Spring 2020 County Living

INNSBROOK RESORT

Baker Pool Construction

Home Remodeling and Restoration For Better Than New

F

or over 20 years, Millennium Restoration & Development has been restoring and remodeling fine historic homes in the St. Louis area, with award-winning results. We maintain the integrity of architectural design and construction, while adding 21st century dĂŠcor, technology and convenience.

The Vogt family, hands-on owners at Millennium, along with our team of experienced craftsmen, apply refined design, inventive use of materials and top-quality workmanship to every project.

Millennium will bring these skills to your home – full remodeling, room additions, kitchens, baths, basement finishes, decks, garages, as well as complete custom home building.

Call us to discuss your project

millennium restoration & development C or p or at i on

314-772-9200

To see more of our work, visit www.mrdcorp.com

Let Us Design & Build Your Custom Deck . . .That You Can Enjoy Above or Below, Rain or Shine

S

ince 1991 Aesthetic Design & Build has been building beautiful decks throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties.

We work with each client to create a unique design that fits their home and lifestyle. Wrap-around custom decks and staircases can be built with a variety of low-maintenance decking and railings.

LOUVERED ROOF

The DryPro under deck ceiling system is a cost-effective way to expand your living space by providing shade and rain protection for outdoor seating areas or bars.

The louvered roof and opening pergola are innovative solutions for residential and commercial outdoor living spaces. These sturdy, fully motorized systems offer protection from the rain, while allowing the flexibility of adjustable amounts of shade and light.

UNDER DECK CEILING

Call today for a Free Estimate at your Home

636-532-5008

See our photo gallery of other projects at AestheticDesignandBuild.com

COUNTY LIVING

What’s Inside T H I S I S S U E I S D E D I C AT E D T O Callie, studio dog and CLM production assistant

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

L A N DSC A P E S & E X TE R I O R S

H O M E R E M O D E LI N G

P E T LOV E & C A R E

20 Keeping Carpets Clean, Beautiful

28 Now Is a Great Time to Adopt a Pet

10 A Natural Water Habitat in

and Healthy

Your Own Back Yard

22 Cross Homes - The Builder You Want

12 Solar Shades Block the Sun, Not Your View

23 Custom Closet and Home Office Solutions

14 Distinctive Features Add Enjoyment

24 Dana King: Enhancing At-Home

to Your Yard

Experiences

14 Radon is a Silent Killer

26 Grand Opening at Courtyards

16 Add a Rain Garden and Protect Your Yard

of Cottleville

18 The Basement Egress Window

26 If Your Home Is Settling, Don't Panic

30 The Pet Gazette 32 The Dogs (and Cats) Made Them Do It 34 Positive Reinforcement: Building the Dog-Owner Bond

35 Funny Bones

19 Does Your Home Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

H E A LTH & F ITN E S S

G E TAWAYS

36 Improving Bone Density, Muscle

8 Random Musings with Gerry Mandel

FO R YO U R I N FO R M ATI O N

Strength and Balance

42 Activities & Events Calendar

54 How to Lower Your Property Taxes

44 Innsbrook's Latest Renovations and

55 Maximizing Comfort and Saving

37 What You Want in Home Health Care for a Loved One

38 A Personal Trainer Is the Key to Achieving Your Goals

39 Hypnosis Can Be Your Key to Change 40 How to Measure Your Health Progress

Expansions

Energy

48 On the Road with John Drake Robinson

56 When Is the Best Time to Sell Your

50 Welcome to the World of Quilts 52 Getting Away and Staying Connected

Home (or Remotely)

58 This Book Should Be in Every Home

41 An Effective Solution to an Uncomfortable Problem

Business?

57 Get Your Computer Fixed In Your

CO U N T Y L I V I N G M AG .CO M

in St. Louis

COUNTY LIVING VO LU M E 2 0 / S P R I N G 2 02 0

PU B LISH E R /E DITOR

Todd Abrams

ON THE COVER Innsbrook has been a favorite “social distancing” getaway for St. Louis-area families for nearly 50 years.

Located 30 minutes west of Chesterfield, Innsbrook is best known for its recreational A-frame chalets, but also offers year-round residential and vacation homes, contemporary cottages, low-maintenance condominiums and golf course villas.

With more than 7,500 wooded acres and 100 lakes, Innsbrook offers families the perfect place for natural relaxation close to St. Louis. There's plenty to do, no matter your taste or pace: sailing, hiking, cycling, fishing, tennis, swimming or public golf and dining at the Clubhouse Bar & Grille. Innsbrook also offers an extensive activities program that includes outdoor concerts, kids’ camps and workshops and adult learning opportunities. Dogs are welcome, and they even have their own park, the Lachen Hund Dog Park.

See the article about Innsbrook on page 44.

You can learn more at www.ibkconnect.com or call 636-928-3366 x9199.

Innsbrook Properties features agents who have worked their whole careers at Innsbrook, and are part of the community family.

For information regarding advertising, call:

DESIG N + CRE ATIVE DIREC TION + PRODUC TION

COU NT Y LIVING PU B LICATIONS

Michael Kilfoy, Studio X

314-569-3380 fax

ACCOU NT E XECUTIVE

P.O. Box 411036

Carol Kindinger

St. Louis, MO 63141

PRINTING

To see this issue and archived articles online with links to resources, visit

Ovid Bell Press DISTRIB UTION DATABASE

Target Marketing Technologies

Todd & Daisy

314-432-1171 phone

COU NT YLIVING MAG .COM

Michael & Callie

Carol & Mia

County Living Magazine is published quarterly by County Living Publications and distributed to select homeowners in the St. Louis area. Articles are selected to provide useful information about home, health, travel and recreation.

Opinions expressed in articles and editorials are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of County Living Publications.

While every effort is made to assure accuracy, we are not responsible for how information found in County Living Magazine is used.

We are very interested in reader comments or suggestions.

Correspondence should be sent to the address above or to editor@CountyLivingMag.com.

Reproduction of content of this magazine without permission is prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos and text for advertising, articles and editorials are assumed to be the property of the contributor, and County Living Publications does not take responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. County Living Publications has the right to refuse advertising and content not deemed appropriate for this publication.

Circulation is verified by U.S. Postal receipts.

// IT’S TIME TO GET ORGANIZED c a b i n e t s • s h e l v i n g & r a c k s • ove r h e a d s to r a g e • f l o o r i n g

C A L L FO R A F R E E 3 D R E N D E R I N G & CO N S U LTATI O N

314.914.0009 | w w w.G a ra g eS o l u t io n s St Lo u i s .co m

Random Musings FROM GERRY MANDEL

GERRY MANDEL is a free-lance writer and video/biography producer. He also writes two blogs, which he invites you to enjoy. HeyYouHoser.blogspot.com, and TimeWithCharlieChaplin.blogspot.com. Your comments are welcomed.

Welcome to the Dog Days of Spring

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t’s all in their eyes. They know when Spring has arrived, that the gray days of snow and ice and slippery slopes are past. I can tell they know because of the way they look at me. This is non-verbal communication at its most advanced.

R A N D O M

M U S I N G S

Sadie and Lexi, my golden retrievers, have this way of talking to me. They silently compel me to think in terms of “walk” and “ride” and “hike” and “get the tennis balls and let’s go outside.” Dogs, I’m convinced, have some sort of sixth sense, a cosmic canine calendar.

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I tend to evaluate people on two basic attributes: if they have a sense of humor, and whether they have a dog. Either one works for me, with the dog thing taking preference. Well, mostly. If it’s a little dog that yaps the entire time we’re talking, I tend to be in a hurry to move on. Don’t be offended if you own a vocally demonstrative dog.

“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” I

As a side note, they also have an internal clock, which tells them when it’s 10 p.m. and time for their walk. I can be watching TV, “live” or recorded or DVD - doesn’t matter - and they will stroll over, sit in front of me and stare. I try to explain, “There’s only ten minutes left in ‘Game of Thrones’; I can’t stop now.” They don’t care. They always get their way.

When you have a dog, any kind of dog, Spring takes on an added dimension.

It’s physical, it’s mental, it’s extremely social. Dogs have a way of urging you to make friends with other dog owners. It never fails. I like to take Sadie and Lexi for walks in Queeny Park or Weldon Spring State Park. Invariably I’ll meet people also enjoying the fine weather, leash in one hand, poop bag in the other. We’ll stop and talk.

“How old is he?” “Where did you get her?”

“Does that kind of dog shed?” “Does he always drool like that?” And so it goes. Yes, these meetings also happen in winter, but the conversations then are brief and to the point: “Pretty dog,” a quick smile, “Enjoy your walk,” and you’re gone.

think Plato said that. He probably owned a quiet, philosophical dog.

But I’ll tell you who my real heroes are. It’s those men and women who own rescue dogs. These are dedicated people who understand how special dogs are, then take the next step. They save these dogs to hike and play another day. As I stand there talking to them, my two breeder-bought goldens next to me, and they tell me, “This is a rescue dog,” they are suddenly elevated in my eyes. They took the risk of adopting a dog often with unknown origins, sketchy background, questionable treatment and

health, and committed their time and energy - and, often, expenses - for an indeterminate number of years. Somewhere, in a dog park or at the Dog Museum, there should be a statue in honor of The Rescue Dog Owner.

True story. On a mild day in late March, I took Sadie and Lexi for a hike in Weldon Spring State Park. Afterwards I felt like having a cold beer. So we headed for Defiance - to the biker bar where 94 makes a hard cut left and right. As I stood outside with a bottle of Busch in hand, surrounded by manly men and cool chicks, feeling a little out of place, a large guy and his girlfriend approached me. He was in his mid-forties, muscular, bearded, tattooed, owner of a Harley. Ohoh, I thought. He knows I’m not a biker and don’t belong here, even though I was striking my most manly pose, leaning against the railing like Brando did in “The Wild One,” steely glint in my eyes which, unfortunately, were hidden behind my Ray-Bans.

I nodded at the two of them.

“Good lookin’ dogs,” he said. “So sweet,” she said. My dogs’ tails wagged furiously. Twenty minutes later we were still talking. He and his girlfriend told me all about their dogs, five of them, all rescue.

Lesson learned: You can’t judge a book etc.

There’s a lot more I could say on the subject, but it’s a pretty day, the dogs are looking at me, and you know what that means. Happy Spring.

Author’s Note: I wrote this column in 2016, when I still had two golden retrievers. Two years later, Sadie crossed over the mythical Rainbow Bridge, leaving Lexi and me to enjoy other Springs.

P O N D LE SS WATE R FALL

A Natural Water Habitat in Your Own Back Yard E X T E R I O R S

BY CH RIS SIEWING

CHRIS SIEWING is owner and

CLM

L A N D S C A P E S

&

president of Nature’s Re-Creations, nationally recognized as Master Certified Aquascape Contractors, first place winner of the North American Pond/Waterfall Competition and named by Aquascape as Artist of the Year in 2012. Nature’s Re-Creations stays on the cutting edge of technology and installation techniques to continually improve their projects and the environment.

To discuss a water feature project, you can contact Chris Siewing at 314-220-3841 or check out their gallery at RecreateNature.com or their amazing portfolio at 10 Facebook.com/NaturesReCreations.

A

water feature isn’t just landscaping, it is a way of life.

A well-designed water feature offers increasing pleasure as it matures. Over the years, you will notice changes in its appearance. It is, after all, a living thing. It evolves with the seasons, attracts birds and butterflies and it becomes a calming retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

A well-designed water feature is planned to be interacted with. Not just outside, but from inside the house as well. This usually requires placing the feature so it is visible from inside the house, and directing the waterfall toward the house as well.

By doing this, you will not only offer a line of sight, but it will throw the pleasing sounds toward the windows, so you can be serenaded by cascading water.

It is important to keep your water garden to scale without going overboard. Homeowners are drawn to the idea of large waterfalls in their backyard, but if not sized properly, they can look unnatural instead of blending into the landscape. You want to create something that appears to have been placed there by Mother Nature herself. This can be a challenge when locating the pond close to the house. In most cases, it requires working against the natural grade of the lot, using retaining walls and berms to get the waterfall to the proper height.

But even a minimal elevation change can produce beautiful waterfalls that are to scale with the surrounding landscape.

The pondless waterfall is one of the fastest growing options in water features today. It provides a natural-looking waterfall without a visible body of water. It offers all the sounds of natural falls, and allows for many varieties of plants along the stream sections to adorn the water garden. You can have a natural looking feature, without having to worry about the safety of an open body of water or pond. This makes these great for young children, front yards or commercial settings.

A natural looking pond will use different shapes and sizes of rock. To better integrate your feature into the natural surroundings, a few extra boulders or outcropping stones in the existing landscape provide good transition between the pond and your yard. The use of rock in your supporting landscape also allows you to create level beds for tall, vertical accents such as trees and shrubs.

It is important in the planning phase to consider that when installing a water garden, you get two features - daytime and nighttime. Especially with a pond, when it is lit up at night, you can view your fish and other underwater features in a whole different way. Some people mostly enjoy their ponds at night because they work during daytime hours. If you want to be able to enjoy your pond at night, then you want to consider adding underwater lights to your design. Underwater lights are great for adding that extra “wow” factor to your backyard when you are entertaining friends and family.

Your wardrobe fits.

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the art of organization CL#2

VIEW FROM INSIDE

S E E -T H R O U G H SOLAR SCREEN M A X 2 6 F T.

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

S T. C H A R L E S 12’ X 8’

CLM

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Block The Sun...

Not your View

SEE-THROUGH RETRACTABLE SOLAR SCREENS REDUCE HEAT, GLARE AND FADING.

G

reat rooms, with their large windows and beautiful views, provide a wonderful open feeling and their large windows provide great views of the outdoors. For many homeowners the great room was the feature that convinced them to purchase their home, and is the room they enjoy the most. However, many homeowners with great rooms complain about excessive heat from the sun and glare they experience during hours of direct sunlight. And the problem is not only during warm weather months. During winter the sun is actually lower in the sky, meaning that it shines more directly into the great room.

Now there is a new generation of exterior shading products that dramatically reduce heat and glare, especially in great rooms, without requiring a change to the beauty of the interior craftsmanship. These solar screens shade from the outside. If you can

stop the harmful rays from passing through your window with an outdoor solar screen, you will eliminate the inside greenhouse effect which captures and retains the excessive indoor heat. Outdoor Shade is so much more effective than the best windows, tinting, or blinds. You will stop the heat, stop the glare and stop the fading.

GREAT ROOM SOLAR SCREENS

cover windows from the outside, while still permitting light to come through, maintaining outdoor views. They are motorized and easy to operate with either a hand-held remote control or a wall-mounted remote control. When the sun is not blazing through the window, you can simply retract the solar screen into its discreet, overhead cassette. The smaller screens are fully wind resistant and the larger ones are rated for winds of 40 miles per hour (and winds seldom exceed 40 mph on sunny days).

Adding to the convenience is the option of having a sun sensor that automatically extends the solar screen during times of

BA L LW I N 10’ X 9’

intense sunlight and then retracts the solar screen during dim lighting or cloudy conditions.

You can reduce air conditioning and fading of furnishings and woodwork by blocking undesirable heat and ultra-violet light.

During cooler weather you can retract the screens to allow the warmth of the sun to enter your home, keeping your heating costs down.

For more information on this new generation of Great Room Glory, you can contact Shade Your World. Entering their 27th summer of business, this company has provided more retractable awnings than any other company in this area, as well as a full range of outdoor shading products.

Their mission is to Shade Your World and Brighten Your Day. Each product is custom designed to your individual specifications and will be built and installed within three weeks. Now you can shade your windows like never before.

To learn more about shading products from Shade Your World, or for a free estimate, you can call them at 314.740.5100 or visit their website at ShadeStL.com.

Take advantage of 2020 "Comfort Pricing" with reductions on solar shades of 10-20% from 2019. All appointments will be done outside through the end of May. You are welcome to call with your dimensions and receive an exact quote for your project.

Fountains, Pottery and Plantings DISTINC TIVE FE ATU RES ADD B E AUT Y AND E NJOYME NT

A

OUTDOOR FIRE PL ACES , FIRE PITS AN D HARDSCAPES are architectural features

FOU NTAINS AN D STATUARY, either classic

TRE ES , SH RU BS , AN N UAL S AN D PE RE N NIAL S should be added to freshen your

s you think about your yard and plantings greening and blooming in the 2020 outdoor season, consider adding distinctive features that can enhance the beauty and enjoyment in your yard for family, neighbors and visitors.

or contemporary, provide focal points for planted beds or patios in your yard. The glimmering sights and pleasing sounds of trickling water on a fountain offer continuous, natural welcome to all who visit.

Garden sculpture and statuary make a long-lasting and elegant addition to any landscaping or garden.

Birdbaths bring the beauty and sounds of a great variety of feathered friends throughout the year.

NATU R AL STON E B U B B LING BOU LDE RS are a great addition to any landscape. Pick a

boulder and have them drill holes for a custom look or choose from a vast selection of predrilled natural stone.

CE R AMIC POT TE RY AN D PL ANTE RS

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

add interest to your indoor and outdoor plantings.

Glazed decorative planters add bold color and height for annual or perennial flowering plants, greenery and ferns that bring them closer to enjoy

more. A variety of styles, colors and sizes are available to complement any decor. that create outdoor gathering areas you can enjoy beyond the warm weather months.

yard and provide variety in the landscape. They can be selectively placed for shade and privacy.

WORLD OUTDOOR E M PORIU M is your one-stop destination for everything outdoors. With over 20 acres they have the largest selection of fountains and ornamental yard décor in the Midwest.

They also carry everything from natural stone and concrete edging, retaining wall blocks, decorative gravel, mulch, topsoil, compost, erosion control products, pond supplies and more.

Their St. Charles location is at 4230 St. Peters Pkwy South 63304, and their Wentzville Garden Center at 1307 Granville Drive 63385 offers a large selection of annuals, perennials and lawn care products. You can learn more about World Outdoor Emporium at www.woe.rocks, and by phone at 636-441-9779 in St. Charles and 636-327-6000 in Wentzville.

Radon is a Silent Killer

YO U C AN ’ T S E E , S M E LL O R TA S TE IT . . . AN D IT MAY B E I N YO U R H O M E

R

adon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon is drawn into homes from the surrounding soil, through foundation cracks and other openings. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. These particles can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime.

It’s estimated that radon causes over 21,000 deaths each year in the U.S, and it is now the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. About one in three homes in the Midwest has detectable levels of radon, but you can protect the future of your family’s health by addressing radon risks now.

R ADON TESTING

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You can purchase a do-it-yourself testing kit, or hire a radon measurement specialist to do it. If you are buying or selling a property, it is recommended that a licensed professional conduct the test to furnish a certified radon level report.

R ADON If your radon levels are found to be elevated, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor reduce your radon levels. Air drawn through cracks in your foundation that contains radon needs to be redirected. One or more holes are drilled in the concrete basement floor

and connected to a PVC pipe that directs the air up to a fan unit that draws and vents it safely away from your home. Other cracks, spaces and joints are sealed to keep radon from entering. Within 30 days retesting is done to make sure that the system is effectively removing any radon from your home.

A leader in radon mitigation in our area is Woods Basement Systems, Inc. They can provide you a radon testing kit for just $22.00, including lab fees. Woods is also is certified to provide radon mitigation to make your home a healthier, safe environment. You can call them to discuss radon at 866-735-1890, and you can learn more about their radon services at betterbasementvalue.com.

Time for a New Roof?

Time for New Siding?

Proudly Serving St. Louis and St. Charles Counties

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LEFT: Blue and red lobelia, great rain garden plants ABOVE: Entry intake where water is diverted into rain garden BELOW: Orange cone flower is great to plant in wet areas for absorbing water

Rainscaping Reduces Erosion and Makes Possible a Beautiful Rain Garden

L A N D S C A P E S

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E X T E R I O R S

B Y S T E V E C A L L O WAY

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R

ainscaping is good water management now coming more into practice by ecologyminded homeowners.

It is the term for managing storm water runoff from heavy rains. Rather than rainwater streaming through and around property, water can be intercepted using rainscaping methods.

As water pours out of downspouts, off roads and onto properties, it causes erosion, pooling of water that prevents grass from growing properly, and can build up against structure foundations, causing wear, weakening foundation walls and leaky basements.

Instead, rainscaping attacks nuisance water flow at its source, directing ground water in strategically placed swales or channels to be diverted away from foundations into a garden area or a rain garden.

Rain barrels connected to downspouts are used to collect water that can be used to irrigate a garden area.

A rain garden is specially constructed where ground water is coursing during heavy rainfalls, designed to alleviate water flow from continuing. The project begins with removing nonpermeable soil and replacing it with an absorbency soil, a permeable medium of porosity that allows

water to sink into rather than coarse over it. Absorbency soil is a mixture of specific composts, mulches, and porous material such as sand or gravel.

A rain garden of absorbency soil is ideal for plants that naturally have good root systems and high water intake. Rain gardens offer the option of using what had been nuisance water to instead create gardens of beautiful perennial flowers, such as turtlehead, cardinal flower, queen of prairie, and royal fern.

Another rainscaping strategy for reduc-

ing water runoff in areas of your yard is removing invasive plants such as honeysuckle and euonymus, which have low water absorbency, and replacing them with native plant species, perennials, shrubs and trees to increase absorbency Rainscaping also helps communities by reducing rainwater intake into sewers, reducing stormwater backup, basement backup, and sewer overflow. It also helps reduce flooding by lessening water flowing into creeks and rivers. Organizations such as MSD vigorously promote rainscaping.

By alleviating water pooling areas, rainscaping also reduces mosquito population on properties. Replacing invasive plants with native species attracts predatory insects such as praying mantis and ladybug that feed on nuisance insects such as mosquitos, whiteflies and scales.

STEVE CALLOWAY is owner of Garden Green Horticulture Service. They revitalize and restore gardens and convert areas of ordinary lawn or problem growth with beautiful native plantings that will make landscapes better year after year. Pictured on this page are a number of rain gardens constructed by Garden Green.

Steve also helps homeowners select the plants, trees and shrubbery that best meet their aesthetic desires and that will thrive in the sunlight, soil and moisture conditions in their yards.

You can call or email Steve for a complimentary consultation in your yard, to identify your plants and advise on how to keep them healthy and looking their best.

You can reach Steve at 314-288-5036 or garden_green@live.com.

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Must present at time of purchase. Hurry, offer expires 6/20/20. Not valid with any other offers, previous contracts or the $5000 project minimum.

Rhino Shield permanent ceramic coating comes with a 25-year transferable warranty, which means you never have to paint your house again! n Superior to all paint products! n BASF-tested and proven to n Has a thicker, more luxurious last!

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www.87725rhino.Com

The Basement Egress Window

F

inishing your basement is the most efficient way to add useable space to your home. If you have or are planning sleeping rooms downstairs, you need to make sure that there are two exits for emergencies. If your home does not have a walk-out basement, this usually requires an escape, or egress window.

force beyond that required for a normal window.

But don’t just think of the basement egress window as a requirement. It can also add natural light and ventilation and with an expanded window well it can be an attractive feature, with flowers and plants on the terraced steps. The overall enhancements of safety, light, ventilation and more attractive appearance add to the value ADD SAFET Y, of your home.

It is important to know your local residential building codes for egress. St. Louis One company that is APPEAL AND County building permit expert in structural VALUE TO YOUR requirements state that all basement improvements basement bedrooms must HOME . is Woods Basement have one window for emerSystems.

They will be gency escape with a sill no happy to give you a free more than 44 inches above estimate to install a the floor and a minimum basement egress window clear opening area of 5.0 in your home. You can square feet. The emergency escape window call them at 866-735-1890 or learn more at must be operable from the inside without betterbasementvalue.com. need for special knowledge, tools, or extra

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EMBEDDED GRAVEL FINISH

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WHEN YOU WANT YOUR PAINTING AND DECORATING DONE RIGHT . . .

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BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Does Your Home Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

–WALKS , STEPS , PATIO, POOL DECK OR DRIVEWAY?

T

hese are unsightly and also tripping hazards that could cause injuries.

You may have tilting concrete steps or sidewalks, driveways or patios where a seam has turned into a step, or repeated cracking in sections of concrete slabs. These problems are often the result of a shifting or a weak soil base or erosion.

In the past, contractors relied upon mud jacking or slab jacking to level concrete that had settled over time. This involves pumping concrete slurry under the settled slab to raise it, hoping that the settlement

won’t continue. But that requires large holes in the concrete - about the diameter of a soda can. It can take an entire day to cure and the mixture itself is heavy – about 100 pounds per cubic foot, which can lead to further sinking.

There is now a great alternative called PolyLEVEL™, which uses a lightweight polyurethane mix that expands to fill the void beneath sunken concrete. This not only results in a solution that lasts longer, but also it looks better because it is less destructive to the applied surface.

PolyLEVEL requires a much smaller hole – about the diameter of a penny, cures in 15 minutes and weighs much less – about two

pounds per cubic foot. It lifts concrete slabs to a level position with less weight and disruption than the legacy mud jacking or slab jacking process. The result is a safe, secure and level concrete slab.

In the St. Louis area, Woods Basement Systems is the authorized contractor for PolyLEVEL concrete lifting. They will inspect your concrete walk, steps, pool deck, patio or driveway and provide an estimate to have your sunken concrete slab lifted with PolyLEVEL. To meet with one of their concrete repair experts, you can call them at 866-735-1890 or learn more at www.betterbasementvalue.com.

Keeping Your Carpets Clean, Beautiful and Healthy

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arpet is loved for its plush feel and comfortable texture. However, carpet comes with a challenge: keeping it clean. The world is a dirty place, and you can’t always leave it at the front door. Dust, dirt and food crumbs are just a few things that could be lurking in your carpet.

And if you start feeling under the weather, your runny nose may actually be caused by what’s right underneath your feet, tangled in the fibers of your carpet. Woodard offers an EPA-approved disinfectant that can be applied to your flooring.

If you think about how much daily use your carpets and furniture get, it is no wonder they can easily become spotted, stained and discolored. Trying to remedy spots or stains yourself can lead to permanent damage such as bleaching or further discoloration. Professional carpet cleaning services can take care of spots and stains

while protecting your whole carpet.

But it’s important to know that not all professional carpet cleaning companies are the same. Woodard Cleaning & Restoration is the company that St. Louis homeowners rely on. “Woodard Clean”, the experience, professionalism and care of their certified service technicians, has made them the number one choice for carpet cleaning service in St. Louis and surrounding areas since 1946.

Only Woodard offers this level of service and results for one price, with no hidden charges or additional fees. Once the cleaning is complete, they will leave you with a bottle of Spot Out Remover. Best of all, Woodard has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

You can schedule your 12-step carpeting cleaning today by calling Woodard today at 314-227-7059, or submit an online form on their website WOODARD247.COM.

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WO O DAR D ’ S E XCLU S IVE 12 -STE P CLE AN I N G P ROCE S S

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Woodard developed their proprietary process to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize the impact of their carpet cleaning services on customers’ lives. Here’s how it works: STEP 1. PRE-INSPECTION

Your cleaning technician will discuss problem areas with you, going over stains and traffic patterns that may need extra attention. Once the walkthrough is complete, they will provide you with a written estimate.

STEP 2. PROTECT YOUR HOME

Before they start cleaning, the technician will protect your home with corner guards to protect walls, and padded mats to protect flooring.

STEP 3. MOVE FURNITURE

In most cases, they move light furniture allowing access to areas underneath furniture to provide a thorough cleaning.

STEP 4. VACUUM & SPOT PRETREATMENT

At no additional cost to you, Woodard will vacuum your carpeting. Plus, the technician will take the time to address any troubling spots or stains you may have.

STEP 5. PRE-CONDITION & AGITATE

STEP 9. APPLY SCOTCHGARD OR DISINFECTANT

The technician will apply and agitate a pre-conditioner, using a rotating brush or carpet rake to break up soil and any remaining debris not picked up by the vacuum.

STEP 6. ADDRESS EDGES

This optional step is recommended to restore your carpet’s ability to resist stains and make vacuuming up dry soil easier.

Woodard backs it with a 6-month spot and spill warranty. They can also apply an EPA-approved disinfectant as well.

The areas along your baseboards or walls frequently collect dirt. Woodard will inspect, and if needed, hand scrub these areas to remove soil and provide a more uniform look.

To accelerate drying they will place powerful turbo dryers where needed to move air throughout the area, speeding up the drying process.

STEP 7. EXTRACT WITH HOT WATER

Using a wand and a truck mount system, hot water extraction removes all remaining soil in your carpet, getting deep down into the roots, to perform a truly deep clean.

STEP 8. RETURN, BLOCK, AND TAB FURNITURE

The technician will re-position previously moved furniture onto protective pads, re-setting the room back to its original layout.

STEP 10. RAPID DRYING

STEP 11. GROOM CARPET

Woodard grooms your carpeting to give it a uniform look, expedite dry time and spread the Scotchgard™ treatment evenly across the carpet.

STEP 12. FINAL WALK THROUGH

Lastly, the Woodard technician will perform a final walkthrough with you. They will discuss the effectiveness of their cleaning processes and post-cleaning care instructions.

TH 30 ANNIVERSARY

SALE

Minimums apply. Excludes jobs in progress.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 06/30/20

Cross Homes

demands, but it's his unique vision that makes each home special. This combination results in an attention to detail that far surpasses that of other builders, and makes Cross Home buyers friends for life.

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Currently, Cross Homes is building in both St. Louis and St. Charles Counties, with two new communities near St. Charles wine country, and several exceptional locations in Creve Coeur.

T H E B U I L D E R Y O U WA N T T H E H O M E YO U D E S E RV E .

hen you walk into a home built by Bill Cross you can feel the difference. You may not be able to put your finger on it, but you can sense something special. That's because he sees custom home building differently than most builders. Bill Cross approaches every new home with an artist's eye.

His decades of new home construction experience has taught him what he needs to create the extraordinary homes he builds, with the fine craftsmanship and superior quality he

A beautiful display home is currently for sale at The Crossings at Lauderdale Estates, off Hwy DD in St. Charles County, near the intersection with Hwy D, secluded among the wooded rolling hills just a short drive from the wineries. The luxurious display is priced at $1,195,000 and is open for touring by appointment.

In St. Louis, beautiful homesites are available

06/30/20

in several locations in Creve Coeur, including off Spoede Road and Mosley Road. Details and photos for all locations can be found online at www.crosshomesandassoc.com.

Since each home is unique, a personal meeting with Bill Cross is the place to start. He recognizes that your home is an expression of your style and personality. When you build with Cross Homes, they respect your desires and help you find the best ways to build a home that matches your dreams. They will counsel you on design, styles and options, and guide you through the entire process with the same care and concern as if it was their own home.

Their portfolio of plans is a great place to start! They will review the plans with you and then customize your choice to suit you and your family. You can get the process started by calling Bill today at 314-941-5341.

World Outdoor Emporium

We have the area’s largest nursery & selection of garden statuary, planters and fountains of all sizes

$50 OFF

Any $250 Purchase

May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 6/30/20 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

$200 OFF Any $1,000 Purchase

We carry everything from natural stone edging, retaining wall blocks, decorative gravel, mulch, topsoil, compost, erosion control products, concrete statuary, fountains, birdbaths, pond supplies and more.

We provide delivery, setup, fountain service and winterization.

Shop over 20 acres at our 2 locations

Greenhouses, trees, shrubs and flowers exclusively at our Wentzville location 1307 Granville Dr. Wentzville, MO 63385

4230 St. Peters Parkway South St. Charles, MO 63304

636-327-6000

636-441-9779

May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 6/30/20 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

Winter Hours Mon-Sat 7am-4pm Closed Sundays Call ahead during inclement weather and follow us on Facebook

www.woe.rocks

Custom Closet and Home Office Solutions FO R B E T TE R - O RGAN IZ E D S TO R AG E AN D WO R K S PACE S

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t seems that when most homes were built, little thought was given to wardrobe, storage or at-home work needs of families that were going to live there.

Maybe that’s why most of us have closets where there never seems to be room to put everything or ways to find anything.

And according to the National Association of Home Builders, a walk-in closet rated number one in the amenities builders planned to include in homes they were building in 2015.

Fortunately for homes built before 2015, today there is the opportunity for closet systems and other space solutions that are custom-designed to meet specific and changing needs of each member of the family. For closets and workspaces that are more functional and enjoyable to use, it pays to consider a custom system.

A professional designer can provide a solution that will work best for your specific needs, and flexibility to adapt as needs change over time.

The process starts from scratch with the designer creating an organizational portrait of family members who will use the space, asking about their needs, accurately measuring and inventorying items that need to go in it.

And to make it your own, offering choices of hardware, materials, specialized accessories and finishes.

The leader in custom-designed storage and workspaces for the home is Closet Factory.

They emphasize customization in every step

of their process, which begins with a free inhome consultation by an experienced designer.

You’ll be presented with a selection of drawers, shelving, handles and knobs in an extensive array of the finest materials and finishes, from basic laminates to dramatic solid woods. Once you’ve approved every feature and finishing touch, each piece is manufactured to specification in their own factory. For your own custom consultation, you may call Closet Factory at (314) 227-1936.

LEFT: The Modern Farmhouse kitchen RIGHT: Full modern kitchen remodel in the home once belonged to renowned Architect William Bernoudy.

A New Way to Remodel Enhances Live-At-Home Experiences

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BY DA N A K I N G

es, it’s possible to book your home projects and have them move forward with professionals during this time. And this may be the ideal time to think about the function of your living spaces.

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function for all aspects of living. In learning what home means for individual clients, we are committed to a process of plan development and construction that is equally as meaningful and joyful as the end results.

Our company’s mantra “Live Better at Home,” is even more relevant now as we spend more time in our homes. For us, home is far more than making beautiful spaces, though we do that too!

Michelle Banks, our Interior Design Director, who is a LEED and WELL trained Design Professional, shares our passion, “I have always been cognizant of how furnishings and finishes I specify affect our health.

As a cancer survivor, an immune-compromised person and allergy sufferer, I am passionate about improving the interior environment, not just from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a health and wellness perspective.“

Our designers, indeed, our whole team, have expertise in smart home technology, well-building (wellness), universal design (accommodating everyone’s physical abilities, including, but not limited to, agingin-place) – best practices to make homes

DESIGNING FOR WELLNESS

“Indoor air quality in our homes is five times more polluted than outdoor air. Lack of daylight affects our circadian rhythm and therefore our sleep. The WELL Building Standard was developed by doctors, scientists, and the design and construction industry professionals with the sole purpose of supporting human health and well-being in the built environment…physical as well as mental. We work with our industry partners to provide healthy solutions within the design itself, and with future monitoring and maintenance.”

CUSTOMIZING THE DESIGNBUILD EXPERIENCE We feel uniquely prepared for this time of stay-at-home and remote work. We are flexible to work virtually or in-person. For construction, we have practices in place to limit disturbance to dwellers.

We start to learn about your home with Matterport, a 3D video of each home. This allows our designers and production team to be in your home virtually by a pre-recorded video, viewing your spaces from multiple angles. We can even wear 3D goggles and walk your home from our office!

Surprisingly affordable, this tool saves time

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They are a one-stop shop for interior and exterior design and remodeling. They continue to emphasize Dana’s commitment to

award-winning excellence in service, quality craftsmanship, communications and innovations in design. To schedule a consultation about your home remodeling or interior design project, you can call 314-914-2840 or email info@danaking.com. You can view a portfolio showcasing a wide range of styles and solutions reflective of each unique homeowner at DANAKING.COM.

Combine innovative features plus high design equals a Wet Room

Michelle uploads proposed selections in Basecamp to solicit client’s feedback.

and helps enhance our communication and accuracy. For the homeowner, this reduces, and in most cases eliminates, the number of trades to come view their home.

Though we thoroughly enjoy in-person meetings, we have experience designing entire projects without ever seeing the client in person. Our powerful visualization tools allow designers to demonstrate a home’s potential in 3D renderings. For very busy or remote clients, we share plans by video/phone conference. Our ongoing liberal work-from-home practices means our designers are set up to serve you from any location.

We guide you to make product selections with our vendor partners by appointment or by video conference call. For the touch and feel experience, when a showroom visit is not possible, we send samples to clients.

Each project is led by a designer and a lead carpenter and is supported by Carina Rohne, our production coordinator, or as we like to call her, our Happiness Director!

We hire designers who not only have an eye for design, but also have deep knowledge of construction. Our carpenters are not only good technicians, they also have an eye for

WOR KING WITH TH E DANA KING TE AM – Testifying to the remote possibilities “I want to shout from the rooftops how amazing Dana King Design Build Remodeling is!! Working virtually via email, text and phone calls is so easy and fun; we really felt like she was standing right next to us! “Virtual design just seems so 2020 and saved us so much time!”

— PAM D

aesthetics and care about getting the details right.

Group accountability is in our DNA. Our online project management program, called Basecamp, is user-friendly and helps the team stay connected with clients. We log daily reports and share photos of progress.

At the job, we follow our House Etiquette, posted at every job, to show respect for the home dwellers and to maintain safe distance and hygiene. We have enhanced daily routines to isolate and keep our work areas clean, and we monitor the wellness of our clients and team members daily. We use a powerful premium air scrubber to contain dust.

KEEPING YOUR PROJECTS ON TRACK We are often asked what is the ideal time to engage our team. We advise for most common projects, kitchens or baths, to schedule a consultation five to six months before your desired completion date. But it is never too early to meet us by scheduling a consultation. In addition to consultations, we provide seminars, online or in person, to organizations and groups on a variety of

“…I had the pleasure of working with Dana …

I commissioned her to renovate my duplex in Clayton while I lived overseas. Despite of my absence from the country, Dana kept me at ease by providing me with a detailed breakdown of the budget, regular project updates, and pictures taken from the job site on a weekly basis…”

— LENNY W “I have worked with Dana and her team for at least 10 years. I have sent pictures and mea-

From fabrics to faucets - This kitchen doesn't miss a detail

home living topics. These can be hosted to benefit your favorite charity.

If you are considering a project in the near future, we suggest getting a jump on it at this time. Remodeling costs and interest rates now are very favorable. Should financing be of interest, we share programs that are specific to remodeling and go beyond what most lenders offer, such as using “after improved value” for obtaining loans, which can be rolled into mortgages.

Our core value and mantra is to “Find a Way”. And we do! We remain positive and excited about the future of home!

Keep well, Dana and Team surements for different projects as they have come up. We email and speak on the phone when more clarity is needed. I love how the projects we have worked on together have turned out. One more bathroom and my house should be finished!”

— JILL J

RE AD MORE RE VIEWS – OVE R 200 ON ANG IE ’ S LIST, GOOG LE AN D HOUZZ .

If Your Home is Settling, Don’t Panic.

UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.

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oundation problems can affect your home’s safety, appearance, and value. If you have wall or floor cracks, bowing walls or doors and windows that don’t close as they should, these are signs that your home may be settling.

WHAT CAUSES SETTLEMENT?

Settlement is the movement your home experiences when changes in the soil below cause it to no longer be able to support the weight of your home, or parts of it. This can be soil that is drying and shrinking, usually after long droughts; soil that remains wet and softens, usually from heavy rain or flooding where there is poor drainage; or compression of poorly compacted fill soil,

often where new building lots are developed.

Even if you haven’t seen changes in your home recently, more settlement may occur.

Continuing wet and dry cycles can cause soil changes, and settlement is not over unless steps are taken to fix the problem.

SOLUTIONS THAT WORK

The most effective way to fix a settling home is to pier it. Steel push piers are driven deep to bedrock or a stable soil layer. They can

be installed inside or outside your home to lift it back to its original position, closing cracks and improving the operation of doors and windows. The solution is quick, and the problem is solved. On lighter structures such as stoops or decks, a helical pier or screw pile may be more effective because the structure may not be heavy enough to drive push piers to a sufficient depth.

If you see cracks in walls or floors, inside or out, or doors or windows that don’t close as they should, don’t delay doing something about it. These signs of settlement may get worse if you ignore them. You can call Woods Basement Systems, the highest-rated, most reviewed contractor in their industry, for a free inspection. Their experts can restore your home to safe, functional condition. You can call Woods Basement Systems at 866-735-1890, or learn more at betterbasementvalue.com.

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Grand Opening at Courtyards of Cottleville

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LOW MAINTENANCE HOMES PERFECT FOR ACTIVE BABY BOOMERS

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he city of Cottleville, Missouri is an upscale, growing community with a unique, quaint historic downtown area that attracts visitors from all over. Driving through you'll see residents walking or riding their golf carts along the walkways lined with shops, restaurants and boutiques.

One of the newest additions to the landscape is The Courtyards of Cottleville, a private, 35 home community, located right in its heart.

“So many people are moving to the area from other parts of St. Louis,” commented Jerry Meyer, President of Meyer Homes, the builder of The Courtyards of Cottleville. “We have many buyers from St. Louis who are looking to

move closer to children and grandchildren who live in St. Charles County.

We also have many buyers who live in the area, but are tired of the big house and yard, and are looking for something simpler...but still with the style and quality they are used to.

The homes at Courtyards of Cottleville were designed with this in mind. Epcon Communities, a national company that specializes in this type of home, designed all of the plans for Courtyards of Cottleville, and Meyer Homes, a 30-year St. Louis area home builder, is an official Epcon Communities builder.

The three home styles are designed around unique courtyard

outdoor living areas, and exterior maintenance, such as cutting grass, landscaping, snow shoveling, etc., are all taken care of for you.

The new display home is currently Grand Opening and can be toured daily. “People love the elegant design of our homes!” explained Meyer, “And since we're located just down the street from all of the activities of historic Cottleville, the location is perfect too!”

Courtyards of Cottleville is located at the intersection of Motherhead Road and Gutermuth Road. The homes start in the $350's. For information, visit Courtyardsofcottleville.net or call 314-252-0352.

Your One Stop Shop for All Your Cabinet Needs!

Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams with our Specialty Cabinet Solutions n Cabinet Painting and Refinishing n Cabinet Refacing - New Doors & Trim n All New Custom Cabinetry

$1,000 OFF Any Project Over $4,500 Offer good through May 31, 2020. Prior estimates excluded.

St. Louis Cabinet Company also offers a wide variety of services, including New Doors and Drawers, Drawer Boxes, Soft-Close Hinges, Crown Molding, Decorative Island Builds and much more!

CALL ST. LOUIS CABINET COMPANY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

AFTER

Ask about our Kitchen Makeover Package

636-926-6440

WWW.STLOUISCABINETCOMPANY.COM

NEED A CONCRETE ‘MAKEOVER’?

We have been transforming plain and boring concrete to beautiful, durable surfaces for over 36 years. Let us design and install a masterpiece at your home.

Here’s what our customers say about working with Decorative Concrete Resurfacing: “Wow! We came back from vacation yesterday and were so pleased with the work you all did while we were gone. Makes us wish we had done it years ago!”

– Cathy Milton “Thanks for a job well done. We think it’s beautiful.”

– Joe Stangl

Garage Floors

Patios

Pool Decks

Interior Floors

See over 50 live video testimonials of our customers and their projects youtube.com/user/DecorConcreteStLouis

“Your company was easy to work with, did a great application and cleanup. Everything handled professionally, and the patio looks great!”

– Steve and Ann Proscino

Our 36th Anniversary Special: Save up to $500 off your job.

Savings based on 10% off of DCR work. New clients only. One offer per customer. Must be presented at time of estimate. Offer expires 6/30/20.

Call for a FREE estimate: 636-256-6733 • PrettyConcreteSTL.com

follow our website if you’re looking for a new companion.

For those who already have pets, now is a good time to have plans in place in case you get sick. This isn’t something any of us want to think about, but it is always good to identify (and discuss in advance with) two people who can care for your pets. Be prepared with at least a two week supply of food and a 30 day supply of any medication your pet needs. Many animal welfare organizations are operating with limited staff during COVID-19. So, now is also a good time to make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag with your current contact information in case they become lost.

Now is a Great Time to Adopt a Pet

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BY KIM BROWN, VP DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS APA ADOPTION CENTER

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T

he love of a pet remains constant in life’s ups and downs.

During happy times they add to the joy and adventure. In challenging times, like many of us find ourselves in now, they bring comfort and companionship. As we are more isolated due to COVID-19, our pets are happy we’re home with them. When looking for the positive in this I think about all the people walking in my neighborhood, dogs on leash, enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

While there is no doubt much to worry about, I also see much to be grateful for.

For those who do not have a pet yet, or are thinking about adding another, now can be a great time.

Most of us are home more and can spend the time potty-training a puppy or bonding with an adult dog, and cats were pretty much made for social distancing.

Numerous studies also show pets are good for our health and reduce stress and depression.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by pets, according to both the CDC and World Small Animal Veterinary Association. The APA Adoption Center continues to help animals in need while prioritizing the safety of our staff and the public. To follow social distancing requirements, we have transitioned to curbside adoptions and foster-to-adopt options. Potential adopters can view available animals on our website, and each has a photo and description.

We have staff available to answer additional questions and complete adoptions over the phone. A time is then scheduled for the pet to be picked up and APA staff bring your new pet out to your car. Adopters are unable to visit with adoptable animals prior to adoption, so all adult animals can go out as foster-to-adopt which is basically a trial adoption. If it is a great fit, we can finalize the adoption over the phone! New animals become available daily, so

The APA Adoption Center currently has 191 pets in foster care. When we reached out for help getting animals into adoptive or foster homes the St. Louis community was amazing, helping us place 138 animals in a matter of days. Every animal that could leave the building did! Regardless of what is happening in the world, people continue to look for ways to help and it is inspiring.

Bringing people and pets together is at the heart of our mission. While that centers around pet adoption, we continue to deliver programs such as Tuesday Tails story time, humane education curriculum, and videos like our lunch break with puppies. We have also delivered pet food to a local food pantry to help people keep their pets during this difficult time.

The APA Adoption Center has been serving the St. Louis community for 98 years.

Think about it, that includes WW2, The Great Depression, the ‘85 World Series, losing the Big Red, and losing the team that shall not be named. Together we will get through this. If you’re interested in learning more or supporting our work, visit www. apamo.org. We wish you well St. Louis community, and look forward to having you back in our building soon.

Simple Moves: Making Moving Simple.

Whether you are moving from house to house, room to room, or floor to floor, we will always find the least expensive way to make your move. On our website, we provide time and money saving tips, to help make your move simple.

We also offer short- and long-term storage, with your first 30 days free for your convenience.

Storage can also help with decluttering and staging your home for sale.

Our movers are all part of the Simple Moves family.

We only hire and train professional, dependable, reliable and experienced people, that are fully bonded and insured. We have training guidelines in place for protecting against CoVID-19. Please visit our website simplemoves.com for more info.

SIMPLE MOVES Chris Gianino, owner

For a free estimate call us at

314-819-9730

simplemoves.com

The Pet

“All The News That Fits in a Crate.”

News for Dogs, Cats and th Are Your Pets Ready for the Warmer Weather?

Come in to Petropolis and find out.

WANTED! Would you like a career working with animals?

Find out how!

Dog or Cat Need a Vacation?

Petropolis Offers Affordable Lodging.

Petropolis Open in St. Charles County!

Have you ever wanted to work with animals? Or maybe you’re tired of your desk job and looking for a career change? The Academy of Pet Careers is currently accepting

applications for their dog training, grooming, and vet assistant programs!

Learn everything you need to know about a career with pets – from animal behavior to starting your own pet business – through their flexible, hands-on programs. Plus, all of their methods are based in scientifically-backed force-free methods.

Along with their three core programs, The APC also hosts seminars and workshops for pet professionals looking to continue their education and stay up-to-date on the very latest advancements in the pet care industry. Visit theacademyofpetcareers.com to learn more.

After serving the Chesterfield area for over 30 years, Petropolis is happy to announce they are opening a second location in St. Charles this summer.

Located in the old Vatterott College building, the St. Charles location is going to be state-of-the-art, and every single aspect of the 35,000 square foot facility has been designed with pets' needs in mind. They’re taking everything you love most about Petropolis – the outdoor play yards, water features, and spacious lodging rooms – and building the enrichment center of your pets’ dreams.

“It’s going to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” says founder and owner Dr. Paul Schifano.

“We’re excited to bring a facility like this to St. Charles County and to extend our Petropolis Family across the river.”

The new location boasts over 33,000 square feet of outdoor play space and over 100 spacious lodging rooms for dogs and cats. They will share the space with The Academy of Pet Careers, a school for prospective dog trainers, groomers, and vet assistants.

Gazette

Howling at the Moon Edition HHHHH

he People Who Love Them Dog Lonely and Lazy All Day? Petropolis Offers Affordable Lodging.

Is Your Pet Empowered?

Petropolis Promotes the HumanAnimal Bond.

Is your dog a ‘Canine Good Citizen?’

Find out now!

There’s nothing quite like the bond between a dog and their owner, especially when that dog and owner work as a team. Pet owners looking to strengthen their bond with their dog should consider training for the Canine Good Citizen test, which is designed to prove that your dog is a well-mannered member of society who responds positively to people and other dogs and is ready for anything.

Plus, the Canine Good Citizen test is a fantastic first step on the road to becoming a therapy dog team. Volunteer your time

by visiting nursing homes or children’s hospitals with your pup and bring much-needed comfort to those in need.

Ready to get to work? Visit Petropolis.com to learn how they can help prepare your dog – and you! – for the Canine Good Citizen test.

Ask Dr. Jesse Dr. Jesse McClure

Behavior Services Manager Q: “Why does my dog bark and lunge at other dogs on walks?”

A: Most often, this behavior is a

GRAND OPENING OFFER Petropolis is celebrating our new St. Charles location with special offers at both locations just for new customers.

50% OFF first lodging reservation (up to $100) First 2 days of daycare FREE Offers available to first-time clients only. May not be combined with other offers.

Blackout dates and holidays may be ineligible for offers.

Must call this special number: 636-720-9964

fear response. Your dog is saying, "Stay away!

Dog owners often try to "correct" this behavior with harsh words or a tug on the leash, but this unfortunately results in escalation.

The dog doesn't learn that lunging results in a correction but rather that other dogs predict unpleasant outcomes. (They see another dog, then they feel a tug on the leash.)

This just fuels the fear.

Instead, by working with a qualified behavior specialist, you can determine what’s driving this behavior and turn it around to make other dogs a predictor of good things while also empowering your dog to make their own choices.

sive with maintenance and replacement parts. Through the whole process of acquiring their system, purchasing, installation and service, the BEAM team has been very helpful and attentive to their needs.

In 2004 the Pisonis moved from their suburban ranch house to a 100-year old multi-story home in the Shaw Neighborhood. Once again, cleaning considerations came into focus. They couldn’t see lugging a cannister vacuum up and down the steps.

But with plaster walls and beautiful original hardwood floors and trim throughout the house, they wondered how a BEAM built-in system could be installed.

The Dogs (and Cats) Made Them Do It

The team from BEAM once again lived up to their promise, installing a system that reaches all areas of their home without anything showing and without any damage to the woodwork. The canister unit is in the basement for very quiet operation. They have two outlets and a VacPan on the first floor, one outlet on the 2nd floor and one on the 3rd floor. BEAM even provided outlet plates that match their décor – antiqued metal in the entry hall, and white in their updated kitchen.

I F YO U H AV E A P E T T H AT S H E D S , YO U K N OW W H AT IT ’ S

L I K E TO H AV E H A I R A L L OV E R YO U R H O U S E . W E L L , J U S T I M AG I N E H AV I N G A H U N D R E D D O G S A N D C AT S CO M I N G

P E T

LOV E

&

C A R E

T H R O U G H YO U R H O U S E E V E RY W E E K !

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r. Nicholas Pisoni and his wife are both veterinarians.

In the mid-1990’s they remodeled their animal hospital in St. Louis County, and as part of that project they wanted to solve the problem of the abundance of dog hair that can accumulate in their hospital. Not just from shedding, but also from grooming and preparing animals for surgery.

Cleanliness is very important for maintaining a healthy and welcoming practice. They had used canister vacuum cleaners that were inconvenient to lug around the facility, had inconsistent suction and small waste containers that had to be emptied often.

The Pisonis had friends who had a BEAM central vacuum in their home. They were very happy with it, so in preparing for the remodel, Nick contacted BEAM of St. Louis. BEAM was

able to install one system to serve the whole facility, including a wing that had been built onto the original building. The vacuum canister unit is in the basement, so the system operates very quietly, which is comforting both for the patients and their human companions.

With the convenience of six wall outlets throughout the facility, it is very easy for hospital staff to keep it spotless. Instead of having to find a vacuum cleaner and drag it to the room to be cleaned, staff members just plug a lightweight hose into an outlet, and it instantly turns on with a powerful suction that gets the job done quickly. They use long hoses for the waiting area and kennel, shorter hoses in the examination rooms, standard BEAM wands with floor and pickup brushes, and crevice tools for hard to reach areas.

The Pisonis have been very happy over the 25 years they have had the system. Nick reports that BEAM of St. Louis has been very respon-

On the first floor they use a lightweight hose that makes it easy to get around furniture and up the staircase to the landing.

On the upper floors they use a power hose, power wand and head. They also use the cloth sleeve for the hose, to keep it from abrading woodwork. Nick says it is hard to imagine cleaning their house with a standard cannister vacuum, even if they had one on every floor.

The passion BEAM built-in vacuum owners feel about their BEAM is clear. They all say that once you’ve had a BEAM, you’ll never want to vacuum the other way again.

A BEAM whole-house cleaning system can be built into any existing home at no extra cost. For a free phone estimate, or to learn more about a BEAM system for your home, you can call BEAM of St. Louis at 314-391-9303, or visit them online at BEAMstl.com.

The Smarter Technology to Protect Today’s Dog

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DogWatch offers important benefits over other hidden fences: More reliable and safe signal Customized to your dog & yard Lower cost, longer life battery (up to 2 yrs) Locally owned, professional installation, service & training Lifetime warranty & guarantees Programmable by users Indoor & outdoor solutions Made in the USA Can convert other systems to DogWatch Call or email for a free estimate

(314) 965-9209

DogWatchSTL@gmail.com To learn more visit

(inset here of Smart phone & copy)

SmartFence TM connects to Internet for text alerts

DogWatchStLouis.com

P E T

LOV E

&

C A R E

INDOOR BOUNDARIES HIDDEN FENCES TRAINING PRODUCTS

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Positive Reinforcement: Effective Training that Builds the Dog-Owner Bond

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one are the days of “bad dog!” and leash jerks. Dog trainers are now using a more encouraging method, one centered around positive reinforcement. This method rewards dogs for behaviors we want more of instead of punishing unwanted behaviors.

When teaching a dog to sit, an old-school trainer might jerk the leash and the dog might sit, but not because he wants to. He is performing an action to avoid pain and discomfort. A positive reinforcement trainer encourages the dog to sit, then rewards

Positive reinforcement (R+) training strengthens the pet-owner bond by building trust. Punishment-based methods put this relationship - and your dog’s behavioral health - at risk. They can cause anxiety and fear, which sometimes lead to aggression.

him when he does. This dog will be excited to train and motivated to please his trainer.

What kind of reward works best? According to Jody Epstein, MS, CBCC, CPDT, Head Training Instructor at The Academy of Pet Careers, the best tool is whatever your dog will work for. “Anything your dog likes or loves can be used as a reinforcer in R+ training.”

“I recently worked with an adult bloodhound mix originally trained – unsuccessfully - using a prong collar,” she says. “The owner was convinced we couldn’t teach this dog to come when called because he was so distracted by smells. We made a game of it using treats and cuddles - his two favorite things.

In two weeks, he was doing full-speed recalls in a public park without being distracted by the interesting smells.”

For dogs, positive reinforcement makes all the difference. And for owners, it can mean the difference between frustration and a lifetime of happiness with their pet. To learn more about positive reinforcement training for your dog, you can call the professionals at Petropolis at 636-720-9964.

MEAGAN DONEGAN

ART COMMISSION ANIMAL PORTRAITS IN PENCIL

I use animals as my main subject matter because they have a purity and beauty to me that help me observe without a narrative. In this deep trust my heart opens. Here I can break down shape into its simplest form of light and shadow and at the same time observe my singular interpretation based on my own life experience and ancestral influences.

For inquiries on private commissions, please contact me at meagan@meagandonegan.com.

To see more examples visit

meagandonegan.com

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35 CLM

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HERE ARE WHAT MEMBERS OF OSTEOSTRONG RIGHT HERE IN ST. LOUIS HAVE TO SAY: PAT T Y, 62 M E M B E R SINCE SE P TE M B E R 2016

“Ten years ago I discovered that I had osteoporosis in my spine. I chose to monitor it and took no injections. Every year my scans showed no significant changes. I decided to try OsteoStrong in 2016. After five months I had another scan and again had no significant change. But after 22 months of OsteoStrong, I had another scan and my spine density had increased 8.8%! I now have osteopenia instead of osteoporosis. I was shocked and pleased, as was my doctor. My doctor asked what I was doing differently, and I told her that I had been going to OsteoStrong. I couldn’t be happier with my results or with OsteoStrong.”

Scientific Breakthrough for Improving Bone Density, Muscle Strength and Balance

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F I T N E S S

RESEARCH SHOWS: SEVEN - MINUTE WEEKLY SESSIONS PROVIDE MEASUR ABLE RESULTS

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R

ecent research shows that standard exercise isn’t nearly as effective as had been thought for building bone density and strength. A peer-reviewed study determined that for adults to increase bone density in hips faster than they are losing it requires osteogenic loading, resistance of at least 4.2 times one’s body weight. When done properly, osteogenic loading also triggers muscle development that is qualitatively different than from conventional exercise. Only high-resistance loading stimulates increased density of myofibrils, the proteins in cells responsible for contracting muscles.

In 2012, wellness company OsteoStrong began offering their patented osteogenic loading system in centers across the US. People all over the world who are using this technology are experiencing not only improved bone density, but also muscle strength, improved posture and balance,

and increased athletic performance.

It is a seven-minute sweat-free session in four different positions - chest, leg/hips, core and spine, that triggers an adaptive flexing response in bones and connective muscles. This is done in positions that are self-imposed for maximum results and safety. The system improves overall strength, balance and posture, without fatigue or soreness. And it works for people of all ages.

The first OsteoStrong center in the St. Louis area opened in Creve Coeur in 2016. Now there are seven additional locations – Clayton, Ballwin, O’Fallon, Chesterfield, South County, Sunset Hills and Ladue.

The health and well-being of our members and staff are our highest priority. All centers are temporarily closed and will reopen when possible. to schedule a future appointment or for more information, you can call 314-270-2005. You can learn more about OsteoStrong at: www.OsteoStrong.me.

DENNIS MEMBER SINCE JULY 2018

“I had a total knee replacement four years ago, brought on by a lifetime of competitive golf and tennis.

I noticed that my “good” knee was tiring out after 16 holes, and I was contemplating another knee replacement. After six months at OsteoStrong, I no longer feel that way. 18 holes is not a challenge anymore, and my “good knee” is holding up better than ever. I would recommend OsteoStrong to anyone.”

JANA , 54 AN D M EGAN , 23 M E M B E RS SINCE FE B RUARY 2018

“My doctor recommended OsteoStrong to me after I started experiencing side effects from osteoporosis medication. After learning there was also a benefit for muscles (myofibrils), tendons and ligaments, I decided to have my daughter join with me. Megan was diagnosed with hypotonic muscles as a baby that caused a lack of muscle tone and a significant muscle nerve delay, which impact her reflexes and have limited her driving capabilities. But after 10 months of OsteoStrong, at age 23 Megan is able to drive by herself and has her own car! I know I’m strengthening MY bones, but Megan’s results are a dream that we never thought would become reality. Thank you OsteoStrong!

Photos by JBeauvais Photography

Cape Albeon is a complete senior living community in a beautiful park-like setting, reminiscent of a New England village, right in the heart of St. Louis County.

Independent living at Cape Albeon is offered in both beautiful retirement apartments in The Harbor building, and in individual picturesque lakeside cottages.

Both offer the combination of complete independence along with support of the Cape Albeon community, including fine dining, indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness facility, library, salon and more. Housekeeping, recreational and social activities are provided, as well as transportation for trips, shopping, and cultural events.

Medical Transportation is also offered.

Visitors Are Welcome to Special Events at Cape Albeon n 20 YEAR CELEBRATION OPEN HOUSE June 28th n MOUSE RACES October n HEALTH FAIR October n OPEN HOUSE November n BREAKFAST WITH SANTA December

Assisted living care for those with greater needs in everyday living is provided at The Village at Cape Albeon, a one-story building on a quiet lane. The Village offers comfortable accommodations in a beautiful home-like setting. Dining room, living room, chapel, enclosed courtyard and outdoor lake scenery encourage gathering, social interaction

Cape Albeon is a caring community that also offers top-quality transitional memory and respite care. It is a not-for-profit member of the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors family, a highly respected senior service provider founded in 1961. Cape Albeon is a member of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ, and welcomes all faiths. They also offer Passport to Travel, a program with other UCC communities throughout the United States that enables residents to lodge free of charge at a sister community of their choice for up to two weeks. Cape Albeon residents can experience the excitement of new cities with the welcoming hospitality that feels like home, simply for the cost of their own travel and incidentals. Locations include Phoenix, North Carolina, West Bend, Seattle, Tennessee, Michigan and more.

Cape Albeon is located just west of the intersection of Big Bend and Dougherty Ferry Roads. To arrange a virtual tour, you can call (636) 861-3200.. Visit their website at CapeAlbeon.com.

SPECIAL NOTE: Cape Albeon is looking out for you during this difficult time. They properly screen prospective residents to keep future and current residents safe.

F I T N E S S

In either case, families would certainly want their loved one to be in comfortable, attractive and safe surroundings where all their needs would be met. Also important are the availability of amenities and programs that would enable them to continue pursuing interests and activities that contribute to their quality of life. Ideally, it would be a community able to accommodate their changing needs over the coming years, instead of having to search again.

Founded nineteen years ago, it is a Life Plan Community, offering living options to accommodate the changing needs of residents over the years they are there.

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early every family will at some time need a different living option for a senior or elderly loved one. It could be an older adult or couple who still want to live independently but not the maintenance worries of having their own home. Or an elderly family member whose daily living needs can no longer adequately be provided at home.

H E A LT H

CH A N CE S A R E V E RY G O O D TH AT YO U WI LL F I N D IT AT C A P E A LB EO N

A full calendar of activities and events on the Cape Albeon campus, as well as group outings to points of interest contribute to the quality of life and provide residents with plenty to look forward to. By encouraging residents to participate, staff empower them to do more and enjoy life more. The cuisine is a true point of distinction, and family members often bring friends to enjoy meals with them in a private dining room for special occasions.

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What Would You Want for Your Loved One in a Senior Living Community?

and quiet contemplation. A nurse and well-trained aides attend to the needs and condition of assisted living residents.

What Is Keeping You from Reaching Your Weight and Fitness Goals?

A P E R SO NAL TR AI N E R CAN H E LP SO LVE TH E TH R E E BAR R I E R S TO R E ACH I N G YO U R D E S I R E D WE I G HT, STR E N GTH AN D AP P E AR AN CE

BY B RET KLIETH E RM ES

BRET KLIETHERMES is owner of STRONG HUMAN FITNESS LLC, a personal training company that offers Complete Fitness Programs to help his clients reach their personal health and fitness goals. Bret has a Bachelor’s of Science in Health & Wellness Promotion from Missouri State University, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Professional Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

What is not unique, however, are the three major barriers to success that my clients faced when they tried to reach these goals on their own. These issues are exactly why they turned to me to achieve the success you see in the examples on this page, and why you may consider doing the same if you are having a hard time reaching your health and fitness goals: NOT KNOWING HOW TO PUT A COMPLETE PROGRAM TOGETHER. A

comprehensive health and fitness program should consist of all the following with the proper amounts/ratios related to your specific goals: Nutrition, Supplementation, Resistance Training, Cardiovascular Exercise, Flexibility or Mobility Work and Proper Rest. If this seems a little overwhelming, you’re not alone.

NOT HAVING A WORKABLE PLAN OF ACTION. You can try the latest and

greatest diet and exercise program known to man, but if it doesn’t fit into your schedule or physical capabilities, as well as integrate all the components listed above, then you’re simply wasting your time. A health and fitness plan must be “doable” for the individual - otherwise it is useless.

NOT HAVING A PROPER SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PLACE. Making changes in

your routine necessary for achieving specific health and fitness goals can be extremely challenging. It’s inevitable that you will come up against frustrations, uncertainties and questions along the way. Having someone there to guide, motivate, educate, support and hold you accountable to what you have committed to do for yourself will prove to be one of the best ways to reach your goals.

If you are struggling with one or all of these problems on your path to improved health and fitness, then I would recommend not to waste another single day. I have helped dozens of clients achieve their goals and I can help you as well!

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F I T N E S S

Bret works with clients at The Fitness Partner Inc., a boutique gym located at 14528 South Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield 63017.

For 23 years, the Fitness Partner has offered members a more private alternative to the large box gyms that are often noisy and overcrowded. Owner/operator Randy Stone has more than 25 years of personal training experience, knows all members by name, and can be found in the gym 6 days a week. The Fitness Partner is also a proud supporter of the Joshua Chamberlain Society, a grassroots 501c3 that provides long term support to severely wounded veterans and their families from the greater Saint Louis area.

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here are important reasons why people want to start an exercise and nutrition program. To lose weight, get strong and healthy, look and be their best for an upcoming event, or to simply be a positive role model for their family. These reasons take on personal importance that is unique to each individual.

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Bret offers both private and semi-private training to fit all budgets and schedules, but due to the Covid-19 stay-at-home order, The Fitness Partner gym is currently closed. Bret is happy to provide no-obligation, no-pressure exercise and nutrition 38 consultations via video conferencing. You can contact Bret to set this up and to get on his list for in-person training when the gym re-opens. Call 314-691-9040, email bret@stronghumanfitness.com, or visit www.stronghumanfitness.com.

CARRIE SHAUGHNESSY, down 25

THOMAS TAYLOR, after 6 weeks down 15.5

pounds so far and still losing!

lbs, lost 3.5 inches and reduced body fat by 3.5%

JOAN KRUEGER has a private practice with an office in Kirkwood. Many individuals have achieved their goals, both personal and professional, through guidance they have received in her hypnosis sessions. About 80% of people who Joan hypnotizes to stop smoking will quit after just one session. You can contact Joan Krueger to discuss how hypnosis could help you achieve positive change in your own life by calling her at (314) 962-7558, or visiting her web site at jfkhypnosis.com.

Which of Your Behaviors Would You Like to Change, If You Could?

BY J OA N K R U E G E R , C E R TI F I E D H Y P N OT H E R A P I S T

I

n my practice, I see people who want to lose weight, stop smoking, overcome depression, reduce anxiety, stop drinking, eliminate their fears and phobias and many other issues. Do you want to know something good about smoking? You can stop! About 80% of the people that I see to stop smoking are able to stop with one session.

That session takes ONE HOUR! Smokers know they shouldn’t smoke. Alcoholics know they shouldn’t drink. People that want to lose weight know they shouldn’t eat junk food. However, as human beings, most of us don’t function from the information that we “know”. We function from habits and behaviors we have established over the course of our lives, and those things are stored in the subconscious mind.

That is why I say our subconscious minds are like filing cabinets. They hold the information that we work from. With hypnosis, it’s possible to get that part of the mind to begin to help you function in different ways. For some people that will mean a greater consciousness about something they didn’t have an awareness of before, allowing them to make new decisions.

For other people, the changes will be very automatic, so they just begin to think or act in new ways without having to consciously make a new choice. Also, because that part of the mind can help to create changes, a person begins to experience a greater sense of control around whatever it is they want to change. A greater feeling of control brings empowerment back to the individual.

There is no mystery about hypnosis. All the information you need is on my website at jfkhypnosis.com. While you are there, check out some of the amazing testimonials. A person always has to be willing to create change. During the session, the client will always have complete power of selectivity, so that they respond only to suggestions that feel comfortable to them. It is easy to set up an appointment and it’s very affordable.

Hypnosis can be your key to change. It has been for others, so why not you?

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BEFORE

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Our one-stop approach for stylish glass and/or walls provides minimal disturbance and quick turnaround.

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Are You Ready to Own Your Own Health?

THE MOST ACCURATE WAYS TO KNOW YOUR BODY IN 2020

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ou see a lot of promises for reducing weight and body fat, increasing lean muscle and bone density.

You’re probably taking control of your health with exercise and better diet. But how can you really know how you’re doing?

There is now a solution that provides you scientific data and images to assure you’re getting results and improving your health. At one location there is a full range of advanced body assessment technologies that affordably provide you the tools, knowledge and power to Know Your Body and Own Your Health.

BODY ANALYTICS is a non-med-

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

ical clinic offering the most accurate body composition results possible.

Body Analytics enables you to set and monitor progress toward your health, fitness and disease prevention goals. Their technologies include:

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STYKU offers the fastest non-invasive

measures of body fat composition, a major indicator of potential health risks. In just 35 seconds, a full body scan extracts hundreds of measurements with unparalleled accuracy. No humiliating fat calipers, measuring tapes or risk of human error. Styku provides simple graphics to track how your diet and hard work are benefiting you.

DXA is a 15-minute comprehensive

snapshot of your exact bone density. This is the Golden Standard used to determine

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. DXA can also provide a full-body composition image.

Very weak x-ray beams detect composition percentages, including visceral fat, providing an advanced image of your entire body and insight into potential health risks.

KORR assessment is a simple 10-min-

ute test that measures how much food, or energy, is required to maintain basic body functions in a state of rest. This enables you to take control over your metabolic health and stop the guesswork of modifying caloric intake for weight gain or loss. KORR will give you a clear picture of how your weight loss program is impacting your metabolism, ensuring that your diet is maintaining your metabolic rate.

Body Analytics is now offering their Introductory 8 Week Challenge. For one low price, you will receive 3 DXA scans, 3 Styku scans and 3 measures of resting metabolic heart rate. To take advantage of this special offer and book a session at Body Analytics, you can call them at 314-471-5373. You can learn more at www.bodyanalytics.fit about what they offer. They are located at 4290 Telegraph Road 63129, just 12 minutes from Manchester and 270.

Wildlife and Native Landscaping Bring the delight of perennial wildflowers and native grasses to your own yard.

Butterflies, hummingbirds and migratory birds will follow.

GARDEN GREEN provides

landscape design and installation of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, soil, stone and mulch.

Offers maintenance and renovation of residential and commercial properties; spectacular gardens, identification and removal of invasive plants, rainscaping, deer-resistant gardens and more.

Spring is a great time to plant. Call or email today for a free consultation.

GARDEN GREEN HORTICULTURE SERVICE

314-288-5036

garden_green@live.com

BETSY CLEMENS MD is owner and medical principal at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, located at 450 North New Ballas Road in Creve Coeur.

Dr. Clemens has specialized in evaluating and treating anal/rectal disorders for over 10 years and has performed over 28,000 IRC procedures. Prior to opening MWHTC, Dr. Clemens had a very busy family medicine practice and she remains board certified in family medicine. She has a comprehensive understanding of the body and uses a systematic approach to the diagnostic and treatment process. She received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and completed her residency at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center. For an appointment at the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, you can call 314-384-5710. To learn more about them and about IRC, you can visit mwhtc-stl.com.

An Effective Solution for an Uncomfortable Problem INFR ARED COAGUL ATION IS A PAINLESS , L ASTING TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS .

BY B ETSY CLE M E NS , M D

A

lmost everyone suffers from hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Hemorrhoids are normal “cushions” of tissue filled with blood vessels at the end of the rectum. If enlarged, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, surgery may be required, which can be painful and require days to weeks of recovery.

Treatment options depend on the size of the hemorrhoids and severity of symptoms.

Topical medications can relieve itching and shrink mild hemorrhoids. But for enlarged or bleeding hemorrhoids, options for longer-term relief have been limited to sclerotherapy, involving injections similar to those for varicose veins, rubber band ligation, stapling and surgery. Each of these can have varying

Before

results, cause days of discomfort and possibly cause complications, some of which are severe.

But another option is available, an outpatient procedure called infrared coagulation (IRC).

It provides long-term relief and is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that many studies have shown to be the optimal non-operative treatment of choice. It is fast, effective, well tolerated and has fewer complications than other options.

The IRC treatment focuses infrared light on hemorrhoidal tissues. This coagulates blood vessels, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and retract. The IRC procedure does not require anesthesia or special preparation. Patients may feel a slight warm sensation, but it usually is painless, and most patients return to work the same day. IRC received FDA clearance in 1984 and is covered by most insurance plans.

After

Start Your Spring Cleaning Today!

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Spring is finally here, make sure your home is ready! Woodard’s 12-step cleaning process is Call Us Today at guaranteed to leave you feeling 100% satisfied. We will even apply an EPA-approved disinfectant to Or visit us online: woodard247.com your carpeting.

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EVENTS

May and June Activities & Events Please note: These events were still scheduled as of press time.

Please check websites for updates.

M UCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING SHAKESPE ARE FESTIVAL

WHITAKE R M USIC FESTIVAL

Wednesdays May 29-August 7 mobot.org/whitaker Missouri Botanical Garden

FATH E RS DAY

Sunday, June 21

May 27-June 21 8pm nightly ex. Tuesdays Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park sfstl.com

ST. LOU IS WATE R GARDE N SOCIET Y PON D O - R AMA TOU R

Various locations June 27 & 28 slwgs.org

A CHORUS LIN E

May 29-June 28 Robert G. Reim Theatre stagesstl.org

ST. LOU IS TRIATH LON

May 31 Creve Coeur Park stlouistriathlon.com

DISN E Y'S ALICE IN WON DE RL AN D

Alternative Art Fair May 22-24 Rescheduled to Sept. 4-6 Schlafly Bottleworks schlafly.com/artoutside M E MORIAL DAY

42

FOOD TRUCK FEST

Friday, June 5 Rescheduled to Sept. 4 Laumeier Sculpture Park laumeiersculpturepark.org

Saturday, July 4

June 16-28 Robert G. Reim Theatre stagesstl.org

FIRST DAY OF SU M M E R

Saturday, June 20

Monday, May 25

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G E TAWAYS

ART OUTSIDE

IN DE PE N DE NCE DAY

LET TH E M E AT ART

Friday July 10 Historic Downtown Maplewood cityofmaplewood.com

TASTE OF MAPLEWOOD

Saturday, June 20 noon-8pm Sutton Blvd maplewood-chamber.com

Considering Assisted Living for a Loved One? VISIT CAPE ALBEON, WHERE QUALITY OF LIFE IS THE DIFFERENCE

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he Village at Cape Albeon offers assisted living in its own one-story building on a quiet lane on the Cape Albeon campus, in a natural 18-acre setting with two lakes. The village was created for residents’ health, safety and enjoyment in the heart of St. Louis County. We have a 20year heritage and long-term staff providing loving care.

The Village offers elegant living and dining rooms, as well as a courtyard that encourages gathering and social interaction.

A full calendar of activities and events on the Cape Albeon campus, as well as group outings to points of interest contribute to the quality of life and provide residents with plenty to look forward to.

As a life plan community, we

accommodate the changing needs of residents over the years they are with us. Cape Albeon always puts residents’ needs first, as a faith community that welcomes all faiths, and a not-for-profit organization that never has to cut corners to make a profit.

We are here for you during this difficult time! We properly screen prospective residents to keep our future and current residents safe.

C A L L T O D AY T O A R R A N G E A V I R T U A L T O U R

63 6 - 4 3 1 -2011

3380 Lake Bend Drive St. Louis, MO 63088 CapeAlbeon.com

Move-In Special

Save on your moving costs into Cape Albeon.

Call for details.

The Best of Both Worlds: Innsbrook’s Latest Renovations & Expansions PAI R NATU R E ’ S B E AUT Y WITH LUXU RY CO M FO R T S

I

G E TAWAYS

t’s hard to improve upon a paradise that features 100+ lakes, sandy beaches, nature trails, a fitness and aquatics center with a lazy river, a restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course, and family events for all ages – but that’s exactly Innsbrook’s goal.

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The peaceful lakeside resort community – just a 30-minute drive from St. Charles or Chesterfield – is already so appealing for families who want more quality time spent together in nature, hiking, swimming, kayaking or fishing. But lately, Innsbrook is also focused on upgrading its amenities and facilities, including both their golf course and clubhouse.

Innsbrook’s 18-hole championship public golf course recently received a facelift – to the tune of $3 million in course renovations.

The resort’s investment in tees, greens, fairways, equipment and management aims to provide golfers with an exemplary golf outing at Innsbrook. The entirely new golf experience lets golfers tee-off to Zoysia fairways, kept fresh by the course’s state-ofthe-art irrigation system.

Golfers will enjoy the new Club Tempo golf carts, boasting USB ports, sand bottles for fixing divots and extra-comfortable seats, perfect for a smooth ride on the repaved cart paths. Innsbrook’s golf course is also offering a new tenth tee at the turn for golfers’ food and beverage needs.

“Customer reviews have been better than ever, which is directly attributable to the projects that were completed, as well as the hard work of our maintenance staff who work wonders at keeping the golf course in fantastic shape,” said Innsbrook Golf Pro Kevin Corn.

Like the golf course, Innsbrook’s popular Clubhouse Bar & Grille restaurant recently reopened after a period of renovations and upgrades. The restaurant now features an open-concept design, eliminating the division between the dining room and bar area. The Clubhouse also added a dance floor, mounted big-screen televisions in the dining room, and installed recessed, adjustable lighting and a speaker/sound system for performing bands to access.

This new space also allows the Clubhouse to host bigger events indoors, along with larger bands. “Our remodel makes the Clubhouse space more versatile for events, and we’re looking forward to hosting a wider variety of entertainment, such as open mic nights, trivia and standup comedy shows,” said Clubhouse director Kimberly Robinson. New menu items, drink specials, festivals and themed buffets are also in the works for 2020.

Innsbrook’s community is growing and changing too, and its newest lakefront hamlet, Frieden Lake, is still a prime spot for those seeking a wooded or lakefront chalet with the signature wall of windows that brings nature directly into the home.

Frieden means “peace” in German, giving the community a moniker which captures the tranquility of lake living, but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing that families can simply relax, within the boundaries of a gated community.

Tucked into the 1,500-acre Tyrolean region of the resort, Frieden Lake homes are available in a number of styles and plans, from a treehouse model overlooking the woodlands, to a lofted lakefront A-frame chalet. Property owners can retreat to their secluded private dock, or entertain family and friends on their wraparound deck overlooking the forest or lake.

It’s the best of both worlds for those who want to be in sync with nature, but enjoy all the comforts of home.

You can speak with an Innsbrook expert agent today about finding the perfect lake house getaway (without driving three hours). Check out Innsbrook-resort.com, call 636. 928.3366 x9199 or email properties@innsbrook-resort.com.

Innsbrook’s championship 18-hole golf course is open to the public with special public health measures including additional golf carts, disinfecting touchpoints and carts before and after use. Call to book tee times at 636.928.3366 ex. 9203 or online at www.innsbrook-resort.com/golf. The Clubhouse Bar & Grill is closed until further notice due to COVID-19. For information, and to sign up for e-news and updates, you can visit www.innsbrook-resort.com.

A NEW WAY TO REMODEL Learn what is possible.

Schedule an inspiring virtual or in-home consultation with our award-winning team!

DANAKING.COM 314-914-2840

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On The Road

WITH JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON

Read more road tales in John’s first two books – A Road Trip Into America’s Hidden Heart and Coastal Missouri – available at Left Bank Books. This excerpt is from John’s latest book, Souls Along the Road, available now. More of his stories are at johndrakerobinson.com

World’s Greatest Dog

BY JOH N DR AKE ROBINSON

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he world’s greatest dog?

I had a while to think about it, sitting at Mizzou’s veterinary hospital. Our dog Baskin was ill with life-threatening symptoms that propelled us to this hospital.

There we sat, among other needy dogs and their owners. A golden Lab from West Plains with its hindquarters in a wheelchair. A Kirksville collie with a raspy bark. A mixed breed from St. James bumped around the waiting room in a lampshade collar.

G E TAWAYS

Dr. Lewis entered the room. She listened to my litany of symptoms, examined Baskin, read his charts. She helped me relax. She helped my boy relax. That’s not easy, since an aging Yorkie doesn’t adapt well to the great unknown.

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Baskin endured a Mayo-like battery of tests that require an overnight stay, and a significant fiscal commitment, one that Cheryl and I immediately accepted.

Baskin is our child. After two days of tests, we took our $1,086 dog ($181 per pound) home. That evening, as Cheryl and I nursed him, and Queenie stood guard by her litter mate, I kept thinking about candidates for the world’s greatest dog.

Lassie. Rin Tin Tin. Old Yeller.

All great dogs. But they were

So is Shannon the world’s greatest dog?

She knows the answer. Dogs know truth. Shannon sees a tractor for what it is: a threat. She didn’t rest until the tractor retreated. Dogs know truth.

At a grave site in Marshall, Missouri, Jim the Wonder Dog sleeps in eternal peace, after the single most brilliant career of any dog ever. Not content to roll over and beg, Jim mastered the roles of canine calculator, horticulturist, interpreter, and psychic savant.

He predicted seven straight Kentucky Derby winners, and answered questions in seven classical and romance languages. He could find a car by its license plate number. He even confounded the Missouri General Assembly by responding correctly to a note written in shorthand, then solving a Morse Code message. Is he the world’s greatest dog?

I never thought about urgent care for pets, until we needed it.

Scratching behind Baskin’s ears to reassure him, I wondered about the first cautious treaty between wolf and human, when both realized the benefit of bonding. The original pet wolf traded caution for food.

Now, ten thousand generations later, her descendants get health care.

pinning his leg. Shannon pestered Peggy Mandry until she followed her dog to discover her injured husband. He survived that vicious tractor attack, thanks to Shannon.

actors, like Charlton Heston playing Moses.

And Snoopy and Goofy never shed on anybody’s couch, so they’re ineligible for world’s greatest dog.

The greatest dog? Maybe it was Shannon.

When the tractor popped out of gear and rolled down the hill, Shannon knew something was wrong, even from inside the house up the hill. Her master never heard the tractor coming as it slammed into him,

Just forty miles from Marshall, a statue of Old Drum guards the grounds of the Johnson County Courthouse.

Old Drum’s story wasn’t poetry. A hired killer shot Old Drum for trespassing.

In a lawsuit, the jury awarded the owner $500. But during the trial the plaintiff’s attorney spoke the most famous line in the history of interspecies friendship: “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.”

Maybe Old Drum—man’s best friend—is the greatest dog ever.

But how could I be sure?

After an exhaustive search, I came home to the answer. After all, the world’s greatest dog is yours. And mine.

REMINISCENT OF TOUJOURS NOUVEAU My original quilt, Toujours Nouveau, is in the permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum. This small quilt is reminiscent of the larger quilt in the museum, using just one block from the original and also using brighter colors.

SURPRISE Surprise was inspired by a drawing by William de Morgan, possibly used as a tile design. Seeing a snake amidst lilies and flowers is rather unusual. Hopefully the “surprise” in the design makes you chuckle.

Welcome to the World of Quilts

BY G E RRY MAN DE L

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year ago, my interest in quilting was on a par with skydiving.

Quilts were what your grandmother pieced together to throw on a bed or the back of an old couch. Then a friend and I visited the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky in May 2019. She was interested in quilts. I went along, willingly if not enthusiastically. What I saw astounded me and opened the door to this amazing art form.

Fast forward one year to a meeting with Suzanne Marshall, an award-winning quilter who lives in Clayton and is highly regarded throughout the U.S. and the world. I talked with her at her home, which doubles as studio and art gallery.

It’s hard to believe, but Suzanne is self-taught. “The very first quilt I made, I didn’t realize it was a quilt,” she said. “It was a resting mat for my son to take to nursery school.” She enjoyed it, so she checked out a book from the University City Public Library and made a quilt from a picture in the book. “The University City Library has played a big role in

my quilting. And it all began with that first book I checked out in 1976.”

mous person, man or woman, in the world of quilting.

She has learned through trial and error.

Her raw creative impulses, her mind and imagination have taken her to the top of this special society. Eventually she had a quilt in the Circle in the Square Quilting Guild exhibit at the U. City library. A man she didn’t know named Ricky Tims called her. He had seen the exhibit, liked her quilt best, and wanted her to show him how to quilt. Today Ricky is possibly the most fa-

Her father started her on her journey.

“When I was a child, my father worked in a high school. We had very little money. So he would put a bunch of scraps together.

My mother made a skirt for me from those scraps. Like a crazy quilt. Women were interested in my skirt, and lifted it up to see how it was made. I was embarrassed to death,” she adds with a laugh.

Quilting is a form of sewing in which two

THE BESTIARY’S WHALE In medieval England, bestiaries were written to depict morals or allegories. I was fascinated with the illustration of the men out sailing, hoping to find land to cook food. The men thought they had found land and instead it was the back of a whale. They built a fire for cooking, and the heat from the fire alarmed the whale, which plunged to the depths of the sea.

The allegory is that this is what happens to unbelievers.

layers of fabric with a layer of batting in between are stitched together. It was introduced by crusaders in the 12th century as something to be worn under armor. It even may have begun as early as 100 BC. Quilting was brought to America in the 1600’s by immigrants from England, Wales and Holland. The art evolved among the colonists during the next two hundred years, then faded in popularity.

Changing tastes brought quilting back during the 1960’s, and today it is more popular than ever. The resurgence now includes machine quilting and thread painting. By some estimates, there may be twenty-one million quilters in the U.S. Suzanne developed her own technique. “Instead of rocking my needles through the quilt like you’re supposed to, I quilt without a frame and lift the quilt onto my needle.

There’s less stress on my hand. That helps people with arthritis.” She doesn’t know of anyone else who quilts that way.

Criticism does not bother her. When she first began entering her quilts in competitions, she wanted to know what she was doing right and wrong. Even though she won a prize that first time, the judges’ comments helped her improve. Besides her on-line video, she has also written three books. She always wants to learn and improve. The subject turned to the two different methods of quilting - hand and machine.

“I’m told I’m in the last five percent of the hand quilters.

Personally, I think machine quilting is a different art form. You can see and feel the difference.”

I asked her what inspires her, triggers her imagination.

“Medieval subjects catch my attention. I like folk art, something with simplicity to it. That intrigues me.

Also woodblocks, especially from Northern Italian manuscripts.” She has adapted woodblocks from the Book of Hours - a French publication - and images from 12th century Bestiary books. One of her favorite sources of inspiration is Hali Magazine, the publication for the international rug and textile market. “I search through issues for images that catch my attention. I even have travelled with fans of the magazine to Morocco, Japan, Georgia, and Armenia.” She has taught in South Africa, Vienna, and Australia, as well as around the U.S. Suzanne has no trouble finding inspiration.

We looked through dozens of her quilts, which she keeps in her workroom upstairs. They represent 47 years of work. She has a fascinating story about every one, including a quilt she made that tells the story of her mastectomy. Her work is dazzling in concept and execution. Her husband, Garland, a retired scientist, has been an immense help for her, both with his critiques and helping with shows. They met in high school in Huntsville, Texas, and have been married for sixty years.

You can see more of Suzanne’s quilts, as well as her books and workshops, at suzannequilts.com.

On these pages are Suzanne’s comments about a few of her quilts. Every graphic detail you see on these quilts is either very precise hand stitching or pieces of fabric sewn on by hand.

CER AMICA While spending time with my husband when he was a visiting professor in Rome, we went to several museums containing Etruscan pottery. Many of the images were inspired by Corinthian pottery. After making the quilt using photographs that I took while in the museums, I was surprised to see ceramic pieces in the St. Louis Art Museum with some of the same images.

EPHSHEBA This small quilt was adapted from a 1565 woodblock. The original woodblock did not have bugs, snails, or snakes, but I added them for more interest (to me anyway). Check out “The Humorous Dreams of Pantagruel” for illustrations of the woodblocks.

VASES Wandering around San Francisco while my husband attended a scientific meeting, I found a fabric shop with remnants on tables. I saw one containing vases and thought it would be fun to design flower arrangements in the vases. Many years later I found the fabric in my stash of fabrics and started designing the arrangements. The quilt won hand-workmanship awards in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas.

A Place in the Country

BY BILL ZIE RCH E R

Bill is a Charter Member of the American Tree Farm System and his timber property is ATFS certified. He is a lifetime member of Quail Forever and the National Rifle Association.

Getting Away and Staying Connected

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G E TAWAYS

ast spring my two youngest teenagers and I travelled through Bozeman, Montana while hiking Glacier National Park, white water rafting and exploring wilderness areas. What the locals are calling “BozAngeles” was a very different town than last time I passed through. We are seeing these same growth trends in towns throughout rural Missouri. The trend of ruralization is accelerating and the current times will surely turn up the dial.

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Urbanization accelerated after World War II with mass migrations to the cities. These migration factors to a large degree were people seeking jobs and better access to health care and education. Today virtual home offices increase productivity and work life balance of many wired individuals who work in a connected global economy.

Businesses are saving about $25,000 per employee when they do not need to provide a traditional office. Some workers realize home office deductions on their taxes. And

while most virtual offices are in cities or suburbs where workers commuted from previously, some are taking advantage of the ability to work from anywhere to get way out of town.

I was driving down a gravel county road in Callaway County in Missouri a couple years ago. There was utility worker running line down this scarcely populated road. Being country through and through, I stopped to chat, and he told me the wire had amazing bandwidth. As rural areas are wired, it is at very high speed. Where there was only dial-up a few years ago, the pipelines now scream because there are no legacy systems that need to be transitioned.

I had my first experience with a Tele-Doc in New Mexico last fall while elk hunting.

It was fast, easy and very efficiently solved my need. This suggests that technology is closing the parity gap in health professionals between rural and major metropolitan areas. Things like remote radiology, diagnosis and prescribed therapies are transforming medicine even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In education, home schooling myths have been clearly debunked on academic achievement and socialization concerns.

Home schoolers are in instruction on average two hours a day, making me question if our traditional education system in this country to a large degree is institutionalized babysitting? Rural school districts are not the schools of our dads or grandads; most provide excellent education. One innovation catching on quickly is where K-12 students study at home for three days a week and have classes two days. Online learning and these factors allow young families who are concerned about education to peacefully ruralize.

Crime is everywhere, and most of rural Missouri, according to neighborhoodscout. com, enjoys the lowest crime rates. Also, very affordable large estates with room for horses, space to let Fido run free, enjoy fresh eggs, vegetable gardens and venison free from injected antibiotics provide additional attraction for others to the country.

BILL ZIERCHER is the founder of Select Properties Real Estate. He has been active in building, buying, selling, and managing rural real estate and income property for over 20 years. For a free consultation on acquiring or marketing distinctive estate or rural property, you can contact Bill at 314-412-3966.

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G E TAWAYS

STEVEN A. WEBER is Partner Director of Valuation at Property Assessment Review and PAR Residential. His team of experts has the experience, market and legal knowledge to achieve the biggest tax reduction possible on residential and commercial properties. He has been reducing property taxes for 30 years, and before that was a Senior Appraiser for St. Louis County for five years.

Property Assessment Review is the leading property tax consulting firm in St. Louis, saving over $100 million for some of the region’s largest commercial taxpayers – the St. Louis Galleria, Solon Gershman, Duke Realty, Mills Properties and US Bank. In 2008, PAR created PAR Residential to represent home owners in St. Louis County. PAR’s residential clients have saved over $10,000,000 in real estate taxes since 2009 with over 80% of appeals resulting in tax savings.

How To Lower Your Property Taxes

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ARE THEY STILL TA X DEDUCTIBLE?

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he new tax plan includes a $10,000 cap on the amount taxpayers can deduct in combined property tax and local and state income tax while nearly doubling standard deductions to $12,400 for single filers and $24,400 for married couples who file jointly. This means many people who have historically itemized to deduct things like property taxes or mortgage interest will get more by claiming the standard deduction.

These changes make taking steps to minimize your property tax bill even more important than in the past.

St. Louis City and County properties were reappraised in 2019. This value will be used to determine your property taxes for 2020.

In general, assessments increased substantially as a result of last year’s reappraisal and should be reviewed carefully. This appraised value is supposed to represent the market value of your home as of January 1, 2019.

IF YOU MISSED THE 2019 APPEAL DEADLINE YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL IN 2020 EVEN THOUGH IT’S NOT A REAPPRAISAL YEAR. With the rise in home values, we have found for many properties the increased value

does not reflect the actual changes in value based on recent sale prices of homes that are comparable with yours. In fact, since 2009 we have filed over 19,000 appeals in St. Louis County alone resulting in over $10,000,000 in tax savings to homeowners.

The simple fact is – assessors make mistakes.

They utilize computer based mass appraisal techniques, market averages and neighborhood models to determine property values, which may not accurately reflect your property value. These errors and miscalculations end up costing you money year after year.

A NO -RISK RESOURCE FOR HOMEOWNERS. You now have the opportunity to have your appraised value professionally reviewed to determine if you are being fairly taxed. We base our opinion of market value not on mass computer modeling like the Assessor does but on real comparable sales in your neighborhood. PAR Residential does all the work and only earns a fee if we are successful in lowering your taxes. All costs of the appeal are paid by PAR Residential including legal fees and appraisal costs.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1. SET UP A FILE. PAR will gather

information from you and County records, including the assessor’s “appraisal”, and set up a case file on your home.

2. DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUE.

PAR Residential will determine a fair appraised value for your property based on real comparable sales in your neighborhood.

3. NOTIFICATION. We will notify you of

the results of our review of your appraised value. If we determine the assessor’s appraised value is fair, no appeal will be filed.

There will be no cost to you for our time and efforts.

4. FILE YOUR APPEAL BEFORE THE JULY 13TH DEADLINE. If we determine

that your property is over-valued by the assessor, we will file an appeal on your behalf and provide the required information to the Board of Equalization.

5. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE) HEARINGS. The PAR Residential Team

will attend the hearing and argue your case.

We will send the official BOE results to you in September and let you know if we need to continue your appeal to the State Tax Commission of Missouri.

6. FEE. Only if we are successful in

achieving a reduction in your property tax bill, we share equally in the tax savings (50/50). All of our work is performance based: NO SAVINGS, NO FEE. There are no additional costs to you for any of our work. Our invoice will be sent to you in the fall arriving about the same time you receive your reduced tax bill.

You can learn more about saving money on your real estate taxes, the assessment and appeal process at www.parresidential.com.

Interested in signing up? The enrollment process is quick and easy. Visit our website and sign up online today! Specific questions can be answered by emailing them to info@ parresidential.com or by calling PAR Residential at 314-454-0505 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

Help for Your Home: MAXIMIZING COMFORT AND SAVING ENERGY

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ooms that won’t heat or cool properly, drafts, dust, moisture and condensation not only make your home uncomfortable, but are signs that a house is not functioning efficiently.

Addressing the causes makes a house more comfortable, healthy, efficient and durable.

GETTING STARTED

To identify causes for discomfort and energy loss, a HOME ENERGY EVALUATION is conducted by home energy expert technicians.

Heating and cooling account for almost half of your household energy budget.

It’s critical for these systems to work as effectively, efficiently and safely as possible.

Ductwork will be checked for leaks and if needed, your system can be made more efficient with specialized controls to optimize performance.

Technicians will check for leaks in and around windows, exterior doors and where

walls meet floors. They use specialized equipment, such as an INFRARED CAMERA to identify temperature variances and “see through walls” to measure insulation effectiveness.

A BLOWER DOOR FAN may be used as needed to determine where insulation effectiveness is lacking, but red on the infrared camera is heat penetration and blue is cold penetration. It’s really that simple..

As the fan is running, a technician moves from room to room to detect and diagnose air leaks.

REPORTING AND CORRECTING THE FINDINGS

Based on the findings, a proposal is developed that identifies steps to increase comfort and reduce energy cost. Recommendations are provided in rank order, beginning with those that can have the biggest impact.

Once work is completed, the evaluation is repeated to make sure that work done effectively addresses specific issues cited.

In the St. Louis area, one long-established company helping homeowners solve comfort and energy problems is Dr. Energy Saver. Their home energy audit thoroughly evaluates every area of your home to provide a detailed analysis and diagnosis.

They also perform services to correct problems by adding attic insulation, sealing air leaks in your home and in ductwork, crawl space encapsulation, radiant barrier, and more. For a free estimate, you can call Dr. Energy Saver at 866-735-1890, or learn more about them at betterbasementvalue.com.

When is the Best Time to Sell Your Business?

D I D YO U WAIT TOO LO N G?

I N F O R M AT I O N

BY J E F F BACH

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JEFF BACH is a leading broker at Fusion Business Services, along with the other top brokers in this area. Fusion Business Services combines the highest levels of technology, marketing and professional experience for your needs. With access to their large network of qualified buyers, Jeff offers the best opportunity to help you successfully sell your business. He only gets paid when you sell your business. Valuations are free and are the starting point to knowing when it is the right time to sell your business. Jeff can also help qualified buyers find 56 and buy a business that meets their goals. You can contact Jeff for a free, confidential, no-obligation discussion about selling your business or buying a business at 314-941-8530, or by email at jbach@fusionadvantage.com.

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very business owner at some point needs to be prepared to move on. Whether prompted by retirement, relocation, health issues, burnout or changing markets, there is a life cycle to every business. A business broker can help you decide if selling your business is the best exit strategy for you, and when the right time to sell could be. Even if you believe that time is fairly distant in the future, it is never too early to start learning and preparing.

All too many business owners wait too long to sell or put a succession plan in place. Burnout can create apathy that leads to decreased sales and profits, and a business is easier to sell and worth more while sales and profits are solid. Waiting a few years while you turn things around could yield a higher selling price, but not if the business loses value while you wait. Often decreases in sales and profits are completely out of the owner’s control. Health problems, family issues, industry downturns and a new competitive mix can change everything.

Many people would have liked to sell in 2009 or shortly after but had to work as many as five additional years to recover value lost during the recession. Just like in 2009, the recent pandemic we have experienced created another missed opportunity for some who missed the premium timing. Your broker should be able to help you determine if your industry is one that should delay in selling now or if purchasers are specifically

more interested in your particular field. While not the highest net opportunity, there is also an uptick in bargain hunters with cash that are looking to bail sellers out today.

And when the valuation of a business doesn’t match the owner’s expectations, they may be tempted to hang on too long, which also means missing out on enjoying many of the experiences that they worked so hard for after a sale.

Investment specialists can tell you how many years you will be able to afford to live at reduced income after a sale. Waiting too long can not only decrease the time you enjoy in retirement, but also the quality of how you can live. Your business broker can advise you as to what it would take and how long it would take to change the value of your company.

While some industries are performing better than others, today’s business acquisition market is still very strong. If you anticipate selling in the next five years or so, you should begin to research the possibilities soon. Buyers are confident, and there are more buyers than there are good businesses for sale right now. The economy will recover! Buyers are in an advantageous position to purchase.

Banks are lending money to qualified deals. And the SBA is even offering incentives for acquisition loans! Selling prices based on multiples of sales and profits are up in many categories. Ask a business broker if your business and life situation make this a good time to take advantage of these trends and consider selling your business.

Get Your Computer Fixed in Your Home (or Remotely)

IF YOU’VE HAD HOME TECHNOLOGY PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTY GETTING THEM SOLVED, HERE’S AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION.

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ver twenty years ago, frustrated with her new home computer that wasn’t working, Dede Catsavis looked for someone to come to her home to fix it and set it up to work the way it was supposed to. Unfortunately, she could not find any business that provided that service.

Every repair place that she contacted required her to lug her desktop computer (and all its parts) into their store and leave it for several weeks to get it fixed.

Realizing that there was a need for speedy in-home computer repair, Dede then launched Computer Tutors – the first local, woman-owned, on-site computer repair service. So, there’s no driving, hauling, waiting and frustration when things aren’t fixed.

Computer Tutors provides clients with convenient computer repair that also provides troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, installations and training.

They not only work on computers, - they can help with any of your tech devices like wi-fi networks, smart phones, TVs and more.

WORKING REMOTELY With today’s guidelines to stay at home and minimize outside contacts, Computer Tutors is currently doing most appointments remotely, both for new and existing clients. They are doing limited on-site visits only when necessary. If they do go on-site, their techs follow all the mandated precautions, wearing gloves and masks, and using sanitizers.

Since 1997, Computer Tutors has provided in-home computer services to thousands of clients. Well over half of their clients have been with them for over a decade because they know they can trust them with their computers and in their homes.

When you call Computer Tutors, you’ll talk directly to the owner or to one of their four patient and proficient computer techs, without recorded messages or outsourced phone support. Their techs give you their cell phone numbers, they take your calls and will help you over the phone. They offer same or next day service and will always solve your problem. Finally, there’s a service that takes your frustration away!

DEDE CATSAVIS is founder and owner of COMPUTER TUTORS. For 22 years they have provided computer services to thousands of satisfied, happy customers.

Computer Tutors works on Windows and MAC computers, sets up home networks, eliminates viruses and also will help with any of your other electronics.

You can reach them at 314-608-7920, and at computertutors.net.

Finest Custom Table Pads at FactoryDirect Prices Quality Readers for Quality Businesses For over 16 years COUNTY LIVING has presented innovative and quality products and services for home, health and recreation to owners of the top 19% of homes in St. Louis County, nearby St. Charles County and select homes in the City of St. Louis and eastern Franklin County.

We are delighted with the response from both readers and our long-time advertisers.

If this audience is important to your business, we would like to show how we can help you drive new high-value customer relationships and high-value sales.

For an advertising appointment, call 314-432-1171 or email publisher@countylivingmag.com.

The way to assure perfect fit for table pads is for the provider to visit your home to accurately measure and show you sample colors and textures to match your table and décor.

Custom Table Pads & Linens, an independent St. Louis dealer, provides the finest custom American-made table pads at factory-direct prices. They measure at your home or business, and show you a choice of 23 vinyl tops and 5 velvet bottoms. Perfect fit is guaranteed. Pads are heat resistant to 550o, moisture and warp resistant. Patented hidden magnets minimize separation and slippage on your table.

Custom Table Pads & Linens also sells country club quality table linens and accessories in hundreds of colors and textures, with the look and feel of cotton linen at a fraction of the cost.

C U S T O M TA B L E P A D S & L I N E N S Phone: 314-752-5577 Email: thetablepadman@gmail.com

Take a fresh road trip.

County Living columnist

JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON won an

EMMY

for his unique travelogs based on his books.

The stories along these roads reflect life’s uneven rhythms.

Fun. Fear. Breakdowns and revelations. The beauty of violent storms. The scents of September sycamores and campfires, forest fires and kitchen fires. His stories serve up tastes and touches and sounds you can’t coax from a tweet. You probably shouldn’t read this during church.

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John’s Newest Book, Souls Along The Road, Is Hot Off The Press

Available at fine bookstores everywhere. Or email John at cjrobin@socket.net Read more stories at johndrakerobinson.com/blog

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Photos by Cheryl Robinson

This Book Should Be in Every Home in St. Louis

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any of us who have lived in the St. Louis area our whole lives don’t know much about our own history.

We learn in school about world history, US history and facts about Missouri government, but very little is taught about the history of our own county. And newcomers to St. Louis generally know even less about the area.

To help all of us feel more connected to our own community, County Living Publications has re-published The History of St. Louis County, Missouri by William Lyman Thomas, a 100-year old book that documents our history from the earliest settlers through the Civil War and into the first decade of the 20th century. It documents what life was like 100 years ago here the towns, neighborhoods, schools, churches, social societies, government, businesses, transportation and amusements of the period, and thousands of the people who were active in these endeavors.

This is a quality softbound book of over 500 pages, with more than 100 historic photographs. Now available at: Amazon.com Campbell House in Downtown St. Louis The Louisiana Purchase Gift Shop at Missouri History Museum Main Street Books in St. Charles Museum of Transportation Gift Shops in Kirkwood St. Louis Genealogical Society in Maplewood World News in Clayton For more information, you can visit StLCountyHistory.com

Visit our Water Features St. Louis Water Garden Society’s 20th Anniversary Tour of Pond-O-Rama June 27-28, 2020, 9-5 pm each day For more info and tickets: slwgs.org

Bring nature home with your own Water Garden We provide expert custom design and installation of ponds, recreation ponds, streams and waterfalls. These sustainable ecosystems can be used to harvest rainwater and control storm water runoff.

We are Master Certified Aquascape Contractors, first place winners of the North American Pond/Waterfall Competition and St. Louis’s first Certified RainXchange Professionals. Named by Aquascape as the 2012 Artist of the Year, and ranked #4 among all Certified Aquascape Contractors worldwide.

For an on-site consultation or private water feature tour, please call Chris at 314-220-3841 Visit our portfolio at www.re-createnature.com Facebook.com/ NaturesReCreations

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