County Living Summer 2020

H O M E + H E A LT H + R E C R E AT I O N

COUNTY LIVING SUMMER 2020

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

Your wardrobe fits.

Shouldn’t your closet?

Closets | Garages | Home Offices | Entertainment Centers| Pantries Wall Beds | Wall Units | Craft Rooms | Laundry Rooms | Mud Rooms | Wine Rooms

$400 Off

plus Free Installation Minimum purchase of $2000. Cannot be combined with other offers.

18 months same as cash

314-227-1936

Call for free design consultation or visit us online at countyliving.info/closetfactory closetfactory.com

©2017 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

the art of organization CL#2

COUNTY LIVING

What’s Inside Ellie, part-time model and CLM intern Photo: Michael Kilfoy

10 Improving Bone Density, Muscle Strength

H E A LTH & F ITN E S S

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

and Balance

16 The Baker Pool Family of Companies

12 A Personal Trainer Is the Key to Achieving

18 A Natural Water Habitat in Your Own

Your Goals

Backyard

13 Hypnosis Can Be Your Key to Change

20 Solar Shades Block Sun, Not Your View

14 Protecting Elderly Loved Ones

22 Distinctive Features Add Enjoyment

During Covid-19

22 Do You Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

15 An Effective Solution to an Uncomfortable Problem

24 Native Plant Conversions for Problem Landscapes

26 The Basement Egress Window

P E T LOV E & C A R E 28 Helping Solve Dog and Cat Overpopulation in St. Louis

30 Would You Like a Career Working with Animals?

30 Petropolis St. Charles is Open for Business

31 Going Back to Work? Don't Leave Your Dog Alone & Bored

31 Ask the Trainer, Kaitlan Bockman 32 Protecting Your Pet in the Summer Heat

HOME

G E TAWAYS

34 Family Memories Through All Seasons

8 Random Musings with Gerry Mandel

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

35 Distinctive Window Treatments & Décor

42 Activities & Events Calendar

54 Get Your Computer Fixed in Your

36 Is the Air in Your Home Making You Sick?

43 A Place in the Country by Bill Ziercher

36 Secure Your Home for Power Outages

44 The Best of Both Worlds: Innsbrook

37 Custom Closet and Home Office Solutions

48 On the Road with John Drake Robinson

38 Functional, Attractive Garage Storage

50 Creativity Unbound: The Visions of

39 Stone and Tile Floors Looking Dull?

Damon Davis

40 New Display Home: Courtyard at Cottleville 40 Waterproof Ways to Remodel Your Basement 41 If Your Home is Settling, Don't Panic

Home

56 Fusion Business Services 58 This Book Should Be in Every Home in St. Louis

SEE EVEN MORE ON OUR NEW WEBSITE O N J U LY 1 AT C O U N T Y L I V I N G M AG . C O M

COUNTY LIVING VO LU M E 2 0 / S U M M E R 2 02 0

PU B LISH E R /E DITOR

Todd Abrams

ON THE COVER The cozy screen room you see on our cover is an example of creating the perfect family space to enjoy every season.

This is the kind of space that will serve as a backdrop for many family memories throughout each year.

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

314-432-1171 phone

COU NT YLIVING MAG .COM

With the screen system preventing mosquitoes and other pests from ruining the outdoor experience, this makes for a perfect summer night space. The gorgeous gas fireplace allows for an easy way to warm up the room during chilly nights and is a great spot to roast marshmallows for s’mores with kids or grandkids.

With the large size of the room, it is also a perfect location for the family to do morning yoga or relax and enjoy a morning beverage while listening to the sounds of nature.

You can read an article about this outdoor living space, how this family enjoys it throughout the year, and about the company that designed and built it, Heartlands Building Company, on page 34. You can call them to set up a consultation at 636-728-0003, or to see more of their top-quality work, visit their website, heartlandshome.com or their Facebook page, facebook.com/HeartlandsBuilding.

Todd & Daisy

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 writes plays, short stories, essays, blogs and an occasional novel. He also plays blues and boogie, which you can enjoy on Facebook. Enter his name in the Facebook Search.

And Now a Few Words. About Words.

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’m a writer. Words are my currency, my mode of expression. The well-chosen word is a necessity, both for the writer and the reader.

Mark Twain understood. He said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

I’ve come to realize over the past few months that we are living in a significantly altered time, and many words have taken on new meanings.

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This transformation began with an invasion by an almost invisible enemy. It has done what terrorists, anarchists, and politicians have never been able to do: close up the bars, shutter the restaurants, eliminate crowding in factories, offices and stores; darken theaters and concert venues, empty the streets on Saturday nights, and shorten the lines at Ted Drewes. As I write my Musings in this last week of May, I have no idea what our city, our nation, our world will be like in summer. But I’m in good company. Neither does anyone else. Guessers, yes. But no more knowledgeable than weather forecasters and stock market gurus.

Which brings me back to my favorite subject: Words. They are incredibly helpful explaining or describing a new idea. Some of these words have recently slipped into our daily vocabulary.

For instance - “Social Distancing.” Six months ago, no one would have put those two words together. They seem contradictory in terms. “Social” means getting together with others. “Distancing” means

moving apart. But today, we know exactly what that means. Six feet. Roughly the same measurement the gravediggers employ for their clientele. Maybe that would be a terrific slogan for today: “Six feet apart or six feet under: Your choice.”

“Sequestered” is a word I don’t believe I’ve ever used, either in a talk or an article. I

stop streaming. Kind of a mental meth addiction for the lonely. (I recommend Bosch, Mrs. Maisel, and The Kaminsky Method.)

That brings me to the latest fashion item, greatly in demand. The face mask. For Halloween, okay. For surgeons, okay. For me? Not so sure. I finally got used to putting on my mask before going into a store, but felt uncomfortable, like I was playing a game and dressed wrong for the occasion. The whole mask scene looks like a science-fiction movie, where we’re identified only by our eyes and earlobes. The bad guys, of course, are those who wander through Target or Dierberg’s without a mask. “Hey, look at me. I’m not afraid. I’m gonna live forever.” Sure you are.

A couple of other words worth mentioning. “Pandemic.” We got hit with that word sometime in March. I wondered, “How will that affect me?” Now I know. Another example. “Healthcare workers.”

They used to be doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, specialists, surgeons. Now it means a large and vital part of our population, even deserving of yard signs. That’s significant. Finally, “COVID-19.”

Scary, right? To me it sounds like an automobile. “Drive the new Hyundai Covid-19 today.” It could belong in the same class as the Ford F-150. Only cooler.

wrote a short story years ago called “The Hermit of 48th Street,” about a daffy old guy who lived alone, in the heart of Manhattan, and never ventured out. Not once did I use the word “sequestered.” But here we are today, on the day I’m writing this, and the majority of St. Louis, and the U.S., is sequestered. The word has become as common as streaming.

That’s another word. “Streaming.” Our new form of entertainment. We don’t go to Powell Hall or The Sheldon or the movie theater. We “stream.” I frequently find myself still awake at 2:00 am because I can’t

And finally: “Corona.” Not the Mexican beer or that hot mass around the sun. The virus. And, for me, a chance to play piano for the sequestered masses. And my golden. I started Club Corona in March, an on-line effort on Facebook where I play boogie-woogie and blues on an 85-year-old Baldwin here at home. It’s not Powell Hall or Jazz STL, but it’s music from the heart. It says what music and lyrics have always said, that you’re not alone, that we’ll get through this. Please join me at Club Corona.

One final word. Be safe. Okay, two words.

Baker Pool Construction

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

H E A LT H

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

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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.

ALL OSTEOSTRONG CENTERS ARE NOW OPEN, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The health and well-being of our

members and staff are our highest priority, so we are following St. Louis County and St. Charles County health guidelines.

To schedule an 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

Has Your Stay at Home Put on Some Pounds?

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, AL SO 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.

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.

T

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.

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!

THE FITNESS PARTNER GYM IS NOW OPEN, AND THEY ARE OBSERVING ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEALTH GUIDELINES TO PROTECT CLIENTS AND STAFF.

Bret offers both private and semi-private training to fit all budgets and schedules.

For a no obligation, no pressure consultation to discuss your goals and programs you can call Bret at 314-691-9040, email bret@stronghumanfitness.com, or visit stronghumanfitness.com.

GARY STEIN lost 22 lbs and 7 inches in 12

ROBIN LOEVY lost 32 lbs and dropped 6 pant

weeks!

sizes in 18 weeks!

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

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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?

Refresh Your Shower with Beautiful Frameless Glass

And Upgrade Your Tired Shower Walls with Luxury Designer Enclosures

BEFORE

AFTER

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

You will be amazed by our affordable, quality designer alternatives to typical bath liners. Conversions for accessibility also available.

Call to schedule your virtual or in-home consultation.

Mention this ad to receive up to $250 off full shower replacement.

314-267-8153

To see more examples visit www.mod.glass

Protecting Elderly Loved Ones During Covid-19

cation reminders, and cellular communication devices, providing peace of mind 24/7.

HOW ARE YOU COLLABORATING WITH HEALTHCARE PARTNERS? We

BY CH RIS FOWLE R + R E B ECCA P OG E R A M A DA S E N I O R C A R E S T. L O U I S

other vulnerable clients stay at home safely by running errands like grocery shopping, picking up medications, and other tasks.

WHAT ASSISTANCE DO YOU OFFER FAMILY CAREGIVERS? Caring for a

In this time of pandemic, families with elderly loved ones are very concerned about protecting them from exposure to coronavirus. At Amada Senior Care, helping others has always been our passion, and we continue to promote the health and safety of our clients, caregivers, and communities through this pandemic.

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

loved one at home has its challenges, especially when it involves a serious health condition.

An Amada caregiver can provide standby assistance to ensure a loved one’s safety and supervision, and respite care to family caregivers who may be experiencing symptoms of stress.

IN WHAT OTHER WAYS DOES AMADA PROMOTE WELL-BEING? To keep clients

from feeling isolated and lonely, our caregivers help clients stay physically and mentally active.

They benefit from a meaningful routine and feel connected to family and friends.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PRESERVE HOME SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE?

CDC recommends staying at home as much as possible to minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19. Our caregivers help elderly and

Amada Connect is a user-friendly solution that offers voice-activated personal emergency response and home-monitoring systems, medi-

HOW DO FAMILIES PAY FOR HOME CARE? Home care typically is not covered by

Medicare, but may be covered by Long-Term Care insurance, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, or other available options. We assist families in understanding all options, verify benefits, and help manage the claims process so families can focus on the health of their loved ones.

Amada Senior Care St. Louis is incredibly proud of our caregivers who are on the front lines helping our clients and communities during this unprecedented challenge. We assist clients, caregivers, and referral partners in navigating challenging situations that arise on the home care journey. If you or someone you know needs in-home care, you can call 314626-3905, and we will help you get the best quality home care for you or your loved one.

You can learn more at AmadaStLouis.com.

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HOW DO WE MINIMIZE RISK? The

help them with assistance for clients to transition safely and quickly from a hospital, skilled nursing center, or assisted living community.

We work closely with them on care plans and report tracking to ensure positive health outcomes.

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EMBEDDED GRAVEL FINISH

fontanapaving@sbcglobal.net

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

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.

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

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Many customers utilize the entire Baker Pool Family of Companies to ensure a seamless, timely backyard renovation.

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The Baker Pool Family of Companies: A Turnkey Operation

I

n the early 1960s, Tom Baker was in the farm supply business. More specifically, Tom sold milk extraction equipment and constructed silos made of radius steel panels bolted together and anchored by a concrete footing. One day, Tom and one of his customers were looking at the first rung of what would soon be an entire silo.

The farmer said to Tom, “If you were to put a liner in that base as it is, it sure would make a good swimming pool.” Tom, being the entrepreneur that he was, listened to this advice and in 1968, BAKER POOL CONSTRUCTION was born.

Due to their commitment to quality and customer service, Baker Pool Construction has been, almost from its origination, the premier builder of swimming pools in the St. Louis area. In the mid-1970s, a service department and retail store were established to cater to the service and supply needs of the ever-growing list of new in-ground pool customers. Since this time, the retail store, primarily with the introduction of portable spas, has become a self-sufficient entity under separate ownership.

Over the last decade, Baker Pool has expanded to better serve their customers and now includes numerous ancillary companies. All St. Louis municipalities require pools to be fenced in for safety purposes, and so, FENCE FORMATIONS was established in 2010 to provide this essential service for all homeowners purchasing a brand-new Baker swimming pool. Several years later in 2014, FLORA DESIGN & LANDSCAPE was founded to supply Baker Pool customers with landscaping and hardscaping services from experienced designers who specialize in projects involving swimming pools.

MIDWEST AQUATIC SOLUTIONS came

next in 2017, born out of the need for a qualified contractor that could perform repair work and offer rehab services to the many Baker swimming pools around the St. Louis area. Shortly after in 2018, WATERVIEW PLASTERING

was founded to provide in-house plastering ser-

vices and expediate pool installations. Most recently in 2019, BAKER ELECTRIC was established to complete all necessary wiring and electrical work for new Baker swimming pools and accompanying outdoor audio and visual entertainment systems.

So, at this point you’re probably wondering, why did Baker Pool choose to broaden their scope to include all these different companies in-house? Certainly, establishing a new company is no easy task—there is a lot of risk involved and it requires an abundance of planning, time, hiring specialized workers, and capital. Why not just subcontract each of these individual project components out to other contractors as most other local swimming pool companies do? There are very few, if any, other St. Louis swimming pool builders that offer such an array of services.

“It all boils down to two things: control of time and control of quality”

says Ray Holt, President of Baker Pool

Construction. “These were the two most significant considerations behind the inception of each of these new companies. We’ve worked with a lot of great contractors over the years, but the most effective way to truly maximize production and ensure a quality finished product is to complete as much of the work as possible in-house.”

Of course, to remain an industry leader in any area of business, you must be able to adapt to the ever-changing needs of your customers. This rings especially true in the premier swimming pool industry. Now days, most homeowners don’t just want a swimming pool, they want to transform their entire backyard to offer a whole range of enhanced lifestyle experiences and aesthetics. These aspirations typically include elements that fall outside of the traditional realm of swimming pool contractors such as patios and other hardscaping, built-in spas, outdoor bars and kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces and even private sport courts and putting greens. Homeowners want to create a personal outdoor oasis that they, along with their family and friends, will be able to enjoy year after year.

With the recent Coronavirus pandemic cancelling summer vacation plans for many families, these types of backyard entertainment areas are currently in even higher demand than usual. Not surprisingly, most homeowners want to expediate the planning and construction process so that they can begin enjoying these outdoor home additions as quickly as possible. Throughout the years, Baker Pool has grown and evolved to deliver on these expectations.

“It’s a great advantage for our customers,” says Sales Manager Ken Mikes.

“So many of our competitors now rely on subcontractors. When multiple companies are involved, schedules can clash, and it is often unclear which firm is responsible for each individual piece of a project. Ultimately, the homeowner is left to manage and to referee any disputes. Many of our clients ultimately choose to build with us because they don’t wish to deal with those issues.

They appreciate a turnkey operation that can handle the entire project from start to finish.”

With all teams working together under the same roof, there is constant communication taking place. “As a designer and estimator, having access to multiple professionals that we can rely on is indispensable,” says Lead Designer Rob Warren. “Knowing I can consult with team members ‘down the hall’ regarding everything from landscaping to outside projection screens allows for both creativity and synergy.”

Having all team members working collectively in the same office space is beneficial from a scheduling perspective as well. “Members of each division are working together on a daily basis, and so everyone is always on the same page,” says Project Manager Matt Vodicka. “We all use the same scheduling software, so if the timeline for a project changes for whatever reason, everyone is immediately made aware and can adjust accordingly.”

This cohesive approach to scheduling allows Baker Pool and

its subsidiary companies to complete entire backyard renovations seamlessly and in a much shorter period of time than if multiple contractors were involved. Plus, if one team needs extra help, they can often borrow laborers from one of the other departments to help shorten the installation process.

This approach also ensures consistency throughout the finished project, as all the companies in the Baker Pool Family purchase materials from the same reputable local suppliers. The same flagstone that Baker Pool uses on a customer’s pool coping can also be used by Flora Design & Landscape to construct their patio and walkways. This consistency and attention to detail really help to tie a project together and to make the entire space feel complete.

This meticulousness and devotion to their work has not gone

unnoticed by Baker Pool clientele.

“We went with Baker because of their reputation and innovative design team…We never thought our backyard could be transformed to something so serene and beautiful. The project was started mid-April and we were swimming at the end of June.

We would not change a thing about the design and building process…We also used Flora for the landscaping, and they came in as the pool was being finished and everything was coordinated simultaneously. The sod went down as soon as possible, and we no longer had a construction zone to look at,” says Angela M., customer of Baker Pool Construction, Fence Formations and Flora Design & Landscape.

The relationship between Baker Pool and their customers continues even after all construction elements have been completed. At this point, Baker Pool Service takes over to assist new swimming pool owners with proper care and maintenance. As

another member of the Baker Pool Family, BAKER POOL SERVICE is exclusively familiar with all components of their custom- designed and built pools. This detailed, firsthand knowledge allows them to provide the very best pool care so that homeowners can enjoy their investment for many years to come.

To schedule a consultation to discuss the possibilities for your backyard, you can call (636) 519-POOL or visit their website www.bakerpoolconstruction.com.

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

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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 18 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.

World Outdoor Emporium

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

$50 OFF $250 Purchase

Fountains and Statuary only. May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 8/31/20 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

$200 OFF $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

Fountains and Statuary only. May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 8/31/20 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

Summer Hours Mon-Sat 7am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Follow us on Facebook

www.woe.rocks

DON’T BE CAUGHT WITHOUT POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST Be prepared for power outages with a Generac® Home Backup Generator. It runs on natural gas or propane and is more affordable than you think.

Spark Daddy is fully licensed and insured, with more than 21 years of experience to get the job done right the first time and on time!

Call today for a no-obligation estimate on a Generac Home Backup Generator.

Spark Daddy offers complimentary 1-year maintenance with purchase.

314-800-6760 sparkdaddy.com

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’

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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 intense sunlight and then retracts the

BA L LW I N 10’ X 9’

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 July. You are welcome to call with your dimensions and receive an exact quote for your project.

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.

Summer 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

Restored Back to CLEAN Again!

Recapture your Original Color Ease of Cleaning Eliminate Stains No Dust Beautiful Again!

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Tile & Grout

Stone & Terrazzo

Call to Schedule Your Free On-Site Estimate STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.COM

Re-Polishing Scratch Removal Chip Repair Crack Repair Granite Limestone Marble Terrazzo Travertine

314-279-4747

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

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

BEFORE

AFTER

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.

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.

Time for a New Roof?

Time for New Siding?

Proudly Serving St. Louis and St. Charles Counties

ROOFING

& Roofing Repair

SIDING

& Siding Repair Hardie Board & Vinyl

We Work With Your Insurance Company!

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Hail, Wind & Storm Damage Specialist Roof & Siding Repair Specialist UP TO

$1000 OFF

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Call for details. Can't be combined with any other offer or discount. Must present this copupon at initial appointment or at time of estimate. Amount to $10 per square.

Call for details. Can't be combined with any other offer or discount. Must present this copupon aty initial appointment or at time of estimate.

ROOF & SIDING REPLACEMENT No Job Too Small Licensed and Insured

UP TO

Expires August 14, 2020

ROOF REPAIR

Expires August 14, 2020

ROOFING . SIDING . GUTTERS . TPO FLAT ROOFS . TUCK POINTING 20 Year Workmanship Warranty on New Roofs

636-255-8530 437 Olds State Rd. Ellisville, MO 63021

wildwoodroof.com

Native Planting Conversions are Solutions for Dull or Problem Landscapes

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

TH OS E AR E A S B ECO M E B E AUTI F U L S E LF - MANAG I N G NATU R E SC AP E S

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BY S TE VE C ALLOWAY

I

f there is a section of your lawn that needs to be mowed, fertilized and weed killers applied, and after all that is still just ordinary, uninteresting lawn, there is an alternative that is worth considering.

Instead, you can convert that part of your lawn to a naturescape meadow, an expanse of native plant varieties that doesn’t require mowing, chemicals or even watering. Create a diverse array of perennial plantings, including beautiful wildflowers that bloom from April through October and come back better year after year. This organic, self-managing meadow eliminates exhaust emissions, air and ground pollution, herbicides and pesticides. And your natural

prairie will absorb water and reduce erosion problems.

The result of this conversion is an ever-changing naturescape that improves your quality of life by attracting birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, attractions that enhance your home’s connection with nature.

If you have sections of lawn under trees where grass just doesn’t seem to consistently grow, or that are over-exposed to sun where grass burns out, you can convert them to mulched perennial gardens.

You can eliminate the frustration of seeing

grass in those areas that may start out looking nice in the spring, but by mid-summer has worn away to bare dirt where crabgrass and weeds quickly fill in. Instead, you can have creative arrays of bluebells, groundcover ginger, Ohio horsemint, white anemone and other native perennials that will thrive and with just once-a year composting will burst out of the ground into a beautiful variety of colors and shapes year after year.

There are also economic benefits: in those areas you have eliminated mowing, fertilizing, weed killers and upkeep.

And, real estate professionals will confirm that these plantings increase property values.

If you have wooded borders that are overgrown with honeysuckle, kudzu and other invasive species, you can replace those with attractive native shrubs and flowering trees.

Eliminating these dense clusters of gnarled plants will open up areas of your yard to sunlight, providing more pleasant views and a neater appearance for your yard. You will be amazed at the difference a professional crew can make in tackling these areas, and how attractive they can become with planting of native shrubs and flowering trees.

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. 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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Restore Your Floors, Counters and Showers

Back to CLEAN Again!

Natural Stone

Tile and Grout

Before

Before Granite Limestone Marble Terrazzo Travertine

After

After

Forgotten What Your Natural Stone Used to Look Like?

Don’t Just Clean, RESTORE! Beyond Clean with ColorSeal

Repolish: Remove years of unsightly scratches and dullness

n Returns grout to its original appearance n Stain resistance from future spills and stains n Seals grout for easier maintenance and cleaning

Repair: Fix chips and cracks

Restore: Scratch and stain removal Rejuvenate: Sanded grout restoration

STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

314-279-5422

The Basement Egress Window

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MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.COM

inishing your basement knowledge, tools, or extra force beyond that is the most efficient way required for a normal window. to add useable space to But don’t just think of the basement egress your home. If you have window as a requirement. It can also add or are planning sleeping natural light and ventilation and with an rooms downstairs, you expanded window well it can be an attractive need to make sure that there are two exits for feature, with flowers and emergencies. If your home plants on the terraced does not have a walk-out steps. The overall basement, this usually ADD SAFET Y, enhancements of safety, requires an escape, or egress APPEAL AND light, ventilation and window. more attractive appearVALUE TO YOUR It is important to know your ance add to the value of local residential building HOME . your home. codes for egress. St. Louis One company that is County building permit expert in structural requirements state that basement improvements all basement bedrooms is Woods Basement must have one window for Systems. They will be emergency escape with a sill no more than happy to give you a free estimate to install a 44 inches above the floor and a minimum basement egress window in your home. You clear opening area of 5.0 square feet. The can call them at 866-735-1890 or learn more emergency escape window must be operable at betterbasementvalue.com. from the inside without need for special

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

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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 8/31/20.

Call for a FREE estimate: 636-256-6733 • PrettyConcreteSTL.com WHEN YOU WANT YOUR PAINTING AND DECORATING DONE RIGHT . . .

YOU WANT OLD SCHOOL. Old School Painting and Decorating specializes in fine decorative finishes. Interior and exterior painting, drywall, staircases, tile work, cabinet refinishing, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, and more. And we do it all the only way we know – with OLD SCHOOL CR AF T SMANSHIP. We are fully insured and happy to provide excellent references.

C ALL TODAY F OR A NO-OBLIGATION E S TIMATE AT YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

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Helping Solve Dog and Cat Overpopulation in St. Louis

P

et overpopulation is a significant problem in the United States and in Missouri. Annually, more than three million animals are euthanized in the United States because there are simply not enough homes for them. Unwanted and uncontrolled animals also can spread disease, damage property, cause accidents, threaten people and pets, and suffer from neglect.

The only way to control overpopulation and the euthanizing of adoptable animals is by decreasing birth rates.

P E T

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C A R E

The Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic, the only not-for-profit spay, neuter and wellness clinic in the St. Louis area, was established in 2012 by Brook Dubman, Richard Camp and Christine Yurich to end this unnecessary suffering. The clinic provides effective, accessible and affordable dog and cat health services.

Reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats that are born also reduces the number that enter local shelters and are euthanized.

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Medical benefits of spaying female dogs and cats include significantly lower risk of mammary (breast) cancer, eliminating ovarian cancer, significantly reducing pyometra (an inflection of the uterus) and eliminating the problems of pets going through their "cycles."

For male cats and dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces prostate cancer. Having a pet spayed or neutered can also result in positive behavioral changes.

The Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services to pet owners. They offer vaccinations and preventive treatments, supplies, advocacy and information in underserved communities in St. Louis City and rural parts of Missouri

through positive community engagement.

They also provide access and transportation for affordable basic veterinary care to communities that lack resources and services for their pets. Their transport teams organize weekly trips to pick up pets, bring them to the clinic for spay/neuter and wellness services and return them the next day.

The clinic has performed over 78,000 low-cost or free spay/neuter procedures and over 49,000 wellness exams since opening June EVENTS TO BENEFIT THE QUICK FIX PET CLINIC 2012. For more information about upcoming events or ways you can support their SIP TO SAVE PULL 4 PAWS mission, you can visit carolhousepetclinic.

SOIREE SPORTING CLAY EVENT org, or call them at 314-771-PETS. Or September 26, 2020 visit carolhousepetclinic.org September 12, 2020 Brook Dubman’s Strathalbyn Farms Residence

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08/31/20

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 St. Charles is open for business!

P E T

LOV E

&

C A R E

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

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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.

Petropolis St. Charles is finally open, and the business is working to provide top-notch pet care even during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

The Petropolis team is taking extra precautions at this time to protect clients and the community from the spread of COVID-19 while still providing all of their core services: daycare, boarding, grooming, and training.

“The safety of our clients is our top concern,” says founder and owner Dr. Paul Schifano. “We want to provide quality, enriching pet care especially as everyone is returning to work - in the safest way possible.”

The St. Charles location helps them do just that. Located in the old Vatterott College building, this new addition is the area’s most state-of-the-art pet care center, and they designed every aspect of the 35,000 square foot facility with pets' needs in mind. They’ve taken everything you love most about Petropolis – the outdoor play yards, water features, and spacious lodging rooms – and built the enrichment center of your pets’ dreams.

Petropolis shares the space with The Academy of Pet Careers, a school for prospective dog trainers, groomers, and vet assistants. For more information about either business, visit petropolis.com.

Gazette

Howling at the Moon Edition HHHHH

he People Who Love Them Dog bored at home?

Petropolis offers enriching dog daycare.

Is Your Pet Empowered?

Petropolis Promotes the HumanAnimal Bond.

Going back to work?

Don’t leave your dog alone and bored.

The stay-at-home order is lifted, and dogs may struggle to adjust.

Before you head back to the office, set your dog up for an easy transition back to normal life.

Spend some time apart. Take a solo walk or stay in a separate part of the house for at least half an hour every day. This will make the adjustment to being alone much easier.

Don’t leave them with pent-up energy. Go on a long walk together or play tug before you go to work.

When you leave, they’ll be happy, calm, and ready for a nap.

Set up a game before you go.

Leave your dog an enrichment toy

or a frozen treat when you go to work. This will keep their mind active and prevent boredom (which leads to chewed-up furniture).

Let your dog hang out with friends! Consider dropping them off at dog daycare on your way to work for a day full of exercise, enrichment, and fun!

New to dog daycare? Give Petropolis a call! All dogs get their first day free.

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

Ask the Trainer, Kaitlin Bockman

Q: “My dog hates the vet.

How can I help him be less scared?”

A: Many pet parents struggle with

dogs that are fearful or anxious at the vet or groomer.

So how do you go about turning scary experiences into enriching ones? The short answer: make them fun with treats and praise.

Every single time your pup has a good experience at the vet or groomer is a step in the right direction, and chances are the next appointment will go even smoother.

Here are the basics I tell all pet parents who ask about vet visits: n Take your dog on a long walk or play for a while before you leave for the vet. n Take things slow, and listen when your dog says ‘no.’ n Throughout the visit, make sure you’re giving them lots of treats and praise.

Whether your dog is a puppy or a senior, teaching them to love the vet’s office or the grooming salon can eliminate so much anxiety and fear from their lives. It’s never too late (or too early!) to get started.

Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

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ummer is officially upon us, and here in Missouri that means heat, humidity, and ticks! But it’s not just us humans that struggle when the mercury rises; our furry friends feel it, too.

Follow these tips to make sure your pup stays safe and has fun this summer: n LEARN THE SIGNS OF OVERHEATING. Rapid panting, excessive

drooling, and a bright red tongue are all signs your dog is too hot. Take them indoors or get to some shade, give them water, and apply a cool, wet towel to their paw pads, chest, and belly. If your dog starts vomiting or has diarrhea, get them to a vet immediately. n GIVE YOUR DOG PLENTY OF WATER. Just like people, dogs get dehydrated more quickly in hot weather. Take extra water on all your adventures.

n WATCH OUT FOR HOT SIDEWALKS. Before your walk, test the heat of the sidewalk with your hand. If it’s too hot to hold your hand there for ten seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Opt for a walk through the grass instead. n NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED IN THE CAR. Even on a mild day, your car can heat up to over one hundred degrees in less than thirty minutes.

Either take your pet with you when you get out of the car or leave them at home altogether. n BE MINDFUL OF LAKES AND RIVERS. Some aquatic plants and algae are toxic or even deadly to dogs. Do your research before letting your dog swim or wade in natural water sources. n KEEP YOUR DOG’S PREVENTATIVES UP TO DATE. Summer is tick season, so talk to your vet about the right flea and tick preventative for your dog. n THINK BEFORE YOU SHAVE. Some dogs use their thick coats to regulate their body temperature. For breeds like huskies, golden retrievers, and Australian shepherds, shaving them does more harm than good.

Ask a groomer which summer cut is best for your dog.

P E T

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C A R E

Photo: Michael Kilfoy

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Funny Bones

A L I T T L E H U M O U R TO B R I G H T E N YO U R DAY !

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“We could not be happier with our decision to add this outdoor space and it has become the backdrop for many family memories.”

- Stacie Brasseur

Lasting Family Memories Throughout All Seasons

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or many, the recent shelter in place and social distancing have allowed us to gain a new appreciation for certain aspects of our homes. Suddenly, non-essential workers and students have had to make major transitions to their daily lives and spend much more time sharing the spaces in their homes. Finding areas in your home that you love, to help keep you entertained, and sane, have been crucial for both adults and children. This is especially true for Ben and Stacie Brasseur, and their two children.

Throughout all seasons, especially now, the Brasseur family enjoys spending time in their beloved outdoor space.

For the Brasseur family, the stay at home period has allowed them to escape to their outdoor living space and spend much needed quality family time. Stacie commented, “It's become a relaxing spot for the children to read or work on their schoolwork and also makes for a great place for daily snack breaks.” Their space is made up of a cozy outdoor screen room, gorgeous large deck with low maintenance composite decking and a grilling area.

Flowing from their great room is the cozy screen room featuring a retractable screen wall, and a stone fireplace.

Stacie continued, “Our new deck, screen room and grilling station have become the most lived in spaces of our entire home. On a rainy day, the screen room is one of our favorite locations to listen to the rain while playing family board games. Chilly nights call for a fire in the fireplace, while a movie plays on the TV mounted above. The Napoleon grill and granite countertop make for the perfect location to enjoy spring and summer cookouts and/or gatherings late into the evening.”

Throughout all seasons, the Brasseur family enjoys spending time together in their outdoor space. The 16-foot wide bi-parting door leading from the great room of their home into the outdoor room allows their indoor living room to feel more spacious and comfortable. The screens allow the bi-parting doors to remain open throughout most of the year, while keeping bugs and pests out of their home. Their

friends and family love this feature because it feels just like part of the indoors with the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors.

The Brasseur family is making lasting memories and enjoying quality family time in their outdoor space all year long. Their favorite part about the new space is that it is the perfect setting for game or movie night while enjoying the outdoors. They even have family sleepovers in the screen room. Stacie continued, “We could not be happier with our decision to add this space and it has become the backdrop for many family memories.”

For 18 years, Heartlands Building Company has strived to design and build quality spaces where people create lasting memories. Building memories and spending quality time with friends and family is a top priority for Heartlands. As a local builder in Chesterfield Valley, they are ready to help you get started on your next project.

To learn more about Heartlands or to schedule a free, no obligation consultation, you can call (636) 728-0003, stop by their showroom, or visit their website at heartlandshome.com.

The Satisfying Way to Find Distinctive Window Treatments and Interior Design

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hen shopping for new high-fashion window treatments, furniture, flooring and other décor, homeowners can be overwhelmed by the selection available for finding the right style, fabric and colors for their specific rooms. There are so many options to choose from, and it’s not always easy to imagine how specific items will look and coordinate in the rooms you have in mind.

What helps most through the decorating process is to have not just a great selection, but also a knowledgeable designer who understands what you are looking for and can guide you through the process. The Curtain Exchange in Clayton has been known for over 15 years for providing luxury window treatments in their shop on Maryland Avenue. In addition to in-stock

and custom-made curtains, they offer shades, shutters and blinds and drapery hardware in all styling options.

But The Curtain Exchange is about a lot more than curtains. They are a full-service interior design company, offering help with all aspects of a design project, from product selection to installation. In addition to window treatments, they offer furniture, rugs, carpet, artwork, lamps, fixtures, wallpaper and bedding. Their selections are constantly updated to provide up-to-the-minute choices to complement any décor.

Their designers provide personalized attention and service to help you achieve your own interior design

and decorating dreams, with options that suit you and your lifestyle. Their staff is proud of their products and their knowledge, and dedicated to assisting you find the right decor for your home.

After you visit their inspiring shop, they will follow up with an in-home consultation. To achieve your own dream décor, you can visit to The Curtain Exchange at 8119 Maryland Avenue, or call them at (314) 863-1112. The shop is open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

Is the Air in your Home making you sick?

T

hese days, people are spending more and more time at home, especially with more people working from home. According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health. Air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher than outside. The air we breathe inside our home contains many pollutants - dust mites, germs, mold spores,

bacteria, and even viruses. These can pose serious health risks.

In the 2020 world of Covid-19, it’s important that we all stay as healthy as possible. We don’t want our immune systems compromised, or have any decrease in lung capacity or efficiency. In most homes, the heating and cooling systems recycle the air, which means that if one family member gets sick, there is a good likelihood that others in the family may also get sick.

THE SOLUTION

A high quality true HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration system has three separate filter layers. The first two layers will scrub the air in your home of 99.7% of all bacteria, germs, dust, dander, and pollen. The second layer will also take out 95% of all particles down to .1 micron, the size of virus material. And the third stage carbon filter removes odors, smoke and chemicals that are present in every home. A HEPA system is the best way to improve

Secure Your Home and Health During a Power Outage WITH AN AUTO MATI C STAN D BY G E N E R ATO R

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ith increasingly unpredictable weather and power outages in our area, homeowners have more at risk than ever. Hot weather, storms and excessive winds can all knock power out, sometimes for days. Power outages happen in every season and can occur when you least expect them. Would you be prepared for days or long hours without power in the blazing heat of summer?

There has always been risk of losing power for air conditioning, heating, lighting and appliances in an outage. But now, homes with critical medical equipment, computer networks and security systems have more at risk than ever.

That’s why many smart homeowners are installing backup generators to protect their home, health and property. Designed to operate even if you are away, the generator continually senses

the presence of utility power, and when it’s lost, automatically starts up.

Homeowners who have used portable generators in past outages are trading up to these permanently installed systems. They eliminate the inconveniences of refueling, noise and extension cords. And, home backup generators are now more affordable than ever.

Don’t worry whether the next outage will keep your medical devices, computers and security system from working during a

your Indoor Air Quality and to improve your family’s health. Less dust also means you will have a cleaner home and a better night’s sleep.

INSTALLS EASILY IN AN EXISTING HOME.

You do not need a new ventilation system to achieve the benefits of HEPA pure air quality in your home. BEAM, the leader in built-in vacuums, offers a three-filter, bypass system with all the features needed to provide HEPA pure air everywhere in your house. It is UL listed, and connects directly to your existing ventilation system.

And since it runs 24/7, your system will do a better job circulating clean air and maintaining even temperatures throughout your house.

BEAM brand HEPA Air Filtration systems are available exclusively at BEAM of St. Louis. Systems start at an affordable price of $759 for homes up to 3,000 square feet. BEAM has been installing HEPA systems, and BEAM Central Vacuum Systems for 39 years. They are A+ rated by the BBB of Greater St. Louis. You can contact them to schedule an appointment at 314-5671515 or by email at sales@beamstl.com. power outage. You can call Spark Daddy, full-service electricians experienced in installing and maintaining backup generators for homes and businesses.

Spark Daddy features Generac® commercial and home generators that provide a constant fuel supply and turn on and off automatically. Mobile LinkTM Wi-Fi Connectivity is provided free with every Generac Guardian Series Home Standby Generator, to monitor it from anywhere.

And Spark Daddy offers complimentary service for one year on any standby generator system purchased.

The master electricians at Spark Daddy have 21 years of experience in residential, commercial and industrial electric services.

They are fully licensed, bonded and insured, and ready to take on your electrical problems, including power loss, electrical fire, lighting strikes, storm damage and more.

To discuss a stand-by generator at your home or office, or for any other electrical needs, you can reach Spark Daddy for a no-obligation consultation 314-800-6760 and learn more at yourfavoriteelectrician.com.

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

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.

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.

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

H O M E

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 en-

joyable 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.

30 ANNIVERSARY TH

SALE

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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 wal k-in closet rated number one in the amenities builders planned to include in homes they were building in 2015.

Minimums apply. Excludes jobs in progress.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 08/31/20

CABINETRY The next garage storage consideration is cabinetry. Garage storage cabinets are the most secure and accessible solution for a crowded garage. They eliminate clutter and help to convert a messy garage into an attractive and useable space. Garage cabinets can be used to store lawn and garden supplies, tools, sports equipment, workbenches, trashcans, even golf bags.

Storage Solutions for a Functional, Attractive Garage

TRANSFORM THE MOST CLUTTERED ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE SOLVING THE GARAGE PROBLEM

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he garage is the most cluttered and messy room in most homes.

Now more than just a place to park vehicles, it carries all the overflow of stuff from the rest of the house. In effect, the garage has become a large disorganized and overstuffed cabinet.

And because most garages are not really designed as storage space, it is inevitable that they become quite cluttered, crowded and disorderly.

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Fortunately, with garage organization planning and the help of some clever storage solutions, your garage clutter problem can be readily solved. You can have custom systems in your garage to utilize walls, ceiling and floor to maximize usable space and order.

OVERHEAD STORAGE One very practical solution is overhead garage storage. The lofts or overhead racks usually are lightweight but heavy-duty metal

frame that can carry moderate loads and bulky items. They are suspended from the ceiling, which has clear advantages. By freeing up the garage floor from clutter, you have space for more easily parking cars, a work or hobby area and heavier items that should be stored on the floor.

Another advantage of overhead storage is easy accessibility. Seldom used or seasonal items like holiday décor are stored overhead out of the way and easily reached when you need them. Overhead garage compartments also keep potentially hazardous items out of children's reach.

And now you can access your garage storage with a touch of a button. New overhead racks utilize Bluetooth motors that smoothly lift and lower your items through an app on your smartphone. There's no longer a need to get out a ladder to grab heavy items stored up top.

Common household chemicals and other hazardous substances can also be safely stored in secure cabinets. The proper cabinets can also protect workshop tools and supplies from moisture and dust. Lockable garage cabinets can keep dangerous items away from children. It will also protect your personal belongings when you leave your garage open.

ATTRACTIVE GARAGE FLOOR OPTIONS And once everything is up off the floor, so you can actually see it, consider a more attractive floor than oil and paint-stained concrete. Epoxy floors have the look of granite, are durable and resist oil and other stains. Flooring tiles are available in a variety of colors and textures and can be used to create custom patterns.

CALL THE PROFESSIONALS Like a custom kitchen or bath, there are advantages of complete garage storage and flooring designed and installed by professionals. The Organized Garage of St. Louis offers the most attractive, durable and customizable shelves, racks, cabinets and flooring available. Their 3D Rendering service will give you an accurate depiction of what your finished garage remodel will look like. Trained professionals will create your perfect garage with their 3D design software, a complimentary service that requires zero money or obligation.

For a free consultation, you can call The Organized Garage at 314-914-0009 or email them at theorganizedgarage@gmail. com. You can also learn more at their website www.GarageSolutionsStLouis.com.

Stone and Tile Floors Looking Dull?

Luxury Window Coverings . . . AND SO MUCH MORE!

HAVE U G LY G RO UT ?

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ost stone or tile damage can be corrected. Whether it’s dull, stained, suffering water spots, cracks or chips, the problem can be addressed. A true stone professional will work with you to assess the root cause and to formulate a strategy to avoid a recurrence.

For the stone or tile surfaces in your home, it makes sense to contact a local specialist to discuss what can be done to restore them, and how to maintain them day-to-day. A brief dialog can extend the life of your stone and tile and save you from costly errors. The good news is that most problems are repairable and cost substantially less than replacement. Proper selection and application of a sealer can reduce or prevent damage from stains and water.

BEFORE

A ColorSeal treatment of your sanded grout can not only restore your original grout color but also topically seal it to better resist future stains. Many glass and tile cleaners will actually dissolve grout, leaving a rough spot. Fortunately, even this can be repaired.

Grout repair and sealing are part of the repair and restoration process.

Experienced stone and tile craftsmen can provide pointers on how to maintain your stone and AFTER tile surfaces to keep them looking like the day they were installed. Your ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, terrazzo, limestone or travertine will look new when your great-grandchildren come to visit generations from now.

Don’t give up on your stone, tile or grout. For expert advice and restoration, you can call the professionals at MARBLELIFE-Groutmasters at 314-254-0790 or visit their website at marblelife-stlouis.com.

HOW DO YOU LIVE?

HOW DO YOU D I N E?

HOW DO YOU S LE E P? Our experienced staff will assist with curtains, shades, shutters, hardware, rugs and furniture to create a unique style just for you.

F R E E I N S TA L L AT I O N With Purchase of Curtains and Hardware Offer expires August 15, 2020 8119 Maryland Ave. Clayton, MO 63105 314-863-1112 theCurtainExchange.com

Waterproof Surfaces Transform Your Basement into Finished Living Space You Can Enjoy

I

f you have been hesitant to remodel your basement to more livable space for your family because of dampness and discomfort, there is a set of solutions that you should know about. The EverLast System from Total Basement Finishing. Their wall panels, flooring, and ceiling tiles are all specially designed for comfort and beauty in the basement. All EverLast products are warrantied to resist water, moisture, and mold.

They provide insulating qualities, dampen noise, and can be customized to fit your basement finishing decor.

EverLast wall panels provide solid, durable and long-lasting surfaces. They come with 2 ½ inch high-density foam insulation, ½ inch of hard cement board, and a decorative vinyl covering that will never need to be painted. EverLast flooring isolates your floor surface from the cold, hard, damp concrete, making basement floors dryer and more comfortable. Total Basement Finishing has a ceiling system uniquely suited for basements. Their drop ceiling tiles are non-sagging and mold resistant and come with a 30-year warranty.

You can transform your unfinished, or previously finished basement into a comfortable living space with the award-winning Total Basement Finishing basement remodeling system installed by Woods Basement Systems, Inc. They are the highest-rated, most reviewed contractor in their industry and your source for “All Things Basementy.”

Their experts will give you a free estimate for improving your basement at your home.

You can call Woods Basement Systems at 866-735-1890 to discuss your basement remodeling plan with their specialists or learn more about their services at betterbasementvalue.com.

New Display Home Open at Courtyards of Cottleville

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f you're thinking of a new home in the St. Charles County area, you should take a look at Courtyards of Cottleville, a brand new neighborhood located in the heart of Cottleville, Missouri.

An upscale, growing community with a unique, quaint historic downtown area, Cottleville 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. The Courtyards of Cottleville is a private, 35 home community, located right in its heart.

Jerry Meyer, President of Meyer Homes, explains what has made the community so popular. “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 their unique large courtyard outdoor living areas, which offer privacy and an extension of the homes' living areas. Low maintenance is also important, and exterior mainte-

nance, such as cutting grass, landscaping, snow shoveling, etc. are all taken care of for you.

The beautiful new display home is currently Grand Opening and can be toured daily. “People love the elegant design of our homes,” explained Meyer. “Plus, we are keeping mindful of proper social distancing and sanitizing the display to keep it safe for touring.”

Courtyards of Cottleville is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located at the intersection of Motherhead Road and Gutermuth Road. The homes start in the $350's.

For information, visit Meyer-Homes-Stl. com or call 314-252-0352.

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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Late Summer Activities & Events Please note: These events were still scheduled as of press time.

Please check websites for updates.

ALWAYS . . . PATSY CLIN E

Sept. 4 – Oct. 4 Stages St. Louis The Robert G. Reim Theatre stagesstl.org ST. LOU IS COU NT Y PARKS FOOD TRUCK FEST & LIVE M USIC

G RE AT FOREST PAR K BALLOON R ACE

Bonedaddy July 22 Creve Coeur Soccer Park Power Play August 7 Laumeier Sculpture Park DJ Tossin Ted August 20 North County Rec Complex Hudson and Friends September 4 Laumeier Sculpture Park 4th Street Band September 30 Creve Coeur Park

JAPAN ESE FESTIVAL

September 5-7 MO Botanical Garden mobot.org L ABOR DAY

OLD WE BSTE R JA ZZ & B LU ES FESTIVAL

G E TAWAYS

FESTIVAL OF TH E LIT TLE HILL S

festivalofthelittlehills.com FESTIVAL OF NATIONS

August 22-23 Tower Grove Park festivalofnationsstl.org

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ST. LOU IS ART FAIR

September 11-13 Downtown Clayton culturalfestivals.com PU LL 4 PAWS SPORTING CL AYS

September 12, 2020 Strathalbyn Farms carolhousepetclinic.org

TASTE OF MAPLEWOOD STRE ET FESTIVAL

August 22 Sutton Blvd midcountychamber.org

greatforestparkballoonrace.com

Monday, September 7

stlouisco.com/parksandrecreation August 21-23 Frontier Park St. Charles

September 18-19 Central Fields in Forest Park

MOSAIC S FIN E ARTS FESTIVAL

September 18-20 Historic North Main Street St. Charles stcharlesmosaics.org

September 19 Downtown Webster Groves oldwebsterjazzfest.com TASTE OF ST. LOU IS

September 28-30 Soldiers Memorial Plaza tastestl.com

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.

Attracting Wildlife to your Rural Property

Native Prarie Restoration

Bill with grandkids LET’S START WITH TIMBER. A deer’s

best friend is a chainsaw. Both timber stand improvement (TSI) and select timber harvests create additional food source and cover year round. A well-managed timber stand also provides additional income.

Select timber harvest also provides access

NEXT ARE FIELDS. Row crops provide great fall feed in addition to income.

Post-harvest residuals crops continue to provide protein into the winter months. A bonus idea is to negotiate standing corn or beans. For example, instead of charging a cash rent on 40 acres of $150/acre, collect $125/acre and leave two acres standing.

There is no way that you can put in a twoacre food plot as efficiently as a 30-foot planter that is already there. I hate plain grass pastures, unless you are a cow and have four stomachs. There is no food value in a fescue pasture. The photo on this page shows a native prairie restoration on my northern Missouri farm. The benefits of warm season grasses and native forbs (flowering plants that are not grasses) include

Ladino Clover

excellent cover, forage, seed for birds and wildflowers for 7 months out of the year.

Again a good place to start is with the local USDA-FSA office.

FOOD PLOTS ARE NEXT ON THE LIST. I personally am partial to good

stands of Ladino clover . . . it is the gift that keeps on giving. A lot of hunters make the mistake of establishing a food plot and then picking out a deer stand location. First pick out where you want to place your stand or blind and then put in the food plots. With prevailing winds from the Northwest you want your primary stand on the Southeast corner, and then maybe a second stand on the Northwest corner of the food plot.

Food plot mixes are generally better than a single variety. A good mix will provide early season through late season protein as the maturation and palatability change at different times. In addition, mixes accomplish the same benefit of a crop rotation.

Every property is unique based upon acorns, row crops, etc. My favorite picks in rank order; tied for first are TSI and row crops, followed by white clover, then food plots mixes weighted towards late season varieties that include turnips, rapeseed and groundhog radishes. Late season food plots help the deer store energy going into deep winter and help mature bucks recover quicker from the rut.

We covered water features in the previous edition. Food, water and cover are the three main ingredients for attracting and holding wildlife.

G E TAWAYS

roads. When you take out competing and non-desirable tree species you open up the canopy and provide more sunlight and moisture for the trees and undercover. This creates more year round browse and mast crop (acorns and other nuts). Every county in Missouri has a state forester assigned to it. Contact the USDA-Farm Service Agency office for your property’s county. It is a free resource and they can help you develop a forestry plan.

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ne of the great satisfactions for owners of rural property is the journey of attracting wildlife. When done properly, it is not uncommon to increase wildlife on a property by 50-100%. I enjoy habitat improvement almost as much as taking my grandkids out hunting on my managed property. Consider several factors. First, it is a marathon not a sprint. This article is written primarily for hunting properties because habitat improvement is usually done for this purpose and landowners who hunt are the most advanced in this process.

Improving wetlands is whole other topic that we will not cover in this column. We are going to concentrate on attracting and holding more deer, simply because whatever you do to improve deer habitat will benefit turkey, birds and other wildlife.

Discover Innsbrook: The Hideaway Resort Community Perfect for Social Distancing

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ith all the uncertainty lately, it’s no wonder people are looking for a place to escape to. Innsbrook provides just that – a safe and beautiful hideaway featuring 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.

The peaceful lakeside resort community – just a 30-minute drive from St. Charles, or Chesterfield – is appealing for families with cabin fever and who want more quality time spent together in nature, hiking, swimming, kayaking or fishing.

Over the last year and into the pandemic, Innsbrook focused on improving amenities and facilities, including the golf course and clubhouse.

Golf is the perfect social distancing sport and to the delight of golfers, Innsbrook’s 18-hole championship public golf course recently received over $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-of-the-art irrigation system.

In early June, the course laid fresh sod on the driving range and is now ready for play.

Innsbrook’s golf course also just opened a new tenth tee food and beverage cart for hungry and thirsty golfers, the Par Bar.

Like the golf course, Innsbrook’s popular Clubhouse Bar & Grille restaurant recently reopened after a period of closure due to the pandemic. The restaurant features an open-concept design, eliminating the division between the dining room and bar area.

The Clubhouse also added a dancefloor, mounted big-screen televisions in the dining room, and installed recessed, adjustable lighting and a speaker/sound system for performing bands to access.

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 wrap-around 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.

Want to plan your summer getaway?

Innsbrook has lots of available homes to view! 636. 928.3366 x9199 or email properties@innsbrook-resort. com for information on available listings.

Both the golf course and the Clubhouse Bar and Grille are located in the Innsbrook Resort community, but are open to the public. Golfers can call the Pro Shop to book tee times at 636.928.3366 x9203, email golf@innsbrook-resort.com, or visit https://www.innsbrook-resort.com/golf.

For more information about the Clubhouse menu or hours, call (636) 928-3366, ext.

9502, or visit innsbrook-resort.com/dining/ clubhouse to sign up for email updates and event notices.

Dr. Ayse Kilfoy was chosen by her peers as one of the Top Dentists in the St. Louis area

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hen St. Louis Magazine surveyed St. Louis region dentists on who they thought were the best dentists in the region, Dr. Ayse Kilfoy of Woodlawn Dental was up there again at the top of the list for the ninth year in a row.

She has been providing healthy, beautiful smiles to the O’Fallon area for over 25 years. “Whether a patient just needs some minor dental work or some long-term cosmetic improvements, we love to be a part of making changes that matter. My greatest pleasure is to see the smile on a patient’s face when we’ve completed their care. For some, it’s like they’re smiling for the first time.”

New patients are now being accepted. Come by and take a tour. Find out how much Woodlawn Dental has to offer you.

Woodlawn Dental Dr. Ayse Kilfoy, DMD 608 Woodlawn Avenue O’Fallon, MO 63366

636-240-9211 www.woodlawndental.com

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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

Aging Gracefully KEEPING AN OLD FAMILY MEMBER ROLLING

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t some point in our lives we become primary caregivers for an aging family member. My most recent patient wasn’t a parent or a pet. It was a Pontiac. From the tow truck’s shotgun seat, looking through a shoebox-sized side mirror at my car in chains, I had time to reflect on her journey.

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In the side mirror she balanced on the flatbed. She bit into the wind like she always does. But her wheels were not turning. She was racking up miles while her gears sat still. Her gurney, this flatbed, was rushing her to a trusted family physician—her mechanic at University Garage--who would excise her alternator like a bad gall bladder, and fix her with a new one. For Jack the tow truck driver this delivery is just a job. For me it’s another setback in caring for an aging family member. Some folks would give up on her. They’ve told me so. “Get a new car. New car smell. And GPS.” BUT MY ALLEGIANCE RUNS DEEP.

Erifnus Caitnop, my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, became my Trigger, my Lassie, my Old Faithful. She’s crossed Skull Lick Creek and Rabbit Head Creek. She’s climbed Long Tater Hill, descended to Devil’s Well and the Little Grand Canyon. And three Toad Sucks, for Godsakes. Oh, and the Garden of Eden.

Her air conditioner long since lost its cool.

She has no GPS to assure our course, but her radio still plucks the forecast from the sky, and she trusts me to read the thumbworn maps in her shotgun seat to guide us past danger. Or into it. She accepts her fate with quiet dignity.

You wouldn’t pick her for World’s Greatest Car. Her headlamps have filmy cataracts.

With little planning, she and I began a string of shortcuts that lasted beyond a dozen years, a journey that left our tire tracks along every inch of state-maintained pavement, every county road from AA to ZZ, thousands of miles of gravel and dirt, trouble and stories. Tracking those roads was like mowing a 64,000 square mile lawn.

She has covered more miles than the combined travels of Marco Polo and Magellan, Columbus and Zebulon Pike, Lewis and Clark and Dr. Livingstone. The only difference between us and those other explorers is that their amazing feats of bravery changed the world. We just drove around. A lot.

She’s witnessed the toaster-trading frenzy at OcToasterFest and the fruits of mass castration at the Testicle Festival, and a mineral spring with two iron pipes that deliver separate healing waters to Democrats and Republicans.

She’s outlived the company that made her. But I wouldn’t trade her for the Mona Lisa.

THIS CAR WON AN EMMY.

Her doors are dented, and she suffered the insult of a salvage title after her complexion was pocked by a hailstorm. She smells of antifreeze. Her transmission whines. Her brakes squeal. She’s blue-collar in a red dress. But she’s a keeper.

I met her in a car lot twenty years ago. She was sleek and new and lipstick red, and even though I didn’t realize it at the time, she would set course on a journey no other car has made: She’s driven every mile of every road on Missouri’s highway map, racking up 307,000 miles on her odometer.

Despite occasional setbacks, she remains strong, reaching an age when 99 percent of her peers have been pounded into refrigerator magnets.

Oh, I went along for the ride, but the car was the star of the show, a Missouri Conservation series called Finding Wild Missouri. Google it in the pantheon of forgotten videos. Erifnus doesn’t care. Even as she nurtures a small patch of rust beneath her passenger door, she’s a workhorse, waiting patiently for her mechanic to fix her. He thinks she’ll make it to 500,000 miles. Hope so.

John’s new book, Souls Along the Road, is available online.

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ORNAMENTAL IRON

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CR ACKS II A series of three-dimensional works, inspired by the loss of my mother in 2019, which explore my relationship to masculinity, loss, vulnerability, and pressure. The use of concrete and gems speaks to the breaking down of the outward facade of strength and toughness to expose the beauty and true strength underneath.

Creativity Unbound: The Visions of Damon Davis

BY G E RRY MAN DE L

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t. Louis is home to a highly original and multi-faceted artist who, as he says, has “a lot of tools in my tool box. I use the one that best tells the story I want to tell.” His name is Damon Davis and to try to put a label on him is an exercise in frustration. I’m used to classifying an artist by the medium he or she uses. Painter, sculptor, quilter, photographer. But for Damon, I am stymied.

He is impossible to categorize, except to say “He is an artist.”

Classification, however, is not important.

It’s his talent, his drive and imagination behind his media that makes the difference. Davis is an award-winning artist who works and lives in St. Louis, not far from the newly-emergent art district on Cherokee Street. His website refers to him as a “post-disciplinary artist.”

I had no idea what that meant so I asked him. He said, “My practice is part therapy, part social commentary. I work across a spectrum of creative mediums to tell stories that range in topic and scope.” The purpose of his creative output is to give voice to the powerless and oppose systems of oppression. He is quick to remind me that he focuses on the joy as well as the pain of the Black experience.

It’s that yin and yang that makes his website so appropriately named: HeartacheAndPaint.com.

Damon’s roots determined his journey through life. His mother was a sharecropper in Louisiana and moved to St. Louis during the 1960’s. His father, who was born in St. Louis, served in the Army during the Viet Nam war, but found returning to the U.S. difficult. Damon grew up in East St. Louis, and attended a Catholic high school in Belleville, Illinois. He received a full

scholarship to St. Louis University, where he majored in Fine Arts but eventually graduated with a degree in Communications.

“I was pushed in-between two separate worlds,” he says, referring to the the traditional world of commerce and the world of art. “My whole life has been art, it’s always been what I’ve done. I tell stories.” He talks about how many of his friends went into civil service. He was different. “For me, regular work was soul crushing. I wouldn’t be alive today if I had to do that.” He admits he doesn’t take orders well. The mark of a true artist.

Writing isn’t one of his strong suits. “I find writing difficult, but I’m working hard to improve it. People have approached me to write a book. I can talk, but my brain moves faster than my hand.” In the meantime, his visual art breaks new boundaries.

Our conversation takes us to the subject of race. This stands at the center of his work.

I asked Damon what he wants his art to accomplish. “I hope people will think, ask questions they didn’t ask themselves before, take a look at someone else’s experience. And arrive at an understanding.” He is quick to point out what it is not. “It’s not about getting past the legacy of slavery, not about getting past anything. It’s acknowledgment of America’s past.” That acknowledgment, he

INSTALL ATION VIEW OF DARKER GODS Darker Gods is an Afro-surrealism multimedia project that introduces a universe where people of color are Gods. The collection of works is made through a Black aesthetic for the Black community to see themselves in all of their grace and complexity. For the project, I created a pantheon of thirteen deities that rule over a parallel universe.

believes, can create a positive effect: “To bring people closer together; to make people realize they are not alone.”

His tastes include Miles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and many of today’s artists. His biggest influence is Outkast, one of the most respected hip-hop groups in history. His conceptual album, “Darker Gods,” delves into the power of myth, and provides the soundtrack to an exhibit of his. “It welcomes us to a new world of Black Gods and Goddesses.”

“Black Bag” was founded by Damon with Basil Kincaid, a nationally-recognized visual artist who lives in St. Louis. This award provides unrestricted funding, networking opportunities, and support for young black artists in St. Louis and East St. Louis. The cash funding ranges from $250 to $500, with guidance and supervision on a continuing basis.

Arising from the death of Damon’s mother, and his conflict with family and friends, “Cracks” is a series of three-dimensional

GR ADUATION 1 (left) After losing my mother last year, I began going through old family photos while thinking about what it means to transition from one phase of life to another. This series was created from actual family graduation photos.

They explore growth, change, and transformation.

NEGROPHILIA (right) This is part of my body of work, entitled Negrophilia, that deals with trauma and triumph. It began as a personal meditative and therapeutic tool for me to deal with the stress of the Ferguson uprising, using snapshots of images I saw in person as well as on social media.

works that explore vulnerability, masculinity, grieving, and trauma. They were created as part of his residency at Grinnell College last year, and were featured in his solo exhibition at Grinnell’s Museum of Art. This was the kind of exhibit that stops you in your tracks and says, “Pay attention. This artist has something to say.” It was a combination of sculptures and digitally enhanced photographs.

An important and highly-praised documentary from 2017 was co-produced and

THE BOY AND THE HORSE This large-scale sculpture represents Blake the Great, also known as Lord So Will It, God of the Ghetto Children, a Darker Gods Deity. It was created in conjunction with the release of the film “Just Mercy” that premiered January 17 in Los Angeles. The installation was part of a campaign to shift public opinions of incarcerated individuals and increase public engagement around criminal justice policy reforms.

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co-directed by Damon, with Sabaah Folayan.

A harsh and unrelenting look at the killing of Michael Brown, “Whose Streets” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The critics praised it, and The Guardian gave it a fivestar review, calling it a “tremendous end run around mainstream news outlets.” Magnolia Pictures picked it up for national distribution in theaters. In 2016, he was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s Twenty-Five New Faces of Independent Film, and Independent Magazine's 10 Filmmakers to Watch.

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Davis created a public art project on boardedup storefronts in Ferguson in anticipation of unrest. Working with store owners, he wheat-pasted the plywood-covered windows of participating stores with a series of posters developed from his photographs of “Hands Up.” Davis wanted to create "something visually appealing, to give people hope, and let them know we stand with them.” An original window board from the installation

is part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

Ted Talk. August, 2017. The subject was fear. Damon shared his fear with a national audience on this highly-acclaimed program, an on-line service that streams talks on a variety of subjects. “Fear is like a disease,” he said. “When it moves, it moves like wildfire.

But when you do what you’ve got to do, it’s called courage. And courage, like fear, is contagious.” His talk was impressive and effective, showcasing his skill as a speaker and verbal communicator. One reviewer said, “Davis exhibits two impactful speaking skills here: showing emotion and using repetition.”

And finally, two more projects. The first, a graphic novel for children called “The Bull, The Boar, The Wasp, and the Ant.” Davis wrote and illustrated it in the tradition of countless West African proverbs. The other is “All Hands on Deck,” an exhibit

of photographs by Damon of individuals in Ferguson. Organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, the “hands up” images became a national symbol.

At 35, Damon Davis has made an impact on the art world and America’s conscience. There is no telling what the years ahead hold for him. But we’ll find out. For more about him and his work, visit HeartacheAndPaint.com.

Also watch the documentary “Whose Streets,” on line from various streaming sources.

LUCAS (below) Created during the Ferguson uprising, All Hands On Deck captured the hands of people who shaped and upheld this movement. These prints were wheat-pasted onto various buildings boarded up in the wake of the protests. They live on as a digital archive.

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.

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Finest Custom Table Pads at FactoryDirect Prices Quality Readers for Quality Businesses

54 For over 16 years COUNTY LIVING has presented CLM

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

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MARBLELIFE is a registered trademark of MARBLELIFE, inc.

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What a Crazy Year for Business Owners!

HOW ARE THE UNPRECEDENTED 2020 DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS, AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELLING IT?

BY J E F F BACH

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JEFF BACH is a leading broker at Fusion Business Services, along with 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 and buy a business that meets their goals. You can contact Jeff 56 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.

I

n just a few months we have gone from probably the strongest economy that most of us have seen, to one of the worst we have seen, for at least the short term. Pandemic, deaths, protests, record unemployment and swings like we couldn’t have imagined. Throw in a contentious election and the smartest of us can’t honestly predict what things will look like in a year. My hope is that the economy is back buzzing like it was before 2020 went crazy!

While some businesses have been extremely busy during these times, others have struggled. People stayed home and created a lot of revenue for many service and construction companies and suppliers.

However, other businesses have been completely shut down and some won’t survive. The restaurant and hospitality industry has been hit especially hard. Fortunately, entrepreneurs are resilient and many that were damaged are already swinging back.

Financial advisors have always told me that if you have time, to always ride out swings in the stock market. Don’t panic! My advice to you about your business is the same. Economic signs are still positive. Most believe that 2021 will be a good year.

What if you are at a turning point in your business’s future? Whether ready to retire or you need to get out for one of many reasons? Don’t despair, but waiting to sell your business could make things even worse. Whether because of your own situation, or these economic influences we are now

experiencing, selling now “may” be better than waiting.

There are buyers that are still cash and asset flush who are interested in opportunities. Even damaged, most businesses still have some level of value in the marketplace. Even a restaurant that is going to close down can be of value to the right person.

The SBA (Small Business Administration) seems to be in the mood to revive the economy. They have put multiple special programs together to help buyers in acquisitions. And keep in mind that many corporate executives are being separated from their companies or jittery about the future who could be looking to own their own businesses to better control their destinies.

Even if a transition of some type is not in your short-term plans, it always helps a business owner to know the value of their business. Your company is likely one of the largest assets that you own and just like any other asset, you need to know its value. Your business broker should be able to help you with this valuation and can assist you to understand what 2020 has done to this value, whether it has been affected negatively or positively.

Take action now. Contact a business broker that is experienced and knowledgeable. They should know the pulse of the market from every angle.

Once a good business broker knows all of the details about your situation, they should be able to advise you on whether or not you should investigate a sale of your business now or some other alternative.

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

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Bring nature home with your own Water Garden

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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