THE GATESWORTH art show & reception

by gregg goldman photography

The Gatesworth Art Show & Reception showed off some of the community’s best resident-produced work from the past year. And this isn’t just any kind of art. It’s award-winning art. These are some of the most talented seniors in the St. Louis region. Just ask judges from the annual St. Louis Senior Olympics. The Gatesworth welcomes all residents to participate in its art classes. No prior experience is required. In fact, many residents don’t even discover their artistic talent and passion until they’ve moved to the independent-living community.

Pillsbury Chapel at Missouri Baptist University

As the final performance of the season, The Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra invite you to experience the power and intimacy of this masterpiece through Bach’s engaging account of the gospel story.

Pop-Up Art Gallery

Opening Night: Friday April 21st 6:00- 9:00 pm 6546 Manchester Rd., STL

Featuring: David Ruggeri Brock Seals

Will Woodrow

RSVP and more details at: davidruggeri.com/show

For private viewing Thursday April 20th email: vip@davidruggeri.com

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON

WED., APRIL 26 TH THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. LOUIS

Discover Senior Living Your Way

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

by julia m. johnson

EVERYONE HAS A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER who has been impacted in some way by cardiovascular disease. Among women, it causes more deaths than all cancers combined. It’s an ever-present threat, but it’s one that community commitment can make a mark on. St. Louisans have always had a heart for the fight against cardiovascular disease, and each spring, it takes the form of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton.

The fun, interactive April 26 gathering will bring together people from all over who care about helping women lead healthy, productive lives. Jennifer Jaeger, the association’s executive director for metropolitan St. Louis, says recent events such as the cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin have brought to light how important heart health is. Hamlin received CPR and automated external defibrillation on the field before being taken to the hospital, and his story has caught the attention of millions.

Public awareness is a key to saving lives, so the American Heart Association has launched the Be the Beat campaign, with the goal of teaching people how to perform hands-only CPR in case of a cardiac arrest. The technique involves two steps—calling 911, then using the hands to exert hard, fast pressure in the center of the chest until medical assistance arrives. Jaeger says women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR because of fears about injury or inappropriate touch, so this simple technique is designed to help. “It will be demonstrated at the Go Red luncheon so attendees will be ready if they ever need to use it,” she says. As part of the effort, the nonprofit is encouraging every U.S. household to have at least one person who knows the method.

“We were already planning the Be the Beat campaign when Mr. Hamlin’s cardiac arrest occurred,” Jaeger says. “When it came to light, we realized, it’s time for the whole world to know CPR so more lives can be saved. The effort has been very effective, including among younger, more diverse audiences.”

This year’s event chairperson, Ameren executive vice president, general counsel and secretary Chonda Nwamu, says the Go Red initiative began as a show of solidarity and has evolved into a fund- and awareness-raising movement that supports research, education and advocacy and encourages women to care for their health. “It’s personal—as a woman, and a woman of color, I am passionate about equity, and health and wellness are foundational to quality of life,” she says. “As women, we juggle so many roles and are often caretakers for others, and it can be a recipe for allowing our own health to fall lower on our priority list with devastating consequences. Go Red for Women is leveling the playing field for women and heart health ... and helping to ensure that no communities are left behind.”

One of the most surprising things about the human heart is that it’s vulnerable but also resilient. St. Louisans who want to help hearts stay healthy and strong can get involved with the Go Red event as an attendee, donor or social media supporter, Jaeger says. “It’s an opportunity to have a great time and celebrate the power of women,” she notes. “It’s also a time to look at how far we’ve come. We still have far to go, but it’s all part of the journey toward better health.” &

by stephanie wallace