StreetScape Magazine Spring 2011 by TPH Media

SPRING 2011

RON REAGAN JR. REFLECTIONS OF A PRESIDENT’S SON

JOE EDWARDS FATHER OF THE LOOP

BOHO CHIC

SPRING TRENDS

INTERVIEW WITH

GRETCHEN WILSON GRAMMY NOMINATION, REDBIRD FEVER & MORE

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2011 Features 6

RON REAGAN Shares A Memoir About Iconic Father

14 JOE EDWARDS Father of the Loop

22 EMERGE FITNESS St. Charles Gym Draws Rams Players

32 GRETCHEN WILSON A Conversation With A Country Singer

Departments 4

COMMENTARY

YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MOTHER OF MAIN STREET

18 A LA CARTE

20 COMMUNITY 24 FEATURED ARTIST 30

MISSOURI MILE

38 MULTIMEDIA ART 40 FASHION 46 THE SALON GUY 54 SPORTS FEATURE 56 COMMUNITY

58 STATE YOUR BUSINESS 60 SOCIAL SCENE

ON THE COVER | Gretchen Wilson | Photos courtesy Redneck Records. STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER'S NOTE FIVE YEARS STILL BUZZING What a whirlwind. What was I thinking? Back in 2006 I decided to start a local magazine. With no more than a smile and a passion for my new adventure, off into the big world I went to look for advertisers. With many words of caution, a few people who believed in me took the chance and said they would buy an ad for the first and second edition. Some of my favorite questions then were isn’t PRINT dead and do you have any background in this industry. The answer to both questions is NO. Even with print media struggling and the online market taking a strong hold there is still nothing better than holding and reading a magazine. Eyes get blurred and crossed reading on a screen and like most we tend to print out long things to read by hand. StreetScape was created five years ago to celebrate the people and cultural clusters of Saint Charles County and beyond. What makes StreetScape Magazine unique? First the magazine has strong and unique editorial content and that means interesting stories. After all, shouldn’t you be able to read a magazine? Advertising fuels the publication but with only advertising and no editorial substance you have nothing more than a throw away piece after you quickly do a thumb through. There are many, magazines that show well and some that try to trick the reader by providing online what we often call “canned stories” to lull readers into believing there are stories of substance to read. StreetScape benefits our advertisers because it is a magazine that is read and will be set down and picked up to read over several more times giving a very long shelf life. What many won’t tell you in this industry it costs to pay writers and photographers and that is why you won’t find much content in most publications. My team at StreetScape are individuals of substance and our intention is that you always leave with the magazine of being something of substance and beauty. Yes, five years and still creating BUZZ. We always welcome new readers and advertisers but will always remain true to our initial mission of being the best premiere leisure lifestyle magazine in St. Charles County and beyond. To the second question of the experience part. No I did not have a background in journalism but I also did not have any boundaries or limitations and here I am typing my publisher’s commentary. So now the StreetScape family and I are looking forward to another 5 years and invite you to share in our passion. Join us on Facebook and Twitter. You are welcome to attend our StreetScape Exchange Networking Luncheons the first Wednesday of every other month. Our next luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the Column’s Banquet Center in St. Charles to RSVP or to find out additional information please contact Judy Peters at 636-448-2074. Join us at our 3rd Annual Greater Saint Charles Fashion Week August 24-77, 2011 at Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa and/or at our “Beyond the Best” Business Awards on October 20th, 2011 at the Column’s Banquet Hall. All this and more can be found in this issue and online at www.streetscapemagazine.com As always we invite you to come as our reader and stay as our friend.

Thomas P. Hannegan Publisher and Founder StreetScape Magazine

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BEHIND THE SCENES PUBLISHER & FOUNDER TOM HANNEGAN 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 StreetScape 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 314-303-0248 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.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL SCHLUETER Michael is a freelance photographer based in St. Peters. For over twenty-five 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

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 636-448-2074 or judy@streetscapemag.com.

ART & DESIGN MARIA COPELLO

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.

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.

ANDREWS ACADEMY

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.

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

M Jeremy Malensky Nancy Matheny Y Denice McKeown Bob Millstone Sandy Mohrmann CM Suzanne Matyiko Maurice Newberry MY Craig Norden CY Grace Nichols Kim Paris CMY Toekie Purler Kathy Robertson K 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

Andrews Academy Lake Saint Louis Middle School

Welcome to the Future! Featuring an e-reader and designated desktop computer for every student, online mathematics and social studies components, small classes, mixed-ability groupings, advanced degree faculty, elective language courses, team sports and more.

1701 Feise Road | Lake Saint Louis | Email krybak@andrewsacademy.com

636.561.7709 | www.andrewsacademy.com

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Volume 6, Issue 1 • SPRING 2011 TPH Media 223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301 PHONE 636-949-2973, FAX 1-866-231-6159 WWW.STREETSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

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. © 2011 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.

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(636) 946-9999 St. Charles www.skalawfirm.com

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

FAMILY

RON REAGAN

Shares A Memoir About Iconic Father Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos courtesy of Ron Reagan Jr.

How can a president not be an actor?” It’s a famous quote from the 40th president of the United States and the 33rd governor of California—Ronald “Dutch” Wilson Reagan. It’s also a question his youngest child would ponder many times while researching his family and his famous father. Ron Reagan’s “My Father at 100: A Memoir” was released in January. Ron visited the St. Louis County Library February 4 to sign copies of the book.

Evil Empire.” He left office in January 1989 and then in 1994, disclosed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease earlier in the year. President Reagan died ten years later at the age of 93.

“Everyone thinks he knows Ronald Reagan,” Ron wrote in the book, “but those who truly knew him best still grapple with the enduring mystery of his inner character.”

Now seven years later—the year that would have marked his father’s 100th birthday—Ron has released a memoir about his iconic father who he said “personifies the values of an older America and represents an important era in national history.”

The television and film actor who would be president was born in Tampico, Illinois, raised in Dixon, Illinois, and educated at Eureka College with a bachelor's degree in economics-sociology. Originally a member of the Democratic Party, President Reagan switched to the Republican Party in 1962. As president from 1980 to 1989, he survived an assassination attempt on March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency.

The son of President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, Ron is a former dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, he has been a political pundit and co-host of MSNBC’s “Connected: Coast to Coast” as well as hosting “The Ron Reagan Show on Air America Radio. He has also written for numerous magazines including Newsweek, Playboy, Esquire and “The New Yorker.” He lives in Seattle with his wife Doria.

The “Great Communicator,” as President Reagan was often called, implemented sweeping political and economic initiatives. With “Reaganomics,” he advocated controlling the money supply to reduce inflation, and spurring economic growth by reducing tax rates, government regulation of the economy and certain types of government spending.

While President Reagan remains one of the most closely scrutinized, analyzed and puzzled over figures in American history, his own son, through his research, sought to understand the man who was warm yet remote. A legendary extrovert who remained intensely private.

A conservative icon, he referred to his second term as president as "Morning in America" and to the Soviet Union as “the 6

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Ron set upon his quest unlike most Americans who seek to discover their heritage. He didn’t dig through a hall closet or root around in old trunks or between the pages of the family Bible. Ron’s first

step was the library—the research room of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library on Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, California that is. He was handed file boxes full of research compiled by others as well as a pair of white cotton gloves. He admitted “it’s a lot easier” to write a book when you have several Pulitzer Prize winners who had already done much of the research. But what Ron could offer that others could not was what it was like to be raised by the man who may have ended up the leader of the free world, but who began life as a pitsized little boy who was teased and picked on by other kids. He also offers some explanation into how such an attention grabbing man could be so desperately private. “My father was undersized. He was picked last by teams. He was bullied,” Ron said. “He took to spending a lot of time by himself in the attic of his home in Galesburg (Illinois). He began to imagine himself in the heroic role in that landscape. He cultivated that solitary nature and he kept it all through his life.” The role of hero was one the very private man would carry with him always. “He

was so comfortable in public, but he was really a very solitary man,” Ron said. The little boy would grow to be a six-foot-oneand-three-quarters man. “He liked to say that,” Ron said. “He had a growth spurt in his mid-teens. He was even a small freshman. When he played football there were no uniforms small enough to fit him.” The optimism that President Reagan portrayed to the world was genuine, Ron said, and stemmed from those early days of solitude during which he imagined himself as a hero. “He was a very optimistic person. The idea that he was a story teller was true. His opus was himself. He created a narrative of himself. He was the hero in that narrative. His mother was a big booster of him. She thought he had big things in store—her perfectly wonderful Ronald. But he created the template for himself and he then lived up to it.” Few things penetrated this attitude of heroics and positivism, Ron said. “But there are aspects to life that you can’t wish away, that can’t be edited out of the story. That’s why my mother didn’t tell him right away about her own cancer. His first reaction was that the doctors would just fix it. Well it couldn’t just be fixed,” Ron said. “It was major surgery. At his father’s funeral he was overcome by despair. He said he heard his father’s voice say, ‘It’s alright’ and then he could go on. Well the truth was it was his own voice that helped him get beyond it.” A long-time lifeguard in his youth President Reagan lived out his heroic self concept, pulling some 77 people from the Rock River over the course of seven summers. In the book, Ron recounts a day when his father saved a little girl from drowning in his backyard pool. “Typical,” he writes. Ron said his father was “a fairly dedicated TV watcher” who enjoyed “Bonanza” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” and popcorn. Ron said his dad was a “big jungle gym. He would let you sit on his lap and climb all over him. I remember riding on his back when I was a kid and him flying me to bed.” An “old fashioned” gentlemen by all accounts, President Reagan could not resolve within himself the issue of equal rights for women, Ron said. “He was old

fashioned and referred to women as gals. He said, ‘A gentlemen always does the kind thing.’ He meant a kind human being. He wouldn’t disagree with equal rights for women, but he would get uncomfortable about it because it was a liberal thing.”

was a little off. He had a hitch in his giddyup”—an admission that drew criticism from his older half-brother Michael Reagan. Michael said publicly in January that Ron’s book was “an embarrassment” to his mother.

An admitted left-winger but not registered to any particular party, Ron said he and his father definitely had their disagreements. They would argue politics, including the environment and the Vietnam War. “He loved the outdoors but he had a 19th century view of it. He saw nature as under man’s dominion. I remember riding along the trail on our horses and we came upon a pile of windfall, tangled in the underbrush. He said, ‘That might be nature to some people but I think we can do better.’ He was saying nature is messy. It needs to be cleaned up.

Nevertheless, Ron said the disease should not define his father anymore than Addison’s disease should define Kennedy or Polio define Roosevelt or depression define Lincoln. “We should judge the president by what he did.”

President Reagan saw racism and prejudice in America as “tumors that could be excised,” Ron said. “He didn’t want to see America” as being racist as a whole. “If America had a problem it was in these tumors that could be excised.” Ron said the president always believed if he could get five or 10 minutes alone with a person; he could bring them over to his side of things. “He believed he was in possession of the facts and you only disagreed because you didn’t have the facts,” Ron said. President Reagan’s speech went quickly after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, Ron said. And though many people suffer from the ravages of the disease through rage and paranoia, Ron said the president did not. “My father’s personality never changed. He was still the calm, gentle, positive man even as he slipped through Alzheimer’s.” Speculation that President Reagan may have been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease while he was still in office may very well have been true, Ron said. “We now know that the disease process begins decades before diagnosis. He had to have had it long before that letter in 1994. It’s just the nature of the disease.” Ron said he asked his father not to run in 1984, mainly because he “didn’t want him to get shot,” but also because “something

He writes in the book that as the disease progressed President Reagan did not hear the voices of Mikhail Gorbachev or other heads of state. “The voices in his head were not calling ‘Lights! Camera! Action!’… He had instead been transported to a time much nearer the beginning, back to the autumn days of his boyhood. He was once again on the playing fields.” When asked who his favorite president was, Ron answered easily, “I have a particular affection for the 40th.” He said in writing the book, he gained “a new appreciation for his father as a human being not as a politician. I’m a son writing about his father in the role of a lifetime. I’d like people to remember that when we elect presidents, we elect human beings.” So why write a book about a hundredth birthday that never was? Ron writes, “His was a life that spanned the twentieth century, stopping along the way in venues as quintessentially American as the smalltown Midwest, Golden Age Hollywood and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. A little boy who chased after horse-drawn ice wagons grew up to act in movies alongside the likes of Bette Davis and Errol Flynn and grew old as the leader of the free world, responsible for the world’s most powerful nuclear arsenal. He lived through perhaps the most astonishing period of change— material technological, cultural—that our nation has known. He witnessed virtually the whole progression, finding it alternately inspiring, horrific and utterly baffling… We won’t quibble over those few years he fell short—not least because, with his name still on so many lips, he seems so strangely present even now.” STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

YOU CAUGHT O UR EYE

FROM COURTSIDE TO BEDSIDE

A Single Mother’s Story Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos Courtesy King Yella Photography at kingyella.com

It’s every mother’s dream. It’s every mother’s nightmare. Vanessa Hughes has had both. The mother of an NBA superstar, Hughes experienced the pride and exhilaration that comes with watching her child attain his dreams. The mother of a heart transplant recipient, she lost a lifetime of memories with the son of her dreams. Hughes tells her story of victory and defeat in “Courtside Bedside,” her first book that establishes her as a role model for all single mothers who are dedicated to their children. Hughes was born the youngest of four children to a single mother who often worked two jobs to support them. She grew up in the Carr Square Village Projects in St. Louis. Heartache began early when her brother was murdered. She was 25 years old. Hughes went on to have two sons. She never married their fathers. First son Larry Hughes was born a strapping, healthy baby in 1979. Vanessa was 20 years old. A six-foot-five professional basketball shooting guard, Larry was drafted by Philadelphia in the 1st round of the 1998 NBA Draft out of Saint Louis University, where he had been named Freshman of the Year. He went on to play for Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings. But all Larry ever really wanted was for his brother to be healthy. Seven years later, Justin Hughes was born. For unknown reasons, Justin was born with transposition of the great vessels, a congenital heart defect in which the two major vessels that carry blood away from the heart—the aorta and the pulmonary artery—are switched. He also had multiple holes in his heart. Justin underwent a ballooning procedure surgery after birth and again when he was 10 months old. “They said his life expectancy would be 13 years,” Vanessa said. “They told me he could die, he could roll over and I could find him dead in his bed,” Vanessa said. “At that point, I set there on my bed. I told God, ‘If you take this baby now, I’ll be fine. If I can’t do this, take him now.’ When he didn’t take him, I knew that God knew I was capable. That’s how I gathered my strength. Having him gave me my first awakening that God really does listen to you when you talk to him.” Vanessa said she went to Catholic school, but she didn’t know how to pray. “I didn’t know how to talk to God. I went because I had to go, six days a week until I was 18 years old.” 8

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That changed with Justin, she said. “God gave me faith that I never knew I had. I had to recognize that God is something tangible who you can talk to and get answers from.” Developmentally delayed, Justin had suffered brain damage during the surgery when he was 10 months old. “He learned sign language. He couldn’t read, but he did learn to walk,” Vanessa said. “He was a survivor.” Under a cardiologist’s care from birth, Justin began to get sick when he was 10. A heart valve was leaking. Doctors told Vanessa that they could replace the valve but he eventually would need a heart transplant. She decided to wait for the heart. Soon after, doctors in St. Louis referred her to a physician in Cleveland, Ohio— Dr. Richard Meed—who could perform an arterial switching procedure. “Everything that could go wrong did,” Vanessa said. “He bled like crazy. The doctor closed and opened him twice. He said it didn’t work.” During all of this, Larry was progressing on the basketball court, so much so that Vanessa began to wonder how she would manage his career and Justin’s illness at the same time. “He was one of the number one kids in the St. Louis area,” she said. “Colleges and recruiters were coming after him.” Vanessa and Justin stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland for a month. While one son followed his dream, the other lay in a hospital bed with drains in both sides of his chest. “It’s the blessings of the balance of God, taking that low and accepting that high. They both needed me no matter what.” Vanessa said the biggest blessing of all was that Larry never asked for anything. “He knew Justin was sick. He never once complained. He would say, ‘Mom, I got this. You take care of Justin.’ My whole life is a testimony to his kind and gentle spirit. That connection, our souls match. That was just me and my boys.” Vanessa worked in the corporate banking world for two decades while her sons grew. Just after his eleventh birthday, Justin got sicker. His heart would have to be replaced. Justin’s heart stopped several times as Vanessa traveled between work and the hospital. A temporary and then a permanent pacemaker were put in and still they waited for a heart.

did what most teenagers do. He started driving and hanging with his friends. “He neglected to take his meds. By December 2005, he got really sick. His body started rejecting and his organs started shutting down.” Justin was 20 and his heart was not getting better. In May of 2006, Vanessa had planned a trip to Mexico for four days. Justin and his roommate Norman came over to Vanessa’s house the night before she was scheduled to leave. She had cleaned out her refrigerator and told the boys to take all of the food and not to forget to feed her fish while she was gone. At 11:30 that night, Vanessa picked up the phone to a distressed Norman. “He said, ‘Justin fell. He’s not moving.” Vanessa rushed over, but when she arrived she knew. “I knew he was dead. I started moving around in shock arranging the refrigerator. I stood there and called my mom. I said, ‘I know that’s not my child lying there. He’s gone.’” Vanessa donated Justin’s corneas. She understands the importance of giving. In 2000 the family founded the Larry Hughes Family Foundation, a non-profit organization benefiting families with children who have received organs or are waiting to receive organs, with unexpected financial obligations. A portion of Vanessa’s book will be donated to the foundation. Vanessa is now working on her next project, To (b) S.E.E.N. (Share Encourage Empower & Nourish) using a motivational speaking forum to share her story with the hopes of making a difference in the lives of other women. And her spirit continues to thrive. “I stay prayed up. I stay talking to God, knowing there’s reason for everything.” For more information on Vanessa’s book contact her at 314-581-2934 or hu1014@sbcglobal.net or visit www.VHUGHES.com. The book sells for $13.95.

Then as Vanessa sat in the conference room of the hospital with KSDK- Channel 5’s Frank Cusumano and reporters and television cameras every where trying to get the story on her oldest son, the best news came. A heart had been found. The Hughes would later meet and become close friends with the family whose daughter’s heart Justin had received. In a chance meeting Vanessa ran into the girl’s father outside of her office on Broadway in St. Louis. “We’re still close to this day. I remember the news reporter called us in the hospital and told us if we didn’t want to know who donated the heart turn the TV off. We watched the news story. Justin just looked at her picture and said, ‘She’s pretty.’” Vanessa said Justin never received a clean bill of health after the transplant. As the years passed and Justin grew into a teenager, he STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELL NESS

SHOEMAN

140 wells, serving water to about 130,000 Kenyan people.

was at that moment his world view began to change, he said.

"I WANT YOUR SOLE," HE SAYS, "YOUR SHOE SOLE, THAT IS."

In July 2010 a Shoeman Water Project team of 11 volunteers took their services to Haiti. Half of the project team worked on the USS Iwo Jima with the Southern Command—a Joint Task Force of the Army, Navy and Marines—on hygiene training. The other half delivered water purification kits for wells and well repair.

He graduated with a masters degree from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX in 1980 and officially began his series of humanitarian services. He found out about Kenya’s water problem on a trip with friend John Kihumba, a Missouri Baptist University student. Kihumba was killed while running for political office in Kenya.

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos courtesy Shoeman.org

He’s George “the Shoeman” Hutchings and he is getting quite the reputation for collecting shoes. But what does he do with all those shoes? At 62, Hutchings, of Ballwin, MO, and the Shoeman Water Projects, picks up and donates used and new shoes year round from businesses, churches, schools, special events and shoe drives. He exports them to retailers in developing countries, using the resale of the shoes to provide jobs and affordable footwear while funding well drilling rigs, water purification systems and hand pump repair businesses, bringing clean water to the people of Kenya, Africa. His latest trip to Africa netted three wells in Kisumu, Kagamega, and Bungoma, Kenya. Since 1998, Hutchings has made numerous trips to Kenya, shipping a sizable quantity of supplies including 21,000 meals for orphans and more than $2 million in medical supplies. He has built dental labs and sent neurosurgeons for pediatric facial reconstructions. Hutchings as collected some 30,000 pounds of shoes and purchased four water drilling rigs that have drilled 10

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Hutchings said originally Shoeman Water Projects purchased and shipped well drilling rigs to Kenya where droughts and political practices leave people walking miles each day just to collect dirty water for their families and livestock to survive. But after a massive earthquake struck Haiti last year, the organization added Haiti to his efforts. “Even before the devastating earthquake, a whopping 45 percent of Haiti’s people did not have access to safe water and 83 percent did not have access to sufficient sanitation in 2009 according to the World Health Organization. Contaminated ground water is the leading cause of infant mortality and deadly hepatitis, and cholera and dysentery take many adult lives on the island nation.” A ministry of the non-profit Eagle Wings Ministries, the Shoeman Water Projects is the result of Hutchings adventurous nature and visionary spirit. Hutchings received the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant. During his stop in Alaska on his way home, Hutchings was “struck with gratitude” when a nurse covered his cold, immobile body (he was in a full body cast) with a blanket. It

Hundreds of individuals and organizations have held shoe parties, shoe drives and even Shoeper Bowl parties over the last 13 years. Numerous volunteer opportunities are available with Shoeman Water Projects. The organization has “shoe angels”— volunteers who rescue shoes from the trash or those leftover from garage sales. Shoeffers drive around and collect donations and Shoeplomats introduce the project to civic organizations that may want to hold a shoe drive. A first grader at Boone Trail Elementary in Wentzville became a Shoeper Star last year when she collected more than 2,000 pairs of shoes for the effort. After seeing the a story about the earthquake in Haiti on the news, Hannah Eikermann got the word out to friends and neighbors, schoolmates and even went door to door on her street to collect shoes. For more information on the Shoeman Water Projects call Kellee Sikes at 314-255-7495 or visit www.shoeman.org.

SUMMER FEET Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Are you ready for the summer? Are you ready for the sunshine? Are you ready for the birds and bees, the apple trees, and a whole lot of fooling around?” The lyric from the Bill Murray summertime classic movie "Meatballs” begs the right question. And one local doctor wants to know if your feet are ready for the sandals, the toenail polish and the pool? Dr. Damon Hays of Hays Foot and Ankle Center in St. Peters recommends finding out now while you have time to do something about any foot problems you may have before you don your favorite flip flops.

"THIS IS THE TIME I TELL PEOPLE TO GET THEIR FEET READY FOR THE SUMMER" “This is the time I tell people to get their feet ready for the summer so they have enough time to heal. If they have bumps, hammer toes or scaly skin, get it taken care of now,” Hays said. A native St. Louisan, Hays is a doctor of podiatric medicine. He trained under the guidance of some of the country’s top podiatric specialists in Houston, TX where he completed his surgical residency. He has also worked with several volunteer programs such as providing free medical services to Houston’s homeless population and working with needy children at the El Nino Medical Clinic. He is on staff at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, DePaul Hospital and Missouri Baptist Hospital, as well as several outpatient surgery centers. Hays said during the winter months feet, like much of the rest of a person’s skin, become dry and even scaly. This is due to the dryness in the air in most homes from continuously running furnaces. “People also

sweat in their shoes all day,” Hays said. “When they get home and take off their shoes and there is no moisture in the house, it just dries everything out. Also, the pressure a person exerts on their feet all day long creates tension. Because the skin is less firm it can break open easier, creating cracks or fissures.” What starts out as a dry, scaly or cracked heal can turn into something much worse, Hays said. The cracks can open farther and the cuts can deepen, resulting in intense pain and discomfort and perhaps infection. Diabetics are especially at risk, he said. Fungal infections, especially those in the feet, “are one of the hardest organisms to kill,” Hays said, and could result in months of oral or topical medication. Because shoes are a breeding ground for fungals, an individual can be healed of an infection only to put on the same shoes and be exposed all over again, Hays said. The infection can move and get trapped under the toenail. And oral antibiotics used to treat the infection can be very hard on the liver, he said. Hays offers a new laser nail fungus treatment—a specially designed, patented technology that penetrates the toenail and vaporizes the fungus embedded in the nail bed and plate. The laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue and for most people provides no discomfort. Podiatrists are the only medical specialists whose entire medical training concentrates on the foot, ankle and related body systems, Hays said. Hays said studies have shown that Americans are spending more and more time on their feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association reported recently that the average person takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps every day. “It’s no wonder that foot pain has become a leading complaint among Americans,” Hays said. It’s because of this continued stress on the feet that an estimated five percent of the population currently experiences some sort of foot infection, five percent complains of foot pain from ingrown toenails and yet another six percent reports various other foot problems, including bunions, flat feet or fallen arches, Hays said.

confidence Are you suﬀering from unsightly bunions and hammertoes? Stop hiding your feet

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HEALTH & WELL NESS

height can lead to instability resulting in ankle rolls and falls. If these shoes are a must-have for you, try selecting a more modest height with ankle straps and even cork bottoms to increase stability and shock absorption. Flat Ankle Cuff Sandals

and friction on the ball of your foot. As a result, painful calluses can form and walking can become quite unbearable. Athletic Sandals If you lead an active lifestyle, a good athletic sandal is the shoe for you. When selecting an athletic style sandal, check the outer soles for good traction and the insoles for adequate support. Make sure the straps are comfortable and not too tight. A strap that is too snug will most definitely cause blistering and can reduce circulation. Flip-Flops

Hays offers, via the American Podiatric Medical Association, the following tips for choosing the best shoes for maximum foot health: Chunky Heels The chunky heel offers great stability and balance for your feet without sacrificing style. Be sure to select a moderately elevated arch with good cushioning. Too high of an arch will increase pressure 12

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The comfort and flexibility of flip-flops are hard to beat. Finding a good healthy style, however, can be a challenge. Not all flip-flops are equal. It is important to shop for a sturdy, high quality style flipflop. I would recommend a leather style above all. Leather reduces the chance for blisters and other types of irritation. Be sure to alternate your flip-flops with other shoes. Due to their lack of support, continuous wearing of flip-flops, no matter how high in quality, can lead to problems such as heel pain. The Wedge The wedge, while popular for 2011 Spring/Summer, can be a dangerous addition to your shoe wardrobe. The wedge offers great style with added height. If you are not careful, too much

Comfort meets style with the flat ankle cuff sandal. Before turning in your flip-flops or heels for this stylish new craze, be sure to find a pair that will not hinder your efforts in maintaining good foot health. While these sandals may seem extremely comfortable, their ultra thin soles can cause some severe foot problems with excessive use. When choosing your style, make sure that you cannot bend the shoe in half. A shoe with inadequate cushioning and support can result in problems like arch pain and plantar fasciitis. "The spring and summer seasons are a time for increased outdoor activities, vacations and relaxation,” Hays said. “Selecting the right shoes and sandals will help protect you against many common foot problems that arise more frequently during the spring and summer months." Hays said it is important for a person to get their feet measured every time they buy footwear. “As we age, our feet can actually get longer and wider,” he said. “Finding appropriate fitting footwear is imperative to maintaining good foot health and avoiding possible future problems." Hays Foot and Ankle Center is located at 8067 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. For more information, call 636-379-2272 or visit www. haysfootandankle.com.

ÂŠ Hope Edwards hopeedwards.com

JOE EDWARDS

FATHER OF THE LOOP Story by Robin Setton Jeferson | Photos used with permission

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F A T H E R O F T H E LOOP

hings in life are funny. Your life takes different turns and mine certainly has.” This from the man who essentially created the six blocks of retail, restaurants, live music, café culture and a Walk-Of-Fame known as “The Loop” in University City. Many people say he’s a visionary. Some say he’s a developer. Still others say he’s an entrepreneur. Collectively they call him the “Father of The Loop.”

“I never thought I would end up doing all that I’ve been doing,” said Joe Edwards. “I tried to open a place I felt comfortable in and could program the juke box.” With $10,500 borrowed from friends, Edwards opened the famed Blueberry Hill, a St. Louis landmark restaurant and music club filled with pop culture memorabilia on September 8, 1972. Today, its walls are lined with just about every cartoon and movie toy sold in the last four decades along with photos of Edwards with hundreds of acclaimed celebrities including musicians, politicians and movie stars. Most have performed or visited the famous restaurant.

Since the 1970s Edwards has co-founded The Loop Special Business District; founded the St. Louis Walk of Fame, similar to Hollywood’s walk honoring famous St. Louisans; restored and reopened the Tivoli Theatre (built in 1924); built The Pageant concert nightclub (ranked third in the country and fourth in the © Hope Edwards world for top concert venues of its size in January by Pollstar); opened the Pin-Up Bowl as well as the Flamingo Bowl; and is currently working on the installation of a fixed-track vintage trolley system that will run from University City’s City Hall east on Delmar Boulevard, south on DeBaliviere Avenue to the Missouri History Museum and back.

The Delmar Loop location got its name a century ago when streetcars from downtown St. Louis “looped around” to return to the city. The area—which had buildings dating to early part of the 20th century and was once a high fashion shopping district—was in a steep decline when Edwards opened his now famous Blueberry Hill restaurant some 40 years ago. He said he wanted to open a place where single women, families and older people alike could gather for food and music. That’s not what happened in the beginning. In fact, Edwards nearly went out of business three times in the first three years as gangs and drug dealers started frequenting the restaurant. “I banned two-thirds of my customers for life,” he said. From there, Edwards began encouraging other one-of-a-kind specialty shops, multi-national restaurants and cultural institutions to make The Loop their home. And before long he was renovating St. Louis landmarks and historical buildings, transforming them into renowned St. Louis destinations. Today, Edwards describes The Loop as a place with “an edgy feel, kind of pleasant. It’s a peaceful area. It’s probably the safest urban area in St. Louis. People walking on sidewalks make an area safe.” And walk they do, up and down the six-block eating, entertainment and shopping district, into 140 specialty shops, including 48 different restaurants with a myriad of cuisines, 10 galleries, 14 entertainment venues, 25 clothing boutiques, 27 gift stores and one luxury hotel. Edwards said he never knows what he will do next. “It’s the totality of it. I keep looking at places and thinking, ‘What’s something that would compliment the other buildings here?’” That’s what happened when he created a martini lounge that just happened to have bowling, the Pin-up Bowl, which he opened in 2003. “It’s these kinds of things that make The Loop unique,” he said.

In 2009, Edwards opened the Moonrise Hotel at 6177 Delmar. The hotel blends cool modern design and quirky sophistication. A bold combination of contemporary design, luxury amenities, 125 rooms and ample meeting space, the Moonrise Hotel combines Midwestern hospitality with urban chic. From the ever-changing colors of the iridescent lobby wall and open staircase to the evocative art, display cases of lunar toys, jewelry, figurines and spaceships at Eclipse Restaurant, there’s much to marvel at without ever leaving the hotel. The Rooftop Terrace Bar offers a dramatic view of The Delmar Loop and the St. Louis skyline. Patrons can enjoy signature cocktails and appetizers under the world’s largest man-made moon.

And it’s what is happening now as Edward’s next big project comes to fruition. The Loop Trolley Company got a $25 million boost in July when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced federal funding—through the Urban Circulator Program, which is part of the Obama administration’s “Livability Initiative”—had been approved for the $44 million project.

Edwards has received several honorary degrees from Washington University, St. Louis University, and University of MissouriSt. Louis. He has been honored by the NAACP as one of the most inspiring St. Louisans and given the “Key to the City of St. Louis” from Mayor Francis Slay. He arranged funding and three governmental approvals for Stephen Walker’s scale model of the Solar System—the Delmar Loop Planet Walk. And that’s just a few of the accomplishments on the man’s four-page, single-spaced resume.

“This is what needs to happen in St. Louis,” Edwards said, “where people don’t need to have a car and pay for the car, and gas and insurance. It keeps creative people here. Mass transit is less expensive and cheaper to build. Bringing streetcars back will wow people and attract investment.”

Trolleys ran in St. Louis from the late 19th century till 1966. Edwards hopes to have the new system, which will connect to two existing MetroLink light-rail stations and nine stops, running soon. Edwards and other supporters are currently raising the local match for the streetcars.

Along with the streetcar system, The Loop will soon have another new addition. Edwards said a nine-foot, bronze, $100,000 statue of Chuck Berry, designed by Harry Weber of Wright City, will be erected in Chuck Berry Plaza across from Blueberry Hill.

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FAT HER OF T HE L O O P

The plaza will be created on the north side of Delmar, at the brick arch next to Fitz’s just across from Melville Ave. Lyrics from Chuck Berry songs will be “etched into the granite to become part of the floor of the plaza,” Edwards said.

"THE LOOP IS DIVERSE IN SO MANY WAYS WITH PEOPLE OF ALL ECONOMIC STRATA INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER"

The statue will be installed when the 14-mile Centennial Greenway bicycle and pedestrian path gets to the future site of the Plaza. The path is being developed along Forest Park and the Washington University campus, down Melville Avenue and then across Delmar (and eventually to Creve Coeur Park). MY

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When asked what he does in his spare time or if he even has any, Edwards said he likes the culture and the crowd that surround him. “I enjoy frequenting the places I’ve built. The Loop is diverse in so many ways with people of all economic strata interacting with each other. I like to be here.” Things in life are funny.

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PRESERVING HISTORY ON MAIN STREET ONE PLAQUE AT A TIME Story by Amy Armour | Photo by Michael Schlueter

If you’ve taken a stroll down Main Street St. Charles the past few months, you may have noticed something a little different. Beautiful plaques installed on the outside many of the buildings on North Main Street, as well as in the 100 block of South Main Street. The plaques have information about when and who built the original building, as well as an interesting story about the history of the building. Many of the plaques also include a drawing or photograph of the original building. “We hoped to bring attention to the history of our area,” said Penny Pitman, president of the Historic Downtown Association. “And we wanted to give people who own the buildings pride in what they own.” The association hired Carolyn Whetzel and Justin Watkins to research the history. Otherwise, the two-year project was completely volunteer-based. Whetzel and Watkins went through records at the St. Charles County Courthouse, followed chains of titles and visited the recorder of deeds to track down interesting historical data on the buildings. The current location of Quintessential’s, located at 147 North Main Street, was the home to the Palace Clothing Company from 1902-1980. According to the plaque, the two adjoined buildings shared a common wall with one side housing a meat market and the other a tailor shop.

BOOK CLUB

The bar Undertow, located at 142 N. Main Street, used to be Showgun’s Ferry. The researchers found an advertisement in an old

Penny Pitman with Historic Plaque

paper looking for the owner of a barrel of whiskey. Twenty-two plaques were installed last fall, and the remaining 18 are scheduled to be completed this spring. The volunteer project was funded from proceeds from Music on Main. “The association works on projects that emphasize the history of the neighborhood or contribute to the community,” said Pitman. The project was also an effort to attract people into the area. “We believe there’s a lot of history on North Main Street,” said Pitman. “There’s a great deal of commercial history in the area.” And so far, the project has drawn praise from downtown visitors.

THEN & NOW ST CHARLES by Vicki Berger Erwin and Jessica R Dreyer Responding to requests from customers for a book that gave some history of the buildings on the street, Main Street Books owner Vicki Berger Erwin joined forces with photographer Jessica R Dreyer and the St Charles County Historical Society to create THEN & NOW ST CHARLES, contrasting old St Charles with new St Charles. The majority of the book focuses on buildings on Main Street with the historic photos taken from the collection at the Historical Society and the now photos taken by Dreyer. A portion of the proceeds of the book benefit the St Charles Historical Society. Available at Main Street Books 307 South Main | 636-949-0105

Arcadia Publishing, Paperback, $21 .99 STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

A LA CART E

THE VINE

A Special Kind of Restaurant Story by Amy Armour | Photos by Michael Schlueter

Kara and Michael Gatto, both retired from previous careers, take giving back to a whole new level. They co-own The Vine restaurant on Main Street in St. Charles and they give away all the proceeds. After the seven staff members are compensated and the mortgage is paid, the remainder is donated to local charities. The couple does not even draw a salary. “We both love helping the community,” said Kara. “We wanted to bring a fine dining element to St. Charles and give back to the St. Charles community.” The Gattos select charities that are important to family, friends and staff members. Proceeds have benefited many local charities, including: Crisis Nursery, St. Charles Boys & Girls Club, St. Charles Humane Society, and St. Jude Research Hospital.

Steak & Wild Mushroom w/ Risotto

The Vine was a perfect outlet for the couple. It was a favorite date spot for them and the location of their 2009 wedding reception. “We used to go there all the time (when we were dating). We loved the atmosphere and it was one of our favorite restaurants,” said Kara. So when the restaurant came up for sale in 2009, Kara and Michael jumped at the opportunity—even with no previous restaurant experience. “The first nine months were challenging. But it’s been great to be a part of the community,” said Kara, a former nonprofit executive director. She describes The Vine as a “fine dining restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.” It seats 70 inside, and an additional 40 on each of the two outdoor patios. The menu features about 12 entrees each evening. Ahi Tuna, pecan encrusted salmon, filet mignon and Lobster Macaroni de Gratin are just some of the many wonderful items to choose from. While the restaurant does not offer a children’s menu, Kara said the chef will custom make a child’s meal, whether its macaroni and cheese or pasta with a red sauce. But don’t expect fried chicken fingers or French fries as the restaurant does not even have a fryer onsite. The chef will also custom make vegetarian or vegan entrées for his customers. In addition to the fine dining, customers can choose from an extensive wine list. The Vine has about 100 wines from around

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Dining area

the world, including Sonoma Valley, Argentina and South Africa, to choose from. “We’re trying to bring a new mix of food and dining to the community and give back in anyway that we can,” said Kara. THE VINE IS OPEN FOR DINNER 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Sunday to Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.thevineonmain.com. 325 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

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COMMUNITY

RELATIONSHIPS MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

Last year, more than 2,000 volunteers spent time connecting with residents at Emmaus Homes…creating friendships to last a lifetime.

Volunteers share time with residents

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of our residents,” said Pam Benz, director of public relations for Emmaus Homes. “Relationships are what make a life. Volunteers come in and make sure our residents have a quality of life.”

Marfisi tries to visit residents and attend field trips several times a month.

Founded by members of the German Evangelical Church in Marthasville in 1893, the faith-based organization helps 250 developmentally disabled men and women each year in the St. Louis metropolitan area with a variety of residential options which include both campus living and community homes.

After her initial experience, Marfisi decided to bring her 10-year-old daughter Alyssa with her to visit.

“Sometimes people are intimidated by people with developmental disabilities. People with disabilities have the same wants and needs as any person. They want to enjoy life, have friends, have a nice place to live,” said Benz. “They are no different than you or I. Their brain is wired differently, but aren’t all of ours.” The first campus was opened in a former seminary in Marthasville. In 1901, a second campus was established in St. Charles. In 2011, the two campuses boast a total of 40 homes for the developmentally disabled. Emmaus Homes’ mission is to “enhance the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities by providing compassionate care with an emphasis on safety, health and happiness.” And volunteers are essential in attaining that mission. Jill Marfisi started volunteering with Emmaus Homes a year ago as part of community service project for a college communications class. The class ended, but her relationship with residents did not. 20

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“I stayed with it because I love everybody there. I love the experience I had,” said Marfisi.

“I wanted her to understand that everyone deserves to be loved,” said Marfisi. “She loves going…and they all love her.” Marfisi and her daughter have visited with residents, reading books, playing games and just talking. Volunteers are also a way the nonprofit can stretch the dollars. The cost per resident is about $222 a day and according to the United Way, each hour someone volunteers is worth $20.85 to the organization. The majority of residents at Emmaus Homes are referred from the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The state, along with Senate Bill 40, cover about 88 percent of the nonprofit’s costs. The remainder of the funds is acquired through individual and corporate donations, as well as grants. The opportunities for volunteers are endless. Emmaus Homes provides a variety of activities on a daily basis at each of the homes, as well as several field trips throughout the year. Volunteers can read to residents, play games, or take a walk throughout the campus. And with twice daily activities, staff at Emmaus Homes can

always use extra helping hands. With 70 percent of residents over the age of 50, many do not have family members around. “Volunteers give the residents the opportunity to have friendships outside of Emmaus,” said Benz. They also free staff up to complete the necessary daily tasks like paperwork, handing out medications and taking care of residents. Chris Adams, director of annual giving at Emmaus Homes, encourages volunteers who have a particular skill or hobby to share it with residents. Whether its scrapbooking, arts and crafts or BINGO. Emmaus Homes is also looking for volunteers in the education and healthcare fields. The nonprofit is planning to offer a basic reading and math program, as well as a series of health issues seminars about aging. “We need folks to help design and implement the program,” said Adams. Groups or families can now Adopt-a-Home in the Emmaus Home community. The adoptive ‘family’ can bake cookies with residents before Christmas or plan a picnic in the Spring. “Working with our residents is truly a meaningful experience,” said Adams. “Our residents are really wonderful people. Everyone I’ve talked to who volunteers goes away with a wonderful feeling.” “When you see the sparkle in their eye, you know you’ve made a difference,” said Marfisi.

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Honoring Outstanding Women of St. Charles County

SAVE THE DATE! The 2011 Yellow Rose Awards Luncheon May 20, 2011 Old Hickory Golf Club, St. Peters 10:30am-1:30pm Great networking opportunities and shopping at our vendor tables! Guest Speaker - Stacy Malkan, Co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - www.safecosmetics.org

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Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. www.Zonta.org | ZontaSaintCharles.org

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STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

FIT NES S & LIFE STYL E

ST. CHARLES GYM DRAWS RAMS PLAYERS Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

A considerably large oval sign hangs amid the training equipment at Emerge Fitness Training in St. Charles blazoned with the letters ATP, similar to the familiar graphic of the STP Fuel and Oil Additives company sign. STP sports the motto “The Racer’s Edge” and Emerge does no less for the professional competitors and would-be athletes who frequent the facility. Opened in 2007 by Matt and Angie Pirtle, Duchesne High School and Orchard Farm High School graduates, respectively, Emerge Fitness specializes in body fat reduction, sports performance and postural correction. The staff at Emerge has more than 70,000 combined personal training hours.

Angie & Matt Pirtle, owners of Emerge Fitness

“Our trainers are 100 percent the most educated and experienced trainers in St. Louis,” Matt Pirtle said. “Most people become trainers while they are waiting to become a teacher or going to school or whatever. Here at Emerge, this is our career. Everyone here has a degree in the field.” But as they say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” And area athletes are starting to take notice—more specifically the St. Louis RAMS football players. And what’s more, their wives are the ones who got them in the doors. Angie Pirtle started training Chris Massey’s wife Sarah several years ago. “She was looking so good, she became a walking billboard for me.” Today, Angie trains between 12 and 15 of the wives of the RAMS players at any given time.

"WE HAVE TRAINED ALL LEVELS OF ATHLETES FROM SEVEN YEARS OLD TO NFL ATHLETES, TO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS" “And it was through them that we got their husbands,” Angie said. “That’s the bigger story, that now more players come here than their wives.” But what caused such a dramatic change in the bodies of the players and their wives that cause others to come to Emerge? “If you look around, this doesn’t look like a 24-Hour Fitness or a 22

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Angie & Matt Pirtle train Chris & Sarah Massey (Rams football player & his wife)

Gold’s Gym,” Matt said. “You see ropes and rings. You use these things to train athletes.” ATP stands for Athletic Training and Performance. It’s a division of Emerge Fitness that focuses on athletic training and performance enhancement. Every athlete involved in the program will have an individual movement assessment and baseline test taken to objectively measure increases in athletic ability. The program includes core stability exercises, strength and power training, corrective exercise and flexibility training, speed, agility and endurance training in varying degrees depending on the athlete’s sport and individual strengths and weaknesses. “We have trained all level of athletes from seven years old to NFL athletes, to Olympic gold medalists,” Matt said. Matt said athletes come to Emerge because the company is progressive in its view of training. “Most athletic training in

the pros is old school training with heavy lifting, running, etc. What they really need is functional training—the type of training that’s usable.” For instance, a bench press is good for strength training and heavy lifting. “But what athlete is going to lie back on the ground in a perfect balanced environment and press weight over their head? It doesn’t match their sport. It doesn’t match their need.” Matt has different ideas. “So I try to replicate the environment they are in on the field, moving pressing, twisting one foot, etc. These are the atmospheres they find themselves in. They may be super strong on the bench press but it doesn’t mean anything on the football field if you can’t use that strength.” Along with the climbing ropes, rings and even tractor tires, Emerge equipment includes slosh pipes that can be filled with water, water that shifts at any given time. “You have to be able to shift your balance to that,” Matt said.

But it’s not just professional athletes who work with the personal trainers at Emerge. The sessions can assist people with pain management, muscle imbalance, knee and shoulder injuries, building muscle, losing weight and running efficiently. The Pirtles don’t spend all of their time in the gym, however. The company just held its 2nd annual “Get Fit for Fido” series of free classes in December. Emerge’s nine free boot camp classes raised hundreds of dollars and countless bags of food, treats, toys and business supplies for the St. Charles Humane Society (a no-kill animal shelter). The gifts were delivered to the shelter on Christmas Eve so that all of the puppies and dogs received a new toy on Christmas morning. EMERGE FITNESS Is located at 3839 Mexico Road in St. Charles. For more information call 636-922-7559 or visit www.emergefitnesstraining.com

The power plate machine vibrates the entire body, tightening muscles, getting them prepared for the work out. The Pneubounder is an air resisted plyometric machine which serves the purpose of a trampoline but with air. “We have an ‘Owned the Rope’ list,’” Matt said. It’s kind of a gym class ropes redemption. People say, ‘I couldn’t do that in fourth grade, but now 40 years later, I’m climbing the rope.’”

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

FE ATURED ART I ST

HEALING ART

FOR A BRAVE SOLDIER Story by Robin Setton Jeferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Greg

Miller was a different man when he returned from Iraq. A self-taught artist, the husband and father of two had always loved to paint. But much of the beauty he had once seen in the world had been distorted by the images that were burnt into his mind of war and death. The son of a pilot and grandson of a lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force, Miller was destined to serve his country. But five months in Iraq wounded him in a way no bullet could Miller returned to the states suffering from severe post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “We were mortared a lot,” he said. “There was a lot of gunfire. I saw a lot of coffins being loaded on to the airplanes.” Although therapy helped some, Miller’s doctors recommended another kind of healing technique. “My psychiatrist suggested I open an art studio as a form of therapy,” Miller said. My Handyworks was the result. Miller and his wife, Heather Miller had actually started My Handworks in the spring of 2005 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. At that time, the business was more of a traveling art trade. The two would attend kids’ festivals, conduct birthday parties and operate booths at local shows. The idea began with creating lasting works of art that would memorialize a time when a child’s hand was just “so big.” Kids simply place their hands into washable paint, then onto an acrylic tile and the Millers do the rest. With the paint sealed inside the picture, it only takes about five minutes to complete the project from start to finish. More than 24

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30 designs are available today ranging from a lion—wherein the mane is composed entirely of the child’s handprints—to a fish to a bird. Footprints are used as well. My Handyworks was featured at the Kids Fest and Christmas Fest at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; Purina Farms; Six Flags and the St. Louis Zoo. “Since My Handworks had no permanent home, we went to birthday parties, daycares, company functions and local festivals,” Heather said. But Greg, then a reservist for the U.S. Air Force, was deployed to Iraq in 2008. “We put a halt to advertising when he deployed.” Following Greg’s return and his subsequent diagnosis with PTSD, the couple decided to give their artwork their full attention by opening the store front at 205 South Main Street in St. Charles. “God has blessed Greg with the ability to lose himself in creating art pieces,” Heather said. An interactive art studio, My Handyworks offers art lessons, murals, wax hands, handprint paintings, spray paint picture and wooden roses. Patrons can dip your hands in wax for a mold starting at $6 or make framed paintings using handprints and baby's footprints starting at $15. They can also take a pencil/charcoal drawing class, painting class or spray paint art class.

My Handyworks-Featured Artist Greg & Heather Miller with kids making Wax HandsArtwork

A mold of the customer’s hand is made in wax, dyed from one solid color to up to six colors of the rainbow with added glitter if desired. “Couples enjoy holding hands while children enjoy making other signs such as hang loose, peace and I love you,” Heather said. Greg creates landscapes, cityscapes, American Flag scenes and space scenes with bowls, newspaper, sponges, straight edges, but no paint brushes. His Bob Marley charcoal drawings are especially popular. The Millers also sell life-like roses made of birch wood. Greg is also a muralist and fine artist. Featured on Show Me St. Louis on KSDK Channel 5 last May, My Handyworks offers a 50 percent military discount all day every day to kids whose parents are deployed. The works of art can then be sent overseas to military personnel. “I just understand how it feels to be away from your family for so long,” Greg said. “It’s always nice to get mail or packages from your family when you’re away.” Greg said his artwork and studio have saved his life, with a little help from above. “Before I had the studio I would just stay in bed all day. It’s helping a lot. You just don’t know until you get over there how it is going to affect you. I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ. I feel I was given this idea as a gift. I believe all of my artwork is a gift.”

www.myhandyworks.com

Commercial Printing Since 1945 with Personal Attention to Quality Stop By, Call or Email us to find out how we can meet your needs.

601 N. Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301 phone 636-946-3525 fax 636-724-1668 email thomsofc@swbell.net STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

RECOGNIZING ST. CHARLES COUNTY EXECUTIVES, EMPLOYEES, AND BOARD MEMBERS October 20th, 2011 at the The Columns Banquet Center • Doors open at 6:00 PM Emcee - Senator Scott Rupp ; Keynote Speaker Christine Buck Tables of 10 $600 (includes 2 drink tickets and a supeb dinner)

Nomination deadline: Friday, June 16th 2011 • 50 Winners Announced: Thursday, June 31st 2011 To nominate a deserving person, please complete this form or visit www.streetscapemagazine.com (go to events page) and include or upload photo. In addition, please attach in 300 words or less the reason (professional, civic Lorna & Craig Frahm and personal) why this person is worthy of recognition. Nominees must live or work in St. Charles County.

BEYOND THE BEST NOMINATION FORM Candidates may be from either Private or Public Sectors. No age restrictions. Executive Employee Board Member Volunteer Nominee’s Name _______________________________________________________________________ Company/Organization _______________________________ Title ______________________________ Address ____________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________ City ______________________ Zip _____________ Phone __________________ Enclosed photo of nominee :

yes

List reasons why nominee should be considered ________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Why are you nominating this individual? (This may be a direct quote.) ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Nominators please fill in the information below. You may be contacted for further information. Name _____________________________ e-mail _____________________ Phone _________________ Please submit your nomination to: StreetScape Magazine Office 223 N Main Street. Saint Charles, Missouri 63301 or email to: tom@streetscapemag.com, or renaud7207@centurytel.net. Please attach additional information and photograph to this form For sponsorship information please contact: Mary Ellen Renaud 314.660.1975 or Tom Hannegan 636.299.3585

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MISSOURI'S #1

Congratulations

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE #1

Tom McIntyre 2010 Salesperson of the year

Source, bureau of Missouri Automotive registration

"WHERE PRICE SELLS CARS" SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - COLLISION REPAIR

2010 CTS

I-70 Cave Springs Exit • 4190 N. Service Rd. • St. Peters • 636-928-2300

www.bommaritocadillac.com CATCH Z. THE BUZ

• Become a Fan of Streetscape on Facebook • Join us for 2011 Greater Saint Charles Fashion Week at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa August 24 –27 , 2011. Currently seeking Sponsors (Customized sponsorship opportunities available). Seeking Designers, and seeking Vendoors Please contact Kate Santellano for additional information (314) 249-2454. • Xanadu PR and Streetscape Magazine unite for all your PR and Advertising needs. • Join us for Beyond the Best Awards October 20th, 2011. • Visit us online to view electronic files of current and past issues of Streetscape Magazine. www.streetscapemagazine.com

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

SWOOSH: HOOPS IN TOWN Get ready St. Charles! The State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament will once again do a slam dunk at the Family Arena. This annual basketball tournament – to be held March 10-13 – features the women’s basketball teams of each of the Missouri Valley Conference member universities – all 10 league schools will be represented (visit online at www.mvc.org/mvcstcharles for more information, including the complete tournament schedule). The tournament determines which MVC team receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championship, to be held the first week in April in Indianapolis, IN. Now in its 16th year of existence, the State Farm MVC Women’s Basketball Championship has truly become a weekend event. In its fourth year in St. Charles, the event begins with openinground action starting at 5:05 p.m. on March 10. The quarterfinals begin at noon on March 11, with the semifinals starting at 1:35 p.m. on March 12. The tourney concludes with a 2:05 p.m. championship game on March 13. Founded in 1907 as the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MVIAA), the MVC is the nation’s second oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference. Today, the Missouri Valley Conference shares its name with the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and the two organizations – although run separately administratively – operate from the same headquarters location in St. Louis.

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League members include Bradley, Creighton, Drake, Evansville, Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Wichita State. This tournament represents big time action in Women’s Basketball right here in our own back yard. Here are the details you will need to purchase tickets: CREDIT CARD ORDERS BY PHONE MetroTix 314-534-1111 | MO Valley Conference 314-444-4300 *additional service fee per ticket PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE Purchase State Farm MVC Women’s Basketball Championship tickets online through the MetroTix web site -- www.metrotix.com. And while you’re in town, don’t forget there are more than 120 shops, restaurants and pubs in the St. Charles historic district. So before or after the game, be sure to visit Main Street to shop, dine, be entertained or simply enjoy the ambiance. For more information about things to do and see in St. Charles, visit the tourism office online at www.historicstcharles.com. Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau 230 South Main Street |St. Charles, MO 63301 636-946-7776 | www.historicstcharles.com

Walk. Run. Jog. Learn. Do it all at the 2011 Spring Wellness Festival at St. Charles Community College on Saturday, April 30. All runners and walkers will receive a custom 2011 race T-shirt free with registration! Register online, download a race form on the Web, or call SCC today to get signed up.

19th Annual

ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

10K RACE â&#x20AC;˘ 3-MILE WALK and 1-MILE FUN RUN The fun begins at dawn!

Ask about our special family discount.

stchas.edu/10K | 636-922-8475

The Wellness Festival is a healthy choice for your business! After the races and walk, hundreds of fitness enthusiasts, parents and kids will visit the Wellness Festival from 8-11 a.m. to sample and to shop. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity to reach the health-minded customer!

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

TRAVE L

A MISSOURI MILE

THE BEST WAY TO SEE MISSOURI With Ann Hazelwood | Photos by Joel H Watkins IV

Summer

Spring

Fall

Winter

et’s Motor” was a nostalgic command to jump in the car and experience the up close and personal way to travel. Traveling in our car is by far the best way to see Missouri. It gives us ultimate freedom and flexibility to go where we want and when! 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.

Here are my personal suggestions for you to BE aware of as you enjoy your future travels in the months ahead.

Other forms of travel like planes, trains and buses limit us in our time, scenery, luggage and space.

• Check out your hotel and B&B’s brochures and in-house internet tours.

Experiencing all of the four seasons of Missouri is best seen from our car! As a Missouri book author, I traveled all of the four corners of the state. I loved visiting with folks, tasting our home grown food and wine in wonderful restaurants, visiting events and attractions and staying at B&B’s and hotels. I have done it all with my best travel companion; my car!

• The National Parks Service www.nps.com can give your descriptions, rates and availability.

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BE INFORMED • Educate yourself before you leave on your directions and services of your destination. • Is your car in good running order?

• Check the National Weather service about the weather ahead.

BE ADVISED

MAJOR

• Know when it is a good time to visit your destination, like hours and days closed.

LEAGUE SERVICE.

• Find out if there are parking fees at hotels or attractions. • Find out about time differences. • Take an extra set of keys and put your insurance card in your wallet instead of your car. • Email your itinerary to someone and keep it in your computer. • Does your destination have your car dealership available, especially if you have a foreign car?

From backyards to big leagues, count on us to be there. We can help you get the coverage you need and the discounts you deserve.

BE PREPARED • Have maps and GPS available if possible. • Pack your luggage in the order for which you will need it. • Fill up with gas when you are down to a quarter of a tank, in case there is not service later on. • There are usually better gas prices if you look for places that have a cluster of gas stations.

Lori Adams 2225 Bluestone Dr Saint Charles, MO 63303 Bus: 636-916-5555 Toll Free: 866-916-0555 www.trustlori.com

Jeff Strickland 1018 First Capitol Drive St Charles, MO 63301 Bus: 636-947-6226 Toll Free: 800-783-6261 www.jeffstrickland.com

• Have all the necessities in your car like umbrella, water, snacks, wipes and rain poncho. • Keep all your paperwork related to your trip in one folder. • If you are traveling with children, have things to occupy them, like books.

P090128

State Farm • Home Office, Bloomington, IL

• Make sure your prescriptions are all filled for your time away and a few days more. BE FLEXIBLE • Be willing to stop frequently at rest stops and not schedule your time too closely. • Each day you travel is like a small mini trip to take advantage of. BE SAFE • Know what your emergency plan will be if you need to get help. • If you need to pull over, don’t get out of your car on the roadside of your car. • Never leave your car to get help. • Use your seat belts, stay hydrated, and stay awake. • Do not text or use hand held phone devices while driving. • Watch your speed limit. Small towns can change them quickly without much notice. BE HAPPY • Observe all you can and allow yourself to photograph when necessary. • Breathe in the air of the season and relax to the freedom of enjoying Missouri! • Now, let’s “Motor On!” STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

StreetScape: What are your thoughts on the music industry in general? Gretchen: It’s a really confusing industry because there’s no real handbook on how to be in the industry or how to succeed in it. It’s kind of cutthroat, do it your own way because there is no right way or wrong way kind of a business to be in. That’s neat and the possibilities are endless on how creative you can be. But it’s also sometimes really frustrating when you can’t get anywhere and you’re spinning your wheels and you don’t have a real explanation why. StreetScape: Do you think shows like American Idol help or hurt the music industry? Gretchen: I don’t know if they do either. I think it’s a little different for the artists that end up coming out of those shows. I think it’s probably a little bit more difficult for them to adjust to the industry verses somebody who’s done it their whole life and somebody who started out playing gigs in front of live audiences. I feel like a lot of those younger ones are thrown into this very demanding business where a lot of people are depending on you to make them a lot of money. It’s very different from what people think it is and I think sometimes it’s shocking to some of them because they haven’t really grown up in it and done what most people call ‘paying their dues’. StreetScape: What was the moment that you knew you had made it in the music business? Gretchen: When I heard “Redneck Woman” on the radio. I knew that something was really finally happening. I was still living in a rental house and I just had my vehicle repossessed. I was nowhere near starting to make any money yet, but I heard it on the radio and I knew that something was getting ready to start. StreetScape: How does seeing your name on the billboard in your hometown make you feel? “HOME OF COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER GRETCHEN WILSON”. Is it a bit surreal? Gretchen: Of course it is. It’s great to be from there. It’s great that people are proud of me…and I’ll always think about Pocahontas and Bond County and the Madison County area because I lived in all those little small towns over there and I grew up there… I remember what it was like to be a kid there and I know what it’s like to be an adult there too because I have a lot of friends that are still there. It’s one of those few places left in the country that are just old-fashioned and really almost ‘Leave it to Beaver’ kind of lifestyle (laughs). It’s just a great traditional part of my life and my history and America. I’m proud to be from there and I love that they’re proud of me. StreetScape: How did you get to sing “Redbird Fever” for the Cardinals? Gretchen: Somebody on the Cardinals staff sent an email to my management and they had kind of changed the lyrics around a little bit, but the way it was changed wasn’t really ‘singable’. So I took what they had done and changed it a little bit more and ended up just kind of making a little parody of the song (Redneck Woman). It was a lot of fun for that season and it was great for me because I’m a huge Cardinals fan and I loved being 34

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involved in that. In fact, if they ever asked me to do anything like that again, I’d probably be more than happy to do it. StreetScape: What do you like to do in your free time? Gretchen: I like shooting guns and riding four-wheelers…I’m kind of a homebody. I like cleaning my house. I know it’s weird but I’ve got a log house out in the middle of the woods and like building things and rearranging my furniture and decorating… stuff like that.. StreetScape: Does your daughter help out? Gretchen: No, she’s not like me. I think she feels like a city girl trapped in the country. I have to sit around and listen to some of her music because I know she has to sit around and listen to mine a lot. StreetScape: You quit smoking on New Year’s Eve in front of a huge concert crowd. How are you holding up? Gretchen: I’m doing good. I’m doing better than I have any other year. I’ve made it longer this time than the last three years in a row and I feel good about it. There was something about telling my fans as a crowd. I thought that if I told them, I’d really quit. I smoked the last cigarette in front of them. I’d be afraid to ever light one up outside my door again because I know that somebody will catch me and put it online and then I’d be called a liar. StreetScape: Why did you decide to quit? Gretchen: It’s killing me. It’s a bad example and it’s one of the worst things you can do. I’ve been down on myself for years because I feel like I’ve been able to handle just about anything, but it’s been such a struggle to quit smoking. I’ve hated myself for that, so it’s just something I needed to do for my daughter. StreetScape: What would you call the proudest moment of your life? Gretchen: Having my daughter. StreetScape: Is it hard being in the music business and parenting at the same time? Gretchen: I learned a long time ago that you just have to bring your kids with you. They’re not that fragile. Grace (10) has been on tour since she was 3 years old. She’s been out on tour every so often and she’s great out there. She has a great time and my crew treats her like she’s one of their own and we’re all a big family out there. And then she comes back and re-adjusts her schedule just like me and goes back to school. She does great. She’s a really well-rounded kid. She’s like an old soul though because she hangs around with many adults. StreetScape: You recently got your GED. With everything else you’ve accomplished, why was that important to you? Gretchen: That’s something I wanted to do from the time I quit. When I quit school and left home, it was because it was necessary for me to do that. I had to get out of the house because it was a very volatile situation for me at home. So I really regretted not being able to stay in school. It was just something I always promised myself I’d do someday and I

S E CT ION

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COVE R ST ORY

realized all of a sudden that I hadn’t done it. So I started the process and along the way is when I found out just how many adults in our country are illiterate. They can’t read and write and it started to really be a concern of mine. That’s why I got involved with campaigning for adult literacy.

"I KEPT THINKING THAT A RECORD DEAL WAS GOING TO FIND ME IN POCAHONTAS. BUT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN LIKE THAT. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE RECORD DEALS." StreetScape: Have you had a lot of response from people? Gretchen: Yes. It’s amazing how many people that are in my meet and greets that tell me that it’s already affected their lives and that it’s made them want to go back to college. A lot of my fans who are in their 40’s have told me they’ve joined some kind of online college and that they’re getting a degree in all different kinds of things. They’re just a lot of really cool stories. Even my own family members…my cousin who dropped out in 11th grade went back with me and got his GED at the same time. StreetScape: What are some of the things you’re working on for the future? Gretchen: I’m working on all kinds of things all the time and it’s great just knowing that the future can hold anything for me. I don’t have to wait anymore. I can throw out a 3-pack album if I want to. I don’t have to record 10 or 12 songs at once. Anything we want to do, we can do now and it’s amazing. StreetScape: What advice do you have for someone from the St. Louis area that’s trying to make it in music? Gretchen:Depending on what type of music they’re singing, they have to go where it’s happening at. That’s how you get to meet people. In this business, it’s about who you know. You have to know people to end up getting those auditions in front of the right people. If you can’t move, you have to start making trips. If you’re a rock singer, you need to start going out to L.A. and New York. If you’re a country singer, you can start making trips to Nashville. You have to start writing with top writers and meeting people that are in the industry. That was what I waited the longest for. I kept thinking that a record deal was going to find me in Pocahontas. But it doesn’t happen like that. You have to go to the record deals. Gretchen’s latest album is called ‘I Got Your Country Right Here’. Visit gretchenwilson.com to get a copy.

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* Summer Arts Camps * After-School Programs in Music, Theatre & Art * Pre-School Classes * Themed Parties 307 Droste Rd. St. Charles, MO 63301 (314) 606-5798 makebelievetheatreandarts.com Beth Duello, Owner

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MULTIME DIA A RT

YOUNG, ENERGETIC AND SUPER CREATIVE Grip Agency

Story by Amy Armour | Photos provided by Grip Agency

immy Sewell and Rocky Aliberti have been in business together since cutting lawns and detailing cars as young entrepreneurs in the neighborhood.

Sewell said having a web presence can be a strong marketing tool for all types of businesses. But the strength of the marketing tool is only as good as the design and ongoing maintenance of the web site.

The childhood friends have been hockey teammates, school buddies and business partners since junior high. After working together at a St. Louis advertising agency, the two men started Grip Agency in St. Louis in 2005. Website design is about 75 percent of the company’s business.

Sewell said there are several key factors businesses should consider when designing or updating the company Web site. First and foremost, consumers need to be able to find it. Businesses are competing with thousands of pages of information when typing key words in a search engine.

“There’s a need there and we decided (web design) is a good fit for us,” said Sewell.

“You can have an awesome website but if you’re on page eight in the search engine people aren’t going to find you,” said Sewell.

Grip Agency also helps businesses with email and Internet marketing, search engine optimization, photography, print and graphic design, video production, branding and identity creation and radio voiceovers.

Grip utilizes a search engine optimization program through Google. The program helps determine the best key words to use to match with a company. The agency aims to land the website in one of the top five positions on the first page of a search.

“We help our clients improve their marketing message, brand image and visual communications with creative ideas and design,” said Aliberti. “We are a young company that under promises and over delivers for an extremely affordable rate.”

To attain that status on the search page, Sewell said it’s important to understand the customer and how they think. Understanding the words and language the customers will use in a search will increase the chance of that customer finding the business.

ipa

y.c

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“A lot of companies make the mistake of talking their jargon and not the consumer’s language,” said Sewell. “The more closely the content on the website is to what consumers are searching for (the better).” Sewell also suggests asking new customers how they found the site and checking out the competitions website. Once customers locate the site, don’t overwhelm the consumer with lots of copy. “People don’t read on the Internet—they browse,” said Sewell. He suggests using bullet points for important information, instead of lengthy paragraphs. And be sure to emphasize the strengths of the company. “Make sure what you do and why it matters or how you can be of assistance is very prominent,” said Sewell. Also, make sure the company’s phone number and address is located at the top and easily accessible. Sewell said there are several common mistakes companies make when constructing a website. Sewell recommends avoiding using Flash too much. The Flash programming can make it more difficult for customers to search for the site. Another mistake customers make is not maintaining and updating the site on a regular basis. A website requires ongoing maintenance, tweaks and revisions, said Sewell. “Customers have to have a reason to come back,” said Sewell. And once the website is developed, there’s more work to be done. “The web development is a very small phase in a web life cycle,” said Sewell. Sewell suggests using Google Analytics, which is a free online program (www.google/analytics) that tracks website usage. The data can tell the company which pages are most popular, the most common search words or what page most visitors are leaving. It can also see where customers are located, how long they view each page or where they exit the site. “You can gain a lot of information to help better your website,” said Sewell, who uses the program for every website the company designs. “The most important tool a business can have is their website,” said Sewell. “A strong web presence will be out there working 24/7 and 365 days of the year.”

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mixing bohemian flavors & trippy touches to make truly original statements Photography / Direction: Lance Tilford Wardrobe / Styling: Maria Copello Hair / Makeup: Tamara Tungate Models: Christy Campbell and Madeleine Meeks for West Model & Talent Management Shot At Limelight Studio St. Charles

This page on Christy: Silk dress by Geren Ford from Byrd Style Lounge, flower print sweater cape by Gentle Fawn from Ziezo, chandelier necklace from VIE, hat by Scala from String Along With Me, Lita platforms by Jeffrey Campbell from Ziezo. Opposite page on Madeleine: Flower print maxi dress by Free People from Ziezo, lace scarf by Look from Ziezo, western chain belt by Brighton from String Along With Me, stone bracelet by Treska from String Along With Me, Brisbane boots by Jeffrey Campbell from Ziezo.

This page on Christy: Long sleeve dress by Tulle from Ziezo, leopard scarf by Rikka from Ziezo, necklace by Juxtapose from Byrd Style Lounge, ring by Ethel & Myrtle from String Along With Me, beaded bracelet by Treska from String Along With Me, Lita platforms by Jeffrey Campbell from Ziezo. Opposite page on Madeleine: Sheer blouse by Mink Pink from Ziezo, wide leg pants by Alexis from VIE, belt by Brighton from String Along With Me, flower ring from Byrd Style Lounge, shell Necklace from Byrd Style Lounge, hat fromString Along With Me, taupe clogs by BC Footwear from Ziezo.

This page on Madeleine: Multicolor sheer tunic from Vie, sweater by Free People from Ziezo, cross necklace from VIE, ring from Byrd Style Lounge. On Christy: Tie dye dress by Hard Tail from Byrd Style Lounge, electric blue sweater by Kersh from Ziezo, scarf by Rikka from Ziezo, necklace from VIE, studded heels by Not Rated from Ziezo.

This page on Christy: Sheer blouse by Equipment from VIE, multicolor skirt by Mink Pink from Ziezo, black petal vest by Foley & Corinna from VIE, silver cuff bracelet by Ethel & Myrtle from String Along With Me, Hat by S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 45 Scala from String Along With Me.

SALON GUY

CARY O’BRIEN TIME TO NOW BRING OUT THE "SELFISH MOM"

oms take care of everyone - The kids, the hubby, aging parents… and they work too! Everyone suffers when mom doesn’t feel good. Sometimes you have to be a little selfish if you want to be the best mom. As we head into Spring, slow down, recharge, renew, and fill your own cup once again and do it GUILT FREE. Give yourself permission to do four or more of these ideas and earn the "SELFISH MOM AWARD"! You deserve to feel great. 1. Set time aside weekly for that one hour bath you know you need. Put the kids to bed, lock the door and light some candles. Or… read a good book by the fire under a snuggly blanket. It works better with the kids in bed. 2. DVR your favorite trashy T.V. show and watch it late at night guilt free.

Carrie O' Brien Salon

3. Hydrate inside and out. Drink more water every day, and make the appointment for a hydrating facial that will make you look and feel better. 4. Take a cooking class with a girl friend and make the night of it. 5. Really start that exercise program you keep talking about. Here's how; Get out of the house and take a walk three times a week and you are doing it. You will feel stronger and energized. 6. If and only if you started the exercise routine, visit a spa for a relaxing 90 minute massage. It’s your reward for just getting started.

Carrie O' Brien Salon

Remember, taking time out of the day to take care of you doesn’t mean you don’t love your family. In order for everyone to reap the benefits, you have to put yourself first, even if it means being selfish every now and then. Drop by Cary O’Brien’s Design and Color Spa and get pampered by our amazing team. Get a quick Mani - Pedi, or a wonderful fresh look for Spring…both hair and makeup. If you have a little time, treat yourself to a massage in our zen-like massage area. Visit www.caryobriens.com for a list of services. 46

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By Kate Santellano

hat do charities, vodka and a salon have in common? At first thought nothing comes to mind. However, there comes a time in almost every marketing campaign when you will need personal contact with your customers and potential customers. They need that special boost of enthusiasm about your company and its products or services that can only be conveyed in a face-to-face experience. When that time comes, you'll need an event. “We try to use marketing tactics that are not your standard print or media buy, but are instead innovative tactics that will reach a receptive and attentive audience,” explained Joe McIver, Marketing Manager for Pearl Vodka, a St. Louis based company. Sponsoring events such as the 3rd Annual Greater St. Charles Fashion Week “helps us stand out among the vodka crowd and appeal to the brand’s exact target audience,” McIver said. Events such as the 3rd Annual Greater St. Charles Fashion Week provide an excellent opportunity for companies such as Pearl Vodka, Bronx Diba Shoes and Belleza Salon to showcase their products and services. The four day event held in August at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa is an elegant fashion extravaganza that promotes local talent and boutiques. The event brings in an average of 500 people per night. Kristen McGrath, District Marketing Director for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis attended last year and immediately noticed “the energy. From the moment you walk into Ameristar Casino and enter the Greater Saint Charles Fashion

Week area, you know you are in for an amazing night. When I attended in 2010 I was blown away by the red carpet, the celebrity emcees, the goody bags, the philanthropy focus - it’s really a first class event. Fashion Shows, in general, are known for their contagious energy and ability to inspire people...but even when compared to similar sized productions in LA, Boston and Miami – I would place the Greater St. Charles Fashion Week high on the list in talent and quality.” Events are an integral way for companies and charities alike to educate a target audience. People like to touch, feel or see a product or service before buying. Take Pearl Vodka for example. The vodka family of products has continuously been recognized for its superior quality and flavors such as pomegranate, blueberry, coconut, caramel and cucumber. Sponsoring the 3rd Annual Greater St. Charles Fashion Week gives Pearl an opportunity to showcase their brands and allow people to enjoy, notice and appreciate the taste of Pearl. For other companies that provide services, it is an avenue to demonstrate their talents. Belleza Salon owner, Robyn Clark involves her salon with many local events. “This is an unbelievable opportunity to be involved with charity and fashion. We are excited to be doing the makeup for Fashion Week,” Clark said. No matter the business, charity or corporation, one common thread is that event marketing is taking center stage. With competition tight and budgets increasingly shrinking, companies are finding new ways to maximize their advertising dollars and the face to face contact is increasingly valuable.

MODEL CALL COME BE SEEN BY NATIONAL TALENT SCOUTS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

WALK THE RUNWAY AT SAINT CHARLES FASHION WEEK TH

MARCH 24 2PM-5PM & APRIL 4TH 4PM-6PM

SEEKING: MEN 5’11” TO 6’3”, WOMEN 5’7” AND UP, SIZES 0-8 *PLEASE BRING A PICTURE

Location Room 1110 | J. Scheidegger Center For The Arts, 2300 West Clay Street St. Charles, Mo 63301 For more information contact k.leefashion@live.com or 314.560.3406 or visit www.stcharlesfashionweek.com STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

“Charms & Scarves”

ThMi_Spring11_Layout 1 2/9/11 7:57 PM Page 1

229 North Main Street • Historic Downtown St. Charles

String Along With Me If you are a fashion hunter, you will fall in

love with this terrific little shop! Find the best selection of stylish accessories or let us help you custom-design a piece to fit your personality. Enjoy our large selection of Brighton accessories. (636)947-7740 625 South Main Street

After 110 years . . . the styles may change, but our commitment to service remains.

( 636) 72 4 -0 1 3 2 Mon-Fri 9:30-7 Sat 9:30-5

August 24-27, 2011 | Ameristar Casino | www.stcharlesfashionweek.com

THE FOUR DAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA WILL FEATURE THE FOLLOWING:

Designer Direct

For more information or to participate in this exclusive event contact Kate Santellano at 314-249-2454 or kdsantell@yahoo.com

| STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

MEET OUR ON-AIR TALENTS Beau Vighn & Katy Kruze, 6am - 10am Monday through Friday. Katy Kruze has been in St. Louis Radio since 1991 when she started her career at KFAV 99.9. From there she went to KSHE 95 for 15 years and has worked with 97.1 & 96.3. Katy has been a part of the Westplex 100.7FM Family almost from the time it went on the air in 2009. She resides in St. Peters, MO with her two children, son Jagger and daughter Gabrielle. Having always been a believer in giving back, Katy serves on the board of two children’s charities, Operation Lift Off and Restaurant Charities, Inc. Beau Vighn was born and raised in St. Charles, MO. Beau has been in morning radio programming for over 15 years. He started with Steve and DC on KIX 106.5. Beau parted ways with them and moved to Manhattan, KS. There he hosted his own morning show called the Scooter Show. Beau returned to St. Louis and worked with Smash and Margie on MIX 93.7. At that time Beau started doing traffic duties for the station in both mornings and afternoons.

www.westplexnewstalk.com

The station changed morning shows and Beau continued with Craig Cornett. Craig demanded Beau be the “Side Kick” for the show beyond his traffic responsibilities, and so it was. Beau is a highly motivated local personality that continues to do what he does best, entertain. Beau has been the master of ceremonies at all St. Louis Rams’ home games and continues to raise money for many organizations and causes, ranging from St. Louis Children’s Hospital to individuals needing money for any specific reason. Beau and his wife have two kids named Noah and Grace, and a dog named Daisy.

www.westplexradio.com

30 Tower Street, Moscow Mills, MO 63362 636-356-4487 100.7fm · 636-356-9266 94.1fm · fax 636-356-4636

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The Smart Shop For The Savvy Buyer

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Antiques | Decor | Furniture | Consignment

412 Boones Lick Road St. Charles | Missouri | 63301 savvysettings@gmail.com www.savvysettings.com

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11:49:17 AM

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

CMY

New resale boutique coming soon! Potentials is the perfect place to buy or sell clothing and fashion accessories for ladies, men and teens, as well as furniture and home dĂŠcor. Now accepting spring clothing

All proceeds from sales benefit Youth In Need, a local nonprofit that provides crisis prevention, intervention and recovery programs to more than 11,000 children, teens and families each year. When you shop (or donate) at Potentials, you show that you believe in the power of potential.

Find us on Facebook @ Potentials Resale Boutique 52

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12392 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, MO 63141 636-328-1663 www.potentialsresale.org

Comfy Casual Wear • Loungewear Totes & Bags • Mugs • Dog Accessories Youth • Infant & Toddler • Greeting Cards Gifts For All Ages

New boots by Old Gringo just arrived! Jeans by Big Star, Jewelry by Mariana, Clothing by Alternative Apparel, WILDFOX & many more! 1634 Clarkson Road | Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 636-536-6300

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March 25-27

April 12-24

Tickets at the Fox Box Office and all MetroTix locations 314-534-1111 • metrotix.com STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

SPORTS FEAT URE

WORLD MMA CHAMP EMPOWERS YOUTH Story By Robin Setton Jeferson Photos by Andre’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy

Drugs! Explicit video games! Fatty foods! Soda! Alcohol! Disrespect! Cigarettes! Negative peer pressure! Bullying! Immoral movies and television shows! Low self-esteem! Steroids! Gangs! Fear! Laziness! Abduction!” The words adorn a brochure for Andre’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy. He follows them up by explaining, “This names only some of the negative powers that constantly attack and persuade the youth of this country everyday,” said World Fighting Alliance Middleweight World Champion Jermaine Andre. “The constant in your face promotions by corporations that make billions a year off of exploiting and selling these types of influences to youth, makes the battle pretty hard for them.” Andre owns and operates the school at 125 North Service Road in St. Peters where he offers among other things anti-bulling classes, boot camps and women’s self defense and awareness classes.

Jermaine Andre

His Youth Character Development Program “empowers youth with the intelligence, strength and a powerful team of peers to rebel” against the harmful and negative influences noted above. Andre said “Andre’s Tigers and Dragons” uses the realistic and powerful training techniques of MMA and the strict, ethics code of traditional martial arts to teach youth ages 5-16 about fitness, healthfulness, strength, confidence and humble and honorable behavior. Andre adheres to the “Code of the Samurai” which describes a uniquely Japanese code of conduct that samurai have followed since the feudal medieval period. The code emphasizes virtues such as loyalty, honor, obedience, duty, filial piety and self-sacrifice. Mixed Martial Arts has had to work on its reputation since the early days when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) would showcase fighters of different disciplines including boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai and other styles. Seeking to identify the most effective martial art in a real fight, the “No-holdsbarred” fighting angered many including formal presidential candidate Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Thirty-six states enacted laws that banned the fighting. After embracing stricter rules and achieving approval from State Athletic Commissions, the UFC gradually underwent reform. An MMA and kick boxing world champion today, Andre decided to start an MMA school after he spent four years in the now abandoned Wyoming State Penitentiary with 700 of the state’s most dangerous criminals. He had been sent there for armed robbery after which he said he took the fall so that his girlfriend would not go to prison. Andre had learned martial arts from his uncles as a young boy and perfected his skills alone in his cell during his incarceration. 54

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He said he has a lifetime of battles won and lost, mostly for standing up for something he believes in—a result of living like a warrior. The penitentiary’s warden made a difference in Andre’s life that time served never could “(Prison) put me in a position in my life where I had to make a choice between going dirty or working hard,” Andre said. “The way (former Prison Warden Scott Abbott) treated me was a big deciding factor.” Andre said Abbott taught him “you treat someone with respect and responsibility if you want them to become something.” It’s the main reason he focuses his training on discipline, respect and responsibility. After his release in 1997, Andre began competing professionally in no-holds-barred cage matches in St. Louis, at first earning a few hundred dollars a fight to upward of $20,000. That $20,000-fight with the World Fighting Alliance won Andre a world title, lasted 21 seconds and ended with Andre breaking his opponent’s leg. But Andre insists MMA is not about violence. “That’s not all we do. We use MMA to teach discipline and control.”

S P O R T S FE A T U RE

“Punching a bag is not how to do that,” he said. “You don’t teach about anger by hitting. One day the bag will not be around. We all have the bully mentality in us. They need to learn to calm themselves down and to mediate, to focus the mind when they’re hurting or angry, to control breathing.”

“Participants step into the cage with a trainer who safely uses techniques to restrain and control them to a point of discomfort. Next comes mind strengthening and stress relief mental exercises and personal protection techniques to build honorable confidence and fitness,” Andre said.

But Andre does teach his students self defense to a point of control. “You have to train them to defend themselves. You can’t let a bully decide if you get your face smashed in. You have to defend yourself to the point where the bully is no longer a threat then have composure.”

One St. Peters mom said having her child bullied changed her family, but so did Andre’s school. “While being bullied, our child was stripped of their self-confidence and withdrew from everyone. Still today, we see hesitation to reach out for friendship,” she said. “As for myself, I am more ‘guarded’ these days, careful who I include in my circle of friends.”

Bullies are everywhere and a mentality, wherein deterrents such as reprimand, detention, suspension and jail are used, isn’t helping the situation. “The bully has evolved with the times and learned how to coexist in society. Using seclusion as part of his arsenal, he can now operate in our workplace, homes and even schools,” Andre said. “The bully hides and operates in the workplace behind ranking. He festers in the home through parents bullying each other, siblings bullying each other, parents bullying children and even children bullying parents.” Andre said there is only one way to truly destroy the bully and that is to engage him not only after he exists but during and before. “This begins with…admitting that we all have the potential to be bullies,” he said. “Andre’s Bully the Bully” workshop starts by attacking the idea of the bully mentality inside everyone—by placing each participant in a position to see what it feels like to be helpless and bullied.

The woman’s mother helped her see that she needed to teach her child to understand the bully was bullying because of his own inadequacies, but Andre took it a step further. ”Once my child understood the possible motives behind these bullies, the stress eased up and my child was on more of an even playing field. Bullies are bullies because of inadequacies on their part. Understanding this as the victim takes maturity and an edge on the bully intellectually.” But at that point, her child was still being bullied and lacked selfconfidence. “Luckily, we made the right call and met with Jermaine. Jermaine took our child under his wing and not only helped restore our child's self confidence, but also taught our child self-defense and to protect others, as well as character development. I will always be grateful for the positive changes he has made in our child.”

The Beck elder law Firm, P.c.

Spring Is In Bloom!

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Rudy D. Beck Partner

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Focusing In The Areas Of: • ESTATE PLANNING • LIFE CARE PLANNING • LONG-TERM CARE CRISIS PLANNING • FAMILY BUSINESS PLANNING • MEdICAId PLANNING • PROBATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION • VETERAN BENEFITS Michael C. Weeks Partner

2777 WEST CLAY STREET • ST. ChARLES, MISSOURI 63301 636.946.7899 • FAx 636.946.2118 • WWW.BECkELDERLAW.COM

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www.danielsfarmandgreenhouse.com STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY

PROVIDING

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Story By Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

Everyone deserves the opportunity to work. BCI, a nonprofit headquartered in St. Peters, is dedicated to providing employment opportunities for adults living with disabilities who want to work. The vision at BCI is that all individuals will find purpose in meaningful employment. “We want to break down the stigma of what a person with a disability looks like,” said Becky Greening, Director of Employment for BCI. “They are just like everybody else with a commitment and desire to work. They are anxious to succeed, be a part of a team and meet the goals of the company.” Currently BCI employs more than 225 individuals through organizational employment services in packaging and light assembly work at it production warehouse, and more than 85 people are employed in businesses and organizations in the community through the community employment services program. When someone seeks out BCI to work with them in their job search, the staff meet with each individual to discover and determine their individual and unique abilities and interests. Each person receives an assessment and the opportunity to “test drive” different positions to find the most appropriate placement according to their skill level and interest. Once the assessment is completed, each person received skills training to prepare them for work. “We get to know each person very well,” said Greening. “We determine their skill sets and then match them to the needs of our business partners in the community.” BCI helped Zach Angelo, 31, find his perfect job. Angelo has been an integral member of the cleaning team for O’Fallon Casting since 2007. He likes everything about his job. 56

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Boone Center = shot at Cintas Corporation L to R Patrick McDonald (supervisor with BCI) , Rick Dilallo (BCI worker)

“Me and my crew aren’t afraid to work hard and get dirty in order to get the job done right,” said Angelo.

on time and ready to work during the snow day that had many digging cars out of the several inches of snow in January.

Prior to working at O’Fallon Casting, Angelo worked in the fast food industry for six years. “It really wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Angelo.

Several workers from BCI have been working at the St. Charles location of Cintas, a national uniform company.

When Angelo met with BCI, he chose three industries he was interested in, including housekeeping. When a position opened at O’Fallon Casting, Angelo started working right away—and he’s been there for nearly four years now. “That’s the BCI difference. It’s not simply putting someone in a job. Here at BCI, it’s about finding out what Zach wanted to do and placing him in a job that suited his abilities and the type of work he wanted to do. This turned out to be a good fit for Zach, and for O’Fallon Casting,” said Linda Buschman, BCI Director of Development and Communications. BCI is continuing to expand the Community Employment Services program which partners with local businesses to provide employment for individuals with disabilities. “We’re looking for more business partners who are looking for good employees. We have individuals who are reliable, skilled and trained who are looking for work and wanting to work and can be ready to work today,” said Greening. Greening said all of the employees working within the community made it to their jobs

“(Cintas) had several positions that needed to be filled with skilled workers that they could depend on to perform the work they had. BCI provided those workers for them,” said Greening. “They needed people who could perform in a fast paced, high volume, labor intensive environment and provide quality work.” Because they could provide those employees, BCI has six individuals currently working at Cintas. Prior to starting at Cintas, employees underwent extensive safety training for the company. Partnering with the company, BCI then taught the individuals the specific job skills required including sorting and folding, hanging uniforms and checking quality. “We work with (businesses) to find out their needs and match them to our people,” said Greening. “We try and offer these companies peace of mind; peace of mind that the work will be performed to the companies specific standards…because BCI is training the people.” Greening said BCI workers excel in repetitive, detail-oriented, high volume jobs. “It’s work they can do and they do a very good job,” said Greening. Buschman said that while businesses can feel good about partnering with BCI, they

are still looking for quality performance and a workforce that will assist them in meeting their business goals. BCI employees are providing that service for the local, regional and national businesses everyday through their hard work and determination to getting the job done right. “We’ve found that businesses are likely to look outside the box to find better ways to provide a service to the community,” said Greening. “Partner businesses can benefit through working with BCI in reduced turnover and savings in training resources. BCI works with individuals to determine specific barriers to employment and then provides each person with the tools they need to perform the job.” “And BCI will be there as needed to train (individuals) in new skills,” added Buschman. To assist individuals in the job search, BCI has opened the Career Planning Center which is available to help people of all abilities. The accessible computer center has adaptive equipment including a touch screen for individuals lacking the dexterity to type, larger and smaller keyboards to address physical limitations, as well as an ‘ABC’ keyboard for those who are unfamiliar with the typical keyboard. The computers include a software program that allows a person to speak and the computer will type for them, as well as software programs designed to help people increase their speed and accuracy in data entry BCI can assist individuals in the job search process by helping people compile and write a resume, navigate the online job search sites, complete job applications, write a cover letter and prepare for an interview. “For more than fifty years, BCI has been providing employment opportunities for adults with disabilities who want to work. We create win-win partnerships for people like Zach and businesses like O’Fallon Casting everyday. Zach has a job he likes, coworkers he enjoys working with and pride in knowing he is providing a service to the company where he works. Our business partners have employees who work hard, enjoy their work and receive the support and on-going training they need in order to have the opportunity to succeed. We employ

members of the community and they in turn contribute to the economic development of the community in which we live and work,” said Buschman. “I’ve never seen a place that is so caring and compassionate to its employees,” said Angelo. “I love everything about BCI.” And BCI is pleased to have employees like Zac Angelo. The nonprofit’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Wing Ding, will be held on June 9. Proceeds from the Wing Ding will benefit BCI and its programs that employ adults with disabilities.

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MARY ELLEN'S CORNER

By Mary Ellen Renaud

WHAT IS PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE? Buzzle.com defines professionalism at work as “a person doing his job with sincerity, and maintaining professional etiquette and professional ethics in the workplace. It leads to logical and completely unbiased decision making, making it the basis of a good work environment. Professionalism at work is completely devoid of politics, positive politics or mind games. Its root lies in those who do their work with quality and quantity in mind.” But it goes on to say that professionalism is important to ensure good performance by everyone, because if everyone involved is professional, they are all doing the best job they can. And if everyone is acting professionally, including providing justice for all and proper lines of communication, a good team spirit will be achieved. Some tips offered on www.Buzzle.cominclude: keeping a uniform environment for communication (for example using sir or ma’am, Mr. or Mrs.); keeping personal issues at home; refraining from bashing the competition; adhering to time constraints and always being punctual; adhering to a professional dress code. Although these tips and ideas seem very “professional” in nature, in reality, we all have good days and bad days, none of us is always on time and no one says the correct thing at every given opportunity to speak. The most that most of us can do is our best. And the best we can do is look at the man (or woman) in the mirror. Educational consultant James Stenson describes professionalism as “a set of internalized character strengths and values directed toward high-quality service to others through one’s work.”

Still an article posted on www.investdominica.com titled “Tackling Professionalism in the Workplace” says that employees should know that workforce readiness is more than just hard skills training, but rather, includes a worker’s knowledge and practice with “soft skills” including good attitude, regular attendance, sound character, proven responsibility and presentability. The article goes on to say that unprofessional staff in the workplace will ruin your business. Ezinearticles.com lists five characteristics that detract from professionalism in the workplace. The first is an obvious one: negative attitude. Rightly so, the article reports, “Your attitude colors everything you do. Pay attention to how you dress, and how you treat other people. It does make a difference.” It goes on to list unprofessional body language which could include chewing gum, chewing with your mouth open or even drumming your fingers on the table at a meeting. But surprisingly, next the article lists “excessive fragrance” and “unkempt fingernails” as signs of unprofessionalism. To most people, these attributes would go without saying as they say. And on the one hand it would seem in these economic times we would have more to worry about than these seemingly trivial pursuits, but then again, with jobs harder to come by, we need to take notice of everything. Whatever your definition of professionalism, some themes seem to keep popping up in articles, discussions and boardrooms everywhere. Good employees have good attitudes. They dress properly, treat each other with respect and try each day to do the best job they can do. Do unto others, dress like you care, behave ethically, and have a positive attitude. I think that’s the best any of us can do.

Ehow.com offers an online quiz to gauge professionalism in your own workplace. Just for fun see how you measure up.

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

STAT E YOUR BU SI NESS

ARE YOU PREPARED To Care For Aging Parents? Story By Amy Armour | Photo by Michael Schlueter

Caring for an aging parent can be an emotionally and financially stressful process, especially if you’re not prepared. When his mother had a stroke in 1996, Rudy Beck had lots of questions. At the time, no one seemed to have any answers to help determine the best care for his mother. She suffered a second major stroke in 2001 and it became clear she would not be coming home. Beck, a long-time attorney, decided to find the answers himself and help others facing the same situation.

"THE BECK ELDER LAW FIRM OFFERS LIFE CARE PLANNING WHICH INVOLVES CARING FOR BOTH THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL NEEDS OF A CLIENT." The Beck Elder Law Firm offers Life Care Planning which involves caring for both the medical and legal needs of a client. Whether it’s estate planning, Medicaid planning or guardianships, the firm specializes in elder care issues with an eye out for public benefits. The attorneys work with an on-site care coordinator who also serves as a patient advocate. “Our clients have more issues than how to take care of the money,” said Mike Weeks, attorney and partner at Beck. “It’s about taking care of mom.” Weeks said clients want to know how to choose a good nursing home or when a parent should be moved from home to assisted living. The law firm also has a nurse advocate on staff that researches and visits nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She also helps determine the level of care each client needs and checks in periodically to ensure the care is still sufficient for the patient. “It gives the family peace of mind,” said Beck. The law firm also works with the family to find ways to utilize public benefits like Medicaid. Beck said the law firm saw a huge need to help families who were dealing with parents who were suddenly not independent due to a disability or illness. “What have you done to plan for the possibility if you can’t be independent?” said Beck. He encourages everyone to have an adequate and up-to-date ‘Durable Power of Attorney’ for both healthcare and financial issues. A ‘Durable Power of Attorney’ will survive even when a client has been incapacitated. 58

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Beck Elder Law Firm L to R - Mike Weeks, Rudi Beck

Beck said that “getting one off the Internet is not going to work because there are several specific clauses that are important to include.” Finances are obviously a big issue. “One of the biggest mistakes families make is taking all of the money from the parents’ accounts and putting it in the names of the children. By moving the money, parents are taking the chance of losing that money permanently,” said Beck. He stressed that “planning before the crisis is the best time to plan. Waiting too long can cost families thousands of dollars, or even the family home.” The Beck Elder Law Firm offers free consultation, as well as several workshops throughout the year to help families plan for the longterm. “You have a teammate here. We’ve been down this road thousands of time. We’ve been through the red tape,” said Beck. “We can really help the caregivers.”

For more information, or a schedule of upcoming workshops, visit www.beckelderlawfirm.com.

S T A T E Y O U R BU S IN E S S

SAVVY SETTINGS

IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES Story by Anne Koch | Photo courtesy Savvy Settings

avvy Settings is a charming house nestled in the heart of downtown St. Charles filled with fantastic finds for your home. Far from the usual “consignment” store, Savvy Settings is a cozy boutique with quality items that would fulfill anyone’s designing dream, no matter what their taste; from fine sets of china and antique collectibles to exquisite furniture and art. The enchanting store is beautifully designed, with clean and tasteful arrangement, creative décor, and whimsical imagination.

It is obvious when stepping into the boutique, that Savvy does not only describe the establishment, but the delightful owners, Meredith Borgmeyer and Cathy Glosier, as well. These great friends are a perfect complement to each other and the store. Meredith has always had a fervor for finding quality items at bargain prices. Her entire basement and three-cargarage were completely filled with her fabulous finds; however, there was no more room, but still plenty of passion within. She asked her friend, Cathy, to help and as Meredith put it, Cathy is like a “buzz saw” and with her support and manual labor, the boutique took shape. Do not think, though, that passion is the only thing running the store. These women know what they are doing, and are good at what they love to do. It was not an easy task to take on, and the two women found themselves landscaping outside Savvy Settings and moving furniture to and from various places. The hours were long and the women made sure that they would only sell items that they themselves would buy or own. This made some decisions on what to buy and sell discerning ones. Everything in the store

is quality, nothing damaged or worn. If someone was looking for hand-me-downs, they would be in the wrong place. Meredith and Cathy always have their eyes out for items worthy of sale at Savvy Settings. Meredith is constantly finding a fantastic deal and Cathy is always looking for incredible finds. Meredith described a special spirit in the house, and she and Cathy have obviously worked and lived to carry on this spirit. The shop was previously a quilt store, with an inspiring woman that owned it. This has apparently passed to Cathy and Meredith, as they are talented, professional, friendly, and savvy. They find friendship in their customers, employees, vendors, and neighbors. This, says Meredith, is the best part of what they do and makes all of the hard work worthwhile. A shopper at Savvy Settings is likely to enjoy browsing the items within the boutique, as well as the décor. The ornament-filled tree, you will find, should not be confused with a Christmas tree. It is a Savvy tree, decorated in their mod black and pink signature colors. Need to use the lavatory? It’s pink… with black handbags and purses cleverly hanging on the wall. Not to worry, though, guys. There is a man cave room with masculine items for the stylish manly man. There really is something for everyone, at the right price and it is presented in a smart and fanciful way. There are inspiring and witty words of wisdom in the stairwell, ending with, “It’s never too late to live happily ever after.” As if a consignment shop wasn’t enough it didn’t take long for these two savvy ladies to expand and soon they branched out into the estate sale business. The budding boutique took on the otherwise daunting undertaking and made it a fashionable and profitable experience for all. They arrange the items in a visually pleasing display throughout the home, making it easier for shoppers to find certain items and present them to shoppers. After the sale, quality items that were not sold in the estate sale will be featured in the boutique, giving them a second chance for sale. Pictures are also put on their website, for those internet-savvy fashionistas searching for that piece de resistance. Whether you are looking for that perfect something for yourself or someone else, Savvy Settings will have or can find exactly what you need. Even if you are not sure exactly what you are looking for, the ladies at the boutique can help design or arrange any room with any décor. If you are in the St. Charles area, it is worth stopping by, just to take a look at the wonderful array of inventory and decorations in the boutique or meet Cathy and Meredith and find out the true meaning of Savvy. SAVVY SETTINGS IS LOCATED 412 Boones Lick Road |St. Charles, MO (between Historic Main Street and 5th Street) Wed. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm | Sun. Noon to 5 pm. If you have items you’d like to sell on consignment, call the store at 636-352-3169 or email at savvysettings@gmail.com.

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

SOCIAL S CE NE

A MAGICAL NIGHT Nelly’s 5th Annual Black and White Ball Here’s a follow up to a widely read Fall issue of StreetScape Magazine that featured Music Mogul Nelly on the cover. Nelly’s Black and White Ball at the Chase Park Plaza brought out the creme de la creme of the metro area...and some special high profile guests! The annual event raises money for Lindenwood University scholarships. It was a magical night of food, music, and entertainment.

Nelly and Ashanti with High Profile Defense Attorney Scott Rosenblum

Photos by www.bfreepaparazzi.com the number one source for event photography marketing & promotions. No event is too big or too small. Contact Teddy Blackett at 718-915-0302 or at info@bfreepaparazzi.com

Post Dispatch Photographer Katherine Bish

Lindenwood Scholarship Recipients, Cristina Catarinicchia and Ammi Bell

Music Mogul Jermaine Dupri

St. Lunatic Kyjuan Dabess with Wife Asia

NBA Player Jahidi White (Charlotte Bobcats) and Guests

St. Louis society

Delmar Loop Visionary Joe Edwards with Wife

Magic 104.9 Personality Tammie Holland

St. Louis society

Cardinals President Bill Dewitt and Wife Ira Dewitt

Z107.7 Personality Curt Copeland

S O C I AL S CE N E

Nelly with Brother and Fellow St. Lunatic City Spud and STL TV Host Sande Stevenson

Local Fashionistas

St. Louis society

Apple Bottom Jeans Executive, James and Guest

Nelly and Ashanti

StreetScape Magazine Publisher Tom Hannegan and Editor in Chief Cillah Hall with Guests Jackie and Tony

St. Louis society

Nelly with Amit Dhawan of Synergy Productions

Nellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derrty Entertainment CEO Blu Bolden

STREETSCAPE MAGAZINE

Murphy Lee and his wife Singer Seviin Li

SOCIE TY

SOCIETY SIGHTINGS By Teri Seiler Good things happen to good people and Lord knows we are a community full of good people; thus, good things are happening all around us! Read on… Thirty four years ago a man; a unique, special and brilliant man, I might add, came to our community to fill the position of Library Director. His name: Carl Sandstedt. Carl took what was then our only library branch housed in a quaint, two-story old home (which I am sure many of you have fond memories, as do I) at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson Streets, and championed (along with the then library board members) the merger of all the surrounding cities’ libraries, to create the St. Charles City-County Library District. It wasn’t as easy a task as it may seem; however, with determination and perseverance anything can be accomplished. The result: The District currently consists of 12 library branches that go as far west as Wentzville, south to Augusta, north to Portage des Sioux and all those cities in-between. Now that’s a tremendous feat for anyone to lay claim and, of course, he couldn’t have done it without the vision of a good board, leadership of community activists and approval of the voters. As the song goes, it’s been a “long and winding road”. Recently, Sandstedt decided to shut the book on his years as the Library Director and shelve his experiences to start a new chapter in his life. In honor of Carl’s service to the community, a retirement-of-sorts gathering was recently held at Old Hickory Country Club to pay tribute to this fascinating, one-ofa-kind man. Dale Rollings, who has attornied (yes, I just made a verb out of a noun) the Library District since 1973, served as emcee of the event. Rollings had the pleasure of roasting Carl, sharing with the 150 attendees such as Mary and Jerry Reese, Myra Cook, Jan Lewein, Brenda and Darren Lowder, Kasey McKee, Warlene Reed, Don Rataj, Kevin Harms, Larry and Sara Shroth, Julie and Jerry Cinco, John Thoelke, Kathy Todd, Denise and Scott Liebel, Barb Griffin, and Bruce Sowatsky, the damage control that had to be done when an enthusiastic young library director told the St. Charles community that they needed to get rid of their beloved, albeit outdated, library and replace it with a modern, more functional building. Ouch! John van der Graaf, a past board member, shared the story of how he missed one board meeting and, in his absence, was made Vice President of the board. Don Gaertner, retired director of the St. Louis County Library District, shared humorous stories of rooming with the frugal Sandstedt during out-of-town library conferences. Gerry Prinster, Carl’s fellow Optimist Club member, gave his “then and now” impressions of Carl. Hint: the first impression was the same as his last because, as those who know Carl – what you see, is what you get. After the all-for-fun roast, the band Stir Crazy, featuring Tom Chac, Larry Carron, Mark Meuth and Jack McDaniel, took to the stage and let Carl fulfill his life-long retirement dream of “playing bass guitar in an ‘Old Geezer’ band”. (This is not to say those aforementioned chaps are old geezers.) 62

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Since Carl really doesn’t know how to play bass guitar, he settled for playing the cowbell while Kristin Williams, director of Planning and Development for the Library District, took to the microphone performing her version of Jimmy Buffet’s “Son of a Son of a Sailor”. However, those who remained such as Mary and Tom Szpatoski, Keri Cascio, Sara Nielsen, Rebecca Cody, Cindy Barnard, Vicky Alberico, Denise Ulett and Lisa Dunham, most of whom work at various library branches, took to the dance floor to celebrate Carl’s legacy before they had to hit the books the following day. It was a well-deserved celebration. The only person missing was Carl’s wife, Nancy, who has supported him in his career, but was too ill to attend the party. Good Luck Carl and Nancy as you start a new “branch” in your lives. Now here’s an intoxicating approach to doing good. It’s called Cocktails for a Cause and is hosted by the Sunrise Rotary Club. The organization hosts happy hours, at various locations, two to three times a year. They charge their guests $10.00 a ticket which includes one drink of choice and appetizers. At their most recent happy hour, held at Q’s on Main Street, they joined forces with the St. Cletus El Salvador Mission Trip Team so they could make two donations with one libation. Phyllis Schneider, president of the early birds group, greeted members and their guests such as Nick Komoroski, David Hamilton, Mary West, George Black, Jan Dunham, Barb and Chris Griffith, Carol and Gary Driller, Dale Bax, Kelly Ross Kerr, and Mike Trask, as they headed for the VIP section of the restaurant. Thanks to the generous gulping of the attendees and the successful raffle of a wine rack filled with various vintages and donated by Bob and Elaine Kneemiller, both groups earned over $250.00. The St. Cletus Mission Team will be buying food for the poor and elderly in El Salvador. The Sunrisers dedicated their portion to an international project in Guatemala – the Katie Trask School – a school built in loving memory of Mike’s daughter, Katie, who devoted much of her time, energy and love to the children of that country. After four years in the making – from concept to completion – Dr. Jim Evans and his lovely wife, Lois, recently opened the front doors to their elegant; yet, comfortable new home on the campus of Lindenwood University. The 12,000 square foot “President’s Home” was designed by Mary Wall, of the Mitchell – Wall architectural firm, and built by local homebuilder, Tom Hughes, who was all smiles as he attended an open house hosted by the Evans, where he was able to view for the first time the final product, which was exquisitely decorated by interior designer Colleen Ertle of Breckenridge Interiors. As if the pressures of the Christmas holiday were not enough for one woman to handle, three nearly back-to-back events were held at the Evans’ place smack-dab in the middle of December. Mrs. Evans counted on Bobbie Netch, of Michelle’s Clothing, to outfit her properly for each occasion and relied on the organizational skills of Charlsie Floyd to help her with invitations, reservations and other details that made all three parties happen without a hitch. The first night of showcasing their living quarters belonged to Lindenwood University’s Board of Directors. Chairman of the Board, Jim Shoemake and his wife, Rita; Ben and Carole Blanton, Carol and David Cosby, Duane and Linda

Flowers, newlyweds John and Barbara Hammond, Joe Matthews, Dale and Linda Rollings, Ron and Janice Ohmes, Gary and Joyce Shaw, Pat and Sandy Sullivan, and a dapperly-plaid-attired, Jerry Scheidegger, were treated to the ivory sounds of world-renown pianist, Roger Williams. Mr. Williams gingerly played the antique Steinway which was built during the Civil War and is featured in the front parlor of the magnificent estate. Then, he moved on to the rented Steinway where he could really focus on his forte. Entertainer, Bobby Goldsboro, and his wife, Nancy, were also at the board reception where Mr. Goldsboro shared several of his oil paintings and announced that he would apply proceeds from the sales of his artworks towards a scholarship to Lindenwood University’s Theatre Department. (By the way, you, too, can view these oil paintings as they go on exhibit at The Boyle Family Gallery on the campus of Lindenwood University February 20 – March 13.) The second Open House was held for the faculty and staff of Lindenwood University. Since parking was a commodity, most had to park and walk to the front door; thus, they were asked to don shoe covers so as not to trek dirt through the freshly carpeted abode. Tour guides Julie Mueller, Dr. John Oldani, Dr. Jann Weitzel, Dr. Rick Boyle and Jerry Bladdick, Vice Presidents of the University, assisted with all three open houses pointing out, to the various guests, grand features of the home such as French doors throughout, the beautiful stained beams in the Grand Hall which faces east, where the Evans can enjoy early morning sunrises; the wrought iron chandeliers, coffered ceilings, gas-lit stone fireplaces, the three suites on the top floor for out-of-town guests and international dignitaries to stay, and the elevator that shuttles tired and special-needsguests up and down the three floors. This estate has all the aesthetics you would find in a traditional English style home pleasingly mixed with the modern comforts and conveniences needed for today’s lifestyle. The final open house was held for area VIPS such as Jerry Reese, Larry Muench, Bridget Ohmes, Richard Veith, Ron Stivison, Kevin Bray, Chris Comatto and St. Peters Mayor, Len Pagano. “Breathtaking”, “spectacular”, and “awesome” were just a few of the genuine comments made about the house. This particular home is where the heart is…and the heart of education! St. Charles Human Society President, Kris Pals, and Executive Director, Kim Brown, received numerous treats and items of need for their animals-in-waiting at our town’s no-kill animal shelter this Christmas thanks to the foresight of Linda Hecht and her best furry friend, Coco Chanel, a three pound snow-white maltese. The twosome hosted a holiday gathering and requested the 60 plus guests such as Liz Shakes, Tom and Cheryl Wappelhorst, Mary Grellner, Tom Feldewerth, Jack Schneider, Paula Walters, Don Thebeau, Jackie O’Brien, and George and Charlotte Worthington to bring cash, checks and gifts for Coco’s homeless friends. They decorated their always lovely-to-look-at home with numerous themed Christmas trees – each tree vying for the magazine cover of Martha Stewart’s Christmas edition. Special guests were Carla Stevenson, Ann Jordan and Kathleen Waddle a/k/a Mrs. Liston, who flew from Dallas, Texas to partake in caterer Doug Risch’s delectable spread of gourmet appetizers and to embibe in holiday cheer. It was an event worth howling about! Until next time…I got my eyes on you.

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Tickets $25 and include: Admission, Complimentary wine tasting provided by Cedar Lake Wine Cellars, Complimentary dessert and fondue station, Entry for nightly door prize. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or through participating vendors. For schedule of events and a complete list of vendors please visit www.stcharlesfashionweek.com For more information call 314-249-2454 *Special menu in Ameristar outlets for Fashion Week guests. *Trip giveaway courtesy of Five Star Travel.