BLUEPRINT
Raised on Real E state
For Tommy, real estate isn’t a trend it’s second nature. He grew up watching his mom negotiate deals and guide clients through big decisions. While other kids were glued to cartoons, he was learning what it really takes to buy and sell a home. That early exposure shaped his instincts, and today, clients trust him for the calm, clarity, and commitment he brings to every transaction.
Let’s Make a Deal
Tommy thrives on creative problem-solving, always looking beyond the obvious to make a deal work. He knows price is just one piece of the puzzle, and every term is negotiable. “It’s not just a yes or no. Sometimes it’s a how.”
OF EXCELLENCE IN ST . LOUIS REAL ES TAT E THE DEFINITIVE
“Any problem I had, there was somebody there to help me with it.” Behind every smooth transaction are tough decisions and unexpected turns. That’s where Tommy shines. His steady guidance is shaped by years of learning from top producers and leaning on a team that always had his back. Clients don’t just get his expertise they get the strength of the whole office behind them.
Tommy’s early exposure to real estate gives him a unique lens into the business and the people behind each transaction. Today, he simplifies complex topics through engaging videos and a podcast that make clients feel informed, confident, and ready to move forward.
Tommy Espenchied Real Estate Agent
SayYEStogenerosity onGiveSTLDay!
JointhousandsofcharitableSt. Louisansandsupportthenonprofits youlovethisyearonGiveSTLDay, cominguponMay8.
Fromnonprofitsthatsupportchildren orveterans,tothoseworkinginour schoolsorparks—you’llfindthe causesthatsparkyourpassionat givestlday.org.
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PLANT-BASED SCENE
PUBLISHER
Ian Caso
EDITORIAL
M a N a GING EDITOR
Ashley Klein > aklein@laduenews.com
DIGITa L EDITOR & STa FF WRITER
Amanda Dahl > adahl@laduenews.com
a SSOCI aTE EDITOR
Emily Standlee > estandlee@laduenews.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Daniel Puma > dpuma@laduenews.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mark Bretz, Drew Gieseke, Sam Murrell, Sheila Oliveri, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Shannon Weber, Katie Yeadon
SALES
VICE PRESIDENT OF S a LES
Kevin Hart > khart@stlpostmedia.com
SENIOR MEDI a STR aTEGIST
Katie Ray > kray@laduenews.com
MEDI a STR aTEGIST
Michelle Brown > mbrown@laduenews.com
SPECI a L PROJECTS M a N a GER
Maggie Peters > mpeters@laduenews.com
CL a SSIFIED a CCOUNT M a N a GER
Lisa Taylor > ltaylor@lee.net
ART
a RT DIRECTOR
Laura De Vlieger > ldevlieger@laduenews.com
a SSISTa NT a RT DIRECTOR
Christopher Oth > coth@laduenews.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGR a PHERS
James Anderson, Christina Kling-Garrett
AD D ITI ON ALARE A LISTINGS
42CountrysideLane(Frontenac) C $5,242,000
544QuailRidgeLane(St.Albans) C $3,950,000
234NorthBrentwoodBlvd.(Clayton) C $3,495,000
2025WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,770,000
2033WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,745,000
2017WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,525,000
2002WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,455,000
2005WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,370,000
2010WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,285,000
8121StratfordDrive(Clayton) C $2,190,000
16PicardyLane(Ladue) C $1,929,000
10LogCabinDrive(Ladue) C $1,699,900
410MonacoDrive(WarsonWoods) C $1,200,000
13028ConwayEstates(T&C) C $1,000,000
275BlackmerPlace(WebsterGroves) C $950,000
7425ParkdaleAvenue(Clayton) C $914,900
1520AnnAvenue(Kirkwood) C $899,000
7744DavisDrive(Clayton) C $874,900
7720CountryClubCourt(Clayton) C $825,000
119PortlandTerrace(WebsterGroves) C $799,900
164PlantAvenue(WebsterGroves) C $795,000
16320BaxterRoad(Chesterfield) C $700,000
420ClaybrookLane(Kirkwood) C $699,000
4202NorthForkRoad(Wildwood) C $639,000
811WoodmoorDrive(Olivette) C $629,000
7001WatermanAvenue(UniversityCity) C $610,000
7527OxfordDrive,#1E(Clayton) C $599,000
131GayAvenue(Clayton) C $569,900
7255CrevelingDrive(UniversityCity) C $550,000
4909LacledeAvenue(St.LouisCity) C $475,000
108StageCoachLanding(St.Peters) C $459,900
4444LindellBlvd.,#6(St.LouisCity) C $435,000
1020KingHenryCourt(CreveCoeur) C $429,900
137InglenookCourt(St.Charles) C $414,900
2053PrestonWoods(LakeSt.Louis) C $400,000 14WoodhavenRoad(WebsterGroves) C $395,000
528N.KirkwoodRd.,#2B(Kirkwood) C $389,000
8151StanfordAvenue(UniversityCity) C $360,000
15000S.Outer40Road(Chesterfield) C $350,000
7347DaleAvenue(RichmondHeights) C $345,000 625S.SkinkerBlvd.#902(StL) C $324,900 1017PlazaTerrace(Kirkwood) C $289,000
506BaconAvenue(WebsterGroves) C $279,900
7740DaleAvenue(RichmondHeights) C $264,900
7337BrunoAvenue(RichmondHeights) C $264,900
1707YaleAvenue(RichmondHeights) C $259,000
4517WolfgangDrive(Mehlville) C $219,900 1773HighSchoolDrive(Brentwood) C $189,900
1. 410MonacoDrive • WarsonWoods NEWLISTING! Welcometothisimpeccablyrenovatedhome,thoughtfully designedforallstagesoflife.Naturallightstreamsthroughfloor-to-ceiling windows,whilethefinished1,515sqftbasementoffersaguestsleeping areaalongwithafullbathroom.Idealforentertaining,theoutdoorarea boastsagasfireplace,newlandscaping,andaspacioussideyard.Located onacul-de-sacintheKirkwoodschooldistrict,thehomeshowcasescustom cabinetry,sophisticatedtrim,andmodernupdates. $1,200,000
2. 13028ConwayEstatesDrive • TownandCountry NEWLISTING! Thisstunning4-bedroom,4full,2halfbathroomranch issetonlushgroundsspanningoveranacrelot.Embracethemid-century aestheticwithvaultedrooms,gorgeous,updatedbathrooms,modern designerlighting,andelegantwoodaccents.Justoffthepool,you’llfind awell-equippedpoolhousewithvaultedlivingspace,kitchenette,and bathroom. $1,000,000
3. 7527OxfordDrive,#1E • Clayton
NEWLISTING! Welcometounit#1Einthestunningandrenovated7527 OxfordbuildingintheMoorlandsneighborhood.Theunitischarmingwith beautifulglassdoorsthatletnaturallightintothelivingroomthatincludesa wetbar,gasfireplace,andbuiltins.Thelivingareaisopentokitchen,which featuretopofthelineappliances,customcabinetry,andmore! $599,000
4. 4909LacledeAvenue,#805 • St.LouisCity
ExperienceluxurylivingintheheartoftheCentralWestEnd!Thisamazing 8th-floorcondoislocatedinthesought-afterParkEastTower.Enjoytop-tier amenitiesincludingarooftoppool,fitnesscenter,andmore.Theopenconceptlayoutfeaturesfloor-to-ceilingwindowswithabundantnaturallight. Thecondofeaturesagourmetkitchenandprivatebalcony. $475,000
5. 420ClaybrookLane • Kirkwood NEWLISTING! Timelesselegancemeetsmoderncomfortinthis captivatingColonialnestledintheheartofKirkwood.Brimmingwithcharm andthoughtfullyenhanced,thismove-inreadygemfeaturesclassicformal livinganddiningrooms,acozystudy,andagourmetkitchen.Asunlit breakfastroomadditionopenstoaserenebrickpatio. $699,000
6. 544QuailRidgeLane • St.Albans
NEWLISTING! Discoverthisexceptional&newlyrenovatedhome nestledonanexclusivestreetintheprestigiousBluffsofSt.Albans. Completelyreimaginedin2024-2025,thisprofessionally&tastefully designed,fullycustomizedhomehasmanyrecentenhancements,makingit trulyturn-key.Everydetailhasbeenmeticulouslycuratedforelevatedlavish living,timelessdesign&moderncomfort. $3,950,000
7. 7720CountryClubCourt • Clayton
NEWLISTING! CharmingCraftsmanhomelocatedonalandmarkstreet inClayton.Stepintothisbeautifullymaintainedhome,lovedandcaredfor byitsownersfor34years.Thepropertyoffersrecentlycompletelyrebuilt frontporch,originalstained-glasswindows,bright&spaciouslivingroom, andanin-groundpool. $825,000
8. 16320BaxterRoad•Chesterfield
NEWLISTING! Stunningpremiumendunitinthesought-afterVillasat Westmeade!Thisexecutivebrick/stoneCountryFrenchvillaispartofthe exclusive“DesignerSeries,”showcasingluxuryupgradesandimpeccable architecturaldetailsthroughout.Exceptionalquality,beautifullymaintained— move-inready! $700,000
1. 410MonacoDrive • WarsonWoods
2. 13028ConwayEstatesDr. • Town&Country
8. 16320BaxterRd.•Chesterfield
7. 7720CountryClubCt. • Clayton
3. 7527OxfordDrive,#1E • Clayton
6. 544QuailRidgeLane • St.Albans
5. 420ClaybrookLane • Kirkwood
4. 4909Laclede Avenue,#805 • StL
Advice to budding writers often includes the permission to write a bad first draft – that is, to put pen to paper and trust that the rough-hewn story eventually can be sculpted into its sophisticated final form. It’s true of many aspects of life: You have to see it through before you can see it succeed.
This issue of LN includes multiple stories featuring St. Louisans who trusted the process. On p. 36, contributing writer Drew Gieseke speaks with local entrepreneur and aerospace engineer Kay Wells, who used her know-how to 3D print her Posie Pots line of sustainable planters. Having already won an Arch Grant and landed shelf space in some local shops, Wells is now in talks with big-box retailers.
Nobody has been asked to show creative resilience in the last five years quite like our local health care workers. In this edition, LN kicks off a three-part feature series honoring local nurses throughout the month of May. Turn to p. 38 to read about three nurses’ experiences in the field.
On p. 40, digital editor and staff writer Amanda Dahl gets the inside scoop on what’s new and next at the Missouri History Museum. This includes the capital campaign, which is funding new, immersive exhibits (with a second-floor renovation planned for 2027) that introduce our city in a way it’s not been seen before. Despite facing recent cuts to federal funding, the museum is charting a path forward to continue telling St. Louis’ stories.
Happy reading, Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
LadueNews.com
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Making water-management upgrades can be expensive, but as metro area rainfall intensifies with climate change, it’s better to look into solutions now. Visit laduenews.com for expert advice on how to ready your home garden and landscaping for heavy rain.
QUA
ByMaggiePeters >PhotosbyChristinaKling-Garrett
Whenitcomestonew constructionandhome remodeling,youwantto workwithsomeoneyou cantrustlikeyourown family That’swhere PremierPlumbingStudio shines;being afamily-ownedbusiness for three generations,they know theimportance ofbuildingalastingrelationshipbuilton trustandcommunication.
PremierPlumbingStudioisadivision ofWholesalePlumbingSupply–which beganin1957outofthebasementofa stripmallandhassincegrowntohave12 locationsinthegreaterSt.Louisarea–PremierPlumbingStudioisthebusiness’ comprehensiveshowroomlocatedinthe InteriorDesignCenterofSt.Louis.President TomD’AngeloandBetsyHayden,showroom manager,explainthatits’growthandlasting influenceareduetothefocusonfamily valuesandclientrelationships.
“Ourcompanyhaslongembracedthese principles,whichhavebecomeincreasingly vitalinthepostCovidlandscape,andnow inourcurrentclimate,”Haydensays.“Every industryseemedfractured,butwe’vebuilt alegacybasedoncustomerserviceand strongrelationships;manyofourclients havebeenwithussincetheverybeginning, growingtheirbusinessesalongsideours. Ultimately,it’saboutputtingpeoplefirst anddeliveringthebestcustomerservice intheindustry.”
Beingafamily-runbusinessalsoallows PremierPlumbingStudiotohaveaclear lineofcommunicationbothwithinthe teamandwithclients.Issuesthatarise duringprojectscanbeaddressedinmore thoughtfulwaysthanclientsmightreceive whenworkingwithlargercorporations. “Decisionscanbeeffectivelymade,and
wecanpivotquickly,”addsD’Angelo.“This allowsustoquicklyreacttomarketturns fromtheownershipleveltothesaleslevel.”
Ontopofoutstandingservice,Premier PlumbingStudioisalsoknownforthe luxuryandtimelessbrandscarriedinthe showroom.Fromstyletoservice,Premier PlumbingStudioonlyworkswithlabelsthat providethekindofqualityourcustomers andclientsdeserve.“Weofferavaried numberofproductsforallconsumerneeds andwants,allinonespace,thatallowsusto standapart,”Haydensays.
D’AngeloandHaydenbothaddthatthe showroomslocationwithintheInterior DesignCenterofSt.Louishasservedboth valuableconvenienceforthebusiness, allowingittositbesideothertrade professionalssocustomerscanlookat multipleareasofhomedesignatonetime.
“Ifyou’rebuildingahome,youcan visiteverythinginoneday;you’redealing withspecializedtradeswithaccumulated knowledge,whichallowspersonalized touches,”D’Angelosays.“It’salsoacentral locationbecausewearenotonlyservicing [St.LouisCounty]Chesterfield,Ladueand soon;ourmanylocationsthroughout theareaofferopportunityforgrowing communitiesnearandfar.”
Withprofessionalstaff,seasoned employees,andabeautifulshowroom, youcanfindeverythingthatyouneedfor yourhomeprojects–withthebestservice intheindustry.VisitPremierPlumbing Studiotodaytolearnmore.Theteamlooks forwardtomeetingyou.
PremierPlumbingStudio, InteriorDesignCenterofSt.Louis, 11618PageServiceDrive,St.Louis, 314-872-9339,premierplumbingstudio.com
Ultimately, it’s aboutputting p eople f irstanddeliveringthe bestcustomerservice intheindustry.
–BETSYHAYDEN
Nighttime Sounds Abound
By Sheila Oliveri
Spring evenings are perfect for opening the windows and enjoying the sights and sounds outside. But living in a multi-family building, you might get more noise than desired, especially at night. Ready Readers recommends a delightful book that explores and celebrates just such a night – “Everybody in the Red Brick Building” by author Anne Wynter and illustrator Oge Mora.
The book opens to a cozy picture of neighborhood buildings with darkened windows resting silently beneath a starry sky. The text gently introduces the mood: “Everybody in the red brick building was asleep.” The silence is broken by the crying baby on the following page. The adorable tot wails, “WaaaAAH!,” revealing the first onomatopoeic sound in this noisy cumulative tale.
As you might expect, the crying baby in one apartment wakes a sleeping resident in another, causing a second sound to be added to the first, “WaaaAAH!” “RraaK! WAKE UP!” Sounds abound as people, pets, toys and cars add to the growing din. Quiet is finally reestablished, and the final page shows the red brick
building, again with darkened windows. Children will enjoy repeating the string of sound words as you explore the story. After reading, challenge young listeners to remember who or what made each sound. Creative families might engage children in creating their own collage pictures using paper, fabric scraps, bits of ribbon, markers, glue and more. Following up a great read-aloud with an imaginative activity deepens children’s interest in revisiting books.
Author Wynter’s “Everybody in the Red Brick Building” received an Ezra Jack Keats Honor, signaling excellence in books that embrace all ethnic and social groups. Illustrator Mora’s works have received numerous awards as well. Ready Readers is pleased to share more than 12,000 copies of this book with area preschoolers in its storytime program this month.
The Ready Readers storytime program serves preschool-aged children from economically suppressed neighborhoods, annually distributing more than 100,000 new books featuring diverse characters. Learn how to build a brighter tomorrow at readyreaders.org.
7W.GeyerAve.|Frontenac|$4,199,000 5Beds|7Full2HalfBaths|Pool|In-LawSuite ListedbyAlyssaSuntrup|314.359.3568
9WindsorTerraceLane|CreveCoeur|$2,399,000 5Beds|4Full2HalfBaths|Pool|PoolHouse ListedbyKeithR.Manzer|314.609.3155
77LakeForestDrive|RichmondHeights$2,490,000 4Beds|3Full2HalfBaths|ClaytonSchools ListedbyFordManion|314.495.4757
7069PershingAve|UCity|$699,000 5Beds|2.5Baths|FamilyRoomAddition ListedbyLisaStraightHughes|314.566.3031 &KarleenHoerr|314.283.7003
PERSPECTIVE A Fresh
By Drew Gieseke > Photos by Ilissa Staadeker
One of the best ways to learn about a city is exploring it on foot. Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours allow locals and visitors alike to see St. Louis in a new light while enjoying its impressive architecture and the stories behind the city.
Powered by the nonprofit Landmarks Association of St. Louis, the program kicked off its 28th season in April 2025.
“Walking tours allow guests to see the buildings at human level, stopping to look at different architectural elements while gaining an understanding of the surrounding area and how it has changed since the building was built,” Landmarks Association of St. Louis marketing manager Ilissa Staadeker says. “For tourists, walking around downtown gives them a very real sense of the city, its architecture, history and culture.”
Walking tours are led by Landmarks Guides who have studied the history and architecture of Downtown St. Louis. While all tour guides will hit the highlights of the major buildings along the route, each guide adds their unique knowledge and perspective to the narrative, making every tour different.
Walking tours are split into two experiences: the East and West tours. The East Tour explores everything from the oldest buildings to the skyscrapers and monuments of the 20th century, from the Arch grounds west and north to Tucker Boulevard. On the other hand, the West Tour covers a wide multi-block area west and north from Tucker Boulevard, showcasing St. Louis’ grandest public buildings and the city’s ambitions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tours last about 2.5 hours and cover two miles at a leisurely pace. Groups are limited to 15 people to encourage interaction and discussion.
“Many St. Louisans rarely come downtown. If they do, it might be primarily for a ballgame,”
Staadeker says. “It is eye-opening to walk around, stop in front of buildings and hear the background of the building and why it was built. The Guides put the buildings into the context of St. Louis and U.S. history and also discuss the architects and hear the stories of the citizens who hired them and caused the buildings to be built.”
She adds: “Walking around any city gives a very different perspective than one has riding in a vehicle. Guests might never look at the built environment in the same way again.”
Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours are scheduled, rain or shine, every Saturday through October of this year. Tickets for scheduled tours are $15 per person, and children under 12 are free. Visit landmarkstours-stl.org to purchase tickets for scheduled tours or to inquire about group tours.
Landmarks Association of St. Louis, landmarks-stl.org
A Surgery Support System
By Sam Murrell
Whether planned or unplanned, a visit to the doctor’s office or hospital has the potential to be stressful for your child and you alike. This is where certified child life specialists enter the picture. As a CCLS who works in the surgery center, I see firsthand how these unplanned and even planned surgeries can be stressful and anxiety-provoking life events. My role as a CCLS is to foster a positive health care experience.
WHAT IS A CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST AND HOW CAN THEY HELP YOUR CHILD?
A CCLS is a health care professional trained to help children and their families cope with the stress and uncertainty of medical experiences and hospitalization. We are child development experts who use our knowledge and skills to promote coping through education, preparation and play. Although much of what we do may look like fun and games, we are actually using play to bring a sense of normalcy, provide distraction during an uncomfortable procedure, explain a medical
procedure in a developmentally appropriate way and so much more.
Working in the surgery center, I support children by preparing them for their surgery day from start to finish. From decorating the anesthesia mask with their choice of stickers and advocating for numbing cream for an IV to assisting in the transition of saying “see ya later” to caregivers and heading back to the operating room, I work to create a minimally stressful environment by creating a more kid-friendly unit with fun things to do during the wait time. I aim to involve kids in their care and advocate on their behalf.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE IF YOUR CHILD HAS A SCHEDULED SURGERY?
If your child ever needs surgery, know that there are several ways to ensure a positive surgery day. First, I often engage caregivers of especially anxious children in a phone call before surgery day to discuss what to expect and address any potential anxieties or concerns. Secondly, our team has developed a video for kids that prepares them.
It shows the waiting room, patient room, playroom and fun activities, as well as the operating and recovery rooms.
At Mercy Children’s Hospital St. Louis, the CCLS team works in all areas of the hospital – the emergency room, tests and treatments, surgery, pediatric inpatient and neonatal intensive care unit. So, whether your child comes for surgery or for other reasons, know that we are readily available and eager to support you and your child.
Sam Murrell is a certified child life specialist and has been at Mercy Children’s Hospital St. Louis since February 2024. For more information, please visit mercy.net/laduenews.
JOINUS FILM SCREENING
Aninspirational documentaryon plastics&youthaction. Saturday,May3rd,2025 11:00am-12:30pm STLCountyLibrary (ClarkFamilyBranch) 1640SLindberghBlvd. RoomA
INSPIREDChanel
By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied
Quilted leather, nubby tweed and an iconic perfume bottle channel Chanel.
The charming Jolivet dining armchair features a round-back inset with rattan featuring a snippet of a Chanel-inspired logo. Upholstered in a nubby tweed-like fabric, the chair also features Christopher Guy’s signature crisscross legs. (christopherguy.com)
The focal point of this Coco Blinded Love Blue artwork is the iconic Chanel perfume bottle. The art is available as a framed or unframed canvas giclée or set within a shadowbox in sizes ranging from 12-by-12 to 40-by-40 inches. (olivergal.com)
Hancock & Moore’s Doxon Wing chair is reminiscent of the iconic Chanel handbag with its beautifully quilted leather upholstery. The chair comes standard with antique brass ferrules, casters and dog heads on the arms. (shubertdesign.com)
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Thisbeautiful4BR/3.5BAhomeintheheartofClaytonoffersover3500squarefeetoflight-filled livingspace,featuringabrand-newfour-seasonsunroom,astylisheat-inkitchenwithnew appliances,spaciousbedroomswithcustomclosets,andafinishedlowerlevelwiththe4th bedroomand3rdfullbath.AdditionalhighlightsincludenewHVAC,2ndfloorlaundry,atwo-car garage,thoughtfulupgradesthroughout,andafabulouslocationnearshopsandrestaurants. janetmcafeeinc.
KATIE
3.42 ACRES
4 Upper Whitmoor Drive
Weldon Spring • $3,995,000 • 10,798 sq ft • 6 Bedrooms • 5 Full & 2 Half Baths
This architecturally signi cant estate from Schae er Homes features superb craftsmanship & exquisite interior detailing throughout. 22’ Marble foyer highlighted by oating staircase leads to elegant dining room & 2-sty great room with extensive millwork & elaborate replace. Designer kitchen featuring glazed cabinetry, commercial grade appliances & 11’ center island adjoins co ered breakfast room & vaulted hearth room with replace & French doors to sunroom. Barrel-vaulted primary bedroom suite with marble replace, sitting room & beautifully appointed bath o ers an appealing retreat. The 2nd oor extends the living quarters with 3 additional bedrooms, 1 w/ensuite bath & 2 with Jack n’ Jill bath, laundry & bonus room. Walk-out Lower Level inspired by Big Cedar Lodge includes recreation room, game room, gathering bar, o ce, 5th & 6th bedrooms with Jack n’ Jill bath & pool bath. Wooded 3.4-ac lot with pool, deck & patio plus stocked pond, two 3-car garages & porte cochere.
Cell: 314-452-1885
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Shiraleah beach bag, $62, Hearth and Soul (hearthandsoul.com)
Wyeth navy hat, $84, Tuckernuck (tnuck.com)
Into the
alex Mill cotton cami, $125, Evereve (evereve.com)
BLUE
By Katie Yeadon > Photos supplied
Mixing blues is always in season.
Milly textured fringe trim cardigan, $395, Vie Boutique
Hunter Bell striped button-down shirt, $345, Tuckernuck
Flabelus agatha slippers, $150, J.Crew (jcrew.com)
Lizzie Fortunato tile earrings in denim, $275, Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com)
Hunter Bell striped short, $325,
Quay tortoise polarized sunglasses, $85, Cha Boutique (shop-cha.com)
alice & Olivia floral-embroidered minidress, $1,295, Saks Fifth avenue
Sandro two-tone open-weave pants, $395, Saks Fifth avenue (saks.com)
Self Portrait denim sleeveless pearl mini dress, $410, Vie Boutique (viestlouis.com)
Maygel Coronele navy one piece, $300, Tuckernuck
ESCVDO cotton knit maxi dress, $1,300, Moda Operandi (modaoperandi.com)
Tuckernuck
Polo Ralph Lauren sleeveless v-neck pullover sweater, $198, Shopbop (shopbop.com)
alex Mill cotton cami, $125, Evereve (evereve.com)
Veronica Beard wicker bag, $598, Hearth and Soul
Safely SERVED
By Andrea Smith
For people with food allergies and sensitivities or religious dietary restrictions, guessing which foods contain triggering ingredients can feel like walking through a minefield. Even cross-contact of an allergen can lead to nausea, vomiting, and long-term health problems for some, like those who eat gluten-free because of celiac disease.
Hosting an event where everyone feels safe and welcome goes beyond serving a variety of foods. It starts with the invitation: Invite guests not only to attend, but to make their food preferences known. Give them an opportunity to list their specific allergy or sensitivity or to share whether they’re vegetarian or vegan.
Choose a caterer that offers a variety of options, and before committing to their menu, ask about their food safety standards, policies to prevent cross-contact and strategies to accommodate each guest’s needs. “Event planners and caterers must be aware that they are dealing with a ‘captive audience’ – while food allergic patrons at restaurants can choose to go elsewhere, food allergic guests at events may not have this option,” states the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “A lack of communication coupled with false confidence is a dangerous combination.”
Even if you think you’ve chosen allergen-free dishes, alert the catering team to any known allergies or sensitivities well ahead of time. Something as simple as cooking vegetables in butter makes that food a no-go for someone who’s avoiding dairy. Better yet, if offering a buffet, label food according to its ingredients – that way no one must guess or track down a host to ask about each item.
“We’ve seen the trend where people are going away from sit-down meals, just because it’s challenging to do a sit-down if you come to a table of 10 people and you have eight that are regular plates, two that are vegan plates, [or maybe] a gluten-free plate,” says John Armengol Jr., owner of Andre’s Banquets & Catering. “A lot of people are doing what’s called the ‘deluxe buffet,’ where you still have the upgraded items, but you let the guests take the amounts and the items that they wish.”
Andre’s main office is in St. Louis, but the company operates across the Midwest at 31 venues and with 17 full-service, off-premise catering crews. The company provides vegan and gluten-free entrées and uses only glutenfree sauces. Catering packages allow for customization, and for hosts who choose a seated dinner, the staff will coordinate plates according to specific guests’ needs.
Finish it off with a diverse dessert selection, which might include sugar-free sweets for diabetic guests. A number of local bakeries specialize in allergen-friendly treats, including The Conscious Kitchen STL, Mochi Monster Cookies, Prioritized Pastries, Royally Baked, Sophie’s Bakery and Specialty Keto Bakery.
Andre’s Banquets & Catering, 4254 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, 314-894-2622, andresbanquet.com
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Gifts for Mom
Barry Hyatt Jeweler
Westgate Centre, 12360 Olive Blvd., 314-205-9888, hyattjewelers.com
all types of mothers will surely appreciate a lifetime gift of elegant jewelry from Barry Hyatt Jeweler. For over 50 years, Barry Hyatt Jeweler has delighted many loved ones with elegant rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, and custom designed pieces. Come visit during the storewide sale of 25-50% off through Mother’s Day.
Ditto Family Resale 314-394-2026
Discover unique gifts for mom that are easy on the wallet, support sustainability, and deliver the personal touch of a one-of-kind treasure! an STL Headliner 2024 best-of-award winner, Ditto Family Resale offers items for home and family, including clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, furniture, books, toys, and more.
By Maggie Peters
InVita Health and Wellness 314-394-0950, invitahealthandwellness.com
Treat the mom in your life to the ultimate Mother’s Day gift of skin care with a dermaplaning and “no down time” chemical peel for only $249 – a savings of $100! This all-over skin refresh will allow her to feel beautiful and healthy inside and out.
NutriFormance – Fitness, Therapy and Performance 1033 Corporate Square Drive, 314-432-6103, randyl@nutriformance.com
Give your mom the gift of fitness and relaxation! NutriFormance offers gift certificates in any price range for massage, personal training, Pilates, group fitness and nutrition coaching. Couple gift certificate with a bouquet of flowers and your gift will be the best this Mother’s Day!
222 Artisan BAKERY & CAFÉ
By Shannon Weber > Photos by Jacklyn Meyer
Ever since 222 Artisan Bakery & Café closed its original location in early 2024, regulars and fans of the café-slashbakery-slash-weekend-pizza-spot have been asking when it would return. Now, it’s back, just around the corner from its original location, and co-owner Trevor Taynor couldn’t be happier.
“It feels good,” he says. “We were lucky enough through word of mouth and social media to have the word get out that we were opening up that first weekend, and we consistently had a line out the door for the whole time we were open.” Soft openings are not often smooth sailing, and Taynor credits his team’s experience and ability to work together with the weekend’s success. “I don’t know how we would have been able to do it if we hadn’t been able to bring back two-thirds of the crew we had before,” he says.
The menu brings back all the favorites from the original location, with a full lineup of hot and iced lattes, cold brew and espresso drinks available alongside chai lattes, hot and iced organic teas and more. Bakery items such as muffins, cookies and enormous cinnamon rolls have returned for those who like to pair their drink with a little something sweet; for those in search of savory fare, 222 Artisan fans will find the much-loved breakfast burrito among the offerings. The signature sandwich lineup has returned as well, including shop favorite the Emily, a towering stack of turkey, bacon, tomato, fresh mozzarella, spinach, mayo and fresh pesto; alongside the Caroline, with roast beef, cheddar, tomato, red pepper, onion, greens and aioli; and the Kim, a chicken salad sandwich with greens and mayo named for co-owner Kim Goodner (who is also Taynor’s mother).
Taynor says that pizza wasn’t originally in the plan for the new location, but due to the
number of customers who missed the weekend special, it’s back on the menu as well. The crew wanted to ease back into service in the first few weeks with standard bakes, espresso drinks and sandwiches, but customers can expect to see the return of the shop’s impressive lineup of laminated pastry options in the coming weeks. “I think we’re nice and comfortable with things
now, and we have a good rhythm,” Taynor says. “We’re slowly adding our other offerings back. In the first week or so, it was about getting used to everything, but now it just kind of feels like home again.”
222 Artisan Bakery & Café, 222 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, Illinois, 222artisanbakery.com
UP NEXT AT The Fox
By Mark Bretz
The Fabulous Fox Theatre, which regularly brings the best in Broadway entertainment to St. Louis, is bringing down the curtain on its current season in May. It’s closing things out with the 30th anniversary tour of “Riverdance” May 2 to 4 and a reprise showing of The Temptations’ musical, “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,” May 9 to 11.
The last show of the season will be the St. Louis premiere of the hit Broadway musical, “& Juliet,” May 20 to June 1, telling the fanciful tale of what might have happened had Juliet not joined her love, Romeo, in death in the familiar Shakespearean tragedy.
Scan this QR code to preview The Fox’s 2026 productions.
Theater enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere from June through September for their entertainment delights, because The Fox, apart from an occasional concert, will be preparing for its 2025-26 Broadway season. In midMarch, The Fox hosted a media event on its spacious stage, where vice president of programming and marketing John O’Brien teamed up with vice president of sales and marketing Cindy Vargo to unveil a hitpacked season for the venue’s legion of fans.
O’Brien and Vargo showcased the eight
primary shows in the 2025-26 package, as well as another six shows returning to the lavish Grand Center theater, which seats more than 4,000.
The new season will begin Oct. 7 with “The Life of Pi,” a rare non-musical to play The Fox. Based on the best-selling novel and movie of the same name, this show features “jawdropping visuals, world-class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft,” according to The Fox’s website. Winner of three Tony Awards and the Olivier Award in London for Best Play, “The Life of Pi” details the harrowing adventures of a boy named Pi who survives in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger in the Pacific Ocean for 227 days.
The next production in the main Broadway Series will be the musical version of “The Notebook,” which runs Nov. 4 to 16. It’s the story of two people, the website states, “who
share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart.” Opening on Broadway in March 2024 and closing in December of that year, “The Notebook” is based on a 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks.
Marking a return engagement to The Fox will be “The Wiz,” the 1975 Broadway musical which retells the story of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and other denizens from “The Wizard of Oz” within the context of contemporary African American culture. The original production garnered seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. “The Wiz” will be performed Nov. 27 through Dec. 7.
For information about season tickets or more details about the full 2025-26 season or individual shows, visit The Fox website at fabulousfox.com.
Photo by Manuel Harlan
Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Photo by Johan Persson
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
By Drew Gieseke > Photos by Bailey Elizabeth Rogers, courtesy of The Delmar Loop
St. Louisans across the metro will soon be able to enjoy events and activities celebrating Cinco de Mayo – not to mention the festive menus available at local bars and restaurants. Here are five ways to commemorate the holiday.
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION AT MOLLY’S IN SOULARD
SATURDAY, MAY 3 AT 10 A.M.
The celebration starts early at Molly’s in Soulard, where guests of appropriate age are welcome to do what Soulard does best: party. Eat authentic Mexican fare, sample margaritas and jam out to music all Saturday. Need a change of pace? Before or after you visit Molly’s, swing by any of the other fine establishments in Soulard to break up the day and celebrate with the city.
mollysinsoulard.com
CINCO DE MAYO CHEROKEE STREET FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.
Located southeast of Tower Grove Park, Cherokee Street is home to the largest concentration of Hispanic-owned and -operated businesses in the city. Its Cinco de Mayo festival is free and welcomes 50,000
attendees annually. Here you’ll find local food trucks, margaritas, artisan retailers, live music, a bounce house for kiddos, lucha libre wrestling and even a parade.
cincodemayostl.com
CINCO DE MAYO BAR CRAWL
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 4 TO 11 P.M.
Feeling like going all out this year? Sign up for a Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl to really revel in the festivities. The event kicks off at HandleBar, a bicycle-themed pub in The Grove known for its craft beer selection and two-story patio. From there, the group will bounce from bar to bar until the night ends, enjoying margaritas and bites along the way. Tickets start at $5 and include free entry into every bar on the crawl, special prices on drinks and cocktails, live music, food specials and plenty more.
pubcrawls.com
DELMAR LOOP CINCO DE MAYO TACO CRAWL
MONDAY, MAY 5, 4 TO 8 P.M.
Join crowds of taco fans for this super-fun Cinco celebration in the heart of the Delmar Loop. For $35, attendees can enjoy five tacos and a margarita at any participating restaurant, including hotspots like Amigo Sole, Session Taco, K-Bop and Paris Bahn Mi. The taco crawl also includes an after-party at Moonrise Hotel, sure to be full of spirit to end the night.
visitheloop.com
CINCO DE MAYO AT WESTPORT PLAZA
MONDAY, MAY 5, 10 A.M. TO 9 P.M.
Head over to the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Westport Plaza and raise a glass to this festive holiday. Held all day, this event features live music courtesy of The Lone Rangers Duo and Just In Time as well as party games, socializing and plenty of margaritas and beeritas to go around.
westportstl.com/event/cinco-de-mayo
NEIMaN MaRCUS LUNCHEON
Women of Achievement
In mid-April, the Women of Achievement gathered at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus in Frontenac to celebrate the honorees of their 70th class. Honorees and their escorts were welcomed by Women of Achievement president Kathie Winter and Caira Butler from Neiman Marcus.
As the ladies learned about their upcoming Awards Luncheon, they enjoyed Neiman Marcus’ world-famous popovers and consommé. After lunch, the ladies gathered as the new honorees’ necklaces were passed among the group before being placed around their necks. Honorees received an Orrefors Carat set of Champagne flutes and a vase. The 2025 honorees include: Mendi Baker (Military Family Advocacy), Melanie Barrier (Music Therapy), Theresa Bradley (Community Enrichment), Buffy Dillon (Health & Education), Jodie Condie Finney, DPT (Caring & Compassion), Letty Preston Goering (Multicultural Outreach), Jennifer Hope (Youth Healing & Welfare), Alice Ludmer (Volunteer Leadership), Gail Olson (Community Revitalization) and Anna M. Warfield (Spirit of Giving).
The 2025 Award Luncheon celebrating this year’s class will take place on May 13th at The Ritz-Carlton St Louis.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
This year we celebrate our 70th class and 70 years of honoring women who volunteer in our communities. As the oldest ongoing organization in the St. Louis region that recognizes women who volunteer, we want to both congratulate these 10 incredible women and honor our past recipients who laid the foundation for future honorees. Our theme this year is ‘Then and Now.’ Since 1955, 10 women have always received the award each year; to this day, it is the same. Then, our nominations came from our communities and past honoree recipients. Now, they still come from our region and past honorees. So, join us this year in celebrating our history and these 10 amazing women.
– Kathie Winter WOA PRESIDENT
Vicki Friedman, Julie Williams
Front: Melanie Barrier, anna M. Warfield, alice Ludmer, Mendi Baker; back: Jennifer Hope, Letty Preston Goering, Jodie Condie Finney, Theresa Bradley, Gail Olson, Buffy Dillon
Vicki Friedman, Julie Williams, Kathie Winter, Cassie Strom, Pam Toder
Story and photos by Christina Kling-Garrett
Honorees and escorts, Women of achievement Neiman Marcus Luncheon
Cheryl E. Orange, Melanie Barrier
Dada Ball & Bash: Ripple Effect
Making waves for a new exhibition titled “Like Water,” the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis held its “Ripple Effect”-themed Dada Ball & Bash at the historic downtown Post Building in April. Guests arrived in blue hues and water-inspired attire to enjoy a wet bar and light snacks before settling in for dinner.
The evening carried on with a Fund-the-Need segment, giving guests the opportunity to support CAM’s free art exhibitions and educational programs at various levels.
Downstairs, the celebration continued into the night, featuring live music by Crim Dolla Cray and dynamic performances by Pack Dance. This event brings CAM and the community together to raise vital funds while highlighting upcoming art showcases. Admission is free to the “Like Water” exhibition, on view through Aug. 10 at CAM.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
The Dada Ball & Bash is more than a party; it’s a celebration of CAM’s impact on the thriving arts ecosystem in St. Louis and beyond. None of the work we do, the art we exhibit or the programs and initiatives we cultivate would be possible without the support of our dedicated community who not only honored us with their presence, but so generously gave towards fulfilling the museum’s mission.
– Lisa Melandri CAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brandon Barr, Mirian Ruiz
Jenna McNeal, alexia Majors
Story and photos by James Anderson
Shereen Fischer, Mary ann Srenco, Jake Reby, Lisa Melandri, Susan Meltz
Kelvin Carter, Deborah Patterson
Njideka and Hubert Eke
ari Engle, Misa Jeffereis
Women ofAchievement
Meetthe2025
Since1955,WomenofAchievementhasbeenapillarofSt.Louis, celebratingwomenwholeadwithcompassion,visionanda commitmenttocommunity–exemplifyingwhatitmeanstolive apurpose-drivenlife.Thisyear’sclassofhonoreescontinuesthe legacybuilt70yearsago.
“Our70thanniversaryisatributetothefactthatwehavewomenwhowant toinitiatechangeforourcommunitiesandcitizensforthebetter,”saysKathie Winter,WOApresident.“Itismyhopethatbyhonoringthesewomen,wecontinue tobringawarenesstoourbusinessesandotheragenciestoassistinmakingthriving communitiesandimprovinglifeforothers.”
Fromchampioningchildrenwithinfostercareandsupportingwoundedveteransto raisingcancerawarenessandmore,thismilestonecelebrationnotonlyrecognizesindividual accomplishments,butalsoreflectsonthecollectivestrengthandspiritofwomenwhohaveshaped theregion’sfuture.
“Italwaysamazesmethepowerofonepersonandthecollectivedifferencethatonepersoncan makeinsomanylives,”Wintersays.“Byrecognizingwomenyearafteryear,webringawarenessto ourcommunityneeds,andwehopetoencouragemorevolunteerismandsupportfortheworkthe womencontinuetodoevenaftertheawardisgiven.Itisincredibletheimpactthatourmembersand honoreeshavehadonourSt.Louisregioninthelast70years–andhopefullyforyearstocome.”
ByAleciaHumphreys >PhotosbyTrotterPhotography
MendiBaker MilitaryFamilyAdvocacy
WhentheSept.11attacksunfolded,MendiBaker’stwosons wereservingtheircountry–andBakerfeltcalledtodoher parttoo.
“IvolunteeredattheUSO[UnitedServiceOrganizations]for severalyears,andasopportunitiescameup,Ivolunteeredwith severalgroupsovertheyears,”Bakersays.
ThisincludedBaker’sworkatCampHope,anonprofit organizationthatprovidespeaceful,all-expenses-paidretreats forwoundedveteranstorelax,findcamaraderieandheal.
“OuroldestservedcombattoursinAfghanistanandIraq,” Bakersays.“Hecamehomephysicallywhole,andmyhusband andIfirmlybelieveweoweadebttoourwoundedveterans whohavegivensomuch,whosteppedupwhenourcountry askedthemto.Ittakesalotofworktokeepourbeautifulcamp readyforourguests,andwearecommittedtodoingwhateveris needed.Wehonorthefallenbyhelpingthewounded.”
MelanieBarrier MusicTherapy
WhenMelanieBarrierwasinfostercareasachild, oneactofkindnessstruckachordthatchanged thetrajectoryofherfuture.
“Iwasinabigresidentialhome,andarock bandcamethroughtownandinvitedusto theirconcertthatevening,”Barrierrecalls.“Atthetime, thisgrouphadtheNo.1songinthecountry.Noneof ushadeverbeentoaconcert,anditjustabsolutely blewourminds.Theexperiencestayedwithme,andas Ibecameanadult,Iwantedtoreturnthatgifttoothers.”
ThisinspiredBarriertofoundMusicThatReclaims,a nonprofitthatbringsmusicandmusictherapytofoster childrentohelpthemrecoverfrompasttrauma.
“Musicisavery,verypowerfultooltohelpchildren leadproductive lives,” Barriersays.“Wereallydon’tthink aboutwhathappenswhen,as afoster child, youlose your family–yourbrothers,yoursisters,yourpets,your grandparents.Youloseallthatformativeidentity,and musicisagreatplacetostarttohelprebuildthat.”
Theresa Bradley CommunityEnrichment
AlifelongNorthSt.Louisresident,TheresaBradleyhada cherishedchildhoodshehopestopassontofuturegenerations.
“ThefondmemoriesIfeltinmychildhoodwithinmycityand neighborhoodhasshapedtheaspirationsIseektoseeformy cityandmycommunity,”Bradleysays.“Growinguppatronizing themom-and-popstoresthatwereownedbyparentsinthe neighborhoodgaveafeelingofbelonging,connectionand responsibilitytowardsoneanotherinthecommunity.”
Bradleyfoundedthenonprofit,CommunitiesinUnity,which createsinitiatives,blueprintsandcommunityeconomicmodels tobenefitdisenfranchisedcommunitiesandyouth.
“Ihavealwaysbeeninterestedincreatinginitiativesthat connectindividualstotheircommunity,becausethat’swhat buildsrespectfulandstrong,unifiedvillages,”shesays.“Ihavea hearttocontributetothebettermentofSt.Louisandthelivesof youngpeopleinawaythatgarnersthatconnectionandallows foraccesstoopportunitieswithoutthelogisticalbarriersthat playaroleinhinderingdisenfranchisedyouth.”
Buffy Dillon Health&Education
AfterBuffyDillon’shusbandpassedawayfromcolon cancerat39yearsold,shefoundedtheDwannDillonColon CancerFoundationin2014tobringawarenessandresources tothecommunity.
“Whatwedoisprovidecoloncancerawareness,encourage regularcheckups[andprovide]resourcesforthosethatare affectedbycoloncancer–andwedothisthroughoutthe communityandjusthelpwherevermyheartleads,”Dillonsays.
Forexample,accordingtoDillon,threeyearsbeforeher husband’spassing,theyhostedanannualback-to-schoolbash, providingbackpacks,schoolsupplies,otherresourcesandaday offunforfamiliesinthenorthcountyarea.Thefoundationwill beholdingits15thback-to-schooleventthisyear.
“Myhusbandwasamentorandabasketballcoachand helpedtogivebacktothecommunity,”Dillonsays.“Iwanted tocontinuethisasatraditionandcarryonDwann'slegacy.”
JodieCondieFinney
Caring&Compassion
WhenJodieFinney’smomwasdiagnosedwithAlzheimer’s diseasein2017,shewentfrombeingaphysicaltherapistat MercyHospitaltoquarterbackinghermother’scare.
“Iquicklyrealizedwhatitmeanttobeadementiacaregiver,” Finneysays.
FinneyandhercousinAliciaChristoper,whosefatherhad beendiagnosedwithfrontotemporaldementia,startedThe CaregiverClub–anonprofitthatprovidesresourcesand supportforcaregiverslocallyandacrossthenation.
“Now,we havefourmain freeprograms fordementia caregivers – caregivercards,caregiverand companionoutings, caregiver respiteinitiative, anddementia-friendlydining,” Finney says.“Caregiverburnoutis very realandprevalentin this community, andthere are many organizations,doctorsand groupslookingout forindividualswithmemoryimpairment,but nooneistakingcare ofthecaregiver. Thatiswherewecomein.”
“Focusingonthecaregiveractuallytakescare oftwo individuals,” sheadds.“We addresscaregiver fatigue, isolation andburnoutandthuspositivelyimpactthecaregiver, whocan go back tocaring fortheirlovedone feeling refreshed,supportedand less frustratedor fatigued.Thus,theindividualwithdementiaalso benefits from arefreshedand rejuvenatedcaregiver.”
Letty PrestonGoering MulticulturalOutreach
AfterherfirsttimemeetingarefugeeAfghanifamilyin 2022,LettyPrestonGoeringwasflabbergastedbythegapsin thesystem.
“Theywereinanextended-stayhotelthatwasn’tnearany grocerystoresorparks,andtheirkidsweren’tenrolledin school.Theywerejustinlimbo-awholegroupofpeoplewho didn’thaveawaytointegrateintoSt.Louissociety,”Goering recalls.“Evenmoreimportantly,therewasn’tafamily-centered organizationthatwouldhelpthembuildthecriticalskills neededtolive…tothriveinSt.Louis.”
Goeringsaysshestartedcallingfriendstoorganizeridesfor groceriesandoutings,whichsnowballedintoKindnessBegins withMe-anonprofitthatprovidesprogramsforrefugee families,includingEnglishclassesforthewholefamily,driving andpermitclassesforwomenandmore.
“Ifeellikethewholethemeofourstoryistoencourage peopletolookaroundandseewhomightnotbebeingserved –wherearethegaps?”Goeringsays.“Thenjuststepuptofill thosegaps.Juststartdoingit.There’smoregoodnessinthe worldthanthenewsleadsyoutobelieve.”
Jennifer Hope YouthHealing&Welfare
Asaretirededucatorandassistantsuperintendent,Jennifer Hopehadafrontrowseattothestrugglesfacingouryouth.
“Workinginasmallerdistrict,Igottoknowmanyofour spunkykindergartnerswhocametoschoolwithasparkin theireye–theywerefearlessandexcitedtolearn,”sherecalls. “Unfortunately,bythetimetheywereinhighschool,toomany ofthem,duetocircumstancesbeyondtheircontrol,lostthat sparkleofhopeforthemselvesandtheirfuture.InmyheartI knew,asacommunity,wecould–andshould–dosomething tohelp.”
ThisledHopetoopenHopeRanch–aresidentialfacilityand alternativetherapeuticschoolfoundedonfivepillarsofcare.
“We’vehadtheopportunitytowatchsomeincredible teenagegirlsflourishinanenvironmentthatwassetupfor theirsuccess,”Hopesays.“Ourhomes,intensivetherapyand educationprogramsarealltailoredtomeettheirindividual needs,andnowwearewatchingthembesuccessfulintheir nextstageoftheirjourney.TheultimategoalfortheHope RanchofMissouriistohelpthesekiddosrealizethepastdoes notdefinethem,andtheycancreatethefuturethattheywant.”
AliceLudmer VolunteerLeadership
Forthelast40years,AliceLudmerhasbeendedicatedto servinghercity–allinhopesofmakingapositiveimpact.
“Ibelievethatpeoplecanmakeadifferenceandthatour actionscanmaketheworldabetterplace,”Ludmersays. “Wearechallengedtobenotonlyforourselves,butforothers.”
Ludmer’svolunteereffortshaveincludedfundraising, coalitionbuildingandmissionpromotion.Plus,forthelast20 years,Ludmerhasbeenasteadfastvolunteerleaderforthe JewishCommunityCenter’sAdultDayandInclusionProgram.
“TheADJhasbecomeanaward-winningprogram,earningthe MissouriAdultDayServiceAssociationAwardforExcellence inInnovation,”Ludmersays.“TheInclusionProgramserves youngadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitieswhorequire ongoingsupporttodevelopskillsforindependenceandpreemployment.I’mhonoredthatorganizationshavetrustedme.”
GailOlson CommunityRevitalization
OneoftheBible’sgreatestcommandsistolovethyneighbor. AndalthoughGailOlsoncan’tseetheCollegeHillneighborhood fromherkitchenwindow,shesawitasanopportunitytohelp.
“Imetresidentswhowereworkingsohardtoimprovethe conditionintheirneighborhood,”Olsonsays.“Theseresidents toldmehowtheircommunityusedtolook–howtheycould walksafelydowntheirstreetstotheicecreamparlor.…They knewitcouldneverlooklikethatagain,buttheywanteditto looklikeotherneighborhoodsinthearea.”
Olsonfoundedthreeinitiatives:theCollegeHillFoundation tosupporttherestorationoftheCollegeHillneighborhood; WomenonMission,awomen’sgivingcirclethatprovidesgrants withintheCollegeHillcommunity;andSeedsofGraceLavender Farm,asocialenterpriseventurethatsupportsthecommunity.
“Wehavehelpedseniorswhocan’taffordhomerepairso theycansafelystayintheirhomes,wehavetakenvacant housesthatwereunsafeandturnedthemintobeautiful lavenderfields,”Olsonsays.“Otherresidentswhoknowthat ourvolunteersdon’tliveinCollegeHillhaveaskedwhywe’re doingthis,whywewanttohelpthem.Ouranswerissimply toshowGod’slove.”
AnnaM. Warfield SpiritofGiving
AllNanna’sKidsClosetwasestablishedin2018by AnnaWarfieldafterseeinganeedinhercommunity.
“Iwouldseechildrenatthebusstopwithoutcoatsand witnessedthenumberofchildrenwhogowithoutthemevery year,”Warfieldsays.“Istarteddistributinggentlyworncoats fromfamilyandfriends,whichledtoacoatgiveaway.Soon volunteerssteppeduptohelp.”
Today,thenonprofitdistributesthousandsofnewcoats, hoodies,hats,glovesandsockstochildreninSt.Louis andbeyond.
“Iraisedthreechildrenasasingleparent,”Warfieldsays. “SowhenIsawchildrenwithoutacoat,itremindedmeof whenwewereonhardtimesandIcouldn’tgetmychildren anewcoat,evenatGoodwill.Myheartwentouttothe childrenandtheirparentsandIfelttheneedtohelpthem.”
ByDrewGieseke >PhotosbyJenniferSilverbergforGreaterSt.Louis,Inc.
KayWellsspentfiveyears researchinganddevelopingherpassion projectbefore shefinallytooktheleapandpurchasedherfirst 3Dprinter. That wasback in2018,when Wells wasstill a corporateaerospace engineerbyday. Atnight,shespenttime tinkeringwiththeprinter,workingon a lineofstylish,selfwateringplantersthatmake caring forplantseasy.
Ayearlater, shelaunched Posie Pots,whichfeaturea patented water systemthathelpswithdrainage, aerationandcirculationof a plant’s root system.The result?Aneco-friendly, sustainablesolutionthat requiresjust one-third ofthesoiland95%less waterthan a typicalplanterpot. Nowa full-timeentrepreneurandbusiness owner,Wellssays shenever expected hercareertotake thiskindofturn,but everythingseemedtobebuilding upto a breakthrough.
“It wassucha serendipitous,God-givenmoment,”Wellssays.“I wasjust working myeveryday engineeringmanagerjobatAmazon. I didn’t realize peoplehad a hard time keepingtheirplantsalive.”
A St. Louisnative,Wellsspenttimelivingand workinginArizonaand Californiawhere it’smorecommontoseepeople gardeningandgrowingin theirbackyards.She returnedtotheMidwesthopingtobringsomeofthis samespiritback withher.
“Whentheideacametome,Iwas reallytryingto getback to my Southern roots,”Wellssays, referringtothetimeshespentwithher family inMississippiandgrowinguponanurban farm.
Posie Potsare 3D-printedplantersthatuse a plant’snatural root systemtopullup exactlywhatitneedsandleave the restbelow.Aeration anddrainage are builtintothepotsas well,makingthemefficientlittle containersthatsimplifytheplant-care process. Wellsdescribesthisdesign asinherentlynatural, copyingwhat’sseeninnature andalready availablein abundance– namely, drainage, aerationandlive soil – andincorporatingthat intotheself-wateringplanter.
The wayI designeditis a pot within a pot within a pot. It’s 90%lighterthananyother planterandmadefrom acornbasedpolymer calledPLA,which is recy clableand reusable.
–KAYWELLS
“The wayI designeditis a potwithin a potwithin a pot,”Wellssays.“It’s 90%lighterthanany otherplanterandmade from acorn-basedpolymer calledPLA,which is recyclableand reusable. Itdoesn’tbreakdownthe wayI designedit.Itonly requirestwo cupsof water overthe courseof a month,so theplantusesless waterand youdotoo.”
Wellsuses3Dprintingoradvancedmanufacturingtodesign,develop andproduce planters relativelyefficiently(herlargest3Dprinterisabout thesize of acommercial oven).Thisflexibilitypermits Wellsandherteamto take customer requestswithease, offeringcustomizablesolutionsin various colors,shapesandsizes forindividualand corporate clientstoaddtheir brandlogo and color.For example,Wellsinitiallyintroduced Posie Potsas grow boxes,but overtime, customerdemanddictatedsheshiftherapproach tosmaller-scaleimpact,like indoorandoutdoorplants,kitchen gardensand deskplants.
“Wewent fromproductsdesignedtogrowfoodand vegetablestopeople doingkitchen gardensandpizza recipeingredients,”Wellssays.“Other peoplegrow spiderplants,money trees,fiddleleaves,aloe vera. Youcan grow anything from a seed[ortransplant]analready existingplant.”
Posie Potshave beenembracedbythelocalstartup community,receiving anArch Grantandbeingnamedtothefirst cohortofSaint Louis University’s NewVentureAccelerator.Wellsalso wonanInnovation AwardfromHarrisStowe State University.
Lookingahead, Wells wantstomakea globalimpact.Customerscanfind Posie Potsinstoreslike theMissouriHistoryMuseumgiftshop, as wellas onlineat walmart.comandposiepot.com.Sheiscurrentlyindiscussions withbuyers frommajor retailers,including Walmart, Lowe’sand Target, withhopesoflandingshelfspace in2025.Withhersightsseton expansion, shehopestoshare solutions – andherstory – withasmany peopleaspossible.
Posie Pots, posiepot.com
the ”
ByAshleyKlein >Photossupplied
SAHEADOFINTERNATIONALNURSESDAY,LOCALNURSESSHARETHEIRSTORIES.
t.Louisishometoworld-classhealthcareproviders,anditsnursesarenoexception.It’sdifficulttofind someonewhohasn’tbeenpositivelyimpactedbyanurse;forpatientsfacinglife-threateningconditionsas wellasthoseseekingroutinecare,nursesareinstrumentalonthejourneytogettingbetter.
InhonorofInternationalNursesDayonMay12,LadueNewsiskickingoffathree-partfeatureseriesthat willhonorlocalnursesallmonthlong.CheckbackforourMay16and30issues,wherewewillspeakwithmorelocal nurses,reportonthecurrentnursingshortageandshareadviceforprospectivenursesconsideringthecareer.
Toourmetro-areanursesandthosewhosupportthem:Thankyouforallthatyoudo.
RavenLiberty’snursingcareerbeganasatrial byfire.Notonlydidshebecomeanursein2020 attheheightoftheCOVID-19pandemic,butshe alsobeganinMercy’strauma-neurointensive careunit,whereadmittedpatientsmostoften comefromtheemergencydepartment.“[I]quickly realizedthatcriticalcarewaswhereIbelonged,” Libertysays,afterfindingshethrivesinafastpacedenvironmentservingavarietyofpatients.“It shapedmeinwaysIneverexpectedandpushed metogrowasanurse.”
patientwhohadbeenintheICUforanextended periodoftimewhosechancesofrecoverywere uncertain.“Daybyday,wesawtinysignsof progress,andeventually,theywereabletogo torehabandreturntoalifeofsomenormalcy,” Libertysays.“Seeingtheirstorysharedlateron, evenaftertheylefttheICU,andseeingthem reunitedwiththeirfamilyandknowingIplayed evenasmallpartinthatjourneywasincredibly meaningful.”
IntheICU,losingapatientisoneofthehardest partsofthejob.
“Whenyouworkwiththesepatientsfordays, weeks,andsometimesmonths,you’vebuilta connectionwiththemandtheirfamilies,”Liberty says.“Ioncecaredforayoungpatientwhoweall hopedwouldpullthrough,butdespiteeverything wedid,theydidn’tmakeit.Thatkindoflossstays withyou.Youcarryit,butitalsoremindsyouwhy thisjobissoimportantandwhynursesareneeded intheworld.”
SuchwasevidentinoneofLiberty’smost rewardingmemories,too.Sherecallscaringfora
Throughbothprofessionalandpersonal experience,Libertyhaslearnedthedifferencethat compassionatecarecanmake.“Growingup,Ihad severalfamilymembersinandoutofthehospital,” shesays.“Throughallofit,Irememberthenurses. Theywerealwaysthere,providingcomfort, compassionandasenseofcalmduringincredibly difficulttimesformeandmyfamily.Beingso young,thatleftalastingimpressiononmeand inspiredmetobethatpersonforothers–toshow upforpeoplewhentheyneeditmost.”
BernadetteHenrichs,PhD, CRNA,CCRN,CHSE,FAANA,FAAN
BernadetteHenrichsembodiestheadage “sharingis caring,” asher 41-year careerismarked by herpassions foreducationand collaboration.
“Ilovetoteach,soearlyinmycareer,Istarted teaching,”shesays.“Myinitialcourseswere teachingsixthgradersabout‘TheFabulousFemale’ and‘TheMarvelousMale.’Ireallyenjoyedit,and IbeganteachingCPRandACLS.Thisledmeto beingthenurseeducatorintheICUandlater,as acertifiedregisterednurseanesthetist,teaching nurseanesthesia.”
administeringanesthesiaherselfas wellas teaching theskillintheclassroomandoperating room. At thetime of writing,more than130graduatesfrom theprogramareworkinginthefield,administering anesthesia to patientsacrossthe country.
Guidingstudentstowardrewardingcareersis oneofherfavoritepartsofthejob.
In 2004,she foundedthe NurseAnesthesia ProgramatBarnes Jewish College where shenow servesasdirector Aspart of thethree-yearprogram, inwhichnurseswithseveral yearsof ICU experience canapplyto become a doctor of nursingpractice in nurseanesthesia, Henrichs’ responsibilitiesinclude
“Iwantedtoworkwithpeople,andnursing seemedliketheperfectroletodothis,”Henrichs says.“Nursingissuchagreatrole!Onecancarefor healthypatientsorsickpatients.Theycanworkin aphysician’sofficeoracritical-careICU.Theycan workpart-timeorfull-time.Itisajobthatreally makesapositivedifferenceincaringforpatients whoneedhealthcare.”
FamilyisinterwovenintoeverypieceofCamille Williams’nursingjourney.Herinspirationfor pursuingthecareerpathwashergrandmother,who graduatedinthe1950sfromSt.Mary’sInfirmary, thefirsthospitalopenedbySSMandthefirstinSt. Louistohavearaciallyintegratedmedicalstaff.She wentontoworkasanurseatthehistoricHomerG. PhillipsHospital,thecity’sonlypublichospitalfor AfricanAmericansduringsegregation.
Williams,whohasbeenanursefor12years, spentthefirstsixyearsofhercareerasan emergency-roomnursebeforesteppingintoher currentroleasapostpartumnurse.Whenher fatherwasdiagnosedwithamyotrophiclateral sclerosis(ALS)fouryearsago,shedrewonher experiencetohelpwithhiscare–atimeshe describesas“nearanddeartomyheart.”
“Itshatteredourworld,”shesays.“AllIcould thinkaboutwas:HowcouldIhelpmydadand momthroughthisdifficulttime?ThenIrealized thatIcouldusesomeoftheskillsandknowledge thatIhaveacquiredovertheyearsofbeinganurse whencaringandassistingmyfatherthroughthis newjourney.Iwashonoredtobeabletocarefor themanthathastakencareofmemyentirelife.
BJCHealthCare,bjc.org
Althoughthishasbeenaroughtimeformyfamily, IappreciatethatIamabletoshowmyparents firsthandwhatIamcapableofandgivetheman ideaofhowIcareandshowcompassiontomy patientseveryday.”
Ofobstaclesshehasfacedinherprofessional journey,Williamssays,“Irepresentagroupthat isunderrepresentedinthenursingfield.”Thishas presentedcertainchallenges,sheexplains,suchas inthebeginningofhercareerwhenshestruggled tofindaworkenvironmentthatwasconduciveto herdevelopment.Now,sheisproudtobepartofa teamthatsheloves.
Hermessagetoprospectivenursesisoneof encouragement:“Itisimportantyouunderstand thatyouarecapableanddeservingofanything youputyourmindto.…Thereweretimeswhere Iquestionedwhetherbeinganursewasforme, butnowIamachargenurseonmyfloorandI haverecentlycompletedmydoctorateofnursing practiceinwomen’shealth,andIcouldn’timagine doinganythingelse!”
SSMHealth,ssmhealth.com
Civic P Salute A
By Amanda Dahl >Photosby Chr istinaKling-Garrett
MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM
MISSOURIHISTORYMUSEUM PLANSAMBITIOUSEXHIBITS INEFFORTTOINTRODUCETHE
TheMissouriHistoricalSociety, whichoperatesthreesites includingtheMissouriHistory Museum,announcedits$36 millioncapitalcampaignonValentine’s Dayofthisyear,andvisitorscanalready seetheimpactofthisinitiativeinthe immersive1904World’sFairexhibit, withmuchmoretocome,including acompleteredesignofthemuseum’s secondfloorandanannualcelebration.
“We’remorethan80%towardthatgoal,” presidentandCEOJodySowellsays.
“Nowisthetime…togetallofSt.Louis tocomeandhelpusfinishthis.”
“There are allthesepeopleinSt. Louis’ past – thesegiantswhoseshoulders we standon,theseinspirationalmoments andplacesthatpeoplejustdon’tknow,” Sowell continues.“Themorewe can showyouthatthisplace isspecial,that fascinatingpeoplehavewalkedthese samestreets you walkon everyday, the more interested youwillbeinthepresent andthemore invested you’llbeinthe future ofSt. Louis.”
ride to
Earlierthismonth, federal funding cutscanceledgrants reserved forthe museumtotaling$250,636,accordingto theSt. Louis Post-Dispatch,withmore reductions expected.Atthetimeof writing,itisunclearhow thiswillimpact thecapitalcampaigncurrentlyunderway. MHS,which beganin1866,isoneofthe biggestandoldesthistoricalsocietiesin the country – andoneofthe few history museumstoofferprogrammingandentry for free Theartifactsithas collected duringthattimearea treasure trove of nationalandinternationalhistory These include a riflebelongingtothegreat American explorers LewisandClark, theoriginalportraitofDredScottseen in every U.S.highschooltextbook,and the country’slargest collectionsofitems memorializinglegendary aviatorCharles Lindberghas wellasthe“Matriarch of Black Dance” KatherineDunham. Now,MHSisunearthingthese historicalgemsandsharingthemwith thepublicinnewexhibits,thefirstof whichisalreadyopenatthehistory
Wetalkabout
GallerySTLas
theplacewe’re goingtobring touriststoshow themwhat makesSt.Louis sospecial. “
JodySowell
TheMissouriHistoricalSociety presidentandCEO museum.Theartifactshowcasegallery, “Collected,”encourageseachitemtotell itsownstoryratherthanthroughthe lensofaconnectedtheme.
Sowellspeaksononeofhis favorites itemsinthe exhibit:“There’s a tiny baby tooththat was frompartofthe‘Baby Tooth Survey,’ startedhere inSt. Louis. Researchers wereworriedabout theeffectsofnucleartesting.
… Thatsurveywaspartof the reasonthat[President] John F.Kennedysignedthe partialtestbantreaty, which eliminatedabove-ground testing.Thislittlething,right?It hadthishuge effect!”
Sowellalsoappreciatesasledge ondisplay,whichcamefromthe world-famousexpeditionbyAdmiral RobertPearytotheNorthPole–anow notorioustaledrawnundersuspicion, butnonethelessanextraordinaryfeat. “Somanythingscanbetoldthrough theseartifacts,”Sowellsays.“Ithinkit speakstothepowerofobjects.”
Themostambitiousprojecttobe fundedthroughMHS’capitalcampaign istheopeningofa12,000-square-foot exhibit,tentativelyscheduledfor2027. GallerySTListoserveasanintroduction toSt.Louis,oneSowellhopeswill helpvisitorstoseethecitybeyondits portrayalinnationalheadlines.The expansiveexhibitwilltakevisitors througheachdecadeofthecity’shistory toshow“thosebigmomentsstillshaping St.Louistoday,”hedetails,aswellasthe everydaylifeofSt.Louisans.
“We talkaboutGallerySTLastheplace we’regoingtobringtouriststoshow them whatmakesSt. Louissospecial,” Sowell says.“It’llbetheplace toshow students that, yes,thishistory really existedinthe placeyoucall‘home.’ Andit’llbetheplace we all returnto, timeandtimeagain, to rebuildthatsenseofcivic pride.”
Fornow, visitorscan get a tastethroughthe CuratedCollections, a newlylaunched website that releases a new theme each month,such as St. LouisneonorAfrican Americanhistory, andentices withsnapshotsofwhatcanbe foundinthe exhaustive MHSarchives. Andmark yourcalendars for Feb.14, 2026,whenMHSwillhostitsinauguralSt. LouisBirthday Bash,“agreatday toshow yourloveforSt. Louis,” Sowelladds,and thepossiblebirthdateofthecity, with concerts,craftsandlocallymade goods.
MissouriHistoryMuseum, 5700LindellBlvd.,St.Louis,314-746-4599; Library&ResearchCenter, 225 S. Skinker Blvd.,St. Louis,314-746-4500; SoldiersMemorial,1315ChestnutSt., St.Louis,314-818-6780;mohistory.org
TheMissouriHistoricalSociety isshowingSt.Louisinaway it’sneverbeenseenbefore.
ScantheQRcodefora videopresentationof “IAmSt.Louis,andIDon’t BelieveWe’veMet.”
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