TALK OF THE TOWNS

talkOF THE TOWNS

by bill beggs jr.

U. City Many of us reluctantly adhered to CDC recommendations and didn’t get together with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year. At deadline for this issue, early last week, my kids and I were still discussing whether to do something via “Hollywood Squares,” an affectionate term for getting groups together on Zoom. Anyhow, even the fifth annual Plein Air Art Festival was virtual this fall. Artists began painting outdoor U. City scenes when the weather was favorable, rather than having to set up an easel and complete a masterpiece under the gun on a specific weekend. This year, artists uploaded their works digitally. You may have seen painters at their outdoor easels around town during September in preparation LATE BLOOMERS BY JOHN ODELL for a virtual exhibition Oct. 4. And we’re telling you this why? You can add to your priceless art collection with minimal investment. Remaining paintings will be available for viewing through the end of the year at ucityinbloom.org/shop-artwork. You may purchase paintings using PayPal or a credit card. Afterward you’ll receive details about picking up the work from the artist. A portion of each sale benefits U City in Bloom. In any case, don’t dawdle—your heirs could wind up with a heavily insured masterwork on the wall, a Monet above the mantel, as it were.

Chesterfield PHOTO: SUZY GORMAN Against the unfortunate trend of restaurants closing during the pandemic, it’s a pleasure to announce that a fine one just opened in a new development—a second Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Regularly voted by St. Louis diners among their favorite upscale restaurants in the metro, Ruth’s Chris has opened in the WildHorse development, an estimated $80 million multipurpose complex for which ground was broken in August. The restaurant, 16493 Wild Creek Horse Road in Chesterfield, is located just southwest of I-64. Ruth’s Chris occupies approximately 16,600 square feet of indoor space, with seating for up to 450 guests. Three outdoor dining opportunities also are available, one on the ground level and two on the roof. The restaurant boasts three bars and six private dining rooms—one has access to a private outdoor patio that seats 14 guests. Along with wine lockers, there’s a double-sided fireplace. Expected to create 125 new jobs, Ruth’s Chris will serve both lunch and dinner seven days a week. The WildHorse development is projected to include 188 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space, and a hotel and conference

center. Housing units should be available for occupancy in early 2021, with the AC Hotel by Marriott slated to open later in the year. The Metro

Illustrations of intubation are all over the internet. Some feature dummies, others are actual hospital photos of our heroic healthcare workers putting someone on a ventilator. The images may make some of us feel very uncomfortable. Other folks, not so much. But some of the images feature copy likely to anger anyone who believes mask mandates are an egregious insult to personal liberty, from the Missouri governor’s mansion to the maskless morons demonstrating everywhere since, like, March— even going so far as to plan abducting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this fall and putting her on “trial.” So, the “offensive” language that gets under thin skin reads something like this:

Dearest humans,

You think a face mask is inconvenient. WAIT till you try a ventilator. Love, COVID-19

That might have wiped the smile off the face of the demonstrator just outside our readership area a few weeks back, holding this sign: “Hitler demanded compliance.” But after a moment, her snarky smile would have come right back, perhaps showing even more teeth. I just don’t get why “they” don’t get it—some, coronavirus patients in the ICU themselves, to the very gates of death. “Masks don’t work!” they shout, although scientific research shows that proper masks (not bandanas, not gaiters) mitigate infections anywhere they have been required. But, you know, science. And, of course, people who wear masks are nothing but

“snowflakes.” All that said, we hope your Thanksgiving was ... interesting. ☛ TT trivia LAST ISSUE’S Q&A CORRECTION: In our Nov. 18 issue, we told you that Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park in Ladue is free. Well, it isn’t! It will cost you, but not as much as the Grant’s Farm event that was detailed in our Affton ▼

FOUR PARTS; YOU MUST GET item. At Winter Wonderland,

THREE CORRECT TO PASS. 1. The Wainwright Building was completed in what year? Which of the following Italian restaurants are not found on The Hill? 1. Maggiano’s 2. Rigazzi’s 3. Amighetti’s 4. Cunetto’s 5. Tony’s 6. Farotto’s 7. Favazza’s 8. Pasta drivers in passenger vehicles pay $10, buses and other multi-passenger vehicles somewhat more. The festive twinkling can also be enjoyed 2. Who was the architect? 3. When was it saved from House 9. A’mis Of the nine Italian restaurants listed in our by horse-drawn carriage! Winter Wonderland, open 5:30–9:30 p.m. through demolition? 4. What entity is the chief last issue, only the following four are perched on The Hill: Amighetti’s, Rigazzi’s, Cunetto’s Jan. 2, 2021, is the biggest annual fundraiser for St. Louis County Parks. Visit occupant? and Favazza’s. The other five all have one or winterwonderlandstl.com. more locations elsewhere in the metro.

Webster Groves

Watercolorist Marilynne Bradley has spent a half-century the essence of each image, leavening immortalizing St. Louis gems, from the Jewel Box to our three animated hometown memories with distinctive water towers in the city, from county landmarks historical detail, inviting the reader such as the Kirkwood train station to quaint perspectives to connect with our rich and varied of her own stomping grounds, Webster Groves. Bradley’s culture. In fact, Bradley (at right in paintings illustrate a new book that serves up a generous photo) and Grotpeter have created helping of vibrant scenes from throughout the The Lou. The a wondrous guidebook for an out-of-towner, a treasure in bustle of Soulard Market graces the front hardcover that certainly wouldn’t (and cover of St. Louis in Watercolor: Living shouldn’t) fit in a glove compartment. History in the Gateway City; on the back Writer and painter have known each other are three paintings of our varied and oft world-renowned architecture: the Gateway Arch, the Spanish Pavilion in Forest Park and ... INVITING THE READER TO about 10 years. Grotpeter, who wrote for the Webster-Kirkwood Times during the 2010s, happened to do an article about perhaps the earliest so-called skyscraper anywhere, the Wainwright Building. Inside, lively text accompanies Bradley’s painting CONNECT WITH OUR RICH AND Bradley. Although the subject was duly impressed, the artist didn’t return the favor by painting the writer’s portrait. She went of the historic building, as well as a separate VARIED CULTURE. one better: During Bradley’s planning for watercolor that shows the architectural the book with publisher Reedy Press, one detail of the cornice. Lively text, indeed: thing led to another—Grotpeter became Throughout, you can almost hear the music, the catalyst that brought the project to relish ethnic cuisine and cheer on the Redbirds at Busch life. She graduated from Kirkwood High School; it’s become Stadium (people used to do that, you know), thanks to her a humorous subcurrent, especially around this time of partner in the project and fellow Webster resident, writer year’s (usually) annual Turkey Day gridiron contest—alas, Jennifer Grotpeter. Her well-researched vignettes capture COVID-canceled for 2020. Her daughters, a sophomore and junior, attend Webster Groves High. “It is awkward, even though they’re not interested in football or cheerleading,” she says. As happens for so many of us whose words wind up in print, she started writing for her college paper, concocting reviews of restaurants that students could afford “with the change they found under the sofa cushions.” Bradley, a prolific artist—nary a day goes by that she doesn’t pick up a brush—remains in demand as a juror, sometimes for international exhibitions. She characterizes her work in the book as “more commercial.” Many paintings are done en plein air, although that tends to draw ever-curious crowds. She often works in the studio, from photographs. And to anyone frustrated by the medium ... paint too dry, paper too wet ... watercolor isn’t as prone to permanent error today. “There are new materials,” she notes, with a chuckle. “If you make a mistake, you can wash it off!” Bradley has an opening this Friday and Saturday (Dec. 4–5) at Grafica Fine Art, 7884 Big Bend Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She’ll have books to sign, of course. Visit marilynnebradley.com. &

Should I Text My Lawyer?

Text messages are a common way of communicating. Instead of picking up the phone or drafting an email, many like the ease and quickness of sending a text. For this reason, many clients text their lawyer in a divorce or family law matter. Text communications can be short and to the point. Clients can also attach photos and videos to texts.

Is texting an effective form of communication for clients going through a divorce or family law matter? There are no black and white rules in terms of texting. There are also no rules or statutes that explicitly prohibit lawyers from texting their clients per se. Some lawyers might be willing to text their clients, while other lawyers might not want to do so. Some lawyers may not even be tech-savvy enough to text with their clients.

First, texting is often short and to the point, as explained above. The lawyer or the client could misinterpret the shortness of the communication, causing miscommunication, an increase in fees, or frustration. Many conversations instead require a lot more dialogue and analysis than a short text message exchange.

Second, texting is not always the most secure way of communication. Texting is not encrypted communication. This fact makes it easier for others to intercept or read the conversation.

Third, it is possible a client puts the phone down and somebody else picks it up and reads the communication. With texts, it can be quick and easy to see recent communication and attorney-client privilege could be jeopardized.

Fourth, text communication often does not make its way into a client’s file. It can be hard for a lawyer to print off the texts and actually get them into the file. It can be cumbersome for the law firm or lawyer (and expensive for the client in terms of legal fees) to print the text communications. Thus, when a client requests their file at the end of the case, the texts might not be there. As it relates to important matters, the client may want that text communication if they did not retain it on their own device.

Fifth, text communication lacks the formality of other types of communication. The lack of formality can cause some clients to say things spontaneously to their lawyer. This can be damaging to the attorney-client relationship if they are upset or angry about something.

Email is typically more secure because it is encrypted. Email is also a bit more formal and allows for lengthier communication. The lengthier communication can often lead to better and more effective communication. Additionally, it is easier for a lawyer to print off an email chain and put that chain into the client file. For most clients, they appreciate this on the back-end when the case is over.

Finally, while texting is easy and convenient, with most smartphones, a client can send an email just as quickly as a text. In terms of convenience, sending an email versus a text is comparable.

Of course, phone calls, video conferences, or in-person meetings can often be more effective than email or text communication. While many clients want instant answers in the heat of the moment, if the situation can wait, the best communication can often take place by phone, video conference, or in-person.

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters.

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855805-0595.

Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life®

To schedule a consultation: 855-805-0595 WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Kirk Stange is responsible for the content. Principal place of business 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/ Illinois nor The Missouri/Illinois Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.