SPRING
2008 A Complimentary Publication Celebrating Local People and Events
CONTENTS
F E A T U R E S
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Spring 2008 22 32 38 52
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| WHOLE BODY WELLNESS— Searching for new answers and new ways to be well from head to toe.
| A LA CARTE— Imposters step aside... Chevy’s Fresh Mex promises authentic and healthy Mexican cuisine. | FRESH JEANS— Tips on finding the right pair of jeans for every body type. | HEALTH WATCH—Staying healthy for life. Exercise programs make for healthier seniors. | ONE FOR THE MONEY—A long time Elvis fanatic sells his Wright City museum memorabilia on eBay and opens a charitable mission.
D E P A R T M E N T S
4 6 10 22 32 38
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| COMMENTARY | FEATURED ARTIST | ALTERNATIVE METHODS | A LA CARTE | BEST SHOPPING FINDS
44 46 54 62
| SEASONAL HUNT | YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE | SUNRISE TO SUNSET | CALENDAR
| HEALTH WATCH
ON THE COVER | Photography: John Storjohann, Cover design: Giant Leap Productions
Please Note: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri. STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |3
C O M M E N TA RY
BEHIND THE SCENES PUBLISHER & FOUNDER TOM HANNEGAN
Ready, Set, Spring Welcome to the seventh edition of Streetscape Magazine! As always, we invite you to come as our reader and stay as our friend. A welcome to Judy Peters, Streetscape’s newest advertising account manager. Also, welcome to our new fashion editor, Natalie Woods, owner of St. Louis boutique Daisy Clover. She will be bringing us news on fashion trends, new boutiques in and around the St. Louis area, fashion accessories, do’s and don’ts and an endless array of fashion tips for each season. In this edition, we will not only give you tips on how to spruce yourself up, we’ll give you tips on how to spruce your house up, with ways to create new spaces. Streetscape starts 2008 off with a smile as we feature one of Last Comic Standing’s own, Kathleen Madigan.
Tom, Co-Owner of Hannegan Real Estate & Construction, LLC holds a master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Hannegan shares his passion for real estate, community volunteering, and his appreciation of St. Charles in Street Scape magazine.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON Robin has been a writer/journalist for more than 15 years working in print and electronic media. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from UM–St. Louis, with minors in writing and criminal justice. ANN HAZELWOOD Ann is the owner of Patches, Etc. on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. Hazelwood is an accomplished quilt author, historian, and appraiser with several titles to her credit.
MONICA ADAMS
A warm welcome to our new advertisers: Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Air Now Heating & Cooling, DC Boutique, Fratelli’s Ristorante, Amini’s Gamerooms and Rugs, and Wholesale Battery. And as always a big thank you to our veteran advertisers, without whose support Streetscape would not be possible. To all advertisers we look forward to offering raffle and referral programs in 2008. Also for 2008, look for improved monthly Streetscape newsletters and an updated website. Future strategic planning and expansion includes expanding our markets and providing franchise opportunities. The best is yet to come! Keep watching for more information on this year’s Best Waiter and Waitress contests, Go Red For Women Fashion Show and Xtreme 20 Youth Awards. Streetscape is committed to continuing to get at the heart of local street happenings and to be the buzz around town. Late in December 2007, St. Charles lost a dear friend and visionary, Mr. Archie Lee Scott. It goes without saying that this man had a major impact on Main Street in St. Charles and on our community as a whole. Because of him, St. Charles is known nationwide as one of the premier historic sites of our country. Goodbye Mr. Main Street, and thanks.
Be Thankful, Be Passionate, Life is not only good it is GREAT!
Monica is a certified personal trainer and hosts a health and fitness show Sunday afternoons on KMOX Radio, and is the traffic reporter for FOX 2 News in the Morning. Monica is a St. Louis native who enjoys entertaining family and friends, and doing charitable work.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MICHAEL SCHLUETER Michael photographs people and places for advertising and corporate accounts locally and nationally. “The exploration and discovery process is what keeps photography so exciting for me.”
BREA MC ANALLY Brea is currently an art major with a focus in photography. She specializes in portraiture, blending artistic and professional shots. She sees photography as a way to tell a person’s story through a single image. CREATIVE DIRECTION / EDITOR AT LARGE TRACY BROOKE Tracy is the owner and principal artist of Giant Leap Productions, providing creative design for many different industries and applications from print to environmental and beyond. GIANT LEAP PRODUCTIONS tracy@giantleapproductions.com www.giantleapproductions.com
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BEHIND THE SCENES ADVISORY BOARD Deborah Alessi Mary Banmiller Susan Berthold Nadine Boon Diane Burkemper Erica Butler Jody Cox Ann Dempsey Barbara Drant Cindy Eisenbeis Sally Faith Lorna Frahm Bill Goellner Sheryl Guffey Mary Lou Hannegan Grace Harmon Ann Hazelwood Chris Hoffman Jason Hughes Jan Kast Mike Klinghammer Martha Kooyumjian Caryn Lloyd Jeremy Malensky Nancy Matheny
Denice McKeown Bob Millstone Sandy Mohrmann Suzanne Matyiko Maurice Newberry Craig Norden Grace Nichols Toekie Purler Sue Riddler Kathy Robertson Marc Rousseau Rocco Russo Richard Sacks Keith Schneider Bob Schuette Teri Seiler Joyce Shaw Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee Scott Tate Karen Vehlewald Aleece Vogt Brian Watkins Brian Wies Mary West Gail Zumwalt
ADVERTISING JUDY PETERS Judy has been a PR and marketing professional for many years and now joins the Streetscape Sales staff as an Account Manager. Contact Judy by email at judy@streetscapemag.com or 636-448-2074. DISTRIBUTION Call Tom Hannegan at 636-916-4386 or via email at tom@streetscapemag.com
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Volume 3, Issue 1 • Spring 2008 TPH Media 223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301 PHONE 636-916-4386, FAX 1-866-231-6159 WWW.STREETSCAPEMAG.COM Any reproduction of Street Scape magazine or its contents requires publisher’s prior written consent. Street Scape magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. Street Scape magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. © 2006 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.
STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |5
FEATURED ARTIST
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter/Linda Smith
“Chubby Gals.” “Crazy faces.” What will she come up with next?
Linda Smith Local artist paints real life women
Local Artist and Graphic Designer Linda Smith said she's got a little “ADD” problem. “I tend to over complicate everything. I have to strive to keep things simple. In advertising, if you can say it in three words, don't use 10. I add that to my work and my life.” Smith should know. She's been in the advertising and graphic design business for over two decades, most recently with Aerial Bouquets, a balloon and specialty products company in Chesterfield, MO. Yes, she designs balloons. So, she went from designing something fun, to painting things that were really fun. She said her favorite line of paintings are what she calls “her Ladies” or her “Chubby Gals.” “It started when my daughter received a Victoria's Secret catalog in the mail. As I browsed through it, I became more and more aggravated at all the skinny models,” she said. “So I sketched out my figures in similar positions with a substantial coat of flesh. I stylized the faces and added long red hair. You know chubby gals are cute and sexy too. I named my chubby gals after women in my family. We are all the same. Mamie was my great-grandmother. This series is really about loving ourselves and accepting what God gave us to work with.” It's interesting that grandma would end up on a canvas. Smith said her grandmother gave her her first drawing kit in the third grade. “I just disappeared into the bedroom with the 'TV Guide' and started doing charcoal drawings of everyone in it,” she said. The fascination continued. “In high school art class, I'd do my project, get done and then do other people's projects and forget to turn mine in. I did well but,
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but as far as a grade, I didn't do too well.” Smith said a night out with the girls during high school turned out to foretell her destiny. “We went to a fortune teller. She told me, 'You will be an artist, but you will be a better mother.' She was probably right.” Smith paints in several styles and mediums. Her original work is currently handled by Framations gallery and is displayed at Hannegan Real Estate on North Main Street in St. Charles. She paints still life, plain air landscapes, figures, portraits and abstracts. She said her favorite subjects, often painted in a series, are women. “I convey my life stories through expression and gesture,” she said. Smith said she always loves whatever she's working on the most, but “a couple of years later I'm ashamed of it. I'm growing all the time.” Smith does figure studies from live studio models, which many times, are later turned into finished paintings. “I do the studies in pastel because I love to draw and I can work so quickly with them. Although loose and expressive, these paintings tend to be fairly realistic,” Smith said. “A lot of artists can't draw. I've always been more illustrative and hands-on then most. I draw and I paint.” For Smith, her art is almost an obsession. It's needful. “I don't care what I'm using, whether a brush or a stick. I just want to apply color or texture to something, anything, paper, canvas, walls, anything.” Smith is currently working on her “Faces” series. Done in oil, these are large, graphic, crazy faces that just “tickle” her, she said. She said she doesn't know how many “Faces” she will do or what will come next. She just knows something will. “It's just something there that I've got to do. It's nagging at me that I have to sit down and do it. It's like a trance almost, like I'm asleep. I look up and it's 4 am. I'm a down to earth person, kind of gutsy and fun and my art reflects that.” ■
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Alternative Methods Happiness & Healing Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
himself. Both teachers, his parents were very critical of him.
Dr. Marcy Goldstein said he hasn't “the slightest idea” how acupuncture works. But it does. “It's magic as far as I'm concerned,” he said, theorizing that, “Everybody has a different fingerprint pattern. Everybody has a different energy pattern.”
Goldstein had been chief of plastic surgery at Jewish Hospital from 1960 on when in 1975 he decided to go in search of what was missing in his glitz and glamor life. He said he stood in the backyard of his 16-room Brentmoor Park mansion next to the pool and wondered, “What else is there?”
Goldstein, 79, considers himself an instrument of what he describes as a phenomenal healing method. “If I balance your energy, your body knows how to heal itself. I'm not doing the healing,” he said. “Western medicine treats and suppresses the symptoms. It doesn't treat the cause.” Goldstein experienced alternative healing first-hand some thirty years ago when a near-fatal car crash changed his physical, emotional and spiritual life forever. Goldstein's father was a professor of chemistry at Washington University. The younger Goldstein considered teaching also, as well as becoming a jeweler before settling on becoming a physician. He finished high school and college before the age of 18 so he could enter medical school and thus defer from serving in WWII. In spite of his many accomplishments, Goldstein said he never felt good about or comfortable with 10 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
He set out on a journey that began in California and ended in the place he chose to leave behind in the first place. He would never make it to the far corners of the world where he hoped to learn how eastern and other medicine practices--considered by traditionalists as “alternative”--restored health. A car crash instead catapulted Goldstein into submission to his own healing. Goldstein said he had three wishes at the time. He wanted to slow down. He wanted a death/rebirth experience. And he figured he needed at least $500,000 to make his trip around the world. “Be careful what you wish for,” he said. Though not the way he had planned, Goldstein would definitely slow down, he would experience death at least four times and, in the end, he would get his money.
Goldstein bought a 16-foot Dodge motor home and had it shipped overseas. He left St. Louis in August 1975. At that time, he was chief of plastic surgery at Jewish Hospital, an assistant professor at the medical school and had two years in the U.S. Navy under his belt. “Everybody thought I was out of my mind. Everybody had a negative response,” he said. “I did more cases per year than any other doctor in the hospital and I just walked out. I packed up my two kids and my wife in an Oldsmobile station wagon and my oldest daughter drove to California. I drove the van.” His first stop was Esalen, a personal growth center in Big Sur, California, where holistic medical practitioners like Ida Rolf, Fritz Perls-Gestalt and Stan Groff congregated. His trip corresponded with President Richard Nixon's return from China. In 1972, the former U.S. president had brought back news of eastern medicine, specifically acupuncture anesthesia. Goldstein took 1900 hours over two to years become a licensed acupuncturist. Goldstein was facilitating a course on alternative healing practices, after just finishing up a class on Buddhism, when his life changed forever.
YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE
In February 1975, Goldstein was headed north to Monterey on a stretch of Big Sur Road along the coastline. A “heavily tattooed biker” with two felony priors was heading south to Los Angeles when he lost control of the Ford Pinto he was driving and plowed into Goldstein's station wagon at about 100 miles per hour. Two teenagers were riding with the biker. The boy ended up as a paraplegic. The girl went through the windshield and was killed instantly. The biker suffered a broken wrist. “I had the engine in my lap,” Goldstein said. The impact pushed his left leg out the back of his pelvis, he said. “Everything was broken accept my left arm and my vertebral column.” It took rescue workers 45 minutes to extract Goldstein from what was left of his station wagon. He was leaking spinal fluid out of his ear, he said. An organism had settled in his brain. “My memory stops two days before the accident and I can't remember anything until May.” Goldstein said in a bizarre turn of events, all three of his wishes were granted. “Be careful what you wish for. I wanted to slow down. I didn't get out of bed until August.” He also got his near-death experience, and then some, as doctors later told him he almost died four times in the hospital, once due to a hydrocephalic infection in the brain. “I got my experience,” he said. Goldstein contends he visited Heaven and the experience forever transformed him. “I was really angry that I had to come back. It was bright and sunny and warm and stressfree. The experience transformed me from a hard-core athiest.” As for the money? The Ford Pinto had been insured by its owner—a friend of the biker who loaned him the car—for $5 million in liability insurance. “I ended up with $510,000 in the bank,” he said. Goldstein's accident would take him to London, England for a year to heal by alternative methods, including cranial osteopathic treatments, performed by a friend and teacher, and back to the states
where he would meet his second and current wife Miriam. The two met at a spiritual workshop in Miami, FL in 1978 and opened his clinic in St. Louis two years later. Prior to his accident, Goldstein said he never believed in God. He believed other people did only to comfort themselves. “Before that time, I figured if anything works, I'll play the game,” he said. “Growing up in my home, I never remember any conversations about the Holy Spirit or God or religion. I really knew that man created God, that God did not create man. People created God to make them feel comfortable with things they didn't understand, to answer questions in their minds they couldn't conceive of. Even studies show that if you pray enough it makes things better. But after my experience, I knew there was a God and I knew there was another side because I had been to the other side. This was more than just faith. This was real.” Another experience in Goldstein's life would lead him to a higher power, he said. Goldstein's youngest daughter Ellen was murdered by her own husband in 1988—a man Goldstein said he begged her not to marry in the first place. Just when she was about to leave him, her husband killed her and then himself. In the midst of his sorrow was where Goldstein discovered God.
As for alternative medicine, Goldstein still doesn't know how it works. But he doesn't much care either. “I've not the slightest idea how it works. I've just watched peoples' lives change. It's fascinating to me that things happen on mental and emotional levels with treatments other than medication. I'm still as excited today as I was in 1972.” Still, his questions are many, he said. Goldstein would still like to study the other types, such as Aryvedic, an Indian-based philosophy, the hands-on psychic surgeons of the Philippines, or even the Shamans in Africa. “If acupuncture works, what about all the other types of classical healing?” Goldstein practices acupuncture at his office in St. Louis, often working many more hours than doctors a third of his age. He said he lives his life one day at a time and resolves himself to accept the way things are. “It is what it is. Everything happens the way it's supposed to because God doesn't make any mistakes. The fear in my life left and I know that everything is perfect the way it is. I am enjoying my life because I make up good stories. My story is I'm going to be happy.” And he's not afraid of what's to come. “I've been there and have something to look forward to,” he said. “I'd love to get out of here because I know where I'm going.” ■
He said Ellen returned to him while he was meditating. “She said, 'I forgive Andy for what he did. For he did it out of the pain in his heart. I'm fine Pop. See you when you get here',” Goldstein said. “I wanted to go around the world to find out how everything worked. I did it the other way. I experienced how things worked. I experienced healing from the inside,” he said.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter/Brea McAnally
What have you done for me lately? It's a question we ask ourselves more often than not these days. With spas, wellness centers, acupuncture and plastic surgery clinics
it quickly, Boschert said. “The most popular services offer a fast, quick result and a noticeable result. It's the now culture.” Doctors can now offer pain pumps with the traditional “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty, Boschert said. The device
human history.” Boschert said last year the FDA reported it could not find any data supporting a benefit to denying the sale of the silicone implants and allowed manufacturers to return them to market.
Whole Body Wellness Searching for new answers seemingly popping up on every corner, the “me generation,” and namely women, are looking to improve themselves--their looks and their emotional wellbeing--and they're looking to alternative modalities to do it. “Overall the vast majority of people who seek these services are women,” said Dr. Mark Boschert, a plastic surgeon with Renaissance Plastic Surgery and R Medical Spa in St. Peters. “Women overwhelmed with craziness are better at saying, 'I need to stop and turn the switch off and come back with a more thoughtful approach and recharge my batteries.” They want to feel good, look better and do
is similar to a strong balloon filled with local anesthesia placed around the muscles that slowly drips tiny amounts of pain medication. The pumps render patients virtually pain-free after a traditionally painful surgical procedure, he said.
Boschert said, although no one can tell the difference between the two types of implants by looking at them, the silicone gel-filled ones are actually softer to the touch. He said he uses the salinefilled implants more often as they are less expensive.
Breast augmentations too have entered the 21st century with less risk and more choices. Problems that plagued the silicone gel-filled implants of the early 1990's have been exhaustively researched, Boschert said. “The saline-filled implants were never in question,” Boschert said. “The silicone implants were taken off the market and studied more than any device in
Boschert said his job is to determine what a patient's needs and desires are before making any recommendations for procedures. Renaissance offers literally hundreds of options for looking good and feeling better from skin care and laser treatment to surgery. For example, an individual may need to
simply maintain the look and feel of healthy skin. Another may need to correct and repair sun and smoking damage. Medically-based products such as Retin-A can help decrease pigment and age or liver spots. Lasers, ointments and topical based creams can work on lines and wrinkles. To give a more cosmetic appeal, the cosmo pharmaceutical arena might include lotions, creams and sunscreens. Boschert said the vast improvements to lasers over the last few years have offered him many new options for his patients. Lasers were stronger 10-to-15 years ago and were very aggressive, he said. There was a lot of down time and long term loss of pigment for the patient. And although those more aggressive lasers are still available, alternative technology offers patients the Erbium laser, the latest advance for the treatment of aging and sun-damaged skin, which results in less redness, less down time and less loss of pigment in their skin. Lasers are directed at one component of the skin, Boschert said, either the blood vessels or the water in the deep skin cells. With the Erbium, Boschert can fine tune the laser to a particular patients needs. “It allows me to take all of the parameters of one's skin and address each area and each problem to correct and smoothe skin and create a more uniform pigmentation.” Boschert said it's a good thing that both men and women are looking more to improving their self esteem and confidence through improving their look in the mirror. “It's not about being vain. It can influence your attitude. It's the ultimate good hair day. That's the feeling you want to get.” Thomas “Cutter” Schneider has been making men feel better about themselves for 51 years. The 71-year-old barber came from the old school, where men visited barbershops and women beauty shops. But he's come into the new age of salons and stylists as well as the next guy. Literally. Schneider cuts the hair of clients who sit in his old-fashioned barber's chair at Metro The Salon on Main Street in St. Charles two days a week. It's his fifty-first year on Main. He started out at Schmidt's Barber Shop at 122
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NEIGHBORHOODS
North Main Street in 1956 with E.C. “Schmitty” Schmidt, and later moved to 330 North Main with his partner and longtime friend Vic Menemeier. The two still “trade haircuts,” he said. St. Peters Barber Fred Hiler talked Schneider into entering Moler Barber College in St. Louis over half a century ago. “St. Peters only had 357 people at that time,” he said. Schneider said he has changed with the times—to a point. He has seen hair styles go from the flat tops of the 1950's to the long hair of the 1960's (which cost him a lot of business), back to short razor cuts of today. During the 1960's Schneider went from four barbers in his shop to two from the lack of business.
Metro specializes in bridal parties. The salon and spa opened three years ago, offering a full range of hair care, as well as manicures, pedicures, waxing and massage. “There was a need in this area for a full service salon,” Booher said. “I figured St. Charles had the highest concentration of tourists and 9-to-5 workers, and there wasn't anything like this around.” Metro also offers couples, Swedish, deep tissue, sports and chair massages. Salon De Christe' of St. Charles and St. Peters provides hair design, nail care, makeup design, body treatments, skin care, massage therapies, spa packages and facial and body waxing for it’s clients. “We provide relaxing massage services, as well as therapeutic massages. We also offer specialty massages like prenatal and hot stone
therapy,” said Abbey Kirwan, assistant manager for Salon De Christe'. “Facials at Salon De Christe' range from deep cleansing and moisturizing to specific needs facials like acne facials and facials for clients with Rosacea.” The multi-faceted salon and spa is debuting a new concept of its own—an opportunity for clients to receive the same quality services at a cheaper price. New Talent at Salon De Christe' features beauty school graduates who continue to receive a year of ongoing training. The graduates are handselected by Salon De Christe' to receive the company's training and to eventually move into one of its locations. These talented junior team members are all licensed and have completed cosmetology school. They
He said his clients still pretty much want the same thing as they did back in the day-a good haircut and some good conversation. “I have met so many nice people,” he said. “They are great friends mostly. I know their families and everything else. They helped me raise my family by letting me cut their hair.” Schneider sees his trade fading as the years pass and as stylists and walk-in salons replace the red and white stripes of the barbershops of old. But this too, he takes with a grain of salt. “That's their money. They can spend it the way they want to.”
“Cutter” at Metro the Salon
And although Schneider may be old school, his employer is far from it. Mark Booher, owner of Metro the Salon has opened two “Vichy” rooms in his salon, the latest in a long line of services Metro has brought to the St. Charles salon scene.
New Talent-Salon de Christe
Vichy is a full-body treatment performed by massage therapists and estheticians in a shower room with a combination of skin treatments, mud wraps, sea salts, exfoliants and moisturizers on a bed under seven massaging shower heads. Booher brought in R.C. Dalton to run the new rooms. A massage therapist and spa manager, Dalton opened the Ritz Carlton's spa in the Cayman Islands and spent 2-1/2 years managing it. Dr. Mark Boschert
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provide technical and value-added services at a reduced price in a trendy, energetic atmosphere. Body treatments in Salon De Christe’s wet rooms range from Aveda Body Polish to Caribbean Therapy treatment. The Aveda Body Polish is a granular mix of pure cane sugar, minerals, electrolytes, and sea vegetables for an invigorating form of exfoliation. With a rinse under the powerful and relaxing Vichy shower, this treatment smoothes and softens even the most sensitive skin. The Caribbean Therapy treatment is a rejuvenating and nurturing treatment that uses touch with professional massage cream. Following the massage, Caribbean Therapy Body Cream is applied to the fresh supple skin. “This is a restorative body treatment that rejuvenates the body and relaxes the mind,” Kirwan said. ”Our guests are moving from spa services as a luxury to spa services as a way to improve their quality of life,” Kirwan said. “Guests are now taking care of their bodies to address the aches and pains, the dryness of winter and the condition of their skin.” Local newcomer Amarra Salon and Spa also offers it’s share of relaxing, restoring treatments for those wishing to cure what ails them as well as traditional salon and spa services. Amarra’s SanSpa shower is an easy way to rid your body of accumulated toxins and leave with attractive, healthier looking skin. SanSpa’s moist steam also has added benefits to both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, effectively treating colds, pneumonia, flu, bronchitis and allergies, and increasing circulation and pulse without increasing blood pressure. Amarra also offers the infamous fourhanded massage. This form of bodywork incorporates two therapists working on one client, mirroring each other’s movements for an incredibly relaxing experience. Massage increases circulation, especially to nerve endings, which calms and soothes. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy smoother skin, deeper, better sleep at night, increased mental alertness, toning of muscles and improved elimination of impurities from the body with regular massage?
Amarra Salon’s Tranquility Room
As patrons of spas attempt to smoothe out the wrinkles, buff out the kinks and design their way to a new and better look, feeling good about themselves can also start from the inside and work its way out. Acupuncturists, homeopaths and naturopathic physicians are making a huge splash on the wellness scene. The natural medicine rage of the 1970's, largely spurred by President Richard Nixon's journey to the east, is making a comeback—but this time, even scientists are touting its benefits. A native of St. Charles, Phil Garrison is a student of acupuncture at the Five Branches Institute, College and Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine in California. He is working on a four-year masters program and will spend several weeks in China as part of his studies this summer. Garrison will, in the end, be a licensed medical practitioner as well as a licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner. He is at the top of his class. What he studies is anything but traditional in the United States, but for the Chinese and those who know and practice alternative therapies, its good medicine— really good. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healing that has been practiced for over 2000 years. TCM includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, Moxibustion (warming points on the body by burning an herbal cigar several inches above the skin), massage (called Tuina), nutrition and QiGong (energy healing). TCM practitioners use one or more of these modalities in their treatments.
“TCM has proven useful for conditions of pain, acute and chronic, for the treatment of common colds, for menopausal women, for insomnia and for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation,” Garrison said. “Of course, it can be used to treat just about any imbalance of the body including psycho-emotional disorders. At its essence, TCM is about restoring harmony and balance to the body.” To understand Chinese medicine, Garrison said, one must understand Chinese philosophy. “The Chinese see the human being as occupying a middle position between Heaven and Earth. (The body) draws from the energy of Heaven and Earth and brings these two opposing forces together.” TCM has its roots in ancient Taoist philosophy, which developed as a way of explaining life. According to the ancient Taoists, there is originally one force in the universe, out of which all of life springs. “This is similar to the Christian concept of God or the scientific idea of the Big Bang,” Garrison said. “Life began when the original force separated into two—the Yin and Yang. The ancient Taoists believed that all of life could be explained by the concept of Yin-Yang.” The Yin-Yang is a familiar symbol, containing a black swirl and a white swirl going around in a circle. The black swirl is considered Yin, and represents form, structure, shape, night femininity and earth. The white swirl is considered Yang, and represents energy, Heaven, masculinity and day. “In the human being, Yin represents the physical body, while Yang represents the energy that animates the body,” Garrison S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 15
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Water's color is blue. The Five Elements also represent the major organs of the body, as well as five emotions: wood represents the liver and gall-bladder along with (healthy) anger; fire, the heart and small intestine, and joy; Earth, the spleen and stomach, and sympathy; metal, the lungs and large intestine, and grief; and water, the kidney and urinary bladder, and fear. “It is better to think of these organs more as functions than the anatomical organs to which they correspond,” Garrison said. “For example, the stomach and spleen are connected with the function of digestion, even though the anatomical spleen has nothing to do with digestion.”
Phil Garrison
Amarra Salon
said. “Yin and Yang are inseparable, which is why the black swirl contains a white dot, representing the Yang within the Yin and the white swirl contains a black dot , representing the Yin within the Yang.” Out of the Yin-Yang developed the concept of Five Elements or Five Phases. These Five Elements are wood, fire, Earth, metal and water. This concept grew out of the Taoists' observation of the natural cycles. For instance, wood is represented by Spring, when new life is bursting through the ground. It is associated with the color green. Wood then generates fire, which is represented by Summer, when growth is at its peak. Fire is associated with the color red. Fire gives rise to Earth, which is seen as the season of harvest (called late-summer in TCM), when fruits are ripe. Earth's color is yellow. After Earth comes metal, represented by fall. This is the time when the harvest is stored, in preparation for the Winter ahead. The color white corresponds to metal. Finally, Winter is represented by Winter, a period of rest and rejuvenation.
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Garrison said the TCM practitioner asks many questions and employs many diagnostic methods to get at the root of imbalance. Two of the most important diagnostic methods are looking at the tongue and pulse. Other diagnostic methods include observation of the colors of the face, and listening to the sound of the voice. Once the practitioner has come up with a diagnosis, he or she will choose acupuncture points to treat the condition and insert filiform needles, which are as thin as human hair. If the condition warrants the use of herbs, the practitioner may make an herbal formula for the patient. Garrison will learn about over 300 single herbs, mainly specific to China, during his studies. Finally, TCM is often a lower-cost alternative to conventional medicine and pharmaceutical drugs, Garrison said. Now is an exciting time for TCM practitioners in America, Garrison said. TCM is becoming more mainstream, with more Americans seeking treatment every day. “The real question is, 'How will we embrace TCM in America?',” Garrison said. “Both TCM and Conventional medicine have a place in patient care and each system should be utilized when necessary. Embracing TCM does not mean the exclusion of conventional medicine, nor does embracing conventional medicine mean the exclusion of TCM. Both have a place and don't need to be afraid of each other. Both have their strengths. Ideally, the
health care system in America will find a way to integrate both viewpoints, so patients get the best care available. In a hospital, for instance, we will have a western medicine department and a Chinese medicine department and they will communicate together.” St. Charles native Kelly Owens is already combining the traditional with the alternative in her practice in Portland, OR. Owens is a naturopathic physician, with a four-year post-graduate medical degree who is a licensed primary care physician. In her practice, Owens treats with both conventional medicine and naturopathic modalities. “Naturopathic medicine focuses on natural remedies instead of pharmacology,” she said. “For example if a patient has high blood pressure, I may treat them with dietary modifications first— lifestyle modifications like limiting caffeine and botanical and nutritional supplementations versus diuretics. I use natural diuretics like herbs and magnesium and fish oil.” Owens admits that, as with conventional modalities, not all remedies work the same for all patients. “Not everything works with every patient. If a patient has strep throat, I can prescribe herbs or I have the option of antibiotics.” Owens also uses physical medicine in much the same way a chiropractor would, she said. Joint manipulations, massage, IV nutrients, hydrotherapy and cold and hot water treatments are all immune stimulators, she said. Owens said treating one aspect of a person's physical condition naturally can often bring the whole system into better function. This concept is not new. For example, an individual being treated for high blood pressure who changes his or her diet and exercise program will invariably lose weight and may improve their acid reflux or digestive problems. “I focus on the whole person,” she said. “Many times we will see remarkable improvements in other areas when we treat for one thing because we're treating the whole person.” ■
Featured Burger E t h y l ’s S m o k e h o u s e Looking for a fresh, juicy, never frozen burger cooked over a real wood fire? Look no further! Check out www.ethylssmokehouse.com for all the delicious options. You’ll be glad you did!
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NEIGHBORHOODS
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Would you believe he has a brother named Wally? Scott Weaver of Leave It To Weaver Commercial Home Improvements actually does have a brother named Wally, but more importantly, he has an honest and timehonored worth ethic. Weaver has been in the business of remodeling existing structures and constructing new ones for more than 20 years, but he's been in the handyman business most of his life. He was the kid who did odd jobs around the neighborhood, carrying his tools at first, then purchasing a pickup truck when he was old enough to drive. “Then I got more jobs and needed my friends to help. Then I needed a truck for my friend to drive.” In other words, Weaver has always been a successful businessman. He said he comes by it honestly and t h a t ' s precisely why he's successful. “I
meet my customers,” he said. “I want to be the first person they meet. I give them a true, honest price right off the top.” Eighty percent of Weaver's business comes from people who need more space. From kitchen and bath remodeling to building on second levels to existing ranch homes, Weaver does it all. The company builds room additions for residential or business properties, as well as decks, three-season rooms, and anything else one can add to their home. Leave It To Weaver remodels kitchens and bathrooms, hangs siding and windows and finishes basements. Weaver said his company finishes between 75 and 100 basements per year, adding home theater systems to a good number of them. “Let's face it. We all have that special room in our home where we feel most comfortable,” he said. For some people, that's the kitchen, for others the family room and for still others, they're looking to add on a favorite room.” At Weaver's own home, Friday night is “Movie Night” in his finished basement
complete with home theater. “It gives a more entertaining feeling for the family. Friday nights, we get the neighborhood kids together with my family and we all watch movies, almost every Friday night,” he said. “I even print out little tickets with Weaver Home Theater and the name of the movie on them. It's a little escape.” Weaver said requests for basement finishings, and especially home theaters, are on the rise right now, with his firm doing more projects every day. Some 80 percent of basement projects done by Weaver include home theaters. Most people want a 10-foot automatic drop screen with curtains that open simultaneously with the lowering of the screen. Weaver said he purchases most of his equipment from American, Best Buy and Ultimate Electronics at a wholesale price and passes those savings on to his clients. He gets much of the furniture, including the home theater stadium seats from American. About thirty percent of his clients want love seats and couches raised by a platform as opposed to recliners.
Scott & Tina Weaver
Lights! Camera! Action! Happiness is a home theater
When more living space is needed, people are turning to their basements, Weaver said. “From a design standpoint, one of the advantages of basement space is that it is away from the ordinary flow of traffic through the house and can't be seen as you walk through the front door. This allows you to create more private rooms that won't be disturbed by guests and everyday household activity.” On the other hand, Weaver can make the basement the center of activity, adding a new hang out space for teenagers or a playroom for kids. Home theaters typically seat nine people and run the homeowner about $25,000, Weaver said. The most expensive one he's done was for a St. Louis Rams football player for over $150,000, that sat 15. “That had some very expensive, high-end equipment,” he said.
showroom at 304 TCW Ct. in Lake Saint Louis. But Weaver does most of his work in other people's spaces. He likes to set up appointments with his customers and meet with them on their turf. “I give them ideas on what to do with the project and then give them a true price. I like to give people what they are expecting.” Leave It To Weaver has finished countless basements in St. Charles County including that of rapper Chingy in Dardenne Prairie. Weaver also renovated 137 rooms at the
Airport Marriott hotel in St. Louis County last year. Weaver offers a one-year guarantee on all of his workmanship. “Before we even begin construction, Leave It To Weaver works off of a set project plan to ensure that every detail goes as planned,” he said. “Each project includes extensive meetings with the client to pick out the entire project details and the customer must sign off before we begin construction. At Leave It To Weaver, we don't cut corners.” ■
Home Theater Options Looking for the latest and greatest in home theater goodies? Look no further than local businesses like Aminis Home Rugs and Game Rooms or Modern Luxe!
Most furniture is done in leather and includes cup holders. Movie seats can come equipped with motion capabilities. For example, when an explosion happens on the television, the seats vibrate. He also does carpet in film and popcorn mosaics. Lighted “Now Showing” signs, along with awnings on doors and popcorn or refreshment stands can all be added to a package. Weaver said “today's home theaters have taken a quantum leap forward while the cost has been significantly reduced. Televisions now deliver giant-sized images that are crisper than ever, while surroundsound speakers can virtually put you in the cockpit of a jet fighter and make you feel the hits during the Super Bowl.” Leave It To Weaver is trained at designing private cinemas in the areas of lighting, acoustics, picture quality and set up to provide the ultimate cinema experience from a personal theater. Virtually all of Leave It To Weaver's work is done by the company's own employees, save for the electrical and the plumbing contractors. “Nearly all of our projects are done in-house by our employees. I can control it more and the quality of the projects is better,” he said. Leave It To Weaver is housed in a two-story
The latest in home theater? The RACER (pictured above). This leather theatre system features wand-operated power recline and power headrest to provide maximum comfort to the user. Feel the movie with buttkicker motion motors (IN EACH SEAT) to put you IN the movie! The set of 3, available in a variety of leather colors, retail $5,995. Amini’s also offers many lighting and signage options to complete your home theater or game room. Available at Amini's Home, Rugs & Game Room at Boone's Crossing in Chesterfield Valley 636-537-9200. Modern Luxe can also fill customers’ every need for chairs, couches, recliners or theater seating. Modern Luxe offers products by Leathercraft, who for 37 years has been manufacturing the finest leather seating available. Located in the highlands of Western North Carolina, Leathercraft carftspeople will customize products to meet customers’ individual needs. Visit Modern Luxe at 2309 Highway K in O’Fallon or call them at 636-379-9902. www.modernluxeinc.com
THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN
St. Louis Crisis Nursery Groundbreaking The Crisis Nursery, a safe haven for children at increased risk of abuse and neglect, broke ground for its fifth location in the region on December 17th at 2:00pm on the grounds of SSM St. Joseph Health CenterWentzville. The ceremony opened with holiday carols performed by the St Patrick’s Children’s Choir followed by a brief shovel ceremony including words from Wentzville Mayor Paul Lambi; SSM St. Joseph Health Center CEO, Sherlyn Hailstone; Community & Children’s Resource Board Executive Director, Bruce Sowatsky; Jason Hughes, VP TR Hughes; and DiAnne Mueller, Crisis Nursery Executive Director; along with a blessing of the site by SSM Chaplin, David Fitzgerald.
Lindenwood Pomp and Circumstance Lindenwood University formally installed James D. Evans, Ph.D. as it’s 21st president in an investiture ceremony on November 9, 2007 in Lindenwood’s Robert F. Hyland Performance Arena. Evans, who was named president of Lindenwood in February 2007, received symbols of his office and was recognized by his peers and members of the community. A luncheon followed in the Spellmann Campus Center and a new portrait, painted for the occasion by
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renowned artist John Troy was unveiled.
Humane Society Groundbreaking The Saint Charles Humane Society held its Ground Breaking Ceremony on October 15th. The new facility will be 5100 square feet and will house about 100 four-legged friends at a time while they wait to be adopted. The St. Charles Humane Society is the only no-kill, non tax-supported facility in the county and it’s new building is much needed. Many thanks go out to those who donate their time, money and talents to the St. Charles Humane Society,
including Blanton Construction. For more information about volunteering or how you can help, visit www.stcharleshumanesociety.org.
Duchesne Foresight and Dream Home Sweepstakes The colors were bright, the mariachi band was playing, and the margaritas were flowing at Duchesne High School’s annual Foresight dinner auction Oct. 27. This year’s auction, Fiesta!, welcomed over 400 parents, alumni and friends of the school who took part in the fiesta and fundraising. Colleen Bussen, director of the
THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN
DHS Office of Advancement, estimated the event netted $170,000 for the school. The grand prize winner of the Dream Home Sweepstakes was Mr. John Menius, a long-time supporter of Duchesne.
Braun, Youth In Need’s President and CEO. “They are terrific examples of highly successful people whose efforts make the community stronger, especially for children and families. The Newberrys have developed their business into a premier information technology firm, and along the way have generously supported Youth In Need and many other helping organizations with their time, talent and financial resources. Their generosity is exceeded only by their humility. They are great assets to our community and richly deserve to be honored at Youth In Need’s Celebration of Youth.”
Yo u t h I n N e e d Youth In Need recognized its outstanding volunteers and donors at its annual Thanks for Giving reception on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Scheidegger Family Youth In Need Center in St. Charles. More than 100 people turned out to honor those individuals and businesses who have made a significant impact on the children, teens and families Youth In Need serves.
Newberrys Honored
Plilippine Bronze Installed (pictured previous column) The Academy of the Sacred Heart is pleased and proud to welcome to its grounds a life-sized, bronze sculpture of Philippine Duchesne by artist Harry Weber. The sculpture, the second one commissioned by the City of St. Charles in its Historic Figures in Bronze – Art in Public Places series, was installed December 13 at the corner of Second and Clark Streets. Last spring, a committee of Foundry Art Centre board members, City Council members and a representative from the Society of the Sacred Heart selected Mr. Weber's design from more than 20 submissions.
New Headquarters For most of Youth In Need’s 33-year history, the agency has had no one place to call “home.” Youth In Need’s programs and administration have been scattered in leased properties through the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. In 2005, Youth In Need was able to consolidate these functions in a former church property the agency now owns, located at 1815 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles.
Youth In Need has announced Brenda and Maurice Newberry, owners of St. Charlesbased The Newberry Group, Inc., as the honorees for the 2008 Celebration of Youth dinner and auction. The Newberrys are long-time champions for children and families, Youth In Need supporters and members of Youth In Need’s So Every Child Has a Future Capital Campaign Committee.
endowment fund by Harold and DiAnne Burkemper.
This purchase was made possible thanks to a lead gift to Youth In Need’s $3.5 million So Every Child Has a Future Capital Campaign by Jerry Scheidegger and his family along with a lead gift to the
PEAR Award The St. Charles Community College Foundation has chosen local civic leader Grace Harmon as the 2008 recipient of the Professional Excellence Achievement Recognition (PEAR) award. Each year, PEAR award recipients are recognized by the community college Foundation Board for their personal and professional contributions to the quality of life for St. Charles County and its residents. Harmon, who with her late husband, Ray, previously operated the world’s largest and most successful baby photo company, has spent a lifetime contributing back to society through her leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
“Youth In Need is extremely proud to be honoring Brenda and Maurice Newberry at its 2008 Celebration of Youth,” said Jim S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 21
A LA CARTE
Chevy’s Fresh Mex F E AT U R E D R E C I P E Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Move over Subway, Jared may have competition for healthy eating. Chevys Fresh Mex, known for its fresh, healthy ingredients, makes it possible to eat guiltand-fat free. Owner John Whicker wants patrons to know just what he's serving up in his nine Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants throughout the Midwest. “My goal for 2008 is to educate the public about the difference between Fresh Mex and canned mex. That's my mission,” he said. Whicker lives up to the “Fresh Mex Pledge” that's posted in the waiting area of his restaurants. The pledge promises “No cans in the kitchen,” “Salsa made fresh hourly,” “Tortillas served within three minutes of baking,” and “All of our food is prepared from scratch, fresh each day in our own kitchen.” Who would have thought of ordering salmon in a Mexican restaurant? And yet Whicker said fish is a mainstay of Mexican cuisine. On a recent tour of the Chevys Fresh Mex on the South Service Road in St. Charles, I sampled, among other things the restaurant's grilled salmon. It was absolutely the most flavorful grilled salmon I’ve had in years. “People don't realize what we are. Even though it says it in our name, they don't know what we are really about,” Whicker said. “We truly are Fresh Mex. There are no cans. Our food is never frozen. From the tomatoes to the fish, we get all of our products in fresh.” Whicker said he often hears people speak of their “favorite little authentic Mexican restaurant.” But what Mexican-lovers think is a recipe from south of the border may not be authentic at all, but merely
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served to them by Hispanic people. Just because the person that greats you at the door is Hispanic, that doesn't mean they're making their own refried beans and salsa, he said. How fun is it to have your server prepare fresh guacamole, smashing fresh Haas avocados with diced jalapenos, garlic and fresh-squeezed lime tableside, and it doesn't even have to be Cinco de Mayo? It doesn't get any fresher than that folks. And that's what Chevys Fresh Mex offers. Build your own fajitas, one steamy, soft El Machino tortilla at a time or experience some seriously inventive sauces and bold flavor combinations served with homemade beans or vegetarian black beans, Fresh Mex rice and sweet corn tomalito. The restaurant's mesquite grill is actually a wood-burning fire pit, Whicker said. Chevys purchases mesquite wood made into briquettes, giving the flame a purpose. Whicker offers trivia nights and company gatherings at Chevys Cantina, which features some of the finest liquors, as well as domestic and imported beers. Nonalcoholic beer is also available. On the rocks, hand-shaken or with seasonal fresh fruit, Chevys margaritas set the gold standard, Whicker said. Chevys also offers a spot for your fundraising events. The store will donate 15 percent of your tab back to your organization. ■
Chevy’s Fresh Guacamole 3 Medium Haas avocados, halved 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/2 cup Pico de Gallo (recipe follows) 1-1/2 teaspoons chopped garlic 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon stemmed, seeded, and minced jalapeno 1 teaspoon salt Pit the avocados. Score avocado meat without cutting through the skin. Scoop out the avocado meat with a large spoon and place in mixing bowl. Stir in the lime juice, Pico de Gallo, garlic, oil, jalapeno, and salt, gently mashing and tossing the avocado pieces. Do not overmash. Yields 2 cups. Pico de Gallo 2 cups (1 pound) tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup white onions, diced 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1-1/2 tablespoons stemmed, seeded, and minced jalapeno 2 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Serve chilled. Yields 2 cups.
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A LA CARTE
Let’s Eat! L o c a l D i n i n g N e w s Yo u C a n U s e V i v i a n ’s V i n e y a r d s Honored On Wednesday, November 14, the
Missouri Restaurant Association honored Vivian’s Vineyards as a winner of the 2007 Restaurant Neighborhood Award at their Annual Awards Banquet. State winners exemplifying the very best in community outreach are chosen by their state restaurant associations. Winners from each state then compete for the national award and are judged on the following criteria: overall impact, duration of involvement, level of involvement, goals and innovation. Two winners were chosen and moved on to the national level where they competed with other state
winners. The national winners were chosen and their names announced at the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference. Although there are many requests for donations through out the year, the event that Vivian’s is proudest to participate in is the Wing Ding Benefit sponsored by the BCI Foundation. This event raises funds for BCI(Boone Center Inc.), an organization dedicated to providing productive and fulfilling employment for adults with disabilities.
The Next Evolution in the Buffet Experience With smart design, cutting-edge heat induction technology, and a long list of foods and tastes not currently found in any St. Louis buffet, Harrah’s has brought the latest in Las Vegas style buffets to our city. Eat Up! opened on December 20, 2007 and offers contemporary taste sensations cooked fresh on site at seven interactive foodscapes, featuring recipes from all over the world and stretching the length of a football field. “It’s truly like having six contemporary restaurants in one setting, plus an incredible dessert bar,” said Chef Ray Leung, Harrah’s St. Louis’ newly appointed executive chef. “We’ve designed the space to encourage our guests to wander through and try new things - and we’ve loaded each foodscape with “discovery” foods delectable dishes that will surprise you with great taste sensations such as green eggs and ham, Vermont white cheddar mashed potatoes and mango sweet and sour chicken.” Eat Up! replaces the existing Town Square Buffet. ■
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LOCAL MUSIC
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Brea McAnally
Fireman by day and night. Musician by day and night. Michael Eisenbeis of St. Peters has never quite given up his day job, but then again, with the best of both worlds, he doesn't have to.
Eisenbeis started taking guitar lessons in the third grade. By the late 1980's and early 1990's, he was playing with high school buddies in a band called “The Nukes”-which he describes as the “greatest St. Louis band of all time”--all over the Midwest. Influenced by The Jam, The Clash and the
The 14-year veteran H a z e l w o o d firefighter has been playing guitar solo and with other bands for more than two decades. With an 18-year-old daughter and a therapist for a wife, Eisenbeis finds solace in his music. Singer, songwriter and solo performer, Eisenbeis plays guitar, mandolin, harmonica and resonator. He plays a wide variety of music from the past four decades, as well as original material.
As with most firefighters, Eisenbeis works 24-hour shifts. “It gives me something to do when I'm sitting around the firehouse.” Eisenbeis keeps his guitar in his locker there. Eisenbeis said he isn't sure where his love of music and its intertwining with rescue work came from, except to say that an uncle, also a firefighter, gave him his first guitar. His catholic grade school in North County, offered lessons and he took them. “It just sort of happened,” he said. “I love music and I enjoy helping people.” He will give a laundry list of famous influences, however, including Paul Weller, Neil Young, The Beatles, Iris Dement, Los Lobos, Doc Watson, Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo.
Eisenbeis played in the original Who tribute band, The Who-Band. And he's played guitar and mandolin for the past three years in a blue grass band called The Lodge Brothers out of Illinois. He also A firefighter responds plays in the power pop group Johhny to a different call Bliss. The blue grass band does outdoor festivals as well as performances at The Sheldon Concert Hall LA punk rock scene of the 1980's, the band in St. Louis, New Town and R.T. Weiler's in eventually relocated to Los Angeles where St. Charles, the wineries in St. Genevieve, members intended to make it big. The and private parties and benefits. Eisenbeis band later dissolved, but Eisenbeis still also plays with a recording band called writes songs with one of the band's original Clouds of May based in Los Angeles, St. members. Louis and New York City.
Fire & Amps
Eisenbeis is not at a loss for material or for a love of the art. “I enjoy playing my own songs and I enjoy playing cover songs. I just really enjoy a good song. There is something about music that connects inside of us. There is something about hearing a good song and being able to play a good song. For me, it always comes in the music first and then I attach the lyric later. I struggle with lyrics more.” Eisenbeis' 18-year-old daughter loves music as well. With a developmental disability, she has been helped tremendously by the “therapy” he said music offers her. Like father, like daughter. ■ S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 25
Drive Time Laughs Dave Glover made the big time fast Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Dave Glover has a habit of being in the right place at the right time. It's what got him his gig on 97.1 FM Talk. He hosts “The Dave Glover Show” during PM Drive Time on KFTK. “I'm the only guy in the history of radio to start in Top 20 Drive Time,” he said. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” The top guy in the number 18 market was an attorney for over a decade before happening into his post at KFTK. He went to Washington University School of Law and practiced at Sandberg Phoenix in St. Louis before opening his own firm. “I was equally bad at all of them,” he admits. “I was a better law student than a lawyer.” As it happened Glover was advertising his firm on “The Steve and D.C. Show” and his wife was selling advertising for them. Glover just happened to be walking by when Steve Shannon was having a meeting about putting 97.1 on the air. “They asked if I would want to do a show where people would call in about legal things, with silly comedy. I owed them $9,000. They said they would take $100 off of my bill per day to do the show. Now we're number one and (Steve and D.C.) are off the air.” Glover is currently number one for PM Drive Time and number one with people 12 and older “in pretty much every category in St. Louis,” he said. Glover frequents Glenn Beck's cable show on FOX as a special guest and has won the Missouri Broadcaster of the Year award for the last three years running. Glover does a weekly segment on CNN. He also fronts for the Dave Glover Band, a St. Louis rock-inroll band. KFTK is owned by Emmis in Indianapolis, who owns 100 stations nationally including KFTK, K-SHE, KHITS and The Point.
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Glover said his show is “like listening in on a happy hour,” with him and a bunch of republicans including Shawn Hannety and Bill O'Reilly, Jamie Allman, Glenn Beck and Katy Kruz. “We do the show like people talk,” he said. “People relate to it. Every other thing on the radio is either very boring or people telling you how to live your life. What this is is smart people acting stupid. It's a place for people to blow off steam, tune in and get a good belly laugh.” The fact that Glover went to law school at all was the result of a “drunken bar bet,” he said. “A guy in a band bet me $100 I couldn't pass the (Law School Admissions Test). I've never done anything on purpose in my life. It all just happens—kind of like Forrest Gump.” Chance or destiny, Glover really doesn't care. “I have absolutely found what I am supposed to do. I am more comfortable on the air than off.” Glover said he garners a laugh from just about everything. “Everything to me seems funny. Whatever happens I can see a joke for it. Most of my life I had to stifle that or get in trouble for it. Now I get paid to do it.” ■
Chance of a Lifetime Lindenwood University’s KCLC FM “The Wood” is a state-of-the-art, student-run, 35,500-watt, digitally mastered FM radio station that plays a great selection of music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For close to 60 years "The Wood" has served as a training ground for the next generation of broadcast professionals. The students themselves bring you great music, news, sports, and specialty programs and leave Lindenwood with four years of hands-on experience at a level not normally found at schools with more traditional programs. The "2006 Best of St. Louis" issue of The Riverfront Times praised 89.1FM "The Wood" as the Best Radio Station in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. "...St. Louis is lucky to have our own version of satellite radio on the terrestrial airwaves, courtesy of the station run by students at Lindenwood University in St. Charles." —RFT 97.1 Talk radio and Dave Glover’s show sponsored a contest for "up & coming" amateur/student DJs this summer. Tim Meyer (of KCLC) won the contest and received an opportunity for airtime and a chance to help run the show on 97.1 with Dave Glover. Pictured are (from left to right) teacher Mike Wall (of Phillips and Wall fame), fellow student KC Adams and winner Tim Meyer.
These puppies are six weeks old (9 puppies total). Their mother was killed in an accident when they were three weeks old. Thanks to the St. Charles Humane Society these puppies were able to be rescued. The staff and volunteers of the St. Charles Humane Society, the only no kill shelter in St. Charles County, work diligently to find good homes for all their animals. "Saving one dog or cat won't change the world...but surely the world will change for that one dog or cat.”
Adopt A Friend 28 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
Belgian Shepherds are a fun-loving, loyal, intelligent breed of dog who thrive on attention. They love to be with you whether going for a drive, to the park, socializing with other dogs or just sitting by your side as your constant companion and protector. They are a working breed so they require exercise and mental stimulation. They excell in just about anything; family companion, obedience, agility, confirmation ring, herding, search and rescue, drug and bomb detection, even as seeing eye dogs. For more information call Doug 636-936-8573 or 636-443-3545 or email max7547@aol.com.
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Four Legged Support Raising a Support Dog you've had a Great Dane.” Sills doesn't confine her love of animals to dogs either. She's had her therapeutic horse, “Lindy” for 30 years. She's writing a book with Mary Ann Barton about the Arabian horse that she said has "touched so many people.” Lindy has befriended children with Down syndrome and adults stroke victims, among others. “Every animal I have helps other people,” Sills said. “God has given us a gift of dogs. You know the saying, dog spelled backward is God? It hurts me not to use them for what they can do.” Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Betty Sills is no ordinary foster parent. The long-time dog lover “fosters” puppies, training them to become companions for people with disabilities. Sills is just one of many puppy-trainers for Support Dogs Inc., a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization that helps people with special needs improve their quality of life through the use of assistance dogs. Sills has for years taken her own German shepherds to local hospitals where they served as therapy and touch dogs for inpatients of the facilities. She lost “Bear”, an 85-pound red and black German Shepherd in November of 2007. He died after having been with Sills for nearly seven years. “Lottie” was Sills' first therapy dog. The 10year-old black and tan shepherd weighs over 60 pounds. Lottie is now charged with helping to train “Katy,” an all black wavyhaired Labrador that Sills said reminds her of Queen Elizabeth. “I've always had dogs with my husband who thank goodness has the same passion for them as I do,” Sills said. She admits the shepherds are big but said she has owned Great Danes and “nothing seems big after 30 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
extensively on going through doors, walking around IV poles, approaching people in wheelchairs and walking with people who use walkers. Some $3,000 in training will be invested in Katy before she is ready to go home with someone, Sills said. She will live with Sills for about 18 months, where she will receive much of the training. Sills will also take her to classes at the Support Dog offices. Support Dogs hand-picks its dogs from breeders who donate them. The dogs can not have any temperament issues or hip problems, specifically.
Sills said she lives her life with the motto of making one difference every day for someone else. She said helping the sick and infirm is more difficult on the dogs than on her. “It's a stressful situation for the dogs. Some people are emotional. Some are in pain. Some are highly medicated. Especially for the shepherds. They are so empathetic. The Goldens (Retrievers) and the Labs are easier because they're not as empathetic as the shepherds.”
During training, they are never allowed to eat “people food,” Sills said as they will someday be accompanying their masters into restaurants. They will be trained to sit, stay, lay down, fetch and most importantly to have a “soft mouth,” which means they will not chew things up, she said. They are also trained not to bark unless there is a purpose for it, such as when a phone is ringing for the hearing impaired or when there is an emergency.
Sills said she has seen her dogs actually back out of a room. After speaking with the nurse, she found out that the patient had had a really bad day. “That's why I say, this is my love. Dogs can sense. It's been said they can smell cancer.”
“It's fun but it's a lot of work. Everything she does, I have to think about. She loves to pull my socks off. She loves to carry something in her mouth the whole time we walk.”
Sills checked with her dogs first before getting involved with Support Dogs. “So I said to Bear and Lottie, my best friends, 'I think we can do this. Will you help me?' They raised their heads and I took it as a yes.” Support Dogs will work with people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities, Sills said. They help dress people, pick things up, take things out of drawers, pick up canes and help with Autistic children. It gives individuals with disabilities a lot of independence, she said. Both Touch and Support dogs are trained
Sills said her grandchildren are a big help in training and socializing Katy. “With all those people around and all the noise, she learns not be scared of malls, restaurants and beauty shops where there is also a lot of noise.” Support Dogs are accepted anywhere that Seeing Eye Dogs are, Sills said. And although Bear didn't live to see Katy finish her training, Sills said friends donated money to Support Dogs in his name. For more information on raising a puppy for Support Dogs, call 314-997-2325 or visit www.supportdogs.org. ■
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Fresh Jeans Story by Natalie Woods
Let’s start off the New Year with something that is near and dear to my heart and something that I think leaves a lot of women puzzled and confused... JEANS!! I know, I know… you’re all thinking, “jean shopping is worse than bathing suit shopping,” but it doesn’t have to be that horrific. We all have a love/hate relationship with our denim, but I’m hoping to turn that into all LOVE, because the right pair of jeans can make you look longer, leaner and sexier.
narrow down your initial choices So now that we have the shopping ground rules out of the way, let’s move on to what you want to look for in a jean. (And these rules apply to all ages/sizes/shapes.) Rule #1 I would scream this from the rooftops if I could: All pants (jeans included) should hit you below your belly button. Meaning the top of the waistband should stop below your belly button. How
There are a couple things that you need to be prepared for to start off on the right foot and then everything should go more smoothly from there.
3. Find a smaller store with a good selection and knowledgeable salespeople. Having someone helping you who knows their brands and how they fit will make a world of difference and help 32 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
So where should your rise be? This is a much harder question to answer because it will depend on a lot of factors. A mid-rise jean should work for a majority of people. A few basic guidelines you should follow are • If you have a long torso and/or shorter legs, stick to a mid rise. This slightly shortens your torso and elongates legs. • If you have long legs and/or a shorter torso you can go with a lower rise. This will help you lengthen your torso so you don’t look like you’re all chest and hiney. • And finally, if you are worried about your tummy DO NOT pick a rise that covers it completely. Denim is a heavy fabric and it only adds bulk to an area where you don’t want any more bulk. Pick a rise that cuts right across the middle of your mid section, which will help hold it in without adding bulk.
1. You have to try them on and be prepared to try on approximately 5-10 pair. Don’t go into a store with only 10 minutes and expect to work miracles. There is no way around trying them on the first go round – but once you find a brand/style you love you may be able to skip this next time. 2. Be prepared to maybe spend $150 – in denim you really do get what you pay for and in a lot of instances the more expensive jeans have a much better fit. Also, if you wear them as much as I do, the cost per wear is tiny.
this distance/length is rise.
much below your belly button will vary for everyone but if you have any pants that are above your navel you are doing your backside a disservice and making it look much larger than it is. Seriously, you should burn any pants that fit the above description. Also FYI – the fashion term for
Rule #2 Never, ever, ever wear a tapered leg pant. This means that the leg opening narrows to your ankle so that the bottom of the pant is the skinniest part. I know some of you are thinking, “But that is really in right now”. A tapered pant makes anyone but a 7 ft. tall model look like an ice cream cone and even if you don’t have hips a tapered pant will make you look like you have hips. And if you have hips – oh goodness – it’s not a good look. Later in this article I will explain a way that you can get the “hot, modern” look of a slimmer jean without looking like an ice cream cone.
BEST SHOPPING FINDS
So now you’ve picked a rise and tossed all the tapered legs – what leg style do you want? There are a million options but I’m going to talk about the most popular right now – boot cut, flare, and straight leg (wide and skinny). If you’re tall– wear whatever you want – they will all look fabulous on you. You’ll just want to pick the style that fits your legs best. If you are vertically challenged like me, stick to a straight leg or mild boot cut. The main goal for someone not blessed with height is to look taller and a straight leg is the best option. Either a wide straight leg or a skinny straight leg will make you look your tallest because there’s no break in the line of the leg; the leg of the jean is the same all the way down. A traditional boot cut will come in at the knee and this is OK as long as the difference between the width at the knee and the width at the bottom is not huge. You don’t want to do a flare because the knee is going to be
super skinny compared to the bottom and it will just draw attention to your knees, make you look knock-kneed, and break up the leg line. Finally, I’ve been alluding to the skinny leg jeans that are really “in” now and here is the deal. Don’t be afraid -- we can all wear them with a slight modification. A straight leg jean looks good on all sizes and shapes because it does such a good job lengthening the leg. So to get the hot modern skinny jean look – get a skinny straight leg and not tapered. This means that even though the leg opening is not as wide it is the same width from the top to the bottom. A couple of great options to try are the Citizens of Humanity Ava and the Paige Premium Denim Melrose. I hope this has helped to de-mystify denim and I hope you all go out and find a pair of jeans that makes you look and feel FABULOUS. ■ Natalie Woods is the owner of DaisyClover Boutique in Webster Groves, MO.
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Shopping for your Valentine SPRING 2008
Valentine shopping can strike fear in the hearts of men everywhere. Our fashion maven Natalie Woods would like to offer a few ideas. No more fear, guys! 1 Pink and pretty cami set‌ a sassy gift for that special lady in your life from On Gossamer Available at Jule Lingerie & Loungewear 9757 Clayton Road | 314-983-9282 2 These lovely scented oil lamps from Provence look great alone or in a group. $12 Available at Salt of the Earth, Webster Groves and Downtown | 314-963-1919. 3 Who wouldn't want to lounge in such luxury and beauty? Sophie Golightly Cotton Robe $106 Available at Jule Lingerie & Loungewear 9757 Clayton Road | 314-983-9282 4 Lilla P Origami Wrap -- The perfect gift! Comes in 10 colors, can be worn 10 ways and it's one size!! $90 Available at Daisy Clover 8146 Big Bend Blvd. | 314.962.4477
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5 Traditional Marseille soaps are lovely scented, triple milled soaps $6-$14 Available at Available at Salt of the Earth, Webster Groves and Downtown | 314-963-1919. 6 This heart-shaped topiary is created with preserved rose petals and greenery and is a sophisticated and long lasting way to express your love. $48 Available at Salt of the Earth, Webster Groves and Downtown | 314-963-1919.
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HEALTH WATCH
Story by Monica Adams
Fit for life... and free???
Fit for Life
It may sound too good to be true but thanks to the new Essence of Life program, seniors are working towards wellness all over the area at no cost to them. Essence Healthcare launched this new wellness program in 2007, offering medicare eligible participants the ability to dance and exercise their way to health. Big Band dance classes and tai chi classes are being taught at several facilities throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis and the Metro East. Essence Healthcare members are able to participate in this pilot program for free while non Essence members take the classes at a very nominal fee. Most classes are twice a week for six or seven weeks at a time with a one week break. Word is spreading rapidly about this wellness program and centers are lining up to be the next to offer not only these current classes but many more still to come. 2008 is bringing the likes of armchair pilates for those who need to work the core muscles but may be limited to working mainly in a chair, osteoball workouts for help in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and even introducing the senior generation to Nintendo Wii bowling games to interact with their grand kids and get back to the sport they grew up loving. In an ironic twist of fate, two of the dedicated instructors, Gerry and Marlene Strait, happen to be Essence Healthcare members. They were thrilled to partner with Essence on this new wellness program after teaching dance for decades. The Straits get so much satisfaction out of teaching the men and women new steps to swing, waltz, rhumba, cha-cha and all of the big band dances. Gerry says, "I love that men say they were dreading coming to class but now can’t wait to come back." He also enjoys the enthusiasm of the students and that they are always so positive which is a sign of a
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good class. Marlene stresses to all seniors looking for a social, fun, active life to try dance or rediscover it. She said this new program "really opens a new door to life to meet new people and laugh again." Edgar and Alice Rieffer participate in class at the Arnold Community Center and both say "it’s a fun way to get exercise and meet new people” and although Edgar is busy rehabbing houses he said he enjoys rediscovering his youth and taking time to laugh. Alice said it is a major bonus that "their teachers (the Straits) are wonderful instructors. To find out more about Essence of Life, classes currently underway and those forming in 2008, call 314-851-3600 or log on to www.essencehealthcare.com ■
with Monica Adams Why is it so important for seniors to exercise and what types of exercise should they be doing and which should they avoid? Women over the age of 60 who exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week have the heart, lungs, and muscles of a woman ten years younger. At menopause, bone density begins to drop sharply if hormone replacement therapy is not administered. Lack of exercise, in addition to not eating enough dietary calcium, may be an important promoter of bone loss. Women who are well past the age of menopause may be able to increase their bone mass through weight-bearing exercise. Exercise will help you maintain your weight as your metabolism slows. This can help you avoid developing diabetes and heart disease. Increased circulation can help your digestive system stay healthy and keep your immune system strong. Stretching promotes flexibility, makes movement easier, and decreases the risk of muscle injury; strength training promotes muscle strength and builds up bones; endurance exercises strengthen the heart and improve overall fitness. The best workouts will combine all three types of exercise. Muscles in the upper and lower body can be strengthened through the use of machines, free weights, or even by using household items such as soup cans as weights. You may need to avoid "high-impact" exercises such as jogging and jumping rope because they put a large amount of strain on your muscles and joints. Good exercises to engage in are low-impact exercises including swimming, walking, and dancing. Endurance exercises should be done for 20-40 minutes at least 3 times per week. Make sure that you pay attention to warning signs such as lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Before you begin any type of exercise program, make sure you consult your doctor, especially if you are over the age of 60. S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 39
Fostering Futures A local attorney is found guilty of love would have it, the winds of change were about to blow. “I wanted to be in a position to help children,” she said. “Ideally, I would have been married and had lots of children and kept my career, but I'm a strong believer in faith and what is supposed to happen will happen.” So Alessi decided “there are enough children in this world that need to be taken care of that I didn't need to bring anymore in.” Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
It all started over a couple of Oreo DoubleStuff cookies and a glass of milk. That was the night Deborah Alessi met her son and the two have been inseparable since. Alessi, a local attorney, known for her work on behalf of children, decided four years ago to be a foster parent. “I do not like seeing what people put children through,” she said. “I thought I would be a good, safe home for children who had been sexually abused.” Along with having an enormous wellspring of knowledge of the legal system, Alessi had lived alone. She figured that would take away any fear of a male influence or the rivalry of siblings. Although there weren't necessarily a lot of children who had been sexually abused who needed placed, Alessi signed up for teenagers too. She didn't sign up to adopt. But as fate
She said she saw a commercial when she was a child about child abuse. “This man pulled up to the curb and kicked this child out. I think it was an ad for orphanages or foster homes. I never forgot that.” Alessi said the commercial probably had more to do with her later desire to care for children than she realized. “It's me. It's who I am,” she said. Alessi learned a lot about herself and about kids when they started coming to live with her. “When the teenagers came to live with me I told them, 'I'm not going to change you. I'm going to take care of you. I want to show you there is a different way and a world of possibilities open to you for your life.' That's what kept me sane.” She said she never had many problems with the teens she fostered and for a long-time criminal lawyer, the discipline came relatively easy. “I'm scarier than any of them, trust me.”
Alessi was required to take a nine-week program through the Missouri Children's Division of Social Services which entailed three hours of class time a week to become a foster parent. Another four-week program was required for adoption. Upon receiving a child, a foster parent is responsible, with the state's financial assistance, to provide for the child's immediate needs, Alessi said. “Some children need to get to the doctor immediately. You don't know if they are going to be with you for one day or one year. You try to comfort the child as much as possible, because they're scared and don't know what's going on.” A year after she became a foster parent things changed for Deborah. After caring for several children, Alessi received a phone call at 2 am asking if she could accept a 9year-old boy. After taking in teenagers for a year, Alessi said, “I thought, 'Oh what a nice break to have a sweet child'.” Alessi and Jonathan “bonded over DoubleStuff Oreo cookies and milk,” she said. When she tucked him into bed, she told him not to worry, that she would change the “girly” décor of the room. She had had a teenage girl living there prior to Jonathan's visit. She also made another promise. “He said, 'I'm only worried I won't see my grandma'. I said, 'Don't worry. I will make sure you see your grandma'.” As it turned out, Jonathan's grandma was in Hospice Care in Florida. But Alessi made good on her word. “I kept my promise. I took him to Florida to see his grandma. At that time, we had only been together two months. But I knew it would have an effect continued on page 45...
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SEASONAL HUNT
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Brian Scheidegger remembers sitting in a tree stand with his dad, Jerry, with a rope tied around his waist. He was five. “I remember tagging along with him and I just grew into it from there.”
Hunting is for Brian a time to socialize and unwind. “I like spending time with my father, learning different things, shooting guns and rifles and becoming more comfortable with him. It's just nice traveling with different people and sharing with them. It's great to get to know someone outside of work or family.” It's also a great time for a guy and his dog. “I love watching my dog work when she's hunting water fowl.” Brian's dog, Auggie, was trained by Bret Kibbler Kennel.
Like his dad, Brian grew into an avid hunter. Today the construction disbursing manager for Land America has some 20 mounts in his own home. Brian graduated from the deer, turkey, pheasant, duck and goose hunting he did on his father's property in Warren County to caribou and moose in Canada, elk and mule in Colorado and hogs in southern Texas. Brian said hunting is just part of the natural cycle of things. “I eat what I shoot for the most part. It brings a different eating experience.” Besides the traditional gaming fare, Brian has eaten rattlesnake and reluctantly “Rocky Mountain Oysters” which are actually certain parts of a male sheep's anatomy that shall remain nameless for the purposes of this article. The “oysters” are a specialty dish at Frank Day's Bar in Dallas, South Dakota. Jerry has been visiting Frank Day's bar for over 30 years. Brian said he goes with about 25 other guys from St. Charles every year to hunt pheasant and Javlinas. “I always kid my dad that he should run for mayor of the town,” Brian said. If nothing else the trips have given Brian a “new respect for rattle snakes. You learn to pay attention and listen for the rattle.” People in the area catch the snakes and sell them, he said. 44 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E
Spending time in the wild is a feast for the eyes as well as the senses, Brian said. “When you're hunting, you get to see different wildlife—ground hogs, bobcats, coyotes—and how they act in their surroundings. You're just an observer of it all.” Brian often brings a bit of the hunt back for his home. His mounts include a bobcat, coyote, javelina, porcupine, jackolope, caribou, elk, mule, deer, grouse and sets of ducks and pheasants. Along with a guide, Brian gutted and cleaned the caribou he shot in Canada. During the process, the skin is removed or “caped out” and the antlers and skull bone are removed. The parts, including the hide, are loaded onto a four-wheeler. The meat is shipped to the processing plant and the skin, antlers and skulls are shipped to the taxidermist. The taxidermist inserts foam heads and bodies and completes the mounting process.
Next Stop: Safari
Not that the javelina or Rocky Mountain Oysters are not holding his attention, but Brian said he hopes his next big hunt will be a safari. ■
Fostering Futures, continued from page 40
on him for the rest of his life. I had the means to do something about it, so I did.” She also took Jonathan and his cousin to Disney World. Soon after, Alessi was asked if she wanted to adopt Jonathan. “I knew right away that I wanted to say yes. But I wanted to do the responsible thing and think about it, so I did. I talked to Jonathan and he said yes.” That was two years ago. Alessi said the two became a “forever family.” “I slowly explained that I am mom and that I am the responsible one,” she said. It didn't take Jonathan long to catch on to that one. Before long, he was calling her mom and trusting her with his care--so much so that he's already asking for a brother or sister. “Now we have a house full of love,” Alessi said. “He has asked me to continue fostering and he has asked me to bring in a brother or sister. I said, 'You wouldn't get as much attention.' He said, 'I get enough attention'.” Alessi said she couldn't have become a mom without the help of her sister, Lisa Alessi and her whole family for that matter. Jonathan is a very charming, very tall 6th grader at Barnwell Middle School. He loves baseball and science and is a very “happy and appreciative child that likes to give and do for others,” Alessi said. He has big dreams too, she said. “After career day at school he came home and said he was going to Harvard and wanted to become a brain surgeon. That's OK. He can reach for the stars and it's OK if he lands on the moon.” When it came time to choose his name, Alessi said Jonathan chose to keep his given name and add Alessi. Today he is Jonathan Fitchett Alessi. Deborah said she would “strongly recommend” becoming a foster parent, but cautions everyone to examine their reasons. “You should not go in with a preconceived notion that you want to fulfill yourself. You go in with, 'I want to care for a child,' and make a difference and what ends up happening is you fulfill yourself.” She said she doesn't think about having a child biologically much anymore. “I always think I'll stand at the Pearly Gates and ask God, 'Why didn't I have a child?' And He'll say, 'What else do you want? I gave you the perfect child and you even got to try him out first'.” ■
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YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE
Dynamic Duos Scott & Lori Kohrs Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Ask Scott and Lori Kohrs, independently “what is the single most important thing that makes a successful marriage” and this is what they'll tell you: “The thing we put first in our life is our faith,” Lori Kohrs said. “It crosses over everything in our lives. We feel the Lord brought us together and He directs everything in our lives.” A different day, without Lori present, Scott Kohrs answered. “We have really stayed focused on each other and our kids. But more than anything, it's been our faith. If you don't share a belief system, it makes it really hard.” Scott and Lori met in 1985 at William Jewel College in Kansas City—he a freshman and she a sophomore. His fraternity and her sorority were partnering for a skit following Winter break. She was majoring in psychology and religion. He was majoring in public relations and business. “They say I robbed the cradle,” Lori said. Scott said he knew Lori would be his wife when he had to leave her to do a semesterlong study in Grantham, England. “I knew she was the one for me,” he said. “But I wasn't going to tell her right away. That girl wrote me a letter every single day for four months. My classmates were green with envy.” The two married in Springfield, Lori's hometown, in June of 1988. They moved to St. Charles in 1989 so that Scott could join his dad in the family business—Mid Towne IGA. Scott was born in Cocoa Beach, FL when his dad, Roy Kohrs was working for McDonnell-Douglas. “Dad worked with the original seven astronauts in Florida,”
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Scott said. “He was in the weights and measurements aspect. His job was to position the astronauts in the capsule so that their weight was evenly distributed.” Scott's dad, along with a partner, opened Mid Towne IGA in 1984. Roy and his father-in-law, Ernie Hedges, were the Hedges side of Hedges & Hafer grocery stores in the 1960's and 1970's. Today, Scott heads up the wellknown grocery market. “I am the president but we don't put a lot of stock in titles. I'm more on the operations and financial side of it.” Scott and his sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Bob Dampier, run Midtowne IGA at 317 Hawthorne in St. Charles. Scott and Lori have three children, Bailey, 15, a freshman at St. Charles High School; Sam, 11, a sixth-grader at Emmanuel Lutheran School; and Joe, 5, a preschooler at Emmanuel Lutheran School. Lori has worked at United Services in St. Peters for nine years. She is the marketing director and handles event planning and communications for the school for developmentally disabled kids. The Kohrs are both Rotarians. Scott is president of the board of directors for the St. Charles County YMCA. Lori is the president of the Emmanuel Lutheran School Board. But the two say they juggle work, both charitable and profitable, and home by putting the latter first. “Our family comes first. If something takes away rather than enhances it, we don't do it,” Lori said. For example, Scott has coached basketball for all three of his children at one time or another. And they both teach seventh and eighth grade Sunday School at Emmanuel Lutheran. “We feel that helps in our faith walk,” Lori said. “It enhances our family.”
Lori admits the demands can be overwhelming, but prioritizing makes it doable. “Before we commit we talk to each other about it. We say, 'Can we handle this?',” Lori said. “It's important to be at home. When you're balancing five schedules, it's hard. It can be overwhelming. Every cause is worthy. You just put your heart where you can.” All of the Kohr's have been in the Emmanuel Lutheran Boar's Head production at Christmastime, save for family dog, Murphy. Scott and Lori played Joseph and Mary at one time. “It was amazing imagining myself holding the baby Jesus. That was great,” Lori said. Scott said Lori's grandfather, Amos Christian, a Baptist minister, influenced the couple a great deal in their faith and marriage. Christian died shortly after he married the two in 1988. Scott said “a willingness to do whatever it takes” to keep a family together and on the right track spiritually and otherwise has helped he and Lori find success in marriage. “We are definitely a couple who has changed with the times. Thirty years ago, the moms took care of everything. Luckily, I have flexibility with my job to help out. A lot of couples just don't have those options anymore.” ■
Lunch at the Lustron Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Brea McAnally
A little known relic sits along North 6th Street in St. Charles. It hearkens visitors back to the post-WWII era when housing was in short supply and families were reuniting after a long and painful battle far from the home front. Number 403 South 6th Street is one of only 2,500 Lustron homes that were manufactured and sent rolling to their final resting places in 32 states across America in the late 1940's. But like Ford's Edsel or the New Coke, the all-enameled-steel Lustron home was a marketing idea for cheap housing that never saw its heyday. Nevertheless, two St. Charles residents find the Lustron amazing nearly 60 years later. Three years ago, Wayne and Peggy Brinker purchased one of the only Lustron homes remaining in the St. Louis area—Model 2. “We didn't know much about it,” Peggy Brinker said. “My husband called it the Luster house. We had driven by it so many times. For 12 years, the curiosity kept mounting and the house kept looking worse. We thought it was unusual that a metal house sat in the middle of a neighborhood full of big civil war homes.” Then the day came when Peggy got a phone call from her husband saying the strange little metal house was for sale. “He said, 'Get over here. That shiny house is for sale',” Peggy said. “We didn't know what we were going to do with it. We just needed it.” The Brinkers and the owners settled on the price of $75,000 in less than 15 minutes, Peggy said. The owners had wanted $79,000. Peggy went on to write the two
owners two separate checks as earnest money. “We went to bed that night and we were so excited. And then it dawned on us. We were from St. Charles. We were so used to doing everything on a handshake. We didn't even know if these men actually owned the house.” The men did, in fact, own the house. And the Brinkers were, in fact, the new owners. At first Peggy considered making the little house into a bed and breakfast. But as the two labored on cleaning and restoring the house, she realized there was no way she could trust her new treasure to strangers. And thus, “Lunch at the Lustron” was born-Peggy's answer to meeting space for small social clubs in St. Charles. The house, now finished and fully furnished serves as a quirky yet unique backdrop for everyone from quilters to Red Hat Ladies. Lustrons were born of the need for lots of housing following the end of World War II. The first Lustron home rolled off the assembly line in March of 1948 in Columbus, Ohio, the product of Carl Gunnard Strandlund's dream of affordable, quality housing. Before coming up with the Lustron, Strandlund, an executive with the Chicago Vitreous Metal Enamel Co., had made enameled metal panels for Esso gas stations and White Castle hamburger stands. Vitreous had perfected the technique of baking porcelain enamel onto steel. In 1946, Strandlund took the enameled metal idea to housing for returning veterans, government workers and middleclass families through the Lustron Corp.-named for the steel's lustrous finish. The federal government subsidized his venture
with $37 million in loans and an idle aircraft plant in Columbus. By 1949, the company employed more than 3,000 people. Ads of the time touted the Lustron as “the house America has been waiting for,” “a new standard for living,” and “a home of cheerful convenience,” with mom in high heels hosing down the exterior and dad smoking a pipe with his feet up. People were fascinated by Lustrons, which were virtually maintenance-free. They were termite-free and vermin-proof and required magnets to hang pictures on the walls. The homes also came with a dishwasher-clotheswasher-inone that required merely a switching out of tubs—a fact that wooed many homemakers of the day. The one-story Lustrons featured built-in cabinetry and appliances. Some 20 percent of the homes' wall space was for storage. Flatbed trucks delivered the homes to their future sites, where the exterior and interior enameled-steel panels were affixed to a steel skeleton set into a concrete slab foundation. The Lustron came in four exterior colors— “surf blue,” “dove gray,” “maize yellow,” and “desert tan.” In the end, the company filled only 2,680 of the more than 20,000 orders it received. Real estate professionals and fiscal conservatives saw more problems with the Lustron than they thought it was worth, including difficulties for builders and code enforcement issues. Strandlund filed for bankruptcy in 1950. “To me it's a proud house. It's standing there overbuilt. That's one of the reasons why the company did not last,” Peggy said. “It took so much to build it. It has quality. We both are pretty peppy, so this gives me something to be in charge of. It pays its own bills.” ■
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with
Ann Hazelwood
What was the most romantic gift you have ever received? Gail Zumwalt | Owner—Stitches, etc. A porcelain angel that represented a memory I had shared with the person who gave it to me. Kelli Black | Senior Project Manager Portfolio Analyst—Enterprise A wonderful stack of gift certificates from stores on Main Street. They were for a dollar amount, plus 33 cents, which represented by birthday.
The Lindenwood Model A blueprint for higher education
Ruth Murphy | Author and Owner— Rustic Roots A 1029 model Sedan from my husband, which had an etched window that read "Ruth's Mink" surrounded by a cluster of roses. Brian Bredensteiner | Bredensteiner and Associates A globe from my wife which had engraved, "you mean the world to me." Tom Kuyper | Retired engineer— Boeing Years ago when I was in Hong Kong, I saw a great Alexanderite I admired. I always wished I had one, and in 2006, my wife presented me one as a gift. Linda Rosenbloom | Housewife A diamond necklace, which was a surprise from a joking remark.
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Edward L. Morris is on his second career. Or is it his third? The doctor of finance and economics and dean of the Management Division of Lindenwood University started a second career after spending more than 30 years as an investment banker. He was good at it. But he's equally good at teaching. “I love my second career,” he said. “Sometimes I wish it had been my first career.” His students agree. Morris was voted Professor of the Year by the Lindenwood Student Government Association in 2007. “It's very invigorating to me being with young people. It's fun and very fulfilling.” Along with his students, Morris advised each of his four children to choose a career they enjoy. “If you truly enjoy what you're
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doing, you tend to do it pretty well,” he said. They listened. Two are in the investment business, one a broker and the other an investment banker. Another of his children is a teacher and yet another a travel executive. Anyone who has studied under Morris knows he is no ordinary educator. It isn't out of the ordinary for Morris to accompany his students to stock exchanges, investment firms and banks. He considers it “outside of the text book approach” when he takes them on a tour of the institutions in Chicago every January. He also brings in guest speakers to “give students the flavor” of what they do. Three years ago, Morris had an idea for what would become his third, and doubtfully last career—as an author. “I came here to Lindenwood and it changed a lot my preconceptions about higher education. It was the way the school was
managed, its efficiency. It was the way they were able to provide a high quality private education. It was different from anything I had ever seen before.” Morris said Lindenwood has a lot to thank the late Dennis Spellman for. The former Lindenwood University president “set the model and the results are pretty evident,” he said. Spellman bartered for education, bringing in students of farmers and trading their parent’s beef for the cafeteria for tuition. In short, if a student wanted to attend Lindenwood, Spellman made a way for it to happen. During his tenure, Spellman grew the then nearly-bankrupt college into the thriving university it is today. Spellman would not live to see Morris' book “The Lindenwood Model: An Antidote for What Ails Undergraduate Education.” The book came out in the summer of 2007. Available at Barnes and Noble and Borders as well as on Amazon.com, the book's audience is “anybody involved in higher education” from professors to administrators to students to parents or even trustees of colleges or universities, he said. The Lindenwood Model asserts that “higher education is on a collision course with reality” and that “Lindenwood University—one of the 'small institutions in the hinterlands'--may provide valuable lessons for bringing academia back to reality.” Morris states in his introduction, “Undergraduate students at most U.S. colleges and universities are being shortchanged. By any measure, the cost of a traditional four-year program has become wildly expensive. At the same time, informed observers with a stake in the outcome—parents, employers and educators themselves—are increasingly skeptical of the quality of the degrees students are receiving. A disconnect between the costs and benefits appears to be growing unabated on the nation's campuses. Because no industry or
institution can operate over the long term without providing value commensurate with price, higher education, with its everaccelerating costs and falling standards, appears headed for a crisis. And of course, education is not just another 'industry.' A deterioration in its vitality and effectiveness carries broad implications for the economy and society generally.” Morris concludes that probing questions for college presidents and chancellors asked by competent trustees “would go a long way toward fixing what's wrong with higher education.” He says state schools should be held accountable to tax payers. He sites the size of the University of Missouri at St. Louis' “vastly larger” management structure” compared to Lindenwood's, although the number of students are similar. “There is a major difference between the cost of an education in the University of Missouri and that at Lindenwood—and the consequences to the Missouri taxpayer are profound. Lindenwood, with no taxpayer subsidy, with no debt, and with only a modest endowment, is very often able to to offer students an out-of-pocket schedule of tuition and fees competitive with those they would pay at UMSL, an institution subsidized by Missouri taxpayers at a rate of over $6,000 per student.” Morris charges “U.S., News,” “with its preeminence in ranking higher education” with enhancing American undergraduate education by adding to its list of the best national universities and its list of the best liberal arts colleges, “a third list: the colleges and universities that are the most effective in educating their students.” He goes on to tell them just how to compile such a list. Morris says donors should also be reformers. He asserts they should behave like stock holders and encourages them to use their “influence and economic leverage” by “voting with their checkbook” to improve higher education. ■
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
Lawyer, judge, legislator, author and now St. Charles County Executive. Steve Ehlmann has worn a lot of hats in his decades-long career between the current and former Missouri state capitols. At a crossroads in his career, three years ago Ehlmann, made his debut as an author with his book: Crossroads, A History of St. Charles. A consummate history buff, Ehlmann earned a masters degree in history from the University of Missouri Columbia and taught history for seven years. Ehlmann, a life-long St. Charles resident, said he learned a lot of the history of St. Charles from another lawyer he shared office space with in the 1990's, H.K. Kriete Stumberg. “His family had been around a long time,” Ehlmann said. “They were German. His great grandfather was one of the founders of Emmanuel Lutheran and was a surgeon during the Civil War and also a state representative. His father was a doctor. He lived through a lot of (history) and the rest he heard around the dinner table. He really got me interested in local history.” Ehlmann dedicated his book to Stumberg.
Steve Ehlmann History buff turned l a w y e r, t u r n e d l e g i s l a t o r, t u r n e d l e a d e r
Elected St. Charles County Executive in November 2006, Ehlmann took office January 1, 2007. The election put Ehlmann's public service in a unique perspective. He has now been elected to serve in all three branches of government in Missouri. He was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 1988 to 1992 for the 19th District in the city of St. Charles and the Missouri Senate from 1993 to 2000 for the 23rd District--the northern two-thirds of St. Charles County--where he served two terms as Republican Floor Leader. Ehlmann also served as associate circuit judge from 2001 to 2003 and circuit judge for 2003 during the 11th Circuit Court. Ehlmann does have plans for another book—more of a second edition and update of the first book—that will cover St. Charles history from 1985 to the present. He said friends and strangers alike continue to send
him material for inclusion in the book. He said he stopped analyzing the how and why of political and social decisions in history from 1980 in his book, since he was part of most of those decisions beginning around that time. “It's difficult to be analytical” when you've lived it, he said. “It's hard to tell the truth and it's hard to criticize your friends.” Ehlmann's paternal grandparents lived on Jefferson Street right next to what used to be the only public library in St. Charles. The building belonged to Kathryn Linneman, for whom the St. Charles library was named. “In 1918, there was no public library. She went around to all of her friends and got all the books they would give her and established a library. She singlehandedly founded the library. It's where the SSM St. Joseph parking garage sits today.” Ehlmann spent a lot of time at his grandparents and at Linneman's makeshift library. He said it's where his love of books and history began. “There was not a lot of money,” he said. “And on the weekends, that's what we did. We went to visit our grandparents. We would go next door to the library. Kathryn Linneman read to us. She would pick us out books, so I just developed this appreciation for books and reading.” Ehlmann grew up on Hawthorn where his mother still lives today, and it's where he lived when he was the second highest leading scorer in the history of St. Charles High School. His brother Tom was third. Today, both of Ehlmann's sons play basketball, Brendan, 16, and Will, 13.
minority. It's difficult to change things. I enjoyed the competition and the debate. That's what I didn't like about being a judge.” Getting to know and working with people throughout the region is an aspect of the county executive position Ehlmann enjoys. He said his predecessor, Joe Ortwerth, paved the way for much of the professional reputation St. Charles County now enjoys. “Joe and I served together in the legislature. We share a lot of philosophies about government. There is a lot of continuity also.” Before Orthwerth, St. Charles County was simply not seen in the same light as it is today, Ehlmann said. St. Charles County is edging closer to the same population as St. Louis as well. “St. Charles County really is an important player especially from an economic standpoint. (In years past) people talked about regionalism but what it meant was St. Louis City and County made all the decisions and everybody else went along. Now they realize that we are a real regional player as far as the decision making process is concerned. That's a real testament to the politicians and business people of St. Charles County, that we're accepted as a co-player.” During his tenure as county executive Ehlmann wants to find more space for high tech companies locating in St. Charles County. “The High Tech Corridor is getting full,” he said. “We need to identify additional areas and we need to keep them open for high tech development.
Mastercard came here because there was not 125 acres open for them in St. Louis County. If we keep on there may not be 125 acres for another company like that. Those are jobs everyone wants.” Transportation issues continue to challenge the powers that be in and around St. Charles County, Ehlmann said. He's concerned about the Missouri Department of Transportation's running out of money for new projects by 2009 without funding the third phase of the Page Avenue Extension Project. “The bond bills have come due and the money is being spent on bonds and maintenance,” he said. “We've got to finish Page.” Ehlmann is a member of Rotary International and past board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Charles County, Lindenwood University, Crider Center for Mental Health, Habitat for Humanity, Friends for the Missouri Archives, St. Charles County Economic Development Center and Tri-County United Way. He has been given the Defender of Life Award from Missouri Right to Life; the Missouri Sunshine Award from the Missouri Press Association, the Voice of Missouri Business Award from the Associated Industries of Missouri; the Heroes Award from Crider Center for Mental Health and the Sibley Medallion from Lindenwood University. All in all St. Charles County's second elected executive has his work cut out for him. But he insists with a great team and new challenges to meet every day, he's up for his shot. ■
Ehlmann met his wife, Jean, at the Classic Car and Carriage restaurant off Highway 94 that no longer exists. She teaches history at St. Charles High School. “I was in law school at the time we met,” he said. “I was dead broke and she still liked me.” Ehlmann said of all of his positions, being the St. Charles County Executive is his favorite. “I think I have the potential for making a difference and actually improving things here,” he said. “The (Missouri) Senate was the most fun, but I was one of 34 people and at the time I was in the Cabinet Members with Steve Ehlmann: Chuck Gross, Director of Administration, Don Boehmer, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Anne Klein, Director of Policy Development
One For the Money... Two For The Less Fortunate
YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE
Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
ago. “I still stand by our evidence,” Beeny said.
Elvis has left St. Charles County, or at least his most famous makeshift museum has. Bill Beeny, a Baptist minister and wellknown Elvis Presley sensationalist, sold the contents of his “Elvis Is Alive Museum” in Wright City on e-Bay November 8, 2007 for a mere $8,300 to Andrew Key in Laurel, MS.
Beeny said he obtained the sliver of Elvis' kidney from a physician who owned materials left to him by another physician who performed the biopsy. That sample, along with a sample of the DNA from the body that is buried in Elvis' grave were tested by a North Carolina lab who confirmed they were not from the same person, Beeny said. The Elvis Is Alive Museum was the only museum in the world that obtained Elvis' DNA when he was alive and that of the cadaver buried in Elvis' grave, Beeny said. Beeny wrote two books on his assertion that The King is not dead.
The museum was for 17 years a staple of the Wright City landscape with its 16-foot-high wooden statue of Elvis in his famed white Vegas jumpsuit, visible from Interstate 70. Beeny said the collection--which included the rights to two books he’s written about Elvis, a casket with an Elvis look-alike mannequin, 3,500 pages of FBI files on Elvis' activities with the agency and a replica of Elvis' supposed grave site--were worth many times that, but it was time to let go. Beeny has been on a quest for at least three decades to prove that the man buried in Memphis is not Elvis Presley. Beeny, 81, a self-declared segregationist who led right-wing organizations in St. Louis during the 1960's wants to use the 4,000square-foot museum building and the e-bay earnings to open a charitable mission and food pantry for the elderly, single mothers and teens. “I will probably do this for the next 20 or 25 years and then figure out what I will do with the rest of my life,” Beeny quipped. The King was a charitable person himself, Beeny said, adding that he would be pleased with Beeny's new use of the building. “I liked Elvis because I felt he was a Christian. He was a very generous man. I could talk for hours about things he gave away. When he was drafted, they gave him the choice of not doing grunt work. He said he would go in like the rest of the guys. I thought that was commendable.” Perhaps the most notable and distinguishing part of the sale is what Beeny claims is the single most critical bit of evidence that Elvis Presley is still alive. It is a piece of The King's DNA, taken from a kidney biopsy performed over thirty years
Beeny said he also obtained an autopsy report of the individual in Elvis' grave. “That cadaver could not have been Elvis,” he said. “That person had had open heart surgery and had been an MS patient.” Beeny said Elvis may have faked his own death to avoid being targeted by the Mob. Contained in the 3,500 pages of FBI files Beeny sold on e-bay, he said, is evidence that Elvis Presley was a DEA agent and FBI undercover operative. “People thought that was just an honorary thing by Nixon,” Beeny said. “But that was a sting operation called Operation Fountain Pen over the Mob in Miami. It was the biggest operation in the 1970's decade. They wanted to sell Elvis' airplane for $1.25 million to seven mobsters who went to John Gotti. Elvis' cover was blown and he started getting death threats.”
City drawing hundreds of campers during the summers of the early 1960's. The site states Beeny was pastor at the New Testament Baptist Church and St. Louis Baptist Temple, also during the 1960's. In one of many unsuccessful bids at public office, he ran for Missouri Lieutenant Governor as a democrat in 1968. He also conducted political and religious radio broadcasts from a station in Alton, IL and later Denver, CO. Beeny contends he is as sane as the next guy and stands by his evidence as well as his word. “I'm not out here on a limb by myself,” he said. “Seven percent of Americans believe Elvis is alive.” Elvis could be anywhere now, Beeny said, as no one knows what he would look like thirty years after his supposed death. “He could probably come in here and we wouldn't know it. We don't think of Elvis as being an elderly man.” Wherever he is, at last check The King was still making money. Forbes.com lists Presley as the top-earning dead celebrity in 2007, with earnings of $49 million. “I really think it's Elvis' way of winking at the world,” Beeny said. Elvis would have been 72 last month. ■
Reporters from all over the world contacted Beeny about the sale of his memorabilia, he said, adding that he had received phone calls from the New York Times, the London Times and the Associated Press. Thousands of media outlets around the world have covered Beeny's quest since the beginning. A search of Bill Beeny on Wikipedia.com lists the minister as being born September 1, 1926 in Madisonville, KY. The free Internet encyclopedia states that in the 1950's and 1960's Beeny led anticommunist campaigns and national efforts against civil rights. He later operated an “anti-communist” youth ranch in Wright
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A Taste of Broadway November 17 | This Broadway dinner show was held at St. Charles High School and featured Broadway musicals performed by choir students directed by Carolie Owens, the Jazz band, orchestra and the PIrate Tap team. Ms. Owens’ son Jason, who is a graduate of St. Charles High, Truman University and the New England Culinary Institute was the evening’s guest chef. Fabulous food and fabulous entertainment made for a wonderful evening at St. Charles High.
Photography by Michael Schlueter/Brea McAnally
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SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Mom & Me and The Nutcracker Tea November 18 | The Foundry Art Centre sponsored this holiday season afternoon tea. It featured an elegant tea party in the “land of sweets� with excerpts from the Nutcracker ballet. This sold out event delighted generations of mothers and daughters alike. Look for this wonderful tea party again during the holiday season in 2008!
Photography by Katie Brown
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Willow’s Way Chili Cookoff October 25 | The 7th Annual Kettles and Kegs chili cookoff was held at Ameristar Casino’s new conference center. The event included a chili cookoff, beer, wine and oral and silent auctions with live music by Blues Racket, all benefitting Willow’s Way. Willow’s Way provides personalized supprt to individuals with challenges, promoting dignity while fostering independance, growth and life choices within the community. www.willowsway.org
Photography by Michael Schlueter
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SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Birthright Fashion Show November 13 | Friends of Birthright held a winter fashion show featuring models walking the catwalk in fashions from Michelle’s clothing store. As Heidi Klum says on Project Runway “In the fashion world, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out!” You’re never “out” with fashions from Michelles, and certainly not when monies raised at this fashion show go to a good cause.
Photography by Michael Schlueter/Brea McAnally
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CELEBRITY FOCUS
Trading Tips for Laughs Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter
She's a little bitter about the whole “Noah's Ark coming down thing,” but as long as St. Charles keeps Ameristar, Kathleen Madigan's happy. “I am very, very, very sad they have taken down Noah's Ark,” the comedienne and St. Louis native said in a telephone interview from her home in Los Angeles. “As a child, the place was like Caesar's Palace. I said, 'That's the one thing that's been in St. Charles forever. Don't destroy that.' But they do have the casino, and I love to gamble, so I'll be OK.” One of the most popular and sought after headliners in the country right now, and an American Comedy Award winner for Best Female Stand-up, Madigan resonates with a broad base of fans and packs theaters from Nevada to North Carolina. She visited St. Charles, and more specifically Ameristar, in November 2007. Billboard Magazine's David Jeffries calls Madigan's latest major-label debut “In Other Words” “witty and wonderful...that's just too short.” “There's edgy material underneath her every-women delivery as Madigan skewers both George W. Bush and Ted Kennedy,” Jeffries wrote. “Effortlessly transitioning from one topic to the next, the album flies by in what seems like a lot less than the 47 minutes it is, which makes minor complaint number one that the listener is left wanting more, much more.” With a journalism degree from Southern Illinois University, Madigan said she never thought she would end up cracking jokes. A chance visit to Westport's familiar Funny Bone Comedy Club in 1988, set the then 23-year-old waitress and barkeep to thinking. “I said, 'I could be funnier than that.' A lot of those people were
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really, really bad.” So Madigan went home and prepared a fiveminute routine and returned to the club for “Open Mike Night” the following week. And as it turned out, she was funnier than them.
challenge when she tried to come up with her screen name. “She took all the screen names. I got on AOL and went through Kmad, Katmad, you name it. She took them all.”
She said she has been asked a million times about her material for that night. “All I remember was that the Olympics were on and Shirley MacLaine had just finished her book 'Out on a Limb'. I think I talked about that, but I really don't remember.”
Madigan said her waitressing and bartending years paid off when she had to stand up in front of audiences. “You kind of have to get over approaching strangers when you're waiting tables. I guess I was a little nervous the first time I was on Letterman, though.”
Madigan said surprisingly, her own comedy idols are “the people that sucked, because it made me think I could do it better. If you go and see Roseanne or George Carlin, it doesn't give you a lot of confidence.”
She's never worried about stage fright or hecklers. “I thought, 'There's no way a heckler could beat me.' What they always forget is that I have a mike and they don't. I could sing and trump them.”
Now that she is a comedienne, she said she loves to hear comedy from “very strong personalities. I like the 'I've had it lady' Wanda Sikes, the 'pseudo-angry guy' Lewis Black and the 'crazy, neurotic' Gary Shandling. Most of the comedians I like have very strong personalities. It doesn't matter what they're talking about, I want to listen.”
Madigan has been on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno ten times. She's been on Late Nite with David Letterman five. Conan O'Brien has hosted her, as has Dennis Miller. E!, VH1, Style TV, “Hollywood Squares”, the “Best Damn Sports Show” on Fox, “Comedy Central” and ESPN2 have all featured Madigan, along with HBO, ABC, FX, FOX and PBS. She's also appeared in Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia and England. She most recently served as a talent scout on NBC's “Last Comic Standing” and is the host of her own weekly show on Sirius Radio Networks, “The Kathleen Madigan Show. And, interestingly, she is the only 5'2” MidMissouri Hoop Shoot Champion in recorded history.
Madigan said her family of nine are often the butts and the beginnings of her material and her own funny side. “If you ask my dad, he'll definitely tell you it came from him,” Madigan said. “It's pretty even-Steven though. Everybody's pretty funny.” What wasn't funny, Madigan said, was her parents naming her younger sister Catherine, who often goes by “Kate”. Madigan said she confronted her father about it. “I had to ask, “Was I not living up to your expectations for the name?' But he says Catherine and Kathleen are totally different names. I tell him, 'You're the only person in 40 years who thought that. But that's the story he's sticking to.” Madigan said the name thing posed a
Madigan said her material stems from the “ridiculous within” reality. She doesn't like to insult people, as she hates confrontation and she can't stand comedians who try to speak over their audiences with their intellectual prowess. “I'll never be the offensive comic nor will I be the smartest one. Why would you choose to alienate people?”
She said family, current events, pop culture, television and human nature all influence her work. It's all of those topics but it's the ridiculous and absurd within those topics. My dad always said that sarcasm is the highest form of flattery. He's right. It's hard to joke about someone who is bland. If they have strong personalities, they are easily identifiable and easily mockable. I don't sit down at my computer and write jokes, I go about my day and I wait for something to fly into my head.” Although Madigan has now been recruited as a scout for “Last Comic Standing,” she didn't win the show when she competed. “I made it to the final and that was a good thing, because 10 million people a week watch that show. Even Letterman and the Tonight Show doesn't have that many viewers.” Madigan said she isn't really into reality television, but will watch if there is “skill involved. I only watch one when there is actual talent involved. Like with 'Survivor', you just have to be mean and eat rats. There's no skill involved. You just have to be an asshole. But 'Project Runway,' now that takes skill. I can't even hem my pants.” Madigan said she loves her work and can't see herself ever doing anything else. “I am so lucky I stumbled into a job that doesn't start till 8 o'clock at night. When I'm on the road, I do get up early to do radio interviews, but I get to take a nap afterward. I couldn't stand the whole 9-to-5-twoweeks-vacation-a-year thing. That's terrible for all Americans. Two weeks. That's insane. All Americans should get at least three weeks of vacation a year. All of Europe takes off August, don't they?” ■
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Community Living Gala Honoring Mary West November 3 | Community Living, a not-for-profit agency in St. Charles County that provides life enriching services for people with disabilities was pleased to honor Mary West as the recipient of it’s 2007 Legacy Award at it’s 8th annual Legacy Ball. This year’s Ball broke records... over $66,000 was raised to benefit it’s programs and benefits for those with disabilities.
More Movers & Shakers!
Photography by Michael Schlueter
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SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Movers & Shakers 2007 December 16 | Movers & Shakers dressed to impress at Grappa Grill on December 16th. They enjoyed a fabulous buffet, drinks and entertainment, and were hosted by Hal Bartch, Tom Chamberlain, Jerry Scheidegger, Gary Shaw and Greg Whittaker. As they celebrated the past year’s successes, they networked and shared the visions that will help make St. Charles the best place to live, work and play in 2008 and beyond.
Photography by Michael Schlueter/Brea McAnally
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FEBRURARY
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| Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri Astronomy Discussions | Weldon Spring Interpretive Center Contact: James M. Roe (636) 358-8414 Alliance for Astronomy, Inc.- Event Sponsor | Daddy’s Little Sweetheart | Ages 3-12 Progress Park Price: $45.00 Resident couple, $55 Non Resident couple Contact Amy Hays (636) 332-9236 www.wentzville.org
Calendar of Events
| Fifth Annual Polar Beer Plunge | Price: $50 to plunge, FREE to watch Location: Lake Saint Louis Community Assn. Clubhouse. Benefits Special Olympics | A Ruby Affair Dinner Auction | Gala Dinner/Auction raising funds for Family Support Services, a charity which provides quality recreational, respite and education programs for developmentally disabled children and their families. Column’s Banquet & Confrence Center Contact: Lynnette (636) 922-5551. $75.00 a person www.familysupportservices.org
MARCH
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BOOK CLUB
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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks Available at Main Street Books 307 South Main | 636-949-0105
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| Boys & Girls Club Crystal Ball Dinner & Auction | Benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. Column’s Banquet & Confrence Center Price: $100 per person. Contact: Jeanette (636) 946-6255 X-104
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| The St. Louis Travel Show | St. Charles Convention Center March 8th and 9th 11a-7p www.StlTravelshow.com | Art of the Motorcycle | Foundry Art Centre Please call for reservations. 636-255-0270 www.foundryartcentre.org
This book, based on a real event, is by one of Main Street Book's favorite authors, the Pulitzer Prize winning Geraldine Brooks. A rare books expert is offered the job of a lifetime -- analyzing and conserving the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the earliest Jewish books to contain illuminated illustrations. The conservator discovers a series of tiny artifacts in the book's binding that begin to unlock the book's dramatic past and tell the stories of those who risked everything to pass it to future generations. This is a story that illuminates why books are so important to people and history.
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| 21st Annual Celebration of Youth | Youth In Need’s annual celbration in the Discovery Ballroom at Ameristar Casino 636-946-5600 www.youthinneed.org | Multimedia Art Invitational | Featuring a variety of art including photography, paintings, pottery, and art. Donald D . Shook fine Arts Building-SCC Campus Contact: Brian D. Smith (636) 922-8575 www.stchas.edu | Bridgeway’s 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Auction | This event benefits Bridgeway’s Domestic Violence programs and will launch a major donor giving circle called “Bridge Builders” St. Charles Convention Center $150.00 VIP Tickets, $75.00 Gen. Adm. Kathi Corbett (636) 724-8756 www.bridgewaycounseling.com | Unrefined Light Artists’ Reception | Features work that incorporates the sometimes surreal, quirky images created by plastic and other “toy” cameras. This exhibit will open with an artist’s reception on March 28 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Regular exhibit hours are Tues- Sat. 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4p.m. Joyce Rosen (636) 255-0270 www.foundryartcentre.org
APRIL
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| Tartan Day Festivities | April 4, 5 & 6 Daily exhibits and entertainment : Pipe Bands, Dancers, Athletics & more. Parade on Saturday. www.failtestcharles.com | Arbor Day Celebration | A celebration at Rotary Parkin Wentzville. Contact: Linda Ziolko (636) 332-9236 www.wentzvillemo.org | Wentzville Annual Spring CityWide Yard Sale | List your sale in the booklet that includes a map. Shoppers may pick up a booklet for $2 at Progress Park or Wentzville City Hall beginning April 3rd. Contact Linda Ziolko (636) 332-9236
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| St. Charles Jaycees Happy Hour | Must be 21 years of age to participate Call for location. Scott Tate (636) 925-1247 | St. Peters Home & Garden and Great Outdoors Show | Bring the entire family to the 15th Annual Home & Garden and the Great Outdoors Show scheduled for Saturday, April 19 and
Sunday, April 20th at the St. Peters City Centre. Sat. 10AM to 4PM; Sun. 11AM to 3PM FREE to attendees. For more info.: St. Peters Chamber 447-3336.
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| LFCS 13th Annual Family Walk | LFCS is holding its 13th Annual Family Walk in St. Charles and St. Louis this year. Location: Forest Park in St. Louis and Lutheran High School in St. Charles Price $25 (314) 787-5100 | Opal’s Husband by John Patrick | St. Peters Community and Arts Center Contact Jessie Resimius (636) 441-2508 ext. 0 www.act2theater.com $15 Adults & $12 Seniors & Students with valid ID | Annual SCC Student Juried Art Exhibition | This Juried Student Art Exhibition features art from SCC students. Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building-SCC Campus Contact: Brian Smith (636) 922-8575 | Spring Art Walk | April 25, 26 & 27 The juried ArtWalk, which is free and open to the public, will showcase 50 professional regional artists who will exhibit their work in
a dozen sites on Main Street in downtown St. Charles and in the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center. www.stcharlesriverfrontarts.com
Ongoing events: VFW Fish Fry: VFW Post 2866 | Happening weekly. Call for details. Catfish, Walleye, Crappie, Cod, Fried Chicken and Shrimp. Price $5.00 Sandwich or $7.50/plate.636-724-9612 Fourth Friday Art Walk—North Main Street | www.stcharlesriverfrontarts.com 636-949-3231 Roundtable Acoustic Guitar Jam Session | Local musicians gather at Rumples Pub and share their music. Come to play or listen. Bring your own instrument, acoustic/unplugged only. 221 North Main Street, St. Charles. (636) 949-7678 First Friday at St. Charles Elks Lodge #690 | A night of entertainment and dancing to live music at the Elks Lodge. No cover charge, families welcome. 636-447-5515 Doors open at 7pm and music 8pm featuring Dave Callier and the Full House Band. Harrah’s Casino-VooDoo Lounge Entertainment UPDATE:
VooDoo café and lounge (Must be 21 years of age) Weekend Live Bands: February 1 Hollywood Five February 2 Extremely Pointless February 8 Griffin & the Gargoyles February 9 the Real Me February 22 Bitter Pill February 23 Project 3 February 29 Paint the Earth March 1 Plastic March 7 the Real Me March 8 Extremely Pointless March 21 Kickstand March 22 Paint the Earth March 28 Glorious Blue March 29 Bitter Pill
For more information on events in our area, visit these helpful websites: → www.historicstcharles.com → www.mainstreetstcharles.com → www.historicfrenchtown.com → www.newtownatstcharles.com www.augusta-chamber.org www.stpetersmo.com
A DEAL OF FRIENDSHIP Started some fifty years ago (52 or 53 - but who’s counting?) a card group and more importantly a bond of friendship was started. The group began meeting in the evenings and as time went on they decided to make the gathering a lunch and card event. Pull up a chair and deal in for a friendly and slightly competitive game of bridge. Depending on the day and who you ask in the group, both Ruth Blessing and GiGi Schneider are the "CARD SHARKS". Lunch (and we are told all can cook), bridge, Laughs and friendship form this circle of friends. The husbands go out to lunch as a group while their wives are battling it out for first prize. The group celebrates each others anniversaries by going out to eat at a restaurant and even then manage to get a "HAND" in.
(l to r) Ruth Blessing, Marilyn Pieper, Dolly Johannesman, Nancy Erlinger, GiGi Schneider, Sissy Fleming, Gail Mundwiller, Nettie Weber. And in memory Jean Droste, may she rest in peace.
In a time when emails and cell phones are our main methods of communication, never forget that it’s good to have face to face traditions where lasting bonds are formed.
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