Out & About magazine for October-December 2016

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016

POOL TAX CHANGES Mayor Nation explains

Smooth Holiday Shopping

A PUBLICATION OF THE

Chesterfield Day School.

Excellence.

Innovation.

Community.

Diversity.

St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute.

Chosen By the Cleveland Clinic to Bring the Best Heart Care to You and St. Louis.

Your heart has a huge capacity – to carry you through your life’s journey. St. Luke’s is proud that we have expanded our advanced network of care and that we are the only St. Louis hospital affiliated with the nation’s #1 heart program*, Cleveland Clinic. For you, it means St. Luke’s exceptional heart program can now bring you even greater advancements and expertise so your heart can propel you onward, upward, toward the big life that is uniquely yours.

For more information, please call 314-205-6801 or visit stlukes-stl.com.

* U.S. News & World Report 2016-17

2-2481

Examples of the St. Louis version of FREED’s school notebook.

October - December 2016 On the Cover: Photo courtesy of Chesterfield Day School.

Out & About is published quarterly by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. Publication schedule is: January-March, April-June, JulySeptember, October-December. Copyright 2016.

Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

Out & About is distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to all homes and businesses in the 63017 and 63005 ZIP codes.

Out & About is always available online, on the Chamber website, and Facebook.

Published By: Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce 101 Chesterfield Business Parkway Chesterfield, MO 63005 Publisher: Nora Amato, Executive Director, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Editor: Kurt Greenbaum Contributing Writers/Editors: Kurt Greenbaum, Victoria Siegel, Brittany Freeman Magazine Design: Anna Keith For advertising rates or news releases call the Chamber office at 636-532-3399 or email outandabout@chesterfieldmochamber.com.

View the magazine online at chesterfieldmochamber.com.

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

CONTENTS

20 Smooth Holiday 24 Shopping

Tips from from one of Chesterfield’s retail experts.

An Equitable Distribution?

26

A change in state law means seven St. Louis County cities, including Chesterfield, will be allowed to keep a minimum of 50 percent of the countywide pool tax they generate in their boundaries.

A Hidden Gem in Chesterfield

30

Chesterfield Day School works to teach its diverse population of students that “they have an obligation to impact the world.”

37 Potpourri 7

Business Spotlights

13

Lessons of Leadership

14

16

New Member Mini Profiles

Executive Director’s Column

Lunching, Learning and More

Chairman’s Column

Beyond the Bell

News from Parkway and Rockwood

18

1st Waterworks Buoys Region

20

Chesterfield History

News by the Numbers

News Briefs from Chesterfield

22

The Big Event

Community Event Highlights

44 Who’s Out & About in Chesterfield?

34 Board Member Emeritus Gerald Right was among the city’s early pioneers, there at its beginning.

A Crown Comes to Chesterfield

37

30

Cynthia Ann Fleck has parlayed her pageant success into a platform for diabetes and wound care awareness.

40 Bocce Ball Buddies

The Friendship Village club has blossomed into a great activity for senior movement, balance — and serious competition.

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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F R OM FOO FIG HTER S TO DISEAS E FIG HTER .

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We prepare you for success—today and tomorrow. To learn more, visit maryville.edu.

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Chesterfield, MO 63017 6

Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

New Member Spotlights Get to know some of the businesses that have joined the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce since the last edition of Out & About.

Blo Blow Dry Bar: The Blo concept: You’re not

cheating on your hairdresser. No, seriously. Blo is North America’s original blow-dry bar. No cuts, no color: Just wash, blo, go. Guests choose from our signature styles featured in the Blo Hair Menu, from the razor-straight “Executive Sweet” to the runway-inspired “Pillow Talk.” Blo has 70-plus locations to serve you across the United States, Canada and the Philippines, with more opening soon. We can’t wait to “blo” you away!

Contact: Tanya Popp at 636-812-2775 or blostlouis@ blomedry.com. Visit 1644 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, or online at blomedry.com.

Cavender’s Western Outfitters: A western-wear

retailer, we carry boots, jeans, western shirts, sports apparel, fashion clothing for men, women and children. Contact: Jennifer Green at 636-536-5113 or westarpr@cavenders.com. Visit 18451 Convenience Way, Chesterfield, or online at cavenders.com.

Chesterfield Smiles Dentistry: Finding a dentist in

Chesterfield that is dedicated to your dental care can be difficult. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is committed to understanding and meeting your needs as a patient. We provide modern dentistry that gives our patients more choices, including digital X-rays, digital record-keeping, an intra-oral camera, CEREC CAD/CAM crowns, inlays and onlays and more. This allows us to keep your teeth looking their best and to be more efficient and accurate with your dental care.

We also offer comprehensive dental services from cleanings to exams to crowns and braces, allowing us to serve all of your dental needs from our Chesterfield office. Contact: Elizabeth Boerner at 636-536-3017 or smile@chesterfieldsmilesdentistry.com. Visit 16889 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, or online at chesterfieldsmilesdentistry.com.

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care: Crossroads

Hospice & Palliative Care is a national leader of innovative care that is 100 percent dedicated to helping patients and families access more of what they need to manage serious illnesses and end-of-life care. Since opening our doors in 1995, we have had one philosophy — expect more. Since then, we’ve been busy reinventing hospice and palliative care by finding

ways to spend more time with patients and families and developing ideas to help them experience a better quality of life. Whether our services are provided in your home, a hospital, or long-term care facility, our team will offer guidance to help you make informed decisions about your care. We can assist with advanced care planning, emotional and spiritual support, coordination of care and access to community services. We offer admissions 24/7/365 and one-of-akind programs to maximize patients’ lives, including the Ultimate Gift, Watch Program, Evenmore Care and Veterans Recognition. Our patient-to-staff ratio is among the best in the business, so we can provide more daily visits to our patients. No matter how you look at it, Crossroads will be there when you need us most. Contact: Veronica Bryant at 636-735-2000. Visit 15450 South Outer Forty Drive, Suite 100, Chesterfield, or online at crossroadshospice.com.

Fit Tank Athletics: Fit Tank Athletics offers premier

sports performance, personal training, a barbell club and online coaching for every level of fitness needs.

Contact: Jacob Buffa at 314-330-2117 or info@fittank. com. Visit 17363 Edison Ave, Chesterfield, MO 63005, or online at fittank.com.

FracRack: Are you a business owner and tired of

spending more and more on your IT just to keep everything working the way it should? If you’re like most business owners, the answer to that question is yes — until they met FracRack. FracRack helps privately held business owners break the computer productivity paradox. This paradox is spending more each year in internal IT without seeing any lift in your business operations. FracRack managed IT services provides a wide spectrum of professional IT support, cloud services and consulting. With a proven methodology, FracRack guides our clients through a series of steps resulting in the highest level of business user satisfaction, while at the same time developing an internal IT conversation driving real ROI for every IT dollar spent. Through our services, whether implementing a comprehensive and fully managed IT solution or simply assisting a client’s internal site with a single project, we work as a trusted partner, bringing our unique expertise and experience for the benefit of your business. We turn internal IT from a cost center to a revenue generator, giving privately held companies a competitive advantage. Trust FracRack with all your IT needs big

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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or small. Contact: Allison Vazquez at 636-449-5333 or avazquez@fracrack.com. Visit 18330 Edison Ave., Chesterfield, or online at fracrack.com.

Freedom Title: Freedom Title was founded in 2003

to give real estate agents, builders and mortgage bankers the freedom to choose a better way to conduct business. No one in the real estate industry appreciates the value of relationships more than Freedom Title. Our clients tell us many of our competitors have lost sight of the clients’ needs and focus only on bottom-line profits. We are confident our commitments to providing unparalleled service, competitive pricing and technological innovations will ensure your and our future success. Our level of achievement will never be measured by the number of orders or closings, but by the positive influence we hope to have on our clients’ business. Contact: Ryan Kerner at 314-786-4000 or ryan@freedom-title.com.

Visit 16476 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, or online at freedom-title.com.

Gather: Gather is a new and

unique event and meeting space in West County St. Louis. Located in the Dillard’s wing of Chesterfield Mall, Gather provides a warm and inviting space to host, work or play with small, mid-size and large groups. When you host an event at Gather, we’ll ensure that you do one thing: Enjoy yourself. The space at Gather is highly flexible and configurable to meet your specific needs. Whether it’s pizza night for your family reunion, a Bible study group, a ladies luncheon, teen or toddler playtime, a yoga session, a baby or wedding shower, a birthday party, your next board meeting, product promotion or financial planning hosting session, we want you to be enveloped in the warmth and beauty of our space. The possibilities are endless for making this space yours. So, entertain, enlighten and enjoy. Whether there are two, 20 or 100 people in your circle, you will be very comfortable at Gather. We are taking reservations through January 2017. Contact: Shade Magare at 636-675-8389 or shade@gather2gether.net. Visit 266 Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield, or online at gather-events-stl.com.

Integrated Massage Therapy: Now that you have

decided to look into integrated therapeutic massage tailored to your individual needs, you will quickly learn the many ways in which these soothing techniques will benefit all aspects of your daily life. Facing the long hours of daily employment will become less of a burden to aching muscles, stiff necks and tired feet.

Playing with the youngsters in your life

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

will become more enjoyable as your flexibility and relaxed attitude grows. Know the joy of stress-free relationships with important “others,” while enjoying the hobbies and activities that may have become too painful or cumbersome for you because of painful back movement. What better way to boost your appearance than to face life with a relaxed smile. For 13 years, I have been a masssage therapist. I hope all of you take advantage of massage, no matter where — just go, receive a massage. You deserve something wonderful. Contact: Nancy Fulton at 314-494-9322 or nanful@gmail.com. Visit 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, or online at nancyfulton.massagetherapy. com.

International Tap House: Since 2009, iTap has been

the premiere spot in the Chesterfield Valley for the best selection of craft and international beer. With 40 rotating drafts and 500 bottles, it is the perfect spot for both the beer nerd and the beer novice. iTap also offers a hand-picked whiskey list and small wine selection. No kitchen, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks or have food delivered. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch the game, host a party, meet for a happy hour, host a fundraiser, or just swing by for a good beer with good people, we’ve got you covered. Locally owned, internationally known. Contact: Sarah Fortune at 636-537-8787 or beer@internationaltaphouse.com. Visit 161 Long Road, Chesterfield, or online at internationaltaphouse. com.

Jim Butler Kia: Brad Sowers is part owner and

operator of the following companies: Jim Butler Imports (DBA Jim Butler KIA), Jim Butler Chevrolet, Jim Butler AutoPlaza, Jimbutlerluxury.com, Jim Butler Maserati, Jimbutlerfreshstart.com, STLfreshstart. com, STLcarsunder10K.com, MynewKIASTL.com, Corvetteparts4less.com, GMwholesaleparts.com and Jimbutlerwholesale.com. He is also co-chair of the National Dealer Council for Chevrolet in America, representing more than 3,000 dealers’ voices in the National Dealer Council and the Dealer Executive Board. Call Nate Thomas, sales floor manager for Jim Butler Kia, for your next new or used certified KIA. We also do fleet leasing and sales. Contact: Nate Thomas at 636-256-9600 or nthomas@jimbutlerkia. com. Visit 722 Long Road Crossing Drive, Chesterfield, or online at jimbutlerkia.com.

Livability: Livability

showcases America’s best places. It’s a resource for anyone looking for their best place to live, work, visit or retire. We create searchable content that tells the story of Chesterfield to new individuals, families and businesses looking to move or expand through print, digital and online. Contact: Jordan Moore online at livability.com/mo/chesterfield.

Relax the Back: The

mission at Relax the Back is to improve quality of life through pain relief products, education and awareness for sufferers of spinal ailments such as sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis and more. The products range from hot/ cold packs, lumbar supports, inversion tables, office chairs, sit-to-stand desk solutions, the complete line of Tempur-PEDIC products, massage chairs and zerogravity recliners. We offer ergonomic training and assessment services for individuals in-store, at home or at the office. We also offer corporate ergonomic training. Every staff member is a certified ergonomic assessor and some are certified in sleep technology.

We have shared resources through a nationwide

network of franchisees that have been in business over 35 years. More than 200 medical practitioners in the St. Louis area trust their patients with Relax the Back through our medical partnership program.

Contact: Darren Lunn at 636-728-0808 or darren@ rtbstlouis.com. Visit 1646 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, or online at relaxtheback.com/stores/chesterfield.

Rock & Brews: Rock & Brews is an energized dining

and entertainment concept offering affordable, quality American comfort food and a broad selection of craft beer, while immersing guests in a familyfriendly rock ‘n’ roll experience like none other.

Contact: Stephanie Green at stephanie.carroll@ rockandbrews.com. Visit 17258 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, or online at rockandbrews.com.

ServPro of Breckenridge Hills/Bridgeton: We are in

service of helping our clients get back to their normal life after water or fire damage happens to their home or business. We also do mold and biohazard cleanups. Contact: Grace Lee or James Lee at 314-3449979 or servpro10018gl@gmail.com. Visit 12715 Carrollton Industrial Court, Bridgeton, or online at servprobreckenridgehillsbridgeton.com.

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Every business and household should have financial records that are in order and up to date. We ensure our clients achieve this, resulting in more meaningful financial information when making important decisions.

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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ServPro of South Chesterfield/Wildwood:

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Chesterfield/ Wildwood has highly trained technicians who are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster.

We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. We will clean anything from postconstruction and nicotine to bio-hazardous materials and water. We offer many services and encourage you to call us before you call your insurance company if you have a loss of any kind in your home or business.

You do not want to make an unnecessary claim against your insurance as it will stay there even if it goes unused. Contact: Melinda Kinzel at 636-5375400 or mkinzel@servpro8965.net. Visit 167 Lamp & Lantern Village, No. 290, Chesterfield, or online at servprosouthchesterfieldwildwood.com.

Sunrise of Chesterfield: At Sunrise, we provide

individualized senior care in a safe and nurturing environment. Since we opened our first community in 1981, our mission has been clear: To champion the quality of life for all seniors. We believe in the power of today, and strive to turn each day into an opportunity to live with purpose. We invite you to visit our website and also in person. We have intermediate licensure, which enables us to care, at different levels, for our residents, right in place. We offer special services and strive to look and feel just like home.

Contact: Jami Jackson, executive director, at 636-5363800. Visit 1880 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, or online at sunriseseniorliving.com.

TemperaturePro of St. Louis & St. Charles Counties: TemperaturePro

of St. Louis and St. Charles counties will make your home and business comfortable, regardless of the season. As a full-service HVAC contractor, we are here to install, maintain and repair the equipment at your business or home. We are licensed and bonded for your protection and our uniformed technicians will always arrive in clearly marked vehicles. We use the latest technology and training to establish industryleading benchmarks for trust and dependability.

With centralized dispatch and digital records of all transactions, we make sure your systems continue to run at peak efficiency, saving energy and cutting utility bills. Our total comfort membership plans offer not only regular system maintenance, but priority service and pricing on any repairs. As part of a national network, we also have the manufacturer relationships and financial strength to provide reliable service year after year. Contact: Bob Reilly at 636-778-4448. Visit

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

759 Spirit of St. Louis Boulevard, Chesterfield, or online at temperatureprostlouisco.com.

Title Partners Agency, LLC: At

Title Partners Agency, LLC, our mission is to consistently provide our clients with the highest level of timely title insurance services to fulfill their commercial/residential real estate objectives. We understand that in order to thrive in the real estate industry, service must be our No. 1 priority. We have organized our company around this concept. Title Partners Agency, LLC is locally owned and operated.

Contact: Don Williams at 314-835-3690 or dwilliams@ stltitlepartners.com. Visit 16640 Chesterfield Grove Road, Suite 180, Chesterfield, or online at titlepartnersagency.com.

Turning Point Chiropractic: Maximized Living:

Turning Point Chiropractic is a maximized living health center that exists so people experience hope, health and wholeness through the five essentials of maximized living. These five essentials are: a maximized mindset, nerve supply, quality nutrition, oxygen and lean muscle and minimized toxins. By changing these five aspects to one’s health, we have seen disease processes reverse, pain levels decrease, activity levels increase and lives changed.

Our patients range in age from one week old to more than 100 years old. We accept the challenge of all health crises and walk with our patients every step of the way. Contact: Dr. Beth Barnes at 636220-3091 or info@mlturningpointchiropractic.com.

Visit 14784 Manchester Road, Ballwin, or online at mlturningpointchiropractic.com.

Yu Financial Advice, LLC: We are a fee-only financial

planner. We do not sell financial products, therefore receive no commission from any company, which allows us to work for the best interest of our clients with no conflicts of interest. Contact: Misook Yu at 314-397-9977 or misook@yufinancialadvice.com. Visit 17295 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, or online at yufinancialadvice.com.

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September 11

10333 Clayton Road | Saint Louis 63131 17107 Chesterfield Airport Road | Chesterfield 63005

In Faust Park 15193 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 (636) 530-0076 • www.butterflyhouse.org

Bug Hunt |10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Included with admission Head outside with our entomologists and explore insects in their own habitat!

October 1-30

(closed Mondays)

October 22 and 23

Booterfly House | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Included with admission Creep on over to the Butterfly House this October as we celebrate all things creepy and crawly.

Booterflies Ball | 5 to 7 p.m. | $12 members; $14 nonmembers Step into the wonder and beauty of butterflies, insects, spiders, and their other many-legged friends! Your little bugaboos will be able to play games, create spook-tacular crafts, and take home lots of loot as they visit our many hand-painted Treat Houses.

November 1–20 (closed Mondays)

Books and Butterflies | 11 a.m. to noon | Included with admission Join us for special story time readings with “celebrity” guests from classic children’s literature, local St. Louis landmarks, sports mascots, and more!

November 5–6

Bookworm Breakfast | 9 to 10 a.m. | $15 members; $20 nonmembers Families will enjoy breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog provided by The Original Pancake House, listen to a storybook reading, and make crafts. This special day will be captured by a souvenir photo with Clifford.

November 25 – December 31 December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18

Winter Jewels | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Included with admission Surround yourself with the magic of the season! Marvel at twinkling fairy house displays.

Supper with Santa | 5 to 7 p.m. | $15 members; $20 nonmembers Before making his big trip around the world, Santa is stopping by the Butterfly House!

Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner, hosted by Noodles & Co. See how the butterflies get into the holiday spirit while taking a night stroll through the Tropical Conservatory.

After Labor Day, the Butterfly House is open Tuesday–Sunday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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Come for Sunday Supper!

Bring your family, bring your friends Come out to the buffet at The Inns!

Every Sunday, starting Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. $20 for adults, $12 for children over 3

We Cater, Too! FOR RESERVATIONS, Call 636-458-0131 3519 St. Albans Road • St. Albans, MO 63073

www.innsatstalbans.com

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

Lessons of Leadership We’re grateful to have a community of leaders, learners and teachers among the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce membership.

A

mong the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce staff and our community, we’re all about helping the community connect, learn and grow — the Chamber’s mission. We’ve embraced leadership as a big part of that mission as we’ve tried to develop programming to develop and encourage leaders.

One of our most recent additions into that lineup is our leadership conference, which presented its second annual lineup of speakers in September. Our five guests came from a variety of backgrounds, and each presented a unique perspective on the qualities that make great leaders in our communities.

Milu Islam, for example, is a business coach and advisor with AdviCoach, and reminded listeners that leaders have to discern what the business needs at that time — then be the leader you need to be at that moment. His model of leadership focuses on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Kelly Standing, a certified life coach, speaker and author at Standing Media, reminded the audience to be authentic. Be genuine. Be yourself and don’t try to emulate anyone else.

Steve Finkelstein, senior partner at consulting firm Experience on Demand, let listeners know that in his experience, imagination is more important than knowledge. People expect their leaders to see and believe in the possibilities, and we want to see our leaders put the creativity back into leadership.

Paul Gilbride, a life and happiness coach at Trickle Down Happiness, reminded us that we’re our best selves when we remember to carve out time for ourselves, turning off distractions, and being fully present when we’re called to be with family, friends or work.

Bhavik Patel, who was the youngest person to make partner at the law firm of Sandberg, Phoenix & Von Gontard, had the audience keep in mind that setting short, obtainable goals is a great way to get started. Learn from your predecessors, he said, but don’t be afraid to make changes — that’s why you’re now in the leadership role.

These lessons are often things we as leaders already know. But the affirmation, the reminder and

the reinforcement is vital to driving those lessons home, or for recharging our batteries through the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

My biggest takeaway from this year’s leadership conference: You have to look into the past a little to know how to lead in the future. But it’s important not to dwell in the past. Mistakes are going to happen.

Tomorrow is going to come. Embrace the future, know and learn from the past — and then go forward and execute.

I’ve been privileged to lead the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce for more than four years now and I never stop learning. It’s been gratifying to see our membership grow from 552 members when I began to about 640 today — all of them learners, potential teachers and leaders.

Nora Macalady Amato is the executive director at the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.

Reach her at 636-532-3399 or email nora@ chesterfieldmochamber.com.

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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Lunching, Learning and More The hidden treasure of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce’s business education committee.

A

s a longtime member, volunteer, board member and for the past year, chairperson of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, I’ve been privileged to witness a great deal of change, growth and activity in our city’s chief business advocacy organization.

We do much to raise money for local causes, introduce new businesses to the community, create connections among our business leaders and share information that will help the community thrive. It’s all part of the Chamber’s mission to help residents and businesses connect, learn and grow.

In the past year, I’ve been particularly taken by the work of one of the Chamber’s “hidden treasures,” its business education committee. Members of the committee work hard to help other Chamber members in the community get exposure for what they do. One example in the past year: Hosting events at St. Louis VentureWorks, a Chamber member and a St. Louis County organization that incubates new businesses right here in Chesterfield Valley.

Committee chairman David Weiss and vice chairman Peri Periasamy have driven the great work through its regular lunch and learn programs, business over breakfast events and business roundtables. I really consider it to be one of the bright spots of the chamber this year.

For example, I still think often about a lunch and learn session at Walnut Grill with Kelly Standing, author of “I’m Still Standing: How One Woman’s Brushes with Death Taught Her How to Live.”

Her message about knowing yourself and being deliberate about giving back resonated with me.

A lot of what I took away from that session was about having the confidence you need to go and sell yourself, your product, your services. That presentation gave me the tools I needed to walk in and expect acceptance—tools I’ve been able to now share with others. Turns out, a few weeks after that session, I was able to coach some colleagues to apply these principles toward a successful business meeting with a client.

I’ve had similar experiences at recent business roundtable sessions at the Chamber offices. I love these because they’re very interactive, with lots of give and take among speakers and participants.

The committee invites two speakers to give a brief presentation. Recent roundtables have covered topics such as risk management, pricing strategies for small

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

businesses, leasing and contract issues and social media for businesses.

It’s laid back. People can really chime in, ask questions and provide feedback to one another.

Sometimes participants even get into role-playing, staging scenarios that can personalize the learning experience.

I return to my office from events like these and I’m energized. I always learn something that I can take back and use for my benefit. I make it a point to try and take at least one good thing out of every session I attend, learn it and try to apply it in my daily life. The reason is simple: Education needs to be ongoing. You need to keep up with the current trends or you get left behind.

That’s why I love the Chamber and, in particular, the business education committee. Our primary mission at the Chamber is helping businesses connect, learn and grow. We want to create these opportunities for interaction.

In the end, we want people to feel like they can help someone—and that someone can help them.

Tricia Whelan is chairman of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce board of directors and a vice president at Lindell Bank, responsible for growing the bank’s loans and deposits. Contact her at 636-449-4000 or twhelan@lindellbank.com.

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Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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Beyond the Bell Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed is in the business of fun and learning.

By Joseph Cavato

W

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

Above: Party Planning Appetizers was one of several classes offered through the Girls Night Out Cooking Series. Left: Each summer, youth are invited to grab their stringed instrument and join in a week of fun and learning at Orchestra Camp.

Bottom left: Zumba is one of many fitness classes offered to keep adults active and engaged throughout the year.

Community Ed programs and has had a great time while learning a lot,” said Chesterfield resident Kim Utz. “They offer a myriad of programs that exposes my child to new things. We keep coming back.”

As a self-funded program, no district taxpayer dollars are involved in the operation of Community Ed programs. All costs are covered by registration fees, with the exception of adult education and literacy programs, which are funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Community Ed not only provides enriching opportunities for more than 40,000 participants each year, it also has an economic impact as an employer. More than 400 fulltime, part-time and seasonal staff work for Community Ed each year. In addition, the program partners with more than 30 local organizations and service providers, including Chesterfield-based STAGES St. Louis, Bricks 4 Kidz and Financial Legacy Associates.

Photos courtesy Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed.

alk into a Parkway or Rockwood school district building before or after school, in the evening or on weekends, and you won’t find empty classrooms, gyms or fields. Instead, you’ll find people of all ages engaged in activities ranging from adult tai chi to robotics and sports for youth.

It’s all part of the programming offered by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, a partnership between the two districts that began in July 2014.

While both districts had many years of success operating their own programs, the partnership made sense for several reasons, according to Community Ed Director Michael Seppi.

“The partnership provides an enhanced overall experience for residents offering a broader scope of programs and services,” Seppi said. “At the same time, we are able to realize cost savings through shared staffing and program expenses while minimizing duplication of services.

It really is a win-win for residents of both districts and a great example of what can be achieved when school districts proactively work together.”

Through Community Ed, youth, adults and families can participate in aquatics, adult​ education and literacy, arts, enrichment, outdoor education, school-age care and sports programs. And with nearly 60 school buildings located throughout Parkway and Rockwood, programs are often available near participants’ homes and work.

“My child has participated in a variety of

“I love teaching Community Ed programs,” said instructor and Chesterfield resident Terry Neal. “It provides a great opportunity for me to share my passion with others while making connections with the community. Plus, the hours are flexible and work perfectly for my schedule.”

“We’re so pleased to deliver high quality programs for Chesterfield residents and all residents of the Parkway and Rockwood School Districts,” Seppi said.

“We’re equally pleased at the economic impact we have in our communities. We’re always looking for those who have a passion for sharing their talents with others to join our team.”

Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed’s success has not gone unnoticed. In 2014, Parkway and Rockwood received the East-West Gateway Council of Governments Outstanding Local Government Achievement Award for Exemplary Intergovernmental Collaboration for the partnership. The same year, the districts also received the Learning Resources Network’s International Award for Innovative Practice in Business and Industry.

Logan places graduates at the forefront of integrated health care 1851 Schoettler Road | Chesterfield, MO 63017

More than 1,800 youth in grades 3-8 participate each year in the Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed basketball league.

Joseph Cavato is marketing supervisor for the Rockwood School District. To learn more about the programs offered through Community Ed, or for more information on employment and partnership opportunities, visit prcommunityed.org.

Doctor of Chiropractic Doctorate of Health Professions Education MS in Health Informatics MS in Nutrition and Human Performance MS in Sports Science and Rehabilitation 636-230-1750 | 800-533-9210 Admissions@logan.edu | logan.edu Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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1st Waterworks Buoys Region County’s first water distribution system started in Chesterfield, serving thousands and providing numerous jobs for the growing area.

Top: Men working for the St. Louis County Water Works. The man bent over in the center was Elmer Koester a.k.a. “Scrap”.

Bottom: St. Louis County Water Works electric station in 1937.

Turbines were in the basement at the right end of the building.

It was still operating in the year 2000.

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Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

The original steam water works building at Hines Station on the Missouri River.

pumped water from the river through a 12-inch main for the first time.

The main line, which served 3,000 customers, ran from Hog Hollow Road to Denny Road (now Lindbergh Boulevard) all the way to Kirkwood. Walker also had the first stand tower built to store water. Four years later, the company laid a 12.8-mile cast-iron 12-inch main from the plant to Kirkwood at a cost of $101,293.50.

In spite of these successes, a labor shortage presented Superintendent Walker with one of his greatest challenges during the early years of the plant.

Because of Chesterfield’s sparse population, the company had to attract employees from as far away as St. Louis City. However, commuting the 20 miles from the city was not feasible because there was only one train a day and a horse and buggy was too slow.

The company’s solution was to build small homes across the road from the plant. These homes were rented to the workers for $8 a month, which included water and electricity. In the 1930s, Chesterfield residents, such as Ott Biehle and Victor and Elmer Koester, were employed by the newly named St. Louis County Water Company.

By the time John C. Walker retired in 1931, the company was serving 33,000 customers.

Walkers’ son, John E. Walker, started working for the water company at age 12. He was paid $1 a day to pull weeds. After graduating from Ranken Trade School, he became a full-time employee.

When the company converted from steam to electricity in 1931, John E. transferred to the electric station, where he worked until he retired in 1967.

This page: Top right photo Courtesy of John E. Walker. Bottom left photos courtesy of Aaron Kindlesparger.

I

n 1902, the first organized water system in St. Louis County began on the Missouri River at Hines Station in Chesterfield. This early water company offered a valuable service to St. Louis County residents, as well as a variety of employment opportunities for men and women.

Men worked in construction or as machine operators, while women served as typist clerks, file and mail clerks and addressograph operators. John C. Walker from the Sedalia Water Company was hired by the St. Louis Water and Light Company to help build the plant and to serve as its first superintendent.

Walker had workers lay out the foundation for the first building with stakes and string. This building would house the pumps and steam boilers. In 1904, he

At this time, the company had grown to 180,000 customers.

According to John E. Walker, the water plant used a generator from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The St. Louis County Water Company provided water service and employment for Chesterfield and St. Louis County for more than 100 years. Some of the original buildings are still standing at the bottom of Hog Hollow Road. American Water Works bought out the St. Louis County Water Company in 2000 and is now operating as part of Missouri American Water Sources • Walker, Mrs. John E., “Walker Family Has Watched Growth of Company Since It Began in 1902,” 1964.

(This is a company newsletter. Courtesy of James Walker, June 3, 1994.)

• Walker, John E., interviewed by Jane Durrell and Arland Stemme on March 2, 1992.

Author Ann Chrissos is a member of the Chesterfield Historical Commission and chaired the committee that produced the 2011 book, “Chesterfield, Missouri: From Untamed Wilderness to Thriving Municipality.” She bases her columns on multiple sources.

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Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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News by the Numbers A collection of Chesterfield-focused news tidbits.

Graduates at the 180th commencement by Logan University.

441

180

Number of commencement ceremonies in Logan University’s history. The school graduated 58 doctors of chiropractic in August at its milestone event. The doctor of chiropractic valedictorian was Kelsey Lea Rahmoeller. Abbey R. Rickard and Nikki Malensky were valedictorians for the master’s in nutrition and human performance. Kathryn McCalley was valedictorian for the master’s in sports science and rehabilitation.

Tesla stores planned by the end of 2017, including one in Chesterfield at the site of the former Kemp Auto Museum on Chesterfield Airport Road.

The high-performance electric car maker has filed plans with the city to convert the 30,000-square-foot building into a showroom.

Petropolis Pet Resort celebrated the grand opening of Canine Cove, the first dog only water park in the Midwest, on July 14.

30

20

Number of water features available at the Midwest’s first water park for dogs at Petropolis in the Chesterfield Valley. Dubbed Canine Cove, the park opened in July featuring three, 6-foot misting water arches; a 10-foot umbrella with a curtain of water; a giant, 4-foot fire hydrant that bubbles water; and a water chaser controlled by the staff for dogs to chase.

Out & About | Oct - Dec 2016

3,000,000

Left page: Top: Photo courtesy Logan University. Middle: photo courtesy of Tesla . Bottom: Photo courtesy Petropolis.

This page: Top: Photo courtesy STCL. Middle: Photo courtesy EdgeWild.

Dollars spent on the renovation of the Samuel C. Sachs branch of the St. Louis County Library. The branch closed in December and reopened in July with new children’s and teen areas, three private study rooms, a computer lab, a laptop bar and a vending area.

A view inside the newly renovated St. Louis County Library’s Samuel C. Sachs branch.

A worker paints a logo on one of the fields at the EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery award-winning Chesterfield Athletic Complex. ranked 10th nationally in a reader survey by USA Today.

63,000,000

Estimated value in dollars of the Chesterfield Mall property, based on court filings in mortgage default proceedings against the mall’s owners.

The St. Louis Business Journal reported that the property was placed in receivership with U.S. Bank after the owners defaulted on their $140 million mortgage June 17.

27 Mike Geisel recently assumed the mantle as Chesterfield’s second city administrator in its history.

Years Mike Geisel, newly named city administrator for Chesterfield, has served the city in various roles.

Geisel, most recently public services director, replaced Mike Herring, who served as the city’s administrative chief since its founding 28 years ago. Geisel will make $170,000 a year.

Five: Years in a row Balaban’s has nabbed a “best of” award of excellence from the international Wine Spectator magazine.

Maddynational Scannell Ten: The ranking EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery received in an August readers’ choice survey by USA Today of the 10 best winery restaurants.

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The Big Event Chesterfield event highlights for the next several months. Find comprehensive listings on these sites. chesterfieldmochamber.com chesterfield.mo.us westnewsmagazine.com chesterfieldamphitheater.com Friendship Village Chesterfield Craft Bazaar

Resident crafters and floral artisans show off products from residents and outside vendors, including hand-painted glass, decoupage, knitted and fabric crafts, paper goods, silk scarves, jewelry, women’s clothing, accessories, home-baked items and others. Throughout the day raffle drawings will surprise attendees with giveaways. Proceeds benefit enrichment projects at Friendship Village Chesterfield.

Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Oct. 15, 10 to 3 p.m.

12503 Village Circle Drive, Chesterfield 314-369-7573 | FriendshipVillageSTL.com Faith & Freedom Benefit Concert for SafeKids

A full day of fun-filled activities, free music on the festival stage, free car cruise-in and delicious food vendors. Comedian Tim Hawkins will headline the show beginning at 7 p.m., followed by an unforgettable concert with Seventh Day Slumber, Ashes Remain, Set For The Fall and Scarlet White.

Benefits Safe Kids, on a mission to end youth homelessness and human trafficking. No coolers, food or beverages will be allowed.

Oct. 15, 6 p.m. | Chesterfield Amphitheater | $10-$35 636-812-9500 | faithandfreedom.rocks www.itickets.com/events/356460 Treat Street

Town & Country Crossing free event aimed at families with children featuring music, balloon art, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treating.

Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Corner of Clayton and Woods Mill Road, Town & Country | 636-220-7827

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15th Annual Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run

Join hundreds of community members for this family run/walk event. The 5K and 10K runs are out-andback courses. The Chamber also hosts a half-mile children’s fun run for ages 10 and under. Costumes are encouraged, for kids and adults alike. Registrations through Oct. 1 will receive shirt in requested size. Registrations Oct 2-15 will receive a shirt, no guarantee of size. No shirt guaranteed after Oct. 16.

5K: $25 prior to Oct.1, $30, Oct. 1-21, $35 on race day 10K: $30 prior to Oct. 1, $35 Oct. 1-21, $40 race day Children’s Fun Run (10 and under) $15 through race day Oct. 22, 8-10 a.m.

Chesterfield Towne Centre, at the intersection of Edison Avenue and Long Road.

636-532-3399 | chesterfieldmochamber.com America Recycles Day

The Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment hosts this drive-thru recycling collection event, accepting recycling, documents to shred, building materials, bicycles, expired or unused medicines, fabric and more.

Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Central Park, 16365 Lydia Hill Drive, Chesterfield 636-537-4000 | chesterfield.mo.us Second Annual Skeleton Golf Tournament

The Chesterfield Chamber’s “last chance” golf tournament before putting your clubs away for the off-season. Fees: $50 per golfer or a $100 hole sponsorship.

Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m. boxed lunch with a noon shotgun start.

The Landings at Spirit Golf Club, 180 N. Eatherton Road, Chesterfield.

636-532-3399 | chesterfieldmochamber.com Warner’s Winter Warm-Up

Donate gently used coats for needy individuals.

Sponsored by the Kurt Warner Foundation, founded by former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner and wife Brenda.

Nov. 1-14, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Chesterfield City Hall 636-537-3000 | chesterfield.mo.us 17th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot

A great way to spend time with family and exercise before the big meal so you can really indulge.

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 5K: 8:30 a.m. | 1K Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.

Chesterfield Amphitheater 5K Fees: $20 (through Oct. 31); $24 (through Nov. 21); $29 at packet pick-up (Nov. 22-23); $39 day of race 1K Kids Fun Run Fees: $8 (through Oct. 31); $10 (through Nov. 21); $11 (Nov. 22 through race day) 636-812-9500 | register.chronotrack.com/r/22763

Turkey Trot

All Decked Out

Spend an evening with family and friends before the holidays and before the holiday hustle and bustle gets into full swing. It’s a free St. Luke’s Hospital Spirit of Women event featuring shopping, a holiday fashion show, a holiday appetizer cooking demonstration from Dierbergs Culinary Team, complimentary massages and great expert tips and tricks to help you get that holiday glow. Complimentary appetizers and beverages and our ever popular half prize massage sale.

Dec. 1, 5-7:30 p.m.

St. Luke’s Hospital, Institute for Health Education, 222 South Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield 314-205-6706

Photo courtesy city of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Chamber’s Winter Festival

Please join us for our Annual Winter Festival Dinner and Auction. Live music, food and drink, silent and live auction items, and a festive holiday atmosphere will make for a great evening.

Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m.

The Carousel House at Faust Park, 15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield $55 for members; $75 for non-members info@chesterfieldmochamber.com 636-532-3399

ADDITIONAL BIG EVENT INFO We’ve shared some of the highlights from around the community. Don’t miss these regular events by your Chesterfield Chamber.

Business After-Hours 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 27: AMG Corporate Offices, 400 Chesterfield Center, Suite 400, Chesterfield Nov. 17: Total Wine & More, 1781 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield General Membership Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with lunch

Oct. 19: St. Louis Family Church, 17458 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield Nov. 16: Persimmon Woods, 6401 Weldon Spring Road, Weldon Spring Dec. 21: Doubletree Hotel, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield First Thursday Coffee, 7:30-9 a.m.

Nov. 3: The Fountains of West County, 15826 Clayton Road, Ellisville Dec. 1: Accelerated Wealth, 14755 North Outer Forty Drive, Suite 514, Chesterfield Jan. 5: Block Advisors, 317 Clarkson Road, Ellisville

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Smooth Holiday Shopping We have five tips for shoppers as they prepare for the busiest season of the retail year—from one of Chesterfield’s retail experts.

By Liz Harry

W

ith the holiday shopping season just around the corner, many of the most savvy shoppers are already hard at work preparing to make the most of this exciting time of year.

Here at St. Louis Premium Outlets, a Simon center, we’ve compiled some retail pro tips to help you enjoy a fun, productive holiday shopping experience.

1. Make a List

When you embark on your holiday shopping journey, it’s important to make a game plan for your shopa-thon. A good, old-fashioned shopping list is the best way to ensure you pick up everything you need without forgetting anyone, from close family members to teachers, mailmen, and more.

List-keeping is even easier in today’s smartphone age, with a wide variety of apps and websites geared toward creating and maintaining living lists you can update while you shop.

2. Take Advantage of Black Friday Deals

Black Friday is by far the best, most exciting shopping day of the year, and can be your most powerful tool for a successful holiday season. Many retailers and shopping centers, including St. Louis Premium Outlets in Chesterfield, will have extended hours on Black Friday and beyond, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to snag the best deals.

3. Research Deals and Coupons

Photo courtesy Monarch Fire Protection District

Knowledge is power. There is no shortage of advertisements, circulars, mobile apps, and online

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roundups of the best deals for the holiday shopping season, so don’t be afraid to use them. In addition to holiday season sales, many shopping destinations offer special coupons and promotions for their shoppers.

For example, St. Louis Premium Outlets offers a free Savings Passport, which includes exclusive deals and coupons, to members of the VIP Shopper Club.

For detailed information on local deals and offers, shoppers can also download the Simon mobile app or visit St. Louis Premium Outlets’ website.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Gift Cards

Every shopping list includes one or two tough entries.

For these hard-to-shop for loved ones, sometimes the best gift is the gift of shopping.

They are sure to appreciate a gift card from their favorite store or a Simon gift card, redeemable at any Simon property retailer.

5. Remember to Treat Yourself

Part of the fun of holiday shopping is finding something for yourself as well! With all the great deals and promotions happening around the season, it’s the perfect time to update your winter wardrobe, find that perfect holiday party look, or make a few changes to your home décor.

Liz Harry is the director of marketing and business development at St. Louis Premium Outlets in Chesterfield. With more than 20 years of retail experience under her belt, Liz is recognized for successfully developing new business, building key relationships, and building/executing brand strategy.

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An Equitable Distribution?

A change in state law means seven St. Louis County cities, including Chesterfield, will be allowed to keep a minimum of 50 percent of the countywide pool tax they generate in their boundaries.

But the change is only a small step in the right direction.

By Bob Nation

E

very time a consumer anywhere in St. Louis County buys a meal in a restaurant, a pair of shoes at a retailer, or a night in a hotel room, he or she pays a sales tax that includes a 1 percent pool tax. Last year, that one percent tax generated about $14.2 million in Chesterfield.

Under the unique sales tax system employed in St. Louis County, however, the city of Chesterfield had been allowed to keep only about 48 cents out of every dollar raised, depending on the year. While Chesterfield doesn’t levy a property tax (unlike some other cities in the county), it does depend heavily on sales taxes to pay for road maintenance, police salaries, park upkeep and other city services.

The other 52 cents of that 1-penny tax—amounting to about $7.38 million a year—stays in the countywide sales tax pool, to be distributed to St. Louis County and other pool cities.

Under this system, in place since 1977, Chesterfield is designated a “pool city,” obliged to pay into the countywide pool from which other pool cities draw a share, based on their population. That’s in contrast to cities such as Brentwood, Frontenac, Des Peres and other “point-of-sale” cities, which largely keep the majority of what they raise in municipal sales taxes.

It’s a system I’ve believed for years to be unfair to communities like ours. Our municipal and business leaders have worked hard to develop a thriving retail

The percentage of sales tax generated by different St. Louis County communities that it retains. For example, Chesterfield generates $298.82 per capita for the county pool, and retains only 48 percent. An “A” designation means it’s a point-of-sale city; a “B” means pool city; “A/B” refers to a hybrid.

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This chart shows the average per capita amount cities generate for the county sales tax pool, and receive from the pool. based on whether they are a “point-of-sale” city (A); a pool city (B); or a hybrid of the two. The chart also shows the dollars for unincorporated parts of the county as well as the city of Chesterfield.

community that generates retail sales taxes that benefit the state, the county, Chesterfield, other pool cities and other special districts.

I’m not alone in believing that the redistribution of the 1 percent countywide pool tax is inequitable, onerous and without a clear rationale. St. Louis County is the only county in the state of Missouri that employs such a system of redistribution, and in fact, there are very few places in the entire country that require such drastic redistribution of sales tax revenues. I’ve been joined by other civic leaders in pointing out the inconsistencies in the system.

Thankfully, the state took a very small—but important—first step toward improving the situation.

On July 1, the governor signed legislation limiting the amount that a city had to give up to the countywide sales tax pool. Starting Jan. 1, seven St. Louis County communities will contribute no more than half of the sales tax they generate to the pool. These cities are Fenton, Maryland Heights, Green Park, Vinita Park, Bellerive, Champ and Chesterfield.

How We Got Here

As I noted earlier, the system started 39 years ago.

At the time, municipalities could choose to be designated a point-of-sale or pool city, and could choose to switch from one to the other every 10 years.

In 1984, that option vanished, thanks to legislation passed in Jefferson City.

Additionally, if a point-of-sale community annexed a portion of unincorporated St. Louis County, the annexed portion would be considered a pool area; sales taxes raised within that area would be part of the county pool. These communities would then become hybrids — part point-of-sale and part pool.

Finally, another legislative change in 1993 created a system in which successful point-of-sale cities, even though they themselves are not pool recipients, were required to contribute comparatively small amounts to the pool. The greater the sales tax generated on a per-resident basis, the higher the obligation to pool.

Of the 90 municipalities within St. Louis County, 59 are pool cities. Most of the other 31 are predominantly point-of-sale (because many of them are hybrid communities).

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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Why This Matters to Chesterfield

I realize that as a large, thriving retail and commercial community, Chesterfield benefits from a significant influx of shoppers, tourists and diners.

Not everyone who shops, eats or boards here is a Chesterfield resident, so it’s only reasonable to expect that we share some of the tax revenue around the region.

Under the system we had, however, there was no limit to how much could be taken from a city to support the entire region. The system allowed some cities to intentionally not pursue economic development, because they would reap tax revenues through the countywide pool, whether they contributed anything or not.

And yes, all of St. Louis County’s pool cities reap some benefit from the county pool—some more than others—by receiving revenue based on their populations. For example, last year, the pool cities contributed an average of $131 per person to the pool. On average, however, those pool cities received $143 in return from the pool. A pool city such as neighboring Clarkson Valley received about seven times more than it paid into the pool.

In contrast, the city of Chesterfield—with about 6.5 percent of the pool’s population—contributed nearly $300 a person to the pool and received $143.

Under the new legislation, the additional 2 percent Chesterfield will retain from the county pool tax will amount to only about $280,000. That’s about enough to pay a few more police officers, parks workers or public works staff members.

Beyond the Countywide Pool Tax

As I mentioned, the 1 percent countywide pool tax that is generated in Chesterfield adds about $7.38 million to the pool. But that’s only a small part of the approximately $250 million in sales and property taxes generated in Chesterfield that benefit the state, the county and special taxing districts such as the county library system or the Zoo-Museum District.

The change enacted July 1 means Chesterfield (and six other cities) would not be required to contribute more than 50 percent of the pool tax generated within their boundaries—as long as the total dollars available in the pool are equal to or greater than the amount available in 2014.

From the Chesterfield perspective, this change is a small, though significant step in the right direction.

Still, fundamental reform and a revamping of the whole system is sorely needed.

Bob Nation is the mayor of the city of Chesterfield.

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All pictures courtesy of Chesterfield Day School.

Jonah W. works with the moveable alphabet to build words and sentences.

A Hidden Gem In Chesterfield Chesterfield Day School works to teach its diverse population of students that “they have an obligation to impact the world.”

By Victoria Siegel

N

estled unassumingly between residential neighborhoods sits a unique institution that has been developing leaders and societal contributors since its founding in 1962: Chesterfield Day School.

With a student population of 150, from 18-montholds to sixth-graders, this private elementary school uses the themes of diversity and community to shape its direction and actions.

“Diversity to us is not just within our walls and day school community but it’s also going out into the world and understanding that it doesn’t owe us anything,” Rachana Creeth, head of school, said.

“It means diverse thinking. Diverse socio-economic groups. Diverse global aspects. We work to make sure our students understand that when they graduate they have an obligation to impact the world.”

This concept starts as early as kindergarten where students learn to volunteer with other organizations.

The school partners with various nonprofit organizations so all students learn how to interact with people outside of their immediate school community.

“Every year, our sixth-graders select an organization for their project,” Creeth said.

Last year, they picked FOCUS North America (a faith-based organization that helps the poor).

The students raised money and ran a sock drive — because people tend to donate clean clothes, but not socks. Students also volunteered at the organization.

Another year, the sixth-graders selected Support Dogs for their project.

The school’s faculty and student body reflect the emphasis on diversity: 33 percent of the student population is non-white. The school aims to create

Sixth grader Ryan F. presents his Ted Talk called, “A Problem Called Fossil Fuels” to close to 100 guests.

Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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good human beings who can work with other people in a positive and progressive way.

“One of our missions is to provide excellence to diverse students,” Creeth said. “When you learn that your perspective is not the only one, you are able to develop empathy and understanding, which helps develop leadership skills.”

She is passionate about dispelling the myth that a private school in Chesterfield does not have a diverse population. Based on the school’s religious and ethnic diversity, she says it definitely exists. And with scholarships available, based on need, the price of attending is not a barrier to entry.

Parent involvement is critical. Parents are encouraged to walk the hallways and observe the classrooms in action. Using a portfolio tool that resides on parents’ phones as an app, parents can access updates and videos of their child’s work.

This tool allows parents to have more in-depth conversations with their children beyond the typical exchange: “How was your day?” “Fine.”

Parents also learn that their role in their child’s

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education is not to do homework. It is simply to make sure their child is fed and gets a good night’s sleep.

Homework starts in second grade with 20 minutes of assigned work daily. Teachers add 10 minutes per grade as the child progresses through the school.

The foundational piece of Chesterfield Day School is the Montessori model, which encourages independence, a sense of order, cooperation and coordination. By the time students transfer out of the Montessori portion in second grade, they are able to function on their own.

Since a key principle of this model is mixed age groups, each student is able to learn at different rates, times and manners. Preschool consists of 3- to 5-yearolds; kindergarteners are in class with first-graders.

“This mixed age concept allows for a culture of leadership early on,” Creeth said. “For example, the older kids do everything from teaching the younger ones how to tie a shoelace to showing them where their cubbies are. And it allows the 3-year-old to see the 5-year-old reading and aspire to do that.”

As part of its goal to develop students who can

All pictures courtesy of Chesterfield Day School.

Mrs. Hoyt with a toddler student doing a matching work.

Above: Preschooler Harper F. works on her language skills.

Below: Sixth grader Aiden C. hosts our weekly morning gathering for students, parents and faculty.

Photo courtesy of the city of Chesterfield.

function effectively in society, the school works with a resource officer from the Chesterfield Police Department. In addition to security and safety, the officer’s role is to make sure students are not afraid of police officers.

“She reads to them,” Creeth said. “She teaches them to identify that police are people to go to for help.”

In order to provide a unique learning experience, where the ratio of students to faculty is 8-to-1 (for toddlers, it’s 4-to-1) the school raises funds through tuition and two fundraisers: An annual fund campaign and an auction at the school in spring. The auction is open to the entire community and Creeth hopes Chesterfield residents participate in this fun event.

With Chesterfield Day School’s 55th anniversary just around the corner, Creeth said the school’s plans for the celebration will be revealed in early 2017. She said there will be activities for the entire Chesterfield community. She wants to increase residents’ awareness about the school and its strong reputation of academic excellence.

Creeth said a new first-grader accurately summed up Chesterfield Day School’s aim when she compared it to her previous school: “At my old school, they taught me how to do work. At this school, they teach me how to learn.”

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Board Member Emeritus Gerald Right was among the city’s early pioneers, there at its beginning. He’s been a longtime supporter of the Chamber.

G

erald (Jerry) and his wife Marge, both St. Louis natives, moved to what would become the city of Chesterfield in 1978. Jerry was employed by the Department of Defense, stationed at McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) for over 30 years.

He served as the foreign military program manager, acting as liaison between the U.S. government, the various foreign governments purchasing the F-18 aircraft and the contractor. His position required travel to the many countries he represented, including Spain, Kuwait, Finland and Canada.

Right said in a recent interview that he is still in contact with many of the people he worked with from these other countries, who have become friends over the years. He not only worked with the people who were sent here, he also saw to it that their personal needs were taken care of, such as seeking appropriate housing, buying an automobile, searching out schools their children could attend, introducing them to specialty stores in St. Louis where they could buy food like they had at home.

Right was part of the Chesterfield Comprehensive Planning Committee when the city was incorporated.

The committee looked ahead to where housing, retail and industrial space should be placed. He has further served the city by being a member of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Citizen Advisory Committee for nine years; being a member of the Planning Commission for five years; and being a member of the Chesterfield Arts board for five years.

In 2003, Right was honored by the city of Chesterfield as Citizen of the Year. The honor cited him for his dedication to St. Vincent DePaul Church in serving meals to the poor; being a board member of Peter and Paul Community Services, spending nights in the shelter in Soulard to ensure the homeless had a safe environment in which to spend the night. He also volunteered at the Eugene Field House and Operation Brightside.

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He has conducted bus tours of the city of St. Louis for various organizations, including for Chesterfield senior citizens and the Chesterfield Kiwanis.

He was awarded the Community Service Award in 2003, presented by the Commerce Bank/William T. Kemper Foundation. The award states it was given “In recognition of your caring and compassionate work toward community betterment and the enhancement of the lives of others.”

Jerry became a member of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce in 1996. He has been on the Chamber board since 1998, and in 2004, he was named as the first “board member emeritus.”

He has volunteered for many Chamber committees over the years, serving many times as chair of the committees. Some of his fondest memories are of the senior and children’s Christmas parties held at Faust Park.

Jerry Right’s total commitment to the city of Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce is evident to anyone who knows him. He is proud to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and proud to call Chesterfield home.

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A Crown Comes to Chesterfield As a nurse, writer and business woman, Cynthia Ann Fleck has parlayed her pageant success into a platform for diabetes and wound care awareness.

By Victoria Siegel

W

hen Chesterfield resident Cynthia Ann Fleck was looking for avenues to raise public awareness about diabetic wound care, she had no idea she would end up representing her city and state as Mrs. Chesterfield, and then as Mrs. Missouri, competing in the Mrs. U.S. Universal Pageant in Reno, Nev. “My mom, Judith Fleck, was involved in pageantry and told me that it gives you a louder microphone to talk about your passions and platform,” Fleck said. “I had no real interest in the beauty pageant realm, but my mom’s advice made an impression.”

Fleck — whose professional certifications range from registered nurse, to Ph.D., to an MBA and more — decided to enter the local pageant, becoming Mrs. Chesterfield in January, then Mrs. Missouri in May.

Photos courtesy Christina Crooks.

Cynthia Fleck became Mrs. Chesterfield in January and competed in the Mrs. U.S. Universal pageant in Reno, Nev., placing as fifth runner-up.

Her ultimate goal was to make the national competition and finish in the top 12. She surpassed her goal and was named fifth runner-up. In addition, she placed second in the fitness portion of the pageant’s competition.

“There were less than two points separating me from the winner and only one-fourth of a point separating me from first place in fitness,” Fleck said.

The pageant competition consisted of interviews, appearing in fitness clothing and an evening gown.

Fleck’s gown was heavily beaded with Swarovski crystals and weighed close to one-fifth of her body weight. Overall, the judges looked for poise and presence from the contestants.

Fleck, who has lived in Chesterfield with her husband Randall Barker for the past year and a half, lifts weights and cross-trains in order to stay fit. And her background as a classically trained ballerina helped her learn the choreography for the production numbers in the national pageant.

Fleck was surprised that elements of the competition included the sisterhood and caring for one another.

“I went into this thinking it would be highly competitive and that people would keep their game face on, but it wasn’t that way at all,” she said.

“Women were looking out for each other. For example, one day we had been working all day with the choreographer and everyone was hungry and on their last nerve. There was Mrs. California, who had brought energy bars for all of us to eat.”

She was also surprised by the doors that opened for her to discuss her platform and promote her new campaign: “Show Me Your Sole” (#ShowMeYourSole).

“Twenty-five percent of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer; ulcers can lead to amputations,” she said, explaining that catching a diabetic foot ulcer before it progresses can reduce those percentages from 25 to 15 to 5. “It’s as simple as having a friend, neighbor or family member look at your feet once every 24 hours.”

Her interest in wound care began when she wanted to become a dermatologist. Fleck is an advanced practice dermatology nurse and owner of Cynthia Fleck & Associates, LLC, a medical/

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surgical/biotech/legal consulting firm; her mother is her chief financial officer. She has published close to 400 peer-reviewed articles, white papers and book chapters on the subject of advanced skin care or wound care. In addition, she educates other practitioners on the subject.

“The World Health Organization is predicting that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in the world,” Fleck said, noting that more people die from diabetes than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. “If we were to look at diabetes as a country, it would be the fourth largest country in the world.”

Fleck’s fervor for the topic has led her to serve as treasurer of the board of directors of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, assistant chief editor of The Journal of the American College of

Clinical Wound Specialists, and volunteer for “Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation” as well as the American Diabetes Association. In fact, she is a member of the planning committee for the Red Ball Gala on Oct. 22 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.

“Lou Brock is our guest of honor,” Fleck said.

“He’s not only a diabetic, but he’s also an amputee. I would like to see Chesterfield represented through sponsorships and donations to the silent auction.”

Fleck is proud of Chesterfield and eager to tout its assets.

“I love our civic leaders and the camaraderie that exists here,” Fleck said. “It’s a true melting pot. I go to the gym and see people of every color and ethnicity.

Plus, we have every type of food offering, clothing stores, the best grocery stores and mega superstores.

I can’t say enough good things about our city.”

As Mrs. Chesterfield and now Mrs. Missouri, Fleck has been able to visit parts of the city and state to promote diabetic skin/foot care and amputation prevention.

“Every 20 seconds, someone is losing a limb to this disease and every seven seconds someone is dying as a result,” Fleck said. “Almost 11 percent of the people in our state have diabetes, which is above the national average.”

And thanks to a crown and a sash, she is able to bring her message of awareness and prevention to anyone who crosses her path.

For more information or to donate or sponsor the Red Ball Gala, contact Fleck at cynthiafleck@sbcglobal.net or 314-518-3846.

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Photos courtesy Christina Crooks.

Cynthia Fleck at the pageant with her husband, Randall Barker.

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Bocce Ball Buddies The Friendship Village club has blossomed into a great activity for senior movement, balance — and serious competition.

By Brittany Freeman

closest to the pallina — the target ball competitors aim for in the game.

“They kind of test the waters and then all of the sudden they come back,” said Viola Rumbolo, founder of Bocce Ball at Friendship Village. Because residents did, in fact, continue coming back, Rumbolo was able to start and grow the Bocce Ball Club at Friendship Village.

When first moving into Friendship Village, Rumbolo

Clanking balls and good-natured, boisterous competition typify the growing Bocce Ball Club, which meets every Wednesday at Friendship Village Chesterfield.

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Photo by Brittany Freeman.

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esidents can hear the sound of balls clanking from down the hall. Intrigued, they pursue the noise and discover a fun, boisterous group of people playing bocce ball. One by one they gaze into the theater and join in the competition.

They are hooked.

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., for 45 minutes, those same residents throw a red or blue ball down the makeshift court lined with chairs in an attempt to be

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had thought she lost something in Rumbolo looks to the future as the move, she said. She had misplaced she aspires to continue seeing her her husband’s bocce ball set. When club grow and prosper into bigger she received a call from the moving adventures. She said she hopes to bring company, she took it as a sign. the club to The Hill for official games “It was like a message from God more often as she wants to spread the saying you have to do something club to other local retirement homes with this,” Rumbolo said. “I didn’t and local parks. know anything about the rules, but “I wanted to say, ‘OK, we can do I thought, ‘I am going to do it.’ So, I it, you can do it — but let’s see how went and talked to (Friendship Village) good you are,’ and maybe we can have about it.” a showdown on The Hill at one of the About 40 members later, Rumbolo courts,” Rumbolo said. said her impromptu action created a By building a bocce court somewhere fun-loving, happiness-filled club that in the public she said she believes it inspires friendship in people from all would bring the community together: “I Viola Rumbolo founded the Friendship Village walks of life. just wanted to make people know that Chesterfield Bocce Ball Club.

Along with many other members, there are still some seniors who can Monika Roberts, member of Bocce move around.”

Ball at Friendship Village, said her favorite part of the game is winning. So, Roberts isn’t afraid of a little side Brittany Freeman is a student at Marquette High by side competition between the residents.

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“I think it’s good for the soul to be competitive; you know it gives you a reason to get up, a reason to come,” Roberts said.

Phil Zimmerman is one of Roberts’ competitors.

Reassuringly, Zimmerman said it’s all friendly competition in which people are always laughing and having fun. That doesn’t detract from their desire to be on the winning team.

“We are here to have a good time, but it’s nice to make a lot of noise when you throw a good shot,” Zimmerman said, adding that an odd phenomenon at the club is that the blue team almost always wins even as the players rotate.

Phil and Dianne Zimmerman said they would skip other activities to be part of the bocce club.

“I think it is really great for older people because of the balance issue to throw the ball and then to go down and collect them,” Dianne said.

From the start of the club in 2013, Carla Degrande, wellness coordinator at Friendship Village, has Do you know your rights watched the club grow and prosper. and your responsibilities?

“I can see it is doing a lot of good for a lot of We can help. people,” DeGrande said. “It has provided a lot of entertainment, a lot of social opportunities for the residents.” Not only has it allowed seniors to find Homeowner, Subdivision their place at Friendship Village, it has contributed to & Condo Associations plentiful health benefits as well.

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Oct - Dec 2016 | Out & About

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Photo by Steve Schulte

Photo by Brittany Freeman.

Running your homeowner or condo association can be tricky business.

Who’s in Chesterfield If you’re Out & About at any of the places, events, stores, services or restaurants in Chesterfield, we want to know! Email us your pictures to outandabout@ chesterfieldmochamber.com to be considered for the next publication.

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in Chesterfield

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in Chesterfield

Jeannie Gluntz

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Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce 101 Chesterfield Business Parkway Chesterfield, MO 63005 POSTAL CUSTOMER Do Not Return

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