County Living Magazine Spring 2022

INNSBROOK RESORT

Visit our Water Features St. Louis Water Garden Society’s

22nd Anniversary Tour of Pond-O-Rama June 25-26, 2022, 9-5 pm each day For more info and tickets: slwgs.org

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

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

For an on-site consultation or private water feature tour, please call 636-223-2330 or fill out the contact form at www.Re-createNature.com.

Visit our portfolio at www.re-createnature.com Facebook.com/ NaturesReCreations

Live Better at Home

A new way to design and remodel

“We are about living, not just a project or product.” Says Dana King, “homes should work for people.”

Dana King Design Build Remodeling excels in cohesive and collaborative design, tackling all aspects of home beyond what most providers do. The team manages the details and eliminates the hassles typical of most home improvement projects.

Dana brings passionate professionals with skills and

certifications in WELL Standards for healthy living, Universal Design to make spaces function for a wide range of abilities, Smart-home technology to provide connectivity, and organization to make life seamless

for busy families.

Projects range from home furnishings to home additions. They answer the perplexing feasibility questions such as what improvements create the best value, how to phase the projects and options to fund the project.

Visit DANAKING.COM to view our projects and to schedule an inspiring in-home or virtual consultation, or call

314-914-2840

NARI Certified Remodeler – committed to excellence in design, quality, on-time delivery, cleanliness and communication. Over 200 online reviews.

LE

SO

URI

G

B R AT I N G

I N E M A KI

N

W

IN M

IS

CE

PAGES 36-43

COUNTY LIVING What’s Inside

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

HOME

H E A LTH

18 The Green Home Coach

28 A Personal Trainer Is the Key to Achieving

10 What Water Garden Owners Have to Say

19 More Attractive Garage and Basement Floors

12 Add a Rain Garden to Your Yard

20 Getting Your Floors to Look Their Best

13 Does Your Home Have Uneven

22 Functional, Attractive Garage Storage

Concrete Surfaces?

14 Services to Restore Your Pool Deck 15 If Your Home Is Settling, Don't Panic

24 Kitchen Cabinets: Refacing Instead of Replacing

Your Goals

29 Becoming More Kind, Patient and Tolerant

31 An Effective Solution to an Uncomfortable Problem

26 The Basement Egress Window

32 Breathe Easier Using Salt Room Therapy

CO LU M N S

BUSINESS & FINANCE

16 Solar Helps Finances and Sustainability

G E TAWAYS 34 Activities & Events Calendar

8 Random Musings from Gerry Mandel

52 Phone Help for Your Sales Reps

36 An Interview with David Hoffmann

46 A Place in the Country by Bill Ziercher

54 How to Lower Your Property Taxes

40 Celebrating Stone Hill Winery

48 On the Road with John Drake

55 Saving Business Owners and Managers

42 St. James Winery

Robinson

Time & Money

56 Do You Know the Broker Who's

43 McKelvey Vineyards

Selling Your Business?

43 Noboleis Vineyards

57 Rescue from a Computer Panic

44 Every Day Is the Weekend at Innsbrook 50 Painting Was His Life. And What

SEE EVEN MORE ON

a Life It Was.

OUR WEBSITE

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

58 This Book Should Be in Every Home in St. Louis

59 Solving HR Needs for Small and Medium Businesses

Reverse Weakness that Comes with Aging:

Now You Can Improve Bone Density, Muscle Strength and Balance.

Improving vitality and strength after age 30 has been almost unheard of. At best, we hoped to slow the musculoskeletal atrophy that comes with aging with rigorous exercise and a healthy diet.

But there is a way to actually reverse bone loss, increase strength, and improve balance and agility as we age. For 10 years OsteoStrong® has been offering a patented osteogenic loading system in centers across the world, and thousands of people are experiencing the benefits. A tenminute sweat-free session in four different positions — for chest, leg/hips, core and spine - triggers an adaptive flexing response in bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues.

Ten-minute session, once a week, provides measurable results.

Whether you’re seeking to take your athletic game to the next level, stay as fit as possible as you age, or recover from frail health in your elder years, we all share the need for a strong musculoskeletal system that is the foundation of our vitality.

Members of OsteoStrong report stronger bones, increased strength, better posture, better glucose regulation (lower A1c), less back and joint pain, and better balance. ALL of these benefits greatly reduce risk of fracture and injury, which is important for athletes and the elderly alike.

”My Mom had severe osteoporosis, so I needed to change my life to not follow that path. Since starting OsteoStrong I have had a significant increase in my bone density!

I also have more stamina, I feel stronger when doing everyday things and have confidence I'm building bone for the future.”

–Linda

There are 10 OsteoStrong locations in the St. Louis/St. Charles area.

Call the location nearest you to schedule a FREE introductory session for you and your loved ones.

Ballwin Chesterfield Chest. Valley Clayton Creve Coeur Ladue O’Fallon St. Peter’s Sunset Hills Telegraph

63011 63017 63005 63105 63141 63124 63368 63376 63127 63129

(636) 697-3902 (636) 220-8080 (314) 300-6655 (314) 541-5661 (314) 300-6902 (314) 502-3402 (636) 238-8696 (636) 685-0144 (314) 501-2002 (314) 300-9851

For more information visit www.OsteoStrong.me

”My wife and I have been doing weekly sessions at OsteoStrong for almost 4 years. I used to complain a lot about back pain and knee pain - but not anymore, and OsteoStrong is the only thing I added to my routine.”

–Ronald, 71 years young

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

PU B LISH E R /E DITOR

Todd Abrams

For information about advertising, contact:

DESIG N + CR E ATIVE DIR EC TION + PRODUC TION

Todd Abrams toddabrams1@gmail.com 314-443-3024

Michael Kilfoy, Studio X

Carol Kindinger carolkindinger@gmail.com 314-452-3576

ACCOU NT E XECUTIVE

Carol Kindinger Cover photo by Gary Barton

ON THE COVER Innsbrook has been a favorite local getaway for St. Louisarea families for over 50 years. Located 30 minutes west of Chesterfield, Innsbrook is best known for its recreational A-frame chalets, but also offers year-round residential and vacation homes, contemporary cottages, low-maintenance condos, golf course villas, and now treehouses!

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

See the article about Innsbrook on page 44. You can learn more at www.ibkconnect.com or call 636.928.3366 x9199.

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

P.O. Box 411036 St. Louis, MO 63141

PRINTING

Walsworth Fulton DISTRIB UTION DATABASE

To view this issue online with links to resources:

Insight Marketing

COU NT YLIVING MAG .COM

Todd

Michael

Carol

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.

Baker Pool Construction

To request an appointment or receive more information, call us at

636.519.POOL

or visit www.bakerpoolconstruction.com and fill out the form in the Contact Us section We look forward to hearing from you!

Random Musings FROM GERRY MANDEL

GERRY MANDEL writes life stories, plays, short stories, essays, blogs, and the occasional novel. He enjoys sharing his writings, and would appreciate your comments.

When everything goes.

Even the kitchen sink.

A gut reaction to a gut rehab.

I R A N D O M

M U S I N G S

don’t know what caused me to destroy a perfectly good kitchen. The range cooked, the table-top microwave nuked, the faucets flowed, both hot and cold; the refrigerator stayed cold (it was only three years old); all the doors and drawers opened and closed, some more reluctantly than others.

CLM

8

The only problem - if there were a problem was that the house was built in 1985. That’s only 37 years ago. Same kitchen. At least I didn’t have a wood-burning stove. Granted, it wasn’t a perfect kitchen any longer. The white countertop showed stains and scratches. The drawers were slightly soiled, even chipped, due to their imperfect design.

The gas range, I learned, was neither healthy nor environmentally friendly.

I’d rather not go into the “why” I did this, only to say Betsey moved in with me. A late-in-life romance. She’s a terrific cook, was used to a fully-functional and attractive kitchen, and has good ideas for improving the meal experience. What I did not know - never having been through a total remake of a kitchen - was how long it would take, how much it would cost, and how turbulent my life would become.

Example of that last point: Breakfast used to be a simple operation. Coffee, fruit, cereal, milk, all within arm’s reach. Not anymore. Now, I brew a cup of coffee at the bar on the far side of my living room. I like a morning orange or banana. That’s in the fruit bowl on a shelf in another part of the living room. For my cereal, I get a bowl in the music room, where the dishes are kept, and a box of Whole-Grain Cheerios. That’s on the dining room table with the other boxes. I get the milk in the refrigerator, of course. Then back to the bar to get a spoon,

down to a bowl of cereal.

Demolition was complete.

The worst was over, I thought. But I was unaware of the storm clouds gathering over IKEA, as they prepared to deliver ten thousand cartons and boxes of parts that turned my two-car garage into a one-car garage.

I went into this reconstruction with a minimum of information and no experience. I thought it’d be a fairly straightforward process: take out the old, stick in the new, hook up the water and new garbage disposal, and be slicing, dicing, sautéing and scrambling in no time. Boy, was I in for a surprise.

hoping I get a clean one. Finally I sit at the dining room table with my cereal and coffee - it’s close to noon by now - where I’m surrounded by the contents of drawers and cabinets that no longer exist.

Don’t ask about lunch and dinner. Those are other challenges I meet on a daily basis, unless we go out.

The first step in remodeling is known as Demolition. That word should have given me some clue about what lay ahead. It could rightfully be called Destruction, Annihilation, or Leveling. Bulldozing wouldn’t be far off the mark either. So, two guys showed up on a Monday morning at 8:00. I was not expecting them until Tuesday. No early warning here. I guess they had nothing better to destroy and thought, “Let’s have some laughs.” A good way to start their week, right? Watch an old guy try to clear out every drawer and cabinet in five minutes and find someplace to put it all.

By Wednesday, after their crowbars, hammers, pliers and saw had finished their part of the job, they left. Leaving me with no place to cook or wash dishes or even sit

But a sliver of salvation arrived. A phone call the other day: “Your quartz countertops are ready and will be installed next week.” This is known as a Hallelujah moment. My spirits lifted. Then Ed (the kind of guy who knows how everything works) will hook up the new dishwasher, the garbage disposal, and the water. By the time you read this, Betsey and I will hopefully be enjoying a fully-functional kitchen, more beautiful than the one before, and a source of great pride and many exquisite meals.

Was it worth it? I’ll find out, but am optimistic.

Gerry’s new book, “Selected Writings,” is now available from the author. Email huevista@gmail.com. “…writes with a wit, charm, and irony that walks us through the outer layers of our sensibilities before it opens the door to the spirit of the human heart. An authentic voice.”

– Dennis Fleming, author of “The Girl Who Had No Enemies.”

SIMPLY STUNNING HOME EXTERIORS

PATHWAYS & STEPS

NEED LIGHTING?

GET $500

IN ADDITIONAL LIGHTS With a Purchase of a System of $3000+ Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 7/1/22.

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

BISTRO LIGHTING

COLOR-CHANGING

For over 20 years Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has been America’s #1 choice for professional outdoor illumination.

See how we can transform your home exterior and outdoor living spaces long a er the sun goes down.

C O M P L I M E N TA RY D E S I G N C O N S U LTAT I O N

636-220-6612

OutdoorLights.com

What Do Homeowners Want in a Water Garden?

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

M

CLM

10

any people dream about having a meandering stream or waterfall in their yard. But some find a challenge in knowing where to start and how to choose a water gardening specialist to help them achieve that dream.

Getting a water feature designed and built should be a great experience from beginning to end.

If you have dreamed of having your own water garden, and wonder where to start, here is what the clients of one leading company, Nature’s Re-Creations, and its owner, Chris Siewing, have to say.

area that houses the water feature. The additional materials chosen look as if they were plucked from a river, moss and all!

Every step of the way, Chris took time to explain the process as well as educate us about all things water feature. The time the crew took to finish off the area by replacing some of my plantings and adding mulch was unexpected and very much appreciated.

After settling on the design, Chris sent his skilled crew who executed his design in about a week. We now have a series of beautiful waterfalls cascading over large boulders from our driveway down to the pool. Many thanks to Chris and his team for an excellent job that transformed an ugly, overgrown eyesore into an attractive, low-maintenance water feature that will last for many years.”

–Dave & Karen S. OUR DREAM OF HAVING OUR OWN FISH POND

“I had ‘fish in the ground’ as a teenager, so it has been a lifelong dream of ours to have a real natural looking fish pond. Every June Very professional indeed!” we attend The St. Louis Water Garden –Tom & Linda M. Society’s Pond-O-Rama for two days and PROBLEM LANDSCAPE TURNED have always admired the work of Chris and INTO A BEAUTIFUL WATER his crew.

FEATURE

“After years of wrestling with the landscaping of a steep hill next to our CUSTOM DESIGN TO FIT A swimming pool, we decided to turn it into SPECIFIC SPACE a water feature that would require less planting and maintenance. Chris suggested “We wanted to add a final touch to our woodland style garden that would remind us that we consider something in tune with the of our getaway home along one of Missouri’s limestone bluffs in our area, and he came up with a wonderfully creative design that mid-state rivers. When Chris met with us, he immediately understood what we wanted. exceeded our vision in every way. We were particularly impressed with his choice of His design is a wonderful fit to the small large weathered limestone boulders rather than the smaller, less natural material suggested by others.

Visit our Water

When Chris got to our home, I showed him the location I had in mind for the project. As he started explaining what he thought would work for our area, I just started smiling as I felt like he was reading my mind. I wish you could see our beautiful koi pond that the folks at Nature’s ReCreations installed in our back yard. This guy is incredibly talented and has a great eye for re-creating nature in your yard. We could not possibly be more pleased with the outcome.”

–Rodney & Dimple B.

Features

St. Louis Water Garden Society’s

22st Anniversary Tour of Pond-O-Rama June 25-26, 2022, 9-5 pm each day For more info and tickets: slwgs.org

CHRIS SIEWING is owner and president of Nature’s Re-Creations, nationally recognized as a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor, Missouri’s first Water Garden Excellence Member, first-place winner of the North American Pond and Waterfall Building Competition and in the elite group of Aquascape Artists of the Year recipients.

Nature’s Re-Creations is the area’s leading designer and installer of custom water

features. For over 15 years, they have been committed to high quality design, workmanship and customer satisfaction.

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 Nature's Re-Creations at 636-223-2330 or fill out the contact form at www.Re-createNature.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!

FLAT ROOFS

Commercial/Residential Replacement &Repair

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

$1000 OFF

$50 OFF

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

ROOF & SIDING REPLACEMENT No Job Too Small Licensed and Insured

UP TO

Expires June 30, 2022

ROOF REPAIR

Expires June 30, 2022

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

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

Rainscaping Reduces Erosion and Makes Possible a Beautiful Rain Garden

L A N D S C A P E S

&

E X T E R I O R S

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

CLM

12

R

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

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

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

Instead, rainscaping attacks nuisance water flow at its source, directing ground water in strategically placed swales or channels to be diverted away from foundations into a garden area or a rain garden. Rain barrels connected to downspouts are used to collect water that can be used to irrigate a garden area.

A rain garden is specially constructed where ground water is coursing during heavy rainfalls, designed to alleviate water flow from continuing. The project begins with removing non-permeable soil and replacing it with an

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HUGE SPRING DISCOUNT!

SAVE $200 to $500 Savings based on project size.

Not valid for jobs in progress.

Limit 1 coupon per job.

Expires June 30, 2022.

OLD, GROSS GARAGE OR BASEMENT FLOORS?

We Make Concrete Floors More Attractive than New! Our Decorative Polyaspartic Flake is a permanent and durable resurfacing product available in many colors that can be applied directly over existing concrete – NO NEED TO REPLACE! What makes Archway different: Our Dream Team foremen have 11-16+ years experience installing garage floors.

BEFORE

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TRUSTED SINCE 1987

636-946-6464

WWW.ARCHWAYCOATINGS.COM

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Does Your Home Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

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

T

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

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

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

it, hoping that the settlement won’t continue.

But that requires large holes in the concrete about the diameter of a soda can. It can take an entire day to cure and the mixture itself is heavy – about 100 pounds per cubic foot, which can lead to further sinking.

There is now a great alternative called PolyLEVEL™, which uses a lightweight polyurethane mix that expands to fill the void beneath sunken concrete. This not only results in a solution that lasts longer, but also it looks better because it is less destructive to the applied surface. PolyLEVEL requires a much smaller hole – about the diameter of a penny, cures in 15 minutes and weighs much

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

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

Complete Services to Restore Your Pool Deck

O

ver the winter months, grit, mold and mildew stains leave your concrete pool deck looking dirty.

EnduraCrete® offers a full range of services to get it looking better than ever.

POWER WASHING FOR A FRESH CLEAN DECK

EnduraCrete power washing, using their own customized cleaning solutions, powers through that black build-up and helps maintain an extended clean appearance. It also eliminates the surface slickness that can result in slips and falls.

You can keep it looking its best with an EnduraCrete maintenance program and never see ugly concrete again – for pool deck, sidewalks, and driveway with their auto-visit maintenance programs.

BEAUTIFUL CONCRETE TRANSFORMATIVE SERVICES

EnduraCrete provides a variety of transformative services capable of turning dull gray concrete into a value-added source of pride. Everyone can enjoy the pool deck safely without toasting their toes with EnduraCrete Kool-CreteTM concrete coating. Kool-Crete can reduce your concrete surface temperature by as much as 30 degrees allowing your pool deck to be the refreshing space you envisioned it being on

those hot days.

If you have cracks in your concrete pool deck, you have movement, which means any treatment is going to need to flex with your property. Most coatings systems are designed for a stable surface, and will crack, check and split with underlying movement.

EnduraCrete Deck-a-FlexTM is specifically engineered for such applications with enhanced flexibility. EnduraCrete Deck-AFlex can restore that clean quality cared-for appearance free from cracks and have your patio party-ready in no time.

Their concrete repair, polishing, staining, epoxy coating, Kool-Crete overlays, sealing and anti-slip treatments deliver a customized concrete surface designed to meet your desired look and feel.

Regardless of what problems you encounter with your concrete surfaces, there is a solution. You can call the professionals at EnduraCrete St. Louis at 877-781-5651 for a free at-home estimate or visit www.marblelife-stlouis.com.

Exceptional Interior Painting and Refinishing Kathy Arnold Painting & Refinishing is a professional full-service painting company. We provide extraordinary interior painting, kitchen cabinet refinishing and carpentry.

We have over 35 years’ experience and are considered one of the best residential painters in St. Louis. We can add architectural features like crown molding, fluted columns and picture frame trim, to give ordinary surfaces new dimension and interest.

Let us give your home new personality, charm and a truly distinctive appearance. We are happy to provide excellent references.

If Your Home is Settling, Don’t Panic.

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

F

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.

Let Classic Buildings Build You an Attractive Shed, Studio or Playhouse Have you been thinking about a garden shed to store your tools, pots, lawn equipment; a small guest house, ancillary office for your home or business? Classic Buildings provides custom built solutions for residential and commercial users needing affordable on site space. 100% financing available.

To get started, call or email today!

Ed Hall Portable Building Specialist 314-392-2402 Ed@ClassicBuildingSales.com

3740 W. Clay Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

gy tax credit, an Ameren rebate, and accelerated depreciation benefits, Kilfoy reduced the cost of his solar PV energy system by 70%.

Going solar helps the bottom line and a more sustainable world.

M

H O M E

ichael Kilfoy has a lot to worry about in the course of day. As the head of Studio X, a branding and marketing agency nestled in the heart of downtown Maplewood, Michael juggles photography shoots, graphic design projects, and client meetings. But he can cross off his energy supply as a source of worry, because Michael and Studio X have been powered by solar energy for the last two years.

CLM

16

“This is what the future is”, said Kilfoy, speaking about his rooftop solar array. Eighteen black solar modules cover the roof and generate over 75% of his energy needs throughout the year. He expects the system to pay for itself in 7 years. “After that, it is all free energy”, he explained. With the federal renewable ener-

The solar PV system was installed by StraightUp Solar, a local turn-key solar design, installation, and maintenance provider, headquartered in Maryland Heights. Founded in 2006, by Dr. Dane Glueck, StraightUp Solar’s design and installation portfolio of 1,700 projects range from small residential rooftop systems to large municipal and commercial ground-mount installations. Certified as a B Corporation, which documents their commitment to balance profit and purpose, the company’s mission is to inspire a solar tribe to create a more sustainable world.

Kilfoy is happy about his no-maintenance energy source, but it’s not just the $10 energy bills that put a smile on his face. “This is smart.

And it’s good to do”, he said. “Technology is going this way and it is just the right thing to do right now. We are helping change things for the better.”

To learn how your home or business can save energy costs and add value, you can contact StraightUp Solar at 314-310-7614 and ask for a free customized solar assessment.

Oxygène Landscape Design

We Design & Create Outdoor Spaces Inspired for Every Season.

We approach each project from an artistic position, providing site-specific designs to improve your outdoor living experience.

We create designs specific to the personality of your home and property.

Our Design & Build Services: Landscape Designs: Partial or Entire Property Retaining Walls

Patios & Fire Pits Decks Fencing: Wood & Aluminum

Jamey Edgerton Mobile: 314.773.9208 Jamey@OxygeneDesigns.com More about us: www.OxygeneDesigns.com

Bringing West Coast Vibes & Designs to Mid-West Outdoor Living

Don’t Replace – Reface Your Kitchen and Save!

Cabinet Refacing * Custom Countertops * Tile Backsplash

WE’RE FOLLOWING

CDC GUIDELINES

★

Try our KITCHEN VISUALIZER at www.ClassicKitchenRefacing.com

20% OFF

A Full Kitchen Remodeling Expires 6/30/22

Refacing costs less than half of tear out remodel. Hundreds of door styles and colors to choose from. Add a custom counter top and tile backsplash for a totally updated kitchen.

Call now for a FREE in-home Design Consultation and Quote

314-470-5010

The Green Home Coach

BY MARL A ESSE R CLOOS

MARLA ESSER CLOOS, NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, Wellness Within Your Walls Certified Professional and LEED AP, is the principal of Green Home Coach where she uses her "superpowers" to help home professionals and inhabitants to discover and create better homes for healthier, more comfortable lives. Making simple swaps to green and sustainable choices helps create better homes – a bit at a time in existing homes or all at once for new and remodeled homes. Find more at GreenHomeCoach.com and @greenhomecoach on FB and IG

What do a Missouri Winery and Your Backyard Have in Common?

LEARNING FROM MISSOURI WINERIES – APPLYING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TO OUR OWN YARDS AND GARDENS

W

ine making has advanced over the millennia, yet good wine still comes from good grapes and good wine-making practices. While practices have changed to accommodate mass wine consumption, as has big agriculture, many wine growers and wineries are turning to sustainable wine growing practices for better wine and better stewardship of the land.

H O M E

Missouri wine country, just west of St. Louis, is America’s first wine region. In the mid-19th century, immigrants from Germany’s Rhine River valley planted vineyards and created a wine culture that continues to blossom today.

CLM

18

Many wine growers in Missouri and other regions practice a variety of sustainable efforts. The Wine Institute says sustainable vineyard and winery practices conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, preserve local ecosystems and wildlife, as well as benefit people and the community.

Drip irrigation systems are a favorite for conserving water. This precise method of watering provides water right where it is needed. The use of energy efficient machinery and renewable energy for harvesting and production facilities helps reduce energy usage.

For soil health and integrated pest management, animals like sheep and chickens wander the rows of grapevines to help control weeds and pests. Growing grass, cover crops or pollinator habitats in the vineyards help add nutrients to the soil and prevent soil erosion.

Many of the sustainable and good-ecology practices that wine growers use are easily adopted by homeowners in yards and gardens. Consider how your garden grows – with sun and rain and wind and rich soil.

Using many of the same techniques as wine growers will help your garden grow even better.

CONSERVE WATER. Drip irrigation is

a go-to for many vineyards and is a great solution in home gardens. We installed a drip system in our garden and put it on a timer for easy, set it and forget it watering.

CONSERVE ENERGY. Reduce mowing,

mow with electric or better yet, don’t mow.

Many homeowners are choosing to have more garden area, including edible gardens and native plants, and less lawn. If you have a lawn, irrigate wisely, and consider drought resistant grasses that require no chemicals and mowing only once or twice a month. Beautiful and easy!

MAINTAIN HEALTHY SOIL. Grow-

ing cover crops and augmenting soil with compost are just two ways of maintaining and improving healthy soil. Hearty plants grow from healthy soil. When mowing, use a mulching lawn mower and leave the lawn clippings. Removing the grass clippings

actually depletes the soil of nutrition and organic matter. Less work for better soil and lawn.

PROTECT AIR QUALITY. More and more vineyards are harvesting by hand, which reduces the emissions of large equipment. Switching to human powered yard and garden mowing and tools protects our air quality and provides exercise to boot.

PROTECT WATER QUALITY. Many wineries have ditched the chemical fertilizers and pest control. Eliminating (or even reducing) the chemical additives prevents runoff getting into our watershed. Many organic fertilizer options are available, as well as natural practices for better plants without compromising water quality. Companion plant veggies and herbs with flowers for some soul-warming beauty while keeping away unwanted pests without pesticides.

PRESERVE LOCAL SYSTEMS AND WILDLIFE. Vineyards often choose plants

that work in harmony with nature. Plants that thrive in your climate require little maintenance or water, attract wildlife, and help control invasive species. Native plants are even better. They don’t need chemicals, fertilizer, or water. They save you water, time, and money while providing a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Most of all, native plants don’t need you to spend a lot of time working in the garden.

You don’t have to rip up your yard to start a native plant project – you can do one section at a time. Your local nursery likely carries beautiful and hardy native plants and can provide guidance as well.

Mount Pleasant Winery mountpleasant.com, in Augusta, Missouri practices sustainable viticulture and employs several of these practices. Let me know when you want to go – I’d be delighted to meet you there, especially if it includes a ride on the Katy Trail.

P.S. Get more ideas in my Landscape for Energy Efficiency Quick Guide greenhomecoach.com/yard-and-garden.

You have probably heard of and seen epoxy coatings, but may not be familiar with a newer product called polyaspartic. It is similar in appearance, but there are advantages of the newer material, which until now has been used primarily in commercial settings. Polyaspartic coatings were first devel-

oped for steel bridges for their corrosion-resistant properties.

In addition to greater strength, two advantages of polyaspartic concrete coatings are their quick drying time and nearly odorless emissions after application. These innovations make them more versatile than traditional epoxy. The coating has a clear, glossy finish and decorative color chips are added for a bolder look and traction materials are added for a non-slip texture. Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic is always formulated to be colorfast, so the color won’t fade or yellow, even after extended exposure to UV rays.

That means your garage will keep looking great longer.

Archway Industrial Coatings, Inc. is a St. Louis-based company with many years of experience in quality concrete coatings, both commercial and residential. They are leaders in polyaspartic flooring solutions that withstand the test of time, while meeting their customers’ installation schedules and budgets.

Archway is committed to doing the highest quality work at the lowest cost. Their installers are employed directly by Archway, the highly trained “Dream Team” craftsmen who know the difference between a job and a job well done. You can now take advantage of their Spring discounts.

For a free estimate you can call them at 636-946-6464 and learn more about them at www.archwaycoatings.com.

H O M E

I

f you are tired of your old, gross concrete garage or basement floor, you should know about the new generation of attractive coatings that go right over your concrete to give you a fresh, attractive shiny surface that stays looking great because it is much easier to maintain than a dull concrete surface.

Polyaspartic coatings can be applied in a variety of weather and temperature conditions, so you won’t need to wait. They cure within 30 minutes to an hour vs. about 16 hours for epoxy, so you can more quickly get back to your life. Polyaspartic dries hard, but maintains some flexibility, which helps keep a stain, abrasion, chip and scratch-resistant finish. It is also chemical, mold, mildew and salt resistant.

19 CLM

The Newer, Better Way to Make and Keep Garage and Basement Floors Attractive

Getting Your Floors to Look Their Best S O LU TI O N S O F F E R E D BY M A R B L E LI F E ® I M P R OV E A P P E A R A N C E A N D AVO I D CO S T LY R E P L AC E M E N T. CONCRETE CAN LOOK SPECTACULAR

Plain, stained, chipped or cracked concrete on porches, pool decks, in garages or basements is subject to further staining and damage. But it can be made to look spectacular.

MARBLELIFE EnduraCrete can densify, seal, polish, grind, color and design concrete to look like premium flooring, much easier to maintain than untreated concrete.

They can also be treated to be anti-slip without sacrificing design or appearance.

TILE AND GROUT SHOULD BE CLEAN AND HEALTHY

Stained grout and tile are frustrating to clean and can be unhealthy. If your shower or floor seal or grout fails, it is soaking up dirt and bacteria with each mopping.

More than just looking better, a new, uniform color for tile and grout can be healthier.

Marblelife provides a clean gloss appearance that will not harbor mold or mildew, and provides a layer of protection across grout lines.

STONE FLOORS NEED PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Marble, granite, terrazzo, limestone, travertine and other natural stone are luxurious and durable surfaces, but not indestructible. Foot traffic and inappropriate cleaning products make it susceptible to stains, spills, scratches and damage. They need proper periodic maintenance to keep their natural beauty.

Dull and damaged stone surfaces can regain their natural appearance with professional cleaning, restoration and

International Institute of St. Louis Leads the Way in Welcoming Refugees The International Institute of St. Louis provides opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive, in order to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for every individual in our community.

These opportunities span all facets of life, family, health, community, career, culture, and much more. We know that when our

neighbors thrive, our region thrives and when our region prospers, we have even more chances to prosper.

We aspire to make St. Louis an inclusive, diverse, welcoming, and prosperous region – a region that provides equitable opportunities for everyone whether they be

protection that also minimize potential for future damage.

WOOD FLOORS CAN LOOK LIKE NEW

Wax buildup on wood floors traps dirt and yellows, but it can be removed with a professional cleaning. Light wear within the protective finish is screened and re-coated, usually in one day. Damaged, heavily worn or deeply scratched floors call for sanding, re-staining and re-sealing, taking a few days.

Regardless of what problems you encounter with concrete, tile, stone or wood floor surfaces, there is a solution. You can call the professionals at MARBLELIFE St. Louis at 888-254-9488 for a free at-home estimate, or visit their website marblelife-stlouis.com.

from Afghanistan, Ukraine, or anywhere around the world. For more than 100 years, the International Institute of St. Louis has strived to serve, advocate, connect, diversify, and build community for the future of St. Louis and beyond. 2021 was a historic year, welcoming nearly 200 families to the St. Louis region.

Plan to attend the International Institute’s Festival of Nations on August 28 & 29 in Tower Grove Park.

To learn more and to support our efforts supporting refugees, visit us at www.iistl.org.

CLM

21

H O M E

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 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.

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.

22

OVERHEAD STORAGE

CLM

H O M E

T

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.

INTERIOR PAINTING

EXTERIOR PAINTING

County House Washing & Painting Keeps Homes Looking Their Best Award-winning service for over 30 years.

The wide variety of services we offer at County House Washing & Painting are all A-rated and award winning.

Our own skilled staff of painters, power washers, handymen and carpenters all take great pride in their finished product – exterior siding and concrete, decks, fences, roofs and fine interiors. Commercial as well as residential.

We are locally owned, fully insured, an A+ Rated Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau, and an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner in five categories. We are happy to share many references from our customers.

STAINING & SEALING

Please call us for a free estimate at your home.

636-394-0013 POWER WASHING & SEALING

countyhousewashing.com

THE SMART CHOICE FOR UPDATING YOUR KITCHEN

Consider Refacing Instead of Replacing

I

f you’re looking for a fresh new look for your kitchen, you may not need to go to the expense and mess of tearing out and replacing your old cabinets. If they are structurally sound, you can get a completely new look in a much less time and at a fraction of the cost by refacing all visible surfaces of the cabinets instead of building new ones.

PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM You will have literally hundreds of door styles and colors to choose from, and many options to explore. A few of the most popular options include crown molding, pull out storage in the base cabinets, glass door fronts, and under-

cabinet dimmable LED lighting. Ask about the build-up option that allows us to add to the top of your cabinet to make a standard 30” cabinet into a 42” tall wall cabinet.

Custom counter tops and tile backsplash combine to offer a complete package. A totally new and updated kitchen.

ADVANTAGES OF REFACING Cabinet refacing provides a neat, clean installation, and is usually less than half the cost of a total tear out remodel. In most cases the cabinets can be refaced, counter top replaced, and a new backsplash installed in one week.

Many of us have friends that have had total tear out remodels. Ask them how long it took for the remodel. Then ask the cost.

HOW IT WORKS

Classic Kitchen Refacing LLC has been the St. Louis area’s leader in cabinet refacing for years.

They can help you make all the decisions in design and selection of coordinating countertops and hardware to give your kitchen a completely new look. You can call them for a free in-home estimate at 314-470-5010.

In refacing, doors are replaced and all exposed surface are covered with matching ¼ inch hardwood or panels. Additional cabinets can be added. With all new doors, new soft close hinges and all new handles or knobs, your kitchen will be completely updated.

WOOD FLOORS CAN LOOK LIKE NEW!

The experts at WOODLIFE can restore and maintain the natural beauty of your wood floors, just like new!

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR WOOD FLOOR’S APPEARANCE? Wax buildup traps dirt and yellows, we remove it with a professional cleaning.

Light wear within the protective finish is screened and re-coated, usually in one day with no dust and minimal odors.

Damaged, heavily worn or deeply scratched floors are sanded, re-stained and resealed, in just a few days.

BEFORE

AFTER

Marble | Granite | Tile & Grout | Terrazzo | Travertine | Stone | Wood | Concrete

888-570-7090 Call Now for a FREE Quote!

STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

www.MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.com 150+ HHHHH Google Reviews

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 previous-

ly 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.

MAX: 40’ X 15’

10% OFF

if FREE appointment is booked before May 31, 2022

SUNESTA.CO M

The Basement Egress Window

F

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

RESTORE & MAINTAIN THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF YOUR FLOORS, COUNTERS & SHOWERS

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

JUST LIKE NEW!

Marble | Granite | Tile & Grout | Terrazzo | Travertine | Stone | Wood | Concrete

888-388-7730 FREE

150+ HHHHH Google Reviews

Call Now for a FREE Quote! www.MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.com

6 Month After Care Cleaning Supply

Surround Your Home with the Landscaping It Deserves We can enhance your home with creative landscape design and installation: patios, walls, walkways, water features, rock gardens, firepits & fireplaces, stone and mortar.

Also, erosion and drainage control and bio-swale solutions. All lawn care, plant bed maintenance, mulching and leaf clean-up. Snow plowing and ice management.

Let us create a custom design and maintenance plan for your unique needs.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

636-220-4911 See our gallery at suburbiastl.com

­ ­

EMBEDDED GRAVEL FINISH

fontanapaving@sbcglobal.net

A Personal Trainer is the Key to Achieving Your Goals

SO LVI N G TH E TH R E E BAR R I E R S TO R E ACH I N G YO U R D E S I R E D WE I G HT, STR E N GTH AN D AP P E AR AN CE

BY B RET KLIETH E RM ES

BRET KLIETHERMES is owner of STRONG HUMAN FITNESS LLC, a personal training company that offers Complete Fitness Programs to help his clients reach their personal health and fitness goals. Bret has a Bachelor 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 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 314-6919040, email bret@stronghumanfitness.com or visit www.stronghumanfitness.com.

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 com-

prehensive 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!

H E A LT H

&

F I T N E S S

Bret works with clients at The Fitness Partner, Inc., a boutique gym located at 14528 South Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield 63017. For 25 years, owner/operator Randy Stone has offered a more private alternative to the large box gyms that are often noisy and overcrowded. Now Bret has purchased The Fitness Partner, and Randy continues to train his clients there.

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.

CLM

THE FITNESS PARTNE R GYM IS NOW OPE N , AND THE Y ARE OBSE RVING ST. LOUIS COUNT Y HEALTH GUIDE LINES TO PROTECT 28 CLIE NTS AND STAFF.

CARRIE SHAUGHNESSY, down 25

JOHN BOYLE, down 15 lbs and 3 inches in

pounds so far and still losing!

waist - and not finished yet!

H Y P N OTH E R APY CA S E STU DY #7:

Becoming More Kind, Patient and Tolerant

BY J OAN K R U EG E R , CE R TI FI E D H Y P N OTH E R AP I ST

With all that is going on in the world, and the daily stresses that we encounter in our lives, sometimes it can be a challenge to be kind and understanding.

JOAN KRUEGER has a private practice with an office in Kirkwood. Many individuals have achieved their behavior change goals, both personal and professional, through guidance they have received in her hypnosis sessions. You can contact Joan to discuss how hypnosis could help you achieve positive change in your own life by calling her at (314) 962-7558, emailing her at jfkhypnosis@charter.net or visiting her website www.jfkhypnosis.com.

I had a chiropractor come into my office that I know personally. When you walk into his office there is an atmosphere of happiness and peace. He treats every patient with the utmost respect.

What he wanted to work on was being more kind, patient and tolerant. I was shocked. He told me that he uses all those traits in his office with his clients but at home in the evening he would be short and impatient and far less tolerant with his wife and children than he would like to be.

At a logical level, he knew that he should be treating his wife and children exactly the way he treated each and every patient that he sees. However, when he got home, he would be tired and little things would create irritation.

During his session, I showed him that his mind could enable him to do things differently. I gave

him a suggestion that his arm was beginning to get light and starting to float up from the chair. When he saw that his mind had the ability to create that change for him, I was able to go into some suggestions that it was obviously an ability that he had.

His mind had just not caused him to use that ability in the past. Then I gave him suggestions that he also had the ability to be kind and patient and tolerant.

They were traits that he used in his office every day.

Because he already had those abilities, it was very easy for his mind to expand those abilities into his home life.

As life will do, he had the opportunity to experience that patience and tolerance with his daughters a day or so later. He was extremely pleased with his ability to deal with the situation in a calm and peaceful way.

Many people want to do things differently, but they just don’t know how. Hypnosis can show you.

If you’d like more information, please feel free to call me.

NEED A CONCRETE ‘MAKEOVER’?

We have been transforming plain and boring concrete to beautiful, durable surfaces for over 37 years. Let us design and install a masterpiece at your home.

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

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

– Joe Stangl

Garage Floors

Patios

Pool Decks

Interior Floors

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

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

– Steve and Ann Proscino

Our 37th Anniversary Special: Save up to $500 off your job.

Savings based on 10% off of DCR work. New clients only. One offer per customer. Must be presented at time of estimate. Offer expires 6/30/22.

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

Authentic Mexican Cuisine Served in the Heart of Maplewood.

Amazing Food.

Delicious Margaritas.

Wonderful Atmosphere.

Outdoor Dining on 2 Patios.

H E A LT H

&

F I T N E S S

(314) 282-0408 2726 Sutton Blvd.

Maplewood, MO 63143 casamayastl.com

CLM

30

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

W

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

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.

Finest Custom Table Pads at Factory-Direct Prices The way to insure perfect 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, 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 OF ST. LOUIS Phone: 314-752-5577 Email: thetablepadman@gmail.com

314-470-6858

Breathe Easier Using Salt Room Therapy

W

hen Clay Juracsik started The St. Louis Salt Room over 10 years ago, it was partially as a therapy for his daughter.

She had severe asthma and he saw that it was taking a toll on her health. He was looking for something that could help her and make her less dependent on the drugs she needed to take.

Clay had studied halotheraphy and learned of its many benefits, and even traveled to Europe and Russia to visit other salt spas to learn everything he could about them.

Her breathing improved quickly and after several months found that she was able to cut the need for her meds by 90%. “Halotherapy has made her lungs much healthier. It made a huge difference. It made me more of a believer than I already was,” Clay said. “She hasn't needed medication in a long time.”

A HISTORY OF BENEFIT

Halotherapy chambers have been popular in Europe and are now seeing popularity in the

United States. Salt has been used for thousands of years to treat a long list of common ailments.

It was discovered in the mid-1800s that people who worked in the salt mines of Poland and surrounding countries had a remarkably low rate of respiratory illnesses. Soon a clinic was placed within one of these salt mines, which is still in operation today. In order to simulate the therapeutic effects within salt mines, spas emulating salt caves were built on the surface, where people would visit routinely to breathe the air which was saturated with beneficial salt particles and negatively-charged ions.

Recently, engineers created a device called a Halo-generator, which not only simulates the conditions in salt mines, but accelerates the effect. A salt aerosol fills the air with tiny particles, which have been clinically proven to deliver the most optimal results.

FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN

Halotherapy is beneficial to people of all ages, and actually children often experience the

greatest results. Salt Therapy is recommended for those who suffer from respiratory ailments like Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, and even allergies. Many people use it to lower their stress and relieve fatigue and depression.

Athletes use it to optimize their breathing and improve circulation.

ST. LOUIS’ FIRST SALT SPA

The St. Louis Salt Room was the first Salt Spa in the Midwest (fifth the in the U.S.) and has many regular clients, including some doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.

They are located at 2739 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood, just 3 blocks south of Manchester.

To learn more about how the St. Louis Salt Room can help you, visit www.mysaltspa.com.

You can call (314) 647-2410 to schedule an appointment.

FROM DULL CONCRETE TO BEAUTIFUL ARTISTIC FLOORS

Have MARBLELIFE EnduraCrete add beauty and value to your home by transforming your concrete floors!

Transform dull gray concrete floors to vibrant colors and designs at a fraction of the price of new tiling or colored concrete.

Whether refinishing a basement or garage floor, colored stains coupled with a polished or satin finish provide endless possibilities.

BEFORE

BEFORE

Get the freedom of colors, designs and finishing styles.

MARBLELIFE EnduraCrete craftsmen can emulate just about any look you can dream up.

FREE

6 Month After Care Cleaning Supply

AFTER

AFTER 150+ HHHHH Google Reviews

Marble | Granite | Tile & Grout | Terrazzo | Travertine | Stone | Wood | Concrete Call to schedule your free on-site estimate

888-570-7090

STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

www.MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.com

ensure smooth sailing.

MEET THE PEOPLE WHO

Join us for a tour when you can watch our gifted, friendly, amazingly talented team members – from Executive Director to food servers to maintenance pros – in action. You’ll see how they keep our senior living community running smoothly – as a well-connected family of mutual respect, support and love.

COME SEE

how we do it.

Schedule your visit around a meal time or activity to get the best view of the action.

TESSON HEIGHTS Independent Living & Assisted Living

12335 W. Bend Drive

DES PERES

Assisted Living & Memory Care

12826 Daylight Circle

Call now to schedule your tour

(314) 597-9910

(314) 748-0151

Visit us at CedarhurstTesson.com and CedarhurstDesPeres.com The Cedarhurst PromiseTM We promise. If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll give you a complete refund.* *Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete refund includes base rent, level of care charges, and community fee. Ancillary services fees (ex. additional transportation, pet fees and laundry charges) do not qualify for refund. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact community for additional details. Void where prohibited.

Getting junk out of your life, keeping it out of landfills.

HERE’S HOW WE DO IT:

$25 OFF

ON A 1/4 TRUCK OR MORE

Booking appointments now!. Limit one per household. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. Tax not included.

1. SCHEDULE – Call or visit our website to schedule same or next day appointment.

2. ARRIVAL – We’ll arrive within an agreed 2-hour window and call when we’re on our way.

3. ESTIMATE AND GREEN GUARANTEES – We’ll provide a free no-obligation quote for what you want moved.

4. IMMEDIATE REMOVAL – Upon agreement, our team will remove your items immediately.

5. DONATIONS, RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING – We will donate as much as possible and send you a tax receipt. We’ll try to recycle or upcycle the rest.

Give us a call, and we will haul!

1-800-LUG-JUNK • JUNKLUGGERS.COM

Our service includes:

Residential, commercial, offices, storage units, warehouses, real estate and property management, construction, curbside pick-up, help for hoarders and more!

We remove furniture, appliances, household / office items, e-waste, and construction materials.

EVENTS

Spring Activities & Events Take advantage of these wonderful events. Make this the year you get back out and enjoy the special festivals and entertainment events across the St. Louis metro area.

PLEASE NOTE: These events were still scheduled as of press time. Check websites for updates.

M UCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

FOOD TRUCK E VE NT

Shakespeare Festival June 1-26 8pm nightly except Mondays Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park sfstl.com

Tuesday May 17 5-8pm Blanchette Park, St. Charles stcharlesparks.com

L AFAYET TE SQ UAR E GAR DE N TOU R

TASTE OF MAPLE WOOD

May 20 6-10pm May 21 noon-8pm Sutton Blvd maplewood-chamber.com SOUTH G R AN D MAKE RS P OP U P

Ritz Park, South Grand Sunday, May 22 10am-2pm

June 4 lafayettesquare.org O ’ FALLON ’ S FOOD TRUCK FR E NZ Y

G E TAWAYS

SOUTH G R AN D MAKE RS P OP U P

Ritz Park, South Grand Sunday, June 19 10am-2pm ST. LOU IS WATE R GAR DE N SOCIET Y P ON D - O R AMA TOU R

various locations June 25 and 26 slwgs.org

Wednesdays: June-August mobot.org/whitaker

IN DE PE N DE NCE DAY WE BSTE R ARTS FAIR

July 4

June 5-7 Webster Groves webster-arts.org ART OUTSIDE

CLM

Thursday, June 16, 5-10pm South Grand Business District southgrand.org

June 3 Sports Park O’Fallon, MO ofallon.mo.us

WHITAKE R M USIC FESTIVAL

34

SOUTH G R AN D DIN E AROU N D R ESTAU R ANT CR AWL

Alternative Art Fair May 27-29 Schlafly Bottleworks schlafly.com/artoutside

FOU N DRY ART CE NTE R B LOCK PART Y

June 11 St. Charles Foundryartcentre.org FATH E RS DAY

M E MORIAL DAY

Sunday, June 19

Monday, May 31

Tuesday June 21

FIRST DAY OF SU M M E R

LET TH E M E AT ART

Friday July 8 6-10pm Historic Downtown Maplewood cityofmaplewood.com/fun

Augusta –

The New Global Destination

F

or many generations, Augusta, Missouri has been a sleepy, quaint, rural village attracting families and friends from all over the state to enjoy the delicious wines from grapes grown among the breathtaking rolling hills.

Now, fast forward to 2022 where plans are unfolding to make Augusta a national treasure. All this can be attributed to the vision of Washington, Missouri natives David and Jerri Hoffmann, founders of the Hoffmann Family of Companies. During a personal interview with CEO David Hoffmann, I was able to learn in greater detail about what motivates and drives him to create and enhance all of their endeavors.

G E TAWAYS

FROM FARMER TO GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUR

CLM

36

From humble beginnings, David Hoffmann grew up on a dairy farm in the Washington area, just 10 miles from Augusta, which taught him the value of hard work, integrity and dreaming big. “I used to get milk from the farmers when I was a little kid 12 or 13 years old. My dad drove a milk truck.

We would go get the milk about 3:30 a.m. from the farmers – 55 gallons of milk – and bring it down to the Missouri Valley Creamery to process the milk. Then my dad and I delivered fresh milk door to door at 4:00 a.m. each morning. It was a lot of work – but has turned into a labor of love for me.

I developed an entrepreneurial spirit early on and have never looked back!”

High school sweethearts who met at the age of 15, David and Jerri have now been married for 50 years this year. They have three children and 12 grandchildren. Two sons, Greg and Geoff, are key players in the Hoffmann enterprises. Besides Augusta, Photo at right by Carmen Troesser

DAVID HOFFMANN SHARES HIS VISION IN A PERSONAL INTERVIEW

BY CAROL KINDINGER

The Hoffmanns have taken a keen interest in further developing and expanding Missouri’s wine industry, which was the first American Viticultural Area in the U.S., before NAPA Valley and Sonoma, into a world-wide destination. In fact, they are investing $150 million into Augusta, renovating wineries, buildings and the downtown area back to the glory days they were when they were built back in the 1800’s, and to be more aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Hoffmann shared that the Mount Pleasant cellars had been closed for 20 years to the public and are now open and part of the Augusta Vineyard Tours, a once in a lifetime experience that takes you through the vineyards on your own John Deere Gator ATV, then to the Augusta Winery bottling facilities and ending with a private tour through the wide tunnels and 160-year-old hand carved cellars, where dinners and special events can be enjoyed.

Their Augusta wineries, Montelle Winery, Mount Pleasant Estates, Augusta Winery and Balducci Vine-

“We will continuously provide new things and new experiences in Wine Country.

GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS “My vision includes making Augusta a global destination. We will continuously provide new attractions and new experienc-

A farm has been created, nestled within the vineyards that features goats, Clydesdales, cattle and much more for families to enjoy.

“It’s pretty cool,” says Mr. Hoffmann.

The Hoffmann Family of Companies also purchased the historic Emmaus Homes complex and acreage in nearby Marthasville, formerly a seminary consisting of 50 acres and 10 buildings.

A lot of progress has been made that includes restoring buildings to create employee housing. Buildings that were not significant - built in the 70’s and with no architectural

G E TAWAYS

PUTTING MISSOURI WINES ON THE MAP

yards, are fully operational and open nearly es in America's first Wine Country. With over 1,500 acres of vineyards, in addition every day of the year with the exception of to the four wineries, some of our plans are a few holidays, and they are selling wine, a already underway and soon to be completlot of it. In fact, wine sales are up 25% from ed. These include a women’s clothing store; last year and sales tax revenue in the town a 60-room 5-star hotel and conference of Augusta is up over 400%. Currently, center in the heart of they ship wines to IlliAugusta; guest cottages, nois, Indiana and a lot a hostel along the Katy in Florida – with plans Trail; hunting lodge; to expand into Mich12-hole championship igan soon and more. golf course; art gallery; They plan to distribute restaurants; world-class their wines both domesspa; luxury yacht sailing tically and internationthe Missouri River, and ally. Mr. Hoffmann said, so much more.”

“We are going to put Missouri wines on the Augusta has always map. At this time, our played an important biggest fear is running role as a wedding desout of wine. We are tination, and now the – David Hoffmann currently having to buy plans are to enhance grapes from other vinethat capability. It’s yards in Missouri just to important to note that keep up with demand, the Hoffmanns always make certain that because we only use Missouri grapes and the facilities and amenities meet their do not blend with grapes from other parts standards – referred to as the “Hoffmann of the country.”

Standard of Excellence.”

37 CLM

the Hoffmann Family of Companies are active in well-known communities, such as Naples, Florida; Winnetka, Illinois; Avon, Colorado; and most recently, Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With 7,000 employees worldwide, the company has spread globally into a variety of sectors, including professional services, hospitality and entertainment, agriculture, golf, real estate, and manufacturing and distribution. (Visit HoffmannFamilyofCompanies.com/portfolio for full listing)

interest - have been removed. Development will include an 18-room boutique hotel and a winery on that campus, which will constitute their fifth winery to date and called The Chateau Hoffmann.

There are a lot of similarities between what the Hoffmanns are doing in Augusta and how they transformed Naples, Florida, which is a popular winter destination for many Missourians. They went to Naples about six years ago and to date have acquired 37 different properties and over 35 business operations, making them the largest private investor of commercial real estate in Naples, like the area communities they’ve invested in as well. Aesthetically they brought the buildings all up to the Hoffmann Standard of Excellence, installed over a million dollars in sculptures, a trolley system (did that in Augusta as well) and attracted a lot of new businesses and restaurants – which is also happening in Augusta. They also own two golf courses, the Hertz Arena and Everblades hockey team and the Naples Princess luxury yacht (identical to 150-passenger “Miss Augusta” now in service in Augusta, Missouri).

Their efforts in Avon, Colorado at the foot of Beaver Creek and on Chicago’s North Shore occurred in a very similar fash-

ion. And, with their recent acquisition of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, they have similar plans in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“We will continuously provide new things and new experiences in America's first Wine Country. A couple examples are that, to our knowledge, we have the only trolley system in the country that goes through the vineyards. And, we have the only luxury yacht in the U.S. that takes you up and down the Missouri River through Wine Country. In fact, some unique experiences will only be available in Augusta that you can’t do anywhere else in the world,” says David Hoffmann.

When asked if the COVID pandemic altered their timeline, Mr. Hoffmann indicated it had slowed their progress down around 120 days. “Some employees got COVID and some key people were reluctant to travel that we needed from other parts of the country, such as assistance with certain aspects of the hotel. We certainly hope the pandemic is behind us now.”

IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS JoAnn Milster, President of the Augusta Chamber of Commerce, told me that the Chamber is very supportive of the Hoff-

mann Family of Companies’ efforts in their community. She feels it will elevate the town – bringing in a lot more revenue by attracting many tourists. Ms. Milster is especially pleased that the Hoffmanns converted the Emporium back to a general store as it had been many years ago. It helps that the trolley stops there so visitors can shop for souvenirs, gifts, picnic items, snacks and even wines from all four of their wineries.

Even after many years in business, David Hoffmann is like the “Energizer Bunny.”

While most people could be comfortable by just resting on their laurels, that is not the case with him. He has projects all over the world going on all the time. Throughout my interview with Mr. Hoffmann, I could hear the excitement in his voice. I asked, what drives him to continue growing and expanding his businesses? He replied, “It’s a passion! It’s fun! I would rather do it than play golf! It’s a family business that has worked well for us – a lifetime deal. We’ll keep growing it forever!”

Why not head on out to Augusta and explore all the new attractions while enjoying Missouri’s fine wines! Check out www.

VisitAugustaMO.com for all there is to do with the Hoffmanns in Augusta.

SHOP P ING RIVER CRUISES WINE TAST ING GUEST COT TAGES BIKE RENTALS WINE T RO LLEYS WEDDINGS F INE DINING & BIST ROS VINEYARD & CELL AR TOURS AND SO MUCH MORE

Celebrating Stone Hill Winery’s 175th Anniversary and Best Winery of the Midwest Award STONE HILL WINERY’S LEGACY stablished in 1847, Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, is the state’s oldest and most awarded winery. The historic winery was once the second largest winery in the United States until Prohibition.

Reopened in 1965 by Jim and Betty Held, it reestablished the Missouri wine industry and continues to produce wines from their own vineyards in and around Hermann.

G E TAWAYS

E CLM

40

eration of the Held family and celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2022. A full day of events open to the public are scheduled to celebrate this special landmark anniversary on June 11, 2022 starting at 10am. Live German music will begin at 10:30am, followed with a Bluegrass band at 1pm.

Tours can be enjoyed every hour, as well as Q&A with the winery leaders and winemakers. There will also be barrel making demonstrations throughout the day. You won’t want to miss all the fun, lots of good food, drinks and wine specials at 1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann, Missouri.

The property has been restored to showMIDWEST LIVING MAGAZINE case its original German American BEST WINERY AWARD mid-18th-century architecture. Tours of Another great accomplishment is Stone the underground cellar system, the largest Hill Winery has been named Midwest Livseries of arched underground cellars in ing Magazine’s Best Winery in their 2022 the country, are a must-see. As you walk Best of the Midwest edition. The magazine through the cellars, you will see firsthand focuses on highlighting the best of food and how wine is made. The Vintage 1847 drink, travel, wellness, and culture to share Restaurant is a unique culinary destination. their favorite destinations of the year.

Focusing on German and American cuisine, it is situated within the original barn and “It is an exceptional honor to be named the horse stables. The Sherry House is the event space and hosts live music on weekends. It is the perfect place to sit and relax with a glass of wine looking over the vineyards and the rolling hills of Hermann.

175TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT Stone Hill Winery proudly remains owned and operated by the 2nd and 3rd gen-

Best Midwest Winery by Midwest Living.

Since my parents re-started the winery in 1965, their mission, and ours still today, is to always create the highest quality wines along with fantastic memories for every guest that visits. We love welcoming guests every day to our winery and introducing them to our region’s unique wine heritage.

Looking at this year’s other winners, we are humbled to be in exceptional company and are deeply proud to be a standard bearer of Missouri and the Midwest for national and international visitors,” said Jon Held, President of Stone Hill Winery.

With 50 winners selected in 2022, Stone Hill Winery was chosen out of the over 1100+ wineries across the Midwest as the recipient of Food and Drink – Best Winery award.

“This is such a wonderful accolade to receive.

We are constantly striving to champion the uniqueness of this region’s grapes and wines, so it is fantastic to be recognized as one of our region’s best! This award certainly belongs to all of our great staff who have come together to make the winery the best in the Midwest. It is our vineyard and cellar crews making great wines, the showroom manager and staff making an exceptional hospitality and tasting experience, our restaurant and kitchen team making delicious food and wine pairings, and everyone behind the scenes coming together to make everything click,” said Nathan Held, Director of Strategy at Stone Hill Winery.

Stone Hill Winery’s legacy lives on in pioneering and championing Missouri grown American heritage and hybrid grapes and qualityfocused winemaking. Be sure to mark your calendar to help celebrate their amazing 175 years on June 11th as well as many other times throughout 2022! Additional details can be found at stonehillwinery.com or by calling 573.486.2221.

BEST WHITE HYBRID

BEST NATIVE 2020

BEST NATIVE 2021

BEST MO WINE

URI SO

LE

B R AT I N G

G

CE

540 State Route B St. James 800.280.9463 stjameswinery.com

I N E M A KI

N

ST. JAMES WINERY

W

IN M

IS

Founded in 1970 by Jim and Pat Hofherr, St. James Winery has been focused on creating delicious, high-quality wine for over 50 years.

This vineyard, positioned in the center of The Meramec Highlands, provides winemaking conditions unlike any other region in the world. The distinctive weather patterns and the unique soil in the vineyards are exactly what are needed to make wines that continue to create fans from around the world.

You and yours are invited to take a trip down Historic Route 66 and experience one of Missouri’s oldest and most treasured wineries. From wine and beer tastings, locally sourced dining, events and traditions, there is a little bit of everything at the St. James location. If travel is not currently in the cards, you are invited to visit online to shop the St. James wines and learn more about what drives Missouri’s most awarded winery.

May 20 – May 22 Invites You to the First Annual

Cheese Tastings from Seven Missouri Creameries Cave to Table Dinner Cheese & Spirits Crawl Live Music Farmer's Market and more!

Info and tickets available at www.mocheesetkts.eventbrite.com

www.mckelveyvineyards.com

SPONSORED BY:

8901 State Highway YY, New Haven 573.459.6123 mckelveyvineyards.com

100 Hemsath Road, Augusta 636.482.4500 noboleisvineyards.com

McKelvey Vineyards is on a 60-acre farm that once produced some of the best wines in the region. During prohibition, the winery closed, and the vineyards were removed. In 2016, owner Patricia McKelvey began the process of restoring the old farmhouse and vineyards to their former grandeur. The property is now open to the public, with an all-season pavilion, event center and guest lodging.

Situated on 84 acres in the first designated AVA in the country, Noboleis Vineyards offers panoramic views of the historic, rolling hills of Augusta. Enjoy a Wine Flight on the hilltop pavilion or inside their new indoor seating area overlooking the bustling winery.

Order a pizza or appetizers off their menu or pack your own picnic to enjoy at your leisure. Whichever route you choose, your hosts are there to ensure that you have the best time during your visit to Noboleis. As a truly family owned, family grown business, it is their hope that every guest has a memorable experience whether visiting for the very first time or a returning customer!

McKelvey Vineyards serves more than unique and enticing wines.

Their experiences are just as delicious, offering exclusive dinners, exciting day trips, fascinating tours, and weekend getaway packages that you won’t find anywhere else. They are bringing renewed life to this land that is part of Missouri’s time-honored wine making history. Lush landscapes and sophisticated charm compose the perfect setting for weddings, anniversaries, receptions, celebrations of life, holiday parties and more. From intimate gatherings to extravagant affairs, the service is exceptional and the photo opportunities are endless.

Open daily from 11am to 5pm. Enjoy Live Music every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm during the season. Plus join them every Friday night from 5pm to 8pm for their "Noboleis After Hours" event with happy hour deals & live music starting April 22nd. Be sure to head to their website to check their event calendar and for tips to plan the perfect winery visit. They can't wait to see you!

G E TAWAYS

NOBOLEIS VINEYARDS

43 CLM

MCKELVEY VINEYARDS

Every Day is the Weekend at Innsbrook

I

magine being able to live in a place where every day is the weekend and relaxation is required.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from St. Louis (about 30 minutes from Chesterfield) sits an almost-magical place where your dreams of the perfect escape from reality become a reality. Whether your perfect weekend is ultimate adventure or sublime relaxation – you can customize your piece of paradise at Innsbrook, which offers more than 100 lakes, sandy beaches, nature trails, a fitness and aquatics center, a recently remodeled restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course, brand new food truck and café, and events yearround for all ages. It’s the best of both worlds for those who want to be in sync with nature, but have all the comforts of home within reach.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE & RESTAUR ANTS

G E TAWAYS

Innsbrook offers multiple types of outdoor recreational activities with convenience. With an 18-hole championship golf course located right in your backyard, you, your family and guests can enjoy playing endless rounds of golf with spectacular views. The course sits amid rolling, wooded hillsides, narrow fertile valleys, and 12 sparkling lakes, complete with lush Zoysia fairways and impeccable bent grass greens.

Look for an all-new driving range this season, along with GPS-enabled golf carts.

Overlooking the 18th green, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille is a full-service restaurant where family and friends can meet for good food and great times. The restaurant’s open-concept design combines the dining and bar areas into one defined space equipped with an expanded dance floor, mounted bigscreen televisions, and a sound system prepped for live entertainment on the weekends. As host to many themed dining events throughout the year, property owners and guests can celebrate holidays, cheer on their favorite sports teams, or listen to local musical talents during open mic nights, all in one location.

L AKE LIFE

CLM

44

Over the past two years, more families than ever took refuge in the resort’s private, secluded environment and chose to adopt the peaceful, safe Innsbrook lifestyle. As popularity of the community increases, new developments, including the Treehouses of Talblick, opened up (now in Phase 2 of lot sales). Those seeking a life of leisure can secure their desired lot now, and build later. As our expert construction and design team help plan and execute your dream home, you can enjoy all the amenities Innsbrook has to offer before and during your build.

Listen to the calming sounds of the creek alongside the bluff as you gaze over the entirety of the Innsbrook property from afar. By growing the new development out of the organic curves of the land, these oneof-a-kind properties create a place of peace and privacy, where you can escape from the busy everyday life year round, or have a serene oasis for the weekend. With 146 acres of terrain below, treehouse owners will have easy access to nearby hiking trails and are able to explore the peaceful Midwestern forests and unique wildlife that resides within Innsbrook’s gates with ease.

Ranging between 1,000 and 1,600 square feet, the one, two, and three bedroom treehouses will each feature the same exterior layout, with maintenance-free siding options intended to put a modern twist on a home hidden within nature’s shadows. Elongated windows will line each side of the great room, providing a breathtaking view of the valleys below, while resting on steel beams lifted 4-12 feet in the air. Phase 2 Treehouses now have the option of adding a basement to

LOTS OF LIVING OPTIONS , CLOSE TO HOME Innsbrook’s natural charm leaves a lasting impression on visitors and residents. From quaint cottages and rustic chalets nestled in the woods, to cozy condos and custom homes perched on the water’s edge, Innsbrook is the natural choice for living your best life. Being a favorite close-to-home sanctuary for over 50 years, families can enjoy all the amenities the lake lifestyle offers throughout the year, including open-air concerts during the summer, kids’ camps and activities, artist workshops, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, equestrian activities and more.

Residents and guests are often seen relaxing on their secluded private docks, or

As Innsbrook celebrates 51 years of closeknit community and family values, we welcome you to become a part of the next half century and discover the Innsbrook lifestyle and traditions that have been passed down by generations. Despite having to navigate through the pandemic challenges within the past two years, the Innsbrook community continues to provide a baseline of normalcy and peace within its gates. Innsbrook’s 7,500 acres of spacious, secluded property and amenities allow you to safely live life with little interruption.

To join the Innsbrook family today, contact one of Innsbrook’s expert agents at 636.928.3366 ext. 9199 or property@ innsbrook-resort.com. Or, explore Innsbrook without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, or virtually at innsbrook-resort.com.

G E TAWAYS

Innsbrook’s newest development comprises of an expansion on the southwestern side of the property, surrounded by 1,500 acres of beautiful forests and lakes in the new Tyrolean region. Discover a panorama of woodland dreams and rich valleys with a unique treehouse development underway now. Treehouse models are designed to elicit the whimsical feeling of floating amid lofty tree tops while being embraced within exceptional natural scenery the Innsbrook landscape provides.

the plan, adding even more square footage for those who want a bigger space with the same incredible views overlooking the bluffs.

45 CLM

TREEHOUSE VIEWS

entertaining guests on their wrap-around deck overlooking the forest or lake. The kids can skip stones, roast marshmallows, track wildlife, or build forts - harkening back to days when having fun meant freedom to get dirty while exploring nature’s wonders. Picture your perfect family weekend or couple’s getaway, a retreat to a place where you can enjoy the great outdoors or just cuddle by the fire.

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.

Selling Your Rural Property

HERE ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: My family has a farm we have enjoyed

over the years. The kids have moved on and we just don’t use it as much anymore. We are thinking about selling - is there a best time?

A: Generally rural property is much more

S P E C I A L

W I N E

S E C T I O N

efficient than the stock market, meaning there is less volatility. Recently, though, there has been an increases demand due to lower interest rates, driven by the pandemic and gentrification. Prices are at an all-time high.

The value is in the land, not so much improvements. Improvements depreciate and some rural properties requires a lot of upkeep and you don’t want it to “get away from you”, which hurts the value. Often many buyers wait too long to sell the property when it becomes a grind, not enough hands to help or due to life changes. For sure this is an excellent time to sell.

Q: What about an auction?

A: Auctions work well, especially for highly

productive farm ground or a rural property that a family just wants to sell immediately.

In some parts of the state they carry a nega-

tive stigma and more importantly, it tends to limit some serious buyers because of the uncertainty of the process and timelines that don’t work for their busy schedules.

Some companies promote a low seller’s commission which might be misleading because the process often includes a buyer’s premium where the total commission is the same or even higher than a traditional sale. Buyers are savvy enough to calculate their net cost of ownership.

The right question is: what will net me the most dollars? For the most part in our society that rapidly adopts best practices, perhaps auctions are not widespread for good reasons. Another consideration is that if the property is in demand with multiple offers, then buyers are asked to submit their best and final offer by a certain time and

date which accomplishes one of the main advantages of an auction without scaring away really good buyers.

Q: How important is it to use a full-time

professional rural real estate agent?

A: Here are the most important consid-

erations in selecting an agent. Trust is the number one factor. Can you trust the agent to represent your best interests? Knowledge. Are they intimately knowledgeable with your property type and how to best present it to the correct buyer types? Marketing.

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 95% of buyers find their properties on the internet.

There are a few rural property websites that dominate web searches -- will you get to the top of the search page?

There are hundreds of other sites that just do not move the dial.

And here are a few more. Experience. Does their toolbox include a lot of successful transactions where challenges arise . . . getting family members on the same page, if/ when/should a survey be ordered, creatively structuring deals? Passion. Is your agent passionate about rural property and the values they provide, do they have an obsession which works to your advantage?

CLM

46

BILL ZIERCHER is the founder of Select Properties Real Estate.

He has been active in building, buying, selling, and managing rural real estate and income property for over 25 years. His company’s 10-step marketing process offers unmatched exposure for your property on over 500 real estate search sites for the rural real estate market. For a free consultation on marketing your rural property, you can contact Bill at 314-412-3966. And for copies of previous “A Place in the Country” Articles you can email him at ziercher59@gmail.com.

The Smarter Technology to Protect Today’s Dog Freedom, Safety & Peace of Mind.

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

(314) 965-9209 DogWatchSTL@gmail.com To learn more visit

(inset here of Smart phone & copy)

SmartFence TM connects to Internet for text alerts

DogWatchStLouis.com

INDOOR BOUNDARIES HIDDEN FENCES TRAINING PRODUCTS

SPRING SALE RECIEVE

$350 TO $1500 OFF Savings relative to size of project Minimums apply. Excludes jobs in progress.

Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 6/30/22.

On The Road

WITH JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON Read this and other stories in John’s book, Coastal Missouri, and more road tales in his other two books A Road Trip into America’s Hidden Heart and Souls Along the Road, available at Left Bank Books. More of his stories are at johndrakerobinson.com.

Pickle Springs MISSOURI’S HIDDEN GEM

BY JOH N DR AKE ROBINSON

G E TAWAYS

I

CLM

48

t was unanimous.

Our family loved our spring break weekend at Sam A. Baker State Park, snuggled into rugged foothills of the St. Francois Mountains. The park--situated along Big Creek where it empties into the St. Francois River--is one of the oldest jewels in Missouri's state parks system. Most of the cabins were built of native stone and timber by those venerable Depression-era lifelines, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration. The lodge is a classic, serving up meals to reload your energy level for more exploring on foot, on horseback, or in a kayak on the vigorous whitewater of the Saint Francois River.

But it was time to go back home. Our family packed the van and drove home through the Arcadia Valley, budgeting enough time to stop for boulderous adventures at that pair of guaranteed kid pleasers, Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks state parks.

Back on the road home, along Highway 32 between Farmington and Sainte Genevieve, we spied a small brown sign pointing to Pickle Springs Natural Area. In my mental Rolodex, Pickle Springs—a National Natural Landmark--was a blank page.

We took the bait.

We parked next to the only other vehicle in the lot and walked a few yards toward the trail, bending an ear toward the woods, listening for the owners of the pickup parked next to our van. In the early spring crisp, there was no sound.

Immediately we reached a loop trail and took the path to the right, stopping every

few yards to peer into the wilderness.

Within seconds, steep walls of a box canyon enveloped us. Sandstone boulders the age of Pluto towered over our heads; spring water seeped beneath. Intrigued, our family caravan walked single file down the path, powered by this unfolding carnival for the eye. With perfect theatrical timing, mother nature arranged her priceless sculptures before us.

Headwall Falls. Rockpile Canyon. Pickle Springs.

I wondered if John Muir or National Geographic ever visited this spot, with its collection of weather-beaten sandstone shapes, creations that Bryce Canyon would be proud to display.

Dome Rock. Owl's Den Bluff. Mossy Falls.

A part of me wants to keep these charms secret. They're rewards for observant visitors who've done their research. Another part of me shouts to the contrails that crisscross the heavens, punctuated by gleaming silver dots that carry passengers to LA and New York. "You don't know what you're missing."

We greeted two backpackers as they approached. These were the guys from the pickup truck, parked in the lot. Father and son, by the looks of them. They told us they were hiking this trail and other nearby geologic gems tucked into the St. Francois Mountains, oldest mountains in North America. Hawn State Park. Buford Mountain.

Ketcherside Mountain.

Royal Gorge Natural Area.

Iron Mountain Lake. Millstream Gardens. Bismarck Conservation Area.

The backpackers foreshadowed what would unfold on the rest of our two-mile trek along the Pickle Springs trail. We marveled at the stunning beauty of this place. Terrapin Rock. The Keyhole. Cauliflower Rocks.

The discord of world events seemed a billion miles away. Far away, too, seemed the violent Civil War death of William Pickles, for whom this spot is named. And even though home was calling, we completed this tranquil trail in the time it takes to watch an episode of Bridgerton.

Follow John’s travels at johndrakerobinson. com/blog. His latest book, Souls Along the Road, is available on Amazon.

R A I N D R O P ®

G U T T E R

G U A R D

Woods Basement Systems Introduces The RainDrop® Gutter Guard.

Left: Before Above: After RainDrop Gutter Guards are installed.

The RainDrop® Gutter Guard

Maintenance-free, self-cleaning protection for gutters.

Advanced design fits any home. Installed with care, protecting your roof, gutters, and foundation from costly water damage, erosion, flooding, and more.

RainDrop Gutter Guards require no maintenance, and cost less than regular gutter cleanings.

■ Keeps out debris - leaves, twigs, pine needles, moss, and more.

■ Handles water in high volumes – even heavy rains and downpours.

■ Durable - Polypropylene blend withstands severe storms, heat, cold and ice.

Call today for a free at-home estimate

866-735-1890

Learn more at

www.betterbasementvalue.com

SPR

ING SPEC IAL

10% OFF

if FREE appointment is booked before May 31, 2022

G E TAWAYS

MAX: 40’ X 15’

49 CLM

T H E

Painting Was His Life. And What a Life it Was.

BY G E RRY MAN DE L

He was a private man, an unpretentious man, an enthusiastic and fun-loving man.

He was also a talented artist, a master with the brush, the pen, the pencil.

He was my friend, and the friend of many. One more thing: he was a B-17 pilot during World War II.

G E TAWAYS

I want to tell you about Ed Smith. Full name: George Edward Smith. But he went by the name of Ed, because, as he said, “My mother couldn’t look at me in the cradle and see a George in there. So she used my

CLM

50

middle name.” Ed was born into an Irish family, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. His father wanted him to become a doctor, particularly an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. Ed had no interest in that. The possibilities of art fascinated him, awakened a spirit in him and carried him through various art schools, eventually into the world of advertising. Which is where I met him.

A note about his comments here. In 2004, several years after Ed and I had been “retired” from D’Arcy Advertising, I finally

convinced him to let me shoot a video conversation with him, something he had always been reluctant to do. His memories and thoughts quoted in this article are pulled from that video. Ed died in 2018, and was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors, an interesting contrast for a man who said, “Painting is my life.”

Ed played basketball in high school, at six foot three, the tallest one on the team.

He stayed active in sports, especially tennis, bowling, and golf. After high school, he went to war. “I wasn’t gung-ho.

I didn’t think I’d be a good soldier.” But, motivated by events in Europe, he joined the Army and was assigned to an artillery unit at Ft. Sam Houston. He soon realized he hated the artillery, so he transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was assigned to a bomber squadron in England, at a base for B-17’s. They made bombing runs over Germany.

“If I was going up in a B-17, I didn’t want to be a radio operator or a gunner. I wanted to fly the thing.” Which he did as a co-pilot. “I served with some really neat guys.” He showed me a photo of his crew, and remembered all their names. Life changed for him during a bombing run over Hanover. His plane was crippled by fighter planes and flak. “I told the crew we had to bail out. I was terrified. The plane’s on fire, the German pilots are shooting at us, there’s flak all around. I jumped – the first time I’d ever parachuted from a plane – and floated down between the Messerschmitts and landed unharmed.”

Ed was captured and taken to a POW camp, where he remained for one-and-a-half

years, until the end of the war. A telegram was sent to his parents. “My mother fainted after she read it. She figured I was dead.”

During his time in the camp, he kept a scrapbook, which he had until he died.

The Red Cross sent parcels containing art supplies, so Ed was able to draw planes he saw around him, planes in flight, burning,

taking off. His love of planes was evident. Guards and prisoners were among his favorites. “I did a lot of walking, and did sketches of what I saw.” The war may have been over for Ed, but it rekindled his interest in art. When the war ended, he was discharged.

That’s when his love of art defined the rest of his life for the next seventy years. He wanted to be an illustrator, so he enrolled at the Central Art Academy in Cincinnati. He did well and shortly thereafter landed a job with the Arthur Meyerhoff Advertising Agency in Chicago, which included Wrigley chewing gum as a client. “I loved Chicago. My time there was wonderful. I lived on Lake Shore Drive, not far from Meyerhoff.” He studied at the Chicago Art Institute, further developing his skills and fascination with learning about the various aspects of painting and drawing.

In 1956, St. Louis beckoned. He left Chicago to join D’Arcy Advertising as director of design and illustration. His talent was put to use on major accounts,

show, written by the late Sarah Bryan Miller, quoted Ed: “I’m not a fine artist, truly. I always wanted to be in fine arts, but as far as making a livelihood at it, I took the easy route as a professional illustrator.”

including Budweiser and Michelob. He worked with pastels, markers and pencil on tv storyboards, magazine ads, and outdoor billboards. He was in great demand by the creative department. His drawings of the Clydesdales were exquisite and, frequently, kept by the client for their walls.

I met Ed when I started at D’Arcy in 1977, the beginning of a friendship and working relationship that lasted until he died.

When I learned of his experience during the war, I told him I wanted to get his story on video. That finally happened in 2004. Despite his modesty and reluctance, he was pleased with the 90-minute video and said he wanted to do something for me in return. He knew of my obsession with Charlie Chaplin, so he created a range of artwork from an oil painting to pencil and charcoal sketches.

Ed’s wife, Helen, enthusiastically supported Ed, admiring his paintings, giving him all the time he needed in his studio. He once said, ““Helen and I have been soulmates for the past 41 years, and I find her, by far, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”

Helen died in 2013, two weeks before they were to move into their condo at Meramec Bluffs. Ed continued without her and spent the next five years immersed in painting. It gave him a life after Helen was gone. He painted every day, sometimes late into the night. His talents were recognized by gallery owners and art patrons.

The Eva Reynolds gallery in Kansas City carried his paintings for several years. A one-man art show at the Park Pacific building in downtown St. Louis featured many of Ed’s paintings. An article in the Post-Dispatch on that

Some of Ed’s later paintings came from photographs in the New York Times: A village scene in Africa, a French woman who survived the concentration camps, author John LeCarre. He donated the painting of the survivor to the St. Louis Holocaust Museum. The LeCarre painting hangs on my studio wall. I even emailed a photo of it to him, and got a response two days later. He was flattered and loved it.

“Subject matter doesn’t make any difference,” he said. “It’s the approach. Later in life you have less patience for detail.

Your eyes aren’t as good, your hands shake, your mind isn’t as nimble. Now I have a freedom of approach that is just as interesting.”

When Ed died, his condo was filled with art: oils, acrylics, pen-and-ink sketches, self-portraits and paintings of Helen and friends and landscapes, and a succession of pet cats. Anything that caught his eye and his imagination. Following his memorial service, everyone was invited to lunch, organized by his niece, Victoria, where dozens of his art works were waiting. We were told to take what we wanted. Ed would have liked that.

“Painting is like a drug ...... my whole life.”

And what a life it was.

If Your Sales Reps are too Busy to Handle Phone Work, Someone Else Should be Doing it for Them.

A CHALLENGE FOR SALESPEOPLE

B U S I N E S S

&

F I N A N C E

O

CLM

52

ne aspect of selling frustrates many top salespeople. That is the follow up it takes to turn a prospect into a client. As good as these salespeople are, for a number of reasons, many of them resist this task. These high performers who can light up the room in a sales presentation don’t like the hit-or-miss aspect of reaching the right people on the phone, and many of them just don’t handle this task all that well.

They may be lacking computer or organizational skills that would allow them to handle prospecting more efficiently. That winds up wasting their precious selling time, keeping them from achieving their sales goals.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS?

We live in a world of specialization, so it isn’t surprising that there have emerged in recent years specialist companies in sales support that efficiently accomplish inside sales functions. These firms thrive by helping to set appointments, cultivate your leads into sales, handle email and mail follow up that can bog down your salespeople. So, they more than pay for themselves. It is

client satisfaction and retention that keeps the best of these companies in business.

RAINMAKER SALES SUPPORT

Fortunately, we have such a company here in the St. Louis area. Rainmaker Sales Support was founded by Patricia Cowan, a top sales performer who saw a gap in follow through among many of her peers. Rainmaker has a national reputation of being a top-notch cold calling and appointment setting firm. They specialize in getting you appointments with the prospects you’d like to meet.

RAINMAKER INSIDE SALES

About two years ago, Patricia realized that many of the appointments they set for their clients were never followed up on. Soon after, she kicked off their Inside Sales Department. When hiring, Patricia uses the DISC assessments (personality assessments). This gives her an idea of who should be prospectors, and who should be Inside Sales Reps. From there, her staff goes on completely different training paths.

The Inside Sales Reps specialize in contacting the same person repeatedly, such as quarterly. By using calling, and sometimes individual emailing and mailing, they further advance your proposal, and continue to build

rapport on your behalf. They are not a call center, but a company composed of twenty-five seasoned salespeople who understand, genuinely enjoy and professionally manage the nuances of the sales support process that can make a real difference in the effectiveness of your selling team. They handle every account as if they are cultivating their own sales base. Other things this new department specializes in are: n Handling your house accounts n Cultivation of prospects n Proposal follow up n Upselling and cross selling current clients n Reactivating your dormant accounts n Client surveys n Taking it to the sale

Rainmaker Sales Support can very efficiently deliver your needs and work seamlessly with your selling team to help them more effectively achieve their goals.

HELP FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

You can contact Patricia Cowan, president, owner and founder of Rainmaker Sales Support, for a consultation at your office.

She will be happy to provide references you can call to verify how they can make your team more successful. You can reach Patricia by phone at 314-433-4660, extension 101, or by email at Patricia@RainmakerSalesSupport.com.

You can learn more about her company at www.RainmakerSalesSupport.com.

Call or Email for a Risk-free, No Obligation Consultation!

North America’s Largest Cost Reduction Consulting Firm WE CAN DELIVER SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS ON YOUR BUSINESS EXPENSES INCLUDING Telecom, Merchant Services, Small Package Shipping & Courier, Waste, Electronic Logging Devices, eSignature services, Utilities and Fuel

Nathan Stevens

Partner-Optimization Specialist

314-885-1251 or cell 773-470-7179

nathan.stevens@schooleymitchell.com www.schooleymitchell.com/nstevens

STONE FLOOR, TILE AND GROUT RESTORATION The experts at MarbleLife can restore and maintain the natural beauty of your natural stone and tile floors and showers just like new!

BEFORE

FREE

6 Month After Care Cleaning Supply Professional Care Cleaning Products

BEFORE

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR FLOOR’S APPEARANCE? Worn, chipped or cracked stone? Ugly tile & grout?

AFTER

AFTER

Let MARBLELIFE clean, polish, restore, seal and maintain for an easy-to-clean, better than new appearance – call us today!

150+ HHHHH Google Reviews

Marble | Granite | Tile & Grout | Terrazzo | Travertine | Stone | Wood | Concrete Call to schedule your free on-site estimate

888-391-6980

STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

www.MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.com

How to Lower Your Property Taxes

BY STE VE N A . WE B E R

ST. LOUIS COUNTY PROPERTIES WERE REASSESSED IN 2021 BY THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE. THIS ASSESSMENT DETERMINES YOUR PROPERTY TAXES FOR 2021 AND 2022. ven though 2022 is More often than not, we find not a reassessment that the Assessor’s value does not reflect year, properties that the actual value based on recent sale prices were not appealed in of homes that are comparable with yours.

2021 can be appealed In fact, since 2009 we have filed over in 2022.

20,000 appeals in St. Louis County alone IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOUR ASresulting in over $15,000,000 in tax savings SESSED VALUE INCREASED BY to homeowners.

E

MORE THAN 15%, WE BELIEVE AN APPEAL IS WARRANTED. In 2021 and

B U S I N E S S

&

F I N A N C E

2022, we are contending that the assessor failed to comply with inspection requirements when increasing values in excess of 15%. Par Residential often uses innovative strategies such as this to ensure our clients’ property tax bills are kept to a minimum.

CLM

54

In addition, recent federal income tax rules include a $10,000 cap on the amount taxpayers can deduct in combined property tax and state and local income tax while nearly doubling standard deductions. This means many property owners who have historically itemized to deduct things like property taxes or mortgage interest may get more by claiming the standard deduction. These changes make taking steps to minimize your property tax bill even more important than in the past.

APPEALS MUST BE FILED IN JULY, DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU GET YOUR TAX BILL IN NOVEMBER.

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

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

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1. DETERMINE IF AN APPEAL IS WARRANTED. PAR Residential deter-

mines a fair appraised value for your property based on real comparable sales in your neighborhood. We will also explore other avenues to appeal such as discrimination in the assessment process, and failure of the assessor to comply with inspection laws.

2. NOTIFICATION. We will notify you of

the results of our review of your appraised value. If we determine that no appeal is warranted, no appeal will be filed. There will be no cost to you for our time and efforts.

STEVEN A. WEBER is the Founding Partner of Property Assessment Review and PAR Residential. His team of experts has the experience, market and legal knowledge to achieve the biggest tax reduction possible on residential and commercial properties. He has been reducing property taxes for over 42 years, and before that was a Senior Appraiser for St. Louis County for five years.

Property Assessment Review is the leading

3. FILE YOUR APPEAL BEFORE THE JULY 11TH DEADLINE. If we determine

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

4. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE) HEARINGS. The PAR Residen-

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

5. FEE. Only if we are successful in achiev-

ing a reduction in your property tax bill, we share equally in the tax savings (50/50).

All of our work is performance based: NO SAVINGS, NO FEE. There are no additional costs to you for any of our work.

Our invoice will be sent to you in the fall, arriving about the same time you receive your reduced tax bill.

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

INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED? The enrollment process is quick and easy.

Visit our website and sign up online today!

Specific questions can be answered by emailing them to info@parresidential.com or by calling PAR Residential at 314-4540505 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

property tax consulting firm in St. Louis, saving over $250 million for some of the region’s largest commercial taxpayers – the St. Louis Galleria, Solon Gershman, Duke Realty, Mills Properties and US Bank.

In 2008, PAR created PAR Residential to represent home owners in St. Louis County. PAR’s residential clients have saved over $15,000,000 in real estate taxes since 2009 with over 80% of appeals resulting in tax savings.

Here are some recent successes I have produced for my clients: Saved a local HVAC company $68,000/year in telecom, payment processing and fuel Saved an equipment provider $10,000/year on telecom Saved an advertising company $32,000/year on payment processing and shipping.

Saved a retail meat processing shop $10,000/ year on shipping

Saving Businesses Owners and Managers Time and Money

Health care - dentists, optometrists,

TH E N O - R I S K WAY TO S I G N I F I CANTLY R E D U CE E VE RY DAY E XP E N S E S .

orthodontists, veterinarians and animal hospitals, urgent cares, physical therapists, chiropractors, surgery centers and more.

B Y N AT H A N S T E V E N S

HOW WE WORK

ABOUT SCHOOLEY MITCHELL I am the St. Louis area Optimization Specialist for Schooley Mitchell. We are the largest cost reduction consultant in North

There is no cost to your company:

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

What does this all mean for you? No more headaches or the dread of wasting time on the phone with vendors or sales people, no more haggling for better prices, and no more wondering whether you have the right services at the right prices for your needs. And no more throwing away your hard earned money.

Professionals - accountants, lawyers, financial advisors.

Goods & Services – manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, advertising/printing, restaurants, retail, e-commerce.

Not for Profits - charities, churches, asso-

ciations, schools, community centers, senior centers, clubs, societies, foundations.

Real Estate, Construction and Trades

– title companies, property managers, agents, mortgage companies, builders, landscapers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC.

Our fees are only self-funded from savings that we generate. We cannot decrease your company’s bottom line. We are vigilant in our review of our clients’ services to control ongoing costs and needs.

We handle your implementations, negotiations, future changes, and error resolutions, as well as needs analysis, technology recommendations, relocations, integrations and more.

Let me help you spend less so that you can focus on making more.

NATHAN STEVENS 314-885-1251 or cell 773-470-7179 nathan.stevens@schooleymitchell.com

F I N A N C E

Here are some examples of the types of organizations we are helping right now:

We are completely independent of all vendors and suppliers, and we never sell anything. This means, we always act in the best interest of our clients, providing 100% objective advice to get the best prices and services for the needs of your business.

We work with vendors and salespeople on our clients’ behalf, we advise and consult, manage any new implementations, and we become a single point of contact to manage all changes and future needs.

&

But that is the dilemma – owners and managers are busy driving results for their businesses, and they know that the time to understand, track, and closely monitor all these costs could be better spent driving revenue or managing operations. Well, you should know that there is a no-risk, high-return way to reduce these everyday expenses that can help your company’s bottom line, will cost you nothing, and take very little of your time.

Our team will work to fully optimize your services, review for errors, remove unnecessary fees and charges, and find you unpublished rates through our relationships and competition among the vendors. We act as an ongoing “Watch Dog” over your vendors to ensure that your rates and services never slip and stay at their best.

B U S I N E S S

America. We have specialized software, benchmarking tools, pricing databases, experienced negotiators, and connections and clout with vendors and suppliers. In addition, we have a dedicated R&D team that monitors industry trends, changes, and technologies.

55 CLM

Are you overpaying on your business expenses? Considerable amounts of time and money are spent on essential services to run your business - phone/ internet service, shipping, waste disposal, fuel, fleet tracking, utilities, credit card processing and more. There are significant opportunities to save money in each of these areas if you are willing to spend time studying a range of vendors, gaining knowledge and understanding in multiple areas, and analyzing and negotiating the specific options offered.

Do You Really Know the Broker You Want to Sell Your Business?

B U S I N E S S

&

F I N A N C E

BY J E F F BACH

CLM

56

T

he sale of your business is a very personal and important part of your life. From finances, planning, emotional attachments, time and more, selling your business is a big deal for you and likely also for your family.

Your business may be one of the biggest assets you own. You should know and be comfortable with the broker that you choose to help you.

With modern technology and in post-Covid times, we have become all too comfortable with phone calls, emails, texts and virtual meetings. While all of these are great tools, you will never get to truly know someone without meeting them in person. This is true with the buyer that you will turn over your business to, and even more so, it is true of the intermediary who you choose to help you with the process. There is nothing that takes the place of sitting across the table from someone when you are dealing with important processes.

Your business broker should want to meet you and get to know you. That way they know how to best help achieve your objectives in selling your business. They should also commit to meeting every potential local buyer that they disclose to. If they are not meeting buyers face to face, there is no way to assure that the buyers understand and commit to confidentiality. A confidentiality breach can be very damaging to your company.

If your business is large enough to warrant it, an out-of-town business broker or mergers and acquisitions expert should be willing to travel. Again, they need to get to know you and understand the geography and nuances of your market. Besides not being effective, handling the sale of your business via the internet only does not work and can cause you a lot of problems. The “cheap” option not only has minimal likelihood of a sale, but opens you up to a host of downside probabilities.

A broker should be willing to turn down representing you if they are not the best fit because of location, situation or even

JEFF BACH is a leading broker at Fusion Business Brokers, along with other top brokers in this area. Fusion Business Brokers 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 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.

personality. Most small to medium sales are local. Having someone close means a lot. Understand what kind of success your broker has had with situations like yours, and what kind of team they have behind them. There are many moving parts to a business acquisition, it takes a professional team, a viable list of buyers, market knowledge and personal commitment to “close” a deal for you.

Take your time. Do your homework. Hire a good broker that you would like to work with.

Rescue from a Weekend Computer Panic B Y D E D E C AT S AV I S

A

potential customer called frantically Sunday morning saying all files, pictures and programs disappeared after her computer had ‘bluescreened’. “Blue screen” crashes are often caused by faulty drivers (programs that control a particular type of hardware) or a faulty hard drive. I diagnosed the issue over the phone and told her I would see if our tech was available. She was fearful that she would not only need a new computer but that she had lost all of her files, pictures,

music, etc. Jeff went over to her house that same day, picked up her computer and took it with him to work on.

You’ve enjoyed his columns.

Now enjoy his new book.

Author of “Random Musings” and Artist Profiles in County Living.

A collection of short stories, essays, columns, and a novelette.

“If you want a peek inside one of the most critical and humorous minds in this age and time, this is a treasure. Trust me, you’ll like what you see.”

– Harry Weber, internationally known sculptor, artist “Gerry Mandel writes with a wit, charm, and irony that walks with us through the outer layers of our sensibilities before it opens the door to the spirit of the human heart. An authentic voice.”

– Dennis Fleming, author, “The Girl Who Had No Enemies” …a compelling collection…impressive writing that strikes a chord and leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction.”

He fixed it Sunday evening by replacing the mechanical (spinning disc) hard drive with a solid-state (no moving parts, longer lasting, faster) hard drive in the computer, re-installed Windows and transferred/installed all files and applications. By Monday afternoon the computer was ready for the client.

He brought the revamped computer back to her and re-connected it to her network, printer, monitor and speakers. Along with all of her files, pictures and programs, the latest operating system was installed with robust virus/malware protections. Her computer is now faster (with the addition of the solid-state hard drive), error free and all of her data has been restored. Needless to say, the client’s Sunday morning frantic phone call turned into an ecstatic customer within 24 hours as Jeff “saved the day.”

It’s possible to do all three—without breaking the bank! Marla Esser Cloos, the Green Home Coach in her book Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home provides simple steps that can save you money now, increase your home’s value, and make your home healthier for you, your family—and the environment.

“Marla does a wonderful job simplifying what can often be an overwhelming subject. I found her action steps easy to understand (and more importantly...implement). In addition, she provided a TON of tips, tools and checklists that any homeowner would find invaluable. Overall, I found the content to be well organized and can see myself using this as a resource time and time again!”

-M. Fies, Homeowner

“He has that acute sense of knowing how to make a story important.”

– Dwight Bitikofer, poet, community newspaper publisher

Computer Tutors works on Windows and MAC computers, sets up home networks, eliminates viruses and also will help with any of your other electronic devices. You can reach them at 314-608-7920, and at www.computertutors.net.

Make Your Home Look Great, Feel Great, Perform Great

– Linda O’Connell, writer, author, teacher

Available directly from the author.

Email 503spidermandel@gmail.com

COMPUTER TUTORS is a local, woman-owned small business founded in 1997.

DEDE CATSAVIS is the founder and owner. For 25 years they have provided computer services to thousands of satisfied, happy customers.

Available at BuilderBooks.com

Take a fresh road trip.

County Living columnist

JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON

EMMY

for his unique travelogs based on his books.

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

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

This Book Should Be in Every Home in St. Louis

M

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 Left Bank Books 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

employee-related processes, programs and procedures designed to nurture/maintain the corporate culture and attract/retain top talent.

PEOs can help companies develop mission and values statements, create recognition and reward programs, and conduct climate surveys that support a strong culture. A strong corporate culture based on the mission and core values of a company is the foundation on which employers take care of their people.

are three ways PEOs play a valuable role in boosting business success.

According to survey results for the 2022 St. Louis Economic Outlook Report created by the St. Louis Business Journal, 73 percent of respondents say finding and keeping good employees is a concern in 2022, up 28 percent from last year. When rating areas of difficulty for attracting talent to their companies, 82 percent of respondents say finding quality candidates is the top concern; 60 percent refer to the availability of candidates for the interview process; and 53 percent cite the time frame for filling a job.

In most cases, PEOs provide a dedicated team of HR professionals that strategically guides and supports business owners in areas such as employee benefits, HR administration and payroll, risk mitigation and HR compliance and talent management. With the support of a PEO, St. Louis business owners can focus on running their companies because their people are supported by top-notch HR professionals and employee benefits comparable to Fortune 500 companies.

Savvy St. Louis business owners can help avoid being part of these statistics by enlisting the services of a professional employer organization (PEO), which provides a comprehensive range of HR solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses. Below

FACILITATE A PEOPLE STRATEGY

OPTIMIZE BUSINESS OWNER FOCUS Business owners wear many hats, one of which is managing critical HR functions that are time consuming, involve the talent pipeline, affect employee benefits, impact the culture and involve risks that can have an effect on the bottom line. When smalland medium-sized businesses outsource their HR functions to a PEO, it enables them to focus on other areas of business operations that drive success.

PEOs help to facilitate and elevate a people strategy because they assist with HR efforts that are largely responsible for developing, implementing and supporting the countless

With the help of PEOs, owners can take a more strategic approach to the employment needs of their companies. When owners share long-term objectives, their PEO team knows the critical skills needed.

Conversely, PEO professionals can help owners learn why top performers leave the company and if they go to competitors. This offers an opportunity for PEOs to work with owners to develop solutions to address problems, avoid further departures and strengthen the culture.

St. Louis business owners who utilize the services of a PEO are not only better positioned to focus on their companies, but they are also well-prepared to attract quality candidates and retain top talent to propel their companies forward in 2022.

BEA DOERR is a business performance advisor for Insperity, a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions. To contact Bea, you can call her cell phone 309-275-7945 or email bea.doerr@insperity.com or for more information you can visit www.insperity.com.

F I N A N C E

While St. Louis area business owners are optimistic about their companies and the local economy, they still face a significant challenge attracting and retaining great employees.

Similar to the nationwide trend, employers in the Gateway to the West are competing for talent in this job seeker’s market.

People are a differentiating factor, so getting it right by attracting, hiring and retaining top performers should be a high priority for owners. While this might not be one of their strengths, owners can rely on PEOs to provide guidance and tools to recruit quality candidates, offer effective training and drive high performance.

&

BY B E A DOE RR , INSPE RIT Y

PRIORITIZE TALENT MANAGEMENT

B U S I N E S S

A P RO F E S S I O NAL E M P LOY E R O RGAN IZ ATI O N P ROVI D E S TH E SO LUTI O N S

59 CLM

Solving HR Needs for Small and Medium Sized Businesses

To compete in the war for talent, it is critical for businesses to support and focus on a people strategy that is equipped to handle the changing needs of an employee-driven workforce. PEOs play a valuable role in guiding and positioning companies to address existing and future needs in the workforce for a competitive advantage.

// 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