preparing meals in a stylish and functional space.

If they prefer, residents can enjoy meals prepared by award-winning executive chef John Morales. Special requests are not only welcome but encouraged, fostering a dining atmosphere that residents truly appreciate. “Our team members truly appreciate when residents offer feedback and always encourage residents to share their favorite recipes,” adds Stotser.

Another distinction of McKnight Place is its commitment to ensuring new residents feel not just welcomed but truly at home. “Moving to a new place can be a significant transition,” Stotser explains. “That’s why we provide each new resident with a dedicated move-in coordinator. This professional works closely with the resident to understand their preferences and customize their living space, making the transition as seamless and comfortable as possible.”

Beyond the physical aspects of the living spaces, McKnight Place fosters a sense of community and social connection. Common areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction, and residents can participate in a variety of engaging activities. Whether it’s a group exercise class, a cultural event or simply sharing a cup of coffee in the cozy common areas, the community aims to provide a vibrant social life for its residents.

McKnight Place offers a plethora of on-site amenities, including a theater, art room, greenhouse, beauty salon, lush gardens and easy-to-navigate walking paths. Spacious gathering spaces facilitate everyday conversations, while private areas cater to family gatherings or special events.

The commitment to resident-centered care extends to the memory care services of McKnight Place. Specially trained staff members work closely with residents and their families to create personalized care plans that address the unique needs of those dealing with memory-related challenges. The goal is to

In the heart of the St. Louis region, nestled amidst serene gardens and charming village aesthetics, there exists a place where compassion and expertise converge to create a haven for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“For two decades, Parc Provence has stood as a beacon of hope,” says administrator Kathy Kelley. “As one of the nation’s pioneers in memory care, Parc Provence is not just another senior living community. It is a village of well-being—meticulously designed to nurture the physical and cognitive needs of each resident.”

Locally owned and managed, Parc Provence has a dedicated team of memory care specialists, working in partnership with esteemed physicians from Washington University School of Medicine, to ensure residents receive the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs. “Each of our residents lives in one of five households within the community,” Kelley explains. “Households are defined by similar abilities and care requirements, meaning each resident is part of a community with similar needs. Events and activities that occur within the household are tailored to individuals and include no more than ten people at a time, helping to ensure individualized care.”

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compassionate, patient-centered care.

• Staff members participate in on-going training and continuing education focused on the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Parc Provence’s staff-to-resident ratio is the highest in the industry for both daytime and evening shifts.

• Parc Provence provides a full continuum of memory care from assisted living to skilled nursing as well as on-site physical, occupation and speech therapy.

“Parc Provence understands that it takes a village to provide the best care possible, and that’s precisely what we offer.”

However, what truly sets Parc Provence apart is the immersive “village” lifestyle it provides for both residents and their families. “Within the community, residents enjoy a variety of daily activities, encompassing more than 60 diverse options,” says Kelley. “Stroll through our gardens, savor a treat at the ice cream parlor, discover a book in the library, explore the beauty of art in the gallery, or seek solace in the chapel—here, life is not just lived; it is celebrated.”

Parc Provence’s specialized care allows residents to live with dignity and families to find solace in knowing their loved ones are receiving the care they deserve. “We provide a safe, structured and supportive setting,” Kelley adds.

• Parc Provence’s registered nurses are available 24 hours each day, offering

For the families of dementia patients, Parc Provence’s village mentality offers much more than just peace of mind. Caring for loved ones facing the uncertainties of advanced stages of dementia can be an overwhelming journey.

“Parc Provence understands that it takes a village to provide the best care possible, and that’s precisely what we offer,” says Kelley.

Parc Provence’s holistic approach to memory care extends far beyond the physical needs of its residents. It focuses on preserving their dignity, enhancing their quality of life and creating an environment where they can thrive despite their challenges. It empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives while celebrating the unique qualities that make them who they are.

The journey of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is challenging, but at Parc Provence, it is a journey embraced with compassion, grace and community. Together, residents, family members and staff navigate the uncertain terrain and create moments of joy, connection and love.

Parc Provence’s commitment to excellence, dedication to providing personalized care and unwavering belief in the power of community make it the leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has placed Parc Provence, once again, on its list of 2023-2024 Best Memory Care communities.

Discover the difference Parc Provence can make in your loved one’s life. Caring for someone with dementia takes a village, and Parc Provence is here to be a part of yours. Call 314.542.2500 to learn more.

every ing SENIOR

HealthFlash

by stephanie wallace

CANCER SCREENING EQUITY

Mercy is working to break down barriers to cancer screenings through early detection blood tests. While the tests are not covered by insurance yet, the health care system offers a percentage of free tests to those considered high-risk who are unable to pay. It also will join GRAIL’s Real-world Evidence to Advance Multi-Cancer Early Detection Health Equity (REACH) study, an initiative which enrolls patients from underserved communities free of charge. “This is the first version of multi-cancer early detection testing,” says Dr. Gautum Agarwal, urologic oncologist and director of Mercy’s Office of Precision Medicine. “As additional trials are completed and the test becomes more efficient in terms of the cost to run the samples, we expect the cost to decrease over time.”

ALZHEIMER’S ADVANCES

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a way to model the effects of aging in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease without a brain biopsy. The team devised a method to study aged neurons by transforming skin cells from patients with Alzheimer’s into brain cells. The lab-derived neurons accurately reproduce the hallmarks of the dementia, including amyloid beta buildup, tau protein deposits and neuronal cell death. “Sporadic, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease, representing more than 95% of cases,” says Andrew Yoo, Ph.D., a professor of developmental biology. “It has been very difficult to study in the lab due to the complexity of the disease stemming from various risk factors, including aging as an important contributor. Until now, we did not have a way to capture the effects of aging in the cells to study late-onset Alzheimer’s.”

RESEARCHING KIDNEY DISEASE

Saint Louis University is enrolling living kidney donors as part of a study to assess the use of genetic testing to mitigate racial disparities in the health outcomes of people with chronic kidney disease. Professor of medicine Dr. Krista Lentine is part of a network working to shed light on the topic, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently awarded her team an additional five years of funding for APOLLO, one of the most extensive and longest-running national studies conducted in the field of transplantation. “African ancestry is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure in the general population overall and following living donation,” Lentine says. “Moreover, kidney transplants from deceased donors with African ancestry have an increased risk of graft failure compared to organs from non-African ancestral donors.”

SENIOR BUZZ

ACCESSIBLE HOME

HEALTH CARE OF ST. LOUIS

We understand the needs of seniors in our community. Aging in place is high on their list of desires. That is why we provide in-home care from compassionate and qualified caregivers. Give us a call to learn how we can create a customized plan to take care of you or a loved one.

PICTURED: OWNERS ANDY SCHNECK AND LYNN SCHNECK 443 N. New Ballas Road, Ste. 231 314.738.9979 accessiblestl.com

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE SENIOR SERVICES

Pursue wellness your way at Friendship Village! Stay active with workout classes, bocce matches and strolls around campus. Then enjoy chef-prepared, nourishing meals with friends. Whatever wellness looks like for you, find it here! 15201

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THE GATESWORTH

Spa/One, our world-class day spa, provides an unforgettable experience in mind-body harmony. We offer a complete selection of health, beauty and relaxation services and products, exquisitely packaged and designed for seniors. One McKnight Place 314.993.0111 thegatesworth.com

THE GRANDE SENIOR LIVING

We have three greater St. Louis communities for older adults seeking a vibrant community that celebrates life and independence. Here, our compassionate care caters to a variety of lifestyles, so every resident feels supported and valued. Visit our website for more information. bridgeseniorliving.com

M c KNIGHT PLACE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

At McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care, you can enjoy a life rich in quality care, genuine friendships and fun activities. Our community was designed to provide the warm, comfortable feeling of home in a safe and secure environment with beautifully landscaped gardens, outdoor spaces and walking paths. 3 McKnight Place 314.993.3333 mcknightplace.com

PARC PROVENCE

Parc Provence offers its residents and their families exceptional care for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through dedicated, person-centered support. As a community of well-being, Parc Provence empowers senior adults by promoting individual physical and cognitive abilities.

605 Coeur de Ville Drive 314.542.2500 parcprovence.com

T & S HOME

7 HUNTINGTON LANE, CREVE COEUR

by stephanie wallace

| $2,499,000 LISTING AGENTS | SARAH BERNARD AND KAREN KELLY AGENCY | REDKEY REALTY LEADERS PHONE | 314.780.9070

from the homeowners »

Sitting on 1.75 acres, 7 Huntington Lane has the air of a stately country estate. It’s hard to believe that it’s nestled in Creve Coeur. It combines the space and natural beauty of the countryside with the convenience of city living. “The home is like a retreat in the middle of the city,” the current homeowner notes. “The property is a unique mix of urban and rural life. It’s been an absolute joy to live here.”

“They

from the agents »

THIS IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR A HOME THAT LOOKS LIKE IT’S

RIGHT OFF A MOUNTAINSIDE IN COLORADO.”

–SARAH BERNARD AND KAREN KELLY

What have you enjoyed about the home’s location? It’s very convenient, since it’s close to Lindbergh Boulevard and Interstate 270. You can get around town easily. I work in Clayton, so it’s nice to have easy access to the downtown area. The home backs up to Bayer’s properties, and we only have one neighbor. It’s very private, and there is a lot of wildlife. We’ve had deer, flocks of turkeys and owls—you wouldn’t expect it so close to the city.

Tell me about the outdoor spaces.

I love the front porch. It faces due west, so you get to see some amazing sunsets. It’s covered, and you can enjoy it throughout most of the year. We even sit out there in the winter. We also have great landscape lighting, which highlights the bushes and trees. The property really comes to life at night. It’s beautiful.

How is the home for entertaining?

The home actually has two main buildings. The main house is really open, with great flow between the

kitchen, living room and dining room. The second building is the garage, which doubles as a pool house and more. It looks like an Italian villa on the inside with 30-feet ceilings. People can easily move between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and there is room for games like pool and ping pong. The property has really great options for entertaining.

Do you have a favorite room?

My favorite is the breakfast room. It has windows on three sides, and I love to sit and write. There’s a little pond right outside, so you get some really great views.

What would you like the next homeowners to know?

It’s not built in a traditional two-story fashion, but it’s great for families. There are two master suites, one on each level. The first floor features French doors that lead to the patio. If you have kids, they can hang out with their friends in the garage, and they won’t bother you. &

“After

“The

- Gabriella G.

- Tricia E.

- Adam A.

PHOTOS: THAT ONE SUMMER

Gladys Manion proudly announces the addition of a buyer broker compensation field for our listings on the website. This pioneering step in the real estate industry provides transparency that empowers buyers with crucial information to support a more informed decision-making process when considering a new home. By embracing transparency during this time of industry evolution, Gladys Manion continues to set a precedent for customer-centric practices in real estate..

FROM THE BLOG OF...

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE NANCY MEYERS AESTHETIC

Nancy Meyers films are known for warm, inviting, homey interiors that always feel lived-in but well-cared-for. The essence of her design style is all about softness, warm colors, subtle patterns and rooms that make you just want to curl up with a book and indulge in its comfort. If you've ever found yourself yearning for that same sense of comfort and sophistication in your own space, look no further. We’re here to help you bring the Nancy Meyers aesthetic into your home.

Key Elements of a Nancy Meyers Home

The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is about capturing the feeling of home—a place where every corner tells a story and every detail invites you to stay a while. Embrace comfort, elegance, and charm, and you'll find yourself living in your very own Nancy Meyers film. So, dim the lights, cue your favorite movie soundtrack, and let your home become the backdrop for your own heartwarming story.

1. SLIPCOVER SOFAS

Think sofas you can just sink into. Opt for plush sofas draped in soft, slipcover fabrics for that effortless elegant look.

2. SPINDLE CHAIRS

These classic pieces are both charming and comfortable—ideal for creating intimate seating areas that encourage conversation.

3. CHINOISERIE DECOR

Introduce a touch of traditional style with Chinoiserie accents. A well-known classic, the style’s playful patterns and shades of blue and white create a soothing and serene space.

4. COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

Stack them high! Coffee table books not only serve as great conversation starters but also add visual interest and personality to your space.

5. WOVEN ACCENTS

Whether it's a jute rug or a wicker basket, woven elements bring a natural, relaxed vibe to any room.

6. CURATED ARTWORK

Choose artwork that complements the room's color palette and reflects your personal style, creating focal points that draw the eye.

7. SOFT MATERIALS

Invest in upholstery and textiles that are soft and durable like high-quality linens, velvets or cotton for that luxurious yet approachable feel.

8. FRESH OR FAUX FLOWERS

Keep a vase handy for fresh blooms to brighten up any corner, echoing Meyers' penchant for adding a touch of nature indoors.

9. MIX OF PATTERNS AND FABRICS

Don't be afraid to mix stripes with florals or solids with plaids. The key is to create a harmonious blend that feels effortlessly put together. &

QUICK BITES

by stephanie wallace

OPENS

CLOSES &

After much anticipation, chef Gerard Craft’s Porano has returned! The fast-casual Italian spot is now open in Des Peres at 13323 Manchester Road. … The Napoli Group family of restaurants has expanded. Napoli Bros. Pizza and Pasta is serving up Italian classics at The District in Chesterfield. … Venezuelan street food spot Los Chamos Restaurant has taken over the former home of Taft Street Restaurant & Bar at 4457 Gravois Ave. in the Bevo neighborhood. … Take Root Hospitality’s Taqueria Morita started as a warm-weather pop-up at Vicia. Now, it’s got its own space at 4239 Duncan Ave. in the Central West End … Beloved CWE restaurant

The Scottish Arms has closed permanently. The pub originally opened in May 2005.

SOMETHING TO “WINE” ABOUT

Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordan Ramsay at Four Seasons Hotel

St. Louis is receiving national recognition—just a month after opening! The restaurant earned the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine for the breadth and depth of its wine list. Other restaurants in St. Louis to receive the distinction include Casa Don Alfonso, 801 Chophouse, 801 Fish, The Capital Grille, Café Napoli, Morton’s, Herbie’s, Truffles, Elaia, Madrina and Blood & Sand

GOING TO THE DOGS

Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton is offering pet-friendly “Yappy Hours” on Tuesdays in August. Pups can enjoy barkuterie boards and puppy mocktails, and the hotel is offering painting activities for pets and their owners. There is a $15 fee for each dog, but human companions attend for free. On Aug. 27, Le Meridien will host a special adoption event with the APA of Missouri, featuring seven adoptable dogs. To RSVP, visit Eventbrite.

AT THE DISTRICT

Two local faves have opened new concepts at the Delmar Maker District. The new eateries are part of the Maker’s Locale, a new event and dining complex. The Fountain on Delmar is a spinoff of the Fountain on Locust, featuring a limited menu of baked goods, ice cream dishes, cocktails and coffee. Unlike its sister location, it does not include lunch and dinner offerings. Also open is a new location of Steve’s Hot Dogs, which is offering a greatest hits of the menu of its South Grand location.

FRONT & CENTER

SAINT LOUIS DANCE THEATRE

by stephanie wallace

WHEN THE BIG MUDDY DANCE COMPANY launched in 2010, it featured just six dancers who performed around the St. Louis area building momentum for the grassroots organization. As it enters its 14th season, the company is ready to enter a new era of innovation and excellence. To mark this transition, it rebranded as Saint Louis Dance Theatre. T&S spoke to executive director Erin Prange about what’s next for the dance company.

What is the mission of the Saint Louis Dance Theatre?

Our mission is to invigorate life through dance. We do this in many different ways, including mainstage productions, outreach and education. Saint Louis Dance Theatre is an instrument of optimism through inclusivity and artistic excellence.

Why did the company rebrand from Big Muddy Dance Company?

It’s been a journey. Saint Louis Dance Theatre is actually the name we legally incorporated under before changing to Big Muddy, so this is a full circle moment. Big Muddy was a wonderful name during our growth. It got people interested and asking questions, and it gave us regional identification. In 2022, Kirven Douthit-Boyd became our artistic director, leading us with a vision of what could be possible in St. Louis when it comes to dance and the arts in general. Our goal is to make artistic excellence happen and build infrastructure to bring a new generation of dancers to St. Louis. We wanted to include St. Louis in our name because we’re working to put the city on the national map of arts destinations.

How is dance changing in St. Louis?

BREW NEWS

4 Hands Brewing Co. has teamed up with local artist Brock Seals to give a new look to its City Wide lager. The new can design will be featured at the upcoming Festival of Nations (Aug 24 and 25). A percentage of sales from all beer sold at festival sponsored events will be donated to the International Institute of St. Louis. … In more City Wide news, 4 Hands also has launched a light version of the brew. Light beer fans can also check out the new Zwickel Light from Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. &

In general, I think dance as an arts discipline has been underrepresented in St. Louis. When Big Muddy first started in 2010, we saw a surge in small companies being founded, and there was a lot of growth behind the scenes for the local dance community. Now, we’re seeing another surge of growth, but it’s happening in more public spaces. We are transitioning to establishing St. Louis on a national and global level, and that means a lot of great partnerships between organizations of varying disciplines. The arts community really is leaning into collaboration instead of competition. That’s one of the beautiful things about St. Louis.

How has the Saint Louis Dance Theatre evolved?

The amount of growth we’ve accomplished in our short history is pretty outstanding. Our founder Paula David had visions of what could be done in St. Louis. She was a former member of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. With that experience, she promoted the idea that we could grow confidently, and Douthit-Boyd has guided us into a new caliber of dance. Every season has been vastly different, exploring new ideas and collaborations. It’s an exciting place to be. What can people expect from the upcoming season?

We have a lineup of nationally and internationally renowned guest artists coming in. These include Jiří Kylián, one of the greatest contemporary dance choreographers and a former artistic director of Nederlands Dans Theater; Jamar Roberts, who was a resident choreographer for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Robert Battle, who was the artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater until 2023; José Limón, who is a pioneer of modern dance; and Norbert De La Cruz III, who is the most emerging choreographer of the lineup, but we’re excited to see what he does. We’re also working with Jazz St. Louis for a production of Duke Ellington’s interpretation of The Nutcracker. The season kickoffs Oct. 24 to 27 with our fall concert (Re)Claim, and our annual Movers and Shakers Ball is Oct. 26 and includes a mainstage production. We’re presenting various programs, so each evening will be unique.

For more information, visit saintlouisdancetheatre.org

HOMEWORK

DEAR HOMEWORK,

We recently purchased a ’20s-era brick, two-story home in a charming area of University City. We want to freshen up the exterior. Do you think adding shutters and real slate on the front porch (and not the main roof) would help the appearance? Would some different colors make sense? Finally, the landscaping and the stair rail are minimal at the moment. Perhaps you could suggest some upgrades.

Thanks so much,

DEAR U. CITY SLEEPER,

The battered (slightly angled) walls, large wood brackets and diamond paned windows are all classic components of the Arts and Crafts movement. This style is intended to impart a welcoming, casual charm that would be underscored with the addition of new wood shutters. New slate at the front porch could provide a jumping-off point for choosing new colors and won’t compete with the barely visible asphalt of the main roof. That said, a slate mix of green, blue-gray and maroon could be echoed with new trim, shutter and front door colors. The landscape needs to be more “complete” with more continuous plantings. A bold base line of flowers would amp up the charm. Final details like the new slate-green handrail, window box and slate-blue urns pull the whole look together.

Hope that helps, —HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK WAS PENNED BY THE LATE PAUL DOERNER, FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE LAWRENCE GROUP. TO CELEBRATE HIS LEGACY,