St. Charles County , MO May 2020

MAY 2020

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

Women Who Inspire

BIG HEARTS MAKE A BIG IMPACT

THE ART OF REDEFINING YOURSELF

HOLLYWOOD CALLED TO HER

Stay C.L.E.A.N. Five Valuable Tips from Your Friends at SSM Health

C

lean your hands – and items or surfaces you touch with your hands – often. Common objects may include phones, keyboards, countertops, doors and appliances.

L E

eave your eyes, nose and mouth alone. These are the anatomical regions most susceptible to infection.

njoy the outdoors responsibly. Activities like exercise and picnics can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Be sure to respect others’ personal space, too.

A N

sk your doctor. If you ever are in doubt about your health, reach out to your primary care giver or visit an urgent care clinic.

ourish yourself. Eating and drinking healthy never goes out of style, and you can cook from the comfort of home even when temporarily ill.

©2020 SSM Health. All rights reserved. STL-STL-20-816674 4/20

WELCOME TO SPRINGTIME AT

B BELLEVAUX

BELLEVEAUX BY EXECUTIVE HOMES An enclave of 30 luxury residences on private cul de sacs Customized homes f rom the $440’s Large lots, many backing to mature trees Located off Ken Drive, St. Charles 63301 636-978-8882

|

EXECUTIVEHOMESINC.NET

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Judy Peters | judy.peters@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cindy O'Hara | cindy.ohara@lifestylepubs.com

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE I CAN’T EXPRESS SINCERELY ENOUGH JUST HOW PROUD AND IMPRESSED

AD DESIGNER

Kaylee Mitchell LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Stout

I AM WITH THE WOMEN OF ST. CHARLES COUNTY FOR HOW THEY’VE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

RESPONDED TO THESE CHALLENGING TIMES. Having to be home all day and

Judy Peters, Nikki Peters, Cindy O'Hara, Kimberly Blaker

night to serve their families in the usual way, but also to get their own work done, supervise the teaching of their children, deal with work-at-home husbands, etc. etc.

Just watching (from a distance) my daughter-in-law do this, has been inspiring.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janet Watkins

It is during May that we, as a country, have always celebrated mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. But with this issue of St. Charles County Lifestyle, we want to recognize all women who follow their passions, build up others, support our community, and encourage us with their determination. You’ll read about people like Joi Niedner (pg. 14), Lori Patterson (pg. 20), Janet Watkins (pg. 24) and Samantha Peters (pg. 18), as well as Dolo Rose Brewer and the other leaders of International Women of Missouri (pg. 8).

Ladies, you are our children’s inspiration, and you are ours. This month, we thank you for everything you pour into your families and your community, especially during

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

this worldwide challenge.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

You are the keepers of the household, and keepers of the faith.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

God Bless You All!

Judy Peters, Publisher P.S. Check out our new website/business directory at CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Photo taken by Janet Watkins at Roses & Mint in Frenchtown, Saint Charles.

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

CitysLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St. Charles County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

A S P E C I A L P L AC E , A U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E

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E N JOY V I N E YA R D -T O -TA B L E C U I S I N E FO R B RU N C H , LU N C H A N D DI N N E R S .

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5

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 18 Samantha Peters Hollywood Called To Her

20 Hoo-Ah! for Local Entrepreneur’s Wellness Program Army Veteran's Boot Camp Challenge®

24 The Art of Redefining Yourself Janet Watkins is a Great Role Model for That

20 24

28 Weekend Getaways Rekindle Your Friendship and Reignite That Spark

28

18

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Financial Buzz

20 Healthy Lifestyle 24 Inspired By 28 Our Town 32 DIY 34 Giving Back

NEED A BANQUET ROOM? We have two that are great for large or small parties or meetings.

Large Banquet Room

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GOOD TIMES

International Women's Day Celebrated in O'Fallon The International Women of Missouri, based in St. Charles County, celebrated International Women's Day March 8th in O'Fallon. Debi Drachnik was the keynote speaker. "We came together not only to celebrate womanhood but to keep on pushing for equality and empowerment. We are women from different backgrounds, and this was an event to celebrate our differences--to celebrate diversity and inclusion, togetherness and support. I believe that empowering one another in our communities is critical to bring gender equality," says Dolo Rose Brewer, one of the organizers, along with Nasira Ahmed, Janice McCauley, and Sally Kipketer. The group focuses on important social and political issues affecting women. It currently helps support Sparrows Nest Maternity Home and plans on having quarterly events to support more causes, locally and internationally. Since the March event, they've grown from 75 members on their private Facebook page--International Women of Missouri--to more than 150.

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

#Community Strong We’ve got this.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Streets of St. Charles businesses!

Event season is planned to kick off in June.

Go to StreetsofStCharles.com for more updates!

Hwy 70 @ S. 5th Street

Oma’s Barn HOME & GARDEN

Vintage Furniture • Flowers • Home

Greatay sD Mother' Gifts!

Oma’s has fun, funky planters, extraordinary cone hanging baskets, & unbelievable home decor and gift items!

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CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

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AROUND TOWN forward to continued growth in furthering the Club’s mission under her leadership.”

DIONE ANDERSON FHSD TEACHER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to Dione Anderson, a Reading Teacher at Harvest Ridge Elementary School, who has been selected as the 2020 FHSD

TWO FUN EVENTS AT RENDEZVOUS On May 13, 6:30pm, Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar combines women, wine and “spirits” for a fun

Teacher of the Year.

(L to R) Superintendent Dr. Mary Hendricks-

evening! RSVP required.

Natalie

What sounds better--Bourbon or Bacon? Steve

DeWeese, Dione Anderson, Deputy Superintendent

with Vintegrity Wines is hosting a Bourbon &

Dr. Nathan Hoven.

Bacon Tasting at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar

Harris,

Harvest

Ridge

Principal

Dr.

in O'Fallon May 14, 6:30 p.m. You will get to taste five bourbons and an appetizer plate with candied bacon, Cajun bacon, Cheddar Bacon Soup and a cheese sandwich with bacon, onion and bourbon marmalade! $30/pp plus tax. RSVP required: 636-281-2233.

KAREN ENGLERT NAMED AS CEO The Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles County has

announced

that

Karen

Englert,

who

had served as the organization’s Director of Resource Development, has been appointed as the new CEO. "The combination of Karen’s background in education, coupled with her leadership roles in nonprofits, makes her ideally

DR. JULIE TURNER RECEIVES ATHENA AWARD

suited for this position," says Carolyn Harting,

Dr. Julie Turner, PhD. (center) has been honored

President of the Board of Directors. "We look

as the 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient.

CONTINUED >

10

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

Stressed

OUT WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION?

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AROUND TOWN Also pictured (from left) are: Melissa Hollander ATHENA Accounting Specialist, Kristin Williams - ATHENA Advisory Council, Susan Sams - 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient and Glenda Woolley - ATHENA Vice President.

ERICA LAND SELECTED AS CAPS DIRECTOR The City of St. Charles School District has selected Erica Land to serve as the Director of the St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program starting July 1. Erica currently serves as the director of development for the St. Charles City County Library. Prior to that, she served as Director of Development at Academy of the Sacred Heart. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration

STAGES ST. LOUIS BRINGS ACADEMY INTO HOMES

and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Service

STAGES Performing Arts Academy has launched

Agency Management from Lindenwood University.

brand new streaming and digital educational content for any and all students to take part in, free of charge. STAGES will be welcoming several Broadway Stars, including Jeremy Jordon (pictured) to this new online education program to bring performing arts education right into your home. For information, visit the Facebook page @ STAGESSTLAcademy.

FRENCHTOWN GREAT STREETS NEEDS YOUR INPUT For the health and safety of the community, the third and final workshop of the Frenchtown Great Streets project will be available online as a series of videos and corresponding surveys April 27th - May 17th at: www.stcharlescitymo.gov/929/

NEW DATE FOR STREET PARTY RUN Streets of St. Charles and MSE Racing have

Frenchtown-Great-Streets-Project. These will be used to share the current design alternatives and collect feedback and input to prepare the final plan.

rescheduled the annual Street Party Run, originally slated for April 11th, to Saturday, October 17th at Streets of St. Charles. The 6th annual race attracts more than 1,000 runners and spectators from across the U.S. The Street Party features 5K and 10K races, as well as a 1-mile fun run for families, in addition to the popular “beat the pinata” competition in which runners who beat the pinatas’ races times receive special prizes. This year’s charity partner is the Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA). For registration and sponsorship, visit

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

StreetPartyRun.com.

would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

using

the

Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

12

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

The Perfect Mother’s Rings Can Be Stacked…

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During These Difficult Times

There is Hope for a bright future We can’t control events that happen in our life, but we can control how we respond.

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13

FINANCIAL BUZZ

Joi Niedner

A HEART FOR HELPING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Joi Niedner (r) at Tammy Noel's new location of EYC Academy

“Typically, in commercial real estate, you only hear about numbers…square feet, price per square foot, and term of lease, etc. What I focus on are the stories of these businesses. That is what especially inspires me about what I do…and helping them to find the right building for their business so they can make money and give it back in their community,” says Joi. Joi came here from the northern Indiana/Chicago region, the daughter of an immigrant family. “My father’s family came from Czechoslovakia. They had restaurant-taverns around the steel mills, so I learned a lot, helping my father with his business. He also had a chow mobile – today they’re called food trucks – that went up into the harbors and factories. I visited all his restaurant vendors – the sausage makers, the lady that made the potato chips, the ice company that delivered the blocks of ice,” she says.

ARTICLE JUDY PETERS | PHOTOGRAPHY JANET WATKINS

“I loved hanging around these people that had businesses. Dad loved talking to everybody and was a likeable salesman and Mom, too, knew no strangers. She could know about a person’s life after meeting them for ten minutes. She had great interest in making other people feel good, very quickly.”

Joi’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident when, as a child, she dragged half of the contents of her bedroom onto her front yard for a sale. “I made my own flyers with crayons and took them on my bicycle to hang them around the area…and people came! I got to meet all the neighbors. I bartered, traded and sold…it was very rewarding.”

Joi took some of those skills and moved to the St. Louis area, where she got into residential real estate, then worked for a bank, and eventually helped to own and operate Emmons Title Company in St. Charles for 14 years. She went on to own a sales & marketing consulting company for about eight years, then started and was the Director of the downtown St. JOI NIEDNER TRULY HAS A HEART FOR HELPING BUSINESSES, ESPE-

Louis McKelvey Properties office before becoming a

CIALLY WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS, TO FIND THE PERFECT SPACE

Business Development Officer for St. Louis Economic

TO GROW THEIR COMPANIES.

Development Partnership, where she generated and

As a commercial real estate broker for McKelvey Properties, Joi feels that her

14

assisted companies in St. Louis County/City.

mission is to help other companies increase their revenue and profit so they

“I’ve been back in the private market as a

can create a community where people prosper, grow and help humanity. “The

Commercial Broker with McKelvey Properties

circle of giving,” as she calls it.

now for three years. I live in and love St. Charles.

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

I know the history of every city in the region, and it’s important to use that knowl-

JOI AND HER CLIENTS (L-R):

edge of the area and how people buy there – that’s the key to putting business-

Jackie & Sarah Williams

women in the right building that will help them generate revenue," explains Joi.

Dance Connections Performing Arts Center

"Whether it’s office space, retail, manufacturing or land they’re looking for, I am not just a 'door-opener,' I truly want to make sure it’s a perfect match for them."

636-697-6232 stldcpac.net

Joi’s experience and expertise has been shared over the years as a keynote speaker and panel member. And she has been honored with several awards, includ-

Tammy Noel

ing “Top 100 St. Louisans To Know to Succeed in Business” (2016) Small Business

EYC Academy/Empowering Youth and

Monthly, Lindenwood University: Outstanding Alumni Award (2015) and Northwest

Communities Inc.

Chamber of Commerce Community Development Award (2015).

314-753-7071

She serves on the board of Compass Health Network, the St. Charles Community

EycAcademyStl.org

College Alumni Council and is an active member of the Northwest Chamber and St. Louis Board of Realtors. She has served on over 20 boards since she moved to the region.

When asked what her advice is during these challenging times, she said it would

Kira Mulvany Roses & Mint/Floral & Event Space

be to reach out and help others in any way you can. She emphasizes that non-profits

217-720-3043

are especially going to be affected by these past months.

RosesAndMint.com

“I truly believe that if you help others, it will come back to you.”

Joi Niedner McKelvey Properties, Inc. 636-669-9111 MckelveyProperties.com/properties/ our-agents/joi-niedner Amy Marolf Drift Skin Studio & Dangerously CHIC 636-579-4579 @Drift Skin Studio Marie Watkins The Wayfaring Place Home Care Services 314-218-8711 TheWayfaringPlace.com

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

15

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

Unique home decor, furniture, gifts & florals since 2003.

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SHOP US ONLINE !

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ARTICLE JUDY PETERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY BELIVEAU, MAUREEN MCFADDEN

HOLLYWOOD CALLED TO HER

THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, WE MEET PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE US BY WORKING HARD AND FOLLOWING THEIR DREAM. Samantha (Morris) Peters is one of those women.

She grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Lindenwood University with a BA in Dance in 2014. Post-graduation, she married Eric Peters and moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career as a professional dancer.

Shortly after arriving in LA, she was signed to Go 2 Talent Agency and began the hustle of going to classes and auditions…which has ultimately led to performances from New York to Bali.

“I’ve had the pleasure of dancing at LA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Vistal Village at Coachella, the Mulia in Bali and countless other live performances in LA and around the country,” says Samantha.

She can been seen in several professional music videos and has worked

Samantha Pe t e r s

with multiple artists including Rilan, Rachel Crow, Jermaine Paul, and most recently appeared in Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love” muisc video!

Samantha has had an exciting dance performance career, but dance goes beyond the stage for her as well. She helped with the conception and opening of Elements Dance Space in 2017 in LA, where she now serves as Studio Manager and a Dance Instructor at this state-of-the-art studio serving 300+ students.

She recently joined the team at Kinjaz, a world-renowned dance crew and lifestyle brand, to help with their new studio space, the Komplex.

Samantha has also been the Stage Manager for the Kinjaz dance competition, “Arena,” for the past two years.

In addition, she assists fellow St. Louis native and professional dancer, Christina Grady, with her dance intensive, “What It Takes,” traveling to dance studios all over the country to teach dancers about the industry.

While Samantha feels she is living out her dreams in LA, she says she is always proud of her hometown and so grateful for all of the friends, family, and teachers she has in St. Louis and St. Charles who support her and helped her get to where she is now.

Photo by Maureen McFadden 18

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

“DANCERS ARE NOT GRE AT BECAUSE OF THEIR TECHNIQUE , THE Y ARE GRE AT BECAUSE OF THEIR PASSION.” -MARTHA GRAHAM

Samantha performs with Rilan (top) and Lady Gaga (bottom right)

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

19

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

"Watching others experience change through moving became a powerful motivator for me."

Hoo-Ah! for Local Entrepreneur’s Wellness Program ARMY VETERAN MOTIVATES WITH BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE® ARTICLE CINDY O'HARA | PHOTOGRAPHY JANET WATKINS

20

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

“ADAPT, IMPROVISE, AND OVERCOME." That simple phrase has been used the world over by the U.S. military for decades, and perfectly sums up local entrepreneur Lori Patterson, of St. Peters.

From Army veteran to Founder and CEO of her own company and board member of Lindenwood University’s Cheerleading program, it is more than a phrase—it’s a mantra for her business and her life.

Lori’s passion for health and wellness, which is the basis for her business, VicteliB, actually started before enlisting in the Army in 1985. Prior to that, she served as a salesperson at a women’s-only gym, and part of her shift consisted of teaching Group Exercise classes, which, she says, “was the favorite part of my day.”

So, when she was stationed in Germany and her commander asked her to teach group fitness to her battalion, she promptly replied, ‘Yes sir!’

"The troops begrudgingly did it, but then actually started to like it because they could to see results and they saw their Physical Training (PT) test scores go up,” she says.

Fast forward and the idea to combine the science of the fitness and wellness industry with what the U.S. Army taught her, was born.

Boot Camp Challenge® (BCC) is held at various locations throughout the country. "At first, I had my members run two miles for their assessment, because that’s what we had to do in the military. When not one person could complete it, I decided to change it to a onemile run,” she laughs.

From a young age, Lori, self-admittedly has been an advocate for change—from writing a letter to the Pope of the Catholic Church inquiring why girls couldn’t serve as altar girls (she never did get a response) to questioning the Army about why she couldn’t fly helicopters or drive tanks, she's always been "that girl" that asks 'why not?'

“I always felt that if I couldn’t do something because of my sex, well, that was just wrong. I understand if there are physical limitations, but other than that, it didn’t make sense.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

21

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

In 2001, she started Boot Camp Challenge® locally and in 2006, her company, Victelib (named after her three children), took the program to a national level. For more than 36 years, health and wellness have been her passion and she feels blessed to impart it to others.

“I just feel great. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Watching others experience change through moving, became a powerful motivator for me,” she says. “…it’s what happens on the inside and seeing people feel confident and become stronger…that became one of the most powerful motivators.”

While Lori’s program was ahead of its time in the early 2000s, Boot Camp Challenge® still incorporates principles that differentiate the program from all other “boot camp” workouts; + It is a whole wellness program that incorporates the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of health; + The program has the added value of pre-/post-assessments, nutritional counseling and guidance and workouts created to generate true change; + And the most powerful--the accountability and camaraderie between the participants, the trainers and the entire BCC fitfam.

“I love my campers. I love my trainers. I love running my business.

I love being an entrepreneur. As long as I spend time daily on my physical and spiritual wellness and spend time with those important to me, I’m good to go.”

For more information, visit the website at Bootcamp-Challenge.com.

22

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

LET US DO YOUR SPRING CLEANING MaidPro goes beyond mopped floors and dusted corners. Armed with a 49-Point Checklist® our highly-trained cleaning PROs scour every nook and cranny. And with our Re-Clean Guarantee you’ll always be happy with a job well done.

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Minutes from Lake Saint Louis retail and two major highways!

FOR DETAILS CONTACT:

JOI NIEDNER

314-304-4900 | joi.stlouis@gmail.com www.mckelveyproperties.com

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

23

INSPIRED BY ARTICLE JUDY PETERS | PHOTOGRAPHY JANET WATKINS

THE ART OF R E D E F I N I N G YO U R S E L F JANET WATKINS IS A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR THAT

24

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

ONE MIGHT SAY THE ‘STORY OF JANET (MUSICK) WATKINS’ IS MOSTLY ABOUT REDEFINING ONESELF AND FOLLOWING A LATER-IN-LIFE PASSION. Janet taught high school choral music for 26 years. “I was a choir director, doing lots of musicals, choreography, and later, more technical work with video,” explains Janet.

CONTINUED >

Janet Watkins

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

25

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

“

"I just love the whole process of photography... and 'focusing' on what my clients want."

26

St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

Her esteemed career in education included such accolades as “St. Charles School District Teacher of the Year,” Emerson Teacher of the Year, and was voted “Best Teacher” by Suburban Journals, to name a few.

She has soloed at Powell Howell, sung with a chorus at Carnegie Hall--and in nearly every major cathedral in Europe-as well as singing the National Anthem for the Cardinals and the Rams.

But when nearing retirement from teaching, she felt she had done most all she had wanted to do in music and was ready for something new.

“I had received a master’s degree in video production from Lindenwood’s LCIE program…and I loved it. After retiring, I did video production as part of Watkins Enterprises, which my husband and I own. I also handle the Communications/PR end of the business. But then after about 10 years, I again got the urge to do something a bit different.

“I became totally intrigued with print photography and photo-editing and took every class that I could. I still love learning about it. It’s like a giant onion…I keep pulling back layer after layer and learning more and more,” says Janet.

“I am constantly challenging myself with my photography. Being Contributing Photographer for St. Charles County Lifestyle has given me the opportunity to be presented with many different scenarios. I do some research before each photo shoot, but generally go into photo sessions ‘off the cuff’…having to make quick decisions on lighting, composition, and capturing exactly what the publisher or writer wants, in a limited amount of time. To help with that, I use a MagMod lighting system which is very efficient for on-site photo sessions. We always want to be respectful of people’s time that we’re photographing.

“The photo-editing allows me so much creativity. I have an effective technique for group photos that helps ensure each person has their eyes open. But, I can actually face-swap from a series of photos taken of a group in order to ensure that each person in the photo has their best look. It’s really cool.”

Janet has a firm belief that God can “wink” at you and change your life or your direction at any time. You just have to trust.

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty

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OUR TOWN ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

WEEKEND

G E TAWAY S REKINDLE YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND REIGNITE THAT SPARK

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HAVE BEEN TOGETHER, NURTURING YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING YOUR BOND AND ULTIMATELY, KEEPING THE FRIENDSHIP AND ROMANCE ALIVE. So consider some of the following fun weekend getaways to revitalize your friendship and reignite the spark, especially with these challenging times we're going through.

There are plenty of escapes within a half day’s drive or less. Or, consider hopping on a short flight for more options. Some of these may not be available quite yet, but here are some ideas...

A Dude Ranch – Spend a weekend cowboy style at one of the many dude ranches around the country. Enjoy horseback riding, wagon rides, hiking, fishing, cowboy cookouts, dancing, relaxing in a hot tub, and lots of western charm.

Golf Getaway - Choose from one of many weekend golf packages, or create your own by making hotel reservations near some of the courses you’ve been dying to play.

Bed and Breakfast – Find a romantic bed and breakfast in a quaint town with old-time charm. You can stroll through historical neighborhoods, window-shop, enjoy

A Weekend of Culture and Class – Buy tickets to an

local eateries and old-fashioned ice cream, take a riverfront

area play, musical, or event. Then choose a top-notch hotel

walk, and check out historical sites.

with fine dining and luxurious rooms near the event. Don't

A Trip Down Memory Lane – Remember those carefree

forget to take along your best attire.

days before the kids came along? Make your reservation at

Mystery Weekend –Try out a mystery weekend adven-

a hotel in the area where you met. Then spend the weekend

ture. Search online or call your local travel agent for upcom-

revisiting your past. Eat at the restaurant of your first date,

ing mystery events. But be prepared. If you're not the mur-

visit parks you frequented, or even reenact some of your

derer, you could wind up being the victim yourself.

most memorable dates.

Amusement Park Fun – Get in touch with your inner

Lover’s Lane Delight – Find accommodations with an

child. Make your reservation at an amusement park resort.

in-room Jacuzzi. Then dedicate your first evening to a

That way you can take breaks and come and go as you

mini-shopping spree to choose some new lingerie and

please all weekend.

spend the weekend savoring each other and rekindling

Music Lover’s Weekend – Buy concert tickets then

the romance. Don’t forget to bring fragrant candles, a

plan a weekend of musical merriment. Reserve a room

portable stereo, your favorite music, and other fun stuff

near the concert hall. Then catch a cab for a guaranteed

for your weekend.

designated driver.

CONTINUED >

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29

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

Winter Resort – If you like the cold and snow, try a winter recreation resort. Then hit the slopes or cross-country trails, toboggan, or go ice skating. When you're done, warm up with hot cocoa by a roasting fire.

Festival Fun – Contact your visitor's bureau, chamber of commerce, or check out an online event directory to discover upcoming festivals. Then book a hotel reservation in the area.

Camping and Canoeing – Enjoy a weekend of relaxing fun, sunshine, and sleeping under the stars. Find a canoe rental facility that offers riverbank camping and overnight trips.

Second Honeymoon – Renew your vows, and take a second honeymoon. Write your own promise to recite to your partner. You can also exchange gifts that represent your renewed commitment to each other. And don't forget the honeymoon suite!

Make it a surprise – Pull this off, and you'll have your partner eating out of your hand. Concoct a story about going to dinner, to an out-of-town furniture store that you've been dying to visit, or whatever it takes to get your partner on the road with you. When you reach your destination, act confused, and explain you got your directions wrong.

Pull into a hotel parking lot (conveniently where you've already made reservations).

Then say you'll run in and ask for directions.

After you've checked in, see how far you can drag your partner along before your partner discovers the surprise.

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

WEEKEND TIPS Research and plan your weekend getaway, so it isn't over before you get started.

Talk about your wants and expectations with your partner beforehand so you don’t arrive with different ideas that'll lead to disappointment. Come to a mutual agreement that meets both of your needs so you’ll both come home feeling renewed.

Discuss costs and spending in advance to avoid arguments that could ruin the weekend.

Turn your cell phone off to avoid unnecessary interruptions. If you have kids, also give the phone number of where you'll be staying to the sitter, and remind the kids to call you only in an emergency.

Finally, keep in mind some things might not go as planned. Take it in stride, and be flexible because the weekend is just about renewal and enjoying your time together.

Ingredients for Family Time.

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31

DIY

PACK YOUR SMALL SPACES WITH A BIG PUNCH BY STARTING YOUR OWN CONTAINER GARDEN

IT MAY BE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH SPACE TO WORK WITH; MAYBE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON-THE-MOVE; OR, MAYBE YOU JUST SIMPLY COLOR TO YOUR SPACE. It doesn’t matter what your reason may be. Container gardening—the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers rather than in the ground—is a great way to pack some punch into a small (or portable!) space.

With container gardening, there are almost endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to grow decorative plants or edible ones, there’s likely an option for you— and it doesn’t have to be limited to simply growing herbs

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

WANT SOME GREENERY TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF

on your windowsill.

There are several factors to keep in mind when you first start your container garden, the first of which being to decide whether you’re going to keep it indoors or out.

Different plants grow best in different environments, so be sure to choose species that will thrive where you’ve decided to put them—making sure they are receiving the proper amount of sunlight and moisture.

DETAILS HEADER Details line 1 information Details line 2 information Details line 3 information

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

Here are a few other things to be aware of when you get started: CONTAINER SIZES: Large containers may be easier to grow plants in than small since

they have more space for large root systems and larger amounts of soil retain more moisture. + CONTAINER DRAINAGE: Your container must have a drainage system—even if it’s just a few holes you drill in it yourself. For plants that need to be watered more frequently, consider self-watering containers. + CONTAINER MATERIALS: The fun thing about container gardens is that you don’t have to limit yourself. Get creative with the containers you use (while keeping the above information in mind)! We love repurposing vintage items into unique containers.

the more the greener

garden tips

+

Why stick with one kind of garden? Once you’re a container garden pro, there are tons of different theme gardens you can create all around your home.

CLEAN-AIR GARDEN Snake Plant + Spider Plant + Dragon Plant + English Ivy FRAGRANCE GARDEN Lavender + Lemongrass + Mint LEMON GARDEN Lemon Verbena + Lemon Balm + Lemongrass + Lemon Geranium

CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty 33

GIVING BACK ARTICLE NIKKI PETERS

Big Hearts Make a Big Impact 100 WOMEN WHO CARE

WE HAVE ALL HEARD THE SAYING, “IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE

be a 501(c)(3) organization. Charities are drawn at random by the

TRUE.” This little phrase has cautioned us over the years to be wary

leadership committee. Three organizations will be up for potential

of good things in life. However, I am here to tell the skeptics that I

selection. Once the proposals have been heard, organization mem-

have found an organization that is both good in spirit, and true to its

bers will vote for the charity of their choosing. Members commit to

word. 100+ Women Who Care is an organization whose sole pur-

financially support the charity with the majority vote, regardless if

pose is to make a positive impact.

they originally voted for the charity or not. Each member then writes

This group of women cares so much for the people and places

a $100 check toward the elected charity. This collective donation is

of St. Charles County that they are willing to extend their per-

then extended to that non-profit organization with only heartstrings

sonal financial resources to meet community needs. 100+ Women

and well wishes attached.

Who Care says their “mission and hope is to provide for those in greatest need in St. Charles County.”

This group demonstrates the impact that a shared passion and generosity can make in the community at large. Our community needs

Four times a year, this group meets for one hour to discuss local

individuals invested in its growth and health. To become a member or

non-profits. Members may submit charities for consideration no

to find more information about this phenomenal organization, please

less than 30 days prior to the next meeting and the charity must

email Heather Kemper Hussey: hundredwomen@gmail.com.

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St. Charles County Lifestyle | May 2020

THIS IS WHAT

REAL EXPERIENCE & REAL SUCCESS MEANS TO LINDENWOOD ALUMNI To all of our ALUMNI featured in this issue, CONGRATULATIONS on your success.

REAL EXPERIENCE. REAL SUCCESS.