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May 29, 2026

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Photo by Gregg Goldman Photography

ThisarchitecturallysignificantMid-CenturyModern masterpiecehasbeenbeautifullyupdatedwithclean lines,expansiveglass,andsophisticatedopen-concept livingdesignedfortoday’slifestyle.Featuringfour ensuitebedrooms,stunningindoor-outdoorspaces,a luxurycarriagehousewithguestapartment,and energy-efficientgeothermalHVAC,thisexceptional propertyoffersarareblendofarchitectural significance,modernluxury,andversatility.

Builtin1936,thischarming4-bedroom,4.5-bathhome blendstimelessarchitecturalcharacterwiththoughtful modernupdatesonapicturesque1+acrelotinthe heartofLadue.Featuringrichwoodfloors,elegant livingspaces,aluxuriousprimarysuite,andafinished lowerlevel,thisexceptionalpropertyoffersprivacy, charm,andmoderncomfortinoneofLadue’smost desirablelocations.

PUBLISHER

Ian Caso

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Amanda Dahl | adahl@laduenews.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Emily Standlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Rob Levy, Connie Mitchell, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Mabel Suen

SALES

VICE PRESIDENT OF SaLES

Kevin Hart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

SENIOR MEDIa STRaTEGIST

Katie Ray | kray@laduenews.com

MEDIa STRaTEGIST

Michelle Brown | mbrown@laduenews.com

SPECIaL PROJECTS MaNaGER

Maggie Peters | mpeters@laduenews.com

CLaSSIFIED aCCOUNT MaNaGER

Lisa Taylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

aRT DIRECTOR

Laura De Vlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRaPHERS

Diane Anderson, Christina Kling-Garrett

FOLLOW US ON

Get our best stories delivered weekly to your inbox by signing   up for our newsletter on the laduenews.com homepage.

HistoricEleganceintheHeartofLadue

Seton3.32acresinprestigiousLadue,1601SouthWarson RoadisalandmarkSpanishRevivalestateblendingtimeless Europeanarchitecturewithover7,000squarefeetof beautifullyupdatedluxuryliving.Originallybuiltin1926for HortonWatkins,thisextraordinaryresidenceoffershistoric significance,refinedentertainingspaces,andanunparalleled lifestyleofprivacy,pr estige,andsophistication.

MemorialDayjust passed–theannual holidaythatreminds ustohonorthe

sacrificeofthosewhohavediedin serviceofourcountry.Italsogives ustimetovisitourfamily’sgraves andreflectonourancestors.

Aftermyfather’spassingin2023, Isoughtoutagenealogistin Dublin,Ireland,toexploremy ancestralroots.Whatledmyfamilytocrosstheterrifyingoceanandstartoverinacountry notyetformed?Amerepeekatthatjourneyprovedawe-inspiringforme.Imaginewhatyour heritagemightrevealtoyou.Forthecurious,turntoPage34andlearnhowtodiscoveryour ownfamily’spathwayswhichledtoyourexistencetoday.

Speakingofwide-crossingtreks,wemeetthelargestanimaleverknowntohavelivedon earthonPage36.Thebonesofabluewhale–andalongwithit,thepowerfulknowledgeof ourownecosystem’sfragility–havefoundtheirwaytoSaintLouisScienceCenter.

Althoughthismammalmetanearlyend,weinvestigatesimplewaystoextendthehumanlife spanonPage16,whereadoctordetailswhatfoodsarebesttoeatandwhichdrinkstoavoid thenexttimeyougroceryshop.

ThanksforreadingLadueNews,

CINDYREILMANNnamed2026

MISSOURISCHOOLBUSINESS OFFICIALOFTHEYEAR

TheSpecialSchoolDistrictofSt.LouisCounty’s chieffinancialofficerreceivedtheawardfrom theMissouriAssociationofSchoolBusiness Officials.Aspartofthehonor,Reilmann(pictured secondtoright)awardeda$2,000scholarshipto anSSDstudentpursuingacareerinbusiness.

DaysbeforeFIFAWorldCup26™,ourcitywill hostafriendlyinternationalmatchonJune6 atEnergizerParkbetweenPanamaandBosnia andHerzegovina,withthelatterconductinga six-daytrainingcampaswell.St.Louisis hometoanestimated60,000Bosnians. Gotoseatgeek.comfortickets.

ST.LOUIS WOMAN OFIMPACT awardedto STACYHARRIS

Theexecutivedirector ofcommunityimpact atDeltaDentalof MissouriandSouthCarolina,alongsideateam of20women,raisedmorethan$37,128forthe AmericanHeartAssociation’sGoRedforWomen campaign.Learnmoreatgoredforwomen.org. ST.LOUISwelcomesWORLDCUP qualifiedteams

Editor’sphotobyChristinaKling-Garrett;CindyReilmannphoto courtesyofSSD;WomanofImpactphotocourtesyofStacyHarris

Privatelytuckedonacovetedcul-de-sacinLadue,thisbeautifullyreimaginedhomeoffersrefinedone-levellivingwith seamlessindoor-outdoorflow.Sunlitopenfloorplanfeaturesagourmetkitchen,elegantdiningandlivingrooms,and invitingfamilyroomopeningtoaresort-stylebackyardoasis.Backyardfeaturespool,firepit,expansivedeckand sophisticatedhardscapeentertainingspaces.Mainlevelincludesasereneprimarysuite,secondbedroomwithensuitebathandlargethirdbedroom.Lowerlevelofferstwomorebedrooms,updatedspalikebath,recreationarea, laundryareaandabundantstorage.ThreecargarageandextensiverecentupdatesincludingHVAC,Roof,HotWater Heaterandexpandeddriveway.Ideallylocatednearnationallyrecognizedpublicandprivateschools.

tucked on a coveted cul-de-sac in Ladue, this beautifully reimagined home offers refined one-level living with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Sunlit open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen, elegant dining and living rooms, and inviting family room opening to a resort-style backyard oasis. Backyard features pool, fire pit, expansive deck and sophisticated hard scape entertaining spaces. Main level includes a serene primary suite, second bedroom with ensuite bath and large third bedroom. Lower level offers two more bedrooms, updated spalike bath, recreation area, laundry area and abundant storage. Three car garage and extensive recent updates including HVAC, Roof, Hot Water Heater and expanded driveway. Ideally located near nationally recognized public and private schools.

Joy,Connectionand EmotionalWellness

INMEMORYCARE

ByMaggiePeters
PhotoscourtesyofParcProvence

MayisMentalHealthAwareness Month,somethingthatcanbe overlookedinolderadults— especiallythosewithAlzheimer’s ordementia.However,theteamatParcProvence understandtheimportanceofkeepinghuman connection,joy,dignity,andpurposeaprominent partofmemorycareservicesandensurethat theirresidents’emotionalhealthissupported day-inandday-out.

“ParcProvenceisdesignedtohelpresidents feelsafeandcomfortable,”saysresidentcare directorWandaCooper.“Dailyinteraction,daily communications,dailyroutines,dailyactivities, thehomelikeandsocialenvironmentshelp residentstofeelsafe.Withacalmapproach andconsistencyresidentshavelessconfusion, loneliness,anddisplaylessagitation.”

Promotingemotionalwell-beingalsoaids residentsintheirphysicalandmentalhealth, resultinginfewerbehavioralcrises,fewer fallsrelatedtoagitation,andfeweremergency interventions.Additionally,emotional

engagementimprovesnutritionandhydration,as individualswhofeelconnectedaremorelikelyto participateinmealsandmaintainhealthyweight. Painmanagementissimilarlyaffected,emotional distresslowerspainthresholds,whileacalm, connectedindividualtoleratesdiscomfortbetter andcommunicatesneedsmoreeffectively.

“Mentalandemotionalhealthareinseparable fromphysicalhealthoutcomesineveryone, includingindividualslivingwithdementia,” explainsmedicaldirectorLeniseCummingsVaugh.“Chronicemotionaldistress,including depression,anxiety,andloneliness,canaccelerate cognitivedeclineandworsenmedicaldisorders, [while]prolongedstresselevatescortisol levels,contributingtosystemicinflammation, cardiovascularstrain,andimmunesuppression.”

ParcProvencehelpsresidentsthroughgiving themmeaningfulroutineswithopportunities forsocialengagement,creativeexpressionand buildingcognitivestrength.Theteamworkswith thefamiliesofeachresidenttounderstandtheir interestsandbuildschedulesthatletthemengage inactivitiesthatfeelmeaningfulandpurposeful forthem.

RegularcognitivetestsalsohelpParcProvence adjustresident’sday-to-dayactivitiestowhat

bestsuitstheirneeds.Fromgroupdiscussions, trivia,games,classes,andsocialeventstomore focused,one-on-oneengagementandsensory basedexperiences,residentsaremetwherethey areandimprovetheirqualityoflife.

OneexampleofthisisParcProvence’smusic therapy.ActivitydirectorAnnaJohnsonrecalls howtheencouragementtositdownatapiano helpedeasearesident’sstressandallowedhimto rememberhisyearssinginginhischurchchoir.

“Whatbeganasamomentofanxiety transformedintoameaningfulexperienceof self-expression,connection,andreminiscence,” shesays.“Itwasawonderfulreminderofhow musiccanhelpresidentsfeelconnectedto cherishedmemoriesandidentities.Music,art, andsensoryactivitiesoftenreachresidentsin waysthatwordsalonecannot.”

“Musictherapyholdsaparticularlypowerful placeindementiacare,”Cummings-Vaughn adds.“Musicalmemoryisoftenpreservedlong afterotherformsofmemoryhavefaded.Music therapycanreduceagitation,improvemood,and stimulateverbalandphysicalexpression.”

Ontopofworkingwithresidents, ParcProvencealsohelpseducatefamiliesduring whatcanbeaverystressfultimeforthemaswell. Familiesareencouragedtogrievefortheirloved oneduringthetransitionintoamemory carecommunity.

“Listeningtoandsupportingfamiliesplays anessentialpartintrustintheirjourneywith understandingthestagesofdementiaoftheir lovedones,”Coopersays.“Mygoalistoensure ourfamiliesreceiveopencommunicationfrom myselfandthewholeteam,[establishing]trust andreassurancethattheirlovedoneswillbe receivingthebestcare.”

“Inmemorycare,whatmattersmostishow theresidentfeelsduringtheexperience,”Johnson concludes.“Thegoalistocreatemomentswhere theyfeelcomfortable,engaged,connected, andvalued.”

ParcProvence,605CoeurDeVilleDrive,Creve Coeur,314-897-7419,parcprovence.com

Kid-Approved Road ESSENTIALS

Road trips used to comprise the license plate game, a skipping  CD player, and the magic words: “Are we there yet?” Although  classics never die, today’s parents have a whole arsenal of  tricks available to keep the kiddos in the back seat content  enough to enjoy the journey ahead.

“Every child is different, and the key to keeping them entertained  on trips is tapping into their individual interests,” says Betty Bayer,  owner of Betty’s Books. “A road or plane trip is not the time to force  educational outcomes or your personal book agenda – it’s a time to  make sure they have materials that are fun and engaging.”

Keeping this in mind, Bayer recommends Usborne sticker books for  young children. “They are the highest quality, most engaging sticker  books I have encountered as a bookseller and a mom,” she says. The  globally recognized brand is an independent book publisher based  in London.

Bayer suggests Usborne’s “Build Your Own Monster  Trucks Sticker Book,” the “First Sticker Book Dollhouse,”  and the “Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Fairy Tales” option.  If you’re a parent of tweens, she recommends a classic:  Mad Libs. “I enjoyed these as a tween, and I have been  delighted that my almost-tween loves them too,” Bayer  says. “These hold our attention for a solid 30 minutes in  the car or while waiting for our plane and usually get my  kids giggling.”

According to Bayer, the most popular option is the  “Dungeons & Dragons”-themed Mad Lib. She notes that  there are a variety of options available including Taylor  Swift selections and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Mad Libs.

Shawnta’ Ray, owner of local company Happy Up, Inc.,  says her most successful road trips with family always  include “rowdy rest area breaks.” She adds: “We always have a parafoil kit  in our glove compartment. It’s thrilling to pull a simple kite [out] and fly it.  We also love to be outside for at least part of our trips.”

Ray appreciates gear such as Wildlife Outdoor Adventures’ bold  explorer kit and foraging bag. But if you don’t have time for a long  pit stop, she points to Speks-brand toys and Workman’s “The Reverse  Coloring Book.”

“The Speks Odds are really satisfying, lightly magnetic, hand-size  fidgets [that are] great for teens and adults – and for keeping your cool,”  Ray says. “‘The Reverse Coloring Book’ lets you draw over the watercolors  that are pre-printed. It is so peaceful to trace over and create new pictures,  kind of like looking for pictures in the clouds.”

And while buying online can seem more convenient, both shop owners

emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses. “Although  shopping on Amazon is quick and easy, it’s not a good place to get a  personalized recommendation,” Bayer says. “At our shop or any of St.  Louis’ fab local bookstores, the booksellers would be happy to help you  find something that fits your kiddo.”

Plus, there’s the perk of engaging one’s senses. “We believe you should  be able to see, touch, and get helpful advice when choosing for yourself  and your children,” Ray says. “Happy content travels.”

Betty’s Books, 8772 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-279-1731, bettysbooksstl.com

Happy Up, Inc., multiple locations, happyupinc.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Busey Wealth Management busey.com/wealth-management

Busey Wealth Management  delivers in-depth and wide-ranging  solutions while providing access to  a network of experienced advisors,  investment professionals and  specialists who are committed to  serving your financial needs.   Non-deposit products and services  are: Not FDIC Insured | Not  Deposits | May Lose Value | No  Bank Guarantee

Corey P. Briggs, CFP®, CIMA®, Director of Wealth Planning, Wealth Manager

Plaza Advisory Group 101 South Hanley Road, Suite 1350, 314-726-0600, briggsgroup.stewardpartners.com, cbriggs@plazaadvisors.com

Don’t let the new permanent  $15M estate tax exemption go to  waste. Schedule annual family  meetings now to review your gifting  strategy, trusts, and succession  plan with transparency. Discuss  intentions openly, educate the next  generation, and align on values. This  overlooked step prevents disputes  and strengthens multi-generational  wealth transfer.

Friday10:00AM-6:00PM Saturday10:00AM-6:00PM Sunday12:00PM-5:00PM Monday10:00AM-6:00PM Tuesday10:00AM-6:00PM WednesdayClosed Thursday10:00AM-6:00PM

From Love All to Match Point

Love is in the air for fans of the sport  of kings. With the warm weather,  tennis players (both seasoned pros and  beginners) are taking to the courts.

Played by folks of all ages, the sport  continues to thrive locally thanks to several  racquet clubs and organizations that cater to  those needing a refresher or beginners wanting  to learn how to play. Former pros, enthusiastic  veterans, and lifelong fans of the game are on  hand to help players nurture their competitive  spirit, improve their backhand, or learn a   new skill.

According to the United States Tennis  Association (usta.com), over four million people  played tennis for the first time in 2025. This  number has increased annually in the last five  years. Those looking to explore should check  out some of the most notable locations for  tennis lessons in the metro area.

CHESTERFIELD ATHLETIC CLUB

Since opening in 1974, the Chesterfield  Athletic Club (chesterfieldathleticclub.com) has  scored big points as a vibrant community hub.  It is home to the Apex Tennis Academy, which  presents lessons and camps tailored to the needs  of various age groups and skill levels. In addition  to the nine indoor and six outdoor courts, the

club has an indoor and outdoor pool, exercise  facilities, a walking trail, and a pro shop.

DWIGHT DAVIS TENNIS CENTER

Balls are always flying at the Dwight Davis  Tennis Center (dwightdavistennis.com). Located  in Forest Park, this St. Louis institution offers  clinics, classes, social leagues, and private  instruction to players of all ages and abilities.  The center’s 18 lighted courts are open until  10 p.m. to accommodate evening play.

FOREST LAKE TENNIS CLUB

Nestled in Town and Country, the Forest Lake  Tennis Club (forestlaketennisclub.com) serves  Chesterfield with eight indoor and five outdoor  courts. Players of all ages and types can enroll

in classes from coaches dedicated to helping  players take their game to the next level through  individualized comprehensive progression plans.  The club also offers leagues and camps for juniors.

FRONTENAC RACQUET CLUB

Frontenac Racquet Club (frontenactennis.com)  offers 10 indoor courts, modern locker rooms, and  year-round access. The club’s relaxed atmosphere  and experienced instructors make it ideal  for newcomers who are learning the sport or  returning players who are sharpening their skills.

VETTA RACQUET SPORTS SUNSET

Home to many of the best tennis leagues  in the area, the seven courts at Vetta Sunset  (vettasports.com) also host clinics and classes for  all players.

WOODSMILL TENNIS CLUB

Conveniently located near I-64, the  Woodsmill Tennis Club (woodsmilltc.com) – like  its partner club, the Frontenac Racquet Club –  caters to men, women, and juniors looking to  improve their forehand, framing, or just learning  how to ace the sport. Since opening in 1972, it  has scored match points by offering summer  camps as well as early morning and late evening  play on eight indoor courts.

Photo by Jorge Flores, Courtesy of Woodsmill Tennis Club
Photo courtesy of Forest Lake Tennis Club
Photo courtesy of Forest Lake Tennis Club

Foods to

PROMOTE LONGEVITy

How do you know you’re making the best dietary choices for  yourself and your family? It can be hard to tease out solid, proven  advice from hype, especially with influencers and “wellness  companies” promoting all kinds of questionable plans.

Dr. F. Gerald Wade is co-director of the SSM Health Saint Louis  University Hospital Comprehensive Metabolic Center (slu.edu/medicine/ internal-medicine/gastroenterology-hepatology/centers/metabolic-center.php),  where he and colleagues treat patients for obesity and obesity-related  diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. He works closely with patients, creating  personalized weight-management strategies, and he recommends starting  with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s “Healthy Eating Plate,  for its simple, evidence-based principles that emphasize vegetables, fruits,  whole grains, healthy protein, healthy oils, and water.” (nutritionsource. hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-eating-plate)

“In addition, the Mediterranean diet, which is a heathy eating  pattern common in Mediterranean countries, is not only sustainable  but consistently linked to lower risk of heart disease and diabetes and  increased life span,” he says. “Foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, beans,  fish, and olive oil consistently show benefits, but it’s the combination of  these eaten regularly that drives better health.”

Wade suggests caution in trusting information, even when it seems  to be from a solid source. For instance, he notes that the new inverted  food pyramid that illustrates the U.S. Dietary Guidelines gets some things  right, such as reducing ultra-processed foods and emphasizing protein.  “However, it remains somewhat controversial, as some experts believe it  may overcorrect by downplaying whole grains and promoting saturated  fat-rich foods like steak and whole milk,” he says. “Overall, the strongest  evidence still supports a balanced dietary pattern.”

Nutrition influencers without medical or dietetic training; diets that  eliminate entire food groups; programs that rely heavily on supplements,  detoxes, or expensive add-ons; and anything that sounds extreme or  promises rapid results require greater caution, Wade says. But the biggest  mistake he sees people make is consuming calorie-containing beverages.  Get rid of sugary drinks, sweet tea, alcohol, coffee drinks with added  creamers and syrups, energy drinks, and smoothies with added sugars, he  advises. Instead, drink water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea.

So, what’s in Wade’s fridge, freezer, and pantry? Here’s a list he says  covers the nutritional bases and offers options for easy and healthy meals.

In the refrigerator:

„ Greek yogurt (high protein)

„ Eggs

„ Fresh fruit (berries, apples, citrus)

„ Pre-cut veggies or salad greens

„ Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu, ground turkey)

„ Hummus or nut-based dips

In the freezer:

„ Frozen vegetables (no added sauces)

„ Frozen fruit (great for smoothies without added sugar)

„ Frozen meat (fish such as salmon and cod, chicken, ground turkey)

In the pantry:

„ Canned beans and lentils

„ Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)

„ Nuts and seeds

„ Olive oil

„ Low-sodium canned tomatoes

TO SCHEDULE a VISIT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE METaBOLIC CENTER, MENTION yOU REaD aBOUT THE CLINIC IN LaDUE NEWS. DR. WaDE OFFERS aDDITIONaL aDVICE ON OUR SITE – SCaN THE QR CODE TO REaD MORE.

SUITE Luxury

The contrast of clean lines and loose impressionistic art sets the tone for a sumptuous, modern bedroom.

“Ghost” is one of the many unique works created by artists at Los angeles-based Zoe Bios Creative. The collective offers a wide variety of modern art in custom colors, sizes, and framing options. (zoebioscreative.com)

Wesley allen’s Kenton bed combines a unique metal canopy and upholstered frame. Shown in the old copper finish with archer navy fabric panels, it is available in an extensive range of finishes, fabrics, and sizes: queen, king, and California king. (shubertdesign.com)

Worlds away presents the Tadeo tray made from natural black marble with oval-shaped brass handles. It’s perfect on a chest, vanity, or bedside table. The tray is 18 inches wide and seven inches deep. (donnellyinteriors.com)

MEETSAM: YourNew HomeCare Membership

SponsoredcontentbyAmyLynch,BrandAve.Studioscontributingwriter

PhotoscourtesyofMosbyBuildingArts

Intoday’sbusyworld,thelastthing homeownersneedisunexpectedrepairs poppingup.Anewhome-careplanfrom MosbyBuildingArtspreventsminor issuesfrombecomingmajorexpenses.

Launchedin2025andnamedinhonor offounderSamMosby,SAM(Serviceand Maintenance)byMosbyisaproactiveway tokeepyourhomefunctioningsmoothly. Withseveralsubscriptionlevelstochoose from,membershipincludescheckupsfor yourhomethroughouttheyeartoevaluate itssafetyandperformance.Dozensof inspectionpointscovereverythingfrom roofing,drivewaysandmechanicalsystems tofireplaces,waterheatersandappliances. Additionally,subscriptionsmayinclude Handymanhourstotacklethesmalleritems onyourto-dolist.

“Atitscore,SAMgiveshomeowners peaceofmind,”explainsMarkMcClanahan,

MosbyBuildingArtsCEO.“Membersget priorityaccesstoMosby’steamforroutine maintenance,smallrepairsandhomecare handledbythesameprofessionalswho remodelsomeofthefinesthomesin St.Louis.”

TheprogramwascreatedwhenMosby realizeditsclientsneededatrustedpartner tocarefortheirhomesnotjustduringabig remodel,butallyearlong.WithSAMasyour dependablehandyman,youcanenjoyyour hometothefullestwithoutstressingabout routinemaintenanceandupkeep.

“AtMosby,we’vealwaysbelievedthatthe relationshipdoesn’tendwhentheproject does,”McClanahansays.“SAMisourwayof makingthatbeliefrealandtangible.”

Tolearnmore,gotosam-by-mosby.com.

MosbyBuildingArts,115W.ArgonneDrive, Kirkwood,314-909-1800,callmosby.com

junegalleryauction

ATwoDayAuctionFeaturing:Mid-CenturyModernfurnitureand decorativeart;Contemporaryprintstoincludealargecollection ofworksbyDali;RareprintsbyBingham,Bodmer,andCatlin;Over 100lotsoffinejewelry;Southwestweavings,andfineart;Sterling silver;anextensivegroupofporcelainbyAnnaWeatherly,and StaffordshireFlowBlue;Artglass;Architecturalelements;Marble andbronzesculpture;Rarebooks;acollectionofTWAtravelposters byDavidKlein;OldMastertoContemporarypaintings; Asiandecorativeart;Antiquefurniture,andHandwovenrugsandmore.

friday,june5that

AscribedtoEdwinLandseer,

SalvidorDali,ChangesinGreat Masterpieces,PersistenceofMemory,1974 colorlithograph,ed.144/150

DavidKlein,NewYork/FlyTWA, circa1960.Offsetlithographand silkscreenposter

AbbotLawrencePattinson, TheAthlete,1987,giltbronze

ASterlingServiceFlatwareService, GrandeBaroquebyWallace,94Pieces

MidCenturyModernFlexsteelThunderbirdSofa, Circa1960s

CharlesMonzani,SilverPlatedBrassFlute circa1867-1869.

TheSutherlandChildren, oiloncanvas
APairofMiesVanDerRohe "Tugendhat"LoungeChairsbyKnoll
AfterGeorgeCalebBingham,TheJollyFlat BoatMen,1847,handcoloredmezzotint engravingbyThomasDoney

Sculpted Simply

Lymphatic drainage and inflammation  reduction treatments can help sculpt  your face, defining cheekbones and your  jawline without even a smidge of makeup,  plus improve skin elasticity and blood flow.  Spas and estheticians in the St. Louis area offer  various solutions, and you can adjust your selfcare routine at home to better serve your face  and body.

It’s normal for lymphatic fluid to accumulate  in the body, and when working properly, the  lymphatic system naturally gets rid of the  excess. Gently massaging certain areas of the  face and body can stimulate this process – as can  anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits like exercising,  staying hydrated, practicing breathwork, and  avoiding processed foods.

“I always try and recommend doing some  stuff at home, maybe with a gua sha stone,”  says licensed esthetician Lauren Staebell,  referencing the traditional Chinese medicine  tool. “Do some light lymphatic drainage on your  neck and along your jaw, gently stretching out  and massaging your shoulders and your neck.  Sometimes you can kind of mix these treatments  with things that you can do at a med spa, like  microneedling, to get the best of both worlds.”

Staebell is the owner of Face + Forme  Aesthetics in Brentwood, which specializes  in connecting skin care and facial massage  techniques with  nervous system  wellness. She offers  a lymphatic drainage  facial as well as  more comprehensive  facials that provide  natural contour and  address tension.

“I typically blend  techniques like

lymphatic drainage with fascia release, heated  stones, and intraoral massage, which is also  known as buccal massage where we work inside  the mouth,” she describes. “Facial massage work  is gentle enough [that] usually you could come  in once a week if you wanted to. It’s just what  your time and budget allows.”

Some clients might require clearance from  their doctor to ensure a massage is safe after  a procedure, and pregnant clients might need  modifications. Prevalent or uncomfortable  swelling is another reason to consult with a  doctor, as that could indicate a health problem.  For education on how to step up your home-care  routine, Staebell points clients to “The Book of

Lymph: Self-Care Practices to Enhance Immunity,  Health, and Beauty” by Lisa Levitt Gainsley.

Other metro area spas offering lymphatic  drainage facials include Avani Derm Spas and  Rhythm and Ritual. A detailed guide to face  and body sculpting solutions is also available  at rhythmandritual.com/blog/get-a-sculpted-face.

Face + Forme Aesthetics, 8920 Manchester Road, Brentwood, faceandforme.com

Avani Derm Spa, multiple locations, avanidermspa.com

Rhythm and Ritual, 1064 S. Woods Mill Road, Town and Country, 636-220-4873, rhythmandritual.com

ST. LOUIS FASHION WEEK RETURNS

St. Louis Fashion Week is returning to  the metro under new ownership and  direction from the leadership behind  Kansas City Fashion Week, but this  isn’t a copy-and-paste event, they promise.  It is a thoughtfully rebuilt platform that will  recognize St. Louis’ distinct and evolving fashion  identity; support local creatives; and integrate  regional and national talent to expand exposure,  collaboration, and economic opportunity.

“St. Louis has always had such incredible  and creative talent – the designers, stylists,  photographers, entrepreneurs, models – but it  hasn’t, in the last decade, had a real consistent,  large-scale platform,” says Teisha Barber, owner  and CEO of STLFW. “After purchasing Kansas  City Fashion Week in 2023, I started really  thinking about, ‘What’s next? How can we  grow?’ And it’s not just about producing runway  shows … it’s about building sustainable fashion  ecosystems in the Midwest as a whole.”

Kansas City Fashion Week has hosted  semiannual runway shows for 15 years and  established an infrastructure to support  participants year-round. Alongside Layne  Whitehouse, the organization’s president who  hails from St. Louis, Barber built a team of about  half Kansas City and half St. Louis professionals

We talk with Brandin Vaughn, designer outreach coordinator for STLFW, and other local designers as they prepare behind-the-scenes. Scan the QR code to read more.

to launch a new show here. The long-term goal  is to transition to a majority-St. Louisan team  that, starting in 2027, produces shows in April  and in October, hosts pop-up events, and grows  educational programming locally.

“We’re working closely with Saint Louis  Fashion Fund because they’ve already laid really  important groundwork in supporting designers  and strengthening the business side of fashion  in St. Louis,” Barber adds. “They have been  an incredible resource to us in the relaunch  of STLFW.” Additionally, a portion of the  event’s proceeds will go toward a scholarship  fund with SLFF for students pursuing  fashion-related careers.

STLFW will showcase 33 designers, and

in keeping with what’s been successful in  Kansas City, the organization has accepted  local designers among others from across the  country. STLFW prioritizes local designers  but welcomes qualified creatives from across  the Midwest and beyond to foster industry  connections and broaden exposure to St.  Louis talent.

“We’re looking at their brand identity, the  cohesion of their work, their production quality,  and … whether they’re prepared to present at  a professional runway level,” Barber explains.  “Once [designers are] selected, we then  curate each night of the runway shows very  intentionally. We don’t really group designers  together randomly. We try to build a flow and  balance between emerging and established  talent throughout each night with different  aesthetics, different price points, and … a  different storytelling approach [in each show].”

STLFW kicks off June 8 with a cocktail  celebration at Powell Hall, followed by runway  shows June 10 through 13 at City Foundry STL’s  18Rails venue. On-site shopping opportunities  will be available through the vendor market or a  QR code on the event program.

St. Louis Fashion Week, stlouisfashionweek.com

Andrea Smith | Photos courtesy of St. Louis Fashion Week

Audio/VideoSystems

MasterRemoteControls

iPadIntegration

OutdoorMusic&TV

Network/Wi-Fisystems

SurroundSound

WholeHouseMusic

LightingControl

MotorizedShades

SecurityCameras

BrianMorris

23yrsExperience

314.276.1707

brian@imaginemulti-media.com

AnEveningwith BERNADETTE PETERS

Jun12

Joinusforanunforgettable eveningofmusicwiththe legendaryBernadettePeters, TonyAward-winningstarof stageandscreen,andyour St.LouisSymphonyOrchestra.

GRILL

Ready, Set,

Warmer weather provides the perfect backdrop for grilling  season, and St. Louis has no shortage of independently  owned spots to stock up for a cookout. Ahead of your  next barbecue or outdoor gathering, visit these four  exceptional local butcher shops for high-quality meats and  grill-ready favorites.

BAUMANN’S FINE MEATS

8829 Manchester Road, Brentwood, baumannsfinemeats.com

This centrally located butcher shop promises “a cut above the rest,”  offering quality cuts of meat alongside an impressive selection of  homemade specialties. A neighborhood staple since 1946, the business  has operated from its current location since 1988. Its extensive lineup of  signature items caters to a wide range of tastes, featuring smoked beef  and pork tenderloin, filet mignon, brined and smoked turkey, handmade  sausages including andouille and apple-cinnamon bratwurst, tasso (Cajun  smoked pork), smoked wings, and an assortment of spare, baby back, and  short ribs.

BOLYARD’S MEAT AND PROVISIONS

2733 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, bolyardsmeat.com

Since 2014, chef and butcher Chris Bolyard has specialized in whole  animal butchery with an emphasis on local, pasture-raised meats and  housemade provisions. The Maplewood mainstay offers a masterful  butcher’s menu at the counter featuring beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fresh  sausage, charcuterie, smoked meats, and deli meats. Guests can also

choose from tasty grab-and-go provisions in a set of coolers such as stock,  fermented veggies, sauces, and more. The butchery-slash-restaurant gives  a glimpse behind the scenes, with front windows overlooking the team at  work in the cut room.

KENRICK’S MEAT & CATERING

4324 Weber Road, South St. Louis County, kenricks.com

St. Louis’ largest butcher shop originated in 1945. Since 2004, the  longtime destination for specialty foods has operated out of a spacious  store near Affton, where shoppers are spoiled for choice. Ready-to-grill  and ready-to-bake favorites, including stuffed pork chops and assorted  kabobs, make meals and entertaining easy. The meat market also carries  more than 80 varieties of specialty sausages, along with bundled meat  packages designed to help customers get the most bang for their buck.

PIERCE CREEK

10405 Old Olive Street Road, Creve Coeur, piercecreekstl.com

In Creve Coeur, Pierce Creek Cattle Company brings together a  restaurant, bar, bakery, butcher shop, and market under one roof. The  homegrown company’s motto is “as local as possible.” Co-owners Kent  Evans and Rachelle L’Ecuyer became the fourth generation to take the  reins at Pierce Creek Farm with the goal of providing healthy beef.  In addition to local pasture-raised beef free of added hormones and  unnecessary antibiotics, the butcher counter features 4 Health Farms  wagyu raised in Missouri. Pro tip: You can select any cut from the case and  have it cooked to order with sides.

Kenrick’s
Pierce Creek
Baumann’s
Bolyard’s
Story and photos by Mabel Suen

Revisiting

St. Louis Modernism

Back by popular demand, we return to our “Nine Lives” series on  the city’s modernist structures and how they’ve evolved. Modernist  architecture in the United States, a movement spanning the 1920s  through 1970s, is defined by minimalism over ornamentation, clean  lines, concrete, glass, and steel, and a “form follows function” approach.

The popular architecture media platform ArchDaily calls modernism “one  of the most optimistic styles in architectural history, drawing from notions  of utopia, innovation, and the reimagination of how humans would live,  work, and interact.”

In a region constantly evolving, reshaping, and in some cases making  something out of nothing (ahem, the iconic Gateway Arch, a pioneering  design), here are two more examples of modern architecture in St. Louis  that have stood the test of time – whether reimagined or mostly unchanged.

B’NAI AMOONA SYNAGOGUE, 524 TRINITY AVE. (1950)

The architect of B’nai Amoona – now the historic Mendelsohn  Building on the Center of Creative Arts campus in University City – was  Erich Mendelsohn. A forerunner of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne,  he helped shape modernism, and both styles can be seen in St. Louis as  part of the movement. “Mendelsohn practiced architecture in Germany,  Holland, England, and Palestine before arriving in the United States as a  refugee in 1942,” writes Samuel D. Gruber, architectural historian for the  “Synagogues of the South: Architecture and Jewish Identity” exhibition  at the College of Charleston. “His buildings reflect different styles – he  was a restless artist. Still, throughout his career, he was an expressive  modernist with a love of concrete and glass.” The synagogue itself, with  its sloping, parabolic, cantilever roof, was Mendelsohn’s first American  project, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

EAST LADUE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 9701 CONWAY ROAD (1959)

Known now, of course, as Ladue Middle School, this dynamic midcentury structure is hard to miss from Clayton Road. And how many  other schools have you seen with a copper roof? “This International Style  complex is punctuated by a classroom building featuring an enormous  overhanging vaulted copper roof, resting on dramatically expressed  structural supports,” writes Built St. Louis author Robert Powers. Like  Saint Louis Abbey Church in Creve Coeur, built in 1962, and the domes  of Lambert International Airport’s Terminal 1, designed in 1956, Ladue’s  once-rural farmland became less pastoral around the mid-century.

Along with environmental shifts came political and social change, as the  school saw graduates drafted into the Vietnam War, the start of special  education services, its renaming in 2001, and other historic events.  Its architects were Murphy & Mackey, who designed the Climatron at  Missouri Botanical Garden.

East Ladue Junior High School photo by Emily Standlee
B’nai amoona Synagogue photo by Warren LeMay

FUFU n ’ Sauce

At FUFU n’ Sauce,  chef Adjo Honsou is  so confident in her  housemade namesake  cuisine that she graciously gives  out free samples to first-timers  who might not be familiar.  The warm welcome serves as a  heartfelt introduction to boldly  flavored West African homestyle  food. “If you’re yearning for  something out of the ordinary,  this is the place to be,” she says.

Honsou grew up cooking  wholesome traditional Togolese  dishes by hand alongside  her grandmother in a small  village. Forged over countless  generations, this scratchmade  fare has traveled all the way  from Togo, West Africa, to an inviting storefront in Vinita Park that has  become a hub for community connections.

A bioscientist by trade, Honsou originally started hosting food-fueled  gatherings called FUFU n’ Chat with friends as a hobby in 2021. She  founded FUFU n’ Sauce a year later, hosting pop-ups to meet the rapidly  growing demand for her food; in 2023, a food truck rolled out to take it to  events all over town.

The following year, Honsou joined a casting call for season 3 of “The  Great American Recipe” show on PBS, where she put her well-honed  recipes to the test and came out victorious. FUFU n’ Sauce’s brick-andmortar restaurant debuted last summer, where the charismatic self-made  chef proudly shares her culinary heritage in an effort to bridge the  African diaspora.

Honsou made the carryout-focused space feel as much like home as  she could, filling it with terracotta-inspired tones, cushy wicker chairs,  and West African fabric and woodcarvings to transport guests to her  happy place.

For the uninitiated, a banner breaks down menu items including  fufu – a foundational staple served alongside sauces such as the entrée  that won Honsou TV gold: tender, fall-off-the-bone oxtail in rich palm nut

sauce. Her version of the ubiquitous African accompaniment is made with  plantain and yam flour (jollof rice and crisp sweet fried plantains are also  available as sides to any meal).

Honsou describes Togolese cooking as “fresh, flavorful, balanced,  and very savory,” with a foundation of garlic, ginger, and curry made up  of spices specially imported from Africa such as star anise, cumin, and  cinnamon. Highlights from the menu include beef stew, goat pepper soup,  and egusi – a comforting vegan-friendly signature made from ground  melon seeds and leafy greens.

Going forward, Honsou hopes to bring even more locations of FUFU  n’ Sauce to St. Louis to reach as many people as possible with her hearty  dishes. “Making sure people are aware of West African culture and what  that means to us and what community means to us is the goal in what we  do,” she says. “Blending, merging, and accepting cultures is really what  we’re doing here through food.”

FUFU n’ Sauce is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.   to 8 p.m.

FUFU n’ Sauce, 8100 Page Ave., Vinita Park, St. Louis, 314-200-5581, fufunsauce.com

Story and photos by Mabel Suen

KVC MISSOURI

Purses with a Purpose

KVC Missouri celebrated their annual Purses with a  Purpose luncheon recently in The Solarium at The  Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Guests had the opportunity  to bid on a wide array of designer purses while  sipping on their favorite beverages. KSDK anchor Anne Allred served as the emcee, Roberta Boswell spoke about  her foster parenting, and the Moneta group was awarded the  2026 Sue Rapp Distinguished Volunteer Award.

“Every day at KVC Missouri, we see the difference that compassionate, communitydriven support can make in the lives of children and families facing complex challenges. The generosity people show at Purses with a Purpose helps ensure we can continue providing critical mental health services, strengthening families, supporting foster care families, and educating youth and adolescents across our state.”

– LINDSEY STEPHENSON KVC MISSOURI PRESIDENT

Cindy Munich and ann Rexford
Tina Dubuque, Bridget O’Flynn-Hof, Susan Ryan
Liz Erker, Peggy Barnhart
Roberta Boswell, Lindsey Stephenson
Story and photos by Diane Anderson
Jasmine Chen, Justin Hsieh Erin Stucky, Michelle Lawrence
Mary Ciapciak, anne allred
Jeanne Nowicke, Tara Hogan
Nancy Brown, Liz Gibbons, Debbie Monterubio
Patty arnold, Jenny Rapp, Emily Rapp
Susan and Fran Petruso
Bridget Fahy, Christine Byers Tim Smith, Leslie Gubitz
Therese Burkard, Diana Randolph, Sue Nagel
Valerie Hays, Randie Eberlin, Lindy Nguyen

ANew Nine

ThelocalPBSstationis undergoingamultimilliondollarrenovationata historicallychallenging timeforpublicmedia.

Inatroublesomeperiodforpublicmedia,NinePBSisforging ahead.Thestation,whichhasbeenbroadcastingtotheSt.Louis areasince1954,ismorethanhalfwaytoits$42milliongoal, supportingtwocrucialfundsthatwillexpandcommunityand storytellingworkwhilecreatingastate-of-the-artpublicmediacenter.

TheImpactFundstrengthenscommunitystorytelling,expands earlyeducation,andbringsleadersandneighborstogethertocreate localconnectionsandsolvepressingissues.TheBuildingRenovation Fundallowsthestationtoreimagineitsheadquartersasa communityhub.

“Whenourfederalfundingwasrescinded,ourcommunitystepped upinanextraordinaryway,”saysLeahFreeman,NinePBSvice presidentandchiefcommunicationsofficer.“Today,around98%of NinePBS’operatingbudgetisfundedbylocalsourceslikeindividual donors,members,foundations,andcommunitypartners.Wesawa significantsurgeindonationsandmembership,whichspeaksvolumes abouthowdeeplythiscommunityvaluesNinePBS.”However,she notesthatthe$1.8millionfederalfundinglossisannual,sosustaining thatlevelofgivingwhilealsoraisingfundsforthecampaignis importanttothestation’songoingmission.

Lastyear,theImpactFundwascriticalinthestation’sability torespondtotheMay2025tornado.“Ourjournalistswereonthe groundthedayafterthetornadohit;justmonthslater,weorganized alive,televisedtownhall,whichbroughtlocalleadersandimpacted

communitymemberstogethertoaddresstoughissuesaround recoveryefforts.Sincethen,we’vecommittedtoongoingsocialmedia reportingandcontinuedstorytellinglongafterothermediaoutlets movedon,”Freemansays.

TheBuildingRenovationFundsupportsanupdateinthestation’s infrastructure,technology,andphysicalspace.Designsforthe newmediacenterfeatureaccessibilityandacreativenewvibefor communityuse.“WehiredTriversasourarchitectofrecord[to translateourvisionandassistwith]wrappingupthedesignphase[as wellastostartmapping]outaconstructiontimeline,”Freemansays. “Weexpectconstructiontobeginthisfallandlastapproximately12 to18months.Duringthattime,ourteamwillworkfromtemporary officeandstudiospaces,butallbroadcastservices,localproductions, andcommunityworkwillcontinuewithoutinterruption.”

Therenovatedheadquarterswillincludeflexible,collaborative productionandstaffenvironmentsaswellasupgradeddigitaland broadcastinfrastructure.Butthemostobviouschangewillbethe mainfloor,dedicatedtocommunityuse.Events,screenings,and educationalprogrammingwillhappenhereasstaffoperationsmove tothesecondfloor.

“We’reproudoftheworkwe’vebeenabletomoveforwardthanks tocampaignfundsin2025,”Freemansays.“InthewakeoftheMay 16tornado,weproducedmorethan20storiestohelpresidents navigaterecoveryandelevatecriticalissuesincluding‘TornadoTown

Hall:YourVoice.OurFuture.,’whichbroughttogethercommunity members,localleaders,andelectedofficialstosparkdialogue andaction.”

Freemanalsohighlights“ATaleofTwoRiverCities,”drawing lessonsfromNewOrleans’recoveryafterHurricaneKatrinatoinform howSt.Louiscanrebuildmoreequitably.Through“NinePBSReports: BridgingtheChildcareGap,”thestationexaminedtheearlychildhood andchildcarecrisisfacingfamiliesacrosstheregionandstate. Whilecreatingtimelycontent,thestationalsohostedwatchparties, interactiveliteracyprograms,andSTEMactivities,engagingmorethan 530childrenandfamiliesin2025.

“We’llsoonbesharingmoreabouthowthecommunitycan supportthebuildingrenovationprojectthatwillstrengthenNine PBSforthefuture,”Freemannotes.“Fornow,wewanttothankour communityforstandingwithusduringaparticularlychallengingyear forpublicmedia.Wealsoencouragethosewhohaven’tyettobecome membersofNinePBS.Membershiphelpssustainourlong-term workandthelocal,trustedstorytellingourregionrelieson;brings peopleclosertoourworkandcommunity;andoffersearlyaccessto informationandcommunityexperiences.”

NinePBS,3655OliveSt.,GrandCenter,St.Louis, 314-512-9000,ninepbs.org

RootedinthePast

AIandrecord-mappingarehelping Americansconnectwiththethousands ofancestorswhopavedthewayforus.

FormostAmericans,thefamilytreeisanchoredinsoil thousandsofmilesaway,itsbranchessometimesreaching acrossvastoceans.Beingaglobalmeltingpotmeansgenealogy hereismorethanjustahobby;it’sanationalpastime.And thankstothedigitizationofpublicrecords–andonlinegenealogy resourceslikeAncestry,FamilySearch,and23andMe–diggingthrough familyhistoriesiseasierthanever.

However,withsomanytoolsavailable,itcanbedifficulttoknow wheretostart.Thebestplacetobeginisn’tatthelocallibraryorby contactinganexpertgenealogist;it’sbytalkingtofamily.Askyour parentsandgrandparentswhattheyknowaboutyourfamilyand wheretheirparentscamefrom.Compileeverything,nomatterhow factual,becauseyouneverknowwherethecluesmaylead.

“Thesestoriesarenotalwaystrue,becausetheyhaveatendencyto evolveovertime,buttheycanbeamazingstartingpoints,”saysBrent Trout,thehistoryandgenealogymanagerforSt.LouisCountyLibrary.

ConsiderSLCL’sHistory&Genealogydepartmentforyournext stopasyoutraceyourroots.Thedepartment’svastarchivesinclude 120,000physicalvolumesandnear-countlessdigitalresources,with specialemphasesonSt.Louishistoryandgenealogy,theAmerican CivilWar,andvariousEuropeangenealogies.

It’salsohometoTheMemoryLab,atwo-roomworkspacelocatedin theEmersonHistoryandGenealogyCenteronthesecondfloorofthe ClarkFamilyBranchinLadue.Thedo-it-yourselfdigitizationspacegives visitorsadedicatedspottoconverttheirmemoriesintodigitalformat.

Startingonlinecanbetempting,butit’salsofullofpitfalls.Trout saysthatit’scommonforpeopletofinda“completed”familytree onamajorwebsiteandinstantlybelievetheirworkisdone–only todiscoverlaterthatthetreeisriddledwithmistakes.Heading downthewrongpathcantakeyearsofresearchtountangle,so Troutrecommendsusingothers’researchasaguideandverifying informationbeforeacceptingitasfact.

“Whilemoreandmoreitemsareavailableonlineeveryday,there arethingsthatjusthavenotmadeittotheinternet,”headds.“Atsome point,youmayhavetovisitalibrary,archive,orcourttofindprimarysourcedocuments.”

Oneofthemorerecentinnovationsingenealogyisfull-text search.Thetechniquemakesmillionsofprimary-sourcedocuments digitallysearchablebytextusingopticalandhandwritingcharacter recognition,combinedwithartificialintelligence.

“Agoodresearcheralwaystriestovisualizemigrationroutesfor theirancestors[inordertobetter]tracetheirfamilies,”Troutsays. “Usingtraditionalmigrationroutesandpathwaysisanobviousthing tofollow,butourancestorsarenotalwayslogical.Full-textsearch canfillinthosegapswhereancestorsdidnotnecessarilytravelin expectedways.Notonlyisfulltextvaluableinthisobviouscase,but sometimesthecomputerdoesawaybetterjobatrecognizingnames thanwedoashumans.”

Genealogyisoneofthosepursuitsthatseemstowidenthedeeper youdig.Aneasywaytoavoidfeelingoverwhelmedistocreatea researchlog.Whetherusingaspecializedprogramorasimplepen andpaper,Troutsuggestsorganizinginformationbyfamilyandby individual,andkeepingdatestracked,referringtoalargerfamilytree ifnecessary.Moreimportantly,healsosaysthatyoushouldnotein yourresearchlogwhereyouattemptedtoresearchalongsidethedate.

“Sincethingsgetdigitizedandbooksgetproduced,revisiting sourcesmayproducenewinformationatalaterdate,”Troutsays. “Documentingyourresearchalsopreventsyoufromrevisitingsources youmayhavealreadyinteractedwith.”

Ultimately,genealogyisaboutmorethanjustfillinginblanks;it’s aboutfindingempathythroughthe“oscillatingnarratives”ofthose whocamebeforeus.Byshiftingthefocusfromnamesanddatestothe livedexperiencesofourancestors,wegainperspectiveonourown lives–andallittooktogetushere.

“Ialwaystellpeoplethis:Ittookatleast2,000peoplecreatinglife togethertoputyouontheplanet,”Troutsays.“Ifyoudothemath,you aretheproductofatleast2,000people.Thisisnotbymistake,thisis notanaccident.Thisispartofsomethinggreater.”

St.LouisCountyLibrary,multiplelocations,slcl.org

MemoryLab,ClarkFamilyBranch,1540S.LindberghBlvd.,Ladue, 314-994-3300,slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy

80-Foot WhaleofaTale

“THEBLUEWHALESTORY,” RUNNINGNOWTHROUGH JAN.10,2027,ATTHESAINTLOUISSCIENCECENTER, SHOWCASESAN80-FOOTSKELETONOFAN“INDICATOR SPECIES”THATPROVIDESINSIGHTONTHEOVERALL ENVIRONMENTALHEALTHOFOCEANSANDHUMANLIFE.

ByBethanyChristo PhotocourtesyoftheSaintLouisScienceCenter

Whatstartedasatragedyforthe scientificcommunityisnowan 80-footimmersiveeducational opportunityformuseumvisitors acrosstheworld.“TheBlueWhaleStory”special exhibitionarrivedintheSaintLouisScience Center’sBoeingHallonMay23,featuringthe life-sizebluewhaleskeletonreplicaof“Blue.” Namedforherspecies,thismemberofthe baleenwhalefamilylostherlifein2014off thewesterncoastofNewfoundland–along withnineothersoftheendangeredspecies–representingasteep4%declineoftheroughly 200to450bluewhalesleftontheplanet.

“Beforedivingintothecontent,interactives, oranyoftheelementsthatbringatraveling exhibitiontolife,wefirsthadtoanswera fundamentalquestion:Wouldabluewhalefit inourmuseum?”saysKayliaEskew,manager ofspecialexhibitionsfortheScienceCenter. “Blueistrulythecenterpieceoftheexhibition, andwe’vedesignedthespacesoguestscan walkfullyaroundher,allowingthemtograsp theimmensescaleoftheseanimals.Seeing awhaleinaphotooron-screenisonething, butstandingface-to-facewithitisanentirely

different,unforgettableexperience.”

Thelargestspeciestoeverexistonearthand aboutthesizeofafulltenniscourtor18-wheeler, thereplicaskeletonofBlueisthedominant attraction.BoeingHallhashostedextraordinary artifactsfromtravelingexhibitionssince1992, includingtheApollo11capsule,Tyrannosaurus rexskeletons,andinvaluablehistoricalpieces fromPompeiiandancientEgypt–thoughit’s neverdisplayedafullbluewhalebefore.

“Inaway,it’slikeagiant3Dpuzzle,”Eskew says.“Beforeanexhibitionarrives,wetakea lotoftimetoworkwiththeownersonallthe detailssuchashowpiecesneedtobehandled, whattypesoflightwecanuseindisplays,and evenwhichsideofthepiecealabelshouldset. Forourfantasticexhibitsteam,movingaheart modelthesizeofasmallcarorhangingthetail ofan80-footwhalefroma30-foot-highceiling isjustanotherdayonthejob.”

InadditiontoBlue,visitorscanviewafullscalebluewhaleheart(whichcouldfitmore than2,000humanheartswithinit)aswellas takeapictureinsidealife-sizebluewhalejaw andlearnabouttheanimal’sremarkablefeeding behavior.Insideasoundchamber,guestscan

PhotocourtesyoftheRoyalOntarioMuseum
PhotocourtesyoftheRoyalOntarioMuseum

hearthedifferentcallswhalesuseformating, location,andfood.Avisualprogression depictstheevolutionfromwhaleswalkingon landassmall,hoofedanimals50millionyears agotothebehemothwatercreatureswe seetoday.

“‘TheBlueWhaleStory’isaboutconnection –betweenlandandsea,pastandpresent,and humansandthenaturalworldwedependon,” Eskewsays.“Likeeverygoodstory,thereare chaptersthatpullatourheartstringsbut thatweneedtoheartomakesurewedon’t repeatthem.”

Tothatend,partoftheexhibitioncovers theheightofindustrialwhalinginthe19thand early-20thcenturies,whenbluewhaleswere heavilyhuntedfortheiroil,meat,andbaleen. Thisledtoadramaticdeclineinpopulationand near-extinctionthatstillexiststoday,which madethewhaledeathsinNewfoundland10-plus yearsagothatmuchmoredevastating.However, scientistsattheRoyalOntarioMuseumwere determinedtomakesurethislossbecame anopportunity,aschancestostudytherare, protectedspeciesareincrediblylimitedand mustbenoninvasive.

“Whatthesescientistsuncoveredwent beyondthestoryofasinglewhale;itoffered adeeperunderstandingofthehealthofour oceans,”Eskewsays.“Asalandlockedstate, bluewhalesarenotsomethingwearealways exposedto,sotheirlivesandimportanceare easyforustooverlook.However,bluewhales areconsideredindicatorspecies,meaning theirhealthreflectstheoverallconditionof theocean.Whenbluewhalesareimpacted bythreatslikeclimatechange,pollution,or

shiftsinmarinefoodchains,itsignalsbroader changesinoceanhealth.Thesesameglobal systemsinfluenceweatherpatterns,fisheries, andclimatestabilityrighthereintheMidwest.”

Providingadditionallocalperspectiveis Dr.JeanPotvinandhisteamfromSaintLouis University,whohavebeenstudyingtheway bluewhalesfilterfeedinhopesofusinga similarcleaningmethodforourwaterways. Asthescientist-in-residence,Dr.Potvinwillbe on-sitecertaindaysoftheexhibit’srunandfor specialeventslikeUpLateandSciFest.Tickets for“TheBlueWhaleStory”canbepurchased onlineorin-personfor$8to$16dependingon membershipandage.Thissummerandfall,the ScienceCenter’sOmnimaxTheaterwillshow “SecretsoftheSea,”afilmthatdivesfurther intotheocean’smostmajesticcreaturesand theirmysteries.

Eskewfindsreasonforoptimisminsharing Blue’sstory,adding,“Ultimately,Ihopeguests areinspiredbythisstoryofresiliencebut alsoempoweredandmotivatedtobeavoice foroceanconservationandtheprotectionof specieslikebluewhales.”

SaintLouisScienceCenter,5050OaklandAve., KingsOak,St.Louis,314-289-4400, slsc.org/attraction/the-blue-whale-story

PhotocourtesyoftheSaintLouisScienceCenter
Photoscourtesyofthe SaintLouisScienceCenter

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May 29, 2026 by Ladue News - Issuu