OF THE TOWNS talk

by bill beggs jr.

Grand Center

You can watch Donnybrook, the political panel discussion on Nine PBS, at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Tomorrow night, March 9, is special: You’ll have the chance to get tickets —and donate to our town’s beloved public TV station—for ‘Donnybash 2023,’ a live show with a Q&A period, at the Sheldon on June 15, a “fun-filled” event that will be taped for future broadcasts. Why do we have “fun-filled” in quotation marks? Well, that’s how Nine PBS characterizes the event. Just look up the meaning of ‘donnybrook’ and you’ll find out our reason for our air quotes in print. Better yet, here’s the station’s description of the lively show “…that gives new meaning to the word ‘debate.’ See what happens when five quick-witted, highly opinionated St. Louis journalists disagree on tough topics. This is not another dry, tame talk show. On Donnybrook, the issues are hot and so is the discussion. It’s a high-energy, no-holds-barred debate on the week’s news topics. … Donnybrook’s subtitle is ‘polite conversation on the issues.’ With host Charlie Brennan, the conversation is highly opinionated and not always ‘polite.’ The panel of regulars tackles tough issues and controversial subjects. The opinions are well-informed and widely divergent.” Truth be told, to the best of our knowledge, no participant has ever had to be carried off-set on a stretcher.

st. louis

With the XFL and MLS going strong in the Lou, does anybody really miss the NFL these days? Let’s start with some football, which is what they call soccer in Manchester, Liverpool, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro and dozens of other cities across the pond and south of the equator: Our very own St. Louis City SC won its premiere contest against the more established Austin FC, 3-2, in Austin. The St. Louligans* were there in force to watch Austin’s “Opening Thud,” as the headline in the Austin American-Statesman termed the season-opening loss to an “expansion club”… without the decency to admit it was us, you toothless Texans! (*St. Louligans is a group of better-behaved, maybe even ‘polite’ hooligans, which are the sweaty, beer-addled fans in the U.K. wreaking havoc during and after matches in the Isles, on the Continent and elsewhere who would rather beat each other up than actually watch a match.) At press time, it was not known whether St. Louis City SC had won its first home match, March 4 at City Park in Downtown West. Now, to our other football team, which uses the traditional oval-shaped ball that’s pointy on both ends: ‘Ka-Kaw, Ka-Kaw!’ Not only did the St. Louis Battlehawks come back from the dead, because the pandemic ran the XFL out of business five games into the 2020 season, but they came from behind to win their first two 2023 games against teams from San Antonio (the Brahmas) and Seattle (the Sea Dragons). The Seattle victory was accomplished with a 44-yard field goal. Some would say it was an even more exciting game than the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, at press time, it was up in the air, or end over end as it were, whether the Battlehawks were able to prevail in their March 5 game against the D.C. Defenders at Audi Field in Washington. Or here—or anywhere—on the FX channel. Maybe there are pre-recorded highlights out there.

Forest Park

The iconic Jewel Box in Forest Park is aptly named: The Art Deco-style building—beautiful on the outside, surrounded by lily ponds and walkways with lushly planted borders—seems to glow from within, much like a finely cut gem. It reopened late last month after a $79,000 interior renovation over two weeks for plantings to be pruned or replaced; the structure last had been renovated in 2002 and 2003 for $3.5 million. Yours truly spent a few hours inside the 7,500-square-foot building—if you will, a breathtaking botanical cathedral with 50-foot-high glass walls—to deejay a wedding ceremony on one horrendously humid summer afternoon. I set up, hidden amid the tropical flora, to play a classical processional by Pachelbel, then a number of the happy couple’s pop choices, wrapping up with Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Thank goodness the interior is beautifully climate controlled so that neither plants nor tuxedo-clad disc jockey wilted. But I sweated enough for a linebacker in the 4th quarter during my egress from the Jewel Box and mad dash to the reception hall to set up again. That was years ago. I’m not young enough for such antics anymore. In other recent news from Forest Park, renegade Ben got out again. Ben, a 4-year-old Andean bear who’s lived at Saint Louis Zoo since he came here from a NYC zoo in 2021, might be a homesick Yankees or Mets fan. Ben escaped his enclosure early in February, and as visitors were safely accounted for, he was immobilized with a tranquilizer dart and returned ‘home.’ A better name for this particular spectacled bear, as the endangered South American species is also known, might be Houdini. Because after the wire enclosure was reinforced, Ben escaped and was captured yet again. Since he’s only 4, perhaps more than a stern talking-to is needed to get him to stay put.

HOW MANY PANES OF GLASS IN THE JEWEL BOX were shattered by a 1938 hailstorm that wreaked havoc on the Forest Park greenhouses, breaking more than 1,000 panes?

A. 3 B. 10 C. 15 D. 25 E. None of the above would be any better than Dec. 4 had been. But the noises emanating from the kitchen cut through his sleepy fog: Laughter. Utensils banging on cookware. He headed out to the aroma of pancakes, interrupting his family mid-glee, and joined the festive group. Laura said she felt great, which she hadn’t in many weeks. His son Evan and daughter Olivia were happily helping with the mess, um, breakfast. It’s a joyful snapshot in his mind. The whole day was nothing short of miraculous, says Tom, and one of the best the family had enjoyed since Laura was diagnosed in October 2013. She’d even started to pull Christmas decorations up from the basement. After breakfast, the kids helped Laura decorate the tree. Meanwhile, he got caught up on laundry and house cleaning, which no one had been able to do consistently as Laura’s health declined. Later in the day, Tom heard banging, giggling and squealing while he was downstairs. He first wanted to yell for everyone to turn it down a notch but realized he didn’t want to be a drag on Laura’s pain-free day. When he walked upstairs, he turned the corner into a memory for a lifetime: Laura and the kids dancing without a care in the world. Dancing when the metastasizing cancer was by then so dire that she hadn’t been able to walk even a few steps without pain. Tom just stood there and drank it all in while she stepped lightly with their kids. As the day waned, they went to dinner with friends and wound up all taking a carriage ride together to see the lights at Tilles Park in Ladue. But the next day, Laura had to stay in bed. The family never had another Dec. 5. Tom had to carry her to the bathroom most of the time as her condition swiftly deteriorated. She passed away Jan. 14, 2016. She was 48. Tom was inspired to channel his grief. He wanted to memorialize their greatest day with Laura, and decided to pay it forward. He and some of his closest friends established The December 5th Fund to take the pressure off families weathering a loved one’s treatment. Most are still his board members. During such a tough time, friends and neighbors usually don’t know what to do or say, so they cook … it’s the thought that counts, right? Tom just rolls his eyes. “I have a hard time eating lasagna to this day!” Since 2016, the fund has been able to free up 85 area families for their Great Day while a corps of volunteers visits the home to outdo any and all maid services in the metro. Want to pitch in? Visit december5th.org. &

What do musicians Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright and Brandi Carlile have in common?

Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright and Brandi Carlile all have recorded versions of “Hallelujah,” Leonard Cohen’s beautiful, mysterious anthem. Carlile has recorded two live versions of the song worth checking out, one with the Seattle Symphony. Wainwright’s cover version, on the Shrek soundtrack, may be familiar to some listeners. Buckley recorded a haunting version in 1994 for his album Grace—widely considered one of the greatest of all time.

Take Note

1. Broadview Screen Company

Phantom Retractable Screens are ideal for any setting, disappearing out of sight until you need them. They work perfectly with single, double French or sliding doors.

12951 GRAVOIS ROAD, STE. 110 | 314.842.8888 | BROADVIEWSCREEN.COM

2. Forsythia on The Park

Coming soon to Clayton! This new 38-unit condo development offers a luxurious and walkable living experience. Reservations begin shortly; inquire online for details.

8250 FORSYTH BLVD. | 314.924.3555 | FORSYTHIASTL.COM

3. The Gatesworth

The Gatesworth encourages and supports its culinary team to enter competitions to perfect and fine-tune their skills. Recently, Pradeep Gopalakrishnan won the American Culinary Federation St. Louis Chefs de Cuisine’s Junior Chef of the Year Competition.

ONE McKNIGHT PLACE | 314.993.0111 | THEGATESWORTH.COM

4. Holman Motorcars

St. Louis

As a family-owned business, Holman Motorcars delivers an unmatched passion for exceeding expectations through our professional staff and state-of-the art facilities. We offer new cars from six ultra-luxury lines, as well as our evolving collection of pre-owned luxury vehicles.

ONE ARNAGE BLVD. | 636.449.0000 | HOLMANMOTORCARS.COM

5. RP Exotics

PROsignment provides professional service selling and acquiring exotic, luxury, classic or sports cars with zero risk. PROsignment partnerships create a win-win scenario for all parties by focusing on quality service and honest communication.

PICTURED: PARKER GELBER

1155 N. WARSON ROAD | 314.614.8644 | RPEXOTICS.COM

6. White Glove Exotic Services

With decades in the automobile industry and a lifetime of passion, White Glove realizes that owning fun things means working to maintain them. Combining a team of certified technicians with experts in customer experience, we made a vehicle service department capable of maintaining everything in your garage.

PICTURED: OWNER ALEX DAVID

10640 GATEWAY BLVD. | 314.464.4001 | WGESSTL.COM

Nonprofit News

7. The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital

The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s premier gala, Illumination, will be held on June 3 to raise money and support advancements in cancer research, innovation, patient care and education for our community at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.

1001 HIGHLANDS PLAZA DRIVE W., STE. 140 | 314.286.0602

FOUNDATIONBARNESJEWISH.ORG/EVENTS/ILLUMINATION-GALA

8. The Sheldon

The Sheldon’s Whitaker World Music Concerts series wraps up with high-energy North Indian bhangra party-starters Red Baraat! Combining elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy, the band’s mission includes manifesting joy and unity.

3648 WASHINGTON BLVD. | 314.533.9900

THESHELDON.ORG/EVENTS/RED-BARAAT

9. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis is thrilled to announce Jay Delsing as the honorary chair for the Swing Fore Miracles golf outing Nov. 9. 117A BAXTER SHOPS ST. | 314.577.5318 | CMN-STL.ORG

10. St. Louis Public Radio

Hear the future at St. Louis Public Radio’s Annual Celebration, featuring All Things Considered co-host Juana Summers, April 28 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Tickets at stlpr.org/celebration.

3651 OLIVE ST. | 314.516.5968 | 314.516.5425 | STLPR.ORG

11. Ranken Jordan

Pediatric Bridge Hospital

Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital transitions kids from the acute care hospital to home by specializing in caring for children and families who face complicated medical diagnoses.

11365 DORSETT ROAD | 314.872.6541

RANKENJORDAN.ORG/BEYONDGALA

12. The Bach Society of Saint Louis

Join The Bach Society of Saint Louis in celebrating J.S. Bach. This year’s festival features events for music-lovers of all ages, including a Community Spring Sing and Young Artist Showcase. Check our website for more information on how you can be a part of the fun! 3547 OLIVE ST., STE. 120 | 314.652.BACH (2224)

BACHSOCIETY.ORG

13. Fantastic Finds Resale Shop

Visit St. Louis’ best resale shop! Your donations of new or gently used clothing, accessories, home decor, children’s wear and toys provide funding for Assistance League programs. All funds stay local, and the shop is managed and staffed by member volunteers. 12778 OLIVE BLVD. | 314.579.9500 | ALSTL.ORG

For Kids

14. Cub Creek Science Camp

With more than 300 animals and more than 100 activities in science, crafts, archery and more, Cub Creek is a truly unique camp experience. 16795 STATE ROUTE E | 573.458.2125

CUBCREEKSCIENCECAMP.COM

15. Sport Court St. Louis

We enjoy creating multiuse backyard courts for families who want a safe place for their children to be active. Play everything from volleyball and basketball to roller hockey and racquet sports, all on one court. 636.451.0400 | SPORTCOURTSTLOUIS.COM

Cycle On

Big Shark Bicycle Company is now open at City Foundry STL. The location offers a diverse inventory of bikes and products along with full-service repairs.