Spring 2007 Complimentary
featuring
NORTH & SOUTH
MAIN
FRENCH TOWN NEW TOWN THE STREETS OF SAINT CHARLES
CONTENTS
Spring 2007 F E A T U R E S
22
| DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS— GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Architect Tim Short is helping to revitalize the historic Frentchtown district with affordable lofts.
8
| CELEBRITY ROOTS—MARK BUEHRLE Mark Buehrle grew up in St. Charles, played Little League, and pitched for Francis Howell North High School. Check out his rise to fame as a pitcher for the White Sox.
32
| NEIGHBORHOODS—DANCE INTO SPRING Dance is back in many forms. It is an art form that has been around since the beginning of time. Find out about St. Charles’ dance opportunities and offerings.
PROMOTIONS—20/20 Street Scape Magazine is proud to announce its latest promotion: 20/20: A Celebration of St. Charles’ Youth. We will recognize twenty of St. Charles’ most outstanding young members of the community on September 9, 2007. Participants must be age 20 or younger, and can be self-nominated, nominated by parents, teachers, coaches, youth ministers or others. Event winners will be recognized at a brunch on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the St. Charles Foundry Art Centre. Tickets are $20.00 per person and must be purchased prior to the event. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
D E P A R T M E N T S
4 6 8 12 18 22 26
| COMMENTARY | FEATURED ARTIST | CELEBRITY ROOTS | TIPS & TRICKS | IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK | DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS
30 38 44 48 64
| BEST SHOPPING FINDS | HEALTH WATCH | SEASONAL HUNT | SUNRISE TO SUNSET | CALENDAR
| A LA CARTE
For more information on nominating a youth, purchasing tickets, or sponsoring this event, please contact Tom Hannegan at 636-949-9898 or tomh@hanneganrealestate.com. ON THE COVER
|
Photography by Michael Schlueter STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |3
BEHIND THE SCENES COMMENTARY
PUBLISHER & FOUNDER TOM HANNEGAN
Dance Into Spring
Tom, Co-Owner of Hannegan Real Estate & Construction, LLC holds a master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Hannegan shares his passion of real estate, community volunteering, and his appreciation of St. Charles in Street Scape magazine.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Welcome to the third edition of Street Scape Magazine! As always, we invite you to come as our reader and stay as our friend. As the holiday season winds to an end, we reflect back on the holidays....what we did, what we ate, how we celebrated. We have included some of these memories from our cultural cluster neighborhoods. My own special holiday memory is of watching “Miracle on 34th Street”–the original of course–when I was a child. Remember the courtroom scene in the movie where the Postal Service brings tons of letters written to Santa as evidence for his existence? The United States Postal Service, under the direction of Post Master Robert E. Hannegan, clinches the case because it recognizes Kris Kringle, the defendant, as the one true Kris Kringle by delivering letters to him. It turned out, my father reported, that that very same Hannegan was actually my dad’s uncle and godfather. Imagine hearing your name on TV as a kid during the Holiday Season? I treasure the movie to this day. As I reflect back on Street Scape Magazine's sponsored event "The Buzz: An Urban Arts Experience and Coffeehouse Crawl" and the donation made to Children's Hospital, I realize "good things do truly happen over a cup of coffee." Thanks to everyone who made the event such a huge success. I was brainstorming about spring topics and what to include in this spring edition of Street Scape. Immediately I thought baseball, the warm rebirth of flowers, spring fever, romance and dancing. So, as we reflect back on what we did over the holidays, we dance into spring! Meet Chicago White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle, The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, and Pet Nanny/Trainer, Sue Schulze. Also meet some other locals who make up the tapestry of our our Street Scape scene: "Mr. Main Street," Archie Scott; Roger Orf, our very own local success story and "Trump"; Dick Sacks, author of a new business strategies book The 12 Commandments of Small Business Success; Scott Ginsberg, entrepeneur and Name Tag Guru; Dr. Michael Conoyer in our new feature "Seasonal Hunt"; Beverley Groneck, in our Featured Artist section; Lauree Salamon of Lauree's in Frenchtown; and Tim Short, a new neighbor and business developer in Frenchtown. The best thing about the New Year is a fresh start and family. I am so proud of my Street Scape family. They truly raise me up. Just as the magazine has grown 16 pages, the Street Scape family has also grown. I am pleased to welcome Monica Adams of KMOX’s (AM 1120) Health & Fitness Show that airs from noon to 2 pm. on Sundays, as our editorial contributor on health and wellness topics. You'll find the team on this page under “Behind the Scenes.” We have a lot of new and exciting things planned for 2007. And in closing I say, “Dance, Dance, Dance!!!!!” And don't forget to buy a cup of lemonade at your neighborhood kid's lemonade stand. See ya in the Summer!
ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON Robin has been a writer/journalist for more than 15 years working in print and electronic media. Jefferson holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Missouri at St. Louis, with minors in writing and criminal justice. ANN HAZELWOOD Ann is the owner of Patches, Etc. on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. Hazelwood is an accomplished quilt author, historian, and appraiser with the following titles to her name: 100 Things To Do In And Around St. Charles and 100 Best Kept Secrets Of Missouri (Spring of 2007).
MONICA ADAMS Monica is a certified personal trainer and hosts a health and fitness show Sunday afternoons on KMOX Radio, and is the traffic reporter for FOX 2 News in the Morning. Monica is a St. Louis native who enjoys entertaining family and friends, and doing charitable work.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MICHAEL SCHLUETER Michael photographs people and places for advertising and corporate accounts locally and nationally. “The exploration and discovery process is what keeps photography so exciting for me.”
JEFF FULLER Jeff, owner of CJ Photography, enjoys capturing special moments at weddings, the love of families, and the personality of high school seniors. He has been in business over 10 years and has had numerous opportunities to pursue these and various other venues of photography.
DESIGN & PRODUCTION GIANT LEAP PRODUCTIONS Tracy Brooke 636-561-4250 tracy@giantleapproductions.com www.giantleapproductions.com
4| STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE
BEHIND THE SCENES
A FLEA MARKET WITH CLASS FEATURING A VARIETY OF TREASURES & A WOODCARVER ON SITE
ADVISORY BOARD Deborah Alessi Mary Banmiller Susan Berthold Nadine Boon Diane Burkemper Erica Butler Jody Cox Ann Dempsey Barbara Drant Sally Faith Lorna Frahm Bill Goellner Sheryl Guffey Mary Lou Hannegan Grace Harmon Ann Hazelwood Shirley Hill Chris Hoffman Jason Hughes Jan Kast Mike Klinghammer Martha Kooyumjian Caryn Lloyd Jeremy Malensky Nancy Matheny Denice McKeown
Bob Millstone Sandy Morhmann Suzanne Matyiko Maurice Newberry Craig Norden Grace Nichols Kim Paris Toekie Purler Sue Riddler Kathy Robertson Marc Rousseau Rocco Russo Richard Sacks Keith Schneider Bob Schuette Teri Seiler Joyce Shaw Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee Scott Tate Karen Vehlewald Aleece Vogt Brian Watkins Brian Wies Mary West Gail Zumwalt
107 N. MAIN STREET HISTORIC ST. CHARLES
636-724-2295
#/.'2!43
ADVERTISING CHRISTINE ADAMS Christine has worked in sales for over 11 years and we are very pleased that she has joined our family as Account Manager for Street Scape. She also has a Personal Training Certification for physical fitness. Hair and makeup by Metro Salon, 116 South Main Street. Contact Christine to discuss your advertising needs at 636-219-7358 or download a media kit available online at www.streetscapemag.com. DISTRIBUTION Call Tom Hannegan at 636-916-4386
Volume 2, Issue 1 $ENICE -C+EOWN
'OVERNMENTAL !FFAIRS -GR
!MERISTAR #ASINO
TPH Media 223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301 PHONE 636-916-4386, FAX 1-866-231-6159 WWW.STREETSCAPEMAG.COM Any reproduction of Street Scape magazine or its contents requires publisher’s prior written consent. Street Scape magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. Street Scape magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Š 2006 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.
-
!
'
!
:
)
.
*EREMY -ALENSKY ##)6ICE 0RESIDENT
$UTCHMAN 2EALTY
%
CATCH THE BUZZ
3COTT 4ATE 0RESIDENT #%/ 3T #HARLES #HAMBER OF #OMMERCE
0UBLISHER 4OM (ANNEGAN AND THE 3TREET 3CAPE !DVISORY "OARD WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE OUR FELLOW "OARD MEMBERS FOR BEING CHOSEN AS PART OF THE h 5NDER v
#ONGRATULATIONS
STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE | 5
FEATURED ARTIST
Artist’s Murals
Add Historic Flavor to Public Construction Sites
Beverly Groneck taught hundreds, probably thousands of young people an appreciation of art in her more than two decades of teaching, but many of her students may be surprised to know their former teacher’s talents have been staring them down in some quite unusual places as of late. Groneck has effectively cornered the market on construction barriers by painting lavish designs, some depicting community history and attractions. Her typically 300-plus-feet canvasses adorn the outskirts of construction sites to both protect people from the work going on inside their walls and to add historic flavor to the city scene. Groneck began teaching art at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles in 1980. Since her 2003 retirement from teaching at the Academy and Oak Hill School in St. Louis, she has been commissioned by various notable individuals and companies to complete murals of all sizes. “I needed a change and had an insatiable craving to express myself. My head was a tornado of images,” Groneck said. “I had to get some of the pictures out.” Many pictures have surfaced from Groneck since then. In 2004, from over 115 exhibiting artists from all around the country, she was featured at the America’s Center’s “Oh! Originals Sale and Show,” an art expo. There she designed and painted on-site, “Touch the Sky,” a 30-foot playground mural which was later donated to Our Little Haven. St. Louis’ own Schneithorst’s hired Groneck for their 250 foot construction wall mural. Groneck’s paintings are Beverly Groneck 6| STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE
currently on display at Hannegan Real Estate on North Main Street in St. Charles as part of Art Walks that are held each fourth Friday and for the Spring Art Walk. Changing careers was a soul-searching decision for Groneck. The thought of loosing daily contact with the children and the joy they gave to her gnawed at her heart. Before she left, she told her students that it would be their love that she would miss the most. “When I finish a job now, I receive a smile and a “nice job” but there’s no hug and no cupcake!” However, Groneck admits that she still receives a few hugs, now and then, from grown-ups when they enter a room in their home where she has transformed a nondescript space into one of artful elegance. “Sometimes their reactions are so cute. Grown adults giggle and hug me when they walk into the room. I’m taken by these things.” Groneck received her first big commercial break when George Hensley of Hensley Contractors hired her for the Schneithorst job. From there it was on to a 330-foot mural on Clayton Road at Highway 40 for Hensley to hide the company’s construction of Heartland Bank. She said she chose the technique of trompe l’oeil, French for “trick of the eye,” for this type of mural. This particular wall is dotted with life-like children painting black line drawings of landmarks which reflect the history of the areas in which they are displayed.
being in charge of nearly 400 students during any given week, one learns to make quick decisions, she said. “As I paint, I make snap decisions. I know what’s pleasurable to people and what makes them smile.” She sites a square dancing scene on the mural presently on Manchester Road which depicts a high-stepping child partnered with a dog who is dancing on its hind legs. A history buff, Groneck said she loves the folklore and the images that make up the culture and landscape of the old American West. Two of Groneck’s great-great grandmothers were Native Americans and even now influence her work. “As a child I was intrigued and I continue to be inspired by our Western history. When my mind wanders, my imagination can hover over anything or any place in time. I am energized by details. They stir up all sorts of emotions.”
Another of these trompe l’oeil pieces sits as a 250-foot mural at Highway K in O’Fallon featuring the history of Lewis and Clark. She said the murals are beginning to be a trademark of Heartland Bank. “It’s recognizable. They know Heartland Bank is coming to town,” she said.
One of her favorite pieces is entitled, “Arapaho Ghost Dance Dress,” a 40 x 60 realistic painting of an actual dress adorned with painted symbols meant to lure passed spirits into rescuing their abandoned descendants. Groneck said she sees her subjects in her mind’s eye, as if she had been there, in that place, in that moment, with that person. “I just knew that if I had been there, I would have felt the trembling of the woman who desperately painted each of those images. It’s as though I’ve traced the face of a friend.”
Among all the things she learned from teaching, Groneck said thinking on her feet seems to be one of the most long-lived. After
One of Groneck’s earliest realizations of her own artistic talent was evoked by a nun in catholic grade school. It was during fifth continued on p. 42...
upscale tees • mugs, hats • Now Open!
dog accessories • exerwhat you like, & like more what you do®” cise “doapparel • up—jake scale •tees • mugs • hats • upscale shirts & hats • mugs • accessories • exercise• apparel • dog• dog accessories exercise • infant & toddler • & more •
apparel & more • upscale
tees • mugs, hats • dog accessories • exercise apparel & more • upscale tees • mugs hats • dog ac-
Construction Zone! April 21–June 3, 2007 at The Magic House
exhibit
Present this ad to receive a free child admission with a paying adult. 136 S. MAIN STREET IN ST. CHARLES
516 S. Kirkwood Road • St. Louis, MO 63122 314.822.8900 • www.magichouse.org Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires June 3, 2007
STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE | 7
St. Charles #38 White Sox #56
An historic sign hangs above the coach's office at Francis Howell North High School that reads, “The Buehrle Rule.” Below it reads “Don't ever underestimate the power of a kid.” The sign stands as a reminder to Head Baseball Coach Bobby Dunahue about a cut he made to his team years ago–a skinny kid Dunahue thought wasn't strong enough to play, a kid who would go on to pitch for the Chicago White Sox. They call St. Louis baseball town, but the city just west of the Missouri River and just a stone's throw from the big city has brought forth one of it's own. Chicago White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle grew up in St. Charles and he credits his small-town upbringing and Midwest values for much of his success. “I live in a large city–Chicago–during the baseball season and can't wait for the season to end so I can get back home to the Midwest to be around family and friends and get back to the grassroots I grew up in,” Buehrle said. “People (in St. Charles) take the time to say hi to you because they're real people–friendly, sincere–and they treat me like I'm a person, not because they recognize me as a professional baseball player and hope to get an autograph from me.”
8| STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE
Buehrle said being raised in St. Charles helped form him into what he is today. “I grew up with the morals and virtues mom and dad taught us kids and those carried me through some tough times over the years,” he said. “I don't think kids from larger cities often have the parents we have here in the Midwest simply because they're always too busy doing something else. I remember something my dad said a very long time ago and it sticks with me to this day. He said ‘you can give your kids money or time,’ and my Mom and Dad always had the time for us.” Buehrle's mom and dad, Pat and John Buehrle, raised Mark along with two other sons, Mike and Jason and daughter Amy in St. Charles. Mark attended high school at Francis Howell North. John said his son's talent was evident at a very young age. He said when the family attended fairs in the area, two-year-old Mark would play the carnival games. “He would throw balls at those cut out boards and more often than not my wife and I were asked to leave because he kept winning. People looked at us and we looked at each other and said, 'We've got something here'.”
Mark grew up playing in little league, John said, but it didn't end there. “He not only played, he lived it. He breathed it,” John said. “He read the sports page in the daily paper. If it was a sport, he was watching it. That was his thing.”
Don’t ever “ underestimate the power of a kid.
”
Even as a little leaguer, Mark was in the sites of those in the know in the game. “Teams from outside of St. Charles–numerous teams from St. Louis and as far as Belleville, IL– were trying to draft him for select teams, but we stayed local. It was just too much. He was always on select teams in St. Charles.” John said he doesn't know where Mark's talent stems from, as he himself was never better than any of the other boys on his own teams. “I was good, but no more so than
CELEBRITY ROOTS
the guy who lived down the street or the mailman,” he said. John said he didn't raise any of his children to be quitters. “I told them that rejection and disappointment are a part of life. We learn from the negatives and make them into positives. It's one thing if you go out and get beat fair and square. That's fine. But we don't give up.” Mark played baseball for Francis Howell North during his junior and senior years. The school retired his jersey after he graduated in 1997. Today it hangs in a display case at the school, but it was the number 38 on his jersey that would follow him and lead him at the same time. Dunahue redeemed himself with the Buehrles when he called Dave Oster, head coach at Jefferson Junior College in Hillsboro, Missouri (JEFFCO) about Mark. Mark was chosen in the 38th round during his freshman year in 1998 after Oster called a scout he knew with the White Sox. Mark's favorite player was Todd Worrell, also number 38. John said Mark opted to stay in school and finish his degree in Criminal Justice, “just in case.” He didn't know how far baseball was going to go.” But two days after he graduated, he was on a plane to play for the A-ball team the Burlington Bees in Iowa. “Usually players are in the minor leagues for five to eight years,” John said. “Mark was only the third baseball player to go from college baseball to the majors in less than fourteen months.”
In 2001, Mark went 16-8 with a 3.29 ERA in his first full Major League season and became the first Sox pitcher to win 16 games since Alex Fernandez in 1996 and the first lefty since Floyd Bannister in 1987. In 2003, Mark became the first White Sox pitcher since Jack McDowell to throw at least 200.0 IP in three straight seasons. In 2004, Mark became the first Sox pitcher to lead the American League in IP since Wilbur Wood threw 359.1 IP in 1973. “Mark has had a lot of firsts,” John said.
no decision in Game 2 of the World Series vs. Houston, allowing four runs on seven hits over 7.0 PI. He earned the save in Game 3 at Houston, recording the final out to preserve the Sox 7-5 win in 14 innings. He was the ninth and final pitcher used by the Sox in a game that lasted 5 hours and 41 minutes, the longest game in World Series History. Mark married his wife Jamie in December 2005. The two are expecting their first child in August.■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Mark made two appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005, once two days after the White Sox World Series victory over Houston. Also that year, Mark made four appearances (three starts) going 20 with a 3.47 ERA and one save as the White Sox won their first World Championship since 1917. He posted a Francis Howell North Head Coach Bobby Dunahue, right Mark Buehrle, below
Mark is 100 percent left-handed, John said. John, though right-handed, learned to throw a Frisbee with his left hand as he had broken his right arm when the flying disks came out in the fifties. “I like to think he got it from me,” John said. While playing AA baseball for the Sox in July 1999, Mark was called up to the majors when then-pitcher Cal Eldred was injured. “They wanted a bullpen pitcher. They normally get them from the AAA teams,” John said. “At the end of the season, they put on a five-man start. Mark was one of the five starting pitchers.”
copyright 2005, Photo File, Inc.
STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE | 9
NEIGHBORHOODS
Frenchtown Redevelopment Tim Short is Betting on Frenchtown Tim Short is betting on Frenchtown. The section of St. Charles often lost in the shadows of Historic Main Street has a rich history of its own and the owner of Studio One Architecture intends to bring it out of those shadows and into the spotlight. He'll start by moving his own offices to Frenchtown. Studio One started rehabbing the Platte Ocks Rohlfing Building at 1125 North Second Street last year. The 1897 building at the corner of Bayard and North Second was once a general store. The name reflects the three original owners' names. Short purchased the building in early 2006 and is bringing it back to its original glory with its unique architectural facade. Studio One Architecture will reside on the second floor of the building and Short will lease the prime office space on the first floor as professional offices. “All of the floors are the original hardwood floors and the ceilings are original too,” Short said. “There will be exposed brick inside.” The original cast iron store front has been restored as well. Studio One Architecture works from Dallas, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada providing mostly commercial work. MGM is one of the company's clients. Studio One also develops nursing homes. The company handled much of the rehab work on Washington Street in St. Louis. “We have an extensive background in historic buildings,” Short said.
10 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
Short said contractors removed four fortyyard containers of material from the Platte Ocks Rohlfing Building before beginning renovation work on the project. “It has been a year-long endeavor,” Short said. “We tore back four layers of flooring to the original hard wood pine boards. We added a new roof and all new electrical service.” The structure of the building had to be rebuilt as termites had damaged the original foundation. The Platte Ocks Rohlfing Building is a landmark building listed in the Frenchtown Preservation District. “We are currently filing paperwork to go on the Federal and State registries,” he said. Short sees a lot of potential in the Frenchtown area. “I love the history of the area. I love the architecture of the area and it's convenient location. The great buildings that are there need to be restored. It's just a great area to be a part of. I'm looking forward to being a part of the historic fabric of Frenchtown.”
But Short isn't stopping there. His firm has designed the FrenchTown Lofts, featuring studio loft layout, high ceilings, hardwood floors, private balconies with French doors and views of the Missouri River. Located just 30 seconds from the Katy Trail and minutes from Highways 370 and 70, the FrenchTown Lofts are in the heart of Historic St. Charles. Short said he is “bringing affordable lofts to the area” with the FrenchTown Lofts. The ground floor of the project will house retail and office space. Two floors of lofts will
complete the three-story buildings. “The scale and size of the buildings will have the general architectural flavor complimentary to the area with the Frenchtown feel.” Unlike the renovation of the Platte Ocks Rohlfing Building, the $1.5 million loft project is entirely new construction located
Architect Tim Short
on North Second just four blocks north of the Platte building. Eight to 10 lofts will be located on the property. Short said he wants to be one of the first to test the waters in Frenchtown. “I don't like talking about things. I like doing them. I think Frenchtown is a great area that has a lot of potential. But it hasn't been developed to its full potential. I haven't seen anyone get in the water yet. I don't like to test the water. I like to jump right in.” Short said he hasn't decided on his next steps for Frenchtown, but he's looking to the future with promise. “I want to create buildings that bring a living component as well as the viable business component together down there. On Washington Street downtown, the lofts came first, then the support spaces, the offices, the retail all came next. That's kind of my vision for the area.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 11
TIPS & TRICKS
Beyond Barking Basics T h e D o g W h i s p e r e r, P e t N a n n y & S u p p o r t D o g s Cesar Millan wasn’t whispering when he visited St. Charles in November. The famed dog psychologist came out with a bang at the St. Charles Convention Center in support of Support Dogs, the St. Louis-based non-profit agency that helps people with special needs achieve an improved quality of life through the use of assistance dogs. More than 1,400 people attended the educational seminar, hosted by Support Dogs, with Millan–from the Emmy Nominated National Geographic television show, “The Dog Whisperer.” The first one-hundred VIP seats to the seminar grew to 200 and the 300 general admission reservations reached 1,000 in no time at all. All seats sold out before the show, said Ann Weinerth, director of Development for Support Dogs. “So what was all the fuss?” Weinerth said. “The fuss is all about bad dogs; well not exactly bad dogs. More than likely misguided, but well intentioned dog owners are what it’s really all about.”
Weinerth said dogs are, well, dogs. “Then a dog becomes its breed and then it’s assigned a human personality by a human with statements like ‘my cute little baby’ or ‘such a tough guy’ and so forth. Well, enter Cesar Millan where he corrects the human’s intention more so than the dog’s seamy behavior. The dog ends up with an effective pack leader in the human and according to Cesar, what more could a dog want?” During the presentation, Millan said what dogs really want more of is exercise, discipline and affection—in that order. But most importantly to Weinerth is that whether anyone learned anything from Millan, they certainly learned more about Support Dogs. The organization earned just over $30,000 for the single seminar and Millan and his staff were given a first hand look at just what a dog is capable of doing for someone who is physically handicapped. Using the services of more than 300 volunteers, Support Dogs provides service dogs to recipients nationwide, as well as petassisted therapy to thousands in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Support Dogs was started in 1981 by a woman named Sandy Maze, who suffered from the effects of Muscular Dystrophy. Weinerth said Maze had the idea that if she could train her German Shepherd Stormy to perform tasks that were difficult for
Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan with members of Support Dogs 12 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
her, she could conserve her energy and lead a more productive life. “And she did just that, starting Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio,” Weinerth said. In 1983, a local woman saw Maze on a television program and started a St. Louis chapter. In 1985 the Columbus chapter was sold to another organization and the St. Louis chapter became, and still is, the headquarters for Support Dogs. Support Dogs trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers as assistance dogs. The dogs are trained to open doors, retrieve small and distant objects, carry bags, rise to counters and pull people in wheelchairs. In addition to these skills, the dog provides constant companionship and emotional support to the person it is placed with. Through its Canine College, Team Training and Youth Service Dog programs, Support Dogs certifies hundreds of dogs for public access under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The TOUCH Program is an animal-assisted therapy wherein volunteers use their own dogs to visit hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities and various other healthcare facilities. Unlike the service program, the TOUCH program is not breed specific. The dogs are accepted based on their temperament and their willingness to be touched. Volunteers for Support Dogs also raise puppies in preparation for their careers as service dogs. The Paws for Reading Program brings dogs into the classroom, with the idea that they will act as incentives for the students to read. The dogs can also be the
subject of writings, projects and discussion. The Signal Dog Program services those in the community who are deaf or hard of hearing. These dogs are trained to alert to a minimum of three of five sounds, which can include the doorbell, smoke alarms, telephone and alarm clock, among others. Local dog owners can get help with their pets through Kennelwood Village. Sue Schulze, Kennelwood’s Sue Schulze, Kennelwood’s “Pet Nanny” “Pet Nanny” helps dogs with their people. “I go into people’s homes and make sure their relationship with their dog is alright,” she said.
Free Consultation. Money-back Guarantee.
Schulze has been at Kennelwood for 17 years. She apprenticed with other trainers and was a junior trainer by age 13. Schulze starts with a profile in the home including: food control, leash use, front door manners, aggression, housebreaking and biting. She said dogs want and need structure. They also need and desire interactive play. “They really crave time and attention,” she said. “Nothing replaces time and attention.” Dogs like variety just like anyone else, Schulze said. “They want a routine, but also variety through play, doggy daycamp and mental stimulation.” Much of the problems owners have with their dogs are caused from boredom and lack of mental stimulation, Schulze said. “Some people think dogs need five hours of entertainment per day. That’s too extreme. But maybe going on a different route when walking might help or hiding treats around the house.” These suggestions are especially true of puppies, Schulze said. “When they’re bored they find something to fill that time and it’s usually your shoe or your sofa.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Nationwide Service. Locally Owned & Operated. Bonded. Insured. References.
Pet Si tting & Dog Walk ing cat & small pet visits private dog walks off-leash doggie playgroups in-home overnight sitting private pet boarding doggie day care yard poop scoop home care pet taxi stcharles@fetchpetcare.com
636-577-0331 www.FetchPetCare.com to find your neighborhood pet sitter
Got Poop...?
Poop Scoop’n Service & Products
314-770-1500 www.yuckos.com Free Estimates
•
No Contracts
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 13
FAMILY FOCUS
St. Charles’ Roger Orf A t H o m e o n A M a i n S t r e e t Tr o l l e y o r a Double Decker Bus in London
His graduating class at Duchesne High School named him “Most Likely to Succeed.” Did he ever. St. Charles native Roger Orf (above) started and owns CPI Europe (Citigroup Property Investors), a $13 billion investment firm in London, England. Essentially he buys and sells real estate throughout Europe. Orf was born and raised in St. Charles. His parents still live in the house he grew up in on Duchesne Drive. Orf credits much of his successes to them and a pushy Duschsne High School history teacher named Ron Kjar. “He said I gave him the ability to make the money he did,” Kjar said. “But he was very ambitious and I knew he was going to be a success in life. He said he would call me when he made his first billion and he did.” Orf said Kjar was a major influence in his life. “He made a big impact on me,” he said. “He was a very eccentric character in many respects, but I was very fond of him. He had a take no prisoners attitude and was controversial. He was demanding. But his standards were very high. He asked a lot more, but it caused me to perform more and get more out of it. He was the guy who had the most impact.” As chairman of the republican party in the late sixties, Kjar got Orf into politics early. He said he put Orf in charge of the Kit Bond campaign in 1968. Bond lost the
14 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
election, but Jack Danforth won the attorney general’s office. Danforth hired Bond and Bond hired Orf. “I knew he had ambitions. I knew he was a good student. He was willing to put in the work and effort to improve himself,” Kjar said of Orf. After leaving Danforth’s office, Bond recommended Orf to Georgetown University where he received his undergraduate degree. He then went on to the University of Chicago, where he received his Jurist Doctor degree and his MBA. “ Kjar said Orf was a partner in one of the top law firms in New York, Soloman Bros. where he earned a seven figure salary. “But he told me he wanted to make some real money,” Kjar said. Although he worked during school and summers, Orf graduated in 1979 with some $30,000 in college debt. “When I graduated I was as deeply into debt as you can possibly imagine. I thought I would never pay it back, but it was the best investment I ever made,” Orf said. Orf took a job with Goldman Sachs in 1990 managing the firm’s real estate department which eventually sent him to London for the first time. “I’ve Ron Kjar, Roger Orf and John Hannegan standing in front of the Duchesne High Key Club trophy case.
spent most of my career buying property in one form or another in Russia, Poland, Germany, all over Europe,” he said. The job has kept him traveling the world, which is part of the reason he lives in Europe. “When you’re going to Hong Kong or Moscow, it’s easier to get from London to these places. You can basically get anywhere within an hour or two.” Orf met his wife Lisa Orf in New York. She
FAMILY FOCUS
Ted, Lisa, Kate & Benjamin Orf
still works for Goldman Sachs. The two have three children, Kate, 19; Ted, 17; and Benjamin, 13. Kate now attends Cambridge University in England. Like his father, Ted wants to get into business and is applying at Ivy League schools in the states, namely Georgetown where his father attended. And Benjamin is well, enjoying London.
She always had to be the best at whatever she did.”
Roger said the changes to his hometown since he left it are amazing. “It’s amazing to me how it’s grown and how much more dynamic it is than when I was a boy,” he said. “I grew up on Fourth Street. My dad worked on Main Street. We moved to Duchesne Drive in 1960 and there were no houses past Duchesne at the time. People have certainly prospered on the back of St. Charles. That’s an impressive element of it.”
The oldest of four children, Roger said his family is truly the cornerstone of his success and his life. His father was “commercial and thrifty” and his mother taught him love and trust. “My parents and immediate family are great. They are the building blocks, aren’t they? I’m very proud of my family. They are the people that made the biggest impact on me.”
Roger’s father Gerald worked at the Ammans Office Supply on Main Street his entire career. Roger’s mother Martha was a homemaker.
The Orfs hold dual citizenship in America and the UK. Roger said he always thought he would return to St. Charles at some point but that never happened. “I always thought that I would move back and get into elected politics, but I needed money to do that,” he said.
Gerald said even in Boy Scouts Roger was not content as being just one of the group. “He was just determined that he would go clear to the top to Eagle Scout. He never settled for anything. His mother is like that.
Gerald said his son was always a hard worker and a good student. “We’re awfully proud of him. He did it on his own and he didn’t have anything handed to him.”
Now that the money is available, Roger likes his life the way it is, he said. He said his
Roger Orf’s Cardinals Pajamas
wife likes it too. He will continue to build on the business he has created. “Everyone here retires to the South of France,” but he hasn’t decided when or even if that will happen. There is still much of the red, white and blue left in the 54-year-old native St. Charlesan—mainly the red. He said the 2006 World Series was just as exciting for him on the other side of the globe. “First I had to explain what a cardinal was to everyone. Then I told them I would walk around the office in my Cardinal pajamas and cardinal baseball cap if the Cardinals won the series. I was true to my word.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 15
TIPS & TRICKS
One
Great Thing A Thumbnail Lesson in Gardening with Angela Platt–Horticulturist, St. Charles Parks & Recreation
One great thing about gardening is that you can do as little or as much as you want, but even the smallest effort takes some preparation. Most gardening mistakes happen when the plant chosen is wrong for the location. Every plant, whether annual, perennial, shrub or tree has specific light requirements, grows to a specific size, and will prefer moist or dry soil. Know your planting site and ask questions before you buy. Any good garden center or
nursery should be able to tell you about the plants they sell, or have the plants tagged with that information. Soil is the foundation for plants to thrive in. Even the worst soil can be improved. As soon as weather permits, clear the planting area of leaf and plant debris. Open the soil ONLY when it is moist, not soggy. Soil can be ruined by working it when it is too wet. Add compost or well-rotten manure any time up until planting annual, perennial or vegetable gardens. Once the danger of frost has passed (which is usually when the Forsythias flower) you’re ready to plant. Just don’t forget the fertilizer!
16 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
TIPS & TRICKS
Clubs
& Hobbies
Friendship and community define and shape us; once a month a group of friends visit, enjoy a delicious dessert and talk about things they feel passionate about. Those things include watches, jewelry, cameos, hats, linens, Christmas items, clothing and more. Sometimes guest speakers are invited; other times the items are just researched and discussed by the group.
Havaland Museum
Members of the “Antiques” Club Seated (l to r) Donna Haefer, Joyce Sauer; Standing (l to r) Diane Garrison, Anne Morris, Jean Nickerson, Marie Fitz
It all started way before anyone watched Antiques Road show. A woman by the name of Dorthea Roberts was a dealer and collector of Havaland china, and had a vast repertoire of knowledge. St. Charles High School asked Mrs. Roberts to educate enthusiasts of collectables through the Adult Education Programs that the school offered at the time, and shortly after, Mrs. Roberts started doing her own thing outside of the classroom and in the comforts of her home. This group of friends are following in her footsteps. They are researchers, they are antique enthusiasts in various forms, they have a passion for what they do and they like to share their knowledge. Above all, they are friends. When asked how to start a collection of anything, Donna Haefer said "Start small, research the item of interest, (a great contact is Bonnie Dillon in the Library District for guidance on finding books on the subject matter) and soon you will find various avenues of networking with other collectors." Donna started her collection with a pattern of Havaland China that was called “Princess.” In '93 the International Havaland Convention came right here to St. Charles and the Havaland Museum was opened. The Copper Platter Restaurant was changed to the Havaland Platter Restaurant, and the rest is history. Donna followed in Mrs. Roberts’ footsteps, and with encouragement from fellow members has gotten one of the newer members of her “antiques” group, Ann Morris, hooked on Havaland. The group is 35 years strong, and the ladies stated that they are not experts but they are always willing to help future generations of collectors and share their knowledge base.
The “Coffee Clache” meets at St. Louis Bread Company on Main Street every Friday after mass at Borromeo. Other groups meet at McDonalds on the corner of Droste and Duchesne after Tuesday mass.
Members of the “Coffee Clache” Meet for coffee at St. Louis Bread Co. on Main.
Find a group of people who share your interests, whether it’s collecting, knitting, cooking, music, art or just drinking coffee. St. Charles offers myriad places to get together, including cozy coffeehouses like The Crooked Tree, Picasso’s, It’s A Grind and the Prancing Pony at New Town.
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 17
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
Mr. Main Street Archie Scott (above) started out as an antique collector. It was during one of his “junk hunts” that he discovered the city on the West side of the Missouri river. St. Charles was a lot different then. A couple of antique dealers and dry goods stores as well as a pharmacy and several other businesses lined the sides of Main Street. But along with them were the bums, the hobos, the dilapidated buildings and a used-car lot. That was 1964. But Scott saw something more along that street and he made it his life’s work to discover what the city and his favorite street could become. It was fall when Scott stood on the brick cobblestones of rich, dark red earthen colors from another era. He was in front of the Schemmer Brothers Wagon and Blacksmith Shop at 709 South Main Street. “A huge elm tree overshadowed the Germanbuilt blacksmith shop and me,” he said. “It
18 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
was in that instant that I felt I was in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, ‘The Village Smithie’. I was given a glimpse of what Main Street once was and what it could become. It changed my life.”
Scott said he remembers the Boone’s Trail Inn in the 1960’s prior to restoration when hippies resided there. They tore out the wood of the interior to use for firewood, he said.
Scott said he saw a slice of an early American town, virtually untouched and at one time on the edge of civilization. “In a flash, I saw the boomtown era of the 1849 Gold Rush to California. I walked the streets and alleys. I saw a derelict railroad station still in operation. I saw the stream and waterfall next to what once must have been the town’s mill, plus numerous buildings dating back to the 1800’s.”
Considered an early pioneer in the development of the historic district on South Main, Scott has in many ways single handedly breathed life back into one of Missouri’s most historic and treasured landscapes.
Forty years later, Scott is still working on his vision. “St. Charles is 95 percent complete in restoring its original historic buildings. Eighty-five percent of it is still the original buildings,” Scott said. “That is unheard of. This is Missouri’s first historic district.”
Scott has literally been the conscience of an area that may have turned out very different had he not “discovered it.” Known to some as Mr. Main Street, to others as “the guardian” of the historic area, Scott has led campaigns to save and restore the MKT depot and the Blanchette-Chouteau Mill. The mill would have been condemned, but Scott not only saved it, he produced a movie and marketed it throughout the Special
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
Business District in 1980. He personally restored the early French home at 719 South Main—considered the oldest in the historic district; the home of the brother of Missouri’s first governor, David McNair, at 724 South Main; and the Mill Stream Inn building at 912 South Main. He designed the first board walk entry way and planted the first tree pits on South Main Street. Scott helped save from demolition the former Pops General Store, the Carriage Houses behind the Farmer’s Home, the California House and Boone’s Lick Trail Inn. An artist and designer, Scott graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale’s Art School in 1963 with a degree in commercial art. He went on to be a senior designer at Emerson Electric and later art director and set designer for KTVI-TV Channel 2 in St. Louis. He also did a stint in the U.S. National Guard during the Vietnam war and held a couple of advertising agency jobs. When Scott moved to Main Street the landscape was quite different from today. “I was the first to do any kind of restoration,” Scott said. “There were two antique shops, but mostly derelict, run-down and ramshackled buildings. It was pretty much a town untouched by the urban sprawl when I discovered it.” Scott said he had, before coming to St. Charles, “fallen in love with the French Quarter” in New Orleans, and he saw similar promise in St. Charles’ mixture of German and French architecture. He was 24 years old when he bought his first building on Main Street. At the time, a homeless man was living in a car in the back yard of Scott’s home. “He caught himself on fire trying to stay warm,” Scott said. The man later died at the hospital. The house at 719 South Main wasn’t much
better than the car out back. “There were extension cords running upstairs for heat and we used the oven for heat,” Scott said. Scott served for years on every board that related to the Historic District, including the Architectural Review Board (now Landmarks Preservation Board), the Visitors Center Board (now Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Board), the Historical Society Board and Special Business District Advisory Board where he was chairman for five years. A founding member, Scott served as president of the South Main Preservation Society for four terms. Scott has discovered many treasures over the years including Abraham Lincoln’s reelection committee letter and a great deal of memorabilia from the 1800’s.
pressures and challenges that are now facing the Historic District. It is imperative to guide, protect and direct this unique slice of an early American Main Street for future generations.” Scott continues his work in the historic district, mostly as an advocate and guardian of its treasures. He said if he could be remembered for anything it would be what he saved—but especially what others can continue to preserve. “It’s all about streetscape to me. This area is sacred and needs to be preserved and honored as a part of history. Unbridled development is the enemy of both our past and our future.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
“For over 40 years, Historic Main Street has been a labor of love,” Scott said. “I have somehow fit many roles as a visionary, artist, preservationist and building designer. It has been a passion, a mission, a purpose and a dedication I’ve been unable to describe.” Scott said when he looks back over the years of evolution from being the first resident to move into the Historic District for restoration to raising family in a “once slum area to holding fast to a belief of a completed, restored Main Street, complete with railroad station, a mill, a blacksmith shop and a fire house,” he can scarcely believe it himself. “Now over a million visitors come and experience where history comes alive,” he said. “Success has brought new
Old Woolen Mill, 1851 (above) Trailhead, 2007 (below)
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 19
TIPS & TRICKS
Small Business Success Dick Sacks
Dick Sacks wants small businesses to succeed. A veteran small businessman and financial consultant, Sacks has written a book on how small business can survive.
have some working knowledge of if they’re going to run a business. I say read my book first. It will give you a ready made list of things that you have to research further.”
“No small business ever failed because the owner ran out of money,” he said. “Small businesses fail because the owners run out of time. Using trial and error to find your way to success in business can take a long time. All the while the meter keeps running, counting off dollars minute-by-minute and second-by-second until the cost exhausts your limited supply of capital. And then it’s over. You can’t afford to pay for more time to complete your learning curve.”
The Twelve Commandments of Small Business is actually a compilation of 13 rules. He said the misconception is the first lesson. “There is a lesson to be learned. No matter how credible the source, you need to be skeptical of what people tell you. I’m not saying to be a cynic, but to be a skeptic.”
Sacks owns The Sacks Group. His business provides financial, administrative and accounting services to small businesses. His recently published book, The Twelve Commandments for Small Business is currently offered at Main Street Books in St. Charles and Sacks hopes to have it in Borders, Barnes and Noble and most local bookstores by spring. Sacks has been an accountant for 40 years and has owned his own business for 22 years. He skipped the third and eighth grades, graduating college at 20 years old.
A mainstay on Sacks’ list of knowledge is to practice. “Funny thing. We’re expected to practice and prepare for most major things we do in life, but not for starting a business. Broadway actors spend months in rehearsal before they’re allowed to open. NASCAR drivers are told to take practice runs around the track before the race. Professional golfers play practice rounds before the tournament. All of these people have trained their entire careers. But they still need practice. Small business owners are expected to open for business without experience and knowing practically nothing about what they’re doing. Yet they get no opportunity to practice before the curtain rises.
He said he wrote the book to “try to do something about the rate of small business failure. I understand what causes it. That’s what my business is all about.”
Sacks said the “death toll” of small businesses runs into the hundreds of thousands each year, yet entrepreneurs keep coming, ignoring the odds, trying to achieve business success.
Sacks said the problem with most small business owners is what they don’t know. “The biggest problem they have is that they don’t know what they don’t know. It’s not that they can’t research it. The Twelve Commandments for Small Business is a hand book, a review of everything they should
“That’s what The Twelve Commandments of Small Business is all about. This book is the dry run through the maze of business,” Sacks said. “The more you know about the track you will be running on, the more likely you are to finish at the head of the pack.”■
20 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
with
Ann Hazelwood
What neighborhood do you live in, and what do you like most about it? Charlotte Fry | (Homemaker) Neighborhood; Old Town, Chauncey Street. I love the convenience of being able to walk most anywhere. The houses are all so quaint. Marilyn Geery | (Owner–Geery Bed and Breakfast) Neighborhood; North 5th Street. We call this area "Borromeo Square" and because of the active alley between all of us, we call ourselves the "alley cats." We have many parties and are always there in times of need for the surrounding neighbors. Bob Kneemiller | (4th Ward Council Person) Neighborhood; Bogey Crossing. Its all about location, location, location. We are 2 blocks from Zumbehl. High way 94 and 70 are nearby, and we are 5 miles to the 70/270 interchange. Mimi Jackson | (Curator–Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center) Neighborhood; South Main Historic District. I love all the people that are always around you. I get to meet people from all over the world that visit this area. Arlene Gould | (Retired/Part Time Office Work) Neighborhood; Thompkins Street. I love being close to "old St. Charles." The people in this neighborhood are very diverse in age and I like that. Steve Shouts | (Owner–Commercial Building Services) Neighborhood; Elmwood Manor. We love all our neighbors, and most have been here a long time. We put out luminaries every Christmas. Donna Hafer | (Owner–Mother-in Law House) Neighborhood; High Prairie.It is the most wonderful spot in St. Charles. We are close to Lindenwood University, a lovely creek, and lots of trees. Every lot in our area is different,which makes it a great neighborhood to take walks.
TIPS & TRICKS
Hello, my name is... “I’m not messing around, because I’m committed,” Ginsberg said of his name tag tattoo just under his lapel and the paper adhesive name tag he still wears. Ginsberg said his first speaking role came in Portland, Oregon at a Rotary Club meeting. “A 91-year-old guy came up to me and asked if I had a job. I was selling furniture at the time. He told me to quit my job and become a speaker full time.”
Author Scott Ginsberg
Four years ago Scott Ginsberg put a name tag on for a seminar he was attending. Little did he know that tiny piece of adhesive paper would change his life. On November 2, 2000, Ginsberg was attending an on-campus seminar at Miami University in Ohio when he stuck a name tag on his chest. Like everyone else, he wore the name tag as an introduction to other attendees of the program. But after the seminar Ginsberg decided to conduct an experiment. He left his name tag on for the rest of the day just to see what type of reaction it would bring. People reacted well to it, saying hello and striking up conversations. Before long that day turned into a week, then a month, then a year, and before Ginsberg knew it, he was “that guy with the name tag.” So he parlayed his experiment into a fulltime speaking career. Since then he’s written three books and spoken to more than 80,000 people all over the world on—you guessed it—approachability. “Approachability has proven to be a leading characteristic of great leaders, managers and staff members,” Ginsberg said. “Why? Because approachability magnetizes people. It’s what makes your organization a great place to work. And it’s what makes your customers want to come back every time. After all, people want to work and do business with their friends.”
That little piece of advice empowered Ginsberg to start his company, “Hello My Name Is Scott.” But the best nugget of advice Ginsberg said he ever received was from another older gentleman—this one 82 years old and in Philadelphia. “This 82year-old guy calls me and says he saw me on CNN. He said if I was ever in Philly to look him up and stay at his place. So here I am in this guy’s apartment. He was a philanthropist. He worked for Nixon. He was the founder of the first public television station in Philly. And he tells me the most important piece of advice. He said, ‘On a daily basis, you must validate your existence’.” Ginsberg said the man’s words were “some pretty heavy stuff ” but they turned out be the impetus for his success. Recognized as the authority on approachability and friendliness and the world’s foremost expert on name tags, Ginsberg has been featured on CNN, The Today Show, in the Wall Street Journal and yes, on Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Ginsberg speaks for associations, organizations, corporate meetings, faith communities, and student and youth programs. He refuses to speak at any function where alcohol is being consumed simply because he can. Ginsberg has written three books: Hello My Name Is Scott, The Power of Approachability, and his latest How To Be That Guy which includes 47 secrets to help entrepreneurs maximize their visibility, credibility,
uniqueness, authenticity and memorability in the eyes of their customers and prospects. “The whole point is to make a name for yourself,” Ginsberg said. “I give ideas on how to make that happen.” Ginsberg said his success is a testament to how getting noticed can mean all the difference. “I’ve taken a simple idea like wearing a name tag 24-7 and I’ve leveraged it into a business and a career. Anyone can wear a name tag. But not everyone can transform that into a business. That’s what no one else has pulled off—turning the mundane into the memorable, creating something.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Featured Burger T h e F r a n k e n b u r g e r, A R u m p l e ’s P u b Specialty–served up with hot fries and a c o l d o n e , i t ’s n o t to be missed!
DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS
Growth & Development St. Charles City is second only to St. Louis in size and budget in the region, said Mayor Patti York. So it only follows that the city should look and feel the part. Many one-ofa-kind projects are now underway to that end—plans that will add to the city’s flavor and charm. “Since I was elected, people have always told me they want quality of life here at home,” York said. “I’ve always said, in St. Charles we take an idea. We make it bigger, we make it better, and we make it our own.” Citing the city’s use of an historic building for its community arts center, York said the city is known for its uncommon responses to what other cities consider common needs. Ward 1 Councilman Rory Riddler said he has seen a lot of changes in the 26 years he has served on the city’s council. “I’ve seen so many changes over the years,” Riddler said. “I’ve seen it go from a small sleepy town— and it still has that charm. It really has come quite a long way to the cosmopolitan area that it is today with all the advantages of being a larger city with the traits of a hometown community.” One of the city’s and in particular Riddler’s latest projects is the creation of a children’s museum. The city recently created the 13member Children’s Museum Commission of St. Charles, dedicated to assessing the feasibility and to design a fun and creative public learning facility. The commission will be charged with the study of existing facilities in other communities, research on facilities nationwide, the latest in hands-on equipments and displays in the fields of math, science, astronomy, space exploration, history, archeology, geology, biology, health, medicine, engineering, architecture and computer science. The study will also cover
22 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
museum design and space needs, staffing, annual budget, safety, insurance concerns, volunteerism programs, potential partnerships, funding, giving programs, grants and potential locations. Riddler said the city does not intend to recreate the Magic House or the St. Louis Children’s Museum. “We want to explore the idea of doing here in St. Charles one of those added quality of life dimensions. But it’s got to be well-rounded for all levels— kids, family, etc.,” he said. Because St. Charles County is home to over 13,000 pre-school and some 28,500 elementary school children, the city hopes to create an educational facility with a variety of creative tactile learning experiences, stimulating changeable exhibits, exposure to cutting edge technology and interesting programs for all ages. York said $50,000 of the 2008 capital budget has been set aside for the study, which should be complete within 24 months. The city has already begun work on a Living History Farm where crops are grown and life in another period comes to life. York said the city has yet to decide what period that will be, but the land has already been chosen. The working farm will be located on about 100 acres where the old Princes Jodie Mobile Home Park used to sit off Hawning Road. “We want the emphasis to be on the agricultural aspect of our county,” York said. “How did we farm in the 1880’s? How do they farm now? How will we farm in the future?” York said the city has hired a planner for the project who is an expert in the United States on living/working farms as well as riverfront
projects. York and the council hope to recreate the old time farm with buildings dating back to the 1800’s, hiking and horseback riding trails, a dressage and rodeo ring, a polo field, candlelight tours and dinners with the caretakers of the farm. “Missouri is number three in the nation for private horse ownership,” said York. “It just seemed like we should have horseback riding here.” York said the farm would be built on a five to six year ramp up, with construction beginning in the spring.
“
In St. Charles we take an idea. We make it bigger. We make it better, and we make it our own.
”
Evidenced by the 55 percent yes vote in the November election, the St. Charles community and its council want a community center, York said. They needed 57 percent. But York and the council intend to go back to the drawing board, so to speak, to formulate a better plan with more definite dimensions. York said the mayor’s task force and the council committee will be merged in the coming months to revisit the original plan and gather citizen input. “We are 60 percent done. The study is done, the operational plan and construction costs, sizes and comparison to other centers is done,” she said. York said the $26 million facility will have
DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS
an indoor track, aquatics facility, workout rooms and meeting spaces, with the added dimension of a community theater. The center would be located on the Fifth Street extension in Blanchette Park at the site of the old Boys and Girls Club. “All of the councilmen want a community center,” York said. “The community wants a community center. We just have to go back and iron out the particulars.” The door to the city begins at the Missouri River, and York said it’s time the city starts using the benefits of the waterway. The first of the city’s plans for the waterfront include a sort of boardwalk along the Katy Trail between Monroe and Jefferson Streets. The City of St. Charles Riverfront/Trails Planning Committee recently approved plans for a riverfront overlook. The terraced platform, which is planned for construction in mid to late 2007, will provide residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to engage the Missouri River, York said. Later phases of the project include a natural riverbank trail that will connect the overlook platform to Frontier Park. The plan is one of several projects that will use capital improvement funds over the next five years to “make the river more accessible to the people,” York said. Another plan calls for a plaza in Frontier park with a limestone step appearance leading down to the river. The plaza as well as the platform will connect with new trails leading into the woods. York said the city hopes to build a “true boardwalk” between the casino and the St. Charles Arena. Currently in the conceptual phase, the estimated $1 billion boardwalk would include a two-mile protected channel or canal between the main shore of the Missouri River and the original St. Charles Island, also called Willow Island. The riverwalk would have a marina attached, as well as housing, businesses, upscale entertainment and the like. “The reason you don’t see any private
boating along the river is because of the fast current and the mass of debris,” York said. “We hope to provide an opportunity for private boating within this channel.” The Noah’s Ark Development site will also see many changes in the coming years. Closed for over a dozen years, the Noah’s Ark Restaurant and Hotel will eventually be Mayor Patti York demolished Councilman Rory Riddler and the some 28 acres of surrounding land redesigned and rebuilt to include a first-class live and work retail destination. The $800 million project will feature the first high rise living and office spaces in the county. “For the entrance to the city, we wanted something dynamic there,” Riddler said. Homebuilder and New Towne Developer Greg Whittaker took on the project when he hired the planner who designed New Town to formulate the plan. The project is currently in the engineering phase. “Expectations are to start clearing land in the spring,” Riddler said. Whittaker and the city would like to bring an electric trolley system to connect the city’s attractions to the boardwalk and eventually to New Towne. A feasibility study is currently underway. The cost of the study will be shared by Whittaker and the city. York said when all phases are complete for the riverfront projects, the result will be
Mayor Patti York Councilman Rory Riddler
phenomenal. “There is nothing like this in any other part of Missouri. It will be truly amazing.” Developments aren’t just for the South Main and riverfront areas. Frenchtown is beginning to take on a life of its own as St. Charles continues to evolve with the 21st century. The city declared about four blocks of the historic neighborhood as blighted and has begun plans for redevelopment and all of the tax advantages that includes. York said all of the projects that are in the works represent a continuation of St. Charles’ ability to plan ahead for a brighter future for the city without letting go of its rich history. “We have a lot of history here, a lot of firsts here,” York said. “But our economy isn’t based on retail. We have manufacturing, retail, medical and tourism. We’ve made sure that we are a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional community.” ■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 23
NEIGHBORHOODS
Lofty Architecture Big changes are taking place in Cottleville, the city that just a decade ago was barely noticed at all along the St. Charles County landscape. One of the latest is Harmony Ridge, a massive $20 million development that will include single family homes, courtyard villas and a loft development from Moore Company Homes. The Lofts at Harmony Ridge just might put Cottleville on the map, residentially speaking. Three loft buildings will include 80 residential spaces above 31 retail shops— among them, Seamus McDaniel. Four additional retail establishments are currently in the negotiating process with Moore. When complete, the development will include family oriented retailers such as an
45, 000 square feet, with the group spanning some five acres. Moore Company Homes is based in Lake Saint Louis.
symbolizing the downtown atmosphere without the traffic and safety concerns that go with living in the city.
Semaan said the company already has an audience. “Our target demographic is young professionals,” Semaan said. “Loft living is a new trend in lifestyle. For those looking for that type of lifestyle, young executives and professionals and others seeking this type of product, it’s an alternative to looking downtown. They’re excited to find this in St. Charles County. Before they didn’t have a choice in loft type living.”
Moore Company acquired one of the last sites in Cottleville and the surrounding area that could handle such a large development, Semaan said. Situated on Cottleville Parkway opposite St. Charles Community College, Harmony Ridge will have excellent proximity to the Page Avenue Extension when the highway is finished. Semaan hopes to complete The Lofts at Harmony Ridge in April or May of 2007.
Moore Company Homes didn’t go into the development without a plan. “What we really tried to do is identify the next major trend in real estate which we feel is lifestyle living or urbanism, and capitalize on it,” Semaan said. “With this community, residents will have convenience to amenities around them and the opportunity to live a balanced lifestyle.”
Residents of The Lofts at Harmony Ridge will get a lot of bang for their buck, Semaan said. Each resident will receive an assigned secure underground parking space including on-site storage.
Semaan said Moore is marketing the loft project as “All Hip and no Hassle”
ice cream vendor, dry cleaners, hair salon and pet groomer. Moore Company Owner and CEO Gary Semaan said each building will contain
24 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
Semaan said the lofts are already selling. The units are priced from $149,900 to $300,000. Some have premiums with 17-foot ceilings—sort of a mezzanine level for a loft within a loft. The Lofts at Harmony Ridge will also feature walking trails that will connect with the city’s walking trails, a park, an amphitheater and a doggy park on 30 acres.■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
(l to r) Craig Hasten, Gary Semaan and Suzanne Matyiko
No N o matter matter wha whatt stage of life e yyou’re o ’re in,, fr ou om first-time homeb buyer from homebuyer tto o empt y-nesterr, M oore H omes empty-nester, Moore Homes ha as a place place ffor or yyou ou at at Har mony R idge. has Harmony Ridge.
W ith a long list of standar d fe eatu ures With standard features an nd unb eatable amenities – and unbeatable in cluding w alking tr ails, including walking trails, a pic turesque lake, lake, fitness ccenter enter e picturesque an nd p ool – these unique lof on ndos and pool loftt ccondos an nd ccourtyard ourtyard homes offe er the and offer op pportunity tto o liv e the lif festyle yyou ou opportunity live lifestyle w ant and deser ve without ha vin ng want deserve having tto o lea ve the ccomforts omfforts of C ottleville v . leave Cottleville.
Open O Op en 11 - 5 D Daily aily
6 636.477.7221 Hw Hwy. wy. 94 tto oM Mid id R Rivers ivers M Mall all D Drive rive Cottleville Parkway LLeft e t on C ef ottleville P arkway tto oC ommunity on LLeft eft Community
*Prices subje subject ect to change without notice.
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 25
A LA CARTE
Grappa Grill
F E AT U R E D R E C I P E S
It’s one of a kind—literally. Grappa Grill on Highway 94 in St. Charles is the only one and owners have no plans to open any more. They say they’re satisfied with doing one thing and doing it very well. And so far, customers agree. Grappa Grill’s General Manager Jack Borgmeyer said owners Terry Jones, Gary Shaw and Jerry Scheidegger are quite satisfied with what they’ve created in Grappa Grill. Grappa Grill offers an American-Italian cuisine with specialty pastas, steaks, chicken and seafood. Borgmeyer said a top seller is the restaurant’s Seafood Fettuccine. The 16 oz. K.C. Strip special with salad and a side item on Wednesday nights is also a draw. But it doesn’t stop there. Grappa’s Fillet of Atlantic Salmon with fried jumbo shrimp keeps regulars in attendance. Borgmeyer said he has been seeing some new faces in the twenty-something crowd of late. “We get all ages from 24 to 55 for the happy hour, and we are a family business.” Grappa houses three private rooms which seat up to seven people. The rooms are used for small business meetings and private dinners with a “nice bottle of wine,” he said.
style and art deco Italian murals in the rear clearly give off an ambiance of culture and refinement in a family-style atmosphere. The restaurant’s name comes from what Borgmeyer said is an Italian moonshine. “All the books call it a liquor, but it’s a pretty heavy shot. We say people can try it at their own risk. It really is an acquired taste.” Grape vines, decorative plants and an outdoor patio further the Mediterranean feel of the place while the faux brick motif of inlaid windows looking out to the ocean and hillsides leave visitors yearning for Italy. Grappa celebrated its tenth anniversary in October. The restaurant was originally opened by current owner Terry Jones and Norbert Siegfried. Later, investors Shaw and Scheidegger brought in a new chef, John Altmann who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Along with the master preparations of Altmann, Borgmeyer said the people continue to come for the atmosphere. “People like the atmosphere. The clientèle know what kind of service they get when they come through the door and they keep coming back.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Grappa Grill | Chef Dan Rosen Pan Seared Chicken Asparagus: 1 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 6oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 2 oz Sliced Mushrooms 2 oz Diced Tomatoes 8 Asparagus Spears 3 oz Supreme Sauce (recipe below) Heat oil in 10 inch skillet. Coat chicken breast with all purpose flour and carefully place chicken in oil. Sear one side for two minutes or until golden brown. Turn chicken to other side and remove skillet and place in 325 degree oven. Cook chicken for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked completely. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet lightly saute mushrooms, asparagus, and tomatoes. Last add the supreme sauce to the sauteed mixutre and top chicken breasts. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary if desired. Yield: 2 Servings Supreme Sauce:
Banquet rooms also make up a portion of the 9,000-square-foot restaurant. These rooms seat up to 100 people or as few as eight. Menu options include lunch, dinner and buffet. Rehearsal dinners, charity events and political gatherings often take place in these spaces.
1 qt chicken veloute
Grappa Grill also offers catering and outside house parties. They have catered the St. Louis Rams buffets each week during the season for four years at Rams Park in Earth City.
Combine the veloute and the heavy cream. Simmer, stirring and skimming the surface frequently until the sauce coats the back of the spoon. Strain the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Finish the sauce by adding butter.
Grappa offers “more than reasonable pricing,” Borgmeyer said. The establishment’s semi Mediterranean
26 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
1/2 pt heavy cream 1 1/2 oz unsalted butter 1 pinch salt (optional) 1 pinch ground white pepper (optional)
Yield: 2 Servings
Open Daily 11AM–10PM
est. 1998
• Casual dining in a unique atmosphere • Serving Lunch and Dinner • Awesome steaks and burgers • A full menu featuring 14 appetizers • Live acoustic music • Patio dining 221 N. Main, St. Charles • 636-949-7678
Specials this Month Lunch in 15 minutes or it’s FREE! Wednesday House Margarita (20 oz)–$3.99 Thursday House Margarita Pitcher–$10.99 Happy Hour 4PM–8PM M-F
$5 off any $25 purchase (Not valid with any other offer)
$5 off
any $25 purchase (Not valid with any other offer)
636.926.3002 1052 Wolfrum Road Weldon Springs, Missouri 63304 www.tequila-restaurant.com
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 27
TIPS & TRICKS
All
Dressed Up... Prom 2007 Lauree Salamon knows what girls want. The owner of Lauree’s Formalwear and Bridal in Frenchtown St. Charles caters to some 500 young women every year for the first and second most important days of their lives— their wedding and prom. Salamon started Lauree’s in 1995 after being down-sized from a pharmaceutical company. Today she specializes in informal bridal, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride, and pageant and prom dresses. Destination wedding wear is the latest in the
Morgan Brockman (center) & Elise Poggemeyer (right) shop for Prom at Lauree’s
bridal industry, she said. With more and more brides and grooms choosing to book an all-inclusive wedding in an exotic location such as Jamaica or Hawaii, the trainless gowns are all the rage. “A lot of times the weddings will be on the beach or under a gazebo in a warm climate,” she said. “More and more people are doing it, that’s for sure. They can get an allinclusive wedding with the cake, ceremony, flowers and rooms for $5,000 to $6,000.” But Salamon’s first love and certainly most lucrative specialty is prom. “We’re even more into prom than bridal.” Salamon said the average prom can cost a girl—or more than likely her parents—in upwards of $1,000. “By the time you get the dress, the hair, the nails, the tickets, the dinner and the limo, it’s at least $1,000. So manufacturers are really into that, especially when seniors go all out. I’m even shocked at what they spend on prom.” Lauree’s is in all the top magazines, Salamon said, from “Seventeen” to “Your Prom” to “Teen Prom” to “Cosmo Girl Prom”. “These magazines are on the newsstands before Christmas and the day after they are on the newsstand, the phone starts ringing.” Lauree’s prom dresses go from $140 to $430 each and this season all bets are off. “This year all categories are popular,” Salamon
Kim Paris & daughter Simone Borisov shop for Prom at Lauree’s 28 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
said. From the 1930’s slinky, silk beaded dresses with halters and low backs to the Cinderella ball gowns to the A-line dresses, every girl has her own taste. And the manufacturers are providing something for everyone. “There is a big variety this year,” she said. “Last year the Cinderella ball gown was very popular. This year they want it all.” Lauree’s also sells vintage costume jewelry, including rhinestone necklaces in the 1950’s and 1960’s styles for $25 and under. Salamon said girls should be considering their formalwear in January and no later than mid-February. Since most manufacturers are overseas now, many times dresses must be shipped and often take 12 weeks to order. She said there are only about five shops similar to Lauree’s in the St. Louis area. “We’re a specialty shop. You won’t find our dresses in the mall.” Lauree’s is opened six days a week through the prom season. Salamon’s hours are Mondays from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m, Wednesdays closed, Thursdays noon to 7 p.m., Fridays noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
4U $IBSMFT )JTUPSZ -JWFT 0O
" 2 ) $ ' %
3 4
# ( ! 2 , % 3
*O UIJT POF PG B LJOE QIPUPHSBQI PG UIF #SJEHF /PX ZPV DBO IFMQ LFFQ UIF NFNPSJFT PG PVS QBTU BMJWF XJUI UIJT TJHOFE QIPUPHSBQIJD QSJOU PG UIF )JTUPSJD #SJEHF BO JNQPSUBOU QJFDF PG 4U $IBSMFT IJTUPSZ *U JT DVSSFOUMZ BWBJMBCMF GPS QVSDIBTF JO WBSJPVT TJ[FT BOE DIPJDF PG mOJTIFT 1VSDIBTF UIJT QSJOU BOE WJFX PUIFST BWBJMBCMF POMJOF BU XXX NTDIMVFUFS DPN mOFBSU IUNM PS DBMM UP TQFBL XJUI .JLF 4DIMVFUFS UIF QIPUPHSBQIFS
0SEFS :PVST 5PEBZ $BMM .JLF BU
BEST SHOPPING FINDS
Hot
Prom Picks 2007 Your sense of style shines this year...the sky’s the limit! Our picks for the top 5 styles this season: Designer Inspired | Affordable labels have created their own versions of celebrity-chic dresses. Look for red carpet copies that include empire waist dresses and one-shoulder Grecian gowns. The Cocktail Dress | The usual prom styles just aren’t you? Try a posh circle skirt or sleek trimhemmed cocktail dress, which will also come in handy for other dressy get-togethers down the road. Elegant Trains | Whether it’s a full-on train, or an elegant small drape (a duster), your entrance AND exit will pack a major punch. The Sleek Sheath | Glam but comfy sheath dresses are a celebrity favorite. They’re simple, so accessories are a must. Anything goes, from classic pearls to 50’s retro. Mix it up! Marilynesque | Go va-va-voom with an ultra feminine hip-hugging Marilyn Monroe inspired gown. Choose delicate fabrics like satin or silk that drape well. Keep the retro going with a clutch purse and peep-toe shoes. Shoe Choices | Shimmery evening sandals, T-straps with bling, Sultry strappy sandals, Shimmery wedges, Chic beaded slides, Elegant Sling-Backs
30 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 31
NEIGHBORHOODS
Dance Into Spring
school with the modern jazz troupe. Decades later she and her partner Stan Mayer are two of the most popular dancers and teachers in St. Charles and much of St. Louis Counties. The pair, of Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire studios fame, teach ballroom dancing at St. Charles Community College on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
Lindenwood’s Ballet Class
The dance. It’s depicted on the walls of ancient caves. It’s discussed in the Holy Bible. It has been the meeting place for young lovers over the ages. It is timeless and it’s partakers span all cultures and generations. No matter what the age of the dancer, no matter what the tune that’s played, people love to dance. It’s the one exercise that everyone can and will do without much prompting. Linda Landwehr started dancing in high
32 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
A self-taught dancer, Landwehr owned an aerobic dance studio for over ten years and has been teaching dance for over 22 years. She and Mayer are starting a ballroom dancercise course, new to the college this year. “We’re providing something for the St. Charles community—a very inexpensive and entertaining hobby—that they can share together as a couple,” Landwehr said. “It’s full of exercise and fun,” Landwehr said of dancing. “It’s something men and women can share. They don’t go their own ways, instead they have fun together.” Dancing, Landwehr said, is a skill and a pastime that can be used just about anywhere. “You can dance on cruises and vacations. It’s a great thing to share on a social basis. You always have a good time
together and you’re not just sitting and drinking. Most dancers have water. They don’t need to drink. There’s a chemical in the brain that’s released when you exercise.” Landwehr said her students range in age from 20 to 70. “Age doesn’t matter when they come to dance,” she said, adding that the therapeutic benefits of dancing are substantial. “I’ve had students who have had heart surgery, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes. They’ve also come for physical therapy.” The rewards of dancing go beyond the physically obvious, she said. “Dance is one of the most rewarding things. It increases self confidence which can even help in their careers. Dance doesn’t depreciate.” Barbara Drant has been a student of Landwehr’s for over three years. Under Landwehr and Mayer, she has studied Imperial Swing, West Coast Swing and the Jitterbug. In basic ballroom classes, she has learned the Fox Trot, the Rumba, the Waltz, Swing and the Tango. In advanced levels, she has went on to the Bolero, the Samba, the Cha Cha, the Mambo/Salsa, the Merengue and the Night Club Two Step. “There’s a lot to remember and one must practice constantly to keep up their skills
NEIGHBORHOODS
Missy Gorman Shockley, Owner, Techniques Ballet & Pliates
and that’s why we go to dances, to have fun and practice. There are dances almost every night of the week somewhere in the metro area.” Drant dances on Tuesday nights at the American Legion Hall on Raymond in St. Charles. She dances at bars and cocktail lounges, in a sports cafe in Bridgeton and at Louie’s at Holiday Inn St. Peters/St. Charles. She dances at Fireman’s Hall on McMenamy in St. Peters. And she fills in when others need a partner. Drant calls it her favorite pastime and her dance community. “The dance community is unique,” she said. “It’s one way of people getting together to meet others who have a like interest and have fun. They work hard at it. Most people really enjoy dancing and try to be as good as they can be. I keep a notebook of the dance steps. It keeps the mind fine-tuned.” Drant said the St. Charles Imperial Dance Club at www.scidc.com, the Jefferson County Imperial Dance Club, the South Side Imperial Dance Club at
www.southsidedance.org, the St. Louis Imperial Dance Club at www.slidc.com and the West County Imperial Dance Club all meet at regular intervals and provide dancing opportunities. Swing dancing is offered at the Sports Cafe in Bridgeton. The Concord Farmers Club in South St. Louis also provides an outlet for dancing as do a few of the casinos, she said.
Dance is the “ only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.
Atlantic City, The Muny Opera in St. Louis, on The President riverboat, at the Duquoin, Illinois State Fair, for military balls and reunions, conventions, anniversaries and the Olympic Festival. The group represented the United States as Senior Goodwill Ambassadors to the Russian Summer Festival in 1993 and in Australia in 1997. Kristen Best, assistant professor of dance at Lindenwood University, said dancing has experienced a giant upsurge largely due to Hollywood’s opportunities to make it big in the industry. “With the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ phenomena, dance training in different styles is more marketable,” she said. “Contemporary dance is the crave, the hottest thing now. It’s a mixture of modern dance and
”
Ballroom and swing dances are held at Casa Loma Ballroom on Iowa in the city of St. Louis. Jim Horne conducts dances at the U Can Dance studio in St. Ann off Adie Road. His schedule can be found at www.jimsdances.com. Drant said she doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t love to dance. “I’ve had the dance gene my entire life,” she said. “They say if you take 4,000 steps in a day it is equal to walking two miles. In dancing, trust me, in an hour you can do 4,000 steps easy. When you’re dancing, you’re really moving.” The St. Louis Strutters & Co. dances thousands of steps in each of its performances. Initiated in 1985 by a retired group of former professional tap dancers, the troupe has performed at the Taj Mahal in
jazz with a little hip-hop thrown in. It’s a fusion of a bunch of different styles.” Best said professional companies
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 33
NEIGHBORHOODS
refinement and beauty of a bygone era,” Cannon said. Graduating eighth grade girls perform the ritual with the second grade girls, who have made their First Communion earlier in the spring. All are clothed in long white dresses. “Although the Maypole’s origins date back to pagan times, it surely plays out in a more spiritual setting on this campus,” she said. One of the two performances is always given at the close of the May Crowning honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cannon said. “We feel that by offering this time-honored spectacle to our school community, we are enabling children to see themselves in a different way—even if for just a short time. They treasure this ritual and through it can see their potential for beauty in a world that is sometimes less than beautiful.” Many instructional dance classes are available in the St. Charles area, including St. Charles Community College, Lindenwood University or Techniques Ballet & Pilates Studio. “Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.” Ted Shawn, Time, July 25, 1955 ■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON Linda Landwehr and Stan Mayer, left Barbara Drant and Dennis Sturdivant, below
aren’t just looking for the seasoned ballerina these days either. “Those in the professional field are looking for dancers who are wellrounded, who can do anything you throw at them. Dance companies are looking for ballet too, but it’s different from the past where each dance company looked for a specific technique such as the Horton-based technique or the Martha Graham technique. In the past, they stuck to those. Now companies are looking for ballet and modern and even mixing in acrobatics.” Best said hip-hop has been big for some time but it too is evolving. “Hip-hop has always been big in music videos, but now they’re fusing it with modern dance.” Crumping and clowning are forms of freestyle or improvisational dance.
34 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
“Dance For the Camera” festivals are being held on the West Coast, Best said, where dance pieces are created specifically for film. Dancers may perform on the street or under water. “It’s mostly at the collegiate level, an experimental tool,” Best said. The performances are shown on film as opposed to live performances. Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumni Director Jane Cannon said the time-honored tradition of the Maypole at the school dates back at least until the 1940’s when the Maypole was inaugurated. “The Maypole, for as long as it has been danced here, represents an opportunity for girls—younger and older—to participate in something whose time-honored re-enactment every spring is an attempt to capture some of the
Where Te chn iqu e is Our Essen tial Goal. Now offering competitive & non-competitive classes for all age levels with newly expanded studios.
Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical • Pointe Hip Hop • Tumbling • Pilates • Cardio GoGo
Missy Gorman Shockley, Owner
TECHNIQUES B A L L E T & P I L AT E S S T U D I O 636-940-7308
546 First Capitol Drive
•
Suite 5
•
St.Charles, MO 63301
Erin McKee, fighting the glaring sun and brisk breeze, clutches her Maypole ribbon at Sacred Heart Academy’s traditional spring Maypole Celebration
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 35
EDUCATION
What’s new in education in St. Charles County? For starters, Barat Academy. Like the innovative live work community that surrounds it in Winghaven, Barat Academy will break through traditional notions of what high school is all about. A design/build enterprise for Paric, the private, independent high school will offer single gender classes on a coeducational campus, adjacent to the Barat Haven development. Academy President Debby Watson said the school is not only innovative but smart. “It’s a more personalized approach to each child’s learning needs, so it maximizes their educational experience,” she said. “The academy will be able to address how everyone learns differently.” Built around the idea that each individual, as well as both genders, learn at different rates and in different ways, Barat Academy will draw from the same concepts used by Whitfield School in St. Louis, Watson said. “It is an individualized approach with the teacher as coach and the student as worker. Just as a coach might practice free-throws with a player after practice because that individual needs extra practice, our teachers hope to identify each students individual needs.” Watson said the school is it’s own model and not necessarily a copy of any existing method. “We are also focused on learning things well, not necessarily learning a lot of things. Instead of reading 15 books, we would rather read eight books and learn them well. We’re not trying to do too much and be everything to everybody,” Watson said. Watson said the school will be somewhat in alignment with the Coalition of Essential Schools. “But we are our own model, faith-based education combining in the coalition principles.” Watson said graduates will live the LearnLife concepts of Love, Learn, Serve, Build and Grow. Small class size, a respectful learning
36 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
environment, clear goals and expectations, personal excellence and strong character formation are the foundation of the Barat educational model. “Educational research is clear,” she said. “Students do best in an environment where high expectations are coupled with low anxiety, in a place where students feel safe to take risks, where expectations are clear and the goal is for academic excellence and achievement for every child.” The school will begin by using smaller student/teacher ratios, with no more than 18 students in each classroom. “So the teacher
The single gender classes reflect Barat’s belief that learning differs among individuals, Watson said. “They are single gender classes on a coed campus. It is supported by research that boys and girls learn differently.” The 70,000 square-foot Barat Academy building will consist of two floors, each with 30 classrooms, a total of eight science labs with two prep rooms, administration and development offices, a bookstore, library, information technology department and eight break and study rooms. The first phase is set to be completed in September 2007 and will house the ninth grade
Barat Academy:
Breaking Tradition
learns by developing a relationship with each child,” Watson said. Barat Academy will offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum in a Catholic, singlegender class environment on a coeducational campus. Central to Barat’s mission, which is rooted in the traditions of Sacred Heart education, is the education of the entire child—mind, body and spirit. “As adolescents move through this precarious portion of their lives it is imperative that they develop and grow in an environment that sees them and values them as whole people—self confident, focused, achieving, contributing individuals.”
Barat Academy will eventually house ninth through twelfth grades. The school is currently accepting enrollment for ninth grade to begin in the fall. Watson said Barat will add a grade every year thereafter. Education is changing and ways of teaching evolving to better equip students based on their own skills, Watson said. “We are trying to re-imagine and re-design learning so that 21st century students can have 21st century skills. It’s all about the kids in a reimagined way.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Third Annual
“Keep The Beat” Charity Benefit Sunday, March 25, 2007 Join us at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles for the “Keep The Beat” benefit. Ticket price includes an open beer and wine bar, dinner, performances by company members along with special guest artists, as well as a silent auction. Maximum Pulse is a registered not-for-profit public dance and theatrical company dedicated by charter to support the American Heart Association as a third party fundraiser. Maximum Pulse provides dance and performance opportunities to amateur and professional dancers and performers who share in the vision to provide funds and physical support to the AMA and it’s programs. Call 636-940-7308 for tickets or to make a donation.
Techniques Ballet & Pilates Studio is the home and training center of6Maximum 3 6 - 9Pulse 4 0Dance - 7 3Company 08
We put h©art in finding or s©lling your hom©. Your St Charles County Real Estate Specialists
Call us today at: (636)441-8200 55 Centre Pointe Dr. ¨ St. Charles, MO 63304 Red Realty proudly supports Go Red for Women.
Iagemagine a place where tree-shaded streets encourwalking and biking … where your favorite coffee shop is right around the corner. It’s reality with The New Town at St. Charles, developed by Whittaker Homes. New Town simply goes back in time when fresh bread was at the corner bakery and when places to shop, worship or just hangout where footsteps or a bike ride away. When you buy here, you’re purchasing more than a home – you’re buying an experience
THEY THREW IN A WHOLE TOWN …. You’re choosing to drive less, walk more and simplify your life with everything you need in a true town setting … and that is a beautiful thing.
®
“Marsala’ s Market Now Open in New Town!” Fresh Products, Boar’s Head Deli, USDA Choice Meats, fresh produce, bread, pastries and more!
Designed by Duany Plater - Zyberk & Company www.dpz.com
Pictures and renderings are artist’s concepts only and are not an express representation of what will be built. * Due to the velocity of sales housing types and price ranges may vary. ** Provided by Market Graphics Special Report
Prices from mid $100’s to $800’s+* Take Hwy. 370 to north on New Town Blvd., 1 1/2 miles to New Town on the right.
636-949-2700 www.newtownatstcharles.com
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 37
HEALTH WATCH
Take Care of Your Heart What words pop into your mind when you think of a heart? Do you ever really stop to think about your OWN heart and what you do to it daily? Go Red For Women, affiliated with the American Heart Association, wants you to love your heart and make a promise to exercise, learn your numbers, kiss someone, eat smart; to take just a moment and love your heart and go red for women! Go Red is a movement nationwide energizing women to instill their passion in bonding with other women to once and for all wipe out heart disease. The color red and the red dress are becoming synonymous with heart health and a commonality with other women to strengthen their hearts and live longer, healthier lives. If you were asked what the number one killer of women was, you might answer like many that it is breast cancer, that answer is wrong; it is HEART DISEASE! Heart disease is not just the main killer of women but the disease that takes the lives most of men as well. The only way to
38 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
change this direction is to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to take positive action to reduce the risks of heart attacks and stroke and protect your overall health. One of the major factors leading to heart disease in our society is obesity and those carrying excess weight. About 65 percent of Americans age 20 and older are overweight or obese. 34.5 million American adults have cholesterol levels of 240mg/dL or higher which is when it becomes a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Your total cholesterol should be below 200 and your HDL (good) cholesterol should be 40mg/dL or higher. America needs to get moving as the Centers for Disease Control show that ony 30 percent of adults in this country do some type of physical activity for over 30 minutes on 5 or more days a week. As you read these next few lines feel the power in your hands as you place your hand over your heart. These are the risk factors for heart disease that YOU can control! HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SMOKING, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY, OBESITY OR BEING OVERWEIGHT AND DIABETES. Now is the time to talk to your doctor about your current state of health and how you can stop the process of damaging your heart. Know your risk factors, such as age
(especially after 50), a family history of heart attack or stroke. One in four females in our country has some form of cardiovascular disease and if you are an African American woman, nearly half (44.7%) of you has some form of heart disease, stroke or CVD. In hispanic women it is nearly one third (32.2%) that die from problems of the heart. At least 65 percent of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. The Go Red For Women movement is making a conscious effort to drive people to www.goredforwomen.org to ensure you take the heart health test and know your numbers and warning signs. Pay attention if you have chest discomfort, don’t pass it off as indigestion. If you have discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach tell someone. Are you short of
breath, experiencing cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness? Tell your doctor and take care of the organ that beats each day for YOU... Today what will YOU do for YOUR heart? When you click on this very powerful website you will learn about programs that will get you moving and involved in an active lifestyle, bringing your cholesterol
St. Louis newscasters “Go Red for Women”
down and decreasing your risk of diabetes. You will find programs that get your nutrition in check and teach you how to avoid saturated fat, trans fat and high sodium foods which can contribute to high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, a primary cause of heart attack and stroke. All it takes is one simple click of a mouse and you’re at a website leading you to a path to take control of your life and those you love. Spread the word and see how many lives you can save simply by taking a heart health check up online. Go Red and the American Heart Association want you to enjoy your life, to laugh and love and live, truly live. You will be able to make a statement, not only by taking control of your health and getting others to do the same but by displaying it on you and your surroundings. When you go to www.goredforwomen.org you will have the ability to shop for necklaces, bags, shirts, caps, ties and pins that display the message. What better gift can you give someone than that of a life? You have been given that gift, now is the time you live it to its fullest. For more information on your heart visit www.goredforwomen.org, americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA (242-8721). The time to MOVE is NOW!■ MONICA ADAMS
with Monica Adams How much cardio do I need to be doing and how often do I need to exercise? For weight (body fat) loss, you need to do 5-6 days of 30-40 minutes of cardio and 3 days at least of lifting weights. Now, once again, you will work up to this. Don't start off too hard because you will burn out and/or get injured and we don't want that. How often should I change my workout program so as not to get bored and to keep me on course to reach my goal? You should change your workout routine every 2 - 6 months. It varies because some people need more variety to stay focused and others want the set routine for longer. Change is definitely a very good thing when talking about not letting your body adapt. It has to work harder when you keep your body guessing!!!!!!! Almost 95% of my clients never do the same workout twice and I've been training some of the same clients for 3+years!!!! Its all about RESULTS and that's what you'll get if you do as your trainer says!! How do I stay motivated to reach my goals? Stay motivated by not setting your goals too big or out of reach ( if you are trying to lose 20 lbs., focus on 5lbs first, then the next 5lbs, etc.) If you are trying to make it to the gym 34 days, focus on one day at a time.
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 39
Galleries & Artist Studios
make your next party easy and fun with the following tips:
easy does it...
636-255-0270 · www.foundryartcentre.org 520 North Main Center · St. Charles, Missouri · 63301
RLANDos'
Banquet & Co nfer ence C e nter s • Cat er ing • Even t Pla nni ng
www. w w w. o r la n d o g ga arde en ns.com label glasses with a grease pencil at your next party – the names will wipe right off later.
nostalgic bowls...
Celebrate!
Our Venue, Your Style
• Ballrooms seating 50-1000 guests
• Prices from $18.95 per person w/buffet & open bar
bake old records in a 250°
• Catering to unique St. Louis venues including
oven on the lowest rack for
City Museum, the Foundry Art Centre,
3-4 minutes centered on an empty coffee can. watch carefully and remove right away. melting stops promptly. fill with chips, pretzels or your favorite snack.
Mahler Ballroom, and New Town St. Charles South County/Webster/Kirkwood 314.638.6660 Maryland Heights 314.453.9000
ST. LOUIS ADVERTISERS... M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Catch the buzz from across the bridge!
Advertise with Street Scape and bring St. Charles customers to St. Louis. S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 41
TIPS & TRICKS
Artist’s Renderings, cont... grade. “I had finished a drawing and she hung it up on the back wall. Later, she asked if she could keep it as a sample for future classes. It was a silent revelation that I might be an artist. From that experience, I learned the impact of a teacher.” Groneck’s father and mother recognized early on that their child had talent, though in their own personal educations neither had the luxury of an art class. They remain two of her strongest supporters. The Thro and Page Families
A Family Holiday H o w t o G e t To g e t h e r Thirty-five years ago on Thanksgiving the J. Maurice Thro and Josey Page families decided they needed to take a hike to let their children run off some of their energy. Since Josey and Nancy have a farm near Warrenton, Missouri, it was the logical choice. From that Thanksgiving a tradition was instituted-rain, snow or shine. At that time there were four adults and a total of seven children. Through the years the children married and grandchildren arrived. The group numbered 35 for Thanksgiving 2006. The day starts with all families attending church to give thanks to God for all of their blessings. They used to stop and eat at the I-70 truck stop but as the group grew it became difficult to seat them. So now a continental breakfast is served at the country cottage with homemade breads, donuts,
juice, coffee and hot chocolate. A hike follows for about two hours up and down the hills. Young children are carried in back packs. After the long hike, a fire is started for a hot dog roast, with beverages and snacks served. The finale of the day is a tractor hayride for the children. It is nearly dark when the clan arrives back at the Thro home for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The turkey has been slowly cooking all day. (One year Joan forgot to turn the oven on so they had a traditional Thanksgiving meal without the turkey–It was never missed.) It’s a long day but one that is a favorite with all. Some say it’s better than Christmas– with less stress– and it’s great fun to be outdoors with everyone all together. What a great way to start new traditions for your own family in 2007!
Centerpieces to Celebrate Fill a tray with coffee beans... try dark roast, hazelnut or chocolate truffle, and fill your home with enticing fragrance that lasts. Top with candles or decorative balls to accent your decor.
42 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
The support shown by her parents was extended when, 35 years ago, Groneck married her husband, Rich. “He is a selfless man and supports everything I do. Sometimes, I’ll come home and say, ‘You’ll never believe what I’ve gotten myself into.’ He’ll smile and say, ‘I know you can do it.’ I often think he believes in me more than I do.” Among her credits, Groneck has held 3 one-woman shows in the Grand Lobby of the Metropolitan Square Building in St. Louis and received numerous awards for her works. In 1999, she received the Rotary Club of Clayton’s “Service Above Self ” Teacher of the Year Award. The club named her the top elementary teacher of all public, private and parochial schools in the Clayton school district. She is also listed in the 1996 edition of “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.” Look for her latest work–a 400 ft. mural at the Magic House that will surround their expansion project due to open in June 2008. Groneck’s styles span modern to realism. She specializes in murals, acrylics, pen & ink, calligraphy and mosaics commenting that, “I owe my diversity to creative survival. If I wanted to inspire expression in nine grade levels of students, I needed to conquer multiple mediums. I’m grateful for all that those wonderful children taught me. Life is a circle.” In addition to Hannegan Realty, her works are sold at Olson Reed in Warrenton and viewed @ www.bgroneck.com ■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
SEASONAL HUNT
Call of the Ducks D r. M i c h a e l C o n o y e r Most residents of St. Charles County know him as the ear, nose and throat specialist, the one they turn to for sinus and auricular problems. Most of his patients know his passion extends beyond the annals of medicine, though. They need only visit his office to see his part time passion—hunting. Dr. Mike Conoyer (below) has been practicing medicine in St. Charles County for decades. During that time, he has amassed one of the most renowned collections of duck mounts in the state and beyond. His ducks are displayed throughout his office in St. Peters and his home. Conoyer grew up hunting with his father on his Uncle Herbert Iffrig’s farm in St. Peters. The two would hunt rabbits on the farm where his mother grew up. Hunting was different then, Conoyer said. “Back then they used to say it was expensive to miss. It
was during the depression and the idea of killing an animal was for dinner that day,” he said. “Meat was very hard to come by and money was not very plentiful. If you missed you gave up the cost of a meal.” But soon Conoyer would go away to school and his opportunities for hunting would be few and far between. First he attended South East Missouri State University then it was on to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee for medical school and than back to Washington University for his residency. It was at Wash U that Conoyer met up with another hunting enthusiast. “An ENT doc in Idaho had me out to duck hunt,” Conoyer said. “It was then that my interest really started taking off for shotgun and rifle shooting.” That was 1977. “That really lit my fire on duck hunting,” he said. So much so that Conoyer soon became an avid hunter, spending more and more time with other pros in the area such as Jack Wetter of Hackmann Lumber fame and Dave Baue. Conoyer said these and other skilled hunters taught him everything he knows. Especially one Glen Schuman whom Conoyer and others affectionately refer to as “Mr. Duck.” “Everybody’s a Glen Schuman wanna be,” Conoyer said. “He’s a premier duck hunter. It doesn’t get any better than Glen Schuman.” Conoyer said hunting is not just a sport or a pastime. “Hunting is a game of skill. You have to be able to call the duck. You have to be able to get the duck within range and obviously you have to hit the duck when you shoot at it. You use a dog for retrieval which adds a whole other element of enjoyment.” Conoyer’s favorite hunting dog was Cobb— a black Labrador he obtained from Roland Fischer—who lived to be 13. “He had the personality. He was feisty. He was very
44 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
aggressive and loved to hunt,” he said. “These dogs will put themselves at great peril to retrieve. They are amazing animals.” Conoyer has about 20 mounted big game animals in his home. He has also collected mature pairs from all of the North American water fowl species he can have, less the Pacific Brandt and the King Eider. Both are found in foreign countries with very low temperatures. “I’m not sure I want to do that,” he said. Conoyer’s collection of ducks, geese and upland game birds such as quail and grouse are all under glass. Many of his animals are from Missouri, but also from the East Coast, the West Coast, the Central Flyway, Alaska and Argentina. Conoyer’s favorite mount, however is not a duck, but rather an Alaskan Brown Bear he killed on a 1987 trip to Heidon, Alaska. “He’s a legitimate 10-footer,” Conoyer said. Kills such as the bear are skinned on site,” Conoyer said. He turned the 800-pound bear with a tree limb during the process. The skin and skull are rolled in salt and brought back for mounting. The hide is fleshed and all the meat removed—usually left for carnivores. Skill, place, personality and love for the sport is what makes a great hunter, Conoyer said. The love for the sport is “absolutely contagious,” he said.
Conoyer has been lucky as far as accidents go. Aside from dislocating a shoulder falling off of a snow mobile, he hasn’t had any serious occurrences while hunting. His two sons also love the sport, he said, and the proud new grandfather is eager to introduce his grandson Joseph “Michael,” not yet two years old, to the family’s hunting traditions. Conoyer feeds about 5,000 ducks in an average night on his property in Elsberry. He takes about 120 a year. He also leaves about an acre of standing corn out for deer on another property. Conoyer said he doesn’t have much interest in traveling to Africa and other foreign locations for hunting. “North American hunting is much more challenging,” he said. Hunting is a generational thing for Conoyer. “The tradition of it is passed from father to son, generation to generation. It’s a lot about relationships—what you learn from someone else.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
ALWAYS OPEN AT MARINEMAX.COM
2725 Veterans Memorial: 866-619-7114 Polestar Marina: 866-637-2522
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 45
NEIGHBORHOODS
St. Charles Offers the whole package Marketers of St. Charles want brides-andgrooms-to-be to know the city they work and play in can also be the city in which they tie the knot. “We're trying to convince them that St. Charles has it all—the whole package,” said Donna Costellia, long-time assistant director and newly appointed director of public relations for the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Whatever size venue they need from the conservatory to the foundry, we have it. Imagine the unique photo opportunities like Frontier Park with the stage and the backdrop of the Missouri River or standing on the depot.”
Costellia is currently using the city's popular monthly cable show, “What's Happening in St. Charles Through the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau” to produce a new segment on weddings. Filming began in January for the March episode. So far weddings at the Conservatory and the Winery of the Little Hills will be featured on the new show as well as the St. Charles Convention Center. Costellia said even the Demolition Ball can be used as a modern day chapel. One couple took a turn in the bumper cars and playing basketball. “It was fun for the bride and groom. “People don't know what's in their own back yard,” Costellia said. “They think they have to go into St. Louis or other areas. We have a lot of calls about weddings. When they hear what all we have here, they say, ‘I just didn't realize we had all of this’. Even the flowers. We have great florists here.” Costellia said the segment on weddings will highlight many of the possible venues available to the brides-and-grooms-to-be for receptions and weddings, restaurants for rehearsal dinners and parties, florists, bed and breakfasts and even shopping. “Where would you think to go that has everything for romance? Where can you stroll holding hands in a gorgeous historic district or along the river? Where could you take a carriage and stop at a chocolate shop to dip strawberries? Where can you spend the night in a lovely bed and breakfast with your sweetheart? It's St. Charles.” St. Charles is probably most known for its festivals, but Costellia said there is so
46 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
much more. “Most people don't even know that over 400,000 people came into the city for the Festival of the Little Hills alone last year.” Bringing more nuptials into St. Charles is a win for everyone, Costellia said. It gives couples the opportunity of getting married in their own home town. And it benefits the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and the city as well. “It brings room nights to our hotels because everyone has wedding guests. It brings people to our restaurants for rehearsal dinners and parties and it generates revenue from the one percent tax placed on all the food. That's what makes up [the Convention and Visitors Bureau] budget.” Costellia said the show that she will host will go on into the spring when the “spring Cherry Blossoms, Red Buds and Dogwoods begin to bloom.” Costellia has worked at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for over 23 years. She said she has seen a lot of changes in her time here. “It's just an incredible time for St. Charles,” she said. The St. Charles Convention Center has added a new dimension to the city with its upscale Embassy Suites Hotel connection, Costellia, making a huge impact on the city and county. “People that come here not only come to experience the seminars and the learning, they come to experience the city they're in. They want to know what a gorgeous historic district we have. They want to know about our festivals. They want to know about St. Charles.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Vote for your favorite waiter, waitress or bartender at participating restaurants. (look for M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
the St. Charles’ Best button) One participant will win a much-earned prize and recognition in the next issue of
catch the buzz!
Street Scape. Voting begins March first!
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Halloween on Main Street October 31st | Every Halloween Main Street welcomes trick or treaters from 3-5 pm as a way for merchants to thank the community for their ongoing support and patronage during the year. This good will neighborhood gesture brings smiles as merchants along 14 blocks pass out treats. The event grows each year with more and more children; you'll even see some of our local merchants dressing up in costume (Rose aka The North Main Witch, Matt aka Scooby-Doo) and the children's parents are even getting into the act.
Photography by Michael Schlueter
www.mainstreetstcharles.com
48 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
so you think you’ve got good
s Whether office, warehouse, retail, or land development, our strength lies in a proven track record. We broker, market, lease and build. Call today for more information.
ideas? then lay ‘em on us! send your story ideas to stories@streetscapemag.com
501 First Capitol Drive • St. Charles, MO 63301
636-946-9753 • www.shockleycommercial.com
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 49
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
The Commons House Tours December 3 | How often are you invited into a stranger’s home? St. Charles was given just this opportunity as members of the St. Charles Commons Neighborhood Association invited us into their homes. Front gabled Victorian Folk Houses, Queen Anne bricks & cottages and others are representative of the neighborhood. The homes on the tour were decorated in Christmas finery and holiday decorating ideas were surely borrowed and taken back as the guests made stops along the tour to various homes.
Photography by Michael Schlueter
Kathleen McCoy 636-946-8648
50 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
S
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 51
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Holiday Reflections
Photography by Michael Schlueter
December 2006 | A reflection back on the spirit of the holidays. We celebrated with a festival of lights, ate roasted chestnuts and shook hands with Santas from around the world. We sang with the strolling carolers, shopped in the over 125 specially decorated historic buildings, rode the free Horse Drawn Carriage, viewed Santa's Train Land on North Main Street and held tight to the Believer Bells as we committed ourselves to Christmas past, present and future. And most importantly we celebrated true Christmas
52 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
events such as Las Posadas Procession, the candlelit procession down South Main Street depicting Mary and Joseph looking for room at the inn. Family, friends, and the community celebrated and now reflect back and look forward to Christmas Traditions 2007. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! www.stcharleschristmas.com
Photography by Michael Schlueter S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 53
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Fête de Glacé January 27 | The Festival of Ice on Main Street was held from 10am - 3:30pm along the 100-200 blocks of North Main. Professional ice carvers bring art to life in a 2 1/2 hour competition using chain saws, power grinders, sanders, cold chisels, hand saws and irons. Outdoor fireplaces, hot beverages & food items were available from local restaurant vendors. This year a "Gallery Walk" was added to the event as part of ongoing effort to create an Art District. Various venues were open for people to warm up and come out of the cold and to view and purchase art from area artists. www.mainstreetstcharles.com
Fête de Glacé | Winners
Photography by Michael Schlueter
Master Carver Class 1st | Bill Melson • Lunch by the Stream 2nd | Naomi Hamamura • Neptune 3rd | Art Phetsadasack • Two Birds on a Grapevine Carver Class 1st | John Flottman • Sweet Slip’n Slide 2nd | Joe Modica • Train Kept Rollin’ All Night Long 3rd | Gary Hall • Lunch Time Team/Monster Carvers Burkemper/Flottman • Dad’s Day Out
54 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
Culture & Class The Crecendo Concert Series For eight years, a group of St. Charles music lovers has been bringing culture and class to St. Charles through the Crescendo Concert Series. The non-profit organization was a joint project initiated in 1999 by St. John United Church of Christ, St. Charles Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church. The Crescendo Concert Series has brought the likes of the Manhattan Brass Quintet, the Ambassadors of Harmony, the St. Louis Symphony Ensemble and the Opera a la Carte to St. Charles. Through the donations and grants of the Arts and Culture Commission of the city of St. Charles, the Missouri Arts Council, the Arts Council of St. Charles County and corporate sponsors such as Target Stores, Inc., Parkside Meadows Retirement Community, Sam's Club Foundation, the series has been a continuing and rising success. George Morris, board president of the Series said the board recently received a $1,000donation from the Arts and Education Council for the presentation of the Baltimore Consort scheduled for 3 p.m., March 4 at the First United Methodist Church in St. Charles. “We believe that this will be a very special concert appearance and very much hope that our growing audience of music lovers will appreciate the
opportunity this spring to hear this renowned ensemble in St. Charles. This grant will go a long way toward making our eighth year of concerts a successful one.” With an ensemble of viols, lutes, recorders, flutes and vocalists, the Baltimore Consort has delighted audiences on both sides of the Atlantic having toured all regions of the United States and appearing frequently in Europe. The Consort performs early music from England, Scotland, France and Italy “which speaks to the heart as well as the mind,” Morris said. “Their love for the early music of English and Scottish heritage has led them to delve into the rich trove of traditional balladry and dance tunes preserved in the Appalachian mountains and Nova Scotia.” The group has held residencies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. Performances on syndicated radio programs like Performance Today and Onstage (CBC) have broadcast their music far and wide. Their twelve recordings on the Dorian label have earned their CDs a place on the Billboard Magazine Top-Ten list. The Crescendo Concert Series features five concerts each season which runs from September through May. Venues for the concerts have included The Foundry Arts Center as well as the churches that originally formed the organization. Tickets for the events are $12 for individual adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased at the door or through the mail by sending a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Crescendo Concert Series, P.O. Box 1613, St. Charles, MO 63302-1613. Group rates are available. Call 636-724-2507 for more information.
Morris said ticket prices alone are not enough to garner the funds needed to attract the level of talent the group has brought to the area. Ticket revenue is only a small part of the income needed to present a concert series even when conducted entirely by volunteers. We are fortunate that members of the Crescendo Concert Series Board of Directors donate generously of their time, talents and efforts,” he said. Each event begins with a pre-concert talk at 2:30 p.m. Delivered by Nancy Rubenstein, Ph.D. Rubenstein has taught music history and appreciation at local universities and now serves on the Crescendo Concert Series Board of Directors. “This is one reason we are able to provide so much quality music for so little money,” Morris said. “Our board members are doing all the work that requires paid employees in many organizations.” Morris said he and his board have a very good reason for wanting to enrich the St. Charles Community with music. “Good music is an essential element in a good life. For many the definition of good music applies perfectly to the works performed by those artists the Crescendo Concert Series brings to St. Charles city and county. Most of our performers are classical musicians, but folk music and innovative modern music are included in their repertoires as are light classical works.”■ ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 55
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
New Year’s Eve at The Foundry Art Centre December 31 | Where else would you want to be to start the New Year than a place of beauty and imagination? Guests were greeted with complimentary champagne, enjoyed a fashionable dinner, and enjoyed a Performance of Broadway Musical Tunes. The clock struck midnight; champagne flowed, hugs and kisses were given, desserts and fruits were eaten and dancing continued with yells of Happy New Year and horns blowing. Happy 2007!
Photography by Michael Schlueter
www.foundryartcentre.com
56 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
The 12th Annual Taste of St. Charles November 16 | Guests enjoyed sample after sample from twentynine local restaurants who provided food and drinks at The Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles. This event is sponsored by the Noonday Rotary Club of St. Charles. Proceeds benefit local charities. Music Entertainment provided by the Solar Power Band. Contact Clarence Solar for band booking information at 314-878-5765. www.rotary6060.com
Photography by Michael Schlueter S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 57
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
The Buzz: An Urban Arts Experience & Coffehouse Crawl January 18 | The Buzz was a four stop coffeehouse crawl that highlighted “urban” themed artistic pursuits from physical art to music to poetry. Bryan Walsh, Justin Tolentino and Timothy Wagner painted live, LaPointe sang, and countless others sang, played and recited during open mike. Special thanks to Tim Ezell and the Fox2 morning show for their help in promoting the event, and to all the people who contributed to Children’s Hospital.
Photography by Michael Schlueter
www.streetscapemag.com
58 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Photography by Michael Schlueter S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 59
THE DIFFERENCE IS We can’t fit all 150 of the region’s most talented advisors into one photo, but we can share an important detail about the best-in-class talent who call Brown Smith Wallace home. Each of us makes a commitment of personal responsibility for the work we do. From this we base our brand promise … Deliver A Measurable Difference.
Steven M. Ronquest
Lisa Boyd, CPA
Alan J. Fine, CPA, JD
Kelly J. Weis, CPA
St. Charles 636.255.3000 St. Louis 314.983.1200 Chicago 312.674.4668 www.bswllc.com
Comprehensive Accounting & Tax Consulting Management Consulting | Business Valuation & Litigation Support Audit & Risk Management Services
Grace Gets Things Done Bring back Grace Nichols As Mayor Proven Leadership Experience www.nicholsformayor.com
60 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
You’re closer to the action than you think.
St. Louis’ most popular casino. Make your evening come alive at Harrah’s St. Louis – the only place where you’ll get hot spots like iBAR and VooDoo®, great restaurants like The Range Steakhouse and Charlie Gitto’s “from the Hill,” and the best gaming in town. What are you waiting for?
Only
$169
*
Special hotel package! Package includes dinner for 2 at Moby’s or the Range and breakfast at the Town Square Buffet! Offer valid Sun. - Thurs. Not valid on holidays. Subject to cancellation.
Visit harrahs.com or call 1-800-HARRAHS for reservations. Mention code: PDINE
*Special rate applies to standard room in the Island Tower. Most Popular Casino based on 2006 turnstile counts. While supplies last. Offer valid at Harrah’s St. Louis Casino & Hotel. Pending Missouri Gaming Commission approval. Subject to change or cancellation with prior approval from the Missouri Gaming Commission. Employees of Harrah’s, vendors and their family members are ineligible to participate in this promotion. See Total Rewards Center for complete rules, regulations and details. Offer not transferable and not replaceable. Alteration, duplication, or unauthorized use voids this offer. Harrah’s is not responsible for lost or stolen vouchers and reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time. This offer is not valid for persons who are on the Missouri Disassociated Persons List or for persons who have otherwise been excluded from Harrah’s affiliated casinos. Must be 21 or older to participate, gamble or obtain a Total Rewards® card. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-BETSOFF. For more information call 314-770-8100. harrahs.com ©2007 Harrah’s License Company, LLC.
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Foresight Dinner Auction October 28 | Duchesne High School’s annual Foresight dinner auction celebrated the school’s 50 years with a cruise ship theme, The Golden Voyage. ‘Captain’ Terry Gravemann, the school’s administrator, welcomed a crowd of nearly 550 parents, alumni and friends of the school as they ‘boarded the S.S. Duchesne’ for a night of fun and fund-raising. For more information, please call the Office of Community Relations and Development at (636) 946-2603. www.duchesne-hs.org
Discover 370 Awards
Photography by Michael Schlueter
November 16 | A 10 year Anniversary Celebration and Awards Banquet was held at the Foundry Art Centre to recognize the business leaders, businesses and government entities that helped create and shape the mixed use 370 corridor.
www.discover370.com
62 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Movers and Shakers December 17 | Hosts Hal Bartch, Tom Chamberlain, Jerry Scheidegger, Gary Shaw and Greg Whittaker gathered the Movers and Shakers of St. Charles at Grappa Grill and celebrated the past year’s successes. The Movers and Shakers have a motto – "Work Hard and Play Hard." This event was definitely PLAY, but even during their fun they were networking and sharing visions that will help make St. Charles the best place to live, work and play in 2007 and beyond.
Photography by Michael Schlueter S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 63
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Spring c a l e n d a r
MARCH
3 4 9
| Working Women’s Survival Show (March 2-4) | www.wwssonline.com | Movies & Martinis at New Town | www.newtownatstcharles.com (space limited) | Baltimore Consort–Crescendo Concert Series | www.crescendoconcerts.org | Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament | www.newtownatstcharles.com (must register in advance)
10 20 23 24 31 31
| Flea Market/Resident Garage Sale | www.newtownatstcharles.com | Diabetes 101 at Town Hall-New Town | www.newtownatstcharles.com (call 636.928.WELL to register) | Frenchtown Museum Auction | www.historicfrenchtown.com | New Town Trivia Night | www.newtownatstcharles.com (register in advance at the Prancing Pony) | Opening Day Baseball Event (GO Cards!) | www.newtownatstcharles.com (2:00 pm at the New Town Amphitheater) | Tartan Days (March 31-April 1) | www.mainstreetstcharles.com
APRIL
7
| Easter Extravaganza | www.newtownatstcharles.com (2:00 pm, New Town Amphitheater)
12 23
| A Celtic Celebration: Series on Irish Culture | www.stcharles.edu (April 12, 16 & 17) | College Student’s Art Exhibition | www.stcharles.edu (April 23-May 6)
64 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
28 30
| Spring Art Walk (April 27-29) | www.stcharlesriverfrontarts.com | Spring Wellness Festival & Run | www.stcharles.edu | Beer Tasting at New Town | www.newtownstcharles.com (in the Prancing Pony courtyard–must be 21 years of age to participate) | Blues Festival/Great Blues Tunes | www.newtownatstcharles.com | SCCC Concert Band Concert | www.stcharles.edu
M AY
1 3 4
| Frenchtown Spring House Tour | www.historicfrenchtown.com (tickets available at the Museum or at Vivian’s Vineyards)
14 16 19 19 19 20 25
| SCCC Singers Women’s Chorale Concert | www.stcharles.edu | Children’s Play–The Wizard of Oz | www.newtownatstcharles.com (May 3-5, 10-12) | Friday Movie Nights at New Town | www.newtownatstcharles.com (May 4, 11, 18 & 25)
BOOK CLUB
2
27 28 28
6
ANNIE FREEMAN’S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL Available at Main Street Books 307 South Main | 636-949-0105
| SCCC President’s Classic Golf Scramble | Becky 636.922.8472 | Music on Main Begins | www.mainstreetstcharles.com (third Wednesday of the month, May through September) | Corvette Car Show at New Town | www.newtownatstcharles.com (call Lisa Maull at 636.916.1511) | Foundry Art Centre GALA Fundraiser | www.foundryartcentre.org | Lewis & Clark Heritage Days | www.mainstreetstcharles.com (at Frontier Park, May 19-21) | Stephen Porter, Piano–Crescendo Concert Series | www.crescendoconcerts.org | Friday Night Flicks | www.historicfrenchtown.com
For more information on events in St. Charles, visit these helpful websites: → www.historicstcharles.com → www.mainstreetstcharles.com → www.historicfrenchtown.com → www.newtownatstcharles.com Never has a funeral been more inspirational, insightful, glorious and fun. When, Annie Freeman dies, she leaves instructions for five of her friends — some know one another and some do not — to sprinkle her ashes in specific places around the country, experiences and expenses courtesy of Annie Freeman. Along the way, Annie’s friends meet people who shaped Annie into the woman she became. Take a lesson from this book and plan your funeral today. A must read for anyone with friends.