StreetScape Magazine - July | August 2016 by TPH Media

2 StreetScape Magazine

Table of Contents

4. Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note 8. Society Health & Fitness 14. Bike Stop Cafe - Bicycle Safety 15. St. Louis' Oldest Triathlon We Salute You! 24. Mission: Veterans Museum 28. The Patt Holt Singers Back to School 32. History of Homeschooling 34. The Leader in Me Program 36. Success Campus 37. Job Shadowing & Mentoring Program Home Sweet Home 44. CityScaping a Loft 46. Custom Gates 48. The Smitheys are Building a Container Home Fashion 54. Summer Chic at The Meadows Wedding 66. The Wellington Wedding 68. Ask the Expert - Wedding on a Budget 71. A Wedding Dream Comes True Glad Hearts 72. Mark Hollander - The Sparrow's Nest Styled - Sizzle 80. It's All About the Water - Lake of the Ozarks 82. Fireworks! 84. Kabob and Grilling Recipes... Some Like it HOT! 86. Wentzville Fire Protection District Expansion FutureScape 90. Bonnie the Police Dog

Cover Image Credits Layout Design: Tim Rose Photography: Lance Tilford Styling: Tamara Tungate Hair/Makeup: Julie Dietrich Model: Petya Dafova with West Model & Talent On the Model: Dress: Leopard Boutique, Fringe Purse, Sandals: MOss Boutique, Headband: Baubles, Bites & Boots

July | August

Publisher’s Note

r! Happy Summe

Welcome to the July/August issue of StreetScape. Inside you’ll find inspiration, entertainment, community, fashion and so much more. We are finding inspiration at TPH Media with our new projects including a new Video Production & Photography Studio…to open in late July or early August. It will include a whisper room for voiceovers, green & white walls for photographers, who can rent the space for a nominal fee. In addition, we are excited about our new digital platform launching in the next few weeks, which will raise the bar for websites! Watch for our announcement on Facebook for when it becomes live. Highlighted on the new digital platform will be StreetScape Fashion Week 2016, “Romancing the Runway,” as well as our annual Beyond the Best business awards. Fashion Week’s stage production this year is being sponsored by Exclusive Events…and promises to be bigger and better than ever! And for Beyond the Best, we are proud to have BJC St Charles County as our Gold Sponsor this year. If your business or organization would like to sponsor either of these events, both of which support local charities, please contact Scott Mell at 314.537.5655. I’d like to recognize an outstanding business in our community. Masterclock has been awarded the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. “Masterclock’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. As you can see, we have a lot to celebrate in our community. I look forward to seeing you at the various festivals and events throughout the Summer.

Tom Hannegan, Publisher

Who is reading

e have been keeping a close eye on you. We don’t send out secret agents or spy on you through the computer. And don’t worry…no microchips are embedded in the magazine. Instead, every year we have an independent circulation audit company research our Readers and give us an official multi-page report that tells us just who is reading StreetScape Magazine.

We do this because we want to let our Advertising Partners know what audience they reach when they buy advertising in our magazine. And, in order to highlight local people, businesses and events that are the most informative and inspiring, we want to understand as much about you as we can. The audit company we hire, Circulation Verification Council (CVC), a nationally known company of high regard, is based right here in St. Louis. Their staff surveys hundreds of readers with complete and in-depth questionnaires. We thought you may be interested in knowing who else reads StreetScape Magazine and how often. Here are some findings from our most recent audit: • 89% of our readers are between 25-54; 61% are female. Streetscape also has impressive reader house hold income levels, with 79% of readers reporting a household income over $50,000. • Our pick‐up rate per issue is 97.5% - compared to the national average of 83%. • With a net circulation of 29,225 and an average of 3.975 readers per issue (the national average is 1.75), we deliver 116,169 estimated readers per printed issue (that doesn’t even include our online readership). • 68% of readers surveyed report they retain a copy of StreetScape for one month or more. • 74% of StreetScape readers say they buy products advertised in the magazine. Even though we have a lot of good stats, we need your help to keep us up-to-date and informed of your reading habits and purchasing desires. Please log onto www.StreetScapeMagazine.com to take a short survey to tell us what you think about StreetScape Magazine. On behalf of the StreetScape Team, thank you so much and we hope you will keep enjoying StreetScape!

These statements are supported by The President's “E” Award Presented to John Clark and Mary Clark

4 StreetScape Magazine

CVC.com

July | August

d n i h e B the es n e c S Tom Hannegan Founder & Publisher Tom@StreetScapeMag.com

6 StreetScape Magazine

DISTRIBUTED TO Chesterfield • Cottleville • Dardenne Prairie

Lake St. Louis • Maryland Heights • New Town O’Fallon • St. Charles • St. Louis • St. Peters Weldon Spring • Wentzville • Wright City ADVISORY BOARD Deborah Alessi

Steve Kaspar

Susan Berthold

Mike Klinghammer

Nadine Boon

Kelley Lamm

Linda Brown-Didion

Martha Mazzola

Steve Church

Bob Millstone

John Clark

Connie Petree

Sally Faith

Susie Pundmann

April Feldewerth

Linda Sanchez

Lorna Frahm

Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee

Grace Harmon

Victoria Schmitt-Babb

Mike Haverstick

Keith Schneider

Ann Hazelwood

Vicki Schneider

Jason Hughes

Mary West

Dianne Isbell

Brian Wies

Lisa Kalz

George Wise

Volume 18, Issue 4 July | August 2016 TPH Media 223 North Main Street | St. Charles, Missouri 63301 (855) 358.7526 Fax: (866) 231.6159 www.StreetScapeMagazine.com Judy@StreetScapeMag.com StreetScape Magazine is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. #3251745 Any reproduction of StreetScape Magazine or its contents requires publishers written consent. StreetScape Magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. StreetScape Magazine reserves the right to refuse an advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

July | August

Society

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters & Progress West Foundation Golf Classic May 9, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Bogey Hills Country Club A little rain didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampen the spirits of the over 150 golfers that came out in support of the Barnes-Jewish St. Peters & Progress West Foundation on Monday, May 9th. The funds raised from the event go to support patient care services like massage therapy, a psychologist, activity carts and more for our Siteman Cancer Patients. Additionally, the foundation ensures that all patients can get the therapy they need by providing funding for transportation to and from treatment. Thank you to all of our golfers, volunteers and our lead sponsors BJC HealthCare, TeamHealth, Enterprise Bank & Trust and Kadean Construction. Photos courtesy of Michael Schlueter

8 StreetScape Magazine

Imagine Gala- St. Charles City-County Library Foundation May 14, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa, St. Charles, MO The St. Charles City-County Library Foundation hosted its third Imagine Gala, themed, Harry Potter. Over 280 guests became magical wizards by raising more than $126,000 to support community outreach programs like Read to Read. Programs like this are not supported by tax payers money, but rather donations from the community. Photos by Michael Schlueter

N K

A. Co-Chairs Alderman William and Tania Hillmer B. Mary West, Tom Hannegan, Board of Trustee - Gail Zumwalt C. Board President - Kris and Patti Weidenbenner D. Dianne and George Garrison, Mary West, Keith and Ann Hazelwood, Rudy Beck, and Board of Trustee - Sandy Polley E. Executive Director of the Foundation - Erica Land F. Amanda Luebbenhusen, Harry Potter characters, Board Member, Victoria Schmitt Babb, Jenise Nea, and Sarah Huisman G. Library District staff dressed up in Harry Potter costumes H. President of Mercy Kids - Dr. Joe Kahn I. Justine Riggs, Brent Batliner, Joyce Fulton, Kalei Riggs J. Rick Oloteo and Laura Helling K. Linda Didion, Maurice Vick, Tom Hannegan, Linda Sanchez, Scott Mell, April and Paul Moxley L. Leslie Spears - Executive Director of the Foundation, Erica Land, and Martha Mazzola M. Laura Helline, Bonnie Huffman, Diane Papageorge N. Owl from World Bird Sanctuary

July | August

Society

Uncorked – A Cause for Paws May 15, 2016 • Foundry Art Centre The community came together for an afternoon of live music, a fantastic auction, and samplings of the region’s best wine, beer, spirits, and food. Proceeds from Uncorked allow Five Acres Animal Shelter, St. Charles County’s only no-kill animal shelter, to help rescue and find homes for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Photos by Michael Schlueter

I J H G

A. Jerry and Ruth Anne Scheidegger, (Five Acres Animal Shelter Board President), Christine Buck, and Dave Mason B. Brett Young, Country Music Recording Artist, performing for the Uncorked attendees C. Barb Brummet, Nancy Crawford, and Joyce Shaw D. Auctioneer Andy Garrett and Five Acres Animal Shelter Volunteers Deb Yager, Emily Zull and Holly Bagby (from left to right) holding some of the adorable puppies that benefit from the funds raised at Uncorked E. Brett Young, Country Music Recording Artist, and Todd Jones (Uncorked Chairman and VP of Five Acres Animal Shelter Board) F. Kathryn G. Favre Foundation attendees G. Lewis & Clark owner Dan Badock, vendor for Uncorked H. Brook and Eliana Dubman looking at silent auction items I. Tom and Diana Huling and Chris Goellner during the live auction J. Betty Baker, Joyce Shaw and Nancy Crawford

10 StreetScape Magazine

David Baker & Brian Scheidegger’s 7th Annual Summer Kickoff Party May 19, 2016 • Quintessential Dining & Nightlife Each year, Brian & David host a summer kick off party to raise money for local charities. This year’s recipient was SSM Cardinal Glennon in Lake St. Louis. After 7 years, Brian & David have raised over $200,000 to benefit local charities. Photos by Michael Schlueter

July | August

Society

Crisis Nursery Soirée June 8, 2016 • Quintessential Restaurant and Nightlife A lively crowd descended upon historic Main Street in downtown St. Charles to support Crisis Nursery’s Wine & Martini Soiree. The event, which raised $5,000, was held at Quintessential Restaurant and Nightlife, Tom and Carolyn Hughes were Honorary Event Chairs. The event benefitted three St. Charles area Crisis Nurseries. The Nurseries combined have provided crisis counseling to more than 2,300 parents through the 24-hour helpline. Photos courtesy of Crisis Nursery

F E

C D

H G

A. Crisis Nursery Community Relations Director - Bonnie Define (far right) with (l-r) Jeanne Strickland, Shelley Barr, and Angel Magasano B. DiAnne Mueller - CEO of Crisis Nursery, with Raegan and Jeff Parrish C. Celisia Harris, Danielle Smith, and George Ladd D. Mille Cain with Dee Bax E. Raegan Parrish (center) with friends F. Jodi Lang (far right) with guests G. StreetScape ladies H. DiAnne Mueller, Mary Beth Engler, and Ted Engler

Mike Matheny’s Catch 22 Foundation Gun’s, Clubs & Guitars June 16, 2016 • Strathalbyn Farms Club & Old Hickory Golf Club Participants and celebrity guests began the day with sporting clays at Strathalbyn, competed in a nine hole golf tournament at Old Hickory and capped off the day with a private intimate performance by MercyMe. Photos courtesy of Michael Schlueter

F E

A. Mike Matheny, Kristie Scheidegger, and Dick Shaiper B. Sporting Clays at Strathalbyn C. Robert Heller, Mark Niebling, Katie Sisler, Mike Matheny, Rex Sinquefield, and Derek Lilliquist D. Event Awards E. Thom Sehnert, Penny Glanvill, and Joe Pottebaum F. MercyMe

12 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

Bike

STOP Cafe

Bikes along the Katy Trail

Story by Kate Santellano Photos by Michael Schlueter The warm summer months bring people outside. The kids are out of school and want to have fun. Everyone wants to eat outside, shop outside, and exercise outside. The warm months are a perfect blend of exercise and fun. Bicycling is among one of the most popular summer activities. It does not require years of practice and is suitable for all ages. While a bicycle can offer health, financial and environmental benefits, it can also bring the dangers associated with any vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclists accounted for two percent of all traffic fatalities and two percent of all crash-related injuries in 2012. Yet many crashes involving bicycles could be avoided if all bicyclists and motorists followed the rules of the road. In all 50 states, bicycles are considered vehicles and bicyclists are considered operators of vehicles. As bicycles become more popular, safety is increasingly becoming a concern. “Cities, states, communities and developers need to be more more responsive to the increased use of bicycles as a main form of transportation,” said Jodi Devonshire, owner of Bike Stop Cafe and Outpost in St. Charles. While developers are creating communities that are conducive to bicycles, “the city needs to recognize this is an issue and allocate resources to identify and create areas in the city that can be more walkable and bikeable,” Devonshire added. Bicyclists should make sure they are aware of ways to keep safe, starting with having the proper safety equipment. Bike Stop Cafe and Outpost sells all safety equipment including helmets, lights, reflective apparel and accessories.

14 StreetScape Magazine

According to NHTSA, these 10 smart rules for bike safety will ensure a fun and safe experience. 1. Protect your head. Wear a bicycle helmet. Everyone – at every age – should wear a properly fitting helmet. 2. Ride on a dedicated bike path or park. The Katy Trail is one of America’s longest trails, spanning over 230 miles, stretching across most of Missouri, making it an ideal excursion. Whether you choose to follow Lewis and Clark’s path or meander through peaceful farmland and search out small-town Americana, you can be removed from heavy automotive traffic. 3. Stay visible. Use lights when biking at night or in low-light conditions. 4. Obey all traffic laws and lights. The same rules for automobiles apply to bicycles. 5. Go with the flow. Bike in the direction of traffic. 6. Don’t get distracted. Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone while riding. 7. Assure “bicycle readiness.” Make sure your bike is properly adjusted and the saddle is in a comfortable position. 8. Do a quick bike test. Check brakes and wheels. Make sure “quick release” wheels are properly secured. 9. Look, signal and look again. Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you are going. Look and make eye contact. Do not assume drivers will stop. 10. Act like a car. Drivers are used to the patterns of other drivers. Don’t weave in and out of traffic. The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Check for, and be aware of, traffic around you. ¤

Biking the Katy Trail near St. Charles Inside dining area at Bike Stop Cafe

St. Louis’ Oldest Triathlon

Grounded in Community Unity Story by Angel Magasano Photos courtesy of Lake St. Louis Lake St. Louis is home to the oldest and most popular organized triathlon event in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and this summer it is celebrating its 34th year. The last ten years have sold out, and participants come from all over the country to race. The triathlon has exploded in popularity for many reasons. It is the ultimate cross-training sport, with swimming, running, and biking, allowing a person to have variety in training and avoid the injuries that plague single-sport athletes. Triathlons also present a new challenge to those who have previously competed in only one sport. Finally, the people who participate in triathlons are a strong community of athletes from beginners to professionals.

No matter what level of experience or ability, there is a something for everyone. Many triathlons offer a relay-style race, so groups of three can all compete together and each athlete only has to focus on one leg of the race. Due to its longstanding tradition, residents know the route of the Lake St. Louis Triathlon and attend to show their support of the athletes that are competing. “This is the big event for the city. It’s what the city is known for,” remarked Chris White, Recreation Supervisor for the Lake St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department. “Many will show up with hoses or turn on their sprinklers for runners to keep them cool.”

traffic control, and water stops. Some people even volunteer to play music along the route.

“People that have traveled here have said, ‘Wow, what a great community!’ We have even had people relocate here after the (continued on page 23)

Professional athlete Dr. Keelin Baine-Russell, Certified Personal Trainer with Emerge Fitness Training knows this first-hand. “While growing up in Lake St. Louis, my family lived on the running route of the triathlon and not too far from the clubhouse where the swimming took place. My brothers and sisters and I would run to the lake to watch the swimmers compete, and then hurry home to set up sprinklers, get the hose out, and fill cups of water to help cool off the runners as we cheered loudly for them when they passed by.”

“Knowing someone who was competing was so exciting and you instantly placed them on a pedestal because of what they accomplished,” says Dr. Russell. “I grew up thinking that every person who wanted to prove their athleticism MUST compete in the triathlon. To this day, a lot of these feelings still ring true. I love being at my parents’ house when the race is happening, and I still stand out in the driveway and cheer as the runners go by. A few years ago, my sister drove in from Indiana to compete in the race, and it became one of her first triathlons in what has turned into an illustrious Ironman career. The Lake St. Louis Triathlon was necessary to check off the list, complete her resume, and fulfill a childhood dream.”

To the residents of Lake St. Louis, the triathlon is not just a celebration of a healthy lifestyle, it is also about community unity. It takes over 120 volunteers to help with numbering athletes, set up, July | August

Mercy Virtual Care Center

Virtual Care Center Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos courtesy of Mercy On the first floor of Mercy Virtual stands a reflecting pool that extends from beneath the primary staircase in the lobby of the building, through the all-glass wall, to the outside in front of the main entrance. Every 60 seconds, a drop of water creates a ripple moving outward from the center of the pool to the world outside. Robert Nicholson, PhD, is a psychologist and the director of Customer Solutions at Mercy Virtual. Nicholson said the pool is a reminder of the far-reaching work the virtual care center is doing to enrich and extend the minutes, days and years of the lives of the people they serve. Mercy officially opened the doors of its virtual care center in October 2015. In less than a year, the one-of-a-kind facility has made waves across the country with regard to high tech, innovative health care. Touted as “the world’s first facility dedicated entirely to care outside its own walls,” the $54 million, four-story, 125,000-square-foot building houses well over 300 employees – but no patients. “It’s like a hospital without beds,” said Dr. Randy Moore, president of Mercy Virtual. “We have the medical team here, but with technology like highly sensitive cameras and real-time vital signs, our providers can ‘see’ patients where they are. That may be in one of Mercy’s traditional hospitals, a physician’s office or, in some cases, the patient’s home.” Nicholson said the new center is really a modern example of what Mercy has always been about. “What we’re doing virtually is just extending what the Sisters of Mercy have been doing for nearly 200 years,” he said. Though the Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986, its heritage began long before that with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley. McAuley opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827. There she welcomed, taught and cared for the homeless, unemployed, sick and abandoned. McAuley later founded the Sisters of Mercy, the first religious order not bound to the rules of the cloister, whose sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. “They were pioneers of medicine and how they handled care, and we are pioneers of medicine for what we’re doing in the 21st century,” Nicholson said. 16 StreetScape Magazine

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to serve and interact with patients in different locations via two-way video, email, smart phones, wireless devices, and other forms of technology. Nicholson said that while telemedicine has been around for more than four decades, recent advances have integrated it into the daily operations of hospitals, home health agencies, and private physician offices, as well as homes and workplaces. But telemedicine is just a part of the solution, says Nicholson. “If it was going to transform medicine, it would have already done so,” he said. “We have incredibly talented, seasoned clinicians who understand how to interact with local providers as well as patients themselves. It’s a unique asset that is unmatched in the country.” That’s where virtual care comes in. It uses telemedicine technology, but also integrates it with real-time, electronic, health record data. Advanced technology and streamlined processes detect and serve patients’ needs immediately and provide more efficient ways for virtual clinicians and bedside caregivers to work together to improve patient care. Mercy Virtual, located on S. Outer Forty Road in Chesterfield, is the nerve center for Mercy’s telemedicine programs including: Mercy SafeWatch – Launched in 2006, it’s the largest, single-hub, electronic, intensive care unit (ICU) in the nation. Doctors and nurses monitor patients’ vital signs and provide a second set of eyes to bedside caregivers in 30 ICUs across five states. SafeWatch ICUs have seen a 15 percent reduction in how long patients stay in the hospital. Telestroke – Many community emergency rooms (ERs) across the country don’t have a neurologist on-site. With Mercy’s telestroke program, patients who come to the ER with symptoms of a stroke can be seen immediately by a neurologist via telemedicine. Virtual Hospitalists – A team of doctors is dedicated to seeing patients within the hospital around-the-clock using virtual care technology. They can order needed tests or read results, providing quicker care.

Home Monitoring – Mercy provides continuous monitoring for hundreds of chronically ill patients in their homes after hospitalization. Other programs now being pioneered by Mercy Virtual include a partnership with Penn State Health. Mercy virtually monitors intensive care unit (ICU) patients at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a leading university health center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The partnership will continue to expand over time across Penn State Health facilities to create new care models across the region.

Nurses are available 24 hours a day to answer medical questions through the Mercy Nurse On Call program

In addition, University of North Carolina Health Care (UNCHC) has partnered with Mercy Virtual, aligning the two to benefit patients and medical staff of both systems. Initially, Mercy is virtually monitoring patients in 28 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for one of UNCHC’s hospitals. This partnership will also expand over time to include additional facilities and programs. Still another program focuses on the sickest five percent of chronically ill patients – those who are often hospitalized and who spend the most money on healthcare. The idea is to keep patients out of the hospital, out of the doctor's office, and healthy at home. Through Mercy Virtual Ambulatory, clinicians can often recognize issues before they progress to expensive hospitalizations. This virtual program is expected to double in size every few months.

Mercy played in spreading the ministry across the American frontier. Clay vessels sit inside a long, horizontal, built-in shelf in the “Vessel Wall.” Clay vessels have been used for thousands of years to hold what was precious. The vessels symbolize the fragility of the human body and the purpose and worth of every person. The second floor includes monitors and workstations through which Mercy Virtual team members can watch over and care for patients. In keeping with its spirit of forethought, the third floor has been set aside for future expansion. For now, the space is used as a test lab, where scientists and others “mock-up” various telehealth scenarios. It might be the setting of a patient’s living room, an emergency department, or section of a hospital that will allow visionaries to test technology and workflows in life-like settings. The fourth floor, called “the garage,” contains the computer system. There are walls of white boards and 27 different screens that can be manipulated for the topic or task at hand. The space is used for innovation and idea generation. An interactive presentation, along with telemedicine demo equipment, helps the Mercy Virtual team monitor, measure and test telehealth innovations and applications. Moveable walls allow co-workers to create optimal working and brainstorming space. Nicholson said Mercy’s ultimate goal is to create a network of virtual care centers nationwide that will hopefully create a healthier nation of people living the lives they want to live as long as they can. “We want to go from reactive response to how to keep people healthy. We value people; and if we can keep them living the life they want to live, we’ve succeeded.” Transforming healthcare is at the core of what Mercy Virtual is doing, Nicholson said. “Mercy has invested a lot of time and people and resources into Mercy Virtual. We want to get healthcare right. We want people

The building that houses Mercy Virtual is high tech, from floor to ceiling, on all four floors. Each floor is made up of open workspaces and comfortable seating. Moveable walls and dividers encourage collaboration, and an under-the-floor power and data network provides for the needs of today, with adaptability for tomorrow. Rising from the main entrance of the building is a large, glass lantern. Light from the inside of the building glows through the lantern at night, symbolizing Mercy’s desire to share its light with others. Two crossbeams on the lantern form a cross. The first floor of Mercy Virtual contains a chapel and briefing area. A focal niche displays a cross within a cross through a series of arched openings. And a “Pioneer Wall” displays, through multiple screens, photographs highlighting the role the Sisters of

to be healthy,” he said. “For all of us here, it is an honor to get to serve from this building. Not because of the technology or that it’s a cool building; but at the end of the day, people’s lives are being transformed. And this is just the beginning.” ¤

July | August

Story by Sarah Moeller Photos by Michael Schlueter Imagine a place where children and their caregivers can learn about all of the body's systems, climb on an “Interactive Dude,” pretend to shop at a farmers’ market, exercise with a high-tech game, and, if it were possible, even become excited about going to see their doctor. This all happens at HealthWorks Kids’ Museum, which opened Spring 2016. Out of the eleven or so exhibits currently available, which cover everything from farming to flatulence, only one of them remains unnamed. For now, this 55-ft. long man is going by “Interactive Dude,” and nearly everything from his face to his feet has some sort of educational and hands-on function. Kids can slip down the leg slide or play a memory-style game in his guts. They can rally under his ribs and bee-bop by his brain. (If anyone wants to name him, the museum currently has a five-year naming-rights opportunity available, for a sponsorship of $200,000.) For just $7, a single person can be admitted to the museum and take a look at the world's largest fiberglass teeth, visit mock medical offices, see how health choices affect the aging process, be entertained by kids' programs, and take a virtual journey through the digestive system. Caregivers and children can learn right alongside one another. The current exhibits address only very basic health concerns—the importance of preventive dental and medical appointments, proper oral and body hygiene, proper eating habits, etc. While some families may find this somewhat anticlimactic, 18 StreetScape Magazine

The Gift Shop at the Museum

for most people, the exhibits are perfect for learning or reviewing basic health practices. The museum is only in its first building phase, and phase two will present information that is more challenging. In the second (projected) phase of the museum, the designers plan to offer an additional learning theater, have an area to host luncheons, add more exhibits, and make it possible to bring larger school groups. CEO Shannon Woodcock says she has “every expectation” of completing this second phase of HealthWorks, which would add 15,000 sq. ft. of space. The current plan is to begin construction within the next couple of years - and definitely within five years. For anyone interested in supporting HealthWorks, a $250 founding membership is available for a limited time. The museum still needs about $300,000 of support in order to cover the build-out of the campaign, and any funds over this amount will go toward maintenance. Other opportunities are available throughout the year, including events where you can have a special dinner with your kids, play golf with your friends, run or walk in a race, and exchange Halloween candy for more health-conscious options. Supporting the museum in one (or more!) of these ways packs a double-whammy punch—you're doing something healthful for yourself, and making it possible for others to have health that works, too. ¤

July | August

Cole Hittler:

A Six Year Old Boy on a Mission Story by Amy Armour Photo courtesy of Tracey Hittler

Hearing your child’s first word is a momentous occasion for a parent. For Tracey and Bill Hittler, that moment did not happen until their son was two-years-old. Tracey Hittler, a St. Charles mother of four, knew something was wrong when her son Cole would only communicate with grunts. His first word – ball – was not uttered until he was two, and very few words followed. Tracey enrolled him in speech therapy through United Services for what she thought was simply a speech delay. His lack of communication turned out to be something much more serious that may have started when he was just a newborn. Cole Hittler, now six, was born with craniosynostosis, which is a birth defect that causes one or more of the sutures on a baby's head to close prematurely. With the sutures closed, it does not allow enough room for the brain to grow. To remedy this birth defect, Cole underwent a serious skull surgery when he was just four-months-old. Since the surgery, Cole goes to Children’s Hospital every year where he visits with a team of doctors to check his progress. “It was at these team visits when red flags were raised once his speech wasn't improving. We came back a week later for an evaluation and were diagnosed (with childhood apraxia of speech) through therapy services at Children's Hospital,” said Tracey Hittler. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological disorder that prevents children from speaking clearly.

“Having apraxia is incredibly difficult as they are often misunderstood and get so frustrated when others can't understand them,” she explained. “They hear and understand everything you say... just can't get the words out right to communicate.” The main challenge for those with CAS is learning to speak clearly and intelligibly. “They have an extreme difficulty planning the movements of the articulators (lips, tongue, jaw, soft palate) that underlie speech. Thus, their speech is often limited or very unclear,” said Sharon Gretz, executive director and founder of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA). There is no cure for CAS, and the only treatment is intense speech therapy. Gretz said early diagnosis is very important. “Early support for alternative communication is crucial. Primarily, these kids will require frequent, intensive and appropriate speech therapy for a number of years,” said Gretz. “The speech therapy for apraxia is different than for other speech problems, 20 StreetScape Magazine

and so the right kind of speech therapy matters enormously.” Gretz explained that growing up with this speech issue can have ramifications in other developing skills, such as language, literacy and social development. “Kids with CAStruly need support and, often, intervention in each of these areas as well. With early, appropriate help – and enough of it – most kids with CAS can do very well in their speech,” said Gretz. Cole Hittler, who was diagnosed at 3½, started kindergarten last August and could only speak five words clearly. Tracey Hittler was terrified that if Cole was lost in the hallway, he would be unable to say his name. And once kindergarten began, being faced with a curriculum that is verbal truly was a struggle. “Other children don't understand and can tend to bully those who speak differently,” said Tracey. When Cole started kindergarten, he was using an iPad fitted with special apps to help him with basic speech needs. His teachers used visual cues and cards to help with assessments, which have worked even better. He is the first child in St. Charles County to utilize these augmentative and alternative communication devices. Cole Hittler also had 90 minutes of speech therapy a week during school, and over the summer he continues with the therapy for 45 minutes a week. “It’s been really challenging and frustrating for him to sound out letters, but he has made big progress,” Tracey Hittler said. At the end of his first year of school, Cole could say 34 sight words. “He told me he loved me this year, and he sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to his brother,” shared Tracey. According to her, there have been dramatic improvements in the last year. On the walls around the house, Tracey Hittler has Velcro cards that show pictures of common items, like juice, in case Tracey cannot understand what Cole is trying to say. “It helps him communicate with us,” said Tracey.

If Tracey can’t understand Cole, it is likely that one of his siblings – Chloe, 12, Collin, 8, or Chaos, 4 – will help. “The kids are such a great support system for me, and they always have Cole’s back,” said Tracey. Creating an awareness for the disorder has been extremely challenging.

“Apraxia doesn't have near as much awareness and funding or almost any research, which is why I try so hard to help spread awareness,” said Tracey Hittler. “No one is familiar with it. No one knows what I’m talking about. It’s scary when you’re trying to get help, and no one knows what to do.” Tracey has made it her mission to spread awareness – starting with local government. St. Charles mayor, Sally Faith, signed a proclamation in honor of Apraxia Awareness Day on May 14. The Hittler family received the framed proclamation at city hall, and the city council was presented with the proclamation on May 21. “It was very neat for our family to educate those at city hall about apraxia,” said Tracey. Educating the public about the disorder is important to Tracey, who wants people to know that her son Cole is just as intelligent as his peers even though he cannot speak. “He can understand everything, even if he can’t communicate it back,” said Tracey. Children with apraxia are often misunderstood. “Kids with apraxia are not being stubborn. Their siblings are not speaking for them. They don't have this issue because their parents don't talk to them or read to them. They will not just start talking one day,” said Gretz. “CAS is probably the most severe of all childhood speech disorders to overcome. We need more people to know, understand and support these children and their families as they get through this tremendous challenge.”

“They won't regret getting involved! We are trying to create a movement to which each ally can contribute,” said Gretz. “See our Walk for Apraxia schedule, and get involved in celebrating the resilience and successes of the kids. See our website for information on free online support, such as our dozens of Facebook groups.” CASANA offers iPads for low-to moderate income families for children with apraxia to help with speech practice and as a communication tool. In addition, the nonprofit has small grants for speech therapy needs.

“Every other year we have an intensive training institute on CAS in order to grow more expertise all over the country. Each year we award research funds to further what we know and understand about the disorder,” said Gretz. The motivation for providing support for these families is a very personal one for Gretz, whose son has CAS. “I watched hundreds of speech therapy sessions and became humbled by how hard he and his speech therapist had to work in order for him to develop intelligible speech,” said Gretz. “These children want to speak and communicate. They deserve their chance at that. Communication is at the heart of our human experience. These children deserve to have a voice.” But having a voice is much more than simply speaking, said Gretz. “It is about sharing your innermost thoughts, ideas and needs. It is about being respected for what you bring to this world that is uniquely yours. Every child deserves a voice is our motto,” explained Gretz passionately. ¤

Gretz said more speech professionals are needed to understand and gain experience in successful diagnosis and treatment. “We need graduate schools to teach pre-professionals about CAS instead of mention it once or twice in their entire student training programs. We need educators and school systems to realize that children with CAS truly need more speech therapy help than other children,” said Gretz. “Their parents are not just being pushy or demanding to advocate for it. Research, while growing, is truly still limited. More research is crucial here.” CASANA’s website – www.apraxia-kids.org – has a whole host of free information that can be accessed, from a Family Start Guide about CAS to an extensive library of articles. “We have booklets, brochures and videos in our online store that folks can purchase,” said Gretz. “Read. Learn. Share information. People can help by supporting kids and families through events like the Walk for Apraxia, which we host in many cities across the country, and which are an opportunity to encourage the children and recognize their accomplishments. People can donate. Things won't improve without the growing recognition, support for kids and families, and research mentioned previously. Our organization is pushing on all fronts to better equip all of these groups to beat apraxia.” CASANA has educational events year-round, including online "live" webinars, recorded webinars, seminars, workshops, and – its flagship event – the annual National Conference on Childhood Apraxia of Speech each July. July | August

Caring for the Story by Linda Stroud With approximately 39.8 million Americans providing unpaid care for adult loved ones with long-term illnesses or disabilities in 2015, caregiving has become a major public health concern.

The demands of caring for someone with a serious, long-term illness are great and can take a toll on the health and well-being of the care provider. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, “caregiving can have all of the features of a chronic stress experience.” The effects of chronic stress are well documented and include: anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, heart disease, and depression. If you find yourself in the role of caregiver, there are some things you can do to reduce stress and keep yourself healthy and strong.

Make time for yourself. Being on call 24/7 to provide help with activities of daily living and healthcare needs for a loved one often means caregivers have little time for themselves. But taking time for yourself is crucial to maintaining your mental and physical health. After all, you can’t effectively provide care when you have nothing left to give. Take a tip from professional caregivers and schedule regular breaks. Even something as simple as taking a walk or reading for 15-30 minutes can help. If you’re able to have someone else take over for longer periods of time, make regular “dates” with friends to get out of the house and do something fun – see a movie, have dinner, or shop. Many caregivers experience guilt over taking this time for themselves, but it really is good for the soul and can prevent the burnout so many caregivers experience with longterm care demands.

Keep up with your own health needs. Caregivers often overlook or neglect their own health. While it may seem like your health is the lesser concern at the moment, not taking care of your own health needs can further complicate an already complicated situation. Along with keeping regularly scheduled doctor visits for yourself, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can ensure you have the good health and stamina you need to care for your loved one.

Build up a support network. One of the most important things for caregivers is knowing they are not alone. The isolation and feeling of overwhelm many experience can often be relieved just by having someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through. Family members and friends can, of course, be im22 StreetScape Magazine

Caregiver portant sources of support, but they also have their own busy lives and may feel the strain of being relied on to meet your emotional needs. So find a good therapist you can talk to or seek out a support group that relates to the health concern you’re dealing with. With caregiving becoming more and more common, there are many resources for finding the help, guidance, and financial or emotional help you need. Ask-Medicare (www.medicare.gov/ files/ask-medicare) is a great website with links to resources for a variety of caregiving concerns, including elder care. The Alzheimer’s Association offers resources and support for those dealing with dementia care. And Cancer.gov has an extensive list of topics related to coping with cancer and support services. ¤

St. Louis’ Oldest Triathlon

(continued from page 15)

triathlon,” said Kathy Schweikert, Mayor of Lake St. Louis. She attributes this to all of the green space in Lake St. Louis, as well as the tennis club, swimming club, ski clubs, fishing club, and youth activities. “People get active and stay healthy.” Athletes from as far away as California have traveled to Lake St. Louis to participate in this triathlon. Sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the open water swim and rolling hills make this a challenging, but very enjoyable, event for participants. Two courses are offered to competitors: the long course, which consists of swimming 0.93 miles, biking 24 miles, and running 6.2 miles; and the short course, which consists of swimming .25 miles, biking 13 miles, and running 2.5 miles. For those new to triathlons, Dr. Russell polled some friends on what they wish they would have known before their first race. Here are some tips from her:

P Slow down. Don’t overexert yourself too early in the race so that you die at the end. Also, if you are new to transition zones, slow down. Don’t panic. You will get on and off your bike soon enough. P Remember where you left your bike in the transition zone. Use a brightly colored towel or a marker of some sort to save you from the panic of not remembering exactly where it is.

P If you know your swim portion is in open water, then train in open water. It is a very different style of swimming than in the pool. P There is a good chance that you will feel disoriented when you transition from the swim to the bike. Don’t freak out, as your body is just adjusting from being horizontal to being vertical, and you are taking in oxygen differently. Slow down and get your bearings if you feel you need to do so. P You NEED to practice and race with proper nutrition and hydration. In general, people will need 200–400 calories of food and 1-2 bottles of electrolyte drink or water an hour. P Most importantly, relax, enjoy yourself, and be proud of what you accomplished. As you swim, bike, and run through Lake St. Louis, know that no matter who you are or how you finish, to at least one of the people cheering for you, you are her hero.

The Lake St. Louis Triathlon will be held on Saturday, August 20th at the Lake St. Louis Community Association located at 100 Cognac Ct. USA Triathlon sanctioned & competition rules will apply. For more information on competing in or attending the triathlon, visit http://www.lakesaintlouis.com. ¤

July | August

We SALUTE You!

Mission: Veterans Museum World War II Veteran continues mission to bring museum to St. Charles County

Story by Amy Armour Photos by Michael Schlueter Age is just a number for 92-year-old Ralph Barrale. The Lake Saint Louis resident and World War II veteran has been completing missions that honor U.S. veterans well after his retirement from the Army in 1945. His service as a private in the United States Army began at the age of 19, when Barrale was drafted to serve in World War II. “It was a real enlightening experience because you were in these barracks with 50 men. It was crazy… but after a while you got used to it, and it started a camaraderie. We really looked out for each other,” said Barrale, who was working at a defense plant before starting his 36 months of service in May 1943. He served in the infamous Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from Dec. 16, 1944 to Jan. 25, 1945. “All we did was push them back to where it started; that’s what (President) Eisenhower wanted,” said Barrale, who was upgraded to a private first class after the war. “It was just slaughter at times.” The veteran still gets flashbacks more than 70 years after the conclusion of the battle. “I still get flashbacks from that – from fighting, artillery, bombs, and from planes strafing us,” Barrale admits. “But the biggest problem I have is when it snows here. It brings back a lot of memories — cold. It was so cold. I never was so cold in my life. In fact, I’m getting chills just talking about it.” Barrale said many of the men got trench foot or lost limbs from the frigid temperatures. “They said it was the coldest year in 100 years,” said Rose Barrale, Ralph’s wife of 70 years. “A lot of snow, and they had only summer uniforms.” The couple became engaged the day before Ralph Barrale left for the war, and they corresponded throughout his service. After many 24 StreetScape Magazine

Ralph with his wife, Rose

letters sent to Rose were cut into pieces and censored, the couple came up with a secret code. Ralph was also corresponding with his mother in secret for another mission. “We didn’t have time to get an engagement ring. After he was overseas for a while, Ralph wrote home to his mother that he wanted me to have a ring on my finger,” explained Rose. So that Christmas, Rose Barrale got her engagement ring — from her future mother-in-law. “It floored me, because my future mother-in-law gave me a ring; and I was accepted into the family,” said Rose. The couple married six months after Ralph Barrale came home from the war, on June 2, 1946. Ralph and Rose Barrale just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends last month. Ralph and Rose have three children, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. After returning from the war, Ralph Barrale’s service to his country did not end. In 1991, the couple started a reunion for veterans who served in the 821st Military Police Company. The first year it was held at the Renais-

sance Hotel in St. Louis, and about 25 veterans attended. Over the years, Ralph and Rose visited several states for reunions from New York to South Carolina to Georgia and Florida. In the late 1990s, Ralph Barrale single-handedly worked with individual cities from St. Charles all the way to Foristell to have the service road renamed Veterans Memorial Parkway. After two years of legwork, the road was officially renamed in 1999. Ralph Barrale also envisioned, designed and implemented the Veterans Memorial Park in Lake Saint Louis. He said the idea came to him in a dream. “It was a big star coming down at me, and for some reason I tied that into Veterans Memorial Park,” said Ralph. Ralph went to the Lake Saint Louis Aldermen and sold them on the project, which ended up being funded with a bond issue. The six-pointed star from his dream is featured at the Veterans Memorial Park, and bricks donated in memory of fallen soldiers surround it. Each point represents the five branches of service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps, and Coast Guard. “But we added the Merchant Marines. If it wasn’t for the Merchant Marines, we would not have had any supplies,” said Ralph. A statue of a soldier guards the memorial, and a water feature that runs all year was added. The memorial opened to the public in 2008, and Ralph said every Memorial Day the crowds grow for the annual ceremony honoring veterans.

“The purpose of the museum is for future generations to see what happened before they were born… to see the sacrifices that were made by members of the armed forces to keep this country free as it is right now with the liberty that we have,” said Ralph. Ralph Barrale said he learned the true meaning of liberty during World War II when he was greeted by the French who were currently under German rule. He said the French had to get permission from the Germans to do something as simple as driving their own cars. And the French could not drive the cars because Germany would not allow them gasoline for their vehicles. “You are restricted in what you do and what you say. We have never experienced that in the United States. We just take it for granted,” said Ralph. “Can you picture getting in your car and driving somewhere, but before you do that you’d have to get permission? I didn’t realize what liberty was, because we all take it for granted.” Ralph Barrale hopes to show residents – both young and old – the true meaning of liberty through the St. Charles County Veterans Museum. To make any donations of war memorabilia for the museum, contact Ralph Barrale at 636-332-4696. ¤ Veterans Memorial Parkway near O’Fallon

“I really feel like we have the best ceremony in St. Charles County,” said Rose Barrale. Ralph Barrale’s latest mission is to bring a veterans museum to the city of O’Fallon for all of St. Charles County to enjoy. The O’Fallon Board of Aldermen passed a resolution on May 12 that confirmed the city’s interest in utilizing Civic Annex for use as the St. Charles County Veterans Museum. However, voters must approve Proposition Parks on Aug. 2 for the building to become available for the museum. “The Veterans Museum would be in O’Fallon — that’s a big plus for O’Fallon,” said Ralph. “The way I look at it, it will take another two years for us to have this building.” The setup of the museum, as Ralph Barrale explained it, will be determined by the merchandise donated or lent to it for display. “It all depends on the merchandise we get. We could have a section for World War II, for Vietnam, and the latest wars… it all depends on what you get, so you have to go with the flow,” said Ralph. Ralph is now going through his military memorabilia. His donation may include a few daggers, a Nazi armband, or his Eisenhower jacket for the museum. July | August

26 StreetScape Magazine

We SALUTE You!

Patriot employee, Levelle Stroud, reviews a completed assembly.

Bob Burns, David Burns, Julia Daugherty and Judy Burns.

Patriot Machine, Inc., was founded in 1991 by Judy and Bob Burns. The company name was chosen as a sign of respect for God and country. Judy Burns, president, spent her early career in public accounting gaining invaluable exposure to business management. Bob Burns, vice president, started his career at McDonnell Aircraft as a machinist where he quickly acquired a passion for precision aerospace manufacturing. He dreamed of becoming the Midwest’s premier supplier of machined aircraft parts and assemblies. Then, 25 years ago, with three young children, the husband and wife team decided to start their own business. They incorporated as Patriot Machine, working out of their home in Portage des Sioux, Missouri. The company initially offered CAD/CAM (computer aided drafting/computer aided manufacturing) services at a time when there was increasing demand for this new technology. Gradually, Patriot was able to grow based on its reputation for excellent quality and on-time delivery. In 2000, the company was one of the first to invest in a more capable 5-axis machining technology. With this leading-edge equipment and the confidence of aerospace customers like Boeing, Patriot continued to grow. In 2003, Patriot Machine moved to an 82,000-squarefoot building that Judy and Bob Burns carefully planned, financed, and built. The state-of-the-art facility, located off of Little Hills Expressway, now houses some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing

equipment. With this equipment, high-end software, and a talented team of about 135 employees, Patriot manufactures the most complex structural parts for the commercial and defense aerospace industries. To further develop their company, Judy and Bob Burns continued their educations. Both pursued multiple degrees, and each obtained an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Patriot Machine has a great team to count on as well, including key experts and personnel who add futher dimensions to Patriot’s capabilities. April 1, 2016, marked Patriot Machine’s 25th anniversary. Judy and Bob’s son and daughter are now active in the business as well. The family is maintaining its focus on continual innovation, but Patriot’s mission goes beyond this. “We are so thankful to live in a country with strong military and defense systems - a country that has the wherewithal to aid other countries and people around the world, too,” says Judy Burns. “Patriot is happy to play a very small role in protecting our freedom. It is a blessing to live in this country, and this is what we contemplate around the fourth of July. We love and appreciate our freedom, and it is a wonderful blessing which we want to protect.” ¤

Patriot employee, Brennan Kelly, measures thickness on a finished part.

Photo by Matthew McFarland at MStudioWest

Photos by Michael Schlueter July | August

We SALUTE You!

The

Patt Holt Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson

It all started in 1972 with a local English teacher who had set up a guitar mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. Several students complied; and what everyone thought was a temporary assignment became a lifelong endeavor for Patt Holt, as well as a stepping stone into world travel, entertainment and camaraderie for her students. But even more than that, it brought joy to thousands of U.S. troops around the world. The Patt Holt Singers were born that year in Holt’s living room. “They didn’t want the group to break up. I told them to come over to my house the next Monday," Holt said, "and 45 of them walked into my living room.” Since that Monday afternoon over four decades ago, they’ve opened for such notable acts as Pure Prairie League, Paul Anka, Phyllis Diller, Don McLean, Roddy McDowell, Dan Seals, Little River Band, and Tony Bennett. Several of the Patt Holt singers have gone on to become accomplished musicians, actors, models and opera stars. But more than the singing group that has touched the lives of countless St. Charles teens, Patt Holt Singers is the group that has, in its 44-year history, performed for five presidents, in over 50 nations, and before American troops the world over. And it’s performing for those soldiers that Holt recalls above all else. “It was the greatest thing we did,” she said. It began in 1987 when the Patt Holt Singers were performing at the officers’ club at Kirtland Air Force Base in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico. It just so happened that the commander of Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Atlantic’s Azores archipelago was visiting. “He said, ‘Boy, I would love to have this show in the Azores,’” Holt said. “So he told me to call the Department of Defense Overseas Show Program. He gave me the number.” The rest, as they say, is history. Holt was hooked on performing for the troops. From the start of the Persian Gulf War until just after September 11, 2001, the Patt Holt Singers performed for every military base the Department of Defense and the USO would allow. 28 StreetScape Magazine

s r e g n Si

“Saddam was getting ready to attack Kuwait, and everyone knew war was going to start, so they wanted us to go to the bases. Ground war had already started in Kuwait that morning. So I asked everyone if they still wanted to go. Every one of them said they would go. One even said, ‘I can’t fire a gun, but I can sing a song.’ That was great.” Holt said they started with a group of eight to Kuwait City, while simultaneously another group of eight went to Japan. Holt went to Kuwait. “When we got there, I saw the worst site I had ever seen — a tank aimed at a house. There were teddy bears and a lot of blood. I’ll never forget it. That house was just blown apart,” Holt recalled.

After that, Holt said, the singers did shows “through the whole war zone and Germany and the Middle East.” The Patt Holt Singers would go on to do 26 more tours between 1988 and 2001. “We went all through Europe and to Qatar and into Kuwait and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - everywhere there were military. We went through the Caribbean and the Arctic and Greenland, Iceland and Alaska. We went to Panama, Honduras and Cuba. Altogether, we went to 50 nations. I went to 26.” Holt said at one point her company, Quinn Productions (named for her father, Harry Quinn), had three shows going out at a time to different places all over the world. “I started sending them through the Mediterranean, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Sicily and Crete, Guam, Philippines, Korea.” Holt said she was never really frightened by what was going on around her. She remembered her students telling her about an incident on a base in the Philippines. She had not been there. “The military was occupying the base, but the locals ran the kitchen and serviced the base. They told everyone, ‘Don’t leave the base.’ But one of the locals said, ‘Come to my grandma’s house. I take you, good food.’ Well, when they got there, there were men with Uzis aimed at them. They wanted their passports. I don’t remember how they got out of that, but they did escape with their passports,” she recalled.

The singers would visit hospitals around the world on their tours. Holt said the devastation could be overwhelming. “I do remember going into one of these little bitty hospitals in Croatia. This Russian kid had lost his legs. He didn’t speak English. I just took his hand and kissed him on the cheek and sat with him. That was all I could do.”

Holt celebrated her 80th birthday recently, but she doesn’t see herself slowing down. “I’m still working, and I’m going to continue working.” Holt said she can’t even remember all of the places the group performed over the years. “We performed on little ships and on platforms, in veterans’ homes, at state fairs, anywhere there was that we could set up our gear and do a show. We did a lot of shows in the dark and shadowy light. We did get to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, Greenland and Alaska. We did one show on Adak Island on the southern coast of Alaska. It was literally a base on a rock with three trees.” The Patt Holt Singers entertained President Gerald Ford and President Ronald Reagan in St. Louis. They performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, and President Barrack Obama. And although they traveled the globe and performed for the leaders of the free world, they never made any real money. In fact, Holt said they operate on donations and dues from members; and truth be told, she barely takes in enough cash to pay her rent at the studio she’s occupied for years.

they got was the experience. They did not go to make money. If anyone ever asked me, ‘How much can I make?’ I would say, ‘Don’t go. There isn’t any.’ We want to make the troops happy and entertain the military and see the world. We don’t go for the money.”

There were times, however, when they did get more than they gave. Holt remembers a young man in Germany who proved that to her. “We were not only going for the shows, but to sit with them in the mess hall, to talk with them. I remember we were in Germany, and everyone was shipping out to Kuwait the next day. I was sitting on a step with this kid. It was cold. The kid said, ‘I’m going to defect. I just can’t go. I’m too scared.’ I said to him, ‘If you think that you’re the only one who’s scared, you’re nuts. Look at your commander. You think he’s leading men into war and is not scared? Everyone is scared – the lieutenants, the sergeants. Everyone is scared. But if you don’t go, you will always be looking over your shoulder, for the rest of your life, because you’ll be a deserter.’” A couple of months later, Holt got a letter from the kid. “He said he went. He thanked me,” she said. “That’s the greatest pride and joy of mine. It was nothing to do with singing, but rather leading people. That’s what we gave the troops. We gave them friendship and let them know the people back home did care.” For more information on Patt Holt, visit www.thepattholtsingers.com or www. quinn-productions.com. ¤

“It was never about the money. All the people that went on all the shows... all

July | August

Get Your Head in the Cloud Story by Kate Santellano

Not so long ago, businesses would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building. Your documents “lived” on your computer. If you wanted to make changes to a document, you had to physically be at your computer. Once you left the office, you literally left your work behind you until the next day. For people that traveled or needed to work after hours, this was a huge obstacle. If your computer was hit by a bolt of lightning, your computer was dead, all of your data and documents never to be seen again. Enter the world of cloud computing, commonly referred to as “the cloud.” Cloud computing and storage is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. Simply put, it is a virtual desktop. Software and documents can be accessed from any computer in the world that has internet access. You do not have to be a business owner to see the benefits of the cloud. When you update your Facebook status or send a Tweet, you are using cloud computing. If you check your bank account on your phone, you are using the cloud again. Because of its vast array of benefits, cloud computing is quickly becoming the new normal for both business and personal users. According to a study by the Cloud Security Alliance, 33% of organizations have a “full steam ahead” attitude toward cloud services, and 86% of companies spend at least part of their IT budget on cloud services. When your teams can access, edit, and share documents anytime, from anywhere, they are able to do more together, faster and

30 StreetScape Magazine

better. Cloud-based workflow and file-sharing apps make updates in real time and provide full collaboration visibility. For Stacey Ross, director of Sales at KJS Events, “the cloud increases efficiency, because it allows my team to collaborate and work on the same document at the same time. They are able to complete an event timeline or presentation in half the time.” Employees can also become more productive when out in the field, instantly accessing files from the company as needed, managing work processes without having to wait until they are back on-site, demonstrating products and services, and even processing transactions on the spot. The cloud allows insurance companies to process claims on location. Home inspectors have the ability to complete their inspection documents by the time they walk out the door. All of this saves time and money and increases productivity. In 2015, TenantLoop was created to streamline communication between property managers and tenants. Jeff Dinter, CEO at TenantLoop, explained that “prior to our application, leases were completed through a mix of phone calls, emails, text messages, and online forms.” TenantLoop allows for one centralized channel of communication, making it easy

How the Cloud is changing business to keep all important information in one place and allowing for a faster processing time. According to Dinter, “Our business wouldn’t exist without the cloud. The key to our value is for property managers and tenants to quickly access their secure data from any device they choose - whether it’s mobile, web or tablet. The critical need of a real-time, fully integrated solution for the mobile-first generation gave us the opportunity to fill a gap in the property management market.” Property managers can use the cloud-based application to contact their tenants about payments and scheduled maintenance. Tenants can inform their property manager of problems with their unit or maintenance needed. Many companies are embracing cloud data backup, as there are many technical, economic and security benefits. It is an affordable, multi-tier option to backup critical data for retrieval after a data loss event or other disaster. Without your data, your business is gone, but the days when a bolt

of lightning would take out your entire client database are over. With cloud backup software, users are able to select and prioritize files for backup. Then, they can securely transmit encrypted copies of those files to an offsite data center, sort of like a remote filing cabinet. Businesses are also able to offer more flexible work schedules to employees so that they can enjoy the work-life balance that suits them – without productivity taking a hit. Employees do not have to take the entire day off work for a doctor’s appointment. Rather, they can work around their appointment and still complete their tasks. For those with long commutes, having the ability to work remotely saves precious time from a commute for the employee and increases performance for the employer. “My employees appreciate not having a long commute and are able to service our clients on both the West and East Coasts,” said Melanie McCaleb, VP Operations at Contact Science. While the above points spell out the benefits of cloud computing for business and personal use, moving to the cloud is not an entirely selfish act. As cloud needs fluctuate, server capacity needs increase or decrease to fit. They only use the energy they need and don’t leave oversized carbon footprints. Just over five years ago, businesses were dependent on employees showing up for work; but the cloud has allowed businesses and users to save time, money and resources. In the years to come, nearly everything we do today will be done via a specialty application that works on the cloud. So, when people say, “There is an app for that,” they are probably right! ¤ July | August

f o y r Histo

BACK TO SCHOOL

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Carita Crain remembers a time when she and her husband had planned “hiding places” in their home for their children to go to in the event that authorities knocked on their door. The Crains were, in a way, modern homeschooling pioneers in Missouri in the ‘80s, at least in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. “We started hearing stories that the Division of Family Services might get a report that your kids were truant and might come knock on your door,” Crain said. “Back then that really did happen. They would take kids away from their parents and then come back a day or so later and say, ‘I’m so sorry. We didn’t know you could homeschool.” The Crains’ plan was that their oldest child would take the other two and hide behind the water bed or downstairs in a closet if anyone came knocking. “It never happened, but it still scares (the oldest child) when she thinks about it.” Crain and husband, Mike, went on to have a total of six children. Mike Crain was killed in an automobile accident in 2005. Carita raised and homeschooled all of the couple’s children on her own following his death. Today, one of those children is studying in Ireland. Two others graduated with bachelor’s degrees. One is a doctor. Another earned three degrees in four years with a 4.0 GPA. That one operated a bakery business from home at 10 years old. The only child who didn’t go on to college is her second oldest. She has Williams Syndrome. “Her job is to make people happy,” Crain said. The concept of homeschooling is not new. Most children in America were educated at home before compulsory laws requiring school attendance were introduced in 1852. Many of the great thinkers of the day were homeschooled, including President Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, John Wesley, Beatrix Potter, Charles Dickens, and Alexander Graham Bell. After compulsory attendance laws took effect, Americans came to rely almost entirely on public and private schools; and homeschooling became characterized as somewhat abnormal or a practice of religious zealots. “Although schooling at home is not a new concept per se, the modern-day homeschooling movement is still thought of as pioneering. From behind the skirts of formal education, the homeschool population has grown large enough to draw attention to itself. But this hasn't occurred without significant benchmarks in its development,” writes Amy Miller in her article, “History of Homeschooling in America Homeschooling Makes a Comeback.” 32 StreetScape Magazine

Miller goes on to say, “The exact origin of modern homeschooling is difficult to pinpoint. It remained a virtually underground operation until the educational concerns of the 1970s unearthed it. The most significant turning point was when educational reformers and authors began to question both the techniques and the products of public schools.” In 1977, John Holt, a public school teacher, founded “Growing Without Schooling,” the first and only homeschool journal in the nation at the time, thereby creating a network for homeschooling families. Many Christian schools in America lost their tax exempt status in 1983 as they came under scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court, leading many parents to homeschool their kids who were formerly in private school to avoid the public schools. Homeschooling has gone from commonplace, to countercultural, and back to somewhat mainstream in the last 150 years in America. Going into the 21st century, many people who would never have thought of themselves as homeschoolers have joined the ranks for a variety of reasons. And though homeschooling in years past may have been perceived as a practice of the Godfearing, today it is drawing others who are not necessarily among the ranks of the religious. Becky Vincent from St. Peters chose to homeschool her son when he was 12. The 47-year-old mother of four and grandmother of three is an admitted newbie at homeschooling. “Alex is the only child I have ever homeschooled,” she said. “I chose to homeschool because he was putting so much stress on himself to do great in school that he was getting an ulcer and was having severe anxiety attacks.” Vincent said they have both learned a lot in their two and a half years of homeschooling. “I speak to a lot of homeschool parents through support groups, and most of them are secular parents. They keep their kids home for a variety of reasons, including everything from bullies and peer pressure to standards of teaching.”

g n i l oo h c s e m Ho She’s also concerned about the pressure kids put on each other in general. “Kids have a hard enough time feeling good about themselves, and some parents don’t feel that putting that added pressure of peers is a good thing.” Sharefaith.com notes that, since the early 1980s, homeschool numbers have risen at an estimated seven percent a year. Data from the 2007 NHES (National Household Education Survey) reports an estimated 1.5 million students were homeschooled in the United States in the spring of 2007. The NHES is conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). For homeschooling laws in Missouri and throughout the nation, visit www.hslda.org. According to www.home-school.com, the reason for homeschooling is simple. “The entire world is a homeschooler's classroom. This includes college science labs, museums of all kinds, hands-on exposure to small business and entrepreneurship, community theatre and other groups, clubs of all kinds, and the list just goes on. Not to mention the dizzying array of special classes and events available through many local homeschool support groups.” Sandy Sanders of Lake St. Louis has homeschooled all 10 of her children, six of whom are adopted, now ranging in age from 12 to 34. One of her daughters died from a heart problem in 1996. She said her family chose homeschooling for “spiritual convictions,” but she contends that each child has to be considered individually based on his or her needs. Sanders said she and many other homeschoolers have gotten the all-too-familiar socialization question over the years. But not so much any more. “That used to be the first question that we got, ‘What about socialization?’ Now the first comment we get is, ‘I wish I could have homeschooled my kids.’” Debbie Winfield of O’Fallon has homeschooled all of her 12 children, ranging in age from seven to 31 now. Four of her

children are also adopted. Beginning when children are ready for kindergarten, she believes parents must decide what they want their children to learn. “What is most important is what is at the top,” Winfield stated. At the tender age of five or six, that may just be reading to them and exploring their world. Other important aspects of education to consider at any age, Crain said, are time management, peer dependence, individualization, crisis management, health and hygiene, and family relationships. Today, homeschooling offers so many alternatives to the traditional public school setting, Crain explained, and new ideas are being considered every day. Parents can choose online education; an in-home, classroom-type setting; or sign up for activities throughout the community. Homeschoolers, who used to have a choice between a few textbooks, now find themselves overwhelmed at curriculum fairs where dozens of companies offer a seemingly endless array of teaching tools. There are workbooks, computer programs, videos, field trips, and life experiences. And there is the best resource of all — people. “When I started, I had one person; and I talked to her every night,” Crain said. “People who have never homeschooled think you just have to sit at home and do textbooks all day.” It’s not that way. Homeschooling does not take as many hours to do what they do in public school.” Those additional hours can be spent studying and experiencing what kids are interested in or driven to pursue, she explained. Dual enrollment in college courses can allow homeschooled kids to enter college with credits already in their portfolio – credits they often pay thousands of dollars less to earn. There are also organizations, such as the St. Charles Christian Home Educators (SCCHE), which provide information and support for homeschooling families. The SCCHE Learning Center, located in the Family Vision Library at 2020 Parkway Ave. in St. Peters, is a Christ-centered (continued on page 39) July | August

PROGRAM

BACK TO SCHOOL

Story by Noelle Robinson Photos courtesy of Blackhurst Elementary School

As August approaches, families are getting ready for the back-toschool frenzy! School supplies, new clothes, new shoes, and all the other back-to-school events that will get their children off to a great start this year. As teachers prepare for the upcoming school year as well, many are talking about a new buzz word in the world of education: leadership. Developing leadership skills was once something discussed only in the workplace. Now, adults are seeing the importance of developing these skills within the leaders of the future, our children. This new philosophy is showing up in schools all around St. Charles County and continues to grow each year, thanks to a program called the Leader in Me.

Third grade students share information about Blackhurst's clubs and student groups on Leadership Day

Leader in Me, ties all the pieces together to help students find their voice and learn essential skills for success in all areas of life. Special education teacher Sandy Juhala has seen tremendous growth within her students from just one year of participating in the Leader in Me. “Our students are realizing that everyone can be a leader. So often, students feel like they can’t be recognized for anything because everyday life in their classroom is a struggle. Some students may not be good at academics, but there are plenty other things they are good at doing.” Based on “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, the program has taken Covey’s universal principles of effectiveness and recreated them using kid-friendly language. This leadership system builds a positive school culture in which students develop essential life skills: critical thinking, self-confidence, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-directed learning, public speaking, and working collaboratively in groups. Many local school districts have turned to the Leader in Me to help empower and engage students and staff in their buildings. Blackhurst Elementary and Null Elementary were the first in the St. Charles City School District to implement the program. This school year, Hardin Middle School will become the first middle school in St. Charles County to begin the leadership process. Multiple schools within the Francis Howell, Fort Zumwalt, and Orchard Farms School Districts have been using the Leader in Me to develop leadership skills within their students and staff.

Dr. Jason Sefrit, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Steve Wilson, Principal of Blackhurst Elementary with a student tour-guide on Leadership Day

The Leader in Me, developed by FranklinCovey Education, has gained great momentum across the globe, helping even the lowest performing schools achieve great success. Teachers are searching for a way to help students reach their full potential in the 21st century, but often find it difficult to balance character education with the daily demands of teaching. This new approach, the 34 StreetScape Magazine

Twin Chimneys Elementary, part of the Fort Zumwalt School District, recently became the first school in St. Charles County to earn the title of Leader in Me Lighthouse School. The Lighthouse Milestone recognizes outstanding progress in student achievement and is currently held by only 10 schools within Missouri. Lighthouse Schools serve as a model for local schools that are just beginning to implement the program. After visiting a Lighthouse School last summer, Blackhurst Elementary teachers knew they wanted to provide these same opportunities to their students. “I was impressed by the maturity their students showed. They were respectful and were able to talk to adults easily. They took ownership of their learning and it showed in the way they talked with us while we toured their school,” recalled P.E. teacher Heidi

Rezsonya when asked about her first visit to a Leader in Me school.

know it by heart. They even can give examples of how their behavior relates to our mission statement.”

Blackhurst Elementary School concluded their first year of the leadership journey this past May. At the beginning of the school year, students were introduced to the 7 Habits through a series of picture books, videos, songs, and activities. First grade teacher Amy Overton at Blackhurst Elementary shared her love for the program’s simplified language, “It’s just awesome! Even our youngest students really get it, and they understand what it all means. I’ve taught other character education programs in the past and I never felt like my students really understood the language. I’ve even had parents tell me stories about how the students are using the language at home.”

Classroom mission statements are just one way students take the lead in their learning. They also choose classroom leadership roles, as well as their own school-wide leadership roles. Null Elementary principal, Dr. Kate Kimsey, feels her school has seen some of its greatest leadership success through school-wide leadership roles. “We take pride in the fact that EVERY student, kindergarten through fourth grade, has a school-wide leadership role. The roles are selected by students and the students meet every Friday morning.”

After just one year of beginning the Leader in Me program, parents at Blackhurst Elementary are seeing noticeable differences in their children. Parent volunteer, Kate Messner spoke about the changes she has seen within her own children after learning about the Leader in Me program last summer. “The Habits have helped create an atmosphere of my children being in charge of their own behavior.” Many parents have shared that siblings are resolving their fights without their parents help, and even children who are not attending school yet have learned about the Habits through the book, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids” introduces these new habits along with lovable characters and engaging stories that illustrate what each habit means. By itself, the book is a must-read for families with young children. The picture book illustrates each habit using lovable characters and brings them to life through stories that kids can relate to. The book is very parent-friendly; and each chapter includes a note to parents, ideas and questions for discussions with kids, and a list of small steps that kids can take to start practicing the habits. Seven year-old Caitlyn shared why she loves the 7 Habits... “because they inspire kids to learn and play, and most of all to make smart choices and be a good friend.” Habit 1: Be Proactive Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Habit 3: Put First Things First Habit 4: Think Win-Win Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood Habit 6: Synergize Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Even children who are not school-age, or students that do not attend a Leader in Me school, can benefit from learning about the 7 Habits. Preschool teacher Katy Smith uses parts of the program in her classroom. “We may not talk about all of the habits and use all of the language, but our class has a mission statement and our preschoolers

Students also take the lead in planning school assemblies and events. Last spring, students at Blackhurst Elementary planned their first Leadership Day, a day for them to share all they had learned through the Leader in Me with local community members. Their Leadership Day was filled with student performances, speeches, and student-led tours throughout the building. Students shared their Leadership Binders with visitors and showed them the progress they were making towards goals. One kindergarten speaker shared why he loved the 7 Habits. “Because it makes your heart happy and your brain smart.” Blackhurst principal, Steve Wilson, shared his excitement at the end of the event. “I loved watching our kids take ownership and feeling proud about the things they have accomplished.”. As their first year of Leader in Me came to an end in May, Steve Wilson also shared his excitement for the upcoming school year, “I am looking forward to going deeper into understanding the 7 Habits and for students to really start living it more.” For more information about the Leader in Me program, check out www.LeaderInMe.org. ¤

July | August

BACK TO SCHOOL

Success

Success Campus classrooms have ten or fewer students, allowing for more individualized instruction

Story by Sarah Moeller Success Campus is well-named. It is a hope, a vision and a reality that has helped students who have fallen behind to meet their goals of graduating on time. Drawing students from both St. Charles and St. Charles West High Schools, up to 90 students annually attend Success Campus. This school has smaller class sizes than the main high schools and is open only half a day. The students, who are mostly in grades 10 through 12, still maintain attendance at their base high schools, meeting the other half of the day there. This schedule allows students to earn 50 percent more credits than they could solely at their home high schools.

Campus reach them outside of school hours. If a student has been absent, a teacher will check on him or her and help them get back on track. Success Campus students work at their own pace, and their different learning styles are taken into account in order to give them the best help possible. Students are able to use computers if this suits them best, or they can use old-fashioned pencils and paper.

Students attend Success Campus for a variety of reasons. While “poor decision-making” may be the first reason that comes to mind, there are also factors outside of a student's control that affect grades and credits earned. Some students have medical concerns, such as cancer, that cause them to fall behind, and some have family issues that have made attendance and performance difficult. Others have transferred from high schools whose course offerings were so disparate from St. Charles’, that some of their credits weren't transferable.

While helping students graduate is the ultimate goal, teachers at Success Campus also invest heavily in their own educations. All are certified in their areas of study, including instructors who teach classes with greater than normal computer use. Dr. Jarus herself is well-educated and experienced, and it all comes into play when dealing with her students.

While their reasons for coming to Success Campus may vary, one thing that all students seem to have in common is the healthy pride they have in their school. The principal, Dr. Christine Jarus, speaks highly of the staff and students there.

It is no surprise then, that long after the last bell has rung and they have walked the stage to receive their diplomas, former students return to Success Campus—now successful adults—to visit and thank the teachers and staff who made it possible. ¤

“All of the teachers have big hearts for struggling students,” says Jarus. The teachers develop relationships with the students and 36 StreetScape Magazine

“Success Campus is a great opportunity for students to catch up on their credits so they have the chance to graduate with their class,” Jarus explains.

Job shadowing and mentoring program at

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photo courtesy of St. Charles Community College

Kasey McKee and St. Charles Community College are helping students experience the careers they’re interested in before they make any decisions about academics. “People seem happier and more productive in the workplace when they enjoy their work and are good at what they do,” said McKee, vice president, College Advancement and Planning, St. Charles Community College (SCC) Foundation. The Career Explorations Alliance (CEA) unites professionals with educators and students in St. Charles and Lincoln Counties. McKee said the college is looking for passionate professionals willing to donate their time to impact the next generation through job shadowing, mentoring, presentations, and externships. Through the program, McKee said students are offered insight into the 16 “Career Clusters” outlined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These clusters include, among others: architecture and construction; communications; business management and administration; health science; marketing; and mathematics. (For a full list, visit www.dese.mo.gov/collegecareer-readiness.) The clusters “encompass virtually all occupations from entry through professional levels. This way students gain insight on careers that are in high demand and broaden their perspective on all the options available to them,” McKee explained. Since the program’s launch in January, more than 730 students and 70 professionals have participated in CEA. St. Peters attorney Brent Martin is one of the professionals. Martin, and others in his firm at Farrell & Martin, participated in the job shadowing, presentations and mentoring portions of CEA. “The program lets us encourage high school students to consider what the practice of law involves,” Martin said. “Students were able to get answers to their questions one-on-one, visit the courthouse, and see motions and docket calls.”

“I think there is a misconception of why we do what we do. It’s not about money and greed,” he said. “It is a substantial investment to go to law school. There are a lot of career choices where you can make more money. We do this because we get to help people and families and help them solve problems.” But perhaps most importantly, it’s just something he enjoys. “It’s just fun to mentor these students,” Martin said. Students are singing the praises of the program as well. Nick, who job-shadowed a food scientist, said, “This experience has truly impacted my life in a very positive way. I have learned so much, and all of my unanswered questions about the field have gone away. It has helped me see a much clearer path I have to take to reach my end goal.” The CEA was created by a partnership team made up of leaders and representatives from education, business and industry, and civic organizations. McKee said the CEA provides schools with access to professionals from the 16 Career Clusters. The schools pay a fee to participate, while a portion of the program is funded by donations from organizations, such as: AT&T Aspire, Edward Jones, General Motors Foundation, and UPS. Current participants include: Fort Zumwalt School District; Francis Howell School District; Lincoln County School District; Orchard Farm School District; St. Charles School District; Wentzville School District; and St. Charles Community College. For more information, contact Kasey McKee at 636-922-8472/ kmckee@stchas.edu. For more information on hosting a presentation in your office or industry, contact Dawn Thornton, program manager, at dthornton@stchas.edu to schedule a presentation. ¤

Martin said the experience also helps students understand what being an attorney is all about. July | August

Entertain a d e t n e l Ta eens Full House at The Fox T This spring, twelve metro area high school acts brought the crowd to their feet at The Fabulous Fox Theatre as they poured their hearts and souls out on stage at the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Finals. In all, 22 students competed for more than $30,000 in college scholarships and special prizes during the competition. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FPACF) reintroduced the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition in 2011 to showcase the St. Louis region’s most talented teens in the performing arts. A distinguished panel of performing arts professionals - with careers spanning film, TV and Broadway - had the difficult job of judging the acts. Interpretation, stage presence, technical ability, and originality were all taken into consideration to choose the following students for the top honors: 1st place ($7,000 college scholarship) and the Audience Award ($1,000) went to pianist Royce Martin who performed an original piece, “Safari Nzuri”; 2nd place ($5,000 college scholarship) went to Cianna Vo for her modern dance performance choreographed to Maya Angelou’s spoken word piece “A Brave and Startling Truth”; Gabrielle McNabb took 3rd place, for a $4,000 scholarship, with her dance performance to “Speaking in Tongues.”

Photos courtesy of Kevin Lowder

1st place – Royce Martin

The group of 22 finalists will also have the opportunity to perform at a variety of events around the metro area over the upcoming year, giving them great additions to their professional resumés. The Broadway-style show at The Fox was written and directed by Broadway actor/director Tony Parise and choreographed by Yvonne Meyer Hare of Professional Dance Center. Last year’s first place winner, Tiala Taylor, returned to perform a contemporary dance piece to “Nothing Else Matters.” In addition, the Fox Tellerettes performed several dance numbers, and emcee Ben Nordstrom (Kevin Kline Award winner) kept the program running smoothly with humor and song. The 7th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition at The Fox will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017. For more information about the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, contact Marquee Media and Marketing at 314.973.5525 or marla@marqueemediaandmarketing.com. ¤ 38 StreetScape Magazine

2nd place – Cianna Vo

3rd place – Gabrielle McNabb

History of Homeschooling

A Homeschooling Mom using current technology devices works through lessons with her children

(continued from page 33) offering of classes designed to aid middleand high-school-aged homeschoolers. It helps with higher level math and sciences, composition, foreign languages, and other more difficult courses that parent teachers may not be prepared to offer. For more information on SCCHE and the Family Vision Library, visit www.homeschool-life.com. Though homeschoolers do not receive a traditional high school diploma in the state of Missouri, Crain, Sanders and Winfield say it hasn’t made a bit of difference in the lives or educations of their children. “All colleges want are your ACT scores and your money,” Sanders said, adding that her oldest son, now 31, attended St. Louis University for his undergraduate

degree and Purdue University to obtain his doctorate in chemistry. “Even back in 2000, SLU had a guy set up specifically to enroll homeschooled students,” she said. Crain said SCCHE offers a diploma of its own, much like private schools do. She advises homeschoolers not to take their GED test because of the negative connotation behind it, but rather to keep a transcript of their studies to show potential colleges. Things were very different back in the ‘80s. “It was hard. We were going against the grain. We didn’t have anyone ahead of us to see how things would pan out.” Crain recalled. “Back then you had to get the superintendent to approve your homeschooling. One woman quit teaching high school to teach her children, but the superintendent of her district would not approve her. She could teach high school, but not her own children. She was arrested. She ate rice and beans to pay for lawyers. People suffered for the homeschooling laws.” Crain admits much has changed in 30 years. ¤

July | August

Take a Week en dt

St. Charle r e v sC sco ou i D n o

A Wine Country Getaway is Closer Than You Think! Story and photos courtesy of St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau

Go Glamping! Klondike Park in Augusta has 250 acres of scenic property. Once the site of an old silica sand quarry, the area has been preserved and turned into a beautiful park with unique lookout bluffs that provide picturesque views of the Missouri River Valley and historic Katy Trail. If you prefer “glamping” to camping, check out one of the six cabins that sleep up to eight guests. If you’re looking to do a little old-fashioned camping, Klondike has 10 basic campsites and 31 primitive campsites with restrooms and a shower house nearby. www.sccmo.org/690/Klondike-Park Be Adventurous! Ever wanted to rent a canoe, kayak or raft and float the Missouri River? You can! It is even possible to travel the exact path Lewis and Clark forged over 200 years ago. Missouri River Excursions is offering a new experience for adventurous souls. Unlike floating smaller rivers, the Missouri is a wide-open adventure experience. www.floatmissouririver.com

If you prefer dry land, then try your luck on the Katy. The state of Missouri is lucky to have the Katy Trail State Park, and Historic Missouri Wine Country has some of the prettiest views along the trail. Stop by the Katy Bike Rental in either Defiance or Augusta 40 StreetScape Magazine

and rent a bike for a day-long adventure. It’s an easy 7.3-mile ride between Defiance and Augusta, but we challenge you to do the marathon ride of 26.9 miles! www.bikekatytrail.com Explore the Night Sky! Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance features 494 acres of natural beauty, several large lakes for fishing, and more than 7 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, check out the Astronomy Viewing Area. The site, which is free and open to the public, features 24/7 access and nine paved telescope stations. Every Friday night, the skies come alive as members of the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) host public star-gazing events, beginning at dusk. www.sccmo.org/617/Broemmelsiek-Park

Discover Why French Wine Has Missouri Roots! In 1876, when the French wine industry was on the brink of ruin, millions of cuttings of Missouri grapevine rootstock were shipped to France. Our Native American rootstocks were immune to the American plant louse that found the French roots particularly appealing. By grafting French vines onto the Missouri rootstock, healthy grapes could be produced.

St. Charles County is home to more than a dozen awardwinning wineries. Take time to discover Birdlegs Blush from Sugar Creek Winery or the Norton Missouri from Mount Pleasant Estates. Sit on the expansive deck with vineyard views at Chandler Hill Vineyards and enjoy a glass of Savage Norton. You’ll need a few days to discover them all!

Be Pampered! Tucked into a 100-year-old mill in downtown Augusta is Halcyon Spa. Whether you’re a cyclist coming off the Katy Trail or just looking for a relaxing escape, Halcyon Spa is the place to visit. Get a therapeutic massage, rejuvenating facial, or refreshing body wrap, and you’ll feel nurtured and refreshed when you leave. www.halcyonaugusta.com Be on the lookout for Dangerous and Audacious Squirrels! If you’re a biker or a BIKER!, Historic Missouri Wine Country will not disappoint. You can get off the trail or the highway, and stop for a libation at the colorful stops in Defiance, Augusta, and New Melle. Try the Augusta Brewing Co. for a bite to eat and a tasty craft beverage, head over to Liz’s Bar and Grill in New Melle to discover why it’s a cornerstone for locals, and then check out Terry & Kathy’s in Defiance for local bands, billiards, and a “Defiant” attitude. Then cross the street to the Defiance Roadhouse and check out those cheeky Squirrels.

Walk in the Footsteps of Daniel Boone! Step into history at the Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park. Nestled upon the rolling hills of wine country and overlooking the Femme Osage Valley, this beautiful setting represents life in the early 1800s. At 65 years old, Daniel Boone came to Missouri with his wife, Rebecca, and several children and settled in the area. The house at Lindenwood Park is the home of Daniel’s youngest son, Nathan Boone. Take a tour of the four-story home with 2.5-ft. thick limestone walls and discover life in the 1800s. www.danielboonehome.com You’ll need a Bed - and Breakfast! Historic charm with modern comfort? A quiet, peaceful, country setting? Boutique B&B with a convenient location and lots of charm? A pool with a great view? Historic Missouri Wine Country has what you’re looking for and is home to more than a dozen beautiful getaways. For all this and more, visit www.historicstcharles.com and Discover St. Charles. ¤

July | August

42 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

Home Sweet Home

AFTER

BEFORE

CityScaping A LOFT

From bachelor pad to metro contemporary style, Heidi Sowatsky with Decorating Den Interiors transformed a St. Louis condo into the perfect space for its new owners — and in less than six months.

Decorating Den Interiors is a full-service, interior decorating firm that works almost exclusively with residential clients and small businesses. Owned by Sowatsky, the company focuses on working with pieces the clients already own. She has a home studio in St. Charles, but she travels with samples and works on-site. “We try to take the stress out of the interior decorating process,” said Sowatsky. “We try to handle as much or as little [as the client] wants.” Sowatsky’s task with the twobedroom, 2½-bath condo was to renovate and decorate the space to reflect the new owners’ styles and attitudes.

Story by Amy Armour Photos by Michael Schlueter

The owners said the biggest transformation occurred in the master bedroom. “The original walls were painted stripes, alternating flat and glossy paint in yellow. It had a circus tent effect,” detailed Sowatsky. “To get a smooth finish, the gloss had to be sanded off and then painted with the new color.” The wall behind the bed was wallpapered to add texture. “Honestly, after multiple coats of primer and new paint, the addition of wallpaper on one wall ... the space feels twice as large. The room is inviting and relaxing,” said one owner. Blackout drapes framed the wall of windows. “Draperies added a level of elegance and add a softness to the windows,” said Sowatsky.

“It wasn’t in bad shape; it just wasn’t in their taste,” said Sowatsky. Sowatsky said there was not much style at all in the original condo, as it looked more like a bachelor hangout. The couple was looking for a more contemporary feel. “We gave it a metro contemporary style – clean lines, not fussy, comfortable, with a focal point in every room,” said Sowatsky. “We used a variety of textures and finishes to give it interest.” 44 StreetScape Magazine

The powder room saw the most physical changes. The half bath originally opened into the kitchen area. Workers ripped out and moved the door to the side, added a new

contemporary vanity, and painted the walls a brilliant shade of orange. “We love the cayenne color and amazing artwork,” said the owners. The master bathroom was freshly painted, and Sowatsky added a spectacular chandelier over the bathtub. The original mirror, which spanned the entire length of the double vanity, was kept in place but jazzed up. “We framed it with a wood frame in a champagne finish to coordinate with the beautiful chandelier over the tub and the new vanity light fixtures,” said Sowatsky. “The wall above the tub became a focal point with the addition of a stone-faced waterfall.” “The master bath with the chandelier and water feature is amazing,” stated one of the owners.

“If you don’t have something else to focus on, the white tile sticks out like a sore thumb,” said Sowatsky. “It was not worth the return investment, so we focused on the assets.” Sowatsky utilized a unique wallpaper mural of a bicycle wheel — that the owners fell in love with — on the living room wall to immediately draw the eye to the living room when entering the home. She then added several brightly colored stools around the island in the kitchen to draw the eye up and away from the hated tile floor. “You draw the eye to where you want people to look,” said Sowatsky. And sometimes it just takes a little rearrangement of furniture or a new, unique piece to gain new perspective.

BEFORE

AFTER

The renovation also included separating the shower room. The fireplace saw a dramatic change from a traditional, painted mantel to a stonecovered, floor-to-ceiling masterpiece. “They didn’t know they hated it until they saw the change,” said Sowatsky. “It was a dramatic makeover.” “It is beautiful. I sincerely thank the team that painstakingly installed each stacked stone,” expressed one owner. Sowatsky said there were no major changes in the kitchen, but the subtle decorating changed the feeling and flow of the kitchen. The couple hated the white tiled floor in the kitchen, but instead of undergoing an expensive and intensive project, Sowatsky decided to utilize her decorating magic.

Sowatsky chose a unique kitchen table with glass legs, and she pushed it flush against the wall instead of the typical location in the middle of the breakfast nook. “The glass legs disappeared into the wall. It looked like it was floating,” said Sowatsky. “We didn’t change a lot in the kitchen, but we made it feel different.” The owners loved every aspect of the condo renovation. It was so successful that the owners had a difficult time choosing their favorite aspect of their “new” home. “We wouldn't change a thing; but if we ever do, we will have a decorator,” said the owners. “[It was] truly a fun and creative process that Heidi and Ashley made seem effortless.” ¤

July | August

Custom Story by Kayla Mugler Photos courtesy of Fusion Gates

After renovating her turn-of-thecentury Victorian home, inventor Donna Potter adopted her first dog, a miniature golden doodle named Buster. Potter fell in love with Buster, but she struggled with the disruptive industriallooking mesh barricades and barred gates designed to corral him. She dreamed of using a gate that embodied her home’s style. “I quickly discovered I was not the only house-proud pet parent reluctant to relinquish design control of my home to a threefoot wall of ugly,” said Potter. After an exhaustive search, Potter realized that what she wanted did not yet exist. At the end of eight years (after six prototypes, three manufacturers, two countries, and one long patent process), she started selling the Fusion Gate in June 2015. Marketed as “engineered for safety, designed as a work of art,” the Fusion Gate ensures boundaries for pets and babies in a way that does not force parents to sacrifice personal style. Fusion Gates does not currently run out of a storefront, but rather sells most of its gates online through the company’s website, www.fusiongates.com. Gates can also be bought from Amazon, Houzz, and Etsy, and they will soon be available on Wayfair. Customers choose from a collection of original art screens that are easily changed to fit growing trends and seasonal décor. In addition, screens can be completely customized by sending Fusion Gates a print-ready file of a design. With the DIY screen, buyers can create their own masterpieces using paint and hodgepodge materials. Potter is in the process of adding a monogram option to allow a customer even more personalization. The gate size is customizable, too, extending to fit passageways up to 61 inches wide. Donna Potter adds new screen designs each season, resulting in fewer than 10 percent of customers choosing to design their own screens. “I love them all, honestly,” said Potter. “If I had to choose a favorite, I would say either Songbirds or Dream Dog because they were the first of our designs.” 46 StreetScape Magazine

Gates

Home Sweet Home

Modern Lines is the most popular screen, featuring thin, vertical, cohesive line fragments in bright earth tones. When the sun shines through the gate, it looks like modernized stained glass. Willow Branch, Trellis, Gold Lattice, and Dream Dog also sell very well. Fusion Gates bring a harmonious transition from one space to another both functionally and aesthetically. The gates have a unique finial latch and an automatic close function with doors that swing in both directions. Even the lock is reversible. The website includes comprehensive installation and removal instructions. “We built the Fusion Gate to be intuitive to minimize disruption and maximize ease,” said Potter. “I saw the Fusion Gate more like a beautiful architectural detail welcoming all who enter the space, and it just happens to be facilitating the way in and the way out - kind of like a beautiful set of French doors.” For gates that allow for a pleasing transition from space to space outdoors, customizable garden gates are available from a handful of St. Louis-area companies: Perpetua Iron: “We build anything that can be drawn on paper. We custom design our clients' projects to respond to functional needs and aesthetic interests.” 2802 Blair Street, St. Louis. Empire Fence & Custom Iron Works: “Empire Fence & Custom Iron Works work with architects, designers and individual homeowners to make their visions come to life. We offer beautiful custom ornamental iron fence, gates, interior and exterior railing, spiral stairs, balconies, pool fencing, mailboxes, and more.” 4001 Taft Avenue, St. Louis. Missouri Ornamental Iron Co. Inc.: “Missouri Ornamental Iron Co. Inc. fabricates and installs custom and standard designed ornamental iron in the St. Louis metropolitan area and a 50-mile radius, including Illinois.” 6733 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis ¤

July | August

Home Sweet Home

The Smitheys Zack and an ironworker review the plans

The foundation is poured and ready for containers

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter Zack Smithey is at it again. The 33-year-old teacher, artist, restaurateur, American Ninja Warrior, Easter Art Hunt founder, and all-around dreamer-visionary-idealist, has come up with another plan that’s turning heads in St. Charles — literally. This time it’s on Elm Street. It’s his house. Or it’s going to be. Passersby are turning to look at the eight, 40-by-9½-foot, train shipping containers that Smithey and his wife, Brie, have had stacked atop a concrete foundation. The Smitheys are making a house out of them. Originally from Shanghai, China, the containers had been around the world 12 times delivering goods before the Smitheys purchased them for $2,000 each. They plan to have a 3,100-squarefoot house with a walk-out basement finished in late July. “We’ve renovated several older homes from 1865, 1880, 1904 and the 1970s,” Zack said. “This was the logical next step – to build a home more unique for us.” It’s a little more than that, though. The couple has agreed to let a major television network use their project for the pilot episode of its new series. The Smitheys won’t divulge the network or the show, though Zack Smithey did say the back story has already been filmed, along with footage of the cranes setting the containers in place. He expects the show to air in the fall or winter. The Smitheys are using many repurposed materials in their endeavor. “It’s partly for the budget, but also because there are so many materials out there to be used. It’s hard for me to justify tearing down trees when there are so many materials already out there to be recycled,” Zack Smithey explained. The list of recyclables includes the containers themselves, reclaimed wood from an old family barn, pallets, and homemade furniture. Zack plans to fashion light fixtures from antique materials and lamps from 1940s and 1950s salon hair dryers. “I want it to be a mixture of industrial, but also rustique,” he said. “I think using these old materials will bring life into this steel structure. It’s an assemblage of things that have memories.” The couple hopes to build their container home for about $125,000, a third of the cost of traditional home construction, Zack said. “We want to be mortgage free after building this.” 48 StreetScape Magazine

Zack overlooks progress of first container being hoisted

The all-steel structure will be painted, and they are refinishing and sealing the hardwood floors that are already in the containers. Steel I-beams will carry the weight of the containers, so all of the interior walls can be removed while maintaining the structural integrity of the house. The containers are welded to the foundation and connected with steel plates along with rebar inside the foundation. Zack Smithey drew his own plans for an open design concept and worked with local architect Steve Hollander to help finalize his ideas. The lower level will contain the kitchen, dining and living areas, with an office and a large walk-in pantry. The Smitheys want nothing to do with kitchen cabinets. The upper level will hold three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room. Zack hasn’t decided yet whether he will add a garden to the roof. He wants to add a covered patio area with comfortable seating, lighting and fans, as well. A wrap-around sidewalk will surround the entire home. The structure will be painted with insulative paint, and foam insulation will be sprayed on the interior of the exterior walls to cut down on the heat generated by its steel shell. The lower level will be heated and cooled with a conventional central unit. The upper level will be outfitted with Mitsubishi ductless, mini-split, heating and air conditioning systems, designed to heat and cool existing buildings. They require no ductwork and can be controlled by zone. Zack said he will also install a fresh air exchange system. “A normal house breathes slowly through the wood and insulation. This house is so airtight we will have to keep the air fresh and not let it get stagnant.” Natural wood slats will offset the industrial look of the containers on the outside. He also wants to add six-foot, clear-coated, horizontal wood slats to the sides to add dimension and create shade. “I think they will offset the cold steel,” Zack said. Some 2,500 cubic yards of dirt had to be removed before construction could begin on the three-quarter-acre lot on Elm Street. The Smitheys have been sitting on the property since 2011, trying to decide what kind of house they wanted.

Zack Smithey said he believes he is the first person in the St. Louis region to build a container home, and he just might add another business to his repertoire. “I want to do them all over the St. Louis area. I want to build communities of repurposed material,” he said.

Crane hoists the first container in place

Zack Smithey is a professional artist when he isn’t dreaming up his next adventure. Some things will probably never change, he said. “When I see something that I don’t know or don’t know how to do, I want to learn

And move on he does. He’s already contemplating that rooftop garden decision. He might replace it with solar panels. “One reason we keep changing and moving is that, as we change, so does our house,” Zack said. “It changes to fit us.”

Two levels of containers set in place

are Building a Container Home Alternative home building, revitalizing and shopping is all the rage on cable in recent years, especially HGTV’s “Container Homes.” Producers say they’re “crisscrossing the country following builders who are giving their clients the homes of their dreams out of shipping containers.”

it. While I’m here, I want to learn and do as many things as possible. I’ve got too many ideas to complete in a lifetime, so I want to keep moving forward,” said Zack.

To keep up with Zack Smithey and all of his ideas, follow him at: www.facebook. com/zack.smithey.3. ¤

From simple and small homes to complex, creative and costly, “Container Homes” has numerous episodes and ideas to spur the imagination. Many honk and shout hello to Zack Smithey, a few even stop to ask what’s going on. “I knew it,” one lady said. “I watch that show all the time.“ But St. Charles’ first container castle wasn’t born of HGTV fame, Zack said. A shipping container building the couple saw in St. Maarten pushed them in the direction of the container home. A man walks by next and asks Zack what he is building. Zack tells him, and the man responds similarly. “This happens all day, every day,” Zack said. “They slow down. They take pictures, because it’s different. People are tired of the same old thing and accepting the way things have always been.” Brie Smithey runs the couple’s St. Charles restaurant, Miss Aimee B’s, and has just come out with her own protein bar line. July | August

50 StreetScape Magazine

k o o L , p o St n e t s i L and

“Mark’s Com edy Minute” by Mark Schi ff, opening ac t for Je rry Seinfeld

My mother always said, "When someone is talking to you, look at them and vice versa. That's called respect."

Well folks, those days are over. Ever since the invention of the Game Boy and now the cell phone, looking at someone when you're talking to them is over. I have not seen my children's faces in years. When we're home, they text from one room to the other. The only way I know I have kids living at home are the large grocery bills. People are the new anteaters. Instead of burying our heads in the sand, we bury them in our devices. I see young parents on their cell phones talking and texting while pushing their kids in strollers with the top of the stroller down so they can't see the kid and the kid can't see them. And when the kid makes some noise or asks for the parent, they are hushed... "Momma's on the phone. Look at the nice trees." I've texted my kids about my feelings about all of this asking them if there was anything that we can do to return to the good old days when people would look at each other. I'm sorry to say I have not heard back from them yet. I'm waiting for the day when one of my kids looks at me and says, "Hey, Dad. When did you get so old?" "About 10 years ago."and "it started when you got your first iPhone." ¤ www.MarkSchiff.com • 323.630.6894

“Mark Schiff is on best stage comics e of the funniest, the brightest, the I’ve ever seen.” – Jerry Seinfeld “If you can get hi m there is nobody fu , I would do it, because nnier” – Paul Rei ser

Exclusive Sponsor for "Mark's Comedy Minute"

July | August

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter Shoppers looking for distinctive fashions that not everyone will be wearing should stop into Carries Boutique. Located in midtown O'Fallon at 2311 Highway K, Carries Boutique opened in 1985 to provide women of all ages with unique trends from today’s top labels. “Carries is known for our Brighton accessories and Tribal clothing brands, but we also have many one-of-a-kind accessories handcrafted by local artisans,” said Karen Anderson, who has owned Carries Boutique for three years. Accessories include beautiful and unique rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to complete the perfect outfit from a fancy evening out to a casual evening in. The shop also displays many popular clothing designers from Vintage Concept and Yellow Box Shoes to Kenneth Cole and Lana Lee to JAG Jeans and Erin London. “I do my own buying so we don't have an outside buyer sending us the same things th,at are delivered to many of the other boutiques in town,” explained Anderson. Anderson only keeps a small quantity of select apparel, and she frequently travels to the market for the latest styles and trends. Anderson said Carries unique accessories, handbags and clothing appeal to women of all ages. From totes, clutches, belts and scarves to sunglasses and shoes, the shop offers women a headto-toe wardrobe that reflects their unique, personal style.

Karen Anderson, owner of Carries Boutique

What is a must-have accessory this summer? The flutter sleeve top. While this is not a true accessory, it sure feels like one. It can be worn three ways and looks great on all body types.

“Plus we offer great gifts, such as home decor, much of which is locally made,” said Anderson.

What are your top five clothing staples this summer? ~ Lace A-line dress ~ Ankle pants ~ Long vests in all colors ~ Sandals ~ Lots of colorful baubles ~

How did you originally get into fashion? I have always loved fashion, but my education is in business from Lindenwood University.

Rompers for women — cringe worthy or super cute? For the right woman, a romper can be fabulous. If you're not sure, ask your stylist if a romper is right for you.

How would you describe your personal style? I would call my personal style classic with a twist. I tend to keep my base pieces classic and then finish off an outfit with an ontrend, layering piece or accessory.

What from your closet can you absolutely not live without? My black, Renuar ankle pants.

What's trending this summer season? This summer we are seeing more long vests in breezy fabrics. Many of these are paired with shorts or skirts. Flats, wedges or heels? I love them all depending on the outfit and event, but my go-to for summer is sandals.

52 StreetScape Magazine

What fashion trend do you miss? Now that I'm 50, I don't really miss fashion trends from the past. I'm old enough that so many great trends have come back around and have been improved along the way. For more information about Carries Boutique, visit their Facebook page at CarriesBoutiqueOFallonMO or follow them on Twitter @Carries1985. ¤

July | August

54 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

56 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

58 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

60 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

62 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

64 StreetScape Magazine

Story by Kate Santellano In the DIY revolution, it seems only natural that mascara, lip balm, lotion, blush and bronzer fall into the lineup. Making your own cosmetics and beauty products does not only put a boost in your wallet, but these quick and easy recipes will help you make the most of your pantry and have a beautiful summer glow. No matter the color you are going for, keep in mind these helpful tips: ~ Cinnamon provides glow ~ Cocoa gives depth and darkness ~ Nutmeg will give a sun-kissed brown ~ Beet powder gives the pink pigment. ~ Cornstarch spreads it all out and lightens it ~ Essential oils keep it together and thicken it

DIY BRONZER

Ingredients • 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder • Cocoa • Cinnamon • Nutmeg • Beet root powder Directions: To make your beet root powder, thinly slice 4 or 5 beets and lay them on the dehydrator screen. Dehydrate at 140 F for 8 to 10 hours (or until crispy, like chips). Place the dehydrated beet chips into a coffee grinder, and grind them into a fine powder. Combine arrowroot, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg and beet root powder on a plate until you find the shade you like, 1 to 2 teaspoons at a time. Put blush into a jar or old compact.

To take off eye make up you want something that is soft and will not sting your eyes. This recipe is simple and easy on the eyes.

HOMEMADE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

Mascara dates back to ancient Egypt. Most formulas contain the same basic elements: pigmentation, oils, and waxes. But most mascaras on the market these days have plenty of other “stuff” lurking in them. This is a chemical-free version.

DIY ALL NATURAL HOMEMADE MASCARA Ingredients • 2 tsp coconut oil • 4 tsp aloe vera gel • ½ – 1 tsp grated beeswax • 1 or 2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black) or cocoa powder (for brown)* • A clean mascara container

*Activated charcoal can be found in most health food stores or online. This is not the same stuff you use to get your grill going. If you’re worried about using activated charcoal, go with the cocoa powder. Directions: Put coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and grated bees wax in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely melted. Open 1 or 2 capsules of activated charcoal (depending on desired color, about ¼ – ½ tsp) and pour into oil mixture. Stir until completely incorporated. Remove from heat. Pour into a small plastic bag, pushing the mixture down to one corner. Then cut a very small hole in the opposite corner of the bag. Fold the corner with the cut whole until you have a small tip that you can push into the empty mascara tube. (Make sure the tip goes far enough into the tube). Keep the small-hole-end securely in the tube (or get your helper to hold it in place). Begin pressing the mascara mixture toward the tube. Keep moving the mixture into the tube until it’s all in.

Place the inner cap in place, and then twist the wand on tightly. ¤

Ingredients - Makes about 1/3 cup • 2 Tbsp witch hazel • 2 Tbsp oil of choice (jojoba, almond, etc.) • 2 Tbsp filtered water Add all ingredients to your container/ dispenser. Shake well before using. Wipe on closed eyelids with clean fingers – or moist cotton ball or makeup pad – and swipe over closed eyelids.

July | August

� + aura �ellington � Wedding

lake

March 19, 2016

Ceremony Assumption Parish, O’Fallon, MO Officiant Monsignor Mike Turek Reception Heart of St. Charles

Bridesmaids Sarah Glenn, Tracy Bellm, Dana Sturma, Emily Schaffner, Ashley Olberholtzer, Alex Baer, Natalie Hahn, Stacy Litzinger, Gigi Mahfood, Gina Finazzo Groomsmen Tyler Filmore, Robby Rojeski, David Spotanski, Nick Savio, Chase Wellington, Parker Wellington, Rishi Ghosh, Matt Kresko, Matt Moorman, Cameron Harris Ushers David Spotanski (Groomsman), Chase Wellington (Groomsman), Jami Szwargulski Flower Girls Mayia Sturma, Haylee Wellington Ring Bearer Drake Kelly

Bridesmaids Gifts Wine, Ring Pops, Personalized Letters, Shawls, Robes, Earrings Groomsmen Gifts Argyle Socks, Ties, Chuck Taylor Shoes, Personalized Letters Ushers Gifts Monogramed Purse (Jami) Ring Bearer Gift Chuck Taylor Shoes Flowergirls Gifts Monogrammed Sweaters and Diamond Cross Necklaces Bride’s Dress Mia Grace Bridal / Casablanca Flowers Dooley’s Florist and Gifts Décor the Bride and Mother of the Bride

66 StreetScape Magazine

Photos Christine Shoemaker Photography Videography Nenad Simic Photobooth 2 Chicks and a Photobooth Cake Wedding Wonderland... They invented S’mores Flavored Cake for our special day! Live Music Encore Band Special Moments We wrote our own vows. Choreographed a surprise hip hop dance, Newspaper Program for Church, Make Today Count by John Maxwell (Gave each guest a book as a gift), Love Birds Theme (After their bird, “Twitter”) Quote About Their Day “Make Today Count”

July | August

Wedding

the

APRIL’S ON MAIN is a unique woman’s getaway. We are a complete home decor and gift store, from the one-of-a-kind centerpiece to the perfect necklace made just for your needs. We carry silk florals, artwork, furniture, candles, jewelry, lotion, table top accessories, PooPouri and much more. We have in-house designers to help you with all of your decor needs. April’s On Main St. Charles can be found on Facebook, Yelp! and Twitter.

t e g d u B a n o g Weddin

Story and Photos by April Moxley

As exciting as it is, planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Planning a wedding on a tight budget can be a nightmare. There are so many costly, time-consuming tasks on the “to do list”… finding your perfect dress along with attire for the wedding party, choosing the venue, selecting a menu, cake, flowers, invitations, etc. Options are endless, and in today’s world you have probably pinned hundreds of ideas on Pinterest, each one with its own unique possibilities, adding to the confusion.

A bit of advice - limit the number of people who make suggestions and hopefully you will get to enjoy the process. Try to include your mother or “mother substitute” in much of the decision making, especially if your parents are footing the bill. Growing up you may have dreamed about your wedding day, but very likely, so did she. Decide from the beginning what is most important to you so that you can concentrate on specifics, and always have a backup plan. You may have picked a wedding date suitable to you and your family, but until you reserve a ceremony location and reception hall, you cannot consider it a done deal. For example, the church is available on your chosen date, but the reception hall is not. So which is more important– the date or the venue? If the date and church are most important, then keep looking for the reception location. Another place will still reflect your personality in the decorations. But the sooner this gets settled, the sooner you can move on to everything else. Invitations will set the mood for your celebration and can vary greatly in cost depending on your choices. For weddings on a budget, this is a good place to save money. If possible, try creating your own invitations with publishing software. Printable cardstock 68 StreetScape Magazine

comes in a variety of colors and is readily available at craft and office supply stores. Use a paper cutter for clean edges. Embellish them with ribbon, wax monograms, jute or flatback crystals, and fill the envelopes with confetti. Even the simplest print can come alive with a few extras. Save more money by printing the response card in postcard form; it requires no return envelope and less postage.

When it comes to flowers, should they be fresh, artificial, or both? If choosing fresh, make sure to select something seasonal, or costs could skyrocket. Artificial flowers can also be hard to find “out of season,” so shop ahead of schedule if you are adamant about your favorite. Elaborate floral bouquets may exceed your budget, but the simpler trends today, consisting of a few flowers tied in burlap or lace, topped off with a locket or brooch, may be just right. Some brides are carrying bouquets made entirely out of brooches both old and new, a concept that allows relatives and friends a chance to contribute to your lasting keepsake. Venture out with your bridesmaids to a street rich in antique and resale shops in search of those fabulous trinkets, a lovely way to involve your friends in your quest. Make sure you have enough to add one to each of their bouquets. Arbors are popular at both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and easy enough to wrap with a garland, then layer with ribbon and flowers. Magnolia garland works well in the staging area because the leaves are large and very visible. After the nuptials, it can be repurposed at the reception in a variety of places. Does anyone you know have a curly willow tree in their yard that would also be willing to let you cut off some of the limbs? Curly willow branches, birch branches, and plants such as lamb’s ear and

succulents are great options for garden urns. All of these are usually abundant in gardens and yards, making it easy and inexpensive to obtain. LED light strands enhance the entrance and set the mood. Dinner and dessert for your wedding guests can be expensive. Unless you have opted to have your reception in a rented hall with your own caterers, you will be restricted to options provided at the venue. They may even insist on the cake being produced by their staff. Hopefully you have allocated enough of your budget to this part of your evening. I’ve seen more cake go to waste at weddings than I care to remember. It can be much less costly to just have a small, but showy, tiered cake for presentation, with pillars between the layers to create more height, than to have sheet cakes that must be cut and served from the kitchen. If you are thinking about a less traditional alternative and have time to cook, package cookies for each guest to take home (or eat there). Finally, we come to a very important part of the party - the tablescaping. (You know, that thing where you end up owning 20 mirrored plates, candleholders, vases, lanterns, etc.) Friends and family will need to assist with table decorating on the wedding day, as it often has to be set up at a time when the wedding party is very busy. The easier you can make it, the better chance there is for proper execution.

Banquet Center

Wedding Receptions Office Parties Special Events Rehearsal Dinners

(314) 406-3783 www.ohbanquets.com Located on Historic Main Street • St. Charles, MO

Consider asking close family members to let you borrow special vases well in advance of the event and deliver them to the florist. Save even more by purchasing just the fresh flowers and then creating the centerpieces on site. Filling these vases with a fresh assortment of flowers appropriate to their shape and size gives each table a personal touch. Votive candles can be added for ambience with a few fresh petals strewn around. The flowers then become the property of the individual owner of the vessel. At evening’s end, not only does the guest receive a lovely parting gift, but the different arrangements are a great conversation starter. (And better yet, you don’t have to figure out what to do with everything after the reception.) Marriages are an expression of love, shared with family and friends, at the start of your new lives together. Whatever you choose to do at your wedding should be a reflection of that love to the people closest to you. Elaborate, small, or in-between, the wedding and reception are celebrations. Enjoy them. ¤ July | August

Wedding

70 StreetScape Magazine

m a e r A d ing D Wed Comes True

Story by Kayla Mugler Wedding photos courtesy of Major Dan Hudson

Call her an impromptu fairy godmother or an angel of sorts. With help from her friends and what she regards as divine intervention, Major Laura Key arranged funding for longtime St. Charles couple Tonya and Jesse to get married. Key, Corps Officer at the St. Charles Salvation Army, officiated their wedding at the Salvation Army Church on May 2. Last November, Key met the couple and their four-year-old son, Korbin. While they were waiting to receive food from the pantry, Key inquired about their marital status when she noticed they had different last names. “We can’t afford the marriage license,” said Tonya, glancing at Jesse. “We don’t have the money.” They’d wished for a wedding for years. Key shared the couple’s plight with a volunteer, who then offered to pay for the marriage license. Key was ready to officiate the wedding as soon as possible, but the groom had a wish of his own. “I don’t want to get married to her unless I can put a ring on her finger,” said Jesse. Key promised to work on that. From there, the effort snowballed into a community project featuring Key as the de facto wedding planner. She sought help from other members of the St. Charles Missouri Noonday Rotary. An advisory board member, who is a local funeral director and floral shop owner, donated flowers and pew bows. Another Rotary member’s daughter donated a wedding cake. One member

works at the Boys and Girls Club, and she lent an abundance of country chic decorations left over from the Crystal Ball gala. A St. Charles attorney, yet another Rotary member, donated a pearl necklace and matching earrings for Tonya. “Over the next month or two, I received an overwhelming show of support,” said Key. “I was just amazed at how this whole thing was coming together.” The dress, an intricately beaded satin gown, came from the St. Charles Salvation Army Thrift Store with Major Katrina Matthews’ permission. It was one of only two available dresses and required no alterations. Matthews provided a veil to match. As Key and Tonya left the store, an employee stopped them to ask if the bride needed shoes. She reached into a cabinet of unused shoes and furnished a studded pair of heels that fit Tonya just right. Key called them her Cinderella shoes. With a combination of donations and money Key raised by etching personalized Pyrex glasses and designing greeting cards, Tonya’s genuine diamond wedding ring set and Jesse’s wedding band costs were covered. A dress steaming, hair and makeup, and a sweater vest for Korbin were all provided by donation or at a discount. On May 2, Major Key pronounced Jesse and Tonya man and wife, surrounded by community members. “The wedding was small and short, but very beautiful,” said Key. “A lot of our Corps people attended. Even though many of them had never met the bride and groom, they wanted to show the couple that God’s people love and support one another.” Key accepts little acclaim for organizing this wedding, offering accolades to her community and church for making this happen. (continued on page 73) July | August

GladHearts

r e d n a l l o H k r a M

Story by Amy Armour Community service is just part of life for Mark Hollander—and he loves every minute of it.

When Hollander was young, his father, former Assistant Chief of Police for the city of St. Peters, led by example. “I vividly remember him coming home from work, changing out of his uniform, and changing into clothes to go to a community event,” said Hollander, 54. “[Volunteering] was something I needed to do.”

Family is important to Mark Hollander. He has been married to Melissa, a small business owner, for 12 years. He has two children: Katie, 31,who is married to Chris Nation, and Maggie, 22, who just graduated from Truman State University and plans to marry in September. Hollander is also grandpa to Katie and Chris’ 2 ½-year-old son, Blake. “I want to leave St. Charles County a better place for my children. I want to leave the same legacy that my father has,” said Hollander.

Mark Hollander loves spending time with his family and taking a break from it all.

“We have a tiny lake cabin in the Ozarks, and I love to sit on the deck and watch the sunset,” said Hollander. “Just doing nothing. Well, maybe fishing a little.”

When he’s not busy volunteering, Hollander is a business banking relationship officer for UMB Bank. A 34-year veteran of the banking industry, Hollander specializes in small business lending. Mark Hollander first volunteered for the Relay for Life event with the American Cancer Society.

“The American Cancer Society is near and dear to my heart. I (now) volunteer with several events with the ACS each year,” said Hollander. Hollander then served on the Board of Directors for Community Living, Inc. (CLI) for seven years. CLI assists developmentally disabled adults with recreational, residential, and employment programs designed to enrich their lives.

“I really enjoyed my time there, CLI is a tremendous organization,” said Hollander.

While Hollander was serving on the CLI board, the nonprofit merged with Family Support Services (FSS). FSS serves children and teens with developmental disabilities. The first year of the merger, Hollander helped during summer camp. “To watch those kids participate in summer camp was overwhelming to me,” said Hollander, “The kids were just having a ball. It was such a relief to parents to have some help.” 72 StreetScape Magazine

A Wedding Dream Comes True

(continued from page 71) The Salvation Army offers the following services: u Adult Rehabilitation u Veterans Affairs Services u Prison Ministries u Elderly Services u Combating Human Trafficking u Missing Persons u Hunger Relief u Housing and Homeless Services u Christmas Assistance u Youth Camps & Recreation u Kroc Centers u World Service Office u Sponsorship u Emergency Disaster Services

Currently, Hollander serves on the board of directors for Sparrow’s Nest, a maternity home in O’Fallon for teens. The mission of the nonprofit is close to his heart.

“I have always been and have felt very strongly about being Pro-Life. It’s a personal commitment and feeling, but I never felt right saying, ‘Don’t have an abortion,’ to a young woman in crisis without being able to provide an alternative,” said Hollander, who is also a deacon at Faith Chapel in O’Fallon.

Disclaimer: Wedding funding is not a service provided by the Salvation Army. In the case of this story, the wedding came about because a volunteer offered to pay for the couple’s marriage license. ¤

Reception photos courtesy of Major Laura Beth Key

Sparrow’s Nest offers pregnant women support, education, and guidance during and after pregnancy. Adoption services are available, but teen mothers (up to age 19) can also receive shelter, provisions, and case management throughout pregnancy and for up to a year after the child is born.

Hollander said the teens can take numerous parenting classes, as well as courses in nutrition and budgeting. Classes teach important life skills, like changing the oil in a car. Sparrow’s Nest offers individual and family counseling and transportation to appointments, school, and church. Residents of the Sparrow’s Nest receive nutritious food, clothing, and anything needed for the baby. Aftercare programs support spiritual, personal and educational goals of the young moms. Serving within the community is a natural—and easy— choice for Hollander.

“Really, my love for this community is great,” said Hollander. “I feel grounded in this community. I want to see it grow and to continue to be a better place. I don’t always want to be a taker. I want to be a giver.” St. Charles County is full of volunteers. “There is a real tremendous sense of wanting to give,” said Hollander.

He advises professionals to find something—anything of interest; and get involved in a non-profit.

As Hollander exclaimed, “There are dozens of good ones, and each of them can use your help and support!” ¤ July | August

Story by Michael Grafman

Meet John Ulett, who just celebrated his 40th anniversary at KSHE! If you have lived in St. Louis during the past 40+ years, then you probably have heard of John Ulett, one of the longest working disc jockeys around. I've known John for that long. I asked him some questions about his rock ‘n roll connection to St. Louis. Michael: John, please tell St. Louis how you got started in broadcasting. John Ulett: I got started by attending Broadcast Center when I was 16 years old while still a junior in high school. I got my first job from an instructor at Broadcast Center who was going to be the Program Director of a new station going on the air in the fall of 1974 called KEZK. Michael: What is your connection to St. Louis, in your words, with the people, the industry, and our city? John Ulett: I feel my main connection to St. Louis and the audience I try to serve everyday is the fact that I'm born and raised here. The listener knows where my heart lies in the scope of everything I do. Since I started on the air here when I was 17 years old, I've grown up on the air in my hometown, and I'm very proud of that. Michael: What is your most memorable broadcasting experience in St. Louis? John Ulett: My most memorable broadcast experience is still evolving, and that's my long run at KSHE Radio. My 40th year as a full-time, on-air person was May 25th. Sometimes I wonder how and when it will conclude, but one thing’s for sure, it's been an unbelievable run. Another great

Rock-n-Roll Connection sponsored by...

experience has been doing player introductions on national television for six Cardinals World Series teams as their Public Address Announcer. Michael: Who was most instrumental in St. Louis in building your career? John: I point to several people who helped me along the way. Bill Gebhardt, who started and owned Broadcast Center, and Dave Ralston, who gave me my first pro job at KEZK. Ron Stevens and Shelley Grafman, who hired me at KSHE in 1976. Rick Balis, John Beck, and national program director for Emmis Broadcasting Rick Cummings, who have been great supporters of mine for all of the years I've been at KSHE under their leadership. And finally, Jeff Smulyan, the CEO of Emmis Broadcasting, which has owned KSHE since 1984. All these guys saw something they liked in me. I'll never know what that was, but I'll always be grateful to them. Michael: How about the Cardinals? How long have you been MC, and what does that all entail in your life? John Ulett: I became the St. Louis Cardinals stadium announcer in 1983. Being connected to two of St. Louis' iconic brands, the Cardinals and

636.379.5859 | www.Ofallon.FloorsToGo.com 636.447.6668 | www.CoolTouchSTL.com

74 StreetScape Magazine

L-R: John Ulett, David Grafman, Ted Nugent, Shelley Grafman, pioneer of KSHE, and kneeling is Michael Grafman in 1983.

I think if we've lasted this long with all the technology alternatives that exist out there, we're probably here to stay. We'll just have to see how broadcasters like me fit into that future. I take nothing for granted. KSHE, has been an incredible experience. Having a small role in the CarThank you, John Ulett, for being our featured guest here at St. Louis' Rock dinals’ history has been so exciting. It's something my whole family enjoys. ‘n Roll Connection! Congrats again on your 40th Rock-n-Roll anniversary From left to right:Ross Valory, original bassist, Ariella Grafman, Ilya Lubenko, at KSHE this past May 25th! ¤ Michael: When you aren't at the radio station or manager, at Busch Stadium, what Grafman. Pat Morrow, former tour and Michael do you do with your free time, as if you have any!? John: Since having my first child in 1991, I've become a person who loves being a father of three daughters. My wife, Ruth, and I do all we can for them. When I'm not working or doing things with or for them, I play some golf, run, and follow current events in order to be able to talk about anything and everything on the air. I guess I'm never really not working.

Welcome to the St. Louis Rock-n-Roll Connection!

Michael: What are some of your favorite bands? John: My answer to what are my favorite bands is always the same. I have a very wide spectrum of likes. It's easier for me to mention the bands I don't like, and I'd say those would be rap groups whose names I don't even really know. It's not a format that appeals to me. Michael: Your views on radio today and where it’s heading... John: I don't know where radio is headed. I know our demise has been predicted for a good 15 years now, and terrestrial radio is still hanging in there. I think if we've lasted this long with all the technology alternatives that exist out there, we're probably here to stay. We'll just have to see how broadcasters like me fit into that future. I take nothing for granted.

636.928.0082 | www.HarvestowneAutoBody.com

It is brought to you by the sponsors below, please support them.

Stay tuned for more great Rock-n-Roll Connections!

636.477.6228 | www.LaChataMexicanCuisine.com

636.946.9000 | www.Picklemans.com

July | August

THE WAYWARD CRITIC In Home Space, No One Can Hear You Screen Story by Lance Tilford Make plans now to beef up your movie room. With the news that Screening Room, a set-top box venture that aims to bring first-run film features to houses on simultaneous release, would launch this fall, people are getting excited and nervous about the future of movie viewing.

or basic cable movie stations within 2 years. We’ve already seen many small, independent movies smartly offering VOD release the same day or even before it hits theatres. Straight-to-VOD makes a lot of sense for smaller films that don’t get national distribution.

Screening Room is co-created by Sean Parker, of Napster and Facebook infamy, and SFX executive Prem Akkaraju. Its goal is to provide on-demand, 48-hour home viewing of new movies the day they’re released in theatres via a set-top box. Sounds great! The downside? It’s $50 for a 48-hour rental. When you think

This would obviously put a dent in movie theatre chains’ profitability, and Screening Room is working on a shared-profit structure with studios and theatre companies like AMC (which is the only major national company to sign on as of yet; most studios are wary of angering movie exhibitors but anxious to get even quicker profits). Movie creatives like Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson and J.J. Abrams are already stakeholders in the venture.

about the numbers, with ticket prices hovering between $10 and $15, that’s about a movie date for two with popcorn or a movie for a family of four without popcorn. Added benefit? Less sticky floors and cheaper snacks. Though it would be seen as a luxury item in its infancy, Screening Room would certainly be a catalyst to once again alter the “theatrical release” window as we know it: a movie comes out in theatres only; is released on DVD/Blu-Ray and VOD (video on demand) 4 months later; has an exclusive debut on premium pay-cable channels nearly a year later; and might hit free network 76 StreetScape Magazine

So let’s say Screening Room ultimately doesn’t get the needed support, or it launches and gets tangled up in courts (déjà vu, Napster); something similar will arise to take its place. Some movies you’re going to want to see on the biggest, baddest, most IMAX-iest screen possible, an experience that Screening Room could never replicate. But there is a new technology that almost demands to be experienced in the privacy of a home screening room. With the advent of VR (virtual reality) cinema approaching ever closer, a safer, more intimate viewing environment is essential. I don’t see people gathering in a large auditorium to don headsets and make themselves vulnerable to the same people they might run into at the local Walmart. Viewing habits are changing, viewing technology is changing, and our world is filled with confusing but splendiferous choices. But if you relish the home viewing experience, tell your kids to put away their cell phones; oh, and clean your floors. The Wayward Critic reviews films, television and media; follow me on Facebook (The Wayward Critic) and Twitter (@waywardcritic) for reviews of select new movies and shows. ¤

StreetScape Book Picks Title: Legendary Locals of St. Charles Author: By Don and Dianna Graveman About the Book: Legendary Locals of St. Charles, by local authors Don and Dianna Graveman, was released on February 29, 2016. The book includes vintage images that have been collected from the St. Charles County Historical Society, as well as local residents and organizations. Today’s citizens of St. Charles will recognize the names of many early settlers and residents, such as Louis Blanchette, who founded the settlement that would later become St. Charles; St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, who helped found the first school of the Society of the Sacred Heart in America; and Lewis and Clark, who began their expedition here to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory. Later came photographer Rudolph Goebel, who chronicled St. Charles history for more than 50 years; Jane Crider, advocate for adults with disabilities and cofounder of Boone Center, Inc.; and Archie Scott, known as “Mr. Main Street”, for his years of dedication to the preservation of the historic district. Included in Legendary Locals of St. Charles are businesspeople, local personalities, authors, and entertainers; and while some of them may not yet be legendary, all of them are notable for their contributions to the St. Charles community and beyond. Publisher: Arcadia Publishing & The History Press Where to buy: Available at www.arcadiapublishing.com www.historypress.net. July | August

78 StreetScape Magazine

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SINCE 1979

Lic. #M2624A

3727 N. ST. PETERS PKWY. • ST. PETERS, MO 63376 ciscoheating@sbcglobal.net

Service On All Makes And Models • FURNACES • AIR CONDITIONING • WATER HEATERS • HUMIDIFIERS • AIR CLEANERS

Factory Authorized Dealer

Heating & Cooling Systems

WHATEVER IT TAKES. ®

DAVID CISSELL • 636-477-0100

July | August

Sizzle

It’s All About

Story by Sheree Nielsen With the stock market crash in 1929, job seekers traveled great distances to find work. Many heard of the Bagnall Dam project, led by Union Electric of St. Louis. The dam, completed in 18 months, employed more than 40,000 men from every state and nine countries. The purpose — supply electricity to St. Louis and serve as a power source for St. Joseph’s smelting plant. Bagnall Dam would forever change the dynamic and geography of what is now called Lake of the Ozarks. Willmore Lodge initially served as a recreation facility for company executives working on the dam project. Today it’s an invaluable historical museum for the dam and lake and site of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, a first stop for area visitors. Karen Kopis, Chamber of Commerce, says, “From the lodge, you can see seven-mile vistas of the Lake. “Three reasons people love the Lake of the Ozarks – quality family time, a slower pace, and boating,” says Karen.

Camden on the Lake, an upscale resort, houses a full-service marina with covered slips for a fee. Complimentary, first come, first served, public slips are available for restaurant patrons. Lake activities include yacht and fishing charters through First Mate Yacht Services, located in the resort’s marina clubhouse. For watersports and pontoon rentals, visit the H. Toad Entertainment Complex.

Nicole Kever, director of sales, says, “Hotel guests, marina guests and those coming off the water can enjoy the pool’s swim-up bar and lakeside dining.”

80 StreetScape Magazine

In May and October, the Lake’s Harbor Hop attracts owners of an array of high-performance boats and pontoons. Participants draw playing cards at locations around the lake. Prizes are awarded for winning poker hands. Speedboat owners from around the world gather at the Super Cat Fest in August, hosted by Camden on the Lake Resort, showcasing sleek, offshore speedboats. Visitors can purvey the boats and chat with owners during this annual event.

Water plays a significant role at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Be sure to visit the Grand Glaize arm of the lake, rent a boat from Surdyke Boat Rentals at Public Beach #2, and motor the 9-mile long Aquatic Trail to Public Beach #1. Fourteen letter-marked buoys correspond to an interpretive brochure explaining the lake’s prominent features. At Station G, you’ll notice outcroppings full of cavities resembling sponges, which are reef remains originating from one-celled algae in ancient seas. Park naturalist Cindy Hall says, “You can enjoy the trail, birds, historic structures, and landscapes. It’s a nice retreat from the busy activities on the main part of the lake.”

Want fun for the entire family? Visit Tan-Tar-A Resort’s Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark. For a fee, guests and day-guests can enjoy colorful tube, body and treehouse slides, activity pool, lazy river, and calming whirlpool. A favorite is the 600-gallon bucket of water – you never know when it’s going to tip!

Making a Lake of the Ozarks Near MM26 on the main channel at TanTar-A, there’s a sandy beach equipped with chaise lounges and boasting incredible views of a privately owned island in the distance. An outdoor pool is situated just steps from the beach.

For those who prefer boating in style, hop aboard the 150-passenger, Tropic Island Cruise. A narrated, scenic tour departs daily from Tan-Tar-A’s dock. Private charters are available. Bask in the warm sunshine and gentle breezes from the top deck. The Swinging Bridges of Brumley, a unique, off-the-beaten path treasure, are

on Swinging Bridges Road. The first and smaller structure, made of corrugated metal sections, glides over Mill Creek. The larger of the two bridges, suspended by wires above the Grand Glaise Creek and constructed of a series of wooden planks with boards perpendicular to the lower planks, guides vehicles across. An oxidized metal railing provides support for visitors to hold while walking the larger bridge. Beneath, a crystal aqua creek beckons people to fish or swim. A must-see is the Bridal Cave tour. Water picks up minerals and creates vibrant stalactite formations such as pipe organs,

soda straws, and angels. You’ll hear water dripping into puddles, smell wet rock, and feel the cool air on your skin. The peacefulness of the cave entices ... A wonderful vantage point is the observation deck just outside Bridal Cave’s gift shop. Here you’ll experience a picturesque sunset as the sky drips in yellow oranges. The curves of the lake’s shoreline complement her grandiose landscape. And soon you’ll realize it’s all about the water! For more information visit www.funlake.com. ¤

July | August

Sizzle

Story by Kayla Mugler Photo courtesy of Innsbrook Fireworks by Steve Serniak When Susan Harvey was young, she would light the sky above Washington University with her own personal fireworks show. She used basketball-sized, aerial shells measuring 10 inches. She didn’t think anything of it, and no one told her to stop. Back then, St. Louis was largely unconcerned with fireworks safety. Now, Harvey can quickly calculate the required drop zone per shell diameter, factoring in wind risks and water restrictions - all while coordinating logistics and music soundtracks - as lead pyrotechnician for some of St. Louis’ biggest fireworks shows. Susan Harvey grew up in the fireworks business. Her father, Gerald Walker, started Sunset Fireworks Ltd. in the 1960s. Decades later, Harvey carries on her family trade as a sales consultant at J&M Displays, Inc., a fireworks production and display company which merged with Sunset Fireworks in 2007. J&M offers planning, permits, safety inspections, and computerized show choreography. Harvey also serves as the president of Global Pyrotechnic Solutions, Inc., which formerly functioned as a fireworks manufacturer. In her more than 25 years in the industry, Harvey has witnessed significant changes in safety regulations - the culmination of collaborations between the federal government and fireworks companies. After the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11, federal regulations limited sales of explosives: they can no longer be released to an organization or to an individual. Production companies like J&M retain control of the fireworks throughout an event. “Regulations aren’t bad,” said Harvey. “As a fireworks producer, we have to keep the public safe at all times. If one shell can go up, one shell can come back down.” She stresses with her clients the importance of drop zones, which determine the minimum distance between fireworks and spectators. This safety zone is proportionate to the shell’s diameter: for every inch in diameter, the required drop zone is 70 feet. For a five-inch shell, the official drop zone is 350 feet. As an added precaution, Harvey recommends 100 feet per inch, so she would keep the fireworks 500 feet from the spectators. Standard shell size spans from three inches, about the size of a baseball, to 12 inches - bigger than those basketball-sized shells Harvey used at Washington University. Ninety-five percent of shows shoot 3- to 6-inch shells. It’s important to factor in error for winds and varying types of fireworks. For example, the newer, multi-shot cake items can zigzag, go at a slow pace or rapid fire, or fan 100 shots at once. Features like this add a lot of visual 82 StreetScape Magazine

movement, but they can also add risk because of their randomization. There are three classes of firework pyrotechnics. Indoor pyrotechnics are made of chemical compositions designed to be nontoxic for an indoor environment. Often they are hung from the ceiling rather than shot from the ground. Generally, they produce a smoke effect and appear at hockey and basketball games or in theatrical productions. Pyrotechnics for proximate audiences, commonly found at outdoor ballparks, football fields and races, generate little or no fallout and therefore require a smaller drop zone than large aerial shells. They are less explosive, which enables the audience to come closer to the effect. Some malls use close proximity pyrotechnics to celebrate Santa Claus’ arrival at the onset of the holiday season, because the products can be shot from a rooftop without restricting parking below. Harvey’s most memorable close proximity show took place on the 17th hole of the upper golf course on Pineapple Island, Lānaʻi, Hawaii. In 1994, for his wedding to Melinda French, Bill Gates commissioned Harvey’s team to put on a fireworks show for 100 of his closest friends. Harvey shot fireworks as Gates’ favorite singer, Willie Nelson, rocked the stage below. J&M also shoots customizable fireworks logos. At 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall, one of these signs resembles a fiery billboard. Harvey shot a heart-shaped logo sign as a surprise for a couple at their wedding. The bride and groom started crying when they read their names in the sky. “That’s what makes what I do priceless,” said Harvey. “They’ll have that in their photo album forever.” Standard outdoor aerial fireworks are the big shells and dramatic explosions that epitomize large-scale fireworks productions.

in the wintertime because the thin air increases decibel rating and causes noise pollution. In Grafton, the Coast Guard alerts fireworks production companies to the location of eagles’ nesting sites and the range of protected species. Six Flags and other theme parks restrict pyrotechnics that cause an excessive amount of smoke. About 80 percent of the industry’s business happens on July 4th weekend. J&M’s largest St. Louis area show happens on July 2 at Innsbrook Resort. Originally, this was a privately funded show reserved for Innsbrook property owners. In the last couple of years, public guests have been able to buy tickets to a Patio Party, a BBQ Extravaganza, and a BBQ Buffet to see the fireworks display. Tickets for each range from $16-$30. (Visit innsbrook-resort.com for more information.) J&M’s largest public show in St. Louis County is the City of Chesterfield’s show on July 4. The largest St. Louis City event has steadily been Fair Saint Louis, currently held in Forest Park from July 2-4. Originally, the fair took place on the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Arch grounds. Due to the CityArchRiver expansion and renovation project, it moved to Forest Park last year. On Fair Saint Louis’ first night in Forest Park, Harvey and her team produced a show for 50,000 people. The crowd squeezed in together, communally taking in the spectacle, oohing and aahing in tandem.

Restrictions vary with the venue. Each location requires its own permits, licenses, animal considerations, and environmental regulations. Riverfront shows are more logistically complex than land shoots. On a navigable river, the Coast Guard and local fire department close and secure the waterway drop zone. St. Charles has its own challenges because of rising Missouri River levels. At the Four Seasons and Lumière Place hotels in downtown St. Louis, fireworks production companies are required to work with the railroad company to restrict train access during showtime. The Environmental Protection Agency issues air, water, and land restrictions and also considers hazards to animals. At the St. Louis Zoo, loud salutes are not allowed

On the second night of the fair, 75,000 people attended. On July 4, the focal night, 100,000 people experienced these fireworks, crammed next to each other as intricately planned explosions glittered over the Grand Basin.

“Doesn’t matter what ethnic background or age, they forgot about all their worries and stood shoulder to shoulder. That is fireworks,” said Harvey. “That is America.” At the end of each night, a speaker requested that the crowd assist in collecting the trash on Art Hill. Despite tens of thousands of attendees, every night when the crowds cleared, Art Hill was completely spotless. “It’s amazing when a community can come together no matter how diversified they are,” said Harvey. “Being a better community is what it’s all about.” The majority of city fireworks productions cost between $5,000 and $50,000. Other metro area shows happen at country clubs, American Legion veteran events, and seasonal festivals. These shows cost between $2,500 and $30,000. Harvey encourages consumers to pursue small-scale neighborhood shows - as long as they consider safety issues. “There is the right show for the right environment for the right community for the right budget,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how small, it’s how it’s presented that makes all the difference. It’s what they come away with. Bigger is not always better.” Every venue is unique. Harvey remembers shooting a show at a Little League game. Although it was a small production, the excitement was evident in the smiles of the baseball players. “It’s not that you have to spend a lot or shoot a lot,” says Susan Harvey. “Just that you did it makes their faces light up.” That is fireworks. ¤

Your Friendly & Local Jeweler

See our 1/4 page ad on page ? See our ad on page 62

www.krekeler.com www.Krekeler.com 636.978.7870 636.978.7870 July | August

Sizzle

Kabob and s... e Grilling Recip

t i e k i L e m o S

Summer is here, and it’s my favorite season for entertaining. I recently hosted a dinner party and decided the menu would consist of everything kabobs. Even the salad and dessert were on skewers! My guests thought it was fun; and at the end of the evening, there was little cleanup and not many leftovers. Here’s the menu I chose, along with the recipes for the marinades I used on the meat kabobs. Next time you’re entertaining, give this menu a try. Your guests will love it! Happy summer! Please visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/southernsavorings Menu: Grilled balsamic rosemary steak, bacon, potato & mushroom kabob | Grilled pork, pineapple & sausage kabobs with spicy peanut butter, sesame oil and soy sauce marinade | Wedge salad on a stick | Grilled vegetable kabob | Loaded tater tot skewers | Strawberry shortcake brownie kabobs BALSAMIC ROSEMARY MARINADE ½ cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary 3 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 ½ teaspoons salt ¼ cup olive oil Place the ingredients for the steak kabobs in a Ziploc bag, and pour the mixed marinade in the bag. Be sure to cover all the ingredients with the marinade. For the best flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If you are limited on time, marinate 2 to 6 hours before cooking.

SPICY PEANUT BUTTER, SESAME OIL AND SOY SAUCE MARINADE ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (use more or less for taste) Place the ingredients for the pork kabobs in a Ziploc bag, and pour the mixed marinade in the bag. Be sure to cover all the ingredients with the marinade. Again, for best flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If you are limited on time, marinate 2 to 6 hours before cooking. ¤

84 StreetScape Magazine

w e r B d n Qa Grills Up

Good Times

in Wentzville Story by Angel Magasano

The Wentzville Q and Brew, sponsored by Sugarfire Smokehouse, is the first and only St. Charles County barbecue competition sanctioned by the St. Louis BBQ Society. This year’s Q and Brew brought an estimated 12,000 guests to the Wentzville Days Fair and Music Festival. At the event, entrants competed in the four regular categories of chicken, beef brisket, pork, and ribs, and an auxiliary category, People’s Choice. During the People’s Choice contest, competitors served up their version of thick cut pork chops that had been prepared with a Friendship Brewing Company craft beer. Guests of the festival were invited to sample the offerings and vote for their favorite. “It was amazing to experience the creativity of the competitors,” said event promoter, Angel Magasano, owner of Little Black Book: Promotions and Events. “Even though each competitor was given the exact same base ingredients, they each had a very distinct end result.” The top five finishers in each of the four main categories received cash prizes and points in the St. Louis BBQ Society system. The Grand Champion received an invitation to the American Royale and a draw of the hat to the national Jack Daniels competition. For more information on other St. Louis BBQ Society competitions in the area visit www.stlouisbbqsociety.com. ¤

Q and Brew Contest Winners

GRAND CHAMPION PRIZE - $1,200 - Rippel-Que / Jeff Rippelmeyer RESERVE CHAMPION - $850 - Fireside Smokers / Arthur Aquirre PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER - $250 - Rippel-Que / Jeff Rippelmeyer Chicken 1st - $250 - Two Butts and a Ham / Brian Butts 2nd - $175 - Rippel-Que / Jeff Rippelmeyer 3rd - $125 - Fireside Smokers / Arthur Aquirre 4th - $75 - Code 3 / Chris Bohnemeier 5th - $50 - Pitmaster IQ / John Kennington Beef (Brisket) 1st - $250 - All Star BBQ / John Ritcher 2nd - $175 - Heavy Smoke / Chris Schafer 3rd - $125 - Lock Stock and Two Smokin’ Barrels / Bill Grenko 4th - $75 - Fireside Smokers / Arthur Aquirre 5th - $50 - St Louis Black Iron BBQ / Rob Honke Pork 1st - $250 - Heavy Smoke / Chris Schafer 2nd - $175 - Smokestack Lightning / Phil Henderson 3rd - $125 - Rippel-Que / Jeff Rippelmeyer 4th - $75 - Fireside Smokers / Arthur Aquirre 5th - $50 - Lock Stock and Two Smokin’ Barrels / Bill Grenko Ribs 1st - $250 - All Star BBQ / John Ritcher 2nd - $175 - Rippel-Que / Jeff Rippelmeyer 3rd - $125 - St. Louis Black Iron BBQ / Rob Honke 4th - $75 - Bringing The Heat / Andrew Ahrens 5th - $50 - Pitmaster IQ / John Kennington July | August

Wentzville Fire Protection District Sizzle

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos courtesy of Wentzville Fire Protetction

Expansion

A good portion of St. Charles County will soon reap the benefits of a $30 million bond issue and a 25-cent property tax increase passed by Wentzville city residents in November of 2014.

The Wentzville Fire Protection District is enhancing its firefighting capabilities and emergency services with funds from the tax increase. The $20 million expansion project will add 25 new firefighter/paramedics and two new fire houses, bringing to five the number of stations that will serve the 88 square miles of western St. Charles County covered by the district. This area includes Highway 70 from Lake St. Louis Boulevard to the Foristell exit and on Highway 64 from Weldon Spring Road to the St. Charles and Lincoln County borders. The two new stations will include Station 2 on Peine Road in Wentzville, which will cover the northern end of the district, and Station 5 on Highway Z at the entrance of the Whisper Creek subdivision, which will cover the district’s southern end. Stations 2 and 5 are about halfway complete. The district will go out for bids on a new Station 1 and Station 4 this month. The current Station 1, which also includes the district’s administration building at 209 West Pearce Blvd., will be sold and its replacement built on Luetkenhaus Boulevard by the American Legion Hall. It will also include a training facility. A new Station 4 will be built adjacent to the current one near Highway 40 (next to Aldi). Once firefighters move into that building, the current Station 4 will be sold. Assistant Fire Chief John Schneider said the new stations and equipment that the tax increase will provide are sorely needed. The district is still working out of buildings constructed when the district was mainly made up of volunteers and with the same equipment. “In the last 18 months, there have been over 20 new subdivisions planned for the district,” he said. “It is the fastest growing district in the state – probably the Midwest.” The Wentzville Volunteer Fire Department began its service in 1928 with a used Ford Model T car fitted with a small water tank, a limited amount of fire hose, and a small pump. The makeshift pumper was housed in a garage on Linn Avenue in Wentzville. By 1934, Wentzville had built a city hall, which then housed the fire department for the next 20 years. Fire Station 1 was built in 1959 and remains the fire district’s headquarters and Station 1 today. Formed in 1971 by the approval of voters, the Wentzville Fire Protection District today consists of both rural and urban communities, with industry and manufacturing areas mixed in. Its servic86 StreetScape Magazine

es include: fire suppression and investigation; rescue; hazardous materials response; emergency medical support for county ambulances; building inspections; and community services. Community services include fire prevention and fire education. The district became an independent political subdivision with three elected officials and six paid firefighters in 1991. It currently employs 42 paid personnel. Currently, the St. Charles County Department of Dispatch and Alarm provides dispatching services for the district. Supported by a separate tax levy, Department of Dispatch and Alarm provides dispatching services for all of the fire and emergency medical services throughout St. Charles County. All of the Wentzville Fire Protection District’s frontline rescue pumpers and the Heavy Rescue Squad are equipped with mobile data terminals and automatic vehicle locators. Nine additional firefighter/paramedics will join the district by January 2017. Applications for those positions will be accepted starting October 1. “A big part of our added services include that we want all of our firefighters cross-trained as paramedics,” Schneider said, “so that at any time of the day, every frontline piece of apparatus from the Wentzville Fire Protection District is staffed with a minimum of one cross-trained paramedic/firefighter,” Schneider explained. The district recently purchased three new, fully-equipped, rescue pumpers at a cost of about $800,000 each.

“All will be in service by October,” Schneider said. “All of these trucks will be equipped with forcible entry and extrication tools – what most people call the Jaws of Life.” Schneider said the pumpers will also be equipped with flat, rubber-like air bags used for lifting large vehicles off of other vehicles or victims trapped underneath them. Hoses, nozzles and medical equipment will be added, including advanced life equipment, such as heart monitors and IV medications. For district residents, this means their firefighter/paramedics will be able to provide advanced medical care, rather than waiting for an ambulance to arrive to a medical emergency. District personnel will be trained in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, and pre-hospital trauma life support. “Currently, only the St. Charles City Fire Department can provide this advanced medical care,” Schneider said. “The Wentzville Fire Protection District will be the first district in St. Charles County to be able to provide this new level of emergency response for residents.” ¤

July | August

Behind n o r p theA

Photo by Michael Schlueter

A CULINARY EXPERIENCE WITH CHEFS TOM AND JOE ALAGNA StreetScape: What inspired you to become a chef?

Chefs: Being from an Italian family, we enjoyed the holidays together with friends and family. We watched our parents cook delicious food for everyone to enjoy. Even as young kids, we couldn’t wait to try and create the fabulous cuisine that we enjoyed. StreetScape: Where were you trained? Chefs: Our parents owned a small pizza restaurant called Tommasso’s when we were young. We spent a lot of our youth perfecting their secret recipes. StreetScape: Tell us about your restaurant. What are your positions there? Chefs: We have co-owned Fratelli’s Ristorante since 1983. We share all duties of the full-service Italian restaurant, including creating sauces, dressings, and special menu items. StreetScape: What kinds of food are you most known for at Fratelli’s? Chefs: We have mostly Italian specialties, pizza, pasta, veal and chicken. All of our sauces are made fresh in-house daily. StreetScape: What is your specialty? Chefs: Our creamy Italian house dressing is our signature salad dressing. StreetScape: What are the new, hot trends in fine dining? Chefs: We believe it is a healthier menu, more of a natural, organic, sustainable food or a vegetable-oriented menu, steering away from a high-fat, high-calorie content to a more low-sodium, low-calorie, healthy choice. StreetScape: Do you have any little-known or special cooking tips to share?

Chefs and Fratelli’s Co-Owners Tom (L) and Joe (R) Alagna

Fratelli’s Ristorante Lasagna

Ingredients 2½ lbs. ground beef 1 c. chopped onion ¼ c. olive oil 1 tbl. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1 qt. sliced mushrooms 20 lasagna noodles 1½ lbs. ricotta cheese *¾ lb. grated provel cheese *¾ lb. grated mozzarella cheese *1 c. romano cheese 3 qts. prepared tomato sauce *combine three cheeses to make one mixture

In a dutch oven, sauté onion in oil for about 5 min. Add ground beef, salt and pepper and cook until almost done. Add sliced mushrooms, cook for 5 min. until mushrooms are soft; drain and set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, cool; add a little oil and set aside. To assemble, spread a small amount of tomato sauce on bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Arrange 5 noodles on top of sauce. Spread tomato sauce on top of noodles. Spread ¼ of meat and mushroom mixture on top of sauce. Spread ¼ of cheese mixture on top of meat. Spread ¼ of ricotta cheese on top of cheese mixture.

Chefs: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp and you can’t go wrong.

Repeat 3 more times to make 4 layers.

StreetScape: Please share a simple recipe for people to create at home.

Let cool for 15 minutes and serve. ¤

88 StreetScape Magazine

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 60 min.

July | August

FutureScape

the Police Dog Bonnie taking a closer look at a cell phone and memory chip

Detective Oldani leading Bonnie through a search

Story by Robin Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Ironically, the behaviors that frustrate dog owners the most are the very things police want in a dog used in cyber-crime cases. While the rest of us cringe at the thought of our dogs on furniture and kitchen counters, Detective Brigid Oldani encourages the behavior in Bonnie. Bonnie is the newest member of the St. Charles County Police Department Cyber Crime Task Force. She is the only Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dog in the Midwest. Bonnie is specially trained to search for, locate and recover hidden electronics containing evidence. She is put to work during criminal investigations — especially crimes against children. These electronics may include computers, DVDs or mobile devices. Cyber-crimes are often committed in complete secrecy, thus the evidence of them is generally well hidden. Bonnie is brought in after police have exhausted their own search efforts. Oldani said Bonnie needs to know it’s ok to enter, climb or sniff out every corner of the building or home being searched. She can also be used to calm children whose parents are being investigated. “When we execute search warrants, there are often children in the home,” Oldani said. “After we make sure they haven’t been harmed, Bonnie can comfort them while police are searching.” Apparently she’s also been a comfort to the St. Charles County Police, who have welcomed her into the fold at the St. Charles County Police Department headquarters in O’Fallon. Bonnie has been a welcome addition for law enforcement personnel who deal with some of the most horrifying crimes there are. “She’s not only great for searching, but she has been a stress releaser or therapy dog for us. The atmosphere in our building has drastically changed since we got her,” Oldani said. “The mood has drastically changed in our building and our unit. Dogs

90 StreetScape Magazine

magically change our attitudes. There are several employees that will wait to greet her when she comes in. “The horrendous things our investigators see... it’s very difficult to get it out of your mind on a daily basis. She can sense that in police officers in general – and especially our unit. We know we have to get a specific job done because it is the life of a child. We can’t walk away. We have to get it done. That’s very stressful. It’s hard to decompress. She helps with that.” Bonnie and Oldani are a team. Bonnie lives and works with Oldani and is every bit as much a beloved family pet as she is a search dog. Bonnie is completely dependent on Oldani, and she works for her food. Oldani carries a hip pouch around full of kibble. Oldani hides seven to 10 devices, and Bonnie finds them. Bonnie doesn’t know if there is child pornography or other criminal content on the devices. She can only detect the devices. That’s why officers must have probable cause, Oldani explained. The two-year-old golden lab was purchased from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York with money donated by the Marc Bulger Foundation. Founded by former St. Louis Rams quarterback of the same name, The Marc Bulger Foundation’s mission is to find innovative ways to fund programs that benefit men and women in uniform, including military, police and fire personnel. Guiding Eyes is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides guide dogs to men and women who are blind or visually impaired. Headquartered in Yorktown Heights, New York, with its Canine Development Center (CDC) in Patterson, New York, Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the organization that establishes worldwide standards for the breeding and training of

FutureScape guide dogs. Guiding Eyes has been breeding dogs since the 1960s. According to www.guidingeyes.org: “Over many generations of selective breeding, Guiding Eyes has maximized the qualities required for a working guide dog and minimized health problems that could disrupt or shorten a guide dog’s working years.” Bonnie got her start at the Canine Development Center (CDC). This is where highpotential puppies are bred, birthed, socialized, screened, and ultimately placed. About half of the 500 puppies bred at the CDC each year become working guide dogs. Others, however, like Bonnie, go on to find alternate types of service. Oldani said Bonnie is a spirited and nosey dog. “She likes to get on furniture and put her paws on the counter,” Oldani said. “She is easily distracted by children and animals.” And those are exactly the traits handlers want in search dogs. “Sometimes, while dogs are being trained, the folks at Guiding Eyes notice that some are more curious or food driven. They may want to get on things,” Oldani said.

Electronic Storage Detection (or computer dog), Selma, making it the first department in the world to have a dog specially trained for this purpose. Oldani said Bonnie is just one more tool in the Cyber Crime Task Force’s fight against criminal child exploitation.

“This is why it’s important as society and technology advances, law enforcement agencies have to advance their techniques as well,” Oldani said. “It all changes so fast. People use those applications to their advantage; and by the time we catch up, they’ve moved on.” ¤

“(Criminals) already know what their intentions are and how they’re going to avoid getting caught. It’s a very detailed game of hide and seek. We have to use every tool available to us. We use her after we have established probable cause. She is no different than an investigator doing a hard search.” Lt. Chris Mateja, Commander of the Cyber Crime Task Force of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, explained that in the information age, Bonnie is a critical tool because she can find the evidence that perhaps officers can not. As Mateja pointed out, “Any crime from homicide to child exploitation to harassment... people use their cell phones. They use the Internet. So what we find is that people use these things, then hide them from us.”

Lt. Chris Mateja (on R), Det. Brigid Oldani and K9 Bonnie

These traits may not work well for a guide dog, but they are priceless in a search dog, she said. Guiding Eyes believes and states on its website that each dog “chooses its own career” and, therefore, sometimes the temperament traits that make a dog unsuitable for guide dog work are the specific traits ideal for detection, law enforcement or other service dog work. Guiding Eyes has affiliations with the U.S. government’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), as well as state and local agencies and organizations that train and place dogs for detection work. The Connecticut State Police Canine Unit is one of those organizations. In 2012, Dr. Jack Hubbal, a chemist at the State Police Forensic Lab in Meriden, Connecticut, was able to isolate two chemical compounds found in phones, computers, DVDs, CDs, USB drives, hard drives, SD cards, micro SD cards, and floppy disks. Canine trainers used the compounds to train dogs to sniff out and search for electronics. In April, the Connecticut State Police Canine Unit graduated the first July | August

Story by Kate Santellano Photo by Michael Schlueter

If you are like the majority of Americans, then you cannot purchase a home without a mortgage lender. But how do you choose the right one from so many? A quick search on the internet brings up hundreds of companies all vying for your business. When hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the table, you want to make sure that you use a reputable company. After all, your money is pretty personal. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a landlord seeking rental property, a real estate investor, or a current property owner looking to refinance an existing loan, a mortgage company can help you complete your property purchase. Borrowing money for real estate can be a cumbersome and lengthy process, so you want to have someone that can talk you through each step. You want someone to answer your questions and make educated decisions. For many, a home is your biggest investment, so borrowing the money for it should not be taken lightly. Integrity Mortgage offers a personal approach to mortgage lending. Based in St. Charles, Missouri, Integrity Mortgage is a family company that distinguishes itself from its big-bank competitors by its dedication to excellence and commitment to customer service. Funding its own loans, performing its own underwriting, and having the ability to make last-minute changes on titles make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward for clients. Loan officers at Integrity Mortgage are provided with the tools, training and flexibility to offer the best mortgage product to fit a client’s individual needs. Every client is treated as a valued member of the Integrity Mortgage family. Born and raised in St. Charles, owner Rob Bazzell chose the name “Integrity Mortgage” because of his personal values. 92 StreetScape Magazine

Rob & Diane Bazzell in front of their building on Main Street

By educating clients about the loan process and giving them the attention they deserve, Bazzell’s business has grown. “We know that every client we come in contact with has the potential to become an extension of our sales force by telling others about the positive experience they had with us,” Bazzell said. Because the company generates new business primarily through referrals, each loan transaction becomes a measure of success. In fact, Bazzell is now helping the children of clients he worked with thirty years ago. For industry veteran Marge Pugh, joining the Integrity Mortgage family was an opportunity that she could not miss. Having worked as a loan processor at a different company for more than thirty years, Pugh simply could not “ask for better people to work for.” Pugh has worked as a processor for Integrity Mortgage for the past four years and has seen first-hand how “the entire company lives and works with genuine honesty and integrity.” Integrity Mortgage has grown over the years, but its values remain the same. It is a family company that cares about its clients and employees. “Rob and the Integrity Mortgage team will pull out all stops to make people’s dreams come true,” says Pugh. Integrity Mortgage looks forward to welcoming the next generation of homebuyers. ¤

g Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer – What makes a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer stand out is the unparalleled performance the company offers - true excellence in every aspect of operations, product solutions and technical know-how. When it comes to your A/C unit, think Cisco! Cisco has been serving all of St. Charles and St. Louis counties since 1979! Originally founded by Earl "Bob" and Dorothy Cissell, they turned it over to their son David in 2001. Cisco is an authorized Bryant Factory dealer and yes, they also service all makes and models. All of their techs are NATE certified and bonded. What does NATE stand for? NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence! Is your current A/C tech NATE certified? Our techs are and that means they have to stay on top of the best proficient, most advanced HVAC tech knowledge available! Cisco Heating & Air was just awarded the Bryant's Circle of Champions! What does that mean? All Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers are judged on overall Bryant branded product sales growth, high efficiency, and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) equipment sales growth, customer satisfaction and participation in various dealer programs. Check out their website right now, it's all there. It's ciscoheating.com. Check out the easy financing option through Wells Fargo, application online. Get up to $550 Ameren rebate when you meet their qualifications. Proudly serving St. Charles County and surrounding areas. Making a difference in people's lives and comfort. Cisco Heating & Air is located at the corner of Jungermann & Hwy 94. Phone: 636-477-0100.

Look for the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer emblem which indicates your dealer has met our high standards for superior skills... superior service... superior products... superior comfort... and a superior promise - in writing - of 100% satisfaction, guaranteed. This is what our Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and the dealership emblem stand for. g Bryant’s Circle of Champions – Circle of Champions award winners are Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers that are judged on overall Bryant-branded product sales growth, high-efficiency and IAQ equipment sales growth, customer satisfaction and participation in various dealer programs and promotions. g Better Business Bureau (BBB) – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system in the U.S. extends across the nation; coast-to-coast, and in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Since the founding of the first BBB in 1912, the BBB system has proven that the majority of marketplace problems can be solved fairly through the use of voluntary selfregulation and consumer education. g North American Technician Excellence (NATE) – North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is an independent, third-party organization that develops and promotes excellence in the installation and service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment by recognizing high-quality industry technicians through voluntary testing and certification. Our technicians have passed the rigorous testing necessary to qualify as NATE Certified Technicians. ¤

July | August

BusinessScape

Special

Announcement!

StreetScape is currently accepting nominations for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond the Bestâ&#x20AC;? honorees. Beyond the Best honorees are leaders that are advocates and activists. They are amazing people that make significant, positive changes to our community and our neighborhoods. Each year StreetScape is very excited and extremely proud to recognize those in our Metro Region that share their time, talent and treasure. We are accepting nominations now through August 31. Sponsorship packages are available.

To Nominate, fill in the form at: StreetScapeMag.com/Events or for additional nomination information & for sponsorship opportunities email us at: Traffic@StreetScapeMag.com

94 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

BusinessScape

Confluence with Michael Shonrock

Commencing Like No Other Over a recent May weekend, there was a confluence of sorts at our commencement ceremonies in St. Charles and Belleville as about 1,400 graduates completed their academic journeys with us. As system president, my role at this point is to say, “You’re all in; let’s take a picture,” and to smile. It was a pretty awesome sight: hundreds of graduates seated with the faculty in folding chairs with thousands of family members circling around them. Looking out at them all, it hit me. This is where it all comes together—St. Charles, Belleville, the work the students do with the faculty, and the support they get from the families. It converges, like the confluence for which this column is named, in that moment when they commence with their lives and careers. We understand a good education is rooted in the relationships between the students, the faculty, and the institution. So, this year, we entered into a three-year partnership with Gallup to find out how our current and past students are doing and how we fit into it all. The first surveys showed our alumni are doing very well in their lives, and they helped to light the path forward for us. We want to improve, always—to distinguish ourselves for the health of our students so they can go out there and be successful. As we reflect, we see the importance of those relationships, especially between the students and the faculty. At the end of the ceremony, I said, “And now, the two words you’ve been waiting for all day—in conclusion. Now, go out and change the world—like no other.” Michael D. Shonrock, Ph.D., is the 22nd president of Lindenwood University, an undying optimist, and a self-described futurist. He welcomes reader comments at streetscape@lindenwood.edu. ¤

96 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

Abigail’s Apparel - facebook.com/abigailsapparelstcharles - pg 63

LIJ Designs - LIJdesign.com - pg 62

Academy of the Sacred Heart - ash1818.org - pg 19

Lindenwood University - lindenwood.edu - pg 96

Advantage Paint & Body Supplies - advantagePBE.com - pg 77

Lloyd & Company - lloydcpa.com - pg 77

Anne Zerr for State Senate - annezerr.com - pg 97

Meramec Bison Company - meramecbison.com - pg 25

April’s on Main - aprilsonmain.com - pg 43

Midwest Women Business’ Owners Conference

Barnes-Jewish St Peters & Progress West Hospitals

MOss Boutique - mossboutique.com - pg 29

BJCStCharles County.org/PrimaryCare - pg 5

midwestwboconference.com - pg 89

Beautiful Rooms - BeautifulRoomsdesign.com - pg 47

Mr. Handyman - mrhandyman.com/central-stl - pg 43

Belleza Salon - bellezabridalandhairsalon.com - pg 70

Nic Nac Stop - .nic-nac-stop.com - pg 7

Bike Stop CafÈ & Outpost - bikestopcafes.com - pg 14

Oma’s Barn - facebook.com/omasbarnHG - pg 43

Bogey Hills Vision - bogeyhillsvision.com - pg 23

Patriot Machine - .patriotmachine.com - pg 26

Butterfly & Moon - buterflyandmoon.com - pg 29

Pickleman’s Gourmet Deli - picklemans.com - pg 50

Carries Boutique - carriesboutique.com - pg 53

Pinot’s Palette - PinotsPalette.com/lakest.louis - pg 39

CenterPointe Hospital - centerpointehospital.com - pg 22

Q and Brew at Wentzville Days - wentzvilleqandbrew.com - pg 85

Cisco HVAC - ciscoheatingandair.com - pg 79

Quintessential Catering - qcater.com - pg 73

Cissell Mueller - cissellmueller.com - pg 95

rightBATH by Mosby - rightbath.com - pg 94

Classic Sign Services - classicsignsmo.com - pg 91

Riviera Too - rivtoowine.com - pg 41

Commerce Bank - commercebank.com - pg 95

Saint Charles Community College - discoverscc.com - pg 19

Cool Touch Graphics - cooltouchstl.com - pg 94

Saint Charles CVB - historicstcharles.com - pg 2

Decorating Den Interiors - swatdesignteam.com - pg 42

Schlueter Photography - schlueterphoto.com - pg 42

Exclusive Events Inc. - exclusiveeventsinc.com - pg Back page

Spiro’s Restaurant - spirosrestaurant.com - pg 87

Exteriors by Mosby - exteriorsbymosby.com - pg 49

SSM Health - SSMHealth.com - pg 19

Floors to Go - ofallon.floorstogo.com - pg 47

State Farm-Strickland/Swift - jeffstrickland.com, emilyswift.com - pg 95

Framations - framations.com - pg 81

Streets of St Charles - thestreetsofstcharles.com - pg 62

Fratellis Ristorante - fratellisristorante.com - pg 50

String Along With Me - stringalongwithme.net - pg 63

Harvestowne Auto Body - harvestowneautobody.com - pg 51

The Dens on Third - thedensonthird.com - pg 93

Hollywood Blonde Salon - hollywoodblondesalon.com - pg 53

The Grand Opera House - ohbanquets.com - pg 69

Integrity Mortgage - integritymortgagemo.com - pg 47

The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis - themeadowsatlsl.com - pg 53

Kare Chiropractic - karechiropractic.com - pg 21

The Muny - muny.org - pg 79

KFAV-FM - kfavradio.com - pg 79

The Viper - viperrocks.com - pg 78

Krekeler Jewelers - krekeler.com - pg 62, 83

Thros and Michelles - throsandmichelles.com - pg 63

L’Dara - VeronicaG.ldara.com - pg 15

Tom Hannegan for State Rep. - tomhannegan.com - pg 13

LaChata Mexican Restaurant - LaChataMexicanCuisine.com - pg 7

Walters Jewelry - waltersjewelryinc.com - pg 42

La Gallerie - facebook.com/LaGallerie - pg 69

Zanders Jewelry - zandersjewelry.com - pg 63

Lewis & Clark’s Restaurant - lewisandclarkrestaurant.com - pg 81

Zykan Exteriors - ZykanExteriors.com - pg 50

98 StreetScape Magazine

July | August

Proud sponsor of

"Romancing the Runway" StreetScape Fashion Week 2016