Town & Style 5.1.24

MAY 1, 2024 | FRONT TOWN TALK + cheers to moms

EDITION: CELEBRATING MOMS EVERY STUDENT. EVERY CHANCE. EVERY DAY.

MAY 30 THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. LOUIS

Three Grande Locations.

IN THE

by stephanie wallace

shriner’s children’s st. louis

The hospital is celebrating its centennial! Since opening its doors in 1924, it has provided care to more than

missouri botanical garden

Thanks to a $75,000 grant from PNC foundation, the botanical garden will develop a new outdoor playscape at Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center. Along with allowing more opportunities for outdoor play, the new space will allow teachers to integrate nature-based STEM concepts into daily lessons.

cancer support center of greater st. louis

Congrats to Marty Oberman! He was selected to receive the 2024 Peggy Nelson Esperanza Award for his dedication to the nonprofit, including more than 30 years as a board member.

the National Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado. They participated in Alpine skiing, sled hockey and several other adaptive sports activities.

LIFE LESSONS

ACCESS ACADEMIES

by stephanie wallace

FOR MANY OF US, middle school is considered an awkward period, but there is no question that those years are a pivotal time for young people. As children become teenagers, they must work hard to comprehend the new responsibilities and challenges that come with more demanding schoolwork and new social groups. Opportunities for growth abound during this time, but if poverty and limited resources are added to the equation, the future can feel limited. Since 2005, Access Academies has provided support and opportunities for underserved students so they can thrive as they move to high school, college and beyond.

“Access Academies was created with the goal of removing roadblocks to education across the St. Louis region, especially for historically disadvantaged populations,” executive director Shelly Williams explains. “No matter a child’s background, we want to ensure they have the support necessary to grow and succeed.” The program takes a three-pronged approach to education. Working with the middle schools, it provides enrichment through extended school days and summer sessions that help students develop academically while building character and leadership skills. It also offers financial support for tuition and preparation for high school and post-secondary plans, including covering costs related to ACT testing, applications and college visits.

The third part of the equation is counseling. Access Academies starts when students are in sixth grade, and staff works with them through their entire academic journey, a more than 11-year partnership. Graduate support directors help middle schoolers prepare and make important decisions about secondary school. That guidance continues through students’ senior years, when a college and career counselor takes over. “Access Academies’ support follows students through high school and into college,” notes Mary McGeathy, a teacher at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School. “As a teacher, I cannot do that. I can help them grow academically and teach them to strive for excellence and believe in themselves, but once they have finished middle school, my influence stops.”

McGeathy has a unique perspective on Access Academies’ impact on students. Having worked as both a teacher and administrator, she witnessed how difficult it was for students to attend Catholic or private high schools, even after Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School implemented special programs like arts and music, extended day and activities like chess, robotics and speech clubs. “Once we started working with Access Academies, the change was significant,” she notes. “Opportunities opened up for all, not just one or two students. Last year, every one of our eighth graders went on to attend a Catholic or private high school.”

On May 30, Access Academies will host its 15th annual Celebration Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The nonprofit will honor McGeathy with the Pillar Award. “This year’s event is themed Every Step of the Way, and Mary truly exemplifies that in the great work she does with her students,” Williams says. “The Celebration Dinner really is a way for St. Louis to join in our vision for a vibrant community where all young people can dream big and achieve big. Equitable education is the key to making that a reality. Join us in ensuring every student has a path forward to success.” &

the metro

OF THE TOWNS talk

The County Library is presenting two heavyweights at different locations this month and next. Writers, of course, not boxers or wrestlers. Esteemed novelist Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club and numerous other works, will appear May 11 at 7 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis. And renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will appear June 10 at 7 p.m. at the library’s new Clark Family Branch, former location of library headquarters, to discuss her latest work, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s. First, the Tan event is slated to feature a conversation focused on her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, with fellow birder Joan E. Strassmann, Wash. U. Professor of Biology and author of her own volume on watching birds close at hand, Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard. By 2016, Tan had started to become discouraged, then grew overwhelmed. As hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, she felt our country had become more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, watched the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace evolved into something more—opportunities to savor quiet moments during turmoil and to connect with nature in a very personal way. Her book maps the passage of time through daily entries and thoughtful questions, and is enhanced by Tan’s own precise, beautiful watercolor sketches. With boundless charm and wit, the author charts her foray into birding and the other natural wonders she experienced just outside. Then, in June, Kearns Goodwin is slated to discuss her book, which weaves together biography, memoir and history. Dick and Doris Goodwin were married for 42 years, he worked as a close adviser to Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy; she worked directly with President Johnson, later assisting with his memoir. The Goodwins’ last great adventure was to open the 300 boxes of documents he had saved for more than 50 years. They soon realized they had an unparalleled time capsule of the 1960s: a time, like today, when lines were drawn, loyalties tested. Their journey of remembrance renewed old dreams, reviving hope that the youth of today will carry forward the couple’s unfinished love story with America. Tickets for both events, each including a copy of the book, are available at eventbrite.com. Kearns Goodwin will be able to sign hers, while Tan’s will be pre-signed.

westport

Eureka

Madison Pyatt has her eagle eyes on the LPGA championship. It will take a few years, though. She’s 9. The Eureka primary-schooler won her age group for girls during last month’s National Drive, Chip & Putt Championship in Augusta, Georgia, at Augusta National, the course that hosts the Masters, arguably the greatest tournament in golf. That’s just for boys, of course, but we won’t split that hair just now. One among an exclusive group winnowed down from thousands of hopefuls nationwide, Madison won the drive competition for her age group, tied for third in the chip and sealed the deal with the winning putt. And she’s been working hard at her game for three years, she told a USGA interviewer, which means she started taking the competition seriously at age 6, a year before she was even eligible for the 7-9 age group. But her aptitude started blowing away her dad, Travis Pyatt, when she was not even 4. He says she took to chipping pretty much right away. Talk about a natural. Today, her drives typically go farther than most men’s do on the range—often upwards of 230 yards. What are her short-term goals? For now, probably making it through the fourth grade. And spending time with her favorite caddy and mentor: her dad.

Louisville, Kentucky, can lay claim to the official MLB bat, the Louisville Slugger. But pretty much most of the rest of the gear used to play in the majors—the gloves, baseballs, bases, face guards, helmets—is the bailiwick of a company that’s been based in the Lou since 1887: Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc. The corporate offices moved to Westport late last year. And last month, the Rawlings Experience opened at Westport Plaza. This free attraction showcases Rawlings Gold Glove Awards through the years, provides plenty of photo ops, such as posing next to a 10-foot-high gold glove statue (pictured) or larger-than-life game ball, and allows players—some of them, perhaps, to be portrayed on an ever-more-expensive, collectible rookie card of the future—and softball phenoms the chance to take a crack at the ball via a virtual batting-cage experience. Take a gander at one-of-a-kind gloves, such as the one embellished with more than 15,000 Swarovski crystals applied by hand. Equipment and apparel will be for sale on site. Visit rawlings.com for more.

YOU CAN REACH HIM AT WRTRS.BLCK@GMAIL.COM

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SEVEN TITLES WERE NOT WRITTEN BY AMY TAN? 1. The Greater Wall 2. The Bonesetter’s Daughter 3. The Kitchen God’s Wife 4. A Dance with Lao Tzu 5. The Hundred Secret Senses 6. Saving Fish from Drowning 7. Mistress of the State

Which composer featured in the Missouri Chamber Music Festival lived only 11 years longer than Mozart? When Robert Schumann, Romantic composer whose work will be performed next month as part of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival, died at age 46, he was only 11 years older than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the wildly prolific composer who famously passed away at the tender age of 35. One is left to wonder how much more these legendary longhairs would have contributed to the classical canon had they lived only five or 10 years longer.

lasalle park

In the early 20th century, before Prohibition, a bucket of beer wasn’t bottles on ice for who knows how much that costs today. You just sent your kid down to the corner tavern with a bucket and maybe a nickel, and they’d slosh back home with enough draft to last as long as it took you, your family and friends to drink it. But a few things have changed since the Lemp, Griesedieck and Busch families ruled the world of suds in the Lou. Significantly, the Lemp and Griesedieck breweries are no more, Anheuser-Busch generates its own gravity (could A-B be responsible for our funky weather?); meanwhile, microbreweries have cropped up all over—tasting rooms with dozens of taps and great food are a bigger deal than ever. And today, tea has joined the alcoholic thirst-quenchers in retail coolers and on shelves along with beer, hard seltzer and ‘adult’ lemonade. YES. TEA is one of the latest concoctions developed at 4 Hands Brewery Co. by Andy Burgio, 4 Hands’ director of innovation, and his crew in the LaSalle neighborhood south of Downtown. This is not the tame, cool refreshment you’d expect at a church picnic to help warmish macaroni salad go down smoother. Brewed from black tea, “with a little hint of lemon,” says Burgio, it’s 4.8% ABV (alcohol by volume), akin to a lower-octane beer, and along with nonalcoholic beers, 4 Hands brews varieties and flavors from 3% ABV on up to an appropriately named seasonal brew, War Hammer, with 9% ABV. Burgio, a Parkway South grad, reinforced a budding romance by brewing at home. “First, I was hooked—then I became obsessed!” Burgio exclaims. In a stroke of serendipity, he ran into an old friend who’d worked the

front of the house with him at Macaroni Grill in Chesterfield: Kevin Lemp (incidentally, no relation to the old St. Louis brew meisters). With Lemp, Burgio is now a co-owner of 4 Hands, established in 2011. But he didn’t start fiddling with the hops and fermentation tanks right away. He worked at the ground level, in areas such as shipping and receiving, also helping with packaging. “I hardly knew what a wrench was,” he says, with a laugh. But his ideas, at first offered as a consultant, proved invaluable. “I love what’s new,” Burgio says. “That’s what’s great about my career.” YES. TEA should one day be available in peach and blackberry flavors—all this and more is fermenting in his mind. For instance, one of the seasonal flavors dreamed up at 4 Hands, a stout, is peanut-butter milk chocolate. There are tropical varieties. And, of course, one of their 10 core beers is more traditional: City Wide American Pale Ale. Quarterly, $1 from every case is donated to a different nonprofit that benefits St. Louisans. And, $1 from every case of State Wide Hazy Pale Ale sold in Missouri, up to $50,000, will go toward the Veterans Community Project with the goal of building a tiny house in their village here. “People don’t know how proud we are to make great-tasting beverages in St. Louis,” says Burgio. “Whenever we sit down with someone who orders a City Wide, we share a real moment together.” That could be at the LaSalle brewery, 1220 S. 8th St., the tasting room at The District in Chesterfield Valley—and, if all goes according to plan, by the end of May near the train station in Kirkwood. Visit 4handsbrewery.com. &

Andy Burgio

FRESH PICKED

Pick-your-own strawberry season is in full swing at Eckert’s Farm! In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the farm also is giving back to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - St. Louis. It will donate $1 from every pint of Strawberry Hard Cider sold in the Cider Shed all month, and on May 17, 10% of pick-your-own strawberry sales will be donated.

This month, the Gateway Arch is going dark. The landmark’s exterior lights will remain off throughout May to minimize possible disorientation in migrating birds who are navigating the Mississippi Flyway.

Lovers of music, bingo and local theater won’t want to miss Albion Theatre’s Rock & Roll Bingo fundraiser on May 18 at Bethel Lutheran Church. TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT ALBIONTHEATRESTL.ORG.

rock (and read) on!

St. Louis County Library has announced plans for the grand opening of the new Clark Family Branch, located at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. On June 1, the 800-seat Post Event Space will open at 1 p.m. for a ticketed event with Darius Rucker, of Hootie and the Blowfish and country music fame. Rucker will discuss his new memoir, Life’s Too Short. An official ribbon cutting ceremony for the branch will be held at 9 a.m. on July 9, following which it will open to the public.

COCA is offering a special Mother’s Day performance of Kirven Douthit-Boyd’s original work MOTheR on May 12 at 3 p.m. Performed by a cast of 18 COCA students and one professional artist, MOTheR tells the story of five mothers and their influence on their families. Make it an extra memorable day for mom by attending a special brunch before the performance.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT COCASTL.ORG.

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza recently welcomed 20,000 new tenants. As part of the historic hotel’s green initiatives, two colonies of honeybees returned to their rooftop home. The bees were first introduced in 2018 and are returning after a temporary hiatus due to the pandemic.

LOCAL AUTHOR

JILLIAN THOMADSEN HAS RELEASED HER SECOND NOVEL!

Movie Stars Shine

Brightest in the Dark follows detective Roberta Hobbs as she looks for the truth about a legendary actress who suddenly drives her Ferrari off a cliff in St. Louis. check it

ENTERPRISING WOMEN

a dream come true!

FUN FACT: I coach middle school track and cross country!

17014 New College Ave., Ste. E 636.821.3395 annemariestudio.com

FUN FACT: I'm a proud owner of five dogs, and when it comes to my favorite foods, Straub's chicken salad, Imo's pizza, and PFG Middendorf steaks top the list!

9640 Clayton Road 314.567.7685 hearthandsoul.com

I specialize in menopause, sexual dysfunction and weight loss. These issues often go unaddressed and are so important to overall well being and happiness. It's incredibly fulfilling to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.

FUN FACT: I once rode my bike from London to Paris to raise money for breast cancer research.

845 N. New Ballas Court, Ste. 310 314.934.0551 evorawomen.com

I love providing families with peace of mind and the joy and happiness the ability to stay in their cherished homes brings, which is evident by the smiles on their faces.

FUN FACT: I couldn't drive the first car I bought because it was a stick-shift. Thank goodness for an older brother to teach me!

87 Grasso Plaza, Ste. 131 314.780.0045 mycircle365.com

CHEERS TO moms

Ccc

Mother’s Day

BRUNCH + BEYOND

Local restaurants are ready to help you celebrate the special women in your life this Mother’s Day weekend.

ANGAD ARTS HOTEL

The hotel’s restaurant, Commonwealth, is partnering with Big Heart Tea Co. for the Tipsy Tea Brunch on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The high-tea-inspired experience will feature tea cocktails, themed bites, live music and special photo ops. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE.

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

The Clayton staple is hosting an exclusive brunch on May 12. If breakfast food isn’t a favorite of the mothers in your life, the restaurant’s dinner menu also will be available all day.

RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THECAPITALGRILLE.COM.

CASA DON ALFONSO

The southern Italian eatery, located in The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, will be hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with traditional offerings, it will include caviar and a live cannoli station.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION, VISIT OPENTABLE.

CITY WINERY ST. LOUIS

The Foundry venue is offering an elevated brunch buffet on May 12. The event features live music by local artist Samantha Clemons. A ticket grants access to the all-you-can-eat buffet; drinks must be purchased separately. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITYWINERY.COM.

ECKERT’S FARM

The Belleville farm will be hosting a Mom’s Day Out on May 11. The event will include a sip and shop with local vendors in the Cider Shed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and live music from Vince Martin. The next day, all mothers will receive a free cider donut at the Cider Shed. The farm’s country restaurant also is offering a special Mother’s Day breakfast and lunch menu. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ECKERTS.COM.

LE MERIDIEN ST. LOUIS CLAYTON

The hotel is hosting a Sip, Shop and Savour on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features pop-up shops from local vendors and brunch from Café la Vie, including a build-your-own-omelet station and complimentary mimosas.

RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE AT OPENTABLE.

THE NOBLE

The historic South St. Louis venue is hosting Not Your Mother’s Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11 in partnership with Polished Prints and Diso! Held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event includes bottomless beverages, brunch bites, mini-massages and offerings from a variety of vendors, such as a floral arrangement class with Flora MiLou, botox injections, vitamin injections, permanent jewelry, a professional organizer, color analysis and mini-facials. LEARN MORE AT THENOBLESTL.COM.

THE PARKMOOR DRIVE-IN

The restaurant will be giving mothers a free Mom-mosa with the purchase of an entree on Mother’s Day. Each mother must have a child present with them to receive the complimentary drink. The Parkmoor will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THEPARKMOOR.COM.

RUTH’S CHRIS

Both of the steakhouse’s locations are offering brunch for Mother’s Day. The menu features dishes such as barbecued shrimp and grits and crab cake Benedict. Or let Mom sleep in and opt for a dinner celebration. RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED AND CAN BE MADE AT RUTHSCHRISPHG.COM/CHESTERFIELD OR RUTHSCHRISPHG.COM/ST-LOUIS.

SCHLAFLY BEER

All four of the brewery's brewpub locations will be offering mothers a free personal-sized dessert and gift, including lotion and a flower. Schlafly’s restaurants will be available for dine-in from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, VISIT SCHLAFLY.COM.

MOTHER’S DAY

THE DIAMOND BAR

Our most loved mother’s piece is our floating diamond necklaces. Each necklace is customized to be a unique symbol of your family, featuring a diamond for each of your loved ones. 13360 Clayton Road, Ste. 103 | 314.548.5100 | thediamondbarstl.com

FINE

PORTRAITURE IN CHARCOAL BY ELIZABETH MAYER

Keepsakes are beautifully rendered in classic black and white, conveniently drawn from photographs taken in the studio or provided by clients. Gift certificates available. 314.962.4953 portraitsbyelizabethmayer.com

SALLIE

HOME

Entertain with style! William Yeoward American Bar is a beautiful collection of handmade glass for the bar that evokes the style and glamor of the 1920s and 30s, when cocktails and jazz were all the rage.

The Corinne Cocktail Shaker with Strainer is lovely with an optic finish. Available for $275. 9821 Clayton Road 314.567.7883 salliehome.com

by Elizabeth Mayer

Webster Groves

314-962-4953

In classic black and white, conveniently drawn from photos, yours or mine

TO moms

MY MESSY M M LIFE

WITH KATELYN & THE #CRUMBLYCREW

LAUGH MORE

BEING A MOM is a never-ending journey of growth. It’s showing up even when you barely have the strength to. It’s an endless list of things to do that only a mother can understand. And most importantly, it is your heart being so full of love, it’s overwhelming. Sometimes, we may question how we can survive this while giving our kids the best possible life. The answer may be as simple as laughing your way through it all.

Give Mom the gift of relaxation with luxurious fragrance goods from K. Hall Designs. From our new Ceramic Embossed Candles to beautifully packaged soaps, bath salts, sugar scrubs and more, find her the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

K. Hall Designs

Brentwood Retail Store

8416 Manchester Rd.

Brentwood, MO 63144

314.963.3293

K. Hall Designs

Ladue Retail Store

9831 Clayton Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63124

Thinking about the scope of motherhood brought to mind my husband’s great-grandma Florence Elizabeth Grimshaw, who had 12 kids, 56 grandkids, 114 great-grandkids, 23 great-great-grandkids, and one great-great-great-grandkid when she passed away shortly before her 100th birthday. Her first was born in 1929 and last in 1949. She raised all 12 kids in Kimmswick, Missouri, just a short drive south of St. Louis, with her husband George Louis Grimshaw in an old house in the corner of town. The house is still there and has a Grimshaw plaque on it.

When I asked her daughter Helen, now almost 84, how her mother did it, she said, “The thing I remember most about mom was that she had a great sense of humor. No matter what happened in life she could always laugh, and she never let us know how poor we were.” And when she says poor, she means poor. Florence raised 12 kids, along with caring for her mother-in-law, in a house without running water—no toilet, bath or shower.

“We were dirt poor, but we never knew it because mom and dad never acted like it,” Helen recalls. “They loved each other so much and were happy people. Whenever we would ask for something that they couldn’t afford, she would say, ‘When we get rich, I’ll get it for you.’ Of course, we never got rich, but we were always looking forward to it!”

Helen told me she thinks she got her sense of humor from her mom. She and her husband, John, went on to have six of their own kids, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way. I was lucky enough to marry one of her grandsons and have called her grandma since the first day I met her. It’s hard for me to remember to laugh during the stressful day-to-day of my own life. I cannot imagine having 12 kids, no amenities and laughing every single day. Those are the priorities I want to have. They say laughter is the best medicine, but it seems like it’s also the answer to an incredibly happy home.

So looking back at moms across generations, I can see that laughter is contagious. It is an essential ingredient to motherhood and raising really amazing children. Medical studies confirm its benefits include enhancing oxygen intake, soothing tension, relieving stress, improving the immune system, easing pain and more.

The best way I can think to honor Florence, Helen and moms like them this Mother’s Day would be to stress a little less and laugh a lot more.

—XO Katelyn

FLORENCE GRIMSHAW WITH HER 12 CHILDREN

PARENT TRAP

by dr. tim jordan

LET GO OF OLD BELIEFS

STEPHANIE IS WORRIED about whether or not she’ll be able to make friends when she starts college this fall. Her social self-doubting began in seventh grade when her group of best friends started excluding her for no reason, and she spent the rest of that year alone and feeling lonely.

Addi has always struggled in school. Testing in grade school revealed that she suffered from dyslexia, and despite some accommodations and extra tutoring, she still barely made C’s despite working twice as long and hard as her friends who easily scored A’s.

Sofia’s parents got divorced when she was 3, and her dad gradually spent less and less time with her. When he got remarried and had two kids with his new wife, Sofia only saw him on some holidays and a few weeks in the summer.

When kids face adversities like those mentioned above, they always go into their heads and try to make sense of what’s happening to them. Unfortunately, they tend to come up with private logic that is negative. For instance, Stephanie began to wonder if her friends left her out because she wasn’t good, pretty or cool enough. She believed she was too socially awkward and weird to fit in. Addi decided her troubles in school were because she was stupid and thus figured she wasn’t going to have a successful life. Sofia wondered if her dad didn’t see her because she was unlovable and less important than his new family.

When I work with girls and young women in my counseling practice and in my retreats and summer camps, I help them become aware of a process I call the spiral of beliefs. Due to adverse childhood experiences, kids develop negative thoughts about themselves as they try to explain their experiences, and over time, those thoughts become beliefs that greatly affect how they show up in life. I help girls become aware of these limiting beliefs they’ve incurred and encourage them to reframe what

they’ve made of these experiences. I tell them that while they are usually not in charge of what happens to them, they are always in charge of what they make of it, i.e. what that experience means about them. Stephanie decided her middle school “friends” acted the way they did because they were immature, insecure and inappropriately playing with their social power. Addi decided that struggles in the classroom did not mean that she was dumb and did not have to limit her future. She also read stories of many successful adults who, like her, had struggled with dyslexia. Sofia came to believe that her dad’s actions were on him and meant nothing about her self-worth or lovability.

Before your teenager launches into the world, it would be invaluable for them to take some quiet reflective time to figure out what limiting beliefs they may have acquired from adversities. The last thing I’d want is for them to walk onto a college campus thinking they were weird, socially awkward, not good enough, unimportant, unlovable and stupid. Their beliefs about themselves will affect the ways they show up academically and socially. Again, they may not have been in charge of what they experienced, but they are always in charge of their story. I want every new college student to believe that they are a good person who deserves good, loyal friends and that they have the ability to carve out the career and life they are destined for. Support them in letting go of and leaving behind any false, limiting beliefs that might hold them back from being successful in college and life.

TIM JORDAN, M.D., IS A BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICIAN WHO COUNSELS GIRLS AGED GRADE SCHOOL THRU COLLEGE. LISTEN TO HIS WEEKLY PODCAST, RAISING DAUGHTERS, TO GAIN INFORMATION ON RAISING STRONG, RESILIENT GIRLS. FOR MORE INFO ON DR. JORDAN’S RETREATS, SUMMER CAMPS AND BOOKS VISIT DRTIMJORDAN.COM.

SNAPPED!

BACH SOCIETY OF SAINT LOUIS a perfect fifth! gala

by bill barrett

The annual gala supports the Bach Society of Saint Louis’ mission to offer the community the opportunity to perform and hear the great music of Johann Sebastian Bach and others. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and entertainment by the Bach Society Singers directed by Stephen Eros. Executive director Melissa Payton, honorary chairs Joe and Jeanene Dugan, event chair Judy Brown

MATT AND LAUREN BRICKLER

JEANENE AND JOE DUGAN

ANNE AND JIM VON DER HEYDT

RACHEL JONES, DR. RABYA SARAF, DR. ALI EHSANI, MELISSA AND RYAN PAYTON

PAGE AND ALLAN IVIE

COURTNEY DELANEY, JUDY BROWN

WHITFIELD SCHOOL

green & white gala

photos courtesy of whitfield school

Held at the Chase Park Plaza, the gala honored retiring principal Ruth Greathouse for her 39 incredible years of service and Dr. Brandon Haynes, the George A. Newton Teacher of the Year Award recipient. Guests enjoyed a second line led by The Red and Black Band, which took them from cocktail hour into dinner. Following a live auction and paddle raise, there was a video tribute followed by entertainment by Fat Pocket.

So many reasons to love the Lou. We rally around our sports teams and each other.

Pink Ribbon Good makes sure anyone battling breast or gynecological cancer in our hometown has free healthy meals, rides to treatment, cleaning essentials and peer support.

Donate $100 or more to Pink Ribbon Good on May 9th for GIVE STL DAY and this hat will be yours to show off your devotion to the place we call home.

DELVIN AND KIM WALLS

LEE RHODES, CAITLIN KING

KRISTEN RHODES, MARY BURKE, SCOTT RHODES BRANDON AND JENNIFER HAYNES

CHRIS AND HELENA CUNNINGHAM, DIANNA AND RON FOX

GIVING BACK National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis

by stephanie wallace

What makes the NCJWSTL’ s approach unique?

Our mission is to improve the lives of women, children and families in our community. We do that through direct service as well as advocacy and education. That means while we directly help families in need, we also look to understand why that need exists and work toward policies to address those underlying issues. That connection between advocacy and direct service is something we do on a local, state and national level, which really makes us unique.

How has your programming evolved over the years?

We’ve been around for a long time. Historically, we’ve identified needs in the community and then figured out programs and projects that can address them. We have had a tangible impact on the nonprofit landscape of St. Louis. There are several organizations that exist today that were founded as community service programs at NCJWSTL. These include Crown Center for Senior Living, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) St. Louis, Legal Advocates for Abused Women (LAAW) and the Victim Service Council.

What goes into starting a new project?

When we start a project, the first step is to go out into the community and talk to people to find out what is missing. For example, we have a microlending program called Hearts Healing Bank. It started with looking for a way to help victims of domestic abuse. One thing we learned is that a big reason that people stay in abusive relationships is money,

FROM PIONEERING THE FIRST FREE MILK PROGRAM in St. Louis public schools to providing microloans to victims of domestic abuse, the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis has a long history of innovating community outreach. Established in 1895, the nonprofit is dedicated to creating meaningful action to help improve the lives of women, children and families. T&S spoke with CEO Ellen Alper to learn more about how the organization puts its mission into action.

and financial assistance was one type of direct service that was missing. We looked at microlending programs around the country and developed our model to work with different community partners. We offer loans that are paid back over six to 12 months with low interest rates. We also are a credit reporting agency, so when people pay back their loan, they can raise their credit score by around 150 points, according to research. We don’t want our programs to just offer handouts—it’s always a hand up.

How do your programs support kids in the St. Louis area?

Our Back to School! Store provides clothing, school supplies and personal care items to local students. We help more than 2,000 kids each year through the program. We also operate around 30 Kids Community Closets in schools. These provide uniforms, underwear, outerwear and other items that children need to be able to go to school. We feel that to break the cycle of poverty, kids and teens need to have the necessities to be in class every day so they can get a good education.

Why is it important for St. Louis to have this outlet for women to get involved?

We may be the National Council of Jewish Women, but to get involved, you don’t have to be Jewish or a woman. We have upwards of 1,000 volunteers every year who want to give back to the St. Louis community. For me as a mother and grandmother, I want to ensure that my daughter and granddaughter can have successful lives while also teaching

them the importance of giving back. One of our values is tikkun olam, which is Hebrew for “repairing the world.” We have an obligation to serve and make a difference in our community.

How can people support NCJWSTL?

Our biggest events are in the fall. We can always use support for the Back to School! Store and need individuals to sponsor children. At the end of September, our Resale Shop hosts its Couturier Sale, which gives people the opportunity to get great deals on luxury merchandise while helping us fund our programs. This year is actually the event’s 60th anniversary. We also can always use volunteers to work in The Resale Shop. If you want to get involved in advocacy, you can become a member, and we also run a series of leadership workshops that are open to the public. The goal of NCJWSTL is really to be a place where people can come together to move forward. &

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN ST. LOUIS

RESALE SHOP VOLUNTEERS AT THE COUTURIER SALE

HEALING HEARTS LOAN

RECIPIENT BRENDA SMITH

VOLUNTEERS WORK WITH STUDENTS AT THE BACK TO SCHOOL! STORE

Connecting the Community:

CHINESE CULTURE DAYS

Chinese Culture Days began as a way for the Missouri Botanical Garden to celebrate the opening of the Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship Chinese Garden in 1996. Designed by Chinese-born architect Yong Pan, the space is modeled after “scholar’s gardens” found in the southern provinces of China. “What began as a way to highlight the garden has become one of our longest-running events,” events manager Lauren Schertz says. “It’s grown into a beloved cultural festival with vendors, performances and food, which has been great to see.” Originally a single day, Chinese Culture Days is now a two-day event that brings between 9,000 and 12,000 visitors to the garden.

To make the event possible, the Missouri Botanical Garden partners with Chinese Culture Education and Services, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of Chinese culture and promoting societal harmony and respect. “They have been a pivotal partner to the event, helping us coordinate every detail and find the best artists and vendors,” Schertz notes. “It truly takes a village. St. Louis is a melting pot of unique backgrounds, and it’s wonderful that the Missouri Botanical Garden can be a welcoming place where the community can come together and celebrate different cultures.”

Chinese Culture Education and Services chairman Matthew Yu adds that the process of putting the event together is extensive. Organizing and budget-making begins in September and is followed by months of planning and rehearsals. “If you enjoy project management and working with a large group of passionate people, Chinese Culture

rom a 70-foot dancing dragon to delicious regional cuisine to awe-inspiring performances of traditional acrobatics and music, Chinese Culture Days is a beloved St. Louis tradition. Each May, the event brings thousands of guests to the Missouri Botanical Garden to experience and appreciate different facets of Chinese culture just in time for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. T&S is taking a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the event and how it promotes inclusion and acceptance in the St. Louis community.

Days is your perfect project,” he says “It consists of about 30 individual programs. The confluence of roughly 750 volunteers and nine months of effort is displayed each May at the event.”

For Yu, Chinese Culture Days is an important way for the St. Louis community to come together for cross-cultural understanding. It is an opportunity for neighbors to strengthen bonds while experiencing different customs. “The event offers educational opportunities for people to learn about Chinese traditions, arts, cuisine, language and history, enriching their knowledge and broadening their perspectives while celebrating diversity,” he says. “In short, it demonstrates the vibrancy of our community and helps foster mutual respect and appreciation among people from different backgrounds.”

This year, Chinese Culture Days is May 18 and 19, and it promises to have something for the entire family to enjoy. Children’s activities include face-painting, arts and crafts, and games. Cultural demonstrations and performances range from traditional music and Chinese opera to acrobatics, including a performance by Lina Liu who holds a Guinness World Record for umbrella balancing. Schertz notes that the garden is excited to welcome talented sugar artisans from New York City for the first time. “They will demonstrate sugar pulling to make zodiac symbols,” she says. “Not only is it very cool to watch, but guests will have the opportunity to purchase the candy as well.” She adds that the event also is continuing to expand its food offerings, including the addition of Honey Bee Tea, a local boba tea shop.

“I encourage everyone to experience Chinese Culture Days in person,” Yu says. “The best way for us to become a stronger community is to have an open mind and a willingness to learn something new. If you visit with curiosity, respect and a sense of adventure, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and gain a deeper appreciation for a culture that has been around for 5,000 years. I would like to thank the Missouri Botanical Garden for being a loyal, supportive and dependable partner in sharing Chinese culture with St. Louis for the past 30 years.”

To purchase tickets, visit missouribotanicalgarden.org.

By stephanie Wallace

PHOTO: SUNDOS SCHNEIDER

WHAT DOES THE GATESWORTH MEAN TO YOU?

The grounds are a perfect place to spend time with my daughter. There is so much to do, and if you participate, you meet some really lovely people. — NANCY MCEVOY “ ”

Celebrating 35 Years of Exceptional Senior Living

The Gatesworth provides the perfect canvas to enjoy life your way. Living in an exquisitely appointed apartment surrounded by beautiful, lush grounds, you’ll feel inspired to pursue new interests, expand your knowledge, build friendships and embrace your independence. Discover The Gatesworth and experience exceptional senior living today. Call 314-993-0111. 314-993-0111 | T he G aT eswor T h . com Facebook.com/TheGatesworth One McKnight Place, St. Louis, MO 63124

The Gatesworth is an independent senior living community conveniently located north of Highway 40 just off I-170

Exceptional People. Exceptional Living. DOWNLOAD

MARKET EXPERTISE

REALTY SHOP STL

by stephanie wallace

EVEN FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS, the current real estate market is unlike anything seen in previous years. “The real question is what hasn’t been altered about the real estate landscape in the last 24 months,” notes Amanda Alejandro, president and owner of Realty Shop STL. “Everything from seller and buyer services down to documentation has changed. Coming out of the pandemic, we’re still dealing with inventory issues and unprecedented demand regardless of inflation and interest rates.” With more than 15 years of residential real estate experience, she brings her expertise to the Creve Coeur-based brokerage, which helps clients navigate every step of the home buying and selling process.

While Realty Shop STL is a boutique brokerage, Alejandro notes the term doesn’t mean the firm should be perceived as small or limited. Alongside Jay Steinback, she founded Vue Enterprises in 2018 to offer for both buyers and sellers access to all necessary services without having to visit multiple providers. “Since our inception, we’ve seen changes on the horizon for the real estate market,” she says. “Most people don’t know all their options when buying or selling a home. We offer transparent communication and the freedom to choose, so you can get the terms that work best for you.”

Diversity is the name of the game at Realty Shop STL. Its ventures have grown to address all aspects of the real estate landscape, including luxury properties, new construction, relocation services and more, and Vue Enterprises has its own title and mortgage companies that operate out of the same building for the best consumer

experience possible. “Our approach is not one-size-fits-all—we tailor everything to meet your specific goals,” Steinback explains. “We’re a one-stop shop for everything real estate related. Because of the synergy between all these different components, we offer clients not only expertise in the market, but an ease of experience across the board. It’s a more efficient process, and you only pay for what you need.”

With today’s volatile market, it’s more important than ever that both buyers and sellers find a trusted, experienced agent that they can work with. “The industry is changing a lot, and sellers need to be asking how they should market their homes to get the best terms and net,” Alejandro notes. “Buyers are having an especially difficult time. Inventory is low, but we are not seeing any diminishing demand. It’s very important that they work with a professional who is going to be an advocate for them, so they can meet their goals on their timeline.”

According to Alejandro, it’s important that both buyers and sellers understand their own limited grasp of the market. She suggests starting conversations with real estate professionals as soon as possible. “A home is the largest asset most people will own in their lifetime, and an experienced agent is needed to educate and advise both buyers and sellers on their journey,” she says. “Start interviewing early and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no one way to buy or sell real estate. You may not need to take a traditional approach. At Realty Shop STL, our services are designed with the individual customer first in mind.” &

PRESIDENT AND OWNER AMANDA ALEJANDRO

a conversation with MICHAEL KORS

About 850 guests packed the elegant Graham Chapel at Washington University in St. Louis to hear legendary American fashion designer Michael Kors talk about his career, stunning fashion program of work and his philanthropic contributions to address world hunger. The program was presented by Saint Louis Fashion Fund “Speaking of Fashion” series in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and Caleres. A lively Q&A was moderated by Derek Blasberg, a native St. Louisan, journalist and fashion industry personality

photos by suzy gorman

ST. LOUIS CITY MAYOR TISHAURA O. JONES, MICHAEL KORS

SUSAN SHERMAN, PENNY PENNINGTON

LANCE LEPERE, SUSAN SHERMAN, MICHAEL KORS, STEPHANIE MARTIN, DEREK BLASBERG

DEREK BLASBERG, MICHAEL KORS

3

by chrissie wojciechowski

QUESTIONS WITH MICHAEL KORS

IN EFFORTS TO LIMIT DISPOSABILITY IN FASHION, WHAT ARE SOME STEPS YOU ARE TAKING AS A DESIGNER?

I’ve always said one of the greenest things you can do in fashion is invest in something you can wear for years to come. We’ve always focused on quality and craftsmanship, our clothes and accessories are made to last and to look good time after time, and that, to me, is incredibly important.

As a company, we’re working hard to lower our environmental impact, from reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy to reducing the amount of packaging we use. If you look at our website, you’ll see more products made from lower-impact materials like recycled fibers, organic fabrics and even recycled sequins. And to go back to where I started—our products are made to last, so we created Pre-Loved, a resale marketplace where pre-owned Michael Kors products can find a new life. There’s lots more to do, of course, and we’re committed to doing it.

YOU HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS OVER YOUR CAREER, DO YOU HAVE ONE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

I’m extremely fortunate to do what I love and to have other people love it, too. There have been lots of incredible moments. I was honored when Michelle Obama chose to wear one of my dresses for her first official White House portrait. And then winning the CFDA Lifetime Achievement award and being recognized by my peers in the industry for remaining true to my vision was really spectacular. I’m also grateful that I’ve been able to use my platform to help others. My work with God’s Love We Deliver and my ambassadorship with the World Food Programme have been incredibly rewarding.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COLLECTION YOU HAVE DESIGNED; WHAT SEASON IS YOUR FAVORITE?

It’s impossible to choose a favorite! We work on each one for so long that they all kind of become your favorite.

QUICK BITES

OPENS CLOSES &

by stephanie wallace

Umami Seasons Hotpot has joined the restaurant lineup on the Loop. The Taiwanese hot pot spot is now open at 6602 Delmar Blvd. … Old Town Florissant is getting a little Italian flavor. The historic Narrow Gauge Railroad station house in Tower Court Park (1060 St. Catherine St.) will soon be home to Costello’s Pizza and Subs Cobblestone, a market, deli and cafe concept, is new to Laclede’s Landing in the old Peper Tobacco Co. (701 N. First St.). … Last month, local fave Mission Taco Joint opened its ninth location at 1000 Woods Mill Plaza in the Clayton Village Shopping Center in Town and Country. … Breakfast lovers will want to head to Midtown, where The Biscuit Joint is serving interesting takes on classics at 2649 Washington Ave.

POPPING UP

You can sample Niche Food Group’s new globally inspired barbecue concept, Expat BBQ, at Urban Chestnut’s Biergarten location in Midtown. Executive chef Sam Nawrocki is sharing his take on barbecue favorites ahead of the restaurant’s opening. The Brisket Pop-Up on May 4 will offer sandwiches made with chipotle in adobo, avocado salsa verde and cilantro, and on May 26 the Pork Pop-up will feature pulled pork prepared with a Vietnamese “hogwash,” ginger pickles and Thai basil.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Swade Cannabis is collaborating with local restaurants and chefs for a series of infused dinners. Appropriately launched on April 20, Best Buds invites chefs to work with “Stiribles,” a new, unflavored, water-soluble THC-infused powder. The first collaboration featured an infused blackberry jelly at both Up Late locations. Pie Guy Pizza will offer an infused slice on May 13, El Molino de Sureste is using the product in tacos and tostadas on June 24, and Indo is offering the chance to sample infused sushi rolls and Thai Street food on July 16. For more information, visit swadecannabis.com.

IN HIGH SPIRITS

Congrats to Still 630! The distillery won big at the American Craft Spirits Association, taking home 11 medals. Its Five-Year Expedition Rum not only won gold but also Best in Class Rum—the brand’s fifth Best in Class award. Still 630’s Knowledge of Good Apple Brandy also received a gold medal, and its other medal winning spirits include

ONE TASTY PARTNERSHIP

Two beloved St. Louis food brands are joining forces! Hi-Pointe Drive-In and Taco Buddha have formed Gastronauts Food Group a nod to their “out-of-this-world” approach to food and hospitality. The restaurant group will assist both restaurants in sustainable growth with streamlined operational efficiencies and collaborative marketing, while allowing each to maintain their independent brands.

“We are very proud to be from St. Louis and build these brands here, and a big part of our Gastronauts Food Group strategy is to let the rest of the country know what St. Louis grown brands are all about,” says Ben Hillman, president of Gastronauts Food Group. &

JESSICA TAVARES, BROOKE MEEK

AUDRA NOYES HERNDON, MICHAEL KORS

HOLLY CAMPBELL, KELLY MALONE

BECKY DOMYAN, KELLY BAGWE, ALICE VON SYDOW, JULIE TRISTAN

Around Town

Senior

1. Art on the Square

Come celebrate Art on the Square on May 17 through 19 in downtown Belleville. Enjoy 108 artists in 11 mediums, wine and food courts and children’s art garden activities. For more information, visit artonthesquare.com.

VETERANS MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN, DOWNTOWN BELLEVILLE

618.558.0450

ARTONTHESQUARE.COM

2. Pink Ribbon Good

The STL Survivor Celebration & Warrior Walk is June 8 at The Armory. Those diagnosed with and survivors of breast and gynecological cancer gather to celebrate life and triumphantly walk.

877.269.5367

PINKRIBBONGOOD.ORG

3. Aberdeen Heights Senior Living

Discover vibrant retirement living in Kirkwood! Contact us for a personal tour or attend an upcoming event and discover the way you want to live.

575 COUCH AVE.

314.470.4863

ABERDEENSENIORLIVING.COM

4. The Gatesworth

For the third consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has placed The Gatesworth on its list of 2024 Best Senior Living communities.

ONE McKNIGHT PLACE

314.993.0111

THEGATESWORTH.COM

5. The Grande Senior Living Communities

From our world class hospitality to our personalized approach to wellness, The Grande Senior Living communities are places where your focus can be on you. We have three communities in the St. Louis area. Visit our website for the location that’s right for you.

BRIDGESENIORLIVING.COM

Take Note

6. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis offers a safe, fun and affordable summer camp for ages 6 to 18 at several locations. Call 314.335.8000 to find the location nearest you!

314.335.8009

BGCSTL.ORG

7. STAGES St. Louis

STAGES St. Louis is committed to preserving and advancing the art form of musical theater through excellence in performance and education.

1023 CHESTERFIELD PARKWAY E.

314.821.2407

STAGESSTLOUIS.ORG

M ARI de VILLA SENIOR LIVING

BABY BLUES

VS.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

Pregnancy and childbirth are a time of immense joy for families. However, those emotional highs can come with some serious lows. Most new mothers, and some fathers, will experience some form of anxiety, sadness or restlessness following the arrival of a baby. For National Mental Health Month, we’re breaking down the signs and causes of baby blues and postpartum depression.

BABY BLUES

For many new parents, the time immediately after a baby arrives can be marked by feeling anxious, sad or irritable. These feelings can last for the first few days or weeks after having their baby. This is known as the “baby blues,” and it’s more common than you may think. According to the March of Dimes, around 80% of new parents experience some form of baby blues. The condition commonly occurs around two to three days after the baby’s arrival, and it can last up to two weeks.

The baby blues are caused by changes in hormones. Following delivery, the amount of estrogen and progesterone suddenly decreases, and this can cause mood swings. Sharp drops in hormone levels also can make people feel tired and depressed. The additional challenges of caring for a new baby, including lack of sleep, and anxiety or nervousness about being a new parent can compound these feelings. Individuals with a history of depression also are more susceptible to feeling sad after pregnancy.

WAYS TO TREAT THE BABY BLUES

The baby blues typically go away without treatment. However, there are steps you can take to improve your mental health. If the feelings of anxiety, panic and depression worsen or do not subside, be sure to contact your health care provider.

■ Get as much sleep as possible. Rest when the baby rests, whether that’s naps during the day or sleeping at night.

■ Ask your friends, family and partner for support. Tell them exactly how they can help, including making meals, shopping for groceries or watching the baby while you sleep.

■ Make time for yourself. Take time to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, watching a movie or working out.

■ Be realistic in what you expect from yourself. You don’t have to do everything or keep your home perfect. Do what you can without overwhelming yourself.

■ Connect with other new parents. They will be having similar experiences and may have the same concerns as you. You also can find a support group to help.

■ Exercise when possible. It can help improve your mood.

■ Avoid drinking alcohol. It can negatively impact your mood.

■ Don’t make any major life changes too soon after having the baby if they can be avoided. This can cause more unnecessary stress.

SYMPTOMS

Mood swings

Anxiety

Sadness

Irritability

Feeling overwhelmed

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

While the baby blues usually go away within a few days, the symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. The condition usually begins within the first month after birth, and it can interfere with a parent’s ability to bond with their newborn. According to the Office on Women’s Health, one in eight new mothers report experiencing postpartum depression during the year after childbirth. The exact cause of postpartum depression is not known. Like baby blues, it is often associated with changes in hormone levels.

Studies have shown that the partners of new mothers also can experience postpartum depression. They may feel overwhelmed, anxious or sad and have changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. Sometimes known as paternal postpartum depression, the condition often affects young fathers who have a history of depression, are experiencing relationship issues or dealing with financial problems. Similar treatments and support that is provided to mothers experiencing postpartum depression can help the other parent as well.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION DURING OR AFTER PREGNANCY

▲ A personal or family history of depression

▲ A difficult pregnancy or birth experience

▲Giving birth to twins or other multiples

▲ Relationship problems with your partner

▲ Financial problems or lack of support to help care for the baby

▲ Unplanned pregnancy

SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Severe mood swings

Anxiety or panic attacks

Difficulty bonding with your baby

Withdrawing from social support like friends and families

Changes in diet, such as not eating enough or eating much more than usual

Altered sleep patterns, including insomnia and sleeping too much

Lethargy or overwhelming tiredness

OF BABY BLUES

Crying

Trouble concentrating

Appetite changes

Difficulty sleeping

Loss of interest in hobbies or previously enjoyed activities

Intense irritability and anger

Hopelessness

Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

Difficult making decisions or thinking clearly

Restlessness

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

CLAYTON

“THE HOME IS A COMBINATION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL FLOOR PLAN IN A DESIRABLE LOCATION.”

– SABRINA ROBB

by stephanie wallace

ROBB

from the homeowners »

Located in Clayton Gardens, 8108 University Drive is a home that was made for family. Whether it’s the large back yard, extra guest rooms or remodeled kitchen, it’s the picture perfect space to gather and spend time together. After 25 years in the home, the current homeowners are relocating to be closer to their grandchildren and are ready to pass the property to a new family.

What have you enjoyed about the home’s location?

Clayton Gardens is a very friendly neighborhood and a great place to raise kids. It’s a nice quiet street. We will miss it. As they say in real estate, location, location, location. You’re in the center of Clayton. We enjoyed being able to walk to the library or coffee houses and restaurants. We would walk our kids to the corner to catch the bus, and the Clayton schools are great.

Did you make any changes to the home?

It’s an older home, so we did a lot, including a complete kitchen gut and rehab. We dug under the house to add a second garage and more storage.

When we moved in, there were just two bedrooms upstairs. We added a little office space and three ensuite bedrooms and bathrooms, two of which have walk-in closets. There’s still some attic space, and we were able to add a lot of living space by changing the bedroom configuration.

Tell me about the outdoor spaces. The house actually sits on a lot and a half, so we have a nice backyard. That can be difficult to find in Clayton. We have a great patio area, which was especially nice during COVID. There is a screened-in porch where we would often eat or sit outside and listen to Cardinals games. The backyard is very private. We have a dog, and she loves being able to spend time outside.

What are some standout features of the home?

The hearth room has two fireplaces, and it’s really comfy. For an older house, the main floor is very open, and we love the flow. The kitchen opens to the dining and hearth rooms. Because of the openness, people tell us it’s a great party home. We do a fair amount of entertaining. We’ve hosted family Thanksgivings and Christmas parties.

What would you most like the next homeowners to know?

It’s a well loved house that has been the perfect place to raise a family. It’s in a great neighborhood, and Clayton is a wonderful community to live and work in. &

PHOTO: 4 SQUARE

Joelle Hibbard and Kathy Karasick

K: 314.691.0683 | J:314.724.2984

JoelleAndKathy@bhhsall.com

JoelleAndKathyhomes.com

4545 Lindell #13 | C

$1,250,000 | 2+ Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

Breihan Malecek Peterson & James

C: 314.610.2318 | erik@BMPJrealestate.com BMPJrealestate.com

$849,000 | 6 Bedrooms | 3 Full 1 Half Baths

Joelle Hibbard and Kathy Karasick

K: 314.691.0683 | J: 314.724.2984

JoelleAndKathy@bhhsall.com

JoelleAndKathyhomes.com

Espenschied Hermann Group

C: 314.691.0777 | aespenschied@bhhsall.com

Mark Ciapciak C: 314.740.5971 | markciapciak@bhhsall.com

11 Fordyce Lane | L A D U E

$2,825,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Full 2 Half Baths

Berkley Land | Land | Litwack & Associates

C: 314.401.0999 | sbeland@bhhsall.com LandLitwack.com

TOWN & neighborhood

S INT LOUIS ¥HISTORYµ BY NEIGHBORHOOD

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

St. Louis is a community built of neighborhoods—each with its own unique vibe and wonderful attractions and landmarks. This includes some amazing buildings that are both world-class examples of architectural styles and important pieces of local and national history.

CENTRAL WEST END

THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. LOUIS

A breathtaking example of Neo-Byzantine Romanesque Revival, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis was designed by the architecture firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett. Construction began in 1907, and the building was dedicated in 1914. However, construction wasn’t fully completed until more than seven decades later in 1988, when the cathedral’s mosaics were finished.

CLAYTON

HANLEY HOUSE

The oldest structure in Clayton, the farmstead was built in 1855 by Martin Franklin Hanley. The city purchased the property in 1968. After restoring the home, it opened to the public as a museum in 1971, offering insight into what life was like on a 19th century Missouri farm. The museum includes many original furnishings, artifacts and letters that belonged to the Hanley family.

CHESTERFIELD

THORNHILL

ESTATE

Built in 1819, the Thornhill estate was home to Missouri’s second governor, Frederick Bates. It is the oldest governor’s home standing in the state. Located in Faust Park, the site includes the home and original barn as well as a second barn built around 1860, a distillery, smokehouse, icehouse, granary and blacksmith’s shop.

GRAND CENTER

THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE

Built in 1928 by movie pioneer William Fox, the Fox Theatre was reportedly the second-largest theater in the country when it opened. It was designed by architect C. Howard Crane, who used an eclectic blend of Asian decorative motifs known as Siamese Byzantine. It originally closed in 1978, and reopened in 1982 following a $3 million restoration.

DOWNTOWN THE OLD COURTHOUSE

Once Missouri’s tallest habitable building, the Old St. Louis County Courthouse was built between 1839 and 1862. It was home to several pivotal cases in American history, including serving as the site of the first two trials of the Dred Scott case. Now part of the Gateway Arch National Park, it began a $24.5 million renovation in 2023, which is expected to be completed next year.

LADUE

ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS

Completed in 1965, the Ethical Society of St. Louis’ meeting house was designed by modernist architect Harris Armstrong. The striking skyward thrust of its roof is meant to symbolize the organization’s mission to bring out the best in the human spirit. The building’s auditorium also was home to the first baroque tracker organ built in the St. Louis area.

U. CITY

KIRKWOOD

KIRKWOOD TRAIN STATION

Kirkwood Train Station’s history dates back to 1853 when the first railroad depot was constructed on the land. The current stone structure was built in 1893 to replace the original wooden one. It is an example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It is believed that the design was created by Pacific Railroad staff because the original drawings do not have an architect’s signature.

CITY HALL OF UNIVERSITY CITY

The city hall for University City actually began as the home of Women’s Magazine—one of the most widely circulated publications at the turn of the century. The five-story octagonal building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by local architect Herbert C. Chivers. It briefly sat vacant after its owner, Edward Gardner Lewis, was charged with mail fraud and moved to California. It was dedicated as city hall in 1930.

LUXURY REDEFINED

OVER 1.5 BILLION IN HOMES SOLD

Step into a world where history and luxury converge in this splendid 1910 estate nestled in the heart of Ladue. Across its 8,000 square feet, every corner tells a story of elegance. Here, historical grandeur seamlessly blends with contemporary luxury, offering a living experience that’s as inviting as it is luxurious. Welcome to Cella. Private appointments starting soon call for more information.

751 Cella Road Ladue MO 63124 - Offering at 3,500,000

Jessica Settlemoir

$2,700,000 | Pr/SqFt: $694.09 Janet McAfee Real Estate Agent: Terri Wolfner

63119

631

HOMEWORK

DEAR HOMEWORK,

Would you like to tackle a backyard puzzle? We live in a 1950s ranch in Kirkwood and love to eat outside. Our backyard has been neglected since we moved in years ago. We would like to tie three projects together: provide much-needed maintenance to the retaining wall, replace the back door stairs and make eating outdoors less treacherous coming in and out of the kitchen. (The back door goes into the kitchen.) We would love to exit outside on the same level as the kitchen, but are aware that doing so will raise the height of the retaining wall at the driveway, and we don’t want to do that. Are we stuck?

Thanks,

DEAR DREAMING OF OUTDOOR DINING,

Your decaying porch structure and retaining wall offer a clean design direction because when they are removed, we can build a spacious new wood deck at the same level as the kitchen for ease of serving, which will expand your outdoor entertaining options. If you use a white railing and stone columns to match the remaining portion of the retaining wall, the deck will fit well with the existing architecture. Additional upgrades include black shutters similar to those on the front façade, new window boxes, a striped awning, carriage-style garage doors and a few black coach lamps. These changes all work together to give the rear elevation a bit more elegance and charm.

Landscaping changes include a burning bush hedge on top of the retaining wall (for safety), a flowerbed featuring multicolor tulips, and some ornamental grasses to help hide the electric meter.

Now that you have a new deck to enjoy along with your existing stone terrace, your backyard will be ‘the place to be’ as the weather warms up.

Thanks for asking,

HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK WAS PENNED BY THE LATE PAUL DOERNER, FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE LAWRENCE GROUP. TO CELEBRATE HIS LEGACY, T&S IS PULLING SOME OF HIS OLDER COLUMNS FROM THE ARCHIVES TO SHARE.

TOWN

by neighborhood

21 DARTFORD AVE.

$3,895,000

Currently under construction with an estimated completion date of July 2024, this home exceeds every expectation. Built on a double lot in the Hillcrest neighborhood, amenities include a main floor primary suite, three-car garage and nearly 6,000 square feet of living space on the first and second levels.

Wayne Norwood and Ben Patton | Finest Homes of Saint Louis | Janet McAfee Real Estate 9889 Clayton Road | 314.629.3931 | finesthomesstl.com

47 RIDGEMOOR DRIVE

$1,535,000

This beautiful Claverach Park home features wood floors, an updated kitchen, office, family room, screened porch, four bedrooms, three full and two half baths, partially finished basement and three-car garage. Must see!

Mary Pat Buescher and Bert Boyce | Janet McAfee Real Estate 9889 Clayton Road | 314.997.4800 | boycebuescherteam.janetmcafee.com

8108 UNIVERSITY DRIVE

$1,475,000

Welcome to this captivating home located in the heart of Clayton, where it is not just a residence—it’s a lifestyle. Convenience meets luxury, with shops and restaurants just moments away.

Sabrina Robb | Sabrina Robb Partners | Compass Realty Group 1608 S. Lindbergh Blvd. | 314.283.7590 | robbpartners.com

816 YOSEMITE DRIVE

115 HUNTERS GROVE DRIVE

$2,499,000

Introducing a distinguished Georgian Revival estate by renowned architect Gale Henderson. This meticulously maintained residence sits on a sprawling wooded lot of nearly two acres, offering an unparalleled sense of privacy and serenity.

$2,785,000

A spectacular custom-built Frontenac home with five bedrooms, three full and two half baths, four-car garage and finished basement.

$3,950,000

This fabulous new construction by Slavin Homes features luxury finishes throughout with 5,950 square feet of living space. There is room for a pool and pool house. Expected to be completed in fall.

$2,825,000

This opulent four-bedroom home with five full and two half baths epitomizes luxury living. Exuding grandeur at every turn, the expansive layout connects large gathering spaces with seamless flow to the outdoor pool and patios, creating an inviting atmosphere! This beautiful home and neighborhood is a must-see!

$1,150,000

A stunning and classic Ladue home on the prestigious Pointer Lane has everything you can imagine—large rooms, beautiful wood floors, custom moldings, bay windows and more!

Megan Rowe and Lizzy Dooley | Dooley Rowe Schnoebelen | Compass Realty Group 1608 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Steve Mathes, CRS, GRI 314.503.6533 steven.mathes@ cbgundaker.com

For expert assistance with your buying or selling needs in 2024, reach out to our seasoned professionals—Steve and Joe Mathes! Joey Mathes, JD 314.276.1604 joe.mathes@gmail.com

9600 Ashmont Dr. | Olivette (LADUE SCHOOLS)

$1,525,000 • New - Under Construction

8 Hortense Place | Central West End

$1,475,000 • Under Contract

726 Landscape Ave. | Webster Groves

$989,000 • New - Under Construction

7 Highgate Rd. | Olivette (Ladue Schools)

$945,000 • New Price

814 Kings Cliff Rd. | Kirkwood

$760,000 • New Listing - SOLD FAST

9474 Bonhomme Woods Dr. | Olivette (LADUE SCHOOLS)

$699,000 • New Price

2121 Parkridge Ave. | Brentwood

$675,000 • New Listing - SOLD FAST 717 Robinson Ave. | Webster Groves

$280,000 • New Listing - SOLD FAST

• #1 AGENTS IN THE LADUE OFFICE OF COLDWELL BANKER REALTY GUNDAKER IN 2023

• 49+ YEARS IN COMBINED EXPERIENCE

7 HIGHGATE ROAD

$945,000

Nestled in the charming Chevy Chase neighborhood, this five-bedroom home offers approximately 4,900 square feet of living space on three levels.

3834

$665,000

This fully renovated home features crisp interiors, a designer kitchen with high-end finishes, two primary suites, additional bedrooms and new outdoor decks.

245

$939,000

This beautifully updated pristine home is in a prime Town and Country location. It offers a first floor primary bedroom suite with an additional three bedrooms and two baths upstairs. This home is ideal for entertaining inside and out in the private backyard oasis.

$975,000

Welcome to 7823 and 7819 Greensfelder! A block from Clayton, this private oasis is more than half an acre, with enough space for an additional

Steve Mathes

Aimee Simpson, a seasoned real estate professional with over 27 years of experience, specializes in upscale properties across St. Louis including Ladue, Clayton, Frontenac, Town and Country. A St. Louis native, raised in Ladue, Aimee has been an influential figure in the city’s luxury real estate market since 1996. Looking to craft your dream home? Aimee is your go-to expert for luxury building lots and high-quality new construction. Buying, selling, building, or relocating... are you ready to make a move?