StreetScape Magazine Winter 2010 by TPH Media

WINTER 2010

CONTENTS

F E A T U R E S

6 40 46

Winter 2010

| UNIQUE BOUTIQUES— Check out the many unique boutiques in St. Charles, St. Charles County and Chesterfield | COOLING TRENDS— Warm Layers & Neutral Tones for a Winter Attitude | DALE ROHMAN ‘America’s Flower Man’ Plants a Rose in New Town | DEE DEE PUJOLS On Family, Cooking and Giving

ON THE COVER |

Dee Dee Pujols Photo by Michael Schlueter.

D E P A R T M E N T S

4 14 18 20 24 30

32 34 37 40 48 62

STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |3

BEHIND THE SCENES PUBLISHER & FOUNDER C O M M E N TA RY

TOM HANNEGAN

Happy Holidays Welcome to the 18th edition of StreetScape Magazine. As always, we invite you to come as our reader and stay as our friend. So grab your Snuggie and cuddle up with the winter issue of Streetscape Magazine. It seems like during the holidays we are all on own “Amazing Race.” But this time we have found the composer of the reality television show “Amazing Race,” Tom Morse. This story promises to bring the reality of Hollywood and the movie business to your doorstep. But even as we race around with all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays we need to remember to stop and smell the roses or during this time of year the holiday greenery. We ve also helped you out in that regard with Dale Rohman, “America’s Flower Man.” The best part of that story is he’s right around the corner at New Town St. Charles. In an exclusive interview with Albert and Deidre Pujols in their home in Wildwood, we have brought the Pujols family values home. This a particular coup as the couple typically does not grant in-home interviews. We were fortunate enough to meet personally with the family, meet their children and watch Deidre in action in the kitchen. In this issue you see that family and cooking as well as nourishment of the heart and soul are as important to our StreetScape family as yours are to you.

Tom, Co-Owner of Hannegan Real Estate & Construction, LLC holds a master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Hannegan shares his passion for real estate, community volunteering, and his appreciation of St. Charles in Street Scape magazine.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cillah Hall Cillah Hall is the owner of Xanadu Public Relations. Prior to founding Xanadu, Cillah was a morning news producer at KSDK-Channel 5. You can contact her at 636-2599059 or via e-mail, chall@xanadupr.com.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON Robin has been a writer/journalist for more than 18 years working in print and electronic media. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from UM–St. Louis, with minors in writing and criminal justice. AMY ARMOUR Amy writes articles that cover a wide range of topics. Contact her at 314303-0248 amyarmour@sbcglobal.net.

ANN HAZELWOOD Ann Hazelwood is an accomplished quilt author, historian, and appraiser with 9 books to her credit. Her speciality is Missouri travel. www.booksonthings.com

MARY ELLEN RENAUD Mary Ellen is a contributing writer and Director of Public Relations. Contact her at 314-660-1975 renaud7207@centurytel.net.

As we look ahead to 2011 StreetScape will continue our traditions with Fashion Week and Beyond the Best awards. In our new partnership with Xanadu Public Relations, we look forward to serving our readers and our clients in the coming year. Be sure to friend us on the StreetScape Magazine’s ‘LIKE’ page on Facebook to keep abreast of what’s going on with the magazine and various events throughout the year. From all of us at StreetScape have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be thankful! Be passionate. Life is not only good. It is GREAT! Thomas P. Hannegan Publisher and Founder StreetScape Magazine

Volume 5, Issue 3 • F ALL 2010

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TPH Media 223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301 PHONE 636-949-2973, FAX 1-866-231-6159 WWW.STREETSCAPEMAG.COM

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL SCHLUETER Michael is a freelance photographer based in St. Peters. For over twentyfive years he has produced images for advertising agencies, corporations, and magazines. In addition to his commercial work, Michael also teaches and leads photography workshops as well as creates fine art photographs. View his work and learn more at www.schlueterphoto.com. 636.926.8181

Any reproduction of StreetScape magazine or its contents requires publisher’s prior written consent. StreetScape magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. StreetScape magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. © 2010 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.

BEHIND THE SCENES ADVISORY BOARD Deborah Alessi Mary Banmiller Susan Berthold Nadine Boon Dianne Burkemper Erica Butler Sue Casseau Jody Cox Ann Dempsey Barbara Drant Cindy Eisenbeis Sally Faith Lorna Frahm Bill Goellner Sheryl Guffey Mary Lou Hannegan Grace Harmon Mike Haverstick Ann Hazelwood Chris Hoffman Jason Hughes Jan Kast Mike Klinghammer Christopher Koch Martha Kooyumjian Caryn Lloyd Watson

Jeremy Malensky Nancy Matheny Denice McKeown Bob Millstone Sandy Mohrmann Suzanne Matyiko Maurice Newberry Craig Norden Grace Nichols Kim Paris Toekie Purler Kathy Robertson Marc Rousseau Rocco Russo Richard Sacks Keith Schneider Bob Schuette Teri Seiler Joyce Shaw Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee Karen Vehlewald Aleece Vogt Brian Watkins Brian Wies Mary West Gail Zumwalt

ADVERTISING JUDY PETERS As Director of Sales, Judy Peters uses her many years of PR and marketing experience to consult with businesses and organizations on the many ways StreetScape Magazine may serve their marketing needs. Contact her at 636448-2074 or judy@streetscapemag.com. TERRY BELL As Account Executive, Terry is responsible for establishing new business and developing current business relations. Contact him at 636-936-3666, terry@streetscapemag.com.

www.eriosristorante.com

EVENT PLANNERS KATE SANTELLANO Kate is the producer of StreetScape Magazine’s St. Charles Fashion Week. Please contact her for information and opportunities for 2011 Fashion Week. 314-249-2454 kdsantell@yahoo.com.

Smoke-Free • Free Birthday Dinner

DONNA COSTELLIA Donna was a tourism professional for 25 years as the Assistant Director of the St. Charles CVB. She is now an independent meeting & event planner. Contact Donna by email at donna@streetscapemag.com or 314-341-2790 for your next event.

DISTRIBUTION Call Tom Hannegan at 636-949-2973 or via email at tom@streetscapemag.com Distributed to: Chesterfield, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, New Town, O’Fallon, Weldon Spring, Wentzville, Wright City and Warrenton. STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |5

HOLIDAY FEATURE

Boutiques

he holidays are upon us. Christmas lights are twinkling from the rooftops. Beautifully wrapped gifts are piling up underneath the tree. Shoppers looking for last minute memorable gifts can check out the many unique boutiques in St. Charles, St. Charles County and Chesterfield. n

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

Nana Jane’s Nana Jane’s, located at 125 N. Main Street in St. Charles, is filled with unique treasures meant to both amuse shoppers and take them to a place to reminisce.“Nana Jane’s is really a fun store. It just really is. And when I hear people laughing I have achieved my goal in making them enjoy the shopping experience,” said Barr. When Barr and her husband were thinking of downsizing their home, the avid auction-goers and collectors of antiques realized many of their treasures would not fit into their new smaller home. So, Barr decided to give the treasures a new home for others to enjoy and purchase. “I’ve always enjoyed shopping and I’ve been shopping in the little shops on Main Street for years,” said Barr. “It just all came together very suddenly.” Barr, who had been retired for 15 years, opened Nana Jane’s in Sept. 2009.

The shop also includes a room dedicated to Christmas all year. Christmas trees are decorated with unique styled ornaments that add a whimsical touch. “We have wonderful ornaments. My daughter and I had a lot of fun choosing the ornaments,” said Barr. The shop also carries a line of jewelry made in America. And a children’s section includes juvenile jewelry and fun items like glow in the dark magic wands. “Grandparents and parents can also pick up treats for the kids,” said Barr. The shop doesn’t cater only to women. Nana Jane’s has a section just for men stocked with fishing lure playing cards, pockets knives and humorous metal signs designed for the clubhouse. “We’re trying to hit all areas that other people don’t have the space to cover,” said Barr. “We want to be different. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, come to Nana Jane’s.”

The shop includes antiques and reproductions, giftware and interesting items that Barr picks up from auctions. Everything from silk floral arrangements to tableware to lamps and vases, the shop carries all kinds of home décor. New items change every time Barr goes to market. The five room shop is filled with unique items from an oak ice box to a Hoosier cabinet to a gambling machine. “I have no idea what the gambling machine does, but it’s very cool to look at,” said Barr. Barr never knows what she’s looking for when shopping at the market or checking out an auction, until she sees it. Whether it’s a table or a lamp, a vase or a cabinet, Barr lets her instincts take over. “I pick up whatever catches my eye,” said Barr.

St. Charles County Historical Society

Silks & Treasures

101 South Main Street 636-946-9828 scchs@mail.win.org

319 S. Main St. (636) 946-3319 www.silksandtreasure.com

Black Sheep Monogram & Gifts 5359 Hwy N – Cottleville 636- 939-9366

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Finishing Touches by Charlotte 825 South Main Street 636-947-6330 www.finishingtouchesbycharlotte.com

Boutiques

Unique Boutiques

Meka Boutique

ing with people and helping people find their look,” said Megan.

Meka is a glamorous woman’s dream come true and a hot spot for mothers and daughters looking for that special piece of jewelry, or a pair of designer jeans. And don’t forget that little black dress for your holiday party.

There’s something there for any woman looking to add some spice to her wardrobe. Megan pointed out that the boutique “has a young vibe, but it’s a place where mothers and daughters can come to shop.” You can dig up a pair of Laguna Beach jeans, Big Star and or cool Hudson Jeans. And for a bit of western, Meka also carries Old Gringo boots.

Run by a mother-daughter team, Meka, which is Hawaiian for Megan, opened shop in October. It was a surprise gift for Megan Meyer and a dream that started to materialize during a business class at Fontbonne University. During her senior year, Meghan completed a business plan that detailed opening a clothing boutique. As a graduation gift last May, her father surprised Meg with the opportunity to turn her plan into a reality. With mom by her side, Meg is having lots of fun sharing her love of beautiful things with other women. “I like to shop and I like work-

Meghan said boots are a big seller this season, whether it’s paired with jeans or a dress. She anticipated the Christmas jewelry from John Wind to be popular. The collection includes vintage Santa and reindeer pieces. “The jewelry is unique and pretty for the holidays,” said Meghan. So if you’re looking something fun, stylish or flirty, drop by Meka Boutique located at 1634 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield.

Holiday Gift Guide

The Lavendar Spa St Charles Gift Baskets call for appointment (636) 926-7722

Hide & Chic 205 North Main St. 636-447-6561 www.doublekleather.com

Canine Cookies N Cream Dog Bakery

Provenance Soapworks

822 S. Main St. - St. Charles 636-443-2266 www.caninecookiesncream.com

523 S. Main St. - St. Charles 636-577-1972 www.facebook.com/ ProvenanceSoaps

Jake’s on Main 136 S. Main Street 636-724-9992 www.jakesonmainstcharles.com

Figuero’s International Gourmet Foods 524 S. Main St. - St. Charles 636-947-9847 www.figueros.com

Carol’s Treasure Chest 343 North Main St 636-925-2800 www.carolstreasure.com

Thro’s 229 North Main St 636-724-0132 STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |7

Holiday Gift Guide Fran’s 427 South Main St. St Charles 636-940-1919

Main Street Books 307 South Main St 636-949-0105 www.mainstreetbooks.net

Vintner’s Cellar 973 Waterbury Falls Dr. O'Fallon 636-300-9960 www.vintnerscellarofallon.com

it Boutique & More 3237-1 Rue Royale (New Town) 636-916-2008 Www.itboutiqueandmore.com

Renaissance Plastic Surgery & R medical spa

Hams, Turkeys for the holidays!

145 St. Peters Centre Blvd 636-896-0600 www.RPSplasticsurgery.com

H.A.M.’s Deli

Posh Unique Boutique

105 North Main St. 636-925-9996 Hams-deli.com

5343 Highway N (636) 939-3070 www.poshuniqueboutique.com

Lia Sophia 314-680-9750 www.liasophia.com/marilynrufkahr

Seve’s Boutique 201 South Main Street 636-925-8584 www.sevesapparel

My Handyworks 205 South Main Street 636.724.7337 www.myhandyworks.com

Carrie’s Boutique 107 O’Fallon Commons 636-281-1254 www.carriesboutique.com

Halo Candle Co. of St. Charles 720 South Main Street (636) 946-7711 www.halocandle.com/stcharles

Spool Box V's Tailoring & Alterations 4129 Mexico Road - St. Peters 636-447-1550 www.spoolboxtailoring.com

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Black Orchid salon & spa145 2530 Old Hwy 94 South 636-244-0946 Blackorchidsalonandspa.com

Boutiques

Carrie’s Boutique

Jake’s on Main

Owner Stephanie Robinson describes the shop as casual contemporary. Jackets and faux fur vests are popular this season at Carrie’s. And the hot holiday items are hand painted sweaters and jackets. Curio sweaters are a big seller.

A Christmas shopping trip led husband and wife Scott and Sarah Newcomer into their latest business venture.

Carrie’s team makes frequent trips to the east and west coasts to bring you the latest. The upscale shop in O’Fallon MO carries items from designers City Girl, Erin London, Pierre and Zoe D. to name a few. You can also pick up accessories, shoes, boots and purses. “We have a lot of unique, one-of-a-kind items that not everyone will be wearing,” said Robinson. And to ensure uniqueness, Robinson only purchases small quantities of each item. The shop carries tons of accessories to complete an outfit including Brighton jewelry, sunglasses and hand bags. Check out the website, www.carriesboutique.com.

Oma’s Barn Oma’s Barn is really a barn and it is 100 years old! The shelves inside the charming rustic red building are stocked with all kinds of holiday treasures. “We have everything you can think of to decorate your home for Christmas,” said Owner Lisa Hagemann. If you’re looking for Santa, you will definitely find him at Oma’s. The store carries about 50 versions, from train Santa to Golf Santa to Martini Santa to Movie Santa to Wine Santa…and they even have Karen Didion original Santas. The 16 to 20 inch dolls with big bushy beards range from the very traditional Mr. Claus in a red velvet suit carrying a bag a toys to Ski Santa wearing a wool sweater and skis. If you’re tired of dragging the same old Christmas year from the basement year after year, Oma’s has trees set up throughout the shop decorated in a variety of themes.

The Newcomers found the Life is good® brand while vacationing in Delaware. The couple loved the optimistic shirts and purchased about a dozen for Christmas presents, each shirt with a theme fitting for a relative’s hobby. “Everyone just loved them. And we thought maybe we should look at opening one on Main Street,” said Newcomer. The father of two was an airline pilot before he was furloughed shortly after September 11. After being out of work, he decided to stay at home with his children Calvin and Kelly. Newcomer was a stay-athome dad for five years before he opened the shop. “That was a very positive experience in my life,” said Newcomer. Life is good at Jake’s On Main. The clothing shop, located at 136 S. Main Street, offers the Jake’s on Main is a Life is good® Genuine Neighborhood Shoppe. The independently owned shop is solely dedicated to the Life is good® brand. “Our belief is focus on the simple things in life,” said Newcomer. The main focus is on optimism and enjoying the simple things in life. The shop carries casual lifestyle clothing for men, women and children, as well as homeware, pet supplies and exercise apparel. “The store has made me even more optimistic,” said Newcomer. “It’s all about spreading good vibes in the community.” If you’re looking for something for a woman in your life, women’s pajamas are a hot item at Jake’s on Main. You can visit the store, or shop online at www.jakesonmainstcharles.com.

THRO’S/Michelle’s Thro’s opened its doors at 229 North Main Street more than a century ago, offering current fashion trends for men.

Wine Connoisseurs will love the ‘Wine Tree’ which Hagemann says is selling like crazy. “Anything related to wine is on that tree,” said Hagemann. It is decorated with grapes, wine bottle ornaments, Santa with a wine glass and wine stoppers.

Offering men’s clothing for work and play, the shop carries everything from suits to blazers to sportswear and shoes. Thro’s carries the fashionable brands like Tommy Bahama, Enro, Pendelton, Austin Reed, Alex Cannon, Cutter & Buck and Florsheim.

The barn is open from March 1 to Dec. 30. It has a heart-warming history of love and family. Hagemann is the great granddaughter of the original owner. Her sisters Lisa Cleaveland and Danielle Murray help her run it.

Thro’s also offers alterations and free gift wrapping.

“My sister and I wanted to do something together. We had an empty barn on the family farm, so we said let’s do something with what we already have,” said Hagemann. “We wanted to do seasonal retail, and we also wanted to do something inside and outside.”

Michelle’s opened inside Thro’s 45 years ago to bring current fashion trends to women in business. The shop carries brands like Brighton, Tribal, Nic & Zoe, Woolrich, Adrianna Papell, Conrad C. and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.

Outside the shop, customers can purchase flowers, mums, pumpkins or Christmas trees, depending on the season.

In addition to business suits and work clothing, Michelle’s also carries mother of the bride dresses and dressy evening attire.

“Our store is enchanting. People love to come in because it makes them feel good,” said Hagemann. “There are no pressure sales. People come in and just wander through and sometimes stay for an hour or hour and a half looking and shopping.”

Netsch said the dressy evening clothes would be popular for holiday get-togethers. Whether it’s a suit, an updated blazer, or glittery tops to be paired with black pants, Thro’s/Michelle’s can help its customers find the perfect look for the holidays.

Oma’s Barn is located in St. Peters, about 1.7 miles north of Interstate 70 on Highway 79.

Frank Netsch, co-owner of Michelle’s, said the family-owned store offers personalized customer service.

STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |9

Boutiques

Designer Resale Boutique Shoppers looking for that perfect designer dress for the holidays, but without the designer price tag, can check out Designer Resale Boutique in St. Peters. Located at 344 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, the consignment shop carries the better brand designers like Chico’s, Talbots, Anne Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic and Coach. Owner Jamie Christopher said the shop carries all types and styles of little black holiday dresses from size 0 to 3X. “Mothers, daughters and grandmothers can all shop together and everyone can find something,” said Christopher. Inventory is constantly changing at Designer Resale Boutique, with 2,000 new items added to the floor every week. The shop carries all types of clothing from jeans and t-shirts to formal wear and lounge wear. Women can sell their gently used items and earn some holiday cash. The shop pays 40 percent of what the item will be ticketed. “Women can make money and get the most out of their clothing,” said Christopher, who has always loved searching for treasures. And some of the clothing comes into the store with the tags still attached. The shop also sells new and consigned jewelry. “We have some really unique pieces that people have brought in,” said Christopher.

Holiday Gift Guide

Boutiques

“Jewelry is really hot this season. The statement pieces—the big necklaces, bracelets and big rings,” said Christopher. And to complete an outfit, the shop carries purses. It not usual to find Coach purses in the store. For the ladies visiting a warm locale this holiday season, the shop has a new line of swim suits available in all sizes. “It’s a really fun place to shop,” said Christopher.

Finishing Touches by Charlotte Finishing Touches by Charlotte sells home and garden décor, as well as items to complete your wardrobe. “We offer finishing touches for you and your home,” said Owner Charlotte Schuman. The six-room shop is stocked with all types and styles of items to decorate the home and garden. The shop has everything from lamps, vases, pictures and tables to complete a room. Schuman describes the style as transitional—which is modern but not contemporary. And to help compliment a wardrobe, Finishing Touches carries several jewelry lines, including Chamilia, Annaleece, Treska and Marie Osmond.

Aly’s Interiors & Gifts 5359 Hwy N – Cottleville (636) 939-2597 www.alysinteriors.com

Thirty-One Gifts Christy Weber -Independent Thirty-One Consultant 314.583.0538 www.mythirtyone.com/christyweber

Baue Funeral Homes Gift Shops • 620 Jefferson • 3950 West Clay • 311 Wood (636) 940-1000 www.baue.com

Little Hills Winery 501 South Main Street 636-946-9339 www.littlehillswinery.com

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Michelle’s 229 North Main St. 636-724-0132

Make It Meaningful/ Thistle & Clover 330 South Main Street 636-946-2449 www.thistleandclover.com

Boutiques

Schuman said Angel Wings by Linda Nall have been flying out of the shop. The bracelets and necklaces feature delicate angel wings with intricate beading. Schuman decided to open her own shop after spending years travelling to craft fairs with her handmade Victorian crafts. “I wanted to stop carrying my things around,” said Schuman. “My idea is to be unique and different,” said Schuman. “I just choose things and look for things that are different.” Her more unique items, like decorative fans and a mouse that plays the piano, are some of her big sellers. “I just pick up whatever I think is cute,” said Schuman. Finishing touches is located at 825 South Main Street in St. Charles. You can visit the visit at www.finishingtouchesbycharlotte.com.

Posh Unique Boutique Cheryl Mackay opened Posh Unique Boutique at 5343 Hwy. N in Cottleville five years ago to showcase her jewelry designs as well as a wide selection of unique gifts. The shop offers custom jewelry for women, babies, children and tweens, as well as religious and inspirational jewelry.

European Accent

Boutiques

You will also find a selection of belts, scarves and handbags. The Miche Handbag line is popular and will save you money in the long run. All you have to do is purchase the base bag, then switch covers to match an outfit or an occasion. The shop also carries Christmas ornaments, bracelets, necklaces and rings that can be initialed. “It makes it extra special for that person,” said Mackay, who has a degree in fashion design and art from Southern Illinois University. She also studied design, international marketing and illustration at the Paris American Academy in Paris, France. After working for several retail outlets, she turned her custom jewelry into her form of art. “I needed a creative outlet and jewelry was an easy art form,” said Mackay. “It didn’t take a lot of space and I could do it at night. I try to find a collection of things that are really unique.” For the Art Glass Collection, she uses hand blown glass beads, art glass and sterling silver to create earrings, bracelets, bookmarks and watches. She also uses freshwater pearls mixed with sterling and gold filled beads to create her Children's Keepsake Collection. “I absorb all of the trends in high end jewelry design and translate it into moderate priced jewelry,” said Mackay. “I like to feature things that are unique different.”

The Bridge fair trade market

426 S. Main Street 636-724-7677 www.europeanaccent.net

205 South 3224-1 Rue Royale (New Town) 636-724-9921 www.TheBridge-online.org

Nana Jane’s 125 North Main St. 636-925-2442

VON MAUR - The Meadows Hwy 40 and Lake Saint Louis Blvd 636-561-7040 www.vonmaur.com

Meka Boutique 1634 Clarkson Rd 314-757-7011 www.MekaBoutique.com

Walters Jewelry 230 North Main St. 636-724-0604 www.waltersjewelryinc.com

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Boutiques

String Along With Me

European Accents

Need the perfect piece of jewelry to compliment your holiday outfit?

If you’re looking for fun and memorable gifts, drop by European Accents located at 426 S. Main Street, St. Charles.

Customers can find unique custom-made jewelry at String Along With Me, located at 625 South Main Street in St. Charles. The shop offers a wide selection of handmade pieces. It’s owned by Janice Boschert. “I have a variety of jewelry for women to choose from to match with their personality,” said Boschert. She has helped many brides and prom-goers create a memorable piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime. “I can help bride’s choose jewelry that will help compliment her gown,” said Boschert. “A lot of young girls come in to get jewelry for their prom or to match special occasion dresses.” Boschert has been designing and teaching women how to update jewelry for decades. She said jewelry is continually wearable. “All you have to do is change the length, or add a color to change it to work with your new wardrobe.” She decided to turn her hobby into a career when she opened up her shop in St. Charles in 1986. One-third of her business remains based on custom made pieces. “I’m inspired by current designs, and I just go with it,” said Boschert. “I have always designed. There’s always a time to design.” String Along With Me also carries hats, clothing, Brighton jewelry, leather belts and purses. “The trend is moving into chains of different lengths, with multiple charms on one chain,” said Boschert. “Anything with hematite would be great for gift giving. Bling rings and silicone watches are also great.”

Holiday Gift Guide

The store carries the entire line of Vera Bradley handbags and matching accessories. You can design a modern day charm bracelet for that special someone or choose from a selection of Kameleon jewelry, a unique collection that can be customized to fit your mood. The center pops out and can be replaced with different styles and colors. The new line of ladies apparel includes jackets, fun tunics and outerwear. For comfort and style, pick up a pair of Lindsey Phillips ‘Switchflops’ with interchangeable straps. Also check out the cute ballet shoes, kitten heels and wedges with interchangeable snaps.

Fran’s On Main Fran’s On Main offers gift items, collectibles, jewelry and accessories. They have recently added more hats, scarves, umbrellas and purses. “We featured many of our new items in the Accessory Fashion Shows we held last spring and everyone loved them,” said Fran Hofmann, owner. In addition to Lampe Berger fragrance lamps, Fran’s has added a new line of aromatherapy products by Easy Scent. “We like to sell things that make people feel good,” she added. That’s why you can also find magnetic therapy jewelry at the store, located at 427 S. Main St, St. Charles. For more information and store hours, call 636-940-1919. n

A Basket Case Custom Gifts for Any Occasion 636-578-5254 www.a-basket-case.com

Oma’s Barn Home & Garden Savvy Settings resale boutique

1057 Hwy 79 - St. Peters (636) 278-4445 www.omasbarn.com

412 Boonslick Rd 636-352-1629 www.savvysettings.com

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String Along With Me 625 South Main Street (636) 947-7740

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 13

F E AT U R E D MUSIC ARTIST

Music Without Fear: An Amazing Race to T inseltown Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

e started out in Mr. Graef ’s South Junior High band in St. Peters. He ended up in Hollywood.

Thomas Morse, Los Angeles composer extraordinaire, has written scores for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and films, including “The Big Brass Ring” and a longrunning reality television game show known as “The Amazing Race.”

LaReau had a 1984 Alpha Centauri system that would realize a composer’s score and create a computer simulation of a band playing the song. “It was super cutting edge in those days,” Morse said. So LaReau took Morse’s music, called “Sans Peur Ensemble” (Without Fear Together)—a song he said represented his friends’ and his passion and innocence at the time—and recorded the individual parts into the system. “Suddenly I started to hear my music coming back to me as a full concert band,” Morse said. “What I’d written worked absolutely perfectly.” After that, LaReau took Morse under her wing, giving him private lessons each weekend and charging him nothing. Then one Saturday Morse arrived late to meet LaReau as she was conducting the SIUE band. “I heard this sound wafting down the hall. It was the most glorious sound I had ever heard. It was my music being played by 60 people. It was overwhelming. That’s when I knew that’s what I was going to do for the rest of my life.”

Morse said he was a late bloomer as far as performance musicians are concerned, as he didn’t start saxophone and piano lessons until the sixth grade. “By the time kids are 14, they’re already virtuosos and have an absolute technical mastery of an instrument and the most complicated repertoire,” he said. “My interest was always more geared toward writing music.” Morse continued in band throughout junior and high school performing in jazz and honors bands. But it wasn’t until eleventh grade that he realized his love of music just might be a life-long endeavor. “I started to write a piece of music for the whole band. The problem was I didn’t have the skills to imagine what the whole band playing together might sound like,” Morse said. “I knew how to write and knew that the saxophones would play this and the clarinets would play this and the tuba would play this. I could write it down but I did not have the ability to comprehend what I was doing.” It was a local conductor who would give him that knowledge. Marcia LaReau, conductor of the St. Louis city-wide honor band in which Morse played and director of bands at Southern Illinois State University at the time, is who Morse credits for “truly changing my life.”

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Morse studied college level music theory in the evenings at Lindenwood University (then Lindenwood College) while still in high school and went on to attend North Texas State in Denton, Texas where he received his bachelor of music, majoring in composition. For a part- time job in college, Morse drove the equipment truck for the school’s band, lifting tubas and such onto and off of the truck and driving for 10-hour spans to various competitions across the nation. But his focus and hard work paid off. The then 22-year-old was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles for a post-graduate “Scoring for Motion Pictures” program. “So I pack my bags and I go to Hollywood and my first apartment was right underneath the intersection of Highways 10 and 405—the busiest intersection in the world,” Morse recalled. “It was a constant

rumble. It was like Vietnam. Helicopters flew overhead constantly.” The surprises Hollywood had in store were just beginning. At USC, Morse was part of an elite group of eight students who were handpicked from over 500 applicants. “So suddenly I’m sitting in the room with some of the most legendary Hollywood composers of our time—Jerry Goldmsith, Henry Mancini and John Williams. I played in the Fort Zumwalt North Marching Band and now I’m sitting with the guy who wrote the music for Jaws and E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Star Wars.” His first classes involved going to recording at the 20th Century Fox sound stage. There he was introduced to a 110-member symphony orchestra made up of “some of the best musicians in the world.” The building had a 100-foot ceiling under which sat the orchestra between the composer/conductor and a huge movie screen. “While the composer is conducting the orchestra they can see the film and make sure everything is in sync. Some people say composers are the actors you don’t see.” A self-described novice in the entertainment industry, Morse did a short stint at Walt Disney Studios as an office assistant. He quickly proved his naiveté while answering phones at Disney. “One day a man called for one of the producers. He said, ‘This is Harrison.’ I said, ‘Can I get your last name please?’ I didn’t get it. I didn’t have the sophistication to understand they were developing Hollywood movies all around me. Michael Eisner was upstairs.” Seduced by the wealth and the “beautiful people” of Tinseltown, Morse said he spent a period visiting clubs and getting to know people he thought could have an influence on his career. “I thought that was where the industry was. I didn’t make one connection then,” he said.

mansion and Morse found himself living and working in a rock star’s mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The two did Miller Genuine Draft commercials (which netted them among other things a garage full of the beer) and the Twentieth Century Fox film “Great Expectations” among others. Morse said his time in the Hollywood Hills was anything but ordinary. “One day I woke up to a loud and very strange sound. I went downstairs groggy-eyed. It was around 9 a.m. and there was a full Mariachi band in the living room performing for Matt.” Apparently there had been a scheduling snafu. The band was scheduled to record in the downstairs studio at 9 p.m. and not 9 a.m. Additionally, the sombrero-clad musicians “thought it was a gig, not a recording session, so they wore their outfits.” ”The funny thing is, I hardly blinked an eye,” Morse said “I got some coffee and went outside to read the newspaper. The place was so surreal that I didn't find it all that unusual that there was a Mariachi band playing in the living room at 9 a.m. Morse has worked in the film and music industries as an orchestrator, composer, editor and musician. He has composed scores for more than a dozen feature films including director George Hickenlooper’s “The Big Brass Ring” (Orson Welles' final script starring William Hurt and Miranda Richardson). He also worked with Hickenlooper on “The Man From Elysian Fields” starring Andy García, Mick Jagger, Olivia Williams, Juliana Margulies, Michael Des Barres and James Coburn. Hickenlooper died in his sleep October 29. Morse

Morse purchased one of the first Pro Tools systems on a credit card and started learning to write and edit music and sound. He started with dialogue editing or taking recorded sound from a movie set and basically cleaning it up. It was the mid-1990s and Morse was mastering the equipment, scratching out a living on B-movies, in the bedroom of his small apartment. “One of my first jobs was for the documentary television series COPS. “I was the guy who put the bleeps in when people said bad words,” he said. Then Morse got a call from a friend asking him to come out to a party in the Hollywood Hills. “So I’m winding up the hills getting closer and closer to the Hollywood sign and I’m thinking people with money are in the hills. People like me are in the flats.” When he arrived at the mansion where the party was being held, the owner of the home introduced himself as Matt and began to show him around. “I had never been in that world,” Morse said. But when they got to the basement, the wall hangings nearly knocked him off his feet. “There were all of these awards all over the walls and I realized who he was.” Matt was Matt Sorum, drummer for legendary hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. As it turned out Sorum wanted to write music for movies. He had all the equipment but didn’t know how to use it. So he hired Morse to do it for him. Before long, Sorum invited Morse to “take a spare bedroom” in his S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 15

has worked with Poe, Michael Hutchence, Guns N' Roses, The Cult and others as a string arranger for pop albums. He created the exciting emotional music for producer Jerry Bruckheimer's hit CBS television series “The Amazing Race.” Morse also conducted the Seattle Symphony to record his score for “The Sisters.” After finishing “The Amazing Race” Morse spent six years in Berlin, Germany where he set out to improve his skills and to “acquire a European sensibility.” He recorded a classical crossover album in London and Prague called “Kounterpoint” to be released early next year. He is now writing music for the Tim Roth African epic “In the Shadow of Wings,” which is shooting in Kenya and South Africa as well as music for the CCR clothing line. After a brief stint in Nashville, Morse plans to return to Los Angeles for good. “It's like Act II of my life. All of my old colleagues are welcoming me back, so it feels like a reunion. A lot of people reminisce, ‘Gee if I could do it all over again.’ I feel like I am getting to do it all over again in Hollywood, but now I'm a lot smarter and a lot more skilled,” Morse said. “A lot of people have flashes of success in Hollywood, but very few are able so sustain it over the long term. My time in Europe gave me the maturity as an artist and a person, to be able to do that. My creative guns are loaded and I'm in for the long-haul.” Though Morse said he still has many things to do, for a small town St. Peters boy, “It’s been a hell of a ride.” n

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A LA CAR TE

Stone Soup Cottage L o c a l C h e f B r i n g s a W o r l d l y Ta s t e t o C o t t l e v i l l e Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

t’s a safe bet that whoever built the little cottage at 5525 Oak Street in Cottleville some 160 years ago never dreamed it would be an exclusive reservation-only dining establishment, or that the chef would be a world traveler with a resume fit for heads of state.

Stone Soup Cottage opened in June 2009 just off the main thoroughfare across from the post office. The quaint French Country décor is complimented by unique antiquated dining pieces as well as wine vessels from Syria, Morocco and Turkey and ladles from a Tibetan monastery. Handcrafted silver and Waterford crystal line the European-style tablescapes that include five forks, three knives, and soup and sorbet spoons.

“When people sit down and see the table, they know, ‘I’m in for something special.’ The takeaway part is that you feel like you are coming to the chef ’s home for dinner,” said Nancy McConnell. Nancy and husband, co-owner and chef, Carl McConnell traveled the world before returning to Nancy’s hometown of St. Louis and setting up shop in Cottleville. Carl has visited 130 countries, Nancy 150. Both worked in the luxury travel industry for more than two decades the last leg of which was in the South of France. Chef Carl McConnell apprenticed with renowned Chef James MacDonald at the nationally acclaimed Tratoria Bella Ciao in Ann Arbor, MI. There he learned the art of traditional southern French and Italian cookery. From there, he continued his education at the Ljungstedtska Skolan (Nordic Culinary School of Europe) in Gothenburg, Sweden where he mastered vintage European preparations. His education continued as he held executive chef positions with cruise lines, rail lines, and private jet excursions and at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, CA. Nancy said Stone Soup Cottage is “very quintessential of the rustic farm houses you see in the South of France. There were so many husband and wife teams with seasonal fare of the day. This is a farm to fork restaurant.” Stone Soup Cottage seats up to 24 guests by reservation only Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch or dinner. Chef ’s tasting dinners are held Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Champagne brunch is served Sunday. Menus are made up of six courses in a tasting tradition. All courses are paired with a favored wine. First course might include roasted butternut squash and caramelized sweet onion tartlet with pancetta gastrique paired with a 2007 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc from California. The fifth course might include a pheasant cassoulet with 2007 Wilderkrans Cabernet Franc from South Africa. The sixth course frequently is sabayon with fresh berries. The prefixed menu changes every two weeks. Stone Soup Cottage offers a “Chef ’s Tasting Menu” designed to showcase the talent, creativity and seasonal selections of the chef. To do this, the chef creates a small portioned multi-course meal consisting of delicately balanced flavors which progress throughout the menu. The dishes are comprised of seasonal, sometimes hard to find or difficult to prepare courses that often have high quality and premium ingredients. The technical aspects of the various cooking methods are often expressed as the menu progresses course to course. “A tasting menu allows each guest to thoroughly experience a wide variety of tastes, techniques, preparations and beautiful presentations and also allows you to discuss each course in detail with your table,” Nancy said.

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The six-course meal delivered in a homey atmosphere is exactly what guests of Stone Soup Cottage are after. “There’s here for the duration. We are not turning tables. It’s solely about the food and the wine and the company you’re with. No other restaurant does that.” The McConnells decided early on that they wanted to be a part of the Cottleville community. After all, the name of their restaurant was derived from the childhood story of a community who came together to keep from starving. The McConnells live just up the street from their restaurant. Their kids attend a local school. And they purchase almost all of the ingredients for their dinners from the local farmer, florist and baker. “The philosophy of Stone Soup is that we tried to work with the local purveyors, farmers and merchants,” Nancy said. “Our philosophy is to make a little contribution not only to benefit the experience in the cottage but to help them as well.” Stone Soup Cottage will soon be sharing its recipes with everyone. A much-anticipated cook book is expected to be in print in February. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles. Children in the club are currently working on

an artistic project showcasing their interpretation of what the book Stone Soup means to them in their daily lives. The winner’s picture will be featured on the cover of the 1st edition cook book. For more information call 636-244-2233 of visit www.stonesoupcottage.com. Nancy strongly recommends calling months ahead for special dates as the restaurant books quickly. n

Fresh Corn and Blue Crab Tart with Tomato Coulis 1cp Corn, fresh kernel 2 tbl Yellow onion, fine diced 1 cp Blue crab meat, jumbo lump 1 cp Cream, heavy whipping 4 ea Puff pastry, cut 3” rounds Salt and pepper to taste For Tomato Coulis

Pheasant Cassoulet

1 pt Tomatoes, (peeled, seeded and diced) 2 tbl Garlic, fresh crushe 2 tbl Shallot, fine diced 1 ea Jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1/4 cp Olive oil, extra virgin Sugar to taste Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush puf f pastry rounds with egg wash and lightly season. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside and keep warm. In a large sauté pan over medium to high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Add onions and corn and sauté for no more than 4 minutes. Do not brown vegetables. Add cream and reduce by half or until cream has become very thick. Add crab meat and set aside. With a serrated knife, cut tops of puf f pastry off. Fill each puff pastry shell with crab mixture. Place puf f pastry lids on top. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes or until piping hot. Serve immediately with tomato coulis. Tomato Coulis Combine all ingredients (excluding olive oil) and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Season to taste and finish with olive oil. Makes 4 servings.

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HEALTHY CHOICES

Andrews Academy Gets Fresh and Healthy “Kids at this age can be pretty picky,” said McArthur. “We want to do something that’s fresh and healthy, but also something that they will eat.” Using lots of fresh ingredients and creating the meals in house has also saved the cafeteria money, said McArthur. One of the most popular new lunches has been the chicken pancetta with orecchiette noodles and asparagus. “Now you can definitely tell that the kids are enjoying the new lunch menu,” said McArthur. n Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin with fresh Thyme Story by Amy Armour Photos by Michael Schlueter

loppy Joes and fish sticks are no longer on the menu at Andrews Academy.

The private grade school located in Lake Saint Louis re-vamped the cafeteria menu in August to include healthier lunch items. Instead of chicken nuggets, students can have grilled chicken breast with fingerling potatoes and snap peas. There will be no more frozen pizza, but flatbread pizza made with fresh ingredients. “Everything is fresh and made in-house,” said Ben McArthur, head chef at Andrews Academy. “We’re trying to stay away from preservatives and make everything fresh and healthy.” Students can choose from pork loin basted with apple and brown sugar, a steak sandwich or homemade chicken pot pie. The cafeteria also includes a salad bar and a potato bar, along with an assortment of daily vegetables. McArthur, and the other two cooks at Andrews Academy, create the recipes for the school. McArthur, who studied at L'École Culinaire, has 18 years experience in the restaurant industry working at the Ritz Carlton, Cardwell’s and Herbies. When the menu first changed this summer, students questioned the new food offerings. “But the students have been taking (the new menu) very well,” said McArthur. McArthur said parents are loving the new menu, as it’s broadening the palates of the young children. 20 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Head Chef Ben McArthur

HEALTHY CHOICES

Fresh Ideas at The Meadowlands Story by Robin Setton Jeferson

here’s a sign that reads, “Kiss the Cook” above the buffet line in The Meadowlands Memory Care Neighborhood. Well, the truth is, everyone does.

April Hagan, one of two chefs in the Alzheimer’s unit of Assisted Living at the Meadowlands in O’Fallon, MO makes eating a social experience for the residents there. “I believe that you can present them with joy, happiness, love and warmth and you can care about caring for them,” Hagan said of her charges. “If you do these things, they are going to respond to you.” Hagan spends her days inventing new ways to serve the older adults in her care—and not just at the dinner table.

“No matter what their cognitive disorders, people are still people,” Hagan said. “They want to feel welcome, useful and human like anybody else. So many times they get put in a situation where they’re told, ‘Just sit down and I will take care of it.’ Nobody likes that. Everybody wants to be a part of something.” So a big part of Hagan’s technique is letting everyone she serves be a part of something. Like when she lets the ladies snap the green beans, or the men fold the cloth napkins and tablemats. Or when Hagan’s residents kneed the dough, make cookies or help her clean up. “Some people with memory problems tend to wander,” she said. “So instead of having them pour water into the steam table or drink out of dirty cups, this is an option, to invite them into the kitchen.” The Meadowlands memory care program is lead by a team special-

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Chef April Hagan snaps green beans with residents.

izing in dementia care that has been trained by the St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association. The Memory Care Neighborhood is specially designed with purposeful wandering spaces, life stations, and other innovative programming that enhance physical and cognitive functions. Residents will find their days filled with therapeutic and meaningful activities like Hagan’s. Staff at The Meadowlands understands that being able to have meaningful interaction with someone suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s can become difficult and frustrating. That’s why they often conduct family coaching that helps friends and relatives interact with their loved one. The latest of these interaction training sessions will be carried out in Hagan’s kitchen where she is planning a Memory Care Cooking Workshop. The workshop will be open to the public and will instruct caregivers on unique and interesting ways to prepare food for adults suffering from dementia. “The big thing in memory care is to look at how the food looks on the plate and the portion size,” Hagan said. “If you give them too much at one time, it turns their stomach and they don’t eat it.” Mechanical soft and finger food cooking can make all the difference, Hagan said. For instance a sandwich cut into halves is not a finger food, but one cut into fourths is. The people in the Memory Care Neighborhood are often aged and have suffered strokes and other physical maladies. They need to be able to pick up and grip the food with their thumbs and two fingers. Overdoing the “soft” part of food preparation for seniors can be even less appealing. Hagan said many senior living facilities tend to put everything in a food processor. “The trick is to make very small pieces that are easily chewed,” she said. The technique not only produces tasty entrees but offers dignity to seniors, especially men, who often feel humiliated at having their food cut up for them. 22 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Hagan suggests tuna, egg and chicken salad, grilled chicken and even pizza. White sauce is used on Italian dishes instead of red sauce to make digestion easier and pizzas have uncharacteristically soft crusts. Hotdogs can be quartered and chopped and put into a pan with ketchup, mustard, relish and even barbecue sauce. The finished product can then be loaded into a hotdog bun and cut in three pieces. These and other recipes will be demonstrated during Hagan’s cooking workshop planned for early 2011. For more information call 636-978-3600. Whatever the recipe, individuals with Alzheimer ’s disease or any kind of dementia want to enjoy their meals like anybody else, Hagan said. “They are like a five-year-old that’s raised a family, owned a business and earned a master’s degree. I have a homicide detective, a dancer and an electrical engineer in the Memory Care Neighborhood,” she said. “They’re all still there.” Hagan knows all too well the toll it can take on a caregiver living with and loving a person who is suffering from dementia. She cared for her own grandfather, Harold Eaton, for years. A jeweler, Eaton was also a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Her grandmother started the original petition to start the St. Louis County Library. She worked at the library for 37 years. It’s part of the reason Hagan works so hard to keep her residents “healthy and stimulated. When a man who has been nonverbal looks at you and says, ‘You’re a good cook,’ that’s what it’s all about.” n

CHARITY BOUTIQUES

Shopping is free at Blessings Boutique Story by Amy Armour

perated by Harvester Christian Church, Blessings Boutique opens for two days each spring to give away new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for women and children in need. The shop is located in the Family Life Center and is tentatively scheduled to be open on April 8-9, 2011.

“There are people who will cry because they are so thankful,” said Jo Anne Stearns, with Harvester Christian Church. Last year, Blessings Boutique had a wedding shop—thanks to the donation of 20 wedding gowns from a bridal shop. “The (gowns) were breathtakingly beautiful. God just blessed us,” said Stearns. In addition, the undisclosed shop donated 20 pair of bridal shoes, along with bridesmaid dresses, gloves and tiaras.

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While Blessings Boutique does target women in need, the shop is open to anyone. And everything is completely free. Cash donations are accepted. In the past, Nike has donated athletic clothing and shoes to the shop. And Dress Barn has donated new clothing as well. Maternity clothes, purses and shoes are popular items in the boutique. “Purses and shoes are the first thing to go. We never have enough shoes or purses,” said Stearns. Clothing and accessories left over after the weekend will be donated to charities. The week prior to opening, the shop will accept new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for women. To donate clothing, or for more information about Blessings Boutique, call 928-7651. n

New Life Resale Boutique Story by Amy Armour

ew Life Resale Boutique has a purpose much greater than selling clothing for women.

New Life Resale Boutique offers female victims of domestic violence a chance to start over. Proceeds from the boutique—which is a part of the nonprofit House of Refuge Ministries—will be used to build much needed transitional housing in St. Charles County. “There is a tremendous need, and a gaping hole, for transitional housing,” said Carla Campbell, president/founder of House of Refuge Ministries. Campbell said there are only five domestic violence shelters in the St. Louis metropolitan area, offering women and children up to 90 days of shelter. Lydia’s House is the only transitional housing in St. Louis, allowing women and children to stay for up to two years to get back on their feet, she said. The Women’s Center in St. Charles County, a shelter offered by Bridgeway Behavioral Health, helped 62 women and 56 children in 2009. The shelter is forced to turn away hundreds of women and children each year due to a lack of space. “We want to provide housing in a place that is safe for women,” said Campbell. The nonprofit is looking to purchase an apartment building that could provide shelter for about four women and their children. “The women could stay for up to 12 months to get on her feet,” said Campbell. And the boutique plays a huge part in making the transitional housing attainable. Painted in pale shades of yellow and lavender, the shop is decorated with inspirational quotes. Sparkly pink lights hang on the walls, along with a T-shirt that says, “I’m not with Stupid (Anymore).” The shop features gently used women’s clothing, shoes and purses. In addition, the shop offers new jewelry, some of which has been designed by survivors of domestic violence. Residents from Our Lady’s Inn, a pregnancy shelter in St. Charles County, make key chains and decorative flip flops. A few former clients also sell their products in the store. “This is not a thrift store. It’s a boutique,” said Campbell. “The items are more upscale than a thrift store.” Shoppers can purchase silk bags and business card holders, beaded necklaces and bracelets, all displayed in beautiful glass cases. The boutique was born from the nonprofit House of Refuge Ministries which offers support groups for women who have been in a physical or verbally abusive relationship.

“Some women aren’t ready to leave yet so they just sit and listen. It’s a place to cry and to be loved until they’re ready to leave,” said Campbell. The nonprofit also offers case management to help women put together goals on how to move forward. “A lot of women don’t know the resources that are out there, so they don’t feel empowered to leave,” said Campbell. The nonprofit opened an 800-square-foot suite in June 2006 to house its support groups, as well as offer women a place to make phone calls, access computers safely and utilize a fax machine. “It’s a place where they can come and utilize the resources,” said Campbell. The nonprofit also helps build the confidence of women by offering help with job skills. They will help women fill out applications or direct them to the Missouri Career Center to help put together a resume. Women who have been abused are often in need of help finding a job, Campbell said. “These women have been in relationships sometimes where they’re told they’re stupid and won’t amount to anything. It makes the process of getting a job daunting,” said Campbell. The boutique also plays a part in helping abused women transition into the workplace. The women will interview with the store manager and volunteer a few hours a week working in the boutique. The women get into a routine of getting up and going to work, as well as earn some Life Bucks to spend in the store, Campbell said. Volunteers from Kohl’s help the women with professional dress and customer service. Kohl’s department store also donated hangers and fixtures to be used in the resale boutique. Norma Vermoilen is the store manager at New Life Resale Boutique. “I feel really, really humbled that she put me in charge (of the boutique). I feel like I’m fulfilling God’s purpose. I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing now.” There are lots of volunteer opportunities available within the organization. From providing child care during support groups, to working in the boutique to donating gently used women’s clothing and shoes, volunteers are always needed. New Life Resale Boutique is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information visit www.houseofrefugeministries.com or www.newliferesaleboutique.com. n S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 25

YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

Edge Outreach

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

child dies every 15 seconds due to water borne illness and about 25,000 people die every day from bad water, according to UNICEF.

Edge Outreach, a faith-based international nonprofit headquartered in Louisville, KY, is trying to lower that number. Hundreds of Edge volunteers travel to developing countries every year to purify the water systems and teach health and hygiene classes to communities. Edge Outreach opened a satellite office at 321 Boon’s Lick Road in St. Charles in October. The office has already started training programs to get more volunteers geared up and ready to travel to help the cause—bringing pure, clean water to developing countries. Kurtis Daniels developed a system that works as a miniature water treatment plant. A chlorine generator only requires a handful of salt, dirty water and a car battery to work. “We take it to developing countries. We take the dirty water, purify it and make it drinkable,” said Claudia Daniels, logistics director for Edge Outreach. One generator can purify enough water for 10,000 people a day. Since 2001, Edge Outreach has installed between 150 and 175 generators across the world. The cost of a generator is $3,000 for a typical village and $5,000 for a larger generator to be used for disaster relief. Edge takes volunteers through a two-day, hands-on training process to teach them how to install and work with the miniature water treatment plants. Volunteers also learn how to teach the communities proper health and hygiene.

“If people purify the water, but they bring dirty buckets or don’t wash their hands or have animals in the kitchen, it’s contradictory,” said Jim Keagy, with Edge Outreach in St. Charles. Claudia Daniels joined the nonprofit because she wanted to get involved in helping people. “I was looking for something to do to fill a hole in my heart…this is something I was meant to do,” said Claudia, who travels to developing countries three times a year. “It really hit me when I heard a mother say that they don’t celebrate birthdays until the child is 5-years-old because they probably won’t live that long,” said Claudia. “A child is usually not named until the age of one…and mothers can’t lay their babies down because parasites will suffocate them.” More than 400 Edge volunteers travel to developing countries to help implement miniature water treatment plants. It takes two to three days to set up the generator and train the local people on health and hygiene. “The women are walking miles to get water that will kill their family, but if they don’t drink the water it will kill them faster,” said Claudia. Most of the Edge volunteers travel to Central America, visiting the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India and Pakistan. But Edge trains volunteers who travel all over the world to help people with water issues. Edge Outreach was founded by Mark Hogg as a nonprofit ministry in 1995. After a mission trip to Kenya, Brazil and Costa Rica, the ministry added water relief to its missions. “(Hogg) found a dire need for water and he thought there has to be a take care of this,” said Claudia Daniels. “With knowledge comes responsibility.” So in 2001, Edge focused its efforts in providing safe drinking water for undeveloped countries. Edge also provides hand pump repair training. Claudia said in the 1980s there were a lot of hand pumps installed to help with the water problem, but more than 2 million are broken. “We’ve developed some tools that are lightweight and easy to handle,” said Claudia. The St. Charles office will offer water purification and heath and hygiene training every other month. “It’s just another tool in their bag when they go to other countries,” said Keagy. For more information about Edge Outreach, visit www.edgeoutreach.com. “We’re always looking for people to get involved,” said Keagy. n

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YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

The Lindenwood University School of Business and Entrepreneurship Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photo by Don Adams

Currently 1,500 students are enrolled in the business school, 300 of which are graduate students.

he Lindenwood University School of Business and Entrepreneurship just moved into its new home and a step closer to Dr. Ed Morris’ vision to be one of the top three choices in the St. Louis region by employees and students for business education.

The business school also recently celebrated its accreditation by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs—a third-party endorsement which puts the school under the microscope for at least two years reviewing faculty credentials, staff learning outcomes, management and teaching effectiveness.

Morris, Dean of the University’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship, hopes making the school’s home in the expanded and reconfigured Harmon Hall will increase visibility to Lindenwood’s fast growing programs in business education as well as give the school’s students a sense of cohesion and identification.

More than 200 people turned out October 15 for the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony at Harmon Hall-named for Presbyterian Minister Roy Harmon. The Rev. Harmon was father of now deceased long-time local business entrepreneur, philanthropist and Lindenwood Board President Ray Harmon. Ray Harmon’s wife, Grace Harmon was present at the ribbon cutting.

“Formerly the (business) classes were spread out over a number of buildings throughout the campus,” Morris said. “Now the students can have more opportunities for conferring and working on projects.” Lindenwood effectively doubled the size of the building from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet. The newly renovated and expanded hall provides students a number of breakout rooms, 17 classrooms, a boardroom, two auditoriums and closer proximity to the 38 business professors.

Morris said he hopes the new state-of-the-art facility, with its significant technologies including Smart classrooms, Internet access and Wi-Fi, will also supply well educated, principled professionals to work in the region upon graduation thereby boosting the area’s economy. With its two auditoriums—fully equipped for distance learning via broadcast talks and conferences—Morris said Harmon Hall will position the Lindenwood School of Business and Entrepreneurship to foster partnerships with leading business and industry in the region. The Dunseth Auditorium named for Elizabeth Dunseth, a benefactor and alumnae, seats 110 people. The Harmon Auditorium seats 50. The school recently added “Entrepreneurship” to the school’s title. “We called it the Division of Management until three or four years ago when we consciously tacked on entrepreneurship, partly because we think it is key to business education today for students to have a sense of entrepreneurship,” Morris said. “Whether they go into business for themselves or work for a larger company, students need to know how to put together resources and think like an entrepreneur.” For more information on the Lindenwood School of Business and Entrepreneurship, call 636-949-4840 or visit www.lindenwood.edu. n

(from left) Don Paule, LU Board of Directors and co-chair of the building campaign; Ed Morris, dean of the LU School of Business and Entrepreneurship; Patti York, mayor of St. Charles; James Evans, LU president; Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County executive; Grace Harmon (after whose family the building is named), LU Board of Directors; Rick Dixon, Grace Harmon’s son-in-law; Jean Harmon Huesemann, sister-in-law of Grace Harmon and professor emeritus; Jan Dixon, Grace Harmon’s daughter; Gary Shaw, LU Board of Directors and co-chair of building campaign; L ynn Harmon, Grace Harmon’s daughter; Roger Ellis, LU business faculty; and Ronnie Osborn, LU Board of Directors. S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 27

Christmas Traditions hristmas Traditions is a year-end holiday celebration staged on Main Street in St. Charles. This special family event created by the South Main Preservation Society was born of modest beginnings in the 1970s.

Now more than 30 years later, Christmas Traditions remains one of the favorite St. Charles attractions for visitors from far and near. Here’s an “at-a-glance” look at what’s happening for the holidays this year:

Candlelit Procession – from 8:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; begins in the 900 block of South Main and ends in Berthold Square, featuring the Cobblestone Wassaliers. Skate in the Park – St. Charles outdoor ice rink will once again be located in Frontier Park, along the Missouri riverfront. Refer to the tourism website for complete details. St. Charles Christmas Tree – Berthold Square in the 200 block of South Main Street.

Santa Parade – 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; begins at 1000 South Main and ends at 200 South Main where the Christmas Traditions cast perform a family-friendly program in Berthold Square.

The Kissing Ball – Kister Park Gazebo, 400 block of South Main Street.

Pictures with Santa – Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. in the lower level of the St. Charles Visitors Center, 230 South Main Street.

While you’re in town, don’t forget there are more than 120 shops, restaurants and pubs in the historic district. So whether you’re in search of a hot meal, a cup of java, the perfect holiday gift or a place to toast the season, discover all that is St. Charles!

Christmas Legends – be sure to meet and greet more than 20 colorful characters, with Santas from around the world. Collect the 2010 holiday trading cards, too! Santa’s Train Land – Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. in the 200 block of North Main Street. Shopping by Sparkling Lights – 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the historic district on North and South Main Street.

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For more information or to receive a copy of the 2010 event brochure, call the tourism office or access the festival online at www.stcharleschristmas.com. n Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau 230 South Main Street St. Charles, MO 63301 636-946-7776 www.historicstcharles.com

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T R AV E L

A MISSOURI MILE with Ann Hazelwood

MISSOURI MUSEUMS! Photos by Joel H Watkins IV

ith the Winter months ahead, its nice to know one can entertain and educate ones self at wonderful facilities like museums. According to Webster’s Dictionary, museums are to provide a place for displaying artistic, historical or scientific objects. Most museum highlight their particular field of interest, so you know what to expect. They can be enjoyed at various levels in your local region.

The St. Charles County Historical Society is a fine example of what local cities can do to enhance their history and research. This museum publishes a journal and other historic materials. St. Charles County has a new Heritage Museum that offers 5 display rooms in an 1857 building, built by Lawrence Cribbin.

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A reconstructed 3,000 square foot barn houses larger displays of interest. The state’s Missouri History Museum is an amazing collection of history as well as exhibits that are routinely changed for repeat visits. It has a library and research center, and a first class gift shop. Many historic homes do a marvelous job at housing their own collections. St. Louis features 6 museum homes. An example is the Campbell House that displays gowns from 1850-1870, along with the educational components. For those folks who are not “museum junkies” and easily bored at such places, there are many unique museums that can arouse your curiosity.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri was featured on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” as one of Missouri's most unusual museums. George Glore had been collecting psychiatric treatment devices for over 40 some years. The Museum of Telephone Pioneers is located in the charming town of Blackwater, Missouri. The collection of phones, switchboards and other phone novelties were donated by a retired executive from GTE, and are displayed in the former Bank of Blackwater building. If you are ever near St. James, Missouri, you may want to pay a visit to the first ever Vacuum Cleaner Museum. Tacony Corporation will suck you in on a visit down memory lane with products from Kirby and Electrolux. There are even examples of what cleaning was like before electricity. Independence, Missouri is known for many things like President Harry S. Truman and his famous library and museum. Just wait however; folks are likely to tell you about Leila’s Hair Museum. Leila Cahoon, a lifelong cosmetologist, followed the evolution of hair art. You’ll see over 200 hair wreaths, jewelry and oddities made of hair. She has authored 3 books on hair. Their titles are; the Genealogy of Hair, How to Make Hair Wreaths, and a children’s book on hair. Pretty hairy, huh? If you are a frequent visitor to Branson, Missouri, you won’t want to miss the Titantic Museum. When you enter, you receive a boarding pass bearing the name of a Titantic passenger. They recreated all the visuals like the grand staircase. You’ll see historical artifacts and photos, plus sounds of that very horrid event. Beauty and art can be enjoyed by most everyone, like at the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. This magnificent building was designed for the 1904 World’s Fair and was the only building to become a permanent structure. It continues to bring the finest art from around the world. Small collections of beauty can be singled out like the Haviland Museum in St. Charles, Missouri. It contains over a thousand pieces of Haviland China collected by one owner. The historic NewbilMcElhiney House and it's furnishings are a plus to it’s function and beauty. Hundreds of museums are in existence in this diverse state and more and more are created everyday. They are generally free to attend, except special exhibits which sometime request a fee. You don’t have to leave your home state of Missouri to enjoy museums with your eyes, mind and body! n

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STATE YOUR BUSINESS

Coffee with a Cause Story by Amy Armour

he non-profit coffeehouse is also a fair trade market where customers can purchase unique items created by artisans and farmers from 35 different developing countries.

“We try and educate people on how to use their purchasing power. This is a tangible way to show how (shoppers) can help people (in other countries),” said Paul Dinkins, community curate for coffeehouse. As a fair trade market, farmers and artisans from other countries receive between 25 and 40 percent of the final sale value, instead of the typical one to five percent from a regular store, according to Dinkins. “Our tag line is community coffeehouse/fair trade market,” said Dinkins. The nonprofit coffeehouse got its start thanks to grants from the Reformed Church of America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The coffeehouse is run by a partnership team which is staffed mainly with volunteers. According to its Web site The Bridge was named “from a desire to bridge cultures, ethnic differences, racial division, socio-economic disparity, and religious divides.” “New Town is a very interesting community and that community focuses on a lot of values that we like,” said Dinkins.

Dinkins said the mission of the shop is “doing justice…loving kindness…walking humbly with God.” Every month, the Bridge donates 50 percent of its tips to a charity or cause. The coffeehouse is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.thebridge-online.org for more information. n

The coffeehouse offers a full expresso and coffee bar, along with sweet treats. The shop also includes a children’s area, stocked with toys, pillows and books to keep the kids entertained while parents stop for some caffeine and camaraderie. “We’re very kid-friendly,” said Dinkins.

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F E AT U R E D MUSIC ARTIST

An Annual Holiday Tribute to Pink Floyd Story by Robin Setton Jeferson

o, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain. Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?”

The words from Roger Waters’ acclaimed “Wish You Were Here” album epitomize the essence of what St. Louis’ own Pink Floyd tribute band “El Monstero Y Los Masked Avengers” seeks to accomplish. Most fans can’t tell the difference between the seemingly immortal English progressive rock group and El Monstero. Released in September 1975, “Wish You Were Here” was the second Pink Floyd album to use a conceptual theme written entirely by Waters and echoes his feelings for former band member Syd Barrett, whose alleged drug-induced breakdown forced him to leave the band before its hey day. Celebrating its twelfth year, El Monstero will return to The Pageant in The Loop at 8 p.m. December 17, 18, 22, 23, 25 and 26. What has become a holiday tradition for many local fans, the annual “Wish You Were Here” concert features founding member Kevin Gagnepain (bass/vocals), Bryan Greene (electric and acoustic guitar), Mark Thomas Quinn (lead vocals/guitar/lap steel guitar), Jimmy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar), John Pessoni (drums/vocals), Bill Reiter (keyboard/vocals), Jake Elking (keyboard), Dave Farver (saxophone), and Ermine Cannon, Tandra Williams and Melinda Mierek (vocals). All of the musicians are St. Louis natives and most have been in bands that were signed to major record labels. El Monstero is an off-shoot of the band “Stir” which signed with

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Capitol Records in the late 1990s. Originally El Monstero played clubs in between tours of Stir, performing mainly cover songs. “During the last set, El Monstero would do the last half of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’,” said band member Bryan Greene. “We just got an unbelievable response. People were coming out just to see that part of the show. So Kevin Gagnepain said, ‘What if we did an entire Pink Floyd show?’” Gagnepain enlisted Greene from the music store where the two worked at the time and the tribute band was born. El Monstero’s first appearance was a single-night, sold out show at Mississippi Nights in 1999. The group donned Lone Ranger masks so as not to be recognized from Stir. Today, the show spans six nights at The Pageant and has developed a massive loyal fan base. The nearly three-hour production focuses on the Gilmour/Waters era of Pink Floyd, featuring songs off of the albums “Meddle,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” Wish You Were Here,” “Animals,” and “The Wall.” David Gilmour is best known as the lead guitarist, one of the lead singers, and one of the main songwriters in Pink Floyd. Founding Pink Floyd member, Roger Waters, was the conceptual leader, composer, lyricist, bass player and co-lead singer for the group. Pink Floyd achieved worldwide success in the 1970s with the concept albums, “The Dark Side of the Moon, “Wish You Were Here,” “Animals” and “The Wall.” It is estimated that the group has sold over 200 million albums worldwide, including 74.5 million units sold in the United States alone. With each yearly show and as the first decade of the 21st century passed, El Monstero continued to put money back into its Pink

Floyd tribute show. Within a few years of moving from Mississippi Nights to The Pageant, the show was selling some 2,500 tickets. Greene admits the whole group is comprised of “huge Pink Floyd fans. That’s why the music conveys so well to the audience. We are very passionate about playing the music and playing right. These are some of the best musicians in St. Louis, hands down.” Most of the band would love to take the show on the road and “give the Australian Pink Floyd tribute band a run for their money,” Greene said. The Australian Pink Floyd Show, also known by the acronym TAPFS, is a Pink Floyd tribute band formed in 1988 in Adelaide, South Australia. Greene said there is a production plant in Germany that does nothing but produce “The Dark Side of the Moon” albums 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s a reason for that, he said. “The music and the lyrics are unique and timeless. There is nothing out there today or even with the bands of that area that grabs you like Pink Floyd. These people crafted songwriting. They crafted lyrics. They crafted playing their instruments. Today people don’t practice their instruments. It’s just a machine. They can go buy guitar hero or get Pro Tools and Auto Tune to correct the pitch of their voice.” The messages of the lyricists are timeless as well. The eleventh studio album of Pink Floyd, “The Wall” was released November 30, 1979. As with their previous three studio albums, “The Wall” is a concept album, and deals largely with themes of personal isolation. It was first conceived during the band’s 1977 “In the Flesh” tour, where Waters’ grew increasingly disillusioned with stardom and the godlike status

that seemingly mindless fans grant to simple rock stars. Waters began to imagine building a wall between the performers and audience. The album is a rock opera that centers on the character Pink, who is largely based on Waters. Pink’s life experiences (each considered bricks in the wall), which begin with the loss of his father during WWII, and continue with abuse from his schoolteachers, an overprotective mother and the breakdown of his marriage, factor into his self-imposed isolation from society, represented by the metaphorical “Wall” of the album title. “The Dark Side of the Moon” remained in the charts for 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988, longer than any other album in history and is widely considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. It’s themes include conflict, greed, the passage of time and mental illness. El Monstero goes to great lengths to create a visual and audio experience to pay tribute to the depth of the music of Pink Floyd. Greene said band members have spent literally tens of thousands of dollars on authentic gear to make their performance as close to the sound of the original recording as possible. High watt guitar heads as well as a $25,000 rack system recaptures the sounds of the effects that are not made anymore. Keyboard players’ outboard gear recreates authentic sounds of “The Wall” and “The Dark Side of the Moon” era, he said. Tickets to El Monstero’s show are available at The Pageant box office, all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call 800-745-3000. Information on VIP balcony ticket packages with the Moonrise Hotel is available at www.thepageant.com. n S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 35

Jim Lloyd, CPA Julie Pryor Caryn Lloyd Watson, CPA Sue Miller

40 Portwest Court • St. Charles, MO 63303

636.946.3411

“Work Hard — Play Hard”

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Little Things Matter Story by Kate Santellano

f there were to be a “quintessential” mother, the award would have to be bestowed upon June Cleaver. Perhaps the same can be said about the entire cast of Leave It To Beaver, the famous comedy that became popular in the 1950’s. While the series’ star “Beaver” Clever discovers the wonders of the world he grows up in, June is there to make sure he’s staying out of trouble and has his lunch packed properly for school. June definitely set the standard in her day of being the sweetest mother on the block.

In 1940, according to the Employment Policy Foundation’s Center for Work and Family Balance, 66 percent of working households consisted of single-earner married couples. By 2000, that percentage had dropped to less than 25 percent. By 2030, the center estimates, a mere 17 percent of households will conform to the traditional “Leave it to Beaver” model. Having approximately 70% of parents using childcare facilities of some kind it is every parents mission to find a June Cleaver atmosphere! Move over June Cleaver, St. Charles has found a real life facility that rivals any television show! The Waverly Forest Academy of Early Learning is the newest choice in early childhood education. It opened its doors in March 2009 from a commitment to provide families with a positive nurturing environment. It has a strong influence on family, and according to Angie Nesslage, founder of Waverly, “our vision is simple. Smaller is better. It is the little things that matter most at Waverly Forest Academy and we genuinely care about each child and family.” Starting with 9 children, the word quickly spread about their philosophy and grew enrollment to 102 families in just over a year. Not only does the center surpass State of Missouri standards by including with tuition such extra curricular activities as Spanish, yoga, and sign language and complimentary parent training nights by the onsite family specialist Renee Knobbe, and low teacher to child ratios, but it offers an atmosphere that is just like home, making it easy to leave your child for the day. While June Cleaver may not greet you at the door, you can expect to see a familiar face. “You can tell the minute you walk in the staff cares about your kids as much as you do. They are so personable and dedicated to making it a truly special place to take your children,” said Lisa Wetzler who has taken her children since they opened. “The teachers are highly qualified, educated and devoted,” say Angela Nesslage, Director of Waverly Forest Academy. “All of our

STATE YOUR BUSINESS

team members have a sense of community and responsibility. We believe our team is critical to our success and we treat them as valued members of our Waverly Family.” The day at Waverly starts with an “opening ceremony” that is unique to the center. It is designed to bring all the rooms together and cheer that they are there, sing for the sick and pledge of allegiance. A song of the day completes the ceremony where children go on to their activities. This allows the children and teachers to know each other and again instilling a sense of community and family. Teachers such as Sara Laurence help make Waverly a special place. “We believe in the family atmosphere and keeping the family involved. We are focused on keeping families informed and email parents daily various pictures showing their kids days as well as general information about their children and their classrooms. We talk daily to our parents about what is going on with our classroom and their child and we work as a team to create the best environment for everyone.” Many amenities are offered solely to accommodate parents and their busy schedules. How many places do you know that while dropping off your child at school, you can also drop off your dry cleaning, arrange for haircuts, order cupcakes to be delivered for birthdays, making it a fantastic convenience for the busy parents. And if that isn’t enough to make it the envy of all childcare centers, their “coffee on the go” which allows parents to grab a cup of coffee for the car, seals the deal! “These conveniences provide families with more time to be together at home. They have more time to focus on being truly present with their children,” said Nesslage. Family nights are another great way for the families to connect and build lifelong relationships. While June Cleaver may not be there to create the meal, it is as close to the perfect balance of early childhood education and family as you can get. “Family nights allow us to come together as one big family to catch up,” Nesslage said. Waverly is a center where children, families and team members are truly valued, loved and nourished. Being one of the few centers in the area that offer part time infant and after school programs shows their desire to meet the needs of all families. While many parents may not be able to send their kids off to school with a hot breakfast or greet them after school with warm cookies, it is still possible to have a warm and loving family environment that enriches children both academically and socially. Waverly Forest Academy is an extension of your family the moment you walk through the doors. n S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 37

STATE YOUR BUSINESS

Make Believe Theatre & Arts Centre

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

ou can hear the passion for music in Beth Duelo’s voice. “My voice is a big part of who I am. I want to share that love and enjoyment that the arts have given me.”

And that she does. Whether it’s acting in community theatre, performing in a musical at the Muny or belting out a tune with the Patt Holt Singers, Duello was born for the spotlight. The full-time music and choir teacher is now bringing her love of the arts to St. Charles. She opened the ‘Make Believe Theatre and Arts Centre’ in June. “I wanted to have a place in St. Charles where kids can feel confident and be creative and use their imaginations,” said Duello. The Theatre, located at 307 Droste Road, gives children an avenue to express themselves in a fun atmosphere. On any given day, you will find little ‘stars’ creating costumes, learning lines in a play or singing and dancing. “I really feel strongly when it comes to the arts,” said Duello. “I really want to get kids to open themselves up to the arts, and feel comfortable and good about themselves.”

The theatre, filled with vibrant paintings of fairy tale characters, has activities for children of all ages. In a “Taste of Theatre” class, older children from 8 to 12 get to experience everything involved in a theatre production. They read scripts, learn how to improvise, participate in storytelling and build acting skills. The class wraps up with a wonderful production for family and friends. In the “Broadway Song and Dance Revue”, kids sing and dance to popular songs from Cinderella, Annie and Mary Poppins. Preschoolers put their dancing shoes on in the creative movement class or learn some new songs in the Music for Me classes. The Theatre also offers themed birthday parties where children get to dress up and participate in games and activities based on a chosen theme like knights of armor or fairy princesses. Learning the arts from Duello is truly a gift for her students. She has a degree in music education and teaches music and choir fulltime at Hazelwood West Middle School. She’s also the children’s music director for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, director of the Duchesne Branch of the National Pastoral Musicians and serves on the board for the St. Charles Crescendo Series. It’s no surprise that Duello found love while doing what she loves. She met her husband Phil during her time with the Patt Holt Singers, an impressive world-renowned show group that has performed for five presidents. The couple has no children but gets so much joy from spending time with a brood of nieces and nephews. The music genes run deep in the family. Her sister Jane Boschert Jennings and her brother Michael Boschert are professional opera singers. Her father Paul Boschert was known around town for his singing. “We are a musical family. We all can at least sing,” said Duello. There is no doubt that the arts will always be an important part of Duello’s life. “My voice is a big part of who I am. I want to share that love and enjoyment that the arts have given me. I feel very proud of what we’ve done. And I think it’s very important to give back to the community.”

Beth Duello, owner & director with students

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Santa will be visiting the Make Believe Theatre and Arts every Saturday in December. Parents can drop off kids for some holiday activities while mom and dad complete their shopping list. Visit www.makebelievetheatreandarts.com. For more information. n

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WARM LAYERS & NEUTRAL TONES FOR A WINTER ATTITUDE

This page on Sara: Heather grey sweater dress by Ryu from It Boutique, black blazer by Vintage Havana from Seveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique. Opposite page on Hannah: Black Military Coat by Costa Blanca from It Boutique, black knit scarf from Moss Boutique.

This page on Sara: White long sleeve T-Shirt by Alternative Apparel from It Boutique, faux fur Vest from Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, olive green cargo pants by J-Brand from Pulse Boutique, bangle bracelets from Moss Boutique. Opposite page on Hannah: Silk and velvet Tunic by Nicole Moss from Moss Boutique, dark grey long hooded sweater by Gentle Fawn from Pulse Boutique, rhinestone layered necklace from Moss Boutique, dream catcher chain necklace from Seveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, black knit hat from Moss Boutique.

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STATE YOUR BUSINESS

‘America’s Flower Man’ Plants a Rose in New Town Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

ale Rohman has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CNN’s Morning News, Discovery Channel’s Home Matters, HGTV’s “Today at Home” and “Our Place” and the DIY Network for his love and knowledge of flowers. In his 45-year career, “America’s Flower Man” has written two books and made more than 25,000 events come alive with flowers.

But when the renowned master of floral design decided to open his own shop at New Town, even he had second thoughts. “I said to the dog, ‘What the hell did we do?’” Rohman recalled of the late-night conversation he had had recently with “Dolly” the beagle and best friend he rescued a year ago from a local shelter. Rohman’s twin brother cleared his labored conscience though. “He said, ‘I know why you did it, because you’re Dale. It’s who you’ve always been.’” Indeed. Rohman started cultivating his passion for flowers early when he asked his father if he could plant a garden in a small space behind the garage of their St. Louis home. “He said yes,” Rohman recalled. “He thought I was going to plant tomatoes and corn. Instead I planted roses and marigolds.”

After years of designing some of the most spectacular parties and weddings in St. Louis, Rohman will open “The Second-Hand Rose” in New Town St. Charles on December 4. An eclectic boutique featuring unique, elegant items he has hand-selected to enhance home and garden, The Second-Hand Rose will start Rohman on what he refers to as his next “journey.” He’s assembled a collection of stunning antiques, fine furniture, American primitive furniture, handmade quilts, antique clocks, wall décor, home accessories, books, florals, depression and holiday glass and holiday decorations. “I’m living, laughing and dancing with my passion,” Rohman said. “The Second-Hand Rose is the perfect voice to express what I’ve always found true. What once was loved can still be cherished.” Rohman created a name for himself in the floral industry in the last half a century from Honolulu to New York, but is most well-known for his entertainment tips, his presentations utilizing unusual materials and his ability to create elegance on a shoestring budget. Rohman brings a lifetime of love for flowers and design to his soldout seminars and how-to lectures. His style included weaving history, traditions and fascinating folklore into presentations loaded with easy to replicate centerpieces, memorable floral arrangements, eyecatching holiday displays and dramatic party decorations. Rohman said he “married the boss’s daughter.” The boss owned Kruse Flower Shop in Clayton. After turning down what his own father thought was an incredible opportunity to attend Washington University on the Metal Goods Corporation’s tab (Rohman worked at the company then), he went into floral design. The plan shocked his father until he realized his son was going out on his own. “He didn’t like that at first. But he always told us that to be successful, you have to be in business for yourself. So when I went into business for myself, he had a whole new opinion of the flower industry.” Rohman’s wife and the mother of his three children passed away two years ago. About a year after that he decided to get Dolly. His second journey had begun. “I found I was in a fog, kind of lost. I knew what I needed was a new adventure. I thought Joan is gone but my journey is not over.” His daughter proclaimed his decision on Facebook with

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an interesting post. “She said, ‘Dad has a new lady in his life. She’s moved into the house with him, but just between you and me I think she looks like a dog.’” Rohman’s daughter also gave him a tattoo on his leg of his favorite flower—the sunflower—for his 60th birthday. “Before they were so popular, people considered them as weeds,” Rohman said. “I can remember years ago driving out toward Cottleville to find them on the side of the road. Their personality is like me, bold and brassy.” Although now in the furniture and gift business, Rohman will still offer tips on what’s hot in the flower market. Currently alstromeria or the Peruvian lily, gerber daisies, white stargazer lilies and calla lilies are certainly popular, he said. He said it bothers him that people forgo flowers so often because “they die. We are all going to die. If you enjoy them, then enjoy them for the three to five days then let it go and move on to something else,” he said. “I think we need to have flowers in our lives everyday, not just on special occasions. As a child I probably understood that.” Rohman said flowers are like snowflakes in that no two are alike, but the reaction is always the same. “How many mothers have received a bouquet of dandelions from their child. It’s that thrill. Every time flowers are given it’s that kind of feeling people get. The best reason to give flowers is for no reason at all. With all that’s going on in the world today, we need as much beauty as we can get.”

Tips for fresh cut flowers abound in Rohman’s book, “Kitchen Sink Florist.” But he’s always willing to share. A mixture that keeps flowers fresher and doesn’t have to be purchased includes ½ tsp bleach (kills the bacteria in the water), ½ tsp sugar (acts like food) to every 1-1/4 cup of water. Rohman said to cut stems at an angle which gives them a wider space from which to draw water and to put new roses in ½ hot and ½ cold water. Then when the roses open as desired, put them in cool water. “They will stay open longer that way,” he said. Half and half of white soda (not diet) and water is also a good mixture for cut waters to feed from. Putting an aspirin in the water of cut flowers is a myth, Rohman said. “It doesn’t do a thing. Save your aspirin for your hangover.” And dripping wax where petals enter the kalax of tulips keeps them cupped thus saving tulips for longer. Rohman said it was his grandmother who introduced him to and encouraged him with flowers. She actually let him pick her flowers. “There were flowers blooming everywhere in her garden. I credit her for encouraging my passion for flowers. My mother thought flowers were just to look at but grandma let me pick them.” His grandmother’s name was Rose. The Second-Hand Rose is located at 3307-1 Domain Street in New Town. Visit www.TheSecond-HandRose.com. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. n

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THE SALON GUY

‘Tis the Season for a more glamorous you

By Cary O’Brien The Salon Guy

re you planning on sharing the big meal with family? Is the company holiday party in your plans? What about the big News Year’s Eve Party? This is the festive time of year when lots pictures will be taken. It’s time to pump up the volume and bring out that inner glam.

5. Add Elegance. The dressier the dress, the dressier the hair. If you missed the last article, I suggested big loose curls. I recommend big curls again, but this time, brush them out completely. Brush them through and follow with your hand to give the curls a smoother and more sophisticated look. Or just rake through for the loose curl look.

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up! 1. Love Those Toes. You head over to a friend’s house for a party and they have a ‘shoes off at the door’ policy. Meanwhile, there you are with only half of your toes polished. What to do…what to do? Be prepared and get a pedicure. It’s a great way to relax and take care of you. 2. Get Fabulous Hands. Lots of meeting and greeting during the holiday season and hands can say a lot. Try this; just before heading out, mix a little bit of liquid foundation in with your favorite hand cream. The lotion will make your hands feel soft and smooth and the foundation will cover up any redness from the cold weather and too much holiday wrapping. 3. Show Off Those Arms. What better way to say ‘I’m hot’ at that holiday party than to show off your arms. Exfoliate them with your favorite facial exfoliant or get out the loofah to add glow by getting rid of dead skin. Use spray tans to maintain a light, healthy looking skin tone. They can last up to seven days. 4. Do A Smoldering Eye. Be brave and be bold. It’s time to darken those eyes up. Try the smokey eye look by using bronze or gray eye shadows. Apply a bit more than you normally would. Try something fun by adding a touch of metallic silver on the upper lid and the outside.

6. Get Glammed UP. Go for the simple updo. Take small bunches of your curly or wavy hair and bobby pin it up to the crown. Start on one side, then the other and finish in the back of your head. If you have smoother, straight hair, try the simple French twist. Doing it yourself is great. But in this busy holiday season, turn to your favorite salon professional for help. 7. Stay Calm, Stay relaxed. Now is the time to get a professional massage. Take an hour to be completely selfish and get pampered before things get too crazy. Then you can spend the rest of the season taking care of everyone else and head into the new year feeling great. For more hair and beauty advice, visit my salon website, www.caryobriens.com. If you have a hair or beauty issue you would like me to talk about in the next issue of StreetScape, send me an email, caryobrien@hotmail.com. Ask the Salon Guy, Cary O’Brien n

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YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

Dee Dee Pujols: On Family, Cooking and Giving Story by Cillah Hall, Editor-in-Chief Photos by Michael Schlueter

eidre Pujols, wife of Cardinals slugger and MVP Albert Pujols prefers to keep family time private. In a rare and unexpected moment, Dee Dee invited StreetScape Magazine to capture the magic of baseball’s first family. The home in West St. Louis County is beautiful, luxurious, but unpretentious. With Albert washing dishes across the room and four beautiful kids playing nearby, Dee Dee shared her life. It’s easy to see why she’s the biggest homerun in Albert’s life.

StreetScape: What does the holiday season mean for the Pujols family. Dee Dee: Obviously the kids like the gifts. For us as a Christian family, it’s about our faith and how we celebrate just the gift that we have in Christ. Being able to go back to Kansas City and be with the family and just celebrate each other. Great grandmas are getting older…and I’m getting older (laughs). Just being able to notice the special things about family and celebrate them. Good food and good times. StreetScape: What is the household like during that time? Dee Dee: We have Christmas Eve with my mom’s side and Christmas Day with my dad’s side. It’s just crazy and wild. Eating is mostly what we do and we’re too full to do anything after that, so we just lay around and watch TV. StreetScape: When you think about Christmas, what would be your ideal wish list.

recipes. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the foundation. That was just a warm-hearted thing for me that I wanted to do. The success was great. I had people telling me they were doing cook-offs, almost like the Julie and Julia (2009 movie based on Julia Childs, starring Meryl Streep) where they would cook then talk about what they did. So that was fun because people were really excited to try new food. They might not know anything about the Dominican Republic, but they love Albert. So it was fun for them to connect with him in that way as well. StreetScape: You have a different heritage. Why did you decide on Dominican? Deidre’s father is Mexican-American. Dee Dee: Because that’s the food I’m familiar with cooking. It was when I was pregnant with my son that I was trying to learn how to cook. But I had to make many appointments with Albert’s family and his grandmother to learn how to cook Dominican food. That’s how I learned to cook very well. I can cook other dishes and I can follow recipes, but I can cook Dominican with my eyes closed. StreetScape: What was your inspiration to do the book? Dee Dee: I was already crazy about the Food Network and things like that, but I never saw the kind of foods that I was cooking. I think it started off like a joke, like “what are you feeding that guy?” because he was hitting all those homeruns…then pretty soon, I turned ‘Pollo Guisado’ into ‘Home Run Chicken’ (laughs). One time I had a lady in the grocery store that asked me what a purple sweet potato was…and so I was sitting in the grocery store explaining it to her and that was kind of fun. I was like “I should write a book”. StreetScape: What’s your family’s favorite recipe?

Dee Dee: For continued health…success for my husband and success for the Pujols Foundation, but for myself, I don’t have any personal wishes.

Dee Dee: The chicken that I just served (“Home Run Chicken”) is the most convenient and easy to make probably, but they all love it.

StreetScape: Are you already getting requests from the kids? Dee Dee: We get toy magazines in the mail and they can sit there for hours and circle all the toys that they want. It’s pretty funny.

StreetScape: Have you seen more homeruns since you changed the name from Pollo Guisado? Dee Dee: Well, I haven’t seen less homeruns, so that’s great!

StreetScape: So let’s talk about cooking. How’s the cookbook doing?

StreetScape: Is that Albert’s favorite recipe too?

Dee Dee: It was a cookbook calendar so 2010 is the year that the calendar was made for, but I still have people buying it for the

Dee Dee: Probably that or something called ‘Carne Guisado which is the same thing, but you use red meat.

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Dee Dee serves Albert her famous Home Run Chicken. S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 53

StreetScape: Do you get some inspiration from the chefs on TV? Dee Dee: The first time I got stuck on the Food Network was at a time when I was kind of tired of making the same things for him. So I was getting my nails done in the salon. They had the channel on the Food Network and Michael Chiarello came on. He was having a chicken cook-off with his buddy and it looked awesome…they were brining and I had never brined anything before. So I went home and printed out two recipes and made both of them at the same time. And I remember I fed Albert and Eli Marrero when he used to play here. That was where it started for me…with the Food Network. I actually got to go to their award show several years ago and I met Michael Chiarello and got to tell him that story. How he was kind of my inspiration for changing up my cooking. That was cool.

and give them a good home cooked meal that they might not get otherwise from a restaurant. I like doing that because I like for him to be able to do that for his friends. StreetScape: Why did you decide to become a vegetarian? Dee Dee: There were a lot of things…The other reason is that I was still losing weight from having the baby and I just felt like “I’m going to stop eating meat” so I stopped and that’s why I always say that it probably had to be a God thing because I could not just stop eating meat. I’ve tried before and I would get sick, but this time I just stopped. I have no desire to eat meat again. StreetScape: Because you’re this amazing chef, how does your family feel about things like McDonalds and Burger King? If you don’t feel like cooking, do they still enjoy that kind of food?

StreetScape: What was it like being on Paula Deen’s show? Dee Dee: Oh Gosh! She’s awesome. Just like you see on TV…that’s how she is in real life. She’s fun to be around, she was really fun to work with…and we had a great time with her. She makes everybody feel comfortable.

Dee Dee: Oh yah!! We ordered Papa Johns last night. We still run out of time and McDonalds and whatever comes in handy. Or the kids just want an extra treat. We definitely still pick up the fast food. StreetScape: How did you meet Albert?

StreetScape: Do you have an ongoing relationship with her? Dee Dee: I’ve seen her a couple of times after that. And she called me once because her husband was in town and he wanted to go to a game. But a good friend that works on her set has become a pretty good friend of mine. I’ve told her that when the next season comes up and if they need more recipes, to call me up. Maybe I’ll get another chance to go back. It was a blast. StreetScape: Do you integrate your recipes with Pujols 5’s menu? How involved are you with it? Dee Dee: Now that we moved out here, I am not as active as much. When we lived in Creve Coeur, we were there a lot. I think they might have taken a couple of things from the cookbook like the ‘Chimichurri Burgers’. I know they used those a couple times for catering events and things like that. But I don’t really have too much of my actual input in that menu. StreetScape: You’ve mentioned a few Cardinals players that you’ve cooked for. Is it something you enjoy doing? Dee Dee: Actually, I don’t cook as much for the Cardinals as I do for the visiting team players. What happens is that they’re from other countries and so when Albert travels, a lot of times they cook for him. And when they come over here, he likes to just bless them 54 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Dee Dee: We met at a salsa club in Kansas City. We knew each other for several weeks before we ever even went out or started dating. We would just dance, you know. It was one of the only places to salsa or merengue in Kansas City at the time. So we just went on the weekend and hang out and danced really. That’s all it was. And then he asked me for my number. StreetScape: And at that time he was not THE Albert Pujols. Dee Dee: No, no. He was still in high school so he really shouldn’t have been there. He confessed later, actually on our first date that he wasn’t 21 (Albert was 18 when he met Dee Dee). StreetScape: I’ve heard that you actually asked him for his number and he told you to wait because he was playing pool? Dee Dee: No, no. I asked him to dance and he told me to wait because he was playing pool. That was the very first encounter I had with him. But we continued to dance several weekends afterwards because I always ran into him. StreetScape: What did you think when he asked you to wait? Were you tempted to just walk off? Dee Dee: I was just gallivanting around. I had my friend there with me and we were just hanging out on the side and then final-

people who adore him and appreciate our family, we probably wouldn’t be who we are with this crazy lifestyle. StreetScape: Does Albert drive you crazy during the off-season? Dee Dee: It’s getting better. Last year I was pregnant and probably needy and I wanted him around a lot. Before it was hard getting him back into the routine of him being here all the time. I think by now we’re 10 years into it and he’s the biggest help ever. He takes the kids to school in the morning and helps pick them up. He’s a huge help and I love having him home.

ly he got done. I don’t remember what he said when he got done…probably something like “you wanna dance with me now (Dee Dee in Albert’s voice).” StreetScape: What was it about you two that made you decide that you wanted to take the next step? Dee Dee: Well I had just had Bella and I was really strong in my faith at that point. I didn’t want to just be picking up guys left and right. I think we fell in love the day that we were at the Cheese Cake Factory on The Plaza in Kansas City because after that we never went a day without seeing each other. But it was also the time where I was really trying to be grounded in my faith and I wanted to respect that. So he started going to church with me and I think that spiritual connection of actually wanting to grow and then us being so young… I don’t know. We were optimistic about our future and what that could look like. He was still in high school when I met him so there was non of this big league stuff happening yet.

StreetScape: What gets you through the times when everyone is demanding his time and all you want is just some family time? Dee Dee: It’s tough. He’s really good about balancing his time though. And there are periods or seasons where there is a great demand. During the baseball season, he doesn’t like to do a lot of commercials or photo shoots. And then when the off-season comes around, he tries to make it so that it’s not consuming all of his time. He knows that I get irked if I don’t get him for a good amount of time. But I think we’ve handled that pretty well actually. StreetScape: What about the foundation. How has that impacted your lives? Dee Dee: The foundation has been amazing. The way that the community with Down Syndrome has been affected is just awesome. When I was 21 and had Bella, I was like “What on earth am I supposed to do with this? What is this experience for me?” But to look back and go “oh my gosh, there’s totally a plan in this”. One

StreetScape: I read somewhere that you survived on love at the time. Dee Dee: That’s good. That sounds like something I would say… StreetScape: What would you say has sustained you since that period of surviving on love and now you have all these different dynamics? Dee Dee: Our faith. And I think a lot of the accountability that comes with our lifestyle. Having people on a daily basis tell us that they look up to our family, or they love the role model that Albert is…not just that he shares his faith… because anybody can share their faith. We’re in the business of encouraging and trying to inspire others and I think that Albert especially has the ability to do that because of where he comes from. Coming from a third world country and into this, we never thought that he would be in a home like this or have the things that he has. But at the same time, we both know that we can’t take any of this with us when we go. We’ve learned over time those values that sustained our relationship, how we are as parents and who we are to the community. That’s a big part of what keeps our relationship healthy. Without the faith and without the accountability of all the millions of S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 55

of the feelings you kind of get that some people may not understand is a feeling of embarrassment and shame. It’s just strange to have to deal with all those emotions that come with having a child with special needs. But her life has been awesome in the way that we’re telling people that there is nothing shameful and nothing embarrassing about having a child with Down Syndrome. They’re just as capable as the next person. StreetScape: It’s really amazing how you’ve turned the situation around and owned it. You’re using it as a tool to help other mothers. Was there a single moment when as a mom you accepted it and embraced it as another dynamic in your family? Dee Dee: Yes! Oh yes! That happened a long time ago. The Down Syndrome Association was the first group we connected with. And as he (Albert) started to get better and was starting to get more recognition, then “oh he has a child with special needs…” then it just kind of grew from there. People’s lives are definitely affected by her. StreetScape: It’s really interesting to come into your home and see your daughter setting the table and Albert washing the dishes. How did you get them to be so helpful? Dee Dee: With the dishes, he always helps me there. If I cook, he always does the dishes. But he’s always been the guy who can get the bathtub the whitest. He’s a great cleaner! I guess that’s just

something they’ve got in them to help. Sophie loves to set the table and Albert loves to wash the dishes. StreetScape: You danced when you first met. Do you still dance? Dee Dee: Oh girl I don’t even remember (laughs). We had our 10year wedding anniversary. We had the big blow out wedding… like a princess fairytale wedding and I was eight months pregnant. We danced and had a really good time. But we don’t just go dancing. He can’t really go out to a lot of places. StreetScape: Not even in the house? Dee Dee: Oh yah! Sometimes we get down. We have fun like that. StreetScape: You have an amazing life. Is this how you envisioned your life? Dee Dee: No. I think everything has to do with really staying faithful. I lived in faith. There were times when we didn’t have any money. We made it. We had exactly what we needed each every time to pay bills, to eat…but I didn’t have furniture in the minor leagues. I had a card table that we ate on, I loved shopping at Aldi which I still do…we did what we had to do and I stayed faithful in my tithing, always trusted in god to come through for me. There were a couple of times that I wanted to file for bankruptcy because I was in so debt and I was pregnant with my second child and using social security for Bella who had a disability. Albert and I say it all the time… we would never be able to write down all of our wishes and have even half of what has really happened to us happen. 56 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

StreetScape: How do you manage to stay authentic and so normal? Dee Dee: One of the things that people always say is “you’re so normal or you’re so real” because a big part of my testimony is how I used to live my life. We do really try to stay down to earth and we’ve had a few comments that people will make, like “they’ve changed or you’ve changed”. You have to change a little bit when you’re in this situation because you’re getting pulled at so much. So you say no a whole lot more than people want to hear. I love being down home and grounded and chilling Friday night with my family. That’s comfortable for us. StreetScape: So what does the future hold? Is there another cookbook coming? Dee Dee: Actually, I am working on cookware. I am hoping to have that out by April and it will be great because for every set of cookware that’s sold, I am donating a whole caldero (a cooking pot

similar to a Dutch oven) and a utensil to a family in a third world country. I’m pumped. My family keeps me busy. I’m hoping to have some of the celebrity chefs that I know come up and do some web stuff with me. With the foundation, we’re always doing something. Whether it’s classes for the kids with Down Syndrome or fundraising events. Volunteer opportunities are always open for people. We’re not an outlet for resources. Typically we will direct people back to the Down Syndrome Association because they have all this information, but we’re more in the business of celebrating their lives, being able to comfort new families, bring them in and share the joy of the kids. When people partner with the foundation, they’re going to be blessed either way. For more information about the Pujols Family Foundation, go to www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org. Scroll down the homepage for a quick link to ‘Pujol’s Kitchen’ where you will find a selection of Dee Dee’s recipes, including the famous ‘Home Run Chicken’ and the ‘Mini Chimichurri Burgers’. n

Home Run Chicken Ingredients • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon sugar • 2 large tablespoons sazon seasoning • 1 large chicken bouillon cube, crumbled • 1 whole chicken, cut up, skin removed, bone-in • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon chili powder • Water, to cover chicken • Kosher salt Directions In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and sugar over medium-high heat. Add the sazon seasoning and the bouillon and cook until the sugar lightly browns. Add the chicken and let it fry, stirring it around to get all the sides browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin and chili powder. Add water to just cover the top of the chicken. Let the water come to a boil and stir to make sure the tomato paste is combined. Cook the chicken stirring occasionally, until tender, about 45 to 60 minutes. Remove the chicken to a serving platter and coat with the cooking sauce from the pan. Typically served with white rice and beans.

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SOCIAL SCENE

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For more information on Youth Lifeline America call 636-536-7770 or visit www.youthlifeline.org

Roland Williams

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SOCIETY

SOCIETY SIGHTINGS … by Teri Seiler SM St. Joseph’s Health Center recently celebrated 125 years of service to our community via a suave soiree held in the grand ballroom of Ameristar Casino. Melissa Calvaruso, Celeste Leuck and Laurel Rector served as tri-chairs of the gala, which engaged approximately 400 socialites, donned in elegant gowns and black-ties, in an evening of recognizing and honoring those who have played vital roles in reaching the magnificent milestone.

The mesmerizing evening of socializing and celebration began with hors d’oevres, such as miniature tenderloins of beef wellington, delicately arranged on silver platters then offered to the mingling guests by Ameristar’s friendly and professional wait staff. Ken and Donna Naumann, Bob, Julie and Matt Brown, Deny and Kate Spangenberg of the Kaiser Electric team, hosted the cocktail hour where the likes of Bill and Geri Willbrand, Dennis and Brenda Maher, Craig and Lorna Frahm, Shawn and Diane Saale, Don and Marlene Schneider, Jeanette Koechner, Tammy Mudd, Chuck Leuck, Dale and Debbie Poslosky imbibed in a little pre-event warm-up. When the chimes rang, beckoning the guests to their assigned dinner tables, State Representative Sally Faith, Steve and Jill Hoven, Drew and Laurel Rector, Scott Tate, Denice McKeown, Dr. Tom and Joyce Schneider, Terry and Joanne Gravemann, Tom Walther, Dr. Evelyn Schuetz, Dr. Robert Cusworth, Dr. Michaele Penkoske, Pat and Clem Komoroski, Dr. David and Susan Terschleuse, Steve and Mary Jo Hippe, Dr. Filippo and Margaret Ferrigni, Dr. Tom and Christy Tyree, Dr. Stephen and Marie D’Orazio were among those who filled the ballroom that was elaborately decorated with jaw-dropping centerpieces designed by our own florist-extraordinaire, Connie Cissell. McGraw Milhaven, host of The McGraw Show on radio station KTRS, and emcee for the evening, introduced Sr. Kathy Buchheit who quieted the guests and gave a thanks-provoking invocation to our Heavenly Father. Ralph Butler and his band kept the mood of the crowd upbeat as they dined on sea bass, with cucumber and tomato dill relish, along side a grilled petite filet mignon, with a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce. As guests finished their culinary experience with a white and dark chocolate tulip cup filled with a Grand Marnier mousse garnished with a dark chocolate sauce, Health Center President, Gaspare Calvaruso (who looked liked an Italian Stallion in his tuxedo. Okay, did I mention his gorgeous wife, Melissa, looked like an Italian-Grecian goddess in her one-shoulder, classic black, evening gown? What a handsome couple!) approached the microphone and began the program for the evening. Dr. Charles Linsemeyer, Dr. Martin Smoller and Sr. Inez Kennedy, FSM, were presented the Heritage Heroes Award for their outstanding 62 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

contributions and dedication to the Health Center and for their passion and compassion for the people in our community whom they have served. Ruth “Snooks” Wessler, who has volunteered more than 10,000 hours to the Health Center, and her hubby, Neal Wessler, who has also given numerous volunteer hours were both recognized with the Community Heroes Award. The final award for the evening – The Inspired Youth Award – was presented to Matthew Sauer and Gregg Wegener. The fourteen-year-old friends who attend St. Charles Borromeo school and share the same birth month – December – have, for the past several years, hosted combined birthday parties and requested their guests to bring gifts, not to them, but for children who truly need a gift of hope. For the past three years more than 125 gifts to children and adolescents receiving treatment in the SSM St. Joseph Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit were given by Matt, Gregg and the children in their class. After the formal presentation of awards was given, Sherry Gerke, Director of Development; and who, by the way, was red-carpet ready in her deep purple evening gown that had a gathered-drape effect and fit her like a glove – thanks to the assistance of Bobbie Netsch of Michelle’s clothing store – got the crowd excited about raising funds for the muchanticipated SSM Maternity Care Center. The facility is currently under renovation and due to open in the Spring of 2011. An incredible amount of money was raised in record time – over $58,000.00 in about 15 minutes or less – when McGraw Milhaven simply asked the guests for outright monetary donations. Kaiser Electric answered the call-for-contributions with a $20,000.00 donation, which set the pace for a great bid-out amongst the guests. Bid numbers flew up, throughout the ballroom, to the ca-ching of $5,000.00, $1,000.00 even $500.00 and $250.00. Staffers, Stacey Krieg and Jeanette Kasal did their best to keep up with the flying numbers. When all was said and done, members of the Gala Committee, such as Kathy Binz, Marilyn Bock, Nancy Erlinger, Grace Harmon, Gayle Horn, Anne Ritter and Elizabeth Rauch could not dispute the gala was anything less than a stellar event. At another fine St. Charles establishment, The Columns Banquet Center, Molly Dempsey, Christy Mundy, Karen Prideaux and Penny Rogers recently served as quad-chairwomen of the Over-the-Top for Tots fundraiser for the Crisis Nursery of St. Charles County. The event began with guests such as Valerie White, Mary Ellen Renaud, Sandy Polley, Tara Hovis, Sandy Franta, Kurt and Marty Beanblossom, Chris Pauley, Jill Miles, Dana Martin, Justine Riggs, Carolyn Hughes, Jenny Reinheimer, and Jill Ryan sampling the healthy (?) blueberry (a great anti-oxidant) martinis while perusing the decorative table tops designed by such talents as Heidi Sowatsky of Decorating Den, Skip with Hearts & Roses, and Judy Duncan of Francesca’s Resale. Inside the ballroom, where the lunch tables were decorated with tall, clear, glass, cylinder vases filled with baby blocks and little, yellow, rubber ducks, the attendees were enticed by the sweet smell of sugar to admire the delectable cake creations of Ellen Bornhop of Mid-Towne IGA, Jennifer Strange, Chef Marie Anne Velasc of LeCordon Bleu College of

Culinary Arts, J. Noto of J. Noto’s Bakery, Elaine Kneemiller of Cakes by Elaine, and Nancy McHugh and Michael Temm of Wedding Wonderland Cake Shop. Each guest was given two jingle bells to use as voting tools – one bell for their favorite table top design; one bell for their favorite decorated cake. After the 425 guests such as John and Keri Crocker, Kenny Wyatt, Julie Feast, Cathy and Lisa Goellner, and Deb Cochran, of Congressman Todd Akin’s office, were seated for lunch they were welcomed to the event by Honorary Celebrity Chair, Andrea Robertson, Mrs. America 2010. Reverend Fran Pieper gave the invocation. CEO of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, DiAnne Mueller, presented the Guardian Angel Award to Senator Scott Rupp. The Children’s Champion Award was presented to Marlene Gebhard, President of SHOP ‘N SAVE who, with the help of the Shop ‘N Save staff and customers, raised over $115,000 to help save babies lives and keep little boys and girls safe throughout the area – the mission of the Nursery. Bonnie Define, Community Relations Director for the Nursery, introduced Joy Stevens, who brought tears of hope to the guests with her acappella song of joy as a video of the Nursery’s clients was shown. A quick oral auction was held, which featured a dinner with Wentzville’s Mayor Paul Lambi and his wife, Rose. When all the bells were counted, Sarah Corrigan of The White Hare won best table top design. Stacy Krieg of Stacey Cakes was the Ace of Cakes and won Best of Show. When all the dollars were counted, approximately $65,000.00 was raised during the three-hour fundraiser. The take-off into holy matrimony went very smooth as Abby Boehmer, daughter of Don and Vicki Boehmer, and Aaron Eich, son of Bill and Kay Eich, recently united in marriage at St. Joachim and Ann church. There was just a little in-flight turbulence when Abby’s three-year old niece and flower girl, Alaina Osredker, unbuckled her seat belt and went running down the aisle screaming, “I want my mommy” to catch up with her mom, Katy Boehmer-Osredker, who was head flight attendant and had already assumed her in-flight position as Matron of Honor across the aisle from co-captain, Adam Eich, who served as Best Man. Then there was one-year-old ring bearer Joe Osredker who fell asleep in the cockpit of his dad’s, Patrick Osredker, shoulder just as he was hitting the runway with the rings. This created quite a stir of compassion from the cabin that included passengers such as Great Grandma Lorraine Boehmer, Rose and David Wells, Gerry Prinster, and Ann and Keith Hazelwood. Once the captain, Deacon Gary Meyerkord, officially announced the new couple, the flight carrying crew members, Alisa Corderman, Rachel Geringer, Ashley Anderson, Rachel Uptergrove, John Currie, Daniel Dysart, Seth Horton, Brian Jens, Jordan Bueltel, Kayla Eich, Shannon Gross, and Tara Welko safely landed at The Columns Banquet Center. As passengers such as St. Charles County Executive, Steve Ehlmann and his wife, Jean; Jeannie and Bob Palumbo, Jim and Mary Machens, Steve and Lisa Welko, Christy Welko, Mike and Linda Boehmer, and MaryLou and John Hannegan, entered customs (The Columns) they were given passports assigning them to different destinations (tables) where they could begin celebrating the union of the adorable two-some. The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and they have made Kansas City their first destination to begin their life together. In case you were wondering…Aaron is an airline pilot; thus, the reason for the fun “flight” lingo and the reason all the guests were given delicious, white and milk chocolate molded into airplanes to take home. Until next time…I got my eyes on you. n

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Mary Ellen’s Corner Have you heard about foursquare? No, it’s not the game you probably played as a kid. Foursquare can help you find friends. It can grow your business. It can help you discover new things! As a business tool, foursquare could be invaluable. So what is foursquare? It’s a mobile application tool that is also a social city guide and a game that challenges users to try new things and rewards them for it. Created in 2008 by Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadural from Crowley’s kitchen table in New York’s East Village, foursquare was launched in 2009. As of October 2010, foursquare had over 4 million users worldwide and tens of thousands of venues featuring special offers through the application. Like Twitter, foursquare has an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows developers to build their ideas on the foursquare platform. Many have already done so, building new check-in functionality, unique games and awesome data visualizations. Users can currently browse through hundreds of applications at www.foursguare.com. Foursquare lets users “check in” to a place, tell friends where they are, and track the history of where they’ve been and who they’ve been there with.

Chesterfield — I’m a living example ofwhat appropriate business techniques such as social networking can accomplish. Like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, foursquare promises to be a social networking dynamo. Foursquare’s website says the new application “aims to encourage people to explore their Mary Ellen Renaud neighborhoods and then rewards people for doing so.” The site does this by “combining our friend-finder and social city guide elements with game mechanics — our users earn points, win Mayorships and unlock badges for trying new places and revisiting old favorites.” Business owners can use foursquare to engage their mobile customers with foursquare “Specials,” which are discounts and prizes they offer to customers when they check in on foursquare at the business’ venue. Business owners can also track how their venue is performing over time. Foursquare’s simple self-service tools allow business owners to create different kinds of foursquare Specials and track how the Specials perform. These services empower business owners to develop more engaging, ongoing relationships with their customers. Business owners can also promote their involvement with foursquare via Twitter, signs at cash registers and sidewalk blackboards. Tools such as “Mayor Specials,” “Check-in Specials,” “Frequencybased Specials,” and “Wildcard Specials” can be customized for any business.

As the co-founder of Women’s Business Alliance — which in just over a year has grown to five chapters within St. Charles County and

Check out foursquare at www.foursquare.com and happy networking!

BOOK CLUB

Foursquare is extremely helpful in business and it’s fun! It’s discovering new avenues through which to approach people socially and in business.

GHOSTS OF ST CHARLES by Michael Henry St Charles is the second oldest city in Missouri and it doesn’t take much imagination to see, feel and perhaps even smell the ghosts lingering here. Join Michael Henry for some of their stories as he keeps vigil with the city’ s restless past from the lost dogs of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the mysterious Lady in White. Available at Main Street Books 307 South Main | 636-949-0105

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History Press, Paperback, $19.99

Mary Ellen Renaud