KIDS & PETS
JON HAMM’S RISE TO STARDOM
UNLOCK THE SCIENCE OF AGING GRACEFULLY WITH PEPTIDES
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Kids & Pets
This issue holds a very special place in our heart. Children are more than just our future they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy light up our homes and inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. Their view of the world, full of wonder and honesty, has the power to shift perspectives and spark hope in even the most trying times.
As parents, caregivers, mentors and even neighbors we invest so much into helping them grow. We teach them lessons, guide them through milestones, and cheer them on every step of the way. But if we’re honest, they’re the ones teaching us just as much. They remind us to slow down, to play, to imagine, and to love deeply.
And then there are our pets, the loyal companions who never miss a moment to bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love. The bond between children and their pets is nothing short of magical. Whether it's the wag of a tail, a nuzzle after a long day, or a shared adventure in the backyard, these connections are formative. They teach empathy, responsibility, patience and how to love without conditions.
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable organizations, authors, educators, and pet professionals who are making a difference in the lives of kids and their furry friends. From Scouting America to CASA's mission , from the inspiring work of author Michael Anderson to Champions for Children , we are celebrating the people who champion youth and advocate for their well-being.
We’re also stepping into the world of pet fashion with Pawshh and Polished, discovering the future of education with St. Charles Community College's Center for Immersive Learning, and exploring innovative solutions from K9-Solutions and Cordial Canine Premium Dog Training, each dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and their families.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth: they need us. But the beauty is, we need them too. They remind us of what matters most, connection, love, and living with a little more heart.
Here’s to the laughter of children, the wagging tails of our four-legged family members, and to all of you who pour your love into nurturing both.
Cheers to our future, bright, bold, and beautifully untamed.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Gordon Montgomery
gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Kelley Lamm
kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Audra Harrold | audra.harrold@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Iris Schmidt christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tracy Bono, Stacey Collins Bibb, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Kelley Lamm, Julie Brown Patton, Mel Boban
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Hunn, Gea Rose Henry, Michael Martinez, Mel Boban
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Left: Medical Director Dr. Lenise Cummings-Vaughn, Administrator Kathy Kelley, and Medical Advisor Dr. David Carr meet with a resident.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Otto Orthodontics team in Creve Coeur celebrated a well-deserved Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Week. 2: Five Iron Golf hosted an Influencer Preview Night featuring simulators, craft cocktails, and delicious food. 3: Some of The Rooted Sisters met over food and drink at Uncle Julio’s in Frontenac. 4-7: Community gathered for Saturday’s Stroll into Summer celebrating 101 years of Shriners Children’s St. Louis.
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
OTTO ORTHODONTICS
ERIC “REMROD” MAYES
SARAH GULDALIAN
8-9: Community gathered for Saturday’s Stroll into Summer celebrating 101 years of Shriners Children’s St. Louis. 10: Refreshing cocktails with skyline views—elevate your summer evenings at High Bar Clayton. 11: The Only Facial celebrated it’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting. 12: Porano offers kid-approved dine-in deals during the summertime. 13: Clayton on the Park hosted a Summer Sailboat Regatta on the rooftop for it’s residents. 14: Publishers Kelley and Gordon welcome the new KLIS as hosts of the IN YOUR CITY-Show.
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
SHRINERS CHILDREN’S ST. LOUIS
THE ONLY FACIAL - FROTENAC
PORANO
CLAYTON ON THE PARK
HIGH BAR CLAYTON
Brian Bredensteiner
Brian Bredensteiner is a God-fearing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has worked in the fields of accounting and banking for nearly 35 years and has gained a reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced professional in the field. Throughout his career, Brian has worked with numerous financial institutions and has held various leadership positions.
Well beyond business, Brian ’s greatest moment of love came on October 3, 1995 when he accepted Jesus into his heart at the St. Charles County Businessmen ’s Prayer Breakfast. The change in his heart allowed him to love Ann, his wife of 32+ years, his children Blake (Ellie), Paige (Austin), and Grace (Ty) and his grandchildren with a servant’s heart impacting his children, his children’s children and their children for a thousand generations!
May the Power of Christ be with you and your families for generations!
Time for a Lip Restyle?
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HOW DR. SARHADDI CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIPS
DISSOLVE & RECONTOUR
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LIP LIFT
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Ready for a lip transformation? Book your consultation today with Dr. Sarhaddi and rediscover your perfect pout!
STL CHILD ACTOR’S
Mad Masterpieces
A Look At Jon Hamm’s Rise To Stardom
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY JOHN BURROUGHS SCHOOL
Wayne Salomon (left) with Jon Hamm.
From playing Winnie the Pooh in first grade to the breakthrough role of Don Draper in the acclaimed television drama “Mad Men,” West St. Louis County-native turned popular actor Jon Hamm thoughtfully maintains his roots and ties with the Gateway City region.
Regarding his Pooh bear acting start, "I was an early adopter of standing in front of people and looking like an idiot," Jon was quoted as saying, by film/TV enthusiasts and cinephiles Last Exit To Nowhere.
In a Vanity Fair interview by Bruce Handy titled "Mad Men Q&A: Jon Hamm" during August 2009, Bruce reported Jon stated he was picked by his teacher to be Winnie the Pooh when public school programs “still had things like productions.” Jon shared his mother sewed his bear suit, making it from a Butterick pattern and strapping a pillow around him.
Fast-forward to July 2025, and Jon is seen selling his car in a humorous Carvana 30-second TV 'Excuses' commercial about trying to get out of attending a neighbor’s dog party. Ironically, Jon calls the actor playing opposite him in the commercial “Gerber,” which sounds a lot like “GrrrBear” in the spot.
Jonathan Daniel Hamm was born in St. Louis on March 10, 1971, to Deborah (née Garner) Hamm, a secretary, and Daniel Hamm, who managed a family trucking company.
While attending Ladue-based John Burroughs School, he played football and baseball. He was involved in theater during high school and college, but didn't pursue acting as a career for several years.
Early on, he appeared in a production of "Carousel," and at 16 years old, played Judas in "Godspell," despite initially not wanting to audition for it. He graduated high school in 1989. At the University of Missouri, he performed in plays such as "Cabaret" and "Assassins."
After graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in English, he returned to his alma mater, John Burroughs School, to teach drama for two years. During 1995, he decided to pursue acting professionally and moved to Los Angeles.
During 2020, Jon went on the "Today Show" with broadcaster Hoda Kotb to discuss the St. Louis Actors' Studio's Sustainable Fund. Jon, Beau Willimon, JBS '95, Cory Finley JBS '07 and other St. Louis actors, writers and directors joined to support professional theater during the pandemic.
He also bought Imo's Pizza for SSM Saint Louis University Hospital workers during that period.
Jon Hamm JBS ‘89 cheers on the St. Louis Blues in Los Angeles while sporting his Class of ‘89 Blue & Gold Bomber letter jacket.
Jon Hamm as member of John Burroughs School football team.
Additionally, 165 JBS students logged online during April 2020 to play Kahoot!, a virtual trivia game, with Jon, as he answered questions and shared stories about JBS, St. Louis and movies.
During 2013, Jon participated in a groundbreaking for a new Haertter Hall and athletic center on the Burroughs campus. In a JBS video regarding the project, joined by retired athletic director Jim Lemen and theater director Wayne Salomon, Jon stated he invests in and enjoys staying connected, especially with the school’s performance-based initiatives.
“Athletes and actors have the same skillset,” says Wayne. “Although they may use them differently.”
In a “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” podcast, Jon says Wayne repeatedly told him that students “aren’t meant to stay in one lane. You’re meant to try it all.”
Wayne says his earliest memory of Jon was seeing him tackle an opposing football player. “I didn’t meet him until his junior year when he was in the dance chorus for Carousel, with other football players, because the original director thought football players could [physically] lift people. I started to notice Jon was a pretty good dancer and noticed his charisma. As I thought of the future, he was my guy for Judas.”
“Jon was a gifted young man and hard worker.”
Jon readily admits John Burroughs had a profound impact on him, with Wayne as his mentor, and that he wanted to turn that around and “do something for another generation of kids.”
“And I wanted to give something back,” Jon admits.
Online sources count the following as Jon’s lead roles in films: Stolen (2010), Million Dollar Arm (2014), Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016), Beirut (2018), and Confess, Fletch (2022), as well as his supporting roles in The Town (2010), Sucker Punch (2011), Bridesmaids (2011), Baby Driver (2017), Tag (2018), Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), The Report (2019), Lucy in the Sky (2019), Richard Jewell (2019), No Sudden Move (2021), and Top Gun: Maverick (2022). He voiced roles in Shrek Forever After (2010), Minions (2015) and Transformers One (2024).
Jon was named one of Salon's Sexiest Man Living in 2007, and one of People's Sexiest Men Alive in 2008. Entertainment Weekly named him one of their Entertainers of the Year in both 2008 and 2010. He also won GQ's "International Man" award in September 2010. He won an Emmy, two Golden Globes and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Not bad for a friendly and steadfast Winnie the Pooh bear, right?
Jon Hamm is a devoted fan of the St. Louis Blues, and has appeared in television advertisements for the team, as well as a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He narrated the official highlight movie for the 2011 World Series, won by the Cardinals.
Here's Jon Hamm when he was in Godspell at John Burroughs School.
ADVICE EDITORIAL: WHY SCOUTING AMERICA MATTERS MORE NOW THAN EVER
ARTICLE BY TRACY BONO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GREATER ST. LOUIS AREA SCOUTING
RECONNECTING YOUTH, NATURE
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, the need for meaningful, active and character-building experiences for youth has never been greater. That's where the nonprofit organization of Scouting America steps in to offer solutions.
According to the National Wildlife Federation sources, the average American child spends only 4 to 7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play, yet more than 7 hours in front of a screen. These startling statistics paint a clear picture of a generation that's becoming more disconnected from the natural world and, in turn, from the developmental benefits that time in nature provides: creativity, problem-solving, resilience and emotional well-being.
Coined by author Richard Louv, Nature Deficit Disorder describes the growing gap between children and the outdoors. This disconnect has been linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, obesity and attention disorders among youth. Scouting America is tackling this crisis head-on.
Through hands-on, adventure-based programs, Scouting America provides young people with opportunities to explore the outdoors, build confidence, develop leadership skills and learn the value of teamwork and service.
Here in the local region, the Greater St. Louis Area Council of Scouting America is leading the charge. Serving more than 31,000 youth, it stands as the largest youth-development organization in the St. Louis metropolitan area. This council operates year-round programming that engages youth from all backgrounds, providing them with mentorship, outdoor adventure and life-enriching values.
"Scouting has taught me practical skills such as outdoor survival and first aid, and also how to lead by example and stay calm in tough situations. I learned you don't have to be perfect or older or rich to make a difference. Anyone can make a difference with willpower and determination. Scouting is a chance to make lifelong friendships, challenge yourself, and step out of your comfort zone," says Henry Ward, age 15, Troop 918.
Nature Deficit Disorder describes the growing gap between children and the outdoors.
With six vibrant camp properties teeming with adventure, the Greater St. Louis Area Council is currently investing in major upgrades to ensure these camps continue to inspire and serve future generations of Scouts.
Today, Scouting America stands as a powerful force for good. It's a movement to reintroduce America's youth to the wild world outside their windows, and to the even wilder potential within themselves.
STLBSA.org
PAWSHH AND Polished
A Stylish Look At Most Essential Pet Accessory
ARTICLE BY AUDRA HARROLD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOLA & PENELOPE
In the world of pet fashion, people usually think of cozy sweaters, raincoats and booties. Some pets wear them and some pets don’t. Whether or not a dog or cat wears clothing, there's one accessory worn daily that unleashes personality and style: the collar. Collars have evolved to be more than just a place to hang a tag. They are fashion statements, safety gear and high-tech devices. They can show off your pet’s personality with rhinestones, bold patterns or a favorite team. Leather collars say sophistication, while biothane options are perfect for pets who swim, hunt or roll in the mud.
Beyond fashion, collars have gone functional. LED collars help pets stay visible during nighttime walks. Martingale collars offer extra security for great escape artists. GPS tracking collars help owners locate a lost pet just by opening a cellphone.
Some of the newest smart collars encompass AI technology to track biometrics, such
as heart rate, respiratory patterns and sleep cycles. They can detect early signs of illness or stress by analyzing subtle changes in data alerting pet owners before visible symptoms appear. Yes, a dog’s collar can even tell how many steps they took, and it’s possible it might be more than you!
Let’s not forget fashionable embellishments like embroidered names, engraved plates, collar charms and seasonal themes. Lola & Penelope’s, a local pet boutique in Clayton, offers stylish collars in all sizes. The store's co-owner Kyle Dowling shares, “The most popular trends in collars this year are collars made from eco-friendly or sustainable materials. When most of our customers are shopping for a new collar, they're most concerned about the look of the collar and if it will be comfortable for their dog!”
Ultimately, the collar is more than something placed around pets' necks. It’s an accessory that can be functional and fashionable.
COLLARS OF DISTINCTION: LUXE, SMART, RARE
La Jeune Tulipe Diamond Dog Pet Collar: Posh Puppy Boutique $250,000. PoshPuppyBoutique.com
AI Smart Collars: Health-tracking from Fi and Invoxia. TryFi.com | Invoxia.com
Hermès Limited: Couture collars with waitlists. Hermes.com
Lola & Penelope
Lola & Penelope photo
IMPACTING LIVES SINCE
At The Kaiser Law Firm, P.C., the father and son team of Phil and Andy Kaiser, with over 60 years of combined experience in the estate planning, asset protection, elder law and business law fields, along with their dedicated support staff, are here in Chesterfield to meet the needs of your family and those of your business. As a family owned firm, we understand what matters to your family and your business.
St. Louis Cardinal Mike Matheny shares his experience with Kaiser Law Firm who helped him put a plan together to ensure things were set up as my family needed them to be.
Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
Youth Entrepreneurs Making A Difference In Their Community
The Power Of Little Leaders:
Meet the next generation of leaders as young entrepreneurs with big hearts and even bigger dreams. From lemonade stands to handmade creations, it's inspiring to see kids using their creativity, compassion and drive to make differences in their communities in meaningful ways
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
Chance, 8, and Kylan, 12, kicked off summer with an entrepreneurial spirit and big smiles! With school out, the brothers launched their weekly lemonade stand, mixing their own recipe, designing eye-catching signs and learning the value of hard work and community support. Every cup sold brings them one step closer to their savings goals, and the excitement is contagious. Whether it’s a hot day or just a neighbor passing by, their stand is more than just lemonade; it’s about joy, determination and building something together. When you see a lemonade stand stop, sip some sweetness and support young dreamers.
At just 13 years old, Hannah Marie is turning heads and hands with her blossoming business in custom bracelets and nail design. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a stylish venture fueled by her passion for self-expression and beauty. Inspired by how calm and focused she felt while creating, her parents encouraged her to pursue her talents. Today, Hannah handcrafts personalized jewelry and offers stunning manicures, all while balancing school and entrepreneurship. With dedication, artistic flair and a growing fan base, Hannah's proving passion has no age limit while inspiring other young dreamers to follow their own paths.
Seraphina, 7, is a shining example of resilience, creativity and heart. What began as a dream she shared with her parents starting a business called Unicorn Tooth has blossomed into a mission filled with purpose. After the heartbreaking loss of her father in 2023, Seraphina and her family carried on his memory by continuing the business he believed in. She’s also given back in meaningful ways, hosting lemonade stands and creating jewelry to benefit Annie’s Hope, a center for grieving children. In 2024, she was her school’s top fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Seraphina is making magic and a difference every day.
Hannah Marie
Chance and Kylan
Serephina
Champions For Children: CASA’s Mission
“IT IS EASIER TO BUILD STRONG CHILDREN THAN TO REPAIR BROKEN MEN.” — FREDERICK DOUGLASS
ARTICLE BY STACEY COLLINS BAIBB
Imagine everything changing in your life over a very short time. The people you live with, the people with whom you interact daily, your workplace, your boss are all different now. Life has completely changed for you over the course of a day or two. Truly think about that. What words come to mind as you imagine this hypothetical situation? Fear? Uncertainty, sadness, anxiety, unmoored; all these words come to mind, when thinking of such a scenario. Most of us would have difficulty thinking about such a storyline unfolding without feeling disquiet and dread.
Yet that scenario is a reality for thousands of children in the St. Louis region alone.
Children enter the foster care system when they have experienced abuse or neglect. Overnight, their entire worlds change; they may not see their families, they may change schools and teachers. Over the course of being in the foster care system, homes change, attorneys change, judges change, caseworkers change. This constant flux and uncertainty leads to a lack of stability, anxiety and worry, as the children have no constant person in their lives on whom they can rely long-term.
Although children are appointed a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), a special attorney who represents the interests of the child, these can change as well, as their positions shift or they move.
Enter CASA of St. Louis. CASA serves St. Louis City and County, working with volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a national nonprofit organization founded in Seattle, Washington, by Superior Court Judge David Soukup. He says he felt that children who experienced abuse and neglect needed someone
who could be their voice in court. The function of a CASA is to be that one person who serves as a constant presence in the lives of a child or small sibling group.
“CASA volunteers come from all walks of life,” says Beth Fultz, manager of Volunteer Engagement at CASA of St. Louis. “We have volunteers who work in education, medicine, technology and more. They offer a fresh perspective because they work outside the system.”
Although CASA for Children has chapters all over the United States, CASA St. Louis is one of the oldest, having just celebrated its 45th year.
“We recruit and train advocates for children in foster care. CASAs get to know the children, their families and their foster families. They engage with the child’s teachers, therapists and health care providers. CASAs attend court hearings, offering recommendations to the court and others responsible for the child’s wellbeing,” Beth says.
While Guardian ad Litems work with several children at once, CASAs work with one child (or small sibling group) at a time. The GAL and the CASA work in conjunction with each other for the benefit of the child.
Because CASA of St. Louis is a nonprofit, it relies on grants and donations to fund its mission. Although volunteers work as CASAs, it is crucial that CASA staffs supervisors who oversee volunteers and help them navigate the court system. These supervisors provide support and guidance to the CASAs who work directly with the children in foster care, their families and all who provide care and services to them. Donations are used to benefit local children.
STLCasa.org
“They engage with the child’s teachers, therapists and health care providers. CASAs attend court hearings, offering recommendations to the court and others responsible for the child’s wellbeing,” Beth says.
INSIDE-OUT Pet Health
K9-INNOVATIONS:
LUXURY WELLNESS FOR PETS IN A DAILY SUPPLEMENT
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER HUNN
Founders Kari and Scott Montgomery with
“When you think of your pets, you know they're part of your life,” says Kari Montgomery. “But for them, you are their whole life.”
Scott and Kari Montgomery have worked in human health and wellness for decades. So, when the husband-and-wife team saw the need for addressing pet wellness, they did their homework.
One of the things they discovered was that there are more than 90 million dogs in the United States. “We wanted to bring our human nutrition experience into pet nutrition to solve a problem,” Scott says.
After 30 years in business leadership in a global health, wellness and longevity company, including 17 years as chairman of the company’s nonprofit that provided nutritional supplements to 43,000-plus kids in 900 programs in 12 countries, Scott decided to bring his business experience of human nutrition to pets. Today, the couple’s nutritional supplements for dogs are on Amazon.
Kari brings an equal level of experience in sales, marketing, social-media, culture and relationship-building to K9-Innovations. "Pouring into others is what we love to do,” Kari says. “When you surround yourself with the right people, you’re inspired to do more good, and that's what we aim to do with every product, every interaction and every pet parent we connect with.”
The Montgomerys say they're applying everything they’ve learned, from formulation to branding, from ingredient quality to consumer behavior. “We are passionate about wellness, and we love to build with trust,” Scott says.
Scott says the fillers, preservatives and artificial flavorings that human beings are concerned about in their food supply are just as prevalent in pet food. “It’s in the dog food, too,” he says. “We did a lot of homework, and we saw a huge void in the pet industry.”
Pet ownership of multiples is growing, Scott says, as is having pets in general among millennials and Gen Z, who are waiting longer to have children, and among baby boomers, who might be experiencing loneliness for the first time. “People are becoming more aware of what their pets are getting and not getting through their nutrition to support longevity.”
So, Scott and Kari introduced Daily Skin & Coat and Daily Gut Health: cold-pressed daily chews engineered to work individually or together for total wellness. K9-Innovations’ wellness products are made in the USA, and is a “founder-led, trustbased luxury brand that sells love, and results,” Kari says.
K9-Innovations takes a proactive approach with a daily health routine,“ Kari adds.
K9-Innovations formulas are crafted with clean, science-backed ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. “Producing results you can count on and ship right to your door through Amazon,” Scott says. “We are keeping it simple and affordable. And, consistency is the key. There's no judgment. If you feed your dog kibble, raw or fresh food, we want to complement however you feed your dog.”
“We wanted to bring our human nutrition experience into pet nutrition to solve a problem.” —Scott Montgomery.
Scott and Kari say their products address seven of the top 10 reasons why dogs go to the vet: itchy skin, constant scratching, gas, diarrhea, paw licking, excessive shedding and watery eyes.
“If your dog is showing these symptoms, you already know something’s wrong,” Kari says. “Too many pet owners wait, hoping it improves, but most products only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.
More than just a “digestive supplement,” Daily Gut Health is a “gutfirst, results-driven powerhouse in every chew,” Kari says. It fixes gut imbalance; reduces gas, loose stools and bloat; calms inflammation and supports immunity.
Moreover, Daily Skin & Coat is a dog’s “skin solution in a chew,” Kari says. “Loaded with omega 3-6-9s, DHAgold, and wild Alaskan salmon oil, Daily Skin & Coat soothes itching, reduces shedding, boosts shine and softness and strengthens the immune system.”
Scott says Daily Gut Health gives “inside-out support,” while Daily Skin & Coat offers “outside-in protection.”
“It's two steps, with one mission—a healthier, happier dog,” Kari says. “Why settle? Give them both.”
K9-Innovations.com
Giving Voice to Youths
Harmony STL Anchors World-Class A Cappella Singing Choruses
Among the three competitive choral groups directed under the internationally known Harmony STL umbrella is a mixed choral group for youths aged 11 to 25 years.
"Our organization is the Black Belt of all aspects of a cappella singing, and a hotbed for musical arts, based on our 62 years of history and musical excellence. We invite more young singers to be a part of this robust program and the joy of expanding choral singing in St. Louis and beyond," states Harmony STL Executive Director Tim Myers.
Harmony STL is a vibrant chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society that continues to build on a foundation of six decades of musical tradition. The distinguished, nonprofit chapter is home to three choruses: the Ambassadors of Harmony men’s chorus established in 1963; the Recruits Chorus, an all-voices youth ensemble started in 2017; and Visions of Harmony, a women’s chorus that formed in 2022.
The men's group members are five-time world champions, the mixed youth group ranks 13th in the world, and the women's group earned the 9th worldwide spot.
Tim, formerly president of Harmony STL, became the group's new executive director this April to advance the nonprofit's mission
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL MARTINEZ AND GEA ROSE HENRY
to promote and celebrate the art of a cappella and to enhance engagement of audiences, donors and singers. He says the organization's Harmony STL Foundation creates opportunities for teens to exercise their inner vocalist, through summer camps, youth chorus opportunities, college scholarships, quartet mentoring and choral field trips. Tim says the foundation is meant to ensure these opportunities remain within reach for not only this generation, but future ones as well.
For younger singers, Tim says they typically host Acappellooza, a two-day, intensive camp held at the University of Missouri-St. Louis during the fall, with one day devoted to boys, another day to girls, with 600 participants attending each day.
The Recruits youth chorus initiative attracts students throughout St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson counties. "However, some members for our adult choirs drive up to 4 hours to participate in
Photo by Michael Martinez
our other choral groups. They come from Decatur, Springfield and even Indiana," he adds.
During this June, Tim says they completed a four-day summer music camp. "We started summer camps 11 years ago, with regional music teachers pitching in to train camp attendees."
He says they're planning to bring back the AcaFest next spring as a one-day, non-adjudicated event for friendly sharing of musical talent.
He says groups of 4 to 40 among high schools and colleges will be welcome to participate.
Youths interested in potentially participating in The Recruits chorus can attend open guest visitations, which Tim says is available at every rehearsal. "We also have guest nights designed to help introduce new singers to our culture."
He states youths can attend open rehearsals at which they observe or can join in with singing. The audition process consists of attending at least three rehearsals, and they offer audio learning tracks to assist for memorization and for those who don't read music.
The Recruits choral group is co-directed by Eric Dalbey, a music teacher and voice instructor at Webster University in St. Louis, and Keegan Eich, a music and voice teacher out of University City. Their regular weekly rehearsals are held every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church, near Forest Park.
Photo by Michael Martinez
Photo by Michael Martinez
PREMIUM DOG TRAINING, CANINE CARE FACILITY
Cordial Canine: Where Good Dogs Become Great Companions
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX STEWART
Helping dogs understand the "why" and "how" to boundaries and commands is key to well-rounded, confident and comfortable pets. Oftentimes, that takes patience, training and consistency.
Beverly "Bev" Patterson and Lexi Butler-Boyle share a love for dogs. The two also share a Creve Coeur-based business,
Zelda and Carver
“Our personalized approach to training focuses on building strong bonds between dogs and their owners.”
Cordial Canine, that specializes in personalized training programs, compassionate care and a safe environment for canines of all breeds and ages.
"Our mission is to enhance the bond between dogs and their owners through effective training techniques and exceptional day care services," explains Lexi.
Bev adds: "Our training programs are customized to meet the needs of each dog and their owner, including basic obedience, behavioral modification and specialized training, such as therapy dog certification."
Their services span on-site private lessons, daily training sessions as well as weekly human lessons with family members or continued education for pups that completed their initial training package. A complimentary evaluation with one of their trainers is required before entering one of their programs to explore and establish initial trust and collaboration for all involved.
"People forget how easy it is to take our eyes off dogs, particularly with new dogs in new situations and trying to establish a new set of rules," reminds Bev. "With social media pretty pics, we so often see the finished product, the perfectly posed dogs. It's easy to think dogs are preprogrammed to behave certain ways, and people don't see the full picture of work involved."
She adds that currently, during post-pandemic mindsets, people are super eager to take their dogs out to include them in public settings. "However, crowds and unfamiliar settings can be overstimulating for dogs, and become uncomfortable for them. It's not fair to them, especially knowing that not every dog is a social butterfly."
Lexi says one of the most frequent reasons that clients seek their services is due to dogs jumping on people or play-biting too hard or frequently.
"When we greet our pups, we're excited and they respond to us. But dogs don't understand when they've taken that activity too far. So, it's giving them mixed messages when they can do it in one setting or circumstance, but not others."
She says dog owners understand how to navigate "socially gray" areas, but dogs do not without guidance.
Sometimes, people think puppies don't really need firm training when they are so young, but repeated, unwanted activities can turn into unwanted adult behaviors. Getting dogs to not pull on leashes during walks is a second area for which clients request help, says Bev. "It's about balance, positive rewards and achieving small wins."
These trainers help clients move through various ages and typical phases of canines being dog-tolerant or dog-selective, with the idea of teaching dogs how to alleviate the pressure they may feel in what they read as unpredictable situations. This training typically counteracts dog reactivity or aggression issues.
Bev and Lexi say they assist clients with helping their dogs to truly understand end goals and how to get there successfully. "Otherwise, it's like expecting someone to handle calculus without them knowing how to add or multiply. When we show our dogs the rules in consistent ways, we're actually giving them the gift of more affection and more freedom," reminds Bev.
557.229.1998
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TheCordialCanine.com
Catholic | Independent | PreK3 - 8 | Open to all Faiths
Discover how the Academy inspires children to become confident, courageous, compassionate leaders with a lifelong love of learning!
Middle School Scholarships & Tuition Assistance Available. Scan QR code to schedule your tour today!
ash1818.org | 636-946-6127 | admissions@ash1818.org 619 N. Second St. | St. Charles, MO 63301
Creating beautiful smiles
MEET MICHEAL
ANDERSON
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Micheal Anderson is a true inspiration, working full time while pursuing her dream of writing simultaneously. Her career as an author started as she celebrated her 50th birthday. During her quest to try 50 new experiences that year, she blogged about each experience, uncovering a rediscovery of her passion for writing. She then published her first book, and she says the story unfolded there.
The inspiration for her Zoey Lyndon Series came from her daughters, and bringing ideas to life based on showing girls STEM disciplines, something she wished were available. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers tend to have a gender gap.
Micheal isn't stopping there, though. She's currently working on a picture book. Although she didn't think of doing one, she says it's by request of her fans. She also will be giving one of the Zoey Lyndon characters their own series. In a fascinating twist, her daughters even went on to become a scientist and an engineer, and she hopes other readers are as inspired, too.
Special Business Rates Monday through Thursday starting at $169. Email contact@leveloinn.com or call 573-620-1124 to inquire more details.
More Than Just a Getaway
Le Vélo Inn meets all kinds of needs from a weekday or weekend getaway, a venue for small events in the courtyard, or even a place to office at during the week! The historic charm, amazing amenities, attention to detail and design all bring a unqiue experience that will leave you longing to come back and experience each unit because there is not one alike! leveloinn.com | 573-620-1124
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ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Pets Are Family
TIPS FOR BONDING WITH YOUR DOG
Family dogs waste no time working their way into our hearts. There's a difference between the dog that hangs in the background and the dog that truly becomes an equal member of the household, latching close and shadowing us at home. There are so many ways to foster a tight, trusted bond with a family dog. Consistent work on showing your dog patience and genuine love brings a deeper relationship year after year.
Time
The No. 1 aspect of relationships with dogs comes down to time. When dogs consistently receive undivided and individual attention without distractions, their trust and overall happiness grows tenfold
Exploring
While the routine walk route is appreciated by four-legged friends, exploring new territory, going to a local outdoor patio or even just taking a different route can help dogs understand you’re their person.
Positive Reinforcement
Dogs quickly learn their humans are their safe haven when they receive positive affirmation and treats.
Training Together
Even if a dog is well-behaved, working to learn commands or tricks together creates a special bond that stays forever.
Slow Down Together
Letting dogs relax with you and showing them physical affection with cuddles and pets tells them they are safe with you.
Say Goodbye to Fragile Bones:
How to Manage and Reverse
Osteoporosis
By: Dr. Beth Templin
If you've recently been told that you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, it's tempting to brush it off as a "normal" part of aging. You may think that because everyone your age seems to be having the same trouble as you that it's something you will have to learn to live with.
AUGUST 2025
You may not know how to live with this new diagnosis, but now you're worried about your “brittle bones”. You've even started to limit what you're willing to do, and thinking about giving things up in order to protect your fragile bones. If this is happening to you, you're not alone. We hear this all the time In fact, Osteoporosis is one of the most common problems we work with at HouseFit
Most people realize their osteoporosis or osteopenia won't magically go away on its own, but they still don't take action. It might be because they don't know what steps to take to improve their bone density OR they don't truly believe they can improve their bone health "at their age" Fortunately, there are several options to help manage and even reverse your osteoporosis and to keep you active as you age.
This is why it's critical to educate yourself on osteoporosis, its causes, and the best treatments available It’s why we’ve created our comprehensive guide “Osteoporosis: A Guide To Building Stronger Bones”
In this guide you'll find: W hat really impacts your bone health. What diet best supports healthy bones. The top exercises for strong bones. Why inactivity increases bone loss AND much more!
I want to make this guide available to you absolutely free of charge! To claim your copy, simply call (314) 9391377 or visit our website housefitstl.com/bone-health to download the report directly to your computer. If you’re ready to manage your bone health and lead an active lifestyle, this guide can help you get started with confidence!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST-31ST
Pompeii: The Exhibition
Saint Louis Science Center | 9:45 AM
Back by popular demand, Pompeii: The Exhibition returns. In 79 A.D., the thriving seaport city of Pompeii was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius; however, what nature destroyed, it also preserved. Featuring 150 authentic artifacts and holographic gladiator action, this exhilarating exhibition tells the tale of a city hidden from view and forgotten for 250-plus years.
AUGUST 10TH
10th Annual Tennessee
Williams Festival St. Louis
The Link Auditorium (Start and Finish) | 9:00 AM
This walking tour will be led by Tom Mitchell. The Williams family first settled in the Central West End and the area became important to Tennessee’s work. The tour will visit neighborhood sites that relate to his life and writing, including Williams’ own words describing familiar locations. The tour will end with a reading of “God in the Free Ward."
AUGUST 12TH-17TH
Romeo & Zooliet
Saint Louis Zoo | 6:00 PM
"Romeo & Zooliet" is a family-friendly stage adaptation produced exclusively for the Saint Louis Zoo. In partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, the production features dazzling animal puppetry by world-renowned Michael Curry Design, known for its work on Broadway’s "The Lion King" and "Frozen" along with Olympic and Super Bowl ceremonies. Some admission packages include parking and a meal.
CONTINUED
AUGUST 16TH
John Cusack
Stifel Theatre | 7:30 PM
Actor John Cusack hosts an intimate screening of one of his most popular motion pictures, High Fidelity, followed by a live conversation about his career and the making of the film, followed by a live Q&A. A limited number of VIP tickets are available that include the best seats in the house along with a post-show photo opportunity with John.
AUGUST 24TH
Musical Nights Concert
Oak Knoll Park | 5:00 PM
Grab chairs or blankets and head to the 2025 Musical Nights concert featuring the band Fanfare. Picnic baskets are welcome; no glass bottles. The concert will be held at the stage near the pond. Fanfare Fanfare plays a variety of styles, including Motown, R&B, classic rock, disco, pop, country, jazz, big band and current tunes.
AUGUST 24TH-28TH
The J’s Summer Used
Book Sale
The J | 10:00 AM
Thousands of titles available, including mystery/intrigue, novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help, humor. Parents, educators and homeschool families can find a helpful books for children and youth. Multiples of titles are available for book club reading, along with miscellaneous videos, books on tape/CDs and DVDs.
