StreetScape Magazine Fall 2009

FALL

2009 • Where to go • Events

F a s h i o n We e k

• Fashion • Life Styles

En j o y o ur l arg e s e l e c t i o n o f B ri g h t o n ac c e s s o ri e s .

Fall 2009 2|STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

F E A T U R E S StreetScape Magazine’s X-treme 20 Award Winners - Class of 2009

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Fall 2009 21 32 44 50

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| FRUIT OF THE VINE— Defiance wineries

| AUTO ENTHUSIASTS— Show us your cars

| HIS NAME IS MAGIC

| FASHION TIPS— Fa s h i o n i s t a O l a H a w a t m e h

| TROPHY TAXIDERMY— Heads ... you loose!

60 D E P A R T M E N T S

21

4 6 10 12 16 24 28

| COMMENTARY | FEATURED ARTIST | STATE YOUR BUSINESS | DYNAMIC DUOS | EDUCATION | HISTORY

35 36 48 54 58 60

| STATE YOUR BUSINESS | A LA CARTE | TECHNOLOGY | SOCIETY | FITNESS & LIFESTYLE | FEATURED MUSIC ARTIST

| FOCUS ON YOUTH

Health Disclaimer: Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

STREET SCAPE MAGAZINE |3

BEHIND THE SCENES

C O M M E N TA RY

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Here We Go! Welcome to the twelfth edition of Streetscape Magazine.

As always, we invite you to come as our reader and stay as our friend.

TOM HANNEGAN 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 18 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 Hazelwood is an accomplished quilt author, historian, and appraiser with several titles to her credit.

MONICA ADAMS 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.

NATALIE WOODS Natalie Woods is the owner of Daisy Clover Boutique in Webster Groves. Her goal at the store is to help make women look better and feel better in clothes. She is also obsessed with getting women in the right pair of jeans.

MARY ELLEN RENAUD Mary Ellen is a seasoned Public Relations & Marketing professional. You can contact her at Universal B.P.R. (cell) 314-660-1975 renaud7207@centurytel.net.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER 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.”

EVENT PLANNER DONNA COSTELLIA

Be Thankful, Be Passionate, Life is not only good. It is GREAT!

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Donna was a tourism professional for 25 years as the Assistant Director of the St. Charles CVB. She is now an independent meeting & event planner. Contact Donna by email at donna@streetscapemag.com or 314341-2790 for your next event.

BEHIND THE SCENES ADVISORY BOARD Nancy Matheny Denice McKeown Bob Millstone Sandy Mohrmann Suzanne Matyiko Maurice Newberry Craig Norden Grace Nichols Kim Paris Toekie Purler Kathy Robertson Marc Rousseau Rocco Russo Richard Sacks Keith Schneider Bob Schuette Teri Seiler Joyce Shaw Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee Karen Vehlewald Aleece Vogt Brian Watkins Brian Wies Mary West Gail Zumwalt

Deborah Alessi Mary Banmiller Susan Berthold Nadine Boon Diane Burkemper Erica Butler Sue Casseau 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 ADVERTISING

JUDY PETERS As Sales Account Manager, Judy Peters uses her many years of PR and marketing experience to consult with businesses and organizations on the many ways StreetScape Magazine may serve their marketing needs. Contact her at 636-448-2074 or judy@streetscapemag.com.

BEVERLY GRONECK A recognized artist and educator, Beverly Groneck’s creativity and intuitive business skills are the perfect combination for your promotional needs. From idea to print to networking, your success is her focus.

Tap into this resourceful sales account manager at Bev7Streetscape@aol.com or 314.956.4182 DISTRIBUTION Call Tom Hannegan at 636-916-4386 or via email at tom@streetscapemag.com Distributed to: Chesterfield, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, New Town, O’Fallon, Weldon Spring, Wentzville, Wright City and Warrenton.

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Volume 4, Issue 3 • Fall 2009 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.

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When Life Gives You Lemons ...

FEATURED ARTISTS

Nancy Holth & Diana Weiss Authors The book was the result of the approach the two southern ladies had taken to the various lemons that life had dealt them. “We were sitting around the kitchen table one day talking about the lemons we had been dealt in life and how we had turned those lemons into lemonade,” Holth said. “So we started talking about doing a book.”

That particular day, Weiss was in no mood to make lemonade.

“My quotient of Pollyanna positivity had disappeared,” she wrote in the book. “Life didn’t give me lemons today. Life gave me buttermilk. Spoiled, clabbered, sour buttermilk and if I am lucky enough to get a glass of regular milk, someone comes by, squirts lemon juice in it and I am supposed to smile.”

The two laughed at that but realized later that Weiss’ grandmother had done just that. When times were tough and she ran out of buttermilk for her biscuits, she used a little regular milk, added a few drops of lemon juice and voila, “instant buttermilk.”

Weiss describes her grandma as a mixture of Scarlett O’Hara, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Aunt Jemima. “She spoke her mind like Rush Limbaugh and played the electric guitar like Steven Tyler from Aerosmith,” she writes. “In reality, Grandma was a snuffdipping, gas-passing granny who loved rock-n-roll, intelligent conversations and dancing on Saturday nights. She taught me to dance. She crocheted lace doilies and taught me to do that too.

Her old Victrola belted out tunes from Chuck Berry to Frank Sinatra and from Patsy Cline to Hank Williams. Music was in her soul. She could play ‘Johnny B Goode’ on the electric guitar better than Johnny himself or in this case Chuck Berry.”

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

ancy Holth and Diana Weiss had a lot in common. The two would-be writers met when they worked at a drapery store in St. Louis more than two decades ago. Both were single moms.

Both were southerners. Both had a unique recipe for lemonade.

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“So we became roommates. Now we’ve been friends for over 20 years,” Holth said. “Beyond that we’re like sisters.”

Holth and Weiss went on to pen “Life at the Lemonade Stand”, what they affectionately call “A Light-Hearted Approach to Handling Life’s Little Mishaps.”

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Weiss said she remembered making homemade lemonade with her “granny” and squeezing the lemons till her fingers hurt. “’Young’un, don’t you want to learn how to make lemonade’?” she wrote of her grandmother’s words. “’Yes, Grandma, but it’s too hard’. Her reply never changed. ‘Life is hard, too, and if you can’t make a simple glass of lemonade, you’ll never be able to handle life’.”

Holth began her communications degree at Lindenwood University in 1994, and although Weiss started long after, the two graduated together in 2007.

Holth said the book, which was first written in 2005 and then officially released in February of this year, is a “lift-me-up message that everyone needs to hear.”

The book contains many of the “old-fashioned, solid values” of Weiss’ grandmother.

“We wanted to reach out to people and help them to see things in a positive light,” Weiss said. “Throughout life, you have many different experiences. It’s how you cope with them that makes the difference. My grandmother always had a positive attitude about life. She was widowed before she was 40 and raised five children. She had gone through the depression. I never saw her get upset or use a curse word.”

Holth has had her share of lemons. Her first husband suffered from bipolar disorder, which she says was the biggest lemon of all. “His behavior was erratic and violent. My fairytale wedding turned into a nightmare marriage,” she said. Her father disappeared when she was two, and her beloved brother Tommy, died suddenly at the age of 21.

One morning before going to work, Holth was paging through a business magazine when she saw a picture of a woman surrounded by a wall of lemons. The woman was grinning and holding a pitcher of lemonade. “I got the message, ‘So, you’re surrounded by lemons.

You should take them and make lemonade’.”

Holth said she carried that picture in her day planner for years before writing the book.

“Lemons don’t come with an announcement. You are sometimes immobilized by them, but you have to set your mind to finding the good in it. They often change everything.

Your body can actually go through a physiological change. But the minute you decide you are going to find good in it, your mind starts making it a reality and goes about a plan to make it happy.”

Holth and Weiss said anyone can recognize a lemon with this simple LEMON acronym: “Last thing you wanted. Expectations shattered. Makes you feel angry, resentful, embarrassed or sad. Out of your comfort zone. No amount of self talk helps you see it as positive until you see it for all it is.”

They say a person can make lemonade by recognizing the LEMON and allowing themselves to experience the emotions that come along with it, and then taking an objective assessment of the new circumstances brought about by the LEMON and making a conscious decision to look for the good and following it up with action.

Holth and Weiss hope to publish the sequel to “Life at the Lemonade Stand” in June of 2010.

It will be called “Out on a Limb: More Stories From the Lemon Tree”.

“Life at the Lemonade Stand” can be found in St. Charles at Main Street Books, in O’Fallon at Back to Basics Christian Bookstore and on Amazon.com.. ■

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STATE YOUR BUSINESS

Hazelwood & Weber LLC Local legal legacy

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

For years, people in St. Charles County were led to believe that if you wanted a really good doctor, lawyer or professional person of any kind, you had to cross the bridge. But that is no longer true as generations of St. Charles County families grow and businesses thrive here.

Hazelwood & Weber LLC is an excellent example of a professional business that has maintained a solid reputation with an abundance of talent from both St. Charles County and beyond.

“One thing I think is happening, at all levels throughout the county, is that we are doing a good job as a business community of retaining local, homegrown talent, and at the same time attracting highly qualified professionals from outside the area,” said Randy Weber, partner and corporate attorney at Hazelwood & Weber.

A life-long resident of St. Charles County, Weber is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and St. Louis University School of Law. He has been recognized by his peers in the legal community, along with his partners, Keith Hazelwood and James Hennelly, in the 2009

edition of “The Best Lawyers in America”.

“My family came to St. Charles in 1850,” Weber said. “My great, great, great, great grandfather—who moved here from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France—is buried here in the St. Peter Church Cemetery. My grandfather was a businessman who owned Agate Weber Appliances and Meat Locker on Main Street in St. Charles.” He was also president of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in 1959, and received the chamber’s “Citizen of the Years” award in 1962. Randy’s father, Bill Weber, was given the award in 1997, and Randy was its recipient in 2003.

“I believe there is a legacy of family commitment to the St. Charles business community in particular, and the county as a whole, for generations,” Randy said. “I also think it helps the community when we can attract the best and brightest to come here and at the same time keep the best and the brightest of our local talent to live and work in this county.”

While Randy is an example of the best and brightest that originated in St. Charles County, an associate attorney at his firm represents the crème of the crop from outside the St. Charles area.

Doug Ponder, a young lawyer from Iowa, graduated in the top 20% of his class at the University of Iowa College of Law, one of the top 25 law schools in the U.S. He then served as a law clerk to the Honorable Edwin H. Smith, Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, and was recruited by Hazelwood & Weber to come to St. Charles, where he now specializes in medical malpractice defense.

Keith Hazelwood and Randy Weber

10 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Hazelwood & Weber has received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating and the nation’s oldest legal peer review organization. That rating qualifies the firm for inclusion in a select group of law firms to be profiled in the MartindaleHubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

“Our clients expect the highest quality legal work, so we recruit from among the best law schools and appellate judicial clerks,” said Matthew Fairless, a commercial litigator and partner at the firm.

“Four of the seven of our associates are former appellate court clerks.

It’s an excellent training ground. They are recruited right out of law school. The appellate courts look for the brightest people in writing, researching and analyzing their nationally reported decisions that ultimately establish judicial precedent throughout our country.”

Fairless, a graduate of Duchesne High School in St. Charles himself, said he returned to St. Charles to practice law because, through Hazelwood & Weber, he is able to do the “same quality of work with sophisticated clients here in St. Charles” that he could do elsewhere.

Fairless is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. Douglas Ponder

Fewer than five percent of all firms in America qualify for inclusion.

Formerly the St. Charles office of St. Louis law firm giant, Thompson Coburn, Hazelwood & Weber started with five partners and one associate in February of 1999. Just a decade later, six partners, seven associates and four paralegals now represent national, regional and local clients from Wells Fargo to St. Anthony’s Medical Center to the City of St. Peters.

Randy Weber said Hazelwood & Weber is a good example of local and national talent converging in St. Charles County. “As St. Charles County has grown so has the quality of services, professionals and businesses served,” he said. “What our parents started and we are continuing is working. It’s evidenced now in a small way by the largest law firm in the County started by a few locals that has recruited well and simply grown by word of mouth.”

For more information on Hazelwood & Weber, call 636-947-4700 or visit www.hazelwoodweber.com. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 11

YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

“We have never had a real argument or dispute,” Hank said. “Of course she is as pretty as can be, a beautiful lady. She has always been there for me. She never complained. Sometimes I was home to eat with the family. Many times I was not.”

Dynamic Duos The Clevers Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

“I wish that were my date instead of the girl I’m going with.” Those were the first words Dr. Henry “Hank” William Clever, Jr. spoke of the love of his life, Roseann Reeb Clever when he first saw her on the evening of their first date. At 80 years old, he remembers the date—March 5, 1955.

Fifty-five years, 11 children and 41 grandchildren later, Hank says Roseann is “as pretty as can be, a beautiful lady.”

The Clevers were introduced by Hank’s sister Delores who went to school with Roseann. The two attended a St. Louis University Billikens basketball game and a concert of Samy Gardner and the Mound City 6 on the Delmar strip for their first date.

Roseann was attending college at Maryville at the time. When he went to pick her up, Hank had to give his name at the desk and wait for her in the parlor. “I was sitting there when this beautiful girl came walking down the hall,” Hank recalled. “I thought, ‘I wish that were my date instead of the girl I’m going with.’ And there she was and I was smitten right off the bat.”

Hank said Roseann, by school rules, could only go out on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. “I had to take the date that was open,” he said. “The following week I wanted all three days.”

By the third week, Hank said Roseann had another date on one of “his” nights. “I was really hurt.”

Apparently the other guy was forgettable, because a week later, Roseann invited Hank to accompany her to a school function.

“After that we had an understanding that all the nights were mine,” Hank said. The other understanding was that the two would marry five years later when Hank finished medical school.

Roseann said she realized early on that her husband was special. “He did so many good things in the community,” she said. “I could not complain. I was always very proud of him. I always felt if I could share him and he could help someone that would be good for both of us.”

Hank spent two years at Cathedral Latin School, six years at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, four years at Kenrick Seminary and a year and a half at the local chiropractic college. He said he dropped out of St. Louis University after two years.

“By the time we got married, my father didn’t think I was going to be anything,” Hank said.

Hank went on to obtain his doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine in 1960. The Clevers were married the day after Hank finished pre-med—June 2, 1956.

And the babies started coming, and coming and coming.

“It was just whatever God gave us,” Roseann said. “We didn’t plan on one, two, three or 10.

We had three by the time he graduated from medical school.” Those three were Roseann Mary or “Missy”, Henry III and Geralyn.

One more baby, Richard or “Dick”, came in Toledo, Ohio, where Hank worked as an intern Dr. and Mrs. Clever

12 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

at St. Vincent Hospital. That baby was a week late and messed up plans for Hank’s mother to come and take care of the other children. Catherine came when the family returned to Columbia, where Hank completed his pediatric residency. By the time, the Clevers came to St. Charles, Roseann was pregnant again. The final six children were born in St. Charles— Marguerite, Madeleine, Maria, Russell, Elizabeth and Paul.

“I owe it all to my Jobst leotard,” Roseann said of the sturdy, form-fitting leotard she wore during all of her pregnancies. The garment was fitted personally by the wife of the inventor of Jobst support socks. “It was quite a scientific marvel.”

Hank was the 35th doctor to sign on as staff at SSM St. Joseph Health Center—the only hospital in St. Charles County at the time. He started his pediatric practice on July 1, 1963—an office that would care for generations of St. Charlesans over his near four decades of service. Some three generations of patients trusted their medical care to Hank over the years.

He said the most tragic part of being a

pediatrician was telling a parent their child had died. The most rewarding was serving the mothers, fathers and children. “It was so hard for me to retire. I felt like I was letting people down. My fondest memories are of the people that were so kind to let me take care of their children.”

“We have met people he has taken care of every place we have ever gone,” Roseann said, “even in Britain, France and Italy.”

The wife of a doctor of a growing medical practice and mother of 11 children, Roseann said organization was key to her survival. “I read columns on menu planning and I had to be very organized.”

She also had to be very frugal.

Money was tight for the family of 13, and Hank said patients often brought their hand-me-down clothes to him for his own children.

“We were never too proud to put them on our kids,” he said.

Roseann remembers a “Project Box” she kept for the children. In it, she stored colorful pictures and items that were sent in the mail, so that when any of the children needed something constructive to do, they could make something with remnants form the Project Box. She said she also had to be firm with discipline. “I learned that you have to say what you mean and enforce it.”

Both of the Clevers said they gave punishments that were “reasonable”—things that they could live with as well as dish out.

“Communication is so important and you have to listen to their part,” Hank said. “You have to laugh at yourself too. The children never heard Roseann and I holler at each other or call each other names. We always taught them, if they didn’t like someone to kill them with kindness and they would win them over.”

Roseann said she and Hank scheduled Thursdays at the park with the children. She would bring hotdogs and Hank would meet the family for lunch. They would get ice cream afterward.

The couple’s first house at 1245 Cunningham in St. Charles had four bedrooms. Their second in Indian Hills, had six bedrooms, a finished basement and 5-1/2 bathrooms. The couple moved to Bogey Estates in 1989, where they reside today.

Hank said his early hero was his mother’s brother, Mnsr. Victor Suren. There was a time when the young Clever was headed for the priesthood.

But it was a young handicapped boy’s father who influenced Hank’s life and brought meaning and purpose to his work. “It was one early Sunday morning shortly after we moved to St. Charles,” Hank said. “I made house calls in those days. I went to see a boy with a fever. Taking care of this boy changed my life. It was Continued on page 14

Oops!

Boschert story was a cliffhanger!

Advertisers and readers alike will be glad to know, as we at Streetscape already do, that people really do read the magazine. So much so that they catch mistakes before we do.

In our last issue on page 12 in our Dynamic Duos Portrait, there was an error in the printing process and we lost two sentences at the end of the story. We have been inundated with calls and emails asking what gift the Boschert children gave their special parents. Even the Boscherts themselves received numerous calls of inquiry. And thus like any good cliffhanger or soap opera, we are providing the answer here.

On that note, we would like to say that our rich editorial content is purposeful. Hiring professional writers and photographers was a deliberate choice by the publisher to enrich Streetscape and allow it to stand out from other publications that simply use canned and Internet content.

Thanks for noticing!

Following is the answer to the mystery gift:

The Boschert's received a special gift this year from their kids. It wasn't a cruise, or even an expensive dinner package. It was time-their time. The Boschert's children gave their parents a calendar labeled with all of the family gatherings the Boschert family will share this year, complete with photographs. "We did good here," Mary said. ■

something that made me want to take care of handicapped children.” Jim Fitz was the boy’s father.

Hank would go on to head up the Mental Health Commission of Missouri. The experience led him into politics and the development of Senate Bill 40 in the late 1970’s that allowed St. Charles County to provide separate funds for the programs of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board.

Hank has served on countless boards, commissions and councils throughout St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, but he said he is most proud of the Archbishop John L. May Leadership Award he received in 2003 for distinguished healthcare ministry. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce has honored Hank with its “Lifetime Distinguished Service Award” as well as “Citizen of the Years”. Youth in Need, Community Living, Crider Health Center, Gault Foundation, Sacred Heart Academy and Four County Mental Health Services, among others, have all awarded Hank their highest honors.

Roseann said she would encourage young people to “know what marriage is before you go into it.” She said the “Theology of the Body” written by Pope John Paul II is a must read for any newlywed. “It says the love between man and wife is comparable to the love between the members of the Blessed Trinity and that everything you do, you do out of love and caring for each other.”

As for the kids, “Bring the kids up with the knowledge of and love for God. It wasn’t just about having things that was important,” said Roseann. “It was having that support and love of your parents.

Happiness really is in the home.”

Hank said a couple has to be friends first, and then spouses. “One time, Roseann said to me, ‘I really like you.’ I said, ‘I thought you loved me.’ She said, ‘I do, but I really like you’.” ■

The Clevers say they have no regrets, although Hank misses the children he served for so many years and working in his garden.

Physical disabilities keep him from his love of gardening. “You can’t look back. You have to look ahead,” he said. “I get the most joy out of being with my wife.”

And she with him. “My joy is in keeping him comfortable without being obtrusive. I just enjoy keeping my home and having it ready when any of the children drop by.”

Jim and Eva Marie Fitz

In Memoriam James M. Fitz, 79, of St. Charles, MO, died on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from lymphoma. He graduated from St. Charles High School, attended Washington University and served in the Korean conflict. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of St. Charles as well as a tireless volunteer for civic causes including the St. Charles County Association for Retarded Citizens, St. Joseph Health Center, the YMCA and Lindenwood University, Rotary International, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Authority of St. Charles County, Economic Development Commission/City of St. Charles, St. Charles County Economic Development Council, the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, St. Charles Community Progress and Crime Stoppers. His warmth and good humor will be missed by family and friends alike.

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The Clever family

Athena Leadership Awards St. Charles Attorney Deborah Alessi named 2009 St. Charles County Athena Leadership award winner. Finalists for the 2009 Athena Leadership Award were: Alessi, Cyndi Aufner, Sharon West, Denise Liebel, Sandra Meranda and Jill Skyles. The Athena Leadership Award identifies a leader for their accomplishments, for community service and for mentoring others. Along with Alessi's numerous professional affiliations, her community involvement has included the St. Charles County Arts Council, teaching Parish School Religion and foster parenting.

Photos by Michael Schlueter

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 15

EDUCATION

Andrews Academy Lake Saint Louis

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

t a one-to-seven teacher-student ratio, Andrews Academy in Lake Saint Louis attempts to encourage maximum intellectual, physical, social and emotional development in each child who attends.

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offer three individualized spelling tests every Friday for students who are struggling, who are right on track and who may be high achievers, Ciampoli said.

Ciampoli said “the school welcomes each child as a unique individual and strives to foster self-confidence, self-discipline, independent initiative for learning,

Andrews Academy opened four years ago in Lake Saint Louis, but is christening its new 73,000-square-foot building at 1701 Feise Road in September.

The school was founded in 1979 as a private, not-for-profit coeducational elementary school, with grades junior kindergarten through sixth grade. It has no religious affiliation, but was founded upon the requests of parents at Hope Montessori Academy pre-school who wanted their children to continue on in the tradition of personalized education that they had experienced in pre-school.

Andrews Academy’s first campus was built in 1982 in Creve Coeur, Mo. Andrews Academy emphasizes basic academic skills— mathematics, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and social studies—while maintaining a broad range of specialized programs in the disciplines of art, computer science, library, music, Spanish, physical education and science.

Headmaster Robert Ciampoli said the school offers personalized attention to every student. “We personalize the curriculum to each child’s academic potential,” Ciampoli said. “That continues all the way through their schooling.”

For example, a first grade classroom will

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assembly is completely child-oriented and designed to allow students to share a portion of their learning experiences with the entire student body, he said. Each child performs a speech or poem or some other example of lessons learned. Parents are invited to attend.

“Poise, confidence and self-reliance are considered essential ingredients in the maturation process, and the assembly program enhances these elements,” Ciampoli said.

“We have no shy children here,” Ciampoli said.

Currently, Andrews serves kindergarten through fifth graders in Lake Saint Louis.

The school will add a grade each year, and will eventually serve students through eighth grade.

Andrews Academy is part of the Hope Education and Research Foundation, which serves as the umbrella organization over 12 schools—two elementary and 10 Montessori schools. It is also a member of the Independent Schools of St. Louis and adheres to the Principles of Good Practice set forth by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

consideration for others and accountability for one’s own action.”

The core of the Andrews academic program is taught by the traditional teaching method. Regularly scheduled field trips complement the academic program.

Ciampoli said a weekly assembly is an integral part of the school program. The

Ciampoli said all teachers at Andrews are certified and half of the head teachers at the school hold master’s degrees. All of the assistant teachers are also certified. He said Andrews students tend to do “several levels above expectations” on standardized achievement tests.

A year’s tuition at Andrews Academy runs $9,110 and includes before and after school care as well as lunch, books, supplies and snacks. “The school does not ask for any

additional money throughout the school year,” Ciampoli said.

Andrews Academy also offers summer camp tailored to each child’s interests. The camp is divided into two, five-week sessions.

Children can choose from a diverse list of activity packages.

For more information on Andrews Academy, call 636-561-7709 or visit www.andrewsacademy.com. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 17

WINE

Fruit of the Vine Defiance wineries Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

early 150 years ago, former slave, Joseph Chandler, traveled from the Civil War-torn South to settle near Defiance, Missouri. Chandler took a job on a family farm situated next to Daniel Boone’s property, where he worked for many years. He was married in the 1880s. Eventually, the family deeded Chandler 40 acres of their land including a hill overlooking the beautiful Femme Osage Valley.

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Chandler died in 1952 at the age of 103. Chandler Hill Vineyards operates on the same property Chandler once owned in Defiance, right off Highway 94. The tasting room and winery stands on the site of Chandler’s modest cabin.

Many century-old artifacts were uncovered during the excavation for the winery building, including a shotgun, rifle, stove remnants, buttons and china. These storied relics of Chandler’s life are displayed at the winery today. The stones from the original cabin foundation were also carefully removed and are on display at the winery.

While capturing an American legacy, the current owners of Chandler Hill Vineyards have spared no expense in creating the elegant 5,000-square-foot tasting room, winery, marketplace and restaurant at the vineyards. The building also serves as a banquet, dining, corporate meeting and special event facility where patrons can enjoy relaxing chairs, couches, a large fireplace, a flat-screen satellite television, Wi-Fi and other amenities.

As patrons enter the Chandler Hill property they see rolling hills of

Chambourcin and Vignoles grapes being nurtured for future vintages.

Peter Rexford, marketing manager for Chandler Hill said, just this year, the vineyard became the only Missouri winery to grow Pinot Gris.

Rexford said for its Norton, Chardonel Vignoles and other wines, Chandler Hill utilizes grapes from choice private Missouri vineyards Chandler Hill Vineyards to complete its selection of regional vintage wines. Each of Chandler’s vines are cultivated under the watchful and seasoned care of Joe Cotta—a third generation vineyard manager from California.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the wild-life laden Missouri valley, vineyards and refreshing lake from the comfort of Chandler Hill’s 4,500-square-foot wine deck. A full menu offers sandwiches, salads, Shared Plate specialties more. A marketplace offers a variety of enticing cheeses, meats and gifts.

The Chandler Hill winery and barrel room sits beneath the facility, where visitors can tour the wine-making facility to see how Chandler Hill harvests, produces and ages its special vintages.

Rexford said Chandler Hill vintages can be found at Almond’s Restaurant and Portabella in Clayton; at Sunset 44 and Apt. 2 in Kirkwood; and at Truffles in St. Louis.

Many retail shops in and around the St. Louis area, such as Wine & Cheese Place, Provisions, Ladue Market, The Market at Busch’s Grove and Straub’s, carry Chandler Hill wines as well. In addition, numerous private country and golf clubs carry Chandler Hill vintages.

Chandler Hill Vineyards

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For more information on Chandler Hill Vineyards, call 636-798-2675 or visit www.chandlerhillvineyards.com.

Wine Country Gardens

ine Country Gardens, also in Defiance, was recently featured in “Better Homes and Gardens”. The 42-acre nursery and farm provides a relaxing atmosphere and offers a selection of over 80,000 perennials and flowering shrubs.

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Owners Bill and Christina Schaul decided to retire early from the corporate world in 1995. The 42-acre tract of land they purchased was, at the time, an overgrown fixer-upper farm with a century-old house, that hadn’t been worked in 15 years. After two years of cleaning and building, the nursery opened in the spring of 1997 with one employee, a 10,000 plant inventory of primarily daylilies and hosta and 500 visitors. Twelve years later, over 40,000 people have visited the nursery to shop the 80,000 potted perennials, three acres of daylilies, three shade houses, two ponds with waterfalls, three acres of flowering shrubs, the gift shop and the Patio Café and Wine Garden.

“We’re a wine garden and restaurant but we also have a nursery so we appeal to a different set of customers,” said Chris Schaul. “My husband and I had corporate careers so we wanted a relevant business. I loved my daylilies and gardening, so we started looking for five to 10 acres and ended up with 42. Daylilies only bloom in Missouri half the time so we opened a full-fledge nursery.”

Wine Country Gardens offers themed dinners and an outdoor nightclub for adults on Saturday evenings with individuals, local and acoustic bands such as The Phins and Ticket to Ride. The large pavilion features two fireplaces and can seat 320 people. Waterfalls, ponds and swans surround the five patios while framing a breathtaking view of the Missouri River Valley.

Wine Country Gardens has partnered with St. Louis ice cream favorite Serendipity to provide specialty ice creams made with wine.

Chris said Serendipity incorporates Wine Country Garden wines into the ice cream to create Pinot Peach, Blackberry and Vanilla, Triple Berry Fruit Wine Sorbet and others. Wine Country Gardens is featured in St. Charles author Ann Hazelwood’s book, “100 Unique Eats & Eateries in Missouri”.

For more information on Wine Country Gardens, call 636798-2288 or visit www.winecountrygardens.net. ■

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Wine Country Gardens

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AUTOS

Auto Enthusiasts Show us your cars Story by Amy Armour Photos by Michael Schlueter

Stone’s first car was a 1931 Ford Model A and he has worked on and owned more than 50 vehicles in his lifetime.

t’s place where car enthusiasts can check out the hottest cars of the year or drool over a dream car. It’s a place for car owners to show off their hard work and mechanical prowess. And it’s also a place where families can spend some quality time together.

Currently, Stone has six cars he owns and improves: a 1964 Corvette, a 1985 Corvette, a 1934 Ford two-door sedan, a 1934 Ford Pick Up, a 1955 Thunderbird and a 1961 Thunderbird Convertible. He stores them on site in Lake Saint Louis in his sixcar garage.

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Car shows represent a simple time in life, said John Drummond, with Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. “It’s all about nostalgia and fond memories,” said Drummond.

With more than 70,000 active members worldwide, Goodguys hosts and promotes car shows across the nation to any car produced after 1972.

“These cars just make people happy…from the aesthetics of the car to the positive memories the cars evoke in people,” said Drummond.

Jim Stone was only 10-years-old when he started building model cars. He quickly graduated to building go-karts and before long he was getting his hands dirty fixing cars.

Choosing a favorite of his many cars is an impossible choice for Stone. “I like them all—some I love more,” said Stone. “My favorite car is what I feel like that day. The cars are like kids—they all have different personalities and special aspects…they all have strengths.”

In the early 1970s, Stone said he was really into Jaguars and from the late 1970s to 1980s Corvettes were his type of cars. Right now, Stone has his sights set on a 1935-1937 Ford Cabriolet.

“I’m always looking to buy something,” said Stone.

Stone has attended hundreds of car shows in the last 30 years, travelling as far as California to show his car. For 30 years, Stone said he attended about 12 shows each year. Stone still attends about 10 major car shows a year and one or two local shows a month. He’s travelled everywhere from Ohio to Colorado Springs to Kentucky.

Every year Stone attends the National Street Rod Association Car Show in Louisville, Kentucky where it’s common for more than 12,000 cars to participate.

“This genre of a hobby is (popular) nationwide,” said Stone. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people across the nation. You meet very interesting and friendly people.”

Stone usually attends the International Car Show, put together by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, is open to all kinds of cars made in 1972 or earlier. Stone said of the 5,000 cars participating, 30 of the 50 states were represented at last year’s show.

Stone, who recently retired, is a systems safety engineer by education, but he has taken several classes at trade school to supplement his knowledge of cars and mechanics.

One reason Stone attends car shows is to learn from the other car enthusiasts. “I love to see what other people have done with their cars. And people (at car shows) are very eager to share what they’ve learned and help others in the quest of getting their car completed,” said Stone.

While he enjoys the car shows, Stone said the best part of working on cars is working on cars. “I really like to work on the car and then drive them,” said Stone. “I like to take something apart and put it S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 21

back together or improve the design.”

Showing his car, without being judged, is just fun for him.

“It’s my number one hobby, but I also love to play golf and bring my boat on the river,” said Stone.

Stone said many families will show two or three cars, each car representing a generation.

“It’s a very family-oriented hobby. I see a lot of fathers and children at the larger shows,” said Stone. Donald Ward and his son Donnie Jr. are a perfect example of the generation bond created by working on cars.

Donnie Jr. is following in his dad’s footsteps with his love of cars and mechanics. He is currently fixing a 1958 Chevy Station Wagon. His daughter Melissa is not so hands on, but Ward said she enjoys going to the car shows. The father and son spend lots of time working on their cars together in the garage at Donald’s home in St. Charles County.

“I have pictures of (Donnie) sitting in 1932 Ford Roadster when he was really little,” said Ward.

Ward has always loved cars, even before he started driving his first car, a 1967 Chevy.

Don Ward and Don Ward Jr. “Since I’ve been a teenager I’ve always been a car nut,” said Ward.

Ward first got his hands dirty fixing up a 1934 Ford Coupe. He worked on the car and loved it so much he kept it for 21 years. Ward has owned his dream car, a yellow 1932 Ford Roadster, since 1972 and that car will stay in the family, as he never plans on selling it.

Ward currently has two cars he’s working on including the yellow 1932 Ford Roadster and a black 1947 Ford Convertible.

Company as one of the top 75 Fords made in 1932 for the company’s 75th Anniversary.

Attending car shows is a fun family event for many, including Trent Janes of St. Peters.“It’s the family environment. Everyone (at the car show) is the same level of niceness,” said Janes. “It’s like everybody is part of your family.”

Janes started working on cars in the garage with his dad as a child.

His love for cars, and all things mechanical, stuck with him as he grew up and started his own family.

The first car Janes worked on was a 1981 Camaro. In his lifetime, Janes has worked on hundreds of cars, and he still works on one or two cars a week for friends and family. Currently, Janes shows his 1968 Camaro which he has owned for the last 20 years.

Janes attends car shows to check out the ‘muscle’ cars—like Corvettes and Camaros made in the late 1960s.

Janes dream car is a 1967 or 1968 Corvette.

G-Machines, or super muscle cars, are the hot cars men in their 20s to 50s are drooling over, according to Drummond.

Baby boomers—men in their 50s to 70s are really interested in the 1930s and 1940s Fords and Chevys, he said.

But car shows are not just for showing off a cool car—although that is an important aspect. Lon Friesenborg, president of the Boone Trail Corvette Club in St. Charles, said supporting local and national charities are a big part of the car shows and car clubs in general.

“People show off their car (at car shows) because they are proud of it—and they are also supporting a charity at the same time,” said Friesenborg. “That makes everyone feel good.”

“I enjoy the task of doing a project. And for years I did everything— all the bodywork, the paint, everything,” said Ward. Now Ward works on the mechanics of the car, and leaves the bodywork and painting to someone else.

The Boone Trail Corvette Club in St. Charles has about 60 current members. The club chooses a charity at the beginning of the year to donate proceeds from car shows, car displays, road runs or other events held throughout the year. This year the club has chosen the ALS Association to benefit from the events.

Ward has taken to the road for the car shows, as far as St. Paul, Minnesota for the Street Rod Nationals. All of the cars he’s worked on have won their class.

“(Charity) plays a big role in our car club,” said Friesenborg, who currently owns a 2007 Corvette Coupe.

Ward’s 1934 Ford Two Door Sedan was featured on the cover of Streetrodder Magazine in June 1976. Ward has also worked on a 1956 F100 Ford Pick Up, a 1941 Willy’s Coupe, a 1935 Ford Sedan and a 1955 Chevy. The Roadster was chosen by the Ford Motor 22 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

So whether it’s a hobby, a fun family event or a way to meet nice people, check out one of the many car shows held throughout the nation. ■

HISTORY

A History of Heritage SSM St. Joseph Health Center

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

s St. Charles celebrates the 200th anniversary of its 1809 incorporation as a village with 200 events in 200 days, Streetscape wanted to honor one of its longest standing landmarks—SSM St. Joseph Health Center.

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The Sisters of St. Mary migrated to St. Louis during the smallpox epidemic of 1872, immediately going out to nurse the sick in their homes. At the time, St. Charles was a thriving center of industry and about 6,000 people. There were 18 dry goods stores, 10 grocery stores, four cigar stores, three tin stores, three gunsmiths, two harness makers, five wagon makers, seven blacksmiths, five flour mills, three billiard saloons, a stone jail and 10 churches.

By 1875, the epidemic had subsided and the “Smallpox Sisters”, as they were called, returned to their convent on Third and Gratiot Streets in St. Louis. But by 1884, due to the lack of clear cut health measures, sanitation and methods of immunization, scarlet fever and diphtheria were taking their toll on the lives of Missourians and St. Charles was no exception.

City officials requested Reverend Francis X. Wilmes, pastor of St. Peter Church, to seek once more the aid of the Sisters of St. Mary.

Although the sisters were nursing at Quarantine Hospital in St. Louis and were unable to come to St. Charles at the time, they did care for nine people suffering from smallpox who needed immediate attention. It was at this time that the Wabash railroad bridge in St. Charles collapsed, killing four men and injuring many more. It was the sisters who nursed the accident victims.

By this time, the citizens of St. Charles had realized their need for a hospital of their own. Franz Schulte—whose own infant son had been nursed through diphtheria by the Sisters of St. Mary—offered his house at 305 Chauncy Street to be used for such a purpose.

Father Wilmes made one stipulation—that the Sisters of St. Mary be in charge of the endeavor.

Mother Mary Seraphia accepted the offer and Sister Mary Elizabeth Backer and two companions returned to open a hospital in the Schulte home on November 4, 1885. The one-and-one-half story brick house contained a wine cellar, two rooms on the first floor and three rooms on the second floor. Later two more rooms were annexed to the first floor, raising the bed capacity to a total of eight patients. Because of confined quarters, only female patients were accepted.

Hospitalization was a new concept to St. Charlesans of the 19th century and as a result the hospital very often only housed two or three patients.

By 1890, the house on Chauncy was sold and the hospital purchased a new site with an adjoining lot donated by Dr. Benjamin Geret. The land had an interesting history, having been the burial ground of the victims of the cholera epidemic of 1833.

While cholera was taking lives of people the world over, St. Charles was not spared. It is estimated that one out of every ten people in the town died of cholera during 1833. The First Presbyterian Church on Third and Madison Streets purchased lot number 88 as a burial ground for its parishioners. Over 100 inhabitants of St. Charles were buried in High Hill Cemetery in 1833.

In the Fall of 1890, excavation on the new hospital across the street from St. Peter Church was begun. Human bones were unearthed from the property and properly interred elsewhere. The hospital was dedicated by Reverent Henry Muchlsiepen in August, 1891.

This 28-bed, red brick structure was financed partly through the sale of the old hospital and partly through loans and donations from St. Peter Church and other benefactors. Dr. Kurt Stumberg became the first chief of staff and Geret, one of the staff physicians, taught Sister Mary Elizabeth Becker to mix and compound drugs.

The hospital admitted 121 patients that first year and 281 the following year, remarkable for a time when primitive fears of hospitals still prevailed. On the expense ledger for that year was the notation: “five leeches $2.50”.

The first baby was born in the hospital around this time, and the first surgery performed—a cholecystectomy by Geret. The first floor waiting room was made into a makeshift operating room complete with a kitchen table padded with blankets and covered with a sheet. Surgical instruments were boiled on the gas burner and surgical drapes were rolled into small bundles and sterilized in the kitchen oven. By 1903, an operating room table had been donated.

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SSM St. Joseph Health Center

In the early 20th century, the price of a double room at the hospital was roughly $1 a day. In spite of the low rates, one-third of the patients were carried on the book as charity patients or “ODL’s” (Our Dear Lord’s). Because of lack of an elevator, patients had to be carried to the second floor. The sisters worked tirelessly to exterminate the bedbugs, cockroaches and body lice that made their way into the hospital. Floors and bedside stands were scrubbed with creosol solution and bedsprings were immersed in scalding formaldehyde baths. Although operating in a manner far below accepted standards of today, the hospital was within the framework of the average hospital of that day.

The year 1935 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the hospital and the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary. Farmers still donated lard, vegetables and fruit and the sisters spent many days picking apples, pears and peaches and preparing them for winter use.

During World War II, volunteers turned out en mass to help operate the hospital, as doctors were drafted, nurses volunteered and personnel decreased. St. Peter High School girls were given demonstrations in bed-making and simple nursing procedures.

By 1956, 200 lay persons were employed in the now much larger St. Joseph’s Hospital. The payroll was $412,000 and there were 21 Sisters whose services were contributed. During that year, the Ford Foundation made a $200 million grant to the nations 3,500 voluntary, nonprofit hospitals to improve and extend their services.

St. Joseph’s received $62,600 which helped to pay for a six-story, air conditioned, east wing in 1959. The wing was dedicated on

February 15 of that year. Among the guests at the celebration dinner that evening were the 12 grandchildren of the late Franz Schulte, who in 1885 donated the original hospital on Third and Chauncy Streets.

The decades that followed saw continued growth at St. Joseph’s, and it continues today. SSM St. Joseph Health Center and St. Joseph Health Center-Wentzville’s combined 2008 operating budget was just over $202 million. St. Joseph Hospital West’s was $103 million. Some 40,796 individuals visited the emergency room and 15,521 people were admitted to St. Joseph Health Center and St. Joseph Health Center-Wentzville. St. Joseph West saw 8,419 admissions and 33,176 emergency department visits.

Nearly 1,500 people work at St. Joseph Health Center and Health Center-Wentzville, along with 659 physicians. Nearly 800 are employed at St. Joseph Hospital West. Services now include: behavioral health, a sleep disorders center, senior services, a heart institute, a neurosciences institute, and a vascular institute.

According to a New England Journal of Medicine survey, St. Joseph is one of just 1.5 percent of United States hospitals with a comprehensive electronic health records system.

Note: Much of the information for this story was taken from the book “Sisters of Saint Mary and Their Healing Mission” which was written in 1979 by Sister Mary Gabriel Henninger. Streetscape and specifically this reporter thank the staff of SSM St. Joseph Health Center for sharing their rich history with us and the community for over 125 years. ■ S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 25

YOU CAUGHT OUR EYE

Scouts Honor Four young men soar to new heights thanks to local hero

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

an Pelikan is one of the good guys.

Aside from serving the St. Charles County community as an attorney for over two decades, and now as a St. Charles County Circuit Court judge, Pelikan champions causes for many of the foster children who live here.

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In his court, where he deals with the juvenile and felony criminal cases, Pelikan is often the only advocate for kids. But his love for children and support for their welfare extend beyond his bench. Pelikan also mentors young men as they work toward the highest rank the Boy Scouts of America offers—the Eagle Scout.

Pelikan is the district chairman for the Boone Trail District of the Boys Scouts of America—a 7,000-scout group comprising St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln Counties.

He is the Committee and Eagle Board chairman for Borromeo Troop #351.

He’s also an Eagle Scout. So are his two sons. “Some items in our family were nonnegotiable,” he said. Pelikan became an Eagle Scout in 1971 after organizing and carrying out a clothing drive for the poor in his neighborhood in South St. Louis.

When a young man becomes an Eagle Scout, they bestow upon their mentor an Eagle pin to show their gratitude for his sacrifices in helping them obtain their rank.

“It’s the highest award scouting gives,” Pelikan said. “Only three percent of boys who begin scouting will attain the Eagle Scout rank.”

Pelikan said he is proud to be among the select group. “When you become an Eagle Scout you join the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts who are committed to serving others in their community.”

Pelikan’s own mentor was Bones Thurmer, father of Duchesne High School Athletic Director and Coach Dave Thurmer. He said the experience was life changing for him. “He was always there to provide assistance, encouragement and to help me persevere,” Pelikan said. “It made a difference in every area of my life.”

Nathaniel McKee, Ted Kneemiller, Eric Wiedemeier and Johnny Pipitone came up

together in school, sports and scouting.

The foursome were all mentored by Pelikan.

At their swearing in ceremony, all four gave their Eagle pins to Pelikan in gratitude for his leadership.

“He was my soccer coach when I was five years old,” Kneemiller said. “He is just a really great guy. He pushed us pretty hard, but he has always helped me with everything.” Kneemiller landscaped the statue of St. Rose Pilippine Duchesne at the Academy of the Sacred Heart for his Eagle Scout project.

The Eagle Scout ranking is a performancebased achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) was founded in 1972 and helps young men sustain their interest in scouting throughout their lives.

Some 1.7 million Boy Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle since 1912. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership,

“Dan dedicates an awful lot of time to Boy Scouts—years and years of dedication,” said Mike Klinghammer, St. Charles Council Member for Ward 8. “Dan personally prodded and conjoled many young men through the process to achieve their Eagle rank. He continues to serve as an exemplary role model for these men by showing them ways to give back to the community and the Boy Scouts program.”

Pelikan has mentored nine scouts through the difficult process of obtaining their Eagle rank—and he’s got the pins to prove it.

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(from left) Johnny Pipitone, Ted Kneemiller, Dan Pelikan and Nathaniel McKee (not pictured - Eric Wiedemeier)

service and outdoor skills. A number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. To advance a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his troop.

Pelikan said the principals of the Boy Scout Law — trustworthiness, loyalty, obedience, brevity, reverence, etc. — are a “perfect guide for healthy living for anyone. “The oath and law inspired me to higher things, to do my best with a sense of honor and integrity,” he said. ■

AUGUST 20 – SCC Foundation presents Ben Blanton, president of Blanton Construction Co. – Part of the SCC Foundation’s “Sizzlin’ Hot (and Free!) Summer Speaker Series.” 7:30-9:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the Social Sciences Building. 636922-8437, jolaughlin@stchas.edu.

SEPTEMBER 14-17 – SCC Democracy Days – Celebrating Constitution Day (Sept. 17), a series of presentations, panels, and films exploring the history, health, and functioning of democracy at home and abroad. St. Charles Community College. mkuelker@stchas.edu, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

18 – SCC Multicultural Programming presents the “Nitro Latin Jazz Band” – Music and dance by Herman Semidey Jr. and his band in SCC’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 7 p.m. in auditorium of the Social Sciences Building at St. Charles Community College. 636-922-8541, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

24 – SCC Open Mic Night – The coffeehouse is an open mic format where poets, prose writers, songwriters, and creative nonfiction writers can share their creativity. 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Social Sciences Building at St. Charles Community College. 636-922-8407, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

30 – Talia Segal Concert – The acoustic singer/songwriter

from Washington, D.C., will give a free concert at noon in the Café/Bookstore at St. Charles Community College. 636922-8469, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

30 – SCC Center Stage Theatre presents “Broadway Bound” – This is the third part of a trilogy based on writer Neil Simon’s own life. This comedy/drama will have you laughing as you follow two brothers on their road to success. 8 p.m.

Sept. 30-Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Oct. 4 in the theater of the Fine Arts Building at St. Charles Community College. 636-9228050 or www.stchas.edu/calendars.

OCTOBER 16 – SCC Idol – Students will compete in SCC’s own version of “American Idol.” 636-922-8541, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

22 – Jason Levasseur Concert – He was named the 2008 Best Male Performer, 2007 Best Small Venue Performer, and 2005 Best Musical Performer by Campus Activities Magazine. The singer/songwriter will give a free concert at 11:30 a.m. in the Café/Bookstore at St. Charles Community College. 636-922-8544, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

26-28 – SCC Returning Learners Workshop – A free workshop to help students who have been out of school for a number of years to ease back into the classroom. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the private dining room of the Student Center. 636922-8248, www.stchas.edu/calendars.

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FOCUS ON YOUTH

Tad Delicath Yo u t h V o l u n t e e r

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

ust one day after celebrating Christmas with his family, 18year-old Tad Delicath hopped a plane to share the rest of his winter vacation with orphaned children in Honduras.

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The trip was part of a senior service project at DeSmet Jesuit High School that would forever leave the memory of the little children’s faces in his mind.

“I’ll never forget the little kids’ faces and how they looked when they saw you (coming). Some of them would call you ‘Papi’ and every time they would see you they’d give you a big hug,” said Delicath. “The kids really accepted you right away.”

Delicath said he was able to choose the type of service project for his senior year and he researched the Hogar Suyapa orphanage in Honduras.

“I wanted to do something extraordinary,” said Delicath. “I wanted to do something to change my views. I didn’t want to just feel bad (for the orphans) or just send money. And I’ve never been to a third world country” Delicath was able to raise more than enough funds to travel on his mission to Honduras thanks to the generosity of his parish in St. Charles. Delicath collected more than $1,500 in donations from his parish at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles.

“All of the money collected from the parish was more than enough for me to travel to Honduras,” said Delicath. “They were very generous. People really want to give. They just don’t know where to give.”

So on Dec. 26, Delicath travelled to Honduras with eight other DeSmet students and two teachers to spend 10 days in the third world country working with the orphaned children.

Delicath worked with children mostly between the ages of three and nine. He helped students learn English in the classroom. He helped teach the students various subjects and he helped them draw.

“The (orphanage) really wanted the kids to have a good education…and to learn English,” said Delicath.

Naptime was an important daily ritual, and Delicath helped put children to sleep for mid-day naps. He also helped feed children

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in the nutrition center who were so malnourished they could not feed themselves.

“Most of the kids needed to be spoon-fed. They couldn’t feed themselves. They had really round bellies,” said Delicath.

But the best part of the day for Delicath was playtime.

“The best time was when were able to play with the children,” said Delicath. The kids had random toys, but they also liked to play simple games like tag, he said.

Delicath graduated from DeSmet High School in 2009 and he plans to attend Xavier University in the fall. Delicath plans to major in criminal justice and eventually work for the FBI or CIA. He is also contemplating joining the Army ROTC. Delicath would also like to plan another trip to Honduras.

“If I have the chance while I’m at Xavier I’d like to go back to Honduras,” said Delicath. “What interested me in Honduras was the idea that I could go and make a difference somewhere.

It was something that I would remember my whole life.”

Delicath’s trip to Honduras was not his first experience in volunteering. DeSmet required all of its students to earn service hours giving back to the community.

“I have helped my grandfather around my area with St. Vincent De Paul. My freshman through sophomore year I had to earn service hours, which were required

by De Smet,” said Delicath. “Junior year I was assigned a service project which was Ackerman School.”

While at DeSmet, Delicath participated in the history club, magis men and National Honor Society. He played volleyball his freshman year.

When he’s not volunteering or travelling to third world countries, Delicath said he likes to hang with friends, go to the movies, play sports, Xbox and the drums.

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Class Class of of 2009 2009 Street Scape Magazine’s Xtreme 20 Awards | Street Scape Magazine would like to thank: America's Incredible Pizza Company, Brunswick Zone XL St. Peters, Channel 9- PBS, Florissant Ornamental Iron Work, Huntington Learning Center, Jake's on Main, Karen Hoffman, Lindenwood University, Quintessential Catering, River City Rascals Professional Baseball, Santolubes, St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Foundry Art Centre for making this years event possible.

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Congratulations to the 2009 Xtreme 20 Winners: Becky Bax, Matthew Borchers, Erin Bradley, Destiny Brown, Sarah Dunham, Matt Gualdoni, Eric Hallam, Joey Jackson, Tim Jones, Avery Joseph, Jake Klinghammer, Stephen McCullough, Nathaniel McKee, Laney Overton, Anthony Piggee, Ashlee Potter, Heather Redel, Avery Risch, Christopher Wappelhorst and Ian Whalen.

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FOCUS ON YOUTH

Avery Risch Yo u t h e n t r e p r e n e u r Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

very Risch is not your typical 12-year-old boy. Unless, starting a business is typical behavior of a pre-teen.

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Risch started designing his own skateboards in 2007 and soon after formed his own company AMR Skateboarding—at the tender age of 11.

“There were no designs that I liked that were coming onto the (skate) boards,” said Risch.

So Risch decided to take matters into his own hands—with the help of his computer and the Internet to design his own. Risch was able to create his designs through a Web site called Photo Bucket.

“My designs are very colorful, bright, happy and cheerful,” said Risch.

Risch then expanded his skateboard designs and channeled his creativity into T-shirts. Now his designs are available for purchase at his online store at www.amrclothing.webs.com. Visitors to his

site can also check out videos, vote on their favorite T-shirt design or purchase skateboard wheels.

The company grew from a love of the sport of skateboarding. An avid skateboarder, Avery learned to skate at the young age of six and a half.

“I have a friend who’s a really good at skateboarding and he taught me how to do a lot of stuff. And then I started doing (tricks) on my own,” said Risch. His favorite tricks include the half-pipe, he said.

By the age of 10, Risch was sponsored by Maxxed Out Board Company.

Risch, who is homeschooled, said he likes to spend his free time skate boarding with his friends and creating new designs for his skate shirts and his skateboards. He competes in skate competitions about five or six times a year. “I’ve travelled a bit for skateboarding,” said Risch.

When he’s not skateboarding, Risch likes to make music. He plays the piano and sings. And he also loves to edit videos and download them on U-Tube. His subject? skateboarding, of course.

Risch is also getting hands into reality television. “I just started filming a reality-type show…I follow around a bunch of people at the Columns,” said Risch. “It’s actually pretty funny. There are no normal days. It’s completely unscripted.”

Doug Risch, Avery’s dad, is never surprised with his son and his ideas. Before he reached the age of 10, Risch was already thinking big.

“He was already starting to think of different ideas for things when he was eight or nine years old,” said Doug Risch. “The stuff he’s designed, he’s completely figured out how to do it on his own.”

And if starting his own Web company wasn’t enough, Risch has plans to eventually open an actual store.

“I kind of want to be a designer, run my own company and make it grow bigger,” said Avery. “I’d like to get more designs and more orders and open an actual store.”

But those plans will have to wait for a little while—maybe a couple of years, he said.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Doug Risch.

Avery Risch

Avery is the youngest child of Doug Risch and Kimberley Hiatt-Risch. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 31

HORSES

His Name Is Magic

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

ou cannot remain unmoved by the gentleness and conformation of a wellbred and well-trained horse—more than a thousand pounds of big-boned, wellmuscled animal, slick of coat and sweet of smell, obedient and mannerly, and yet forever a menace with its innocent power and ineradicable inclination to seek refuge in flight, and always a burden with its need to be fed, wormed, and shod, with its liability to cuts and infections, to laming and heaves. But when it greets you with a nicker, nuzzles your chest, and regards you with a large and liquid eye, the question of where you want to be and what you want to do has been answered.

Y

--Albert Borgmann, “Crossing Postmodern Divide”, 1992

the

The doctors and faculty at the University of Missouri Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Columbia, MO certainly understand the concept.

Magic

32 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

The College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the university provides state-of-the-art teaching and medical services.

Veterinarians throughout the Midwest refer their animal clients to the hospital for specialized diagnoses and treatment. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers sophisticated therapeutic equipment, including an underwater treadmill, advanced imaging techniques and groundbreaking equine lameness diagnostic methods.

Dr. Mark Cassells, Magic, Kim Michelson and Dr. Kevin Keegan

Specifically, the Equine Clinic provides all aspects of patient care from on-farm preventative medicine to complex referral care. A team of specialty clinicians, residents, interns, veterinary students, veterinary technicians and assistants provide horses with some of the best veterinary medical care in the country.

“

Mary Lou Hannegan, retired teacher and owner of Magic, a 15-year-old Tennessee walking horse gelding, experienced the professionalism as well as the compassion of the doctors and staff at the hospital first hand earlier this year.

“Those people were wonderful. They treat those horses like you would a human patient and the facility itself is unimaginable,” Hannegan said.

“They’re very precise in their instructions. It’s like talking about a human.

They are very understanding of your love for your animal. I really love Magic. He’s a once in a lifetime horse for me. I would never see him suffer a life of pain.

He comes to my call and whinnies to my voice.”

Dr. Mark Cassells of the Homestead Veterinary Hospital in Pacific, MO, referred Hannegan to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Technically, the horse was suffering from advanced degenerative joint disease of the right proximal interphalangeal joint—a joint in the foot of the horse responsible for a portion of the flexion S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 33

or extension of the foot. Dr. Kevin Keegan, professor and doctor of veterinary medicine at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, assisted by Dr. Martha Rasch, performed a surgery called arthrodesis on the joint in January. Keegan said he drilled across the joint to remove the cartilage and placed three lag screws in its place to fuse the joint.

Keegan then applied a fiberglass cast to Magic’s right forelimb following surgery. A specialized shoe was applied to his other hoof to prevent laminitis.

Keegan said he performs three or four of the surgeries per year.

Magic’s case, he said, was one of great success. “I think the horse is one of the better results. The last time I saw the horse, he was perfectly sound. A lot of times, you might do that surgery as a salvage procedure to save the horse or make him comfortable to walk around, but this horse is riding again.”

He said horses typically take six to eight months to recover from the surgery, whereas Magic was sound after just four months.

“It’s not always that successful,” he said.

Hannegan said Magic’s post surgery ongoing special care has been provided by Kim Michelson, manager of Innsbrook Stables.

“Under her watchful eye and expert care, Magic is making great strides,” she said.

Riding is limited to flat ground, but his owner, trainer and medical team expect him to be ready for the trails in the near future. “He is a spirited horse ... and his name is Magic.” ■

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STATE YOUR BUSINESS

Don’s Auto Body I t ’s a l l i n t h e f a m i l y a t D o n ’s A u t o B o d y i n S t . C h a r l e s .

Story by Amy Armour Photo by Michael Schlueter

Don’s Auto Body opened its doors 40 years ago and it continues to operate at it original location at 1420 North Second Street in St. Charles. The third generation company was started by Don Tritz in 1969 as a collision repair company. Currently, his son Dave Tritz operates as president of the company and Dave’s son Adam joined the family business in 2001.

Don’s Auto Body specializes in late model collision repair.

“We fix wrecks. We help customers with all of their collision needs from fender benders,” said Dave Tritz.

The company also operates a detailing service, can help with hail damage, provides a towing service and can assist with insurance claims.

Dave started working for his father full-time in 1974. He worked part-time for the

company for a few years prior while he attended college. Dave’s son Adam continues the family tradition. He started working full-time for the company in 2001 after graduating from college. Adam is the general manager of production.

“St. Charles is a terrific community. It’s loyal to its businesses,” said Dave Tritz. “As much businesses as we’ve done in this town, we’re fortunate enough now to be repairing cars of the third generation. I feel a sense of pride and gratefulness for that.”

Customer service and a mutual level of trust and respect are cornerstones to the success of the third generation company.

“We listen to our customers’ needs and concerns. We pay attention to the details,” said Dave Tritz. “We address the needs of the customers and we listen to what they need.”

Earning a customer’s trust is an important detail that Don’s Auto Body does not take for granted.

“We earn their trust and people really respect that,” said Dave Tritz.

“In the auto trade, trust is so important.”

In all the years in business, one thing has not changed— personalized customer service.

“The principles of customer service are the same, but any other part of the business like the design of the vehicles and insurances relations are different,” said Dave Tritz.

Front -Dave Tritz, back - JoAnn Shores and Adam Tritz, LR

Tritz said it’s now a little more challenging for the shop to buy replacement parts.

“The parts are still available, but not within 24 hours. It usually takes three to five days,” said Dave Tritz. “It’s increasingly difficult to keep the lines of communication open between vendors and customers.”

But obviously, the family-owned shop has worked out the kinks. Don’s Auto Body was voted the best collision repair company in St. Charles County by readers of the Suburban Journal for nine years.

The company has also been successful keeping its employees happy. The company currently employs eight, and two of the employees have been with the company for more than 20 years.

JoAnn Shores, office manager, has been with the company since 1987.

“I love the public. I love the people who come in and I love being able to help them,” said Shores. “And Dave is good to work with.”

Mark Acers, a refinishing technician, has worked for Don’s Auto Body for more than 20 years. And his son Scott has been with the company for about four years as the parts coordinator.

Giving back to the community is also an important aspect of the company. Don’s Auto Body participates in nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club, Kiwanis Club, and St. Peter and St. Borromeo Churches.

In addition, the company has participated in fundraisers for local schools, including St. Charles High, St. Charles West and Orchard Farm.

“We will continue to be involved with the community,” said Dave Tritz. “We will continue a slow and steady growth. We will continue to grow as business continues to grow.”

For more information about Don’s Auto Body, visit www.doncollisionrepair.com. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 35

A LA CARTE

Erio’s Ristorante F E AT U R E D R E C I P E

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Some four decades ago, Pete Pulizzi came to America with his mother, father and two sisters. A native Sicilian, Pulizzi was 19 years old and not the least bit happy about leaving his homeland. His father had siblings in St. Louis at the time that got him a job in a salami factory. His mother worked as a seamstress.

“I was 19 years old. All my friends were in Sicily. I didn’t want to come to America,” he said. “But you listened to your parents.

Even when you’re 25, 27 or whatever, it doesn’t matter. You listen to your parents.”

Pulizzi carries that respect for family and a good work ethic with him today. As owner of Erio’s in St. Peters, Pulizzi offers authentic Italian cuisine in all its forms.

Pulizzi started Erio’s Ristorante with Erio Balassi in Florissant in 1971 after a chance meeting with the man. “I worked in construction. We went to lunch together.

He said he wanted to open a restaurant.

We both had worked in pizza places.”

The two split their partnership 10 years later—which by that time had grown to two restaurants—and each took a restaurant. Balassi kept the Woodson Terrace location, which he still operates

today.

Pulizzi Tutto sold theMare Florissant restaurant Linguini and(seafood moved west. pasta) Sauté 1 tsp. minced garlic, ½ cup chopped tomatoes, two fresh sliced Pulizzi opened Erio’s Peters mushrooms and 2 in Tbs.St.olive oil. in 1991.

His wife Joan Pulizzi said a casual drive south on Jungermann Road made up his mind for him. “We talked about moving Add 8 fresh whole then clams,to15Washington, small to Colorado Springs, fresh peeled cup small Missouri,” Joan shrimp said. and “We½ were driving bay scallops. around and came over the hill on Jungermann. He saw all those rooftops and said, ‘That might be a good area’.”

After clams open up, add ¼ cup white wine, 1 cup clam juice and 1 cupchef, chopped clams.

Pete’s Mickey Hixson, has been

with Erio’s for 33 years. With Erio’s originals and recipes of his own, Hixson serves up some the bestuntil Italian here to Letofsimmer the dishes mixturefrom begins the to Hill. boil. Then add Italian parsley, salt, pepper and red pepper to taste.

“We have a lot of regulars from as far as Wildwood Lake Stir Saint Add ½ lb.and linguini. andLouis,” serve. Pete said. “People come from all around because they know the food will be good.

36 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

The food is consistent. They can come back a year later and it still tastes the same.”

Pete’s staff is also consistent. They come and they stay. He has a server who has been with him for 17 years, another 15 and yet another 10.

He said some of the recipes at Erio’s are from both his and the Balassi families, while some are recipes of his own. “I used to watch mamma make the sauce. They say you can never duplicate the older people’s recipes. I don’t care what you do, that’s true.”

Every dish at Erio’s is made to order. And all of the produce is fresh from Old Tyme Produce in St. Louis or Anthony’s Produce in St. Peters. His white sauce is made from 40 percent cream not milk or half and half.

Joan makes the desserts, including cheesecake and her “Murder by Chocolate” flourless chocolate cake.

Pete and Joan Pulizzi

Erio’s featured its famous hand tossed pizza made fresh daily and topped with homemade pizza sauce with choice of fresh mozzarella or provel cheese, as well as numerous pasta and seafood pasta dishes.

Homemade sandwiches, steaks, veal and chicken entrees are offered as well as wine and beer.

Outback Steakhouse in St. Charles. Tricia Pulizzi Migliazzo didn’t marry a restaurateur, but she did marry an Italian none-the-less.

All three of Pete’s children grew up in his restaurant. Ironically, two of his three daughters stayed in the business. Marissa Pulizzi Miceli married a man who owns two Italian restaurants in the Denver, CO area. Christine Pulizzi Melton married a man who owns part of

Erio’s, located at 951 Jungermann Rd., is open from 4 to 9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information on using Erio’s for office luncheons, special occasions and private parties, call 636-928-0112. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 37

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 39

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229 North Main Street • Historic Downtown St. Charles

After 110 years . . . the styles may change, but our commitment to service remains.

(636) 724-0132 Mon-Fri 9:30-7 Sat 9:30-5

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 41

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S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 43

FASHION

Fashion Tips Fashionista Ola Hawatmeh

love to mix pieces old and new, cheap and not, chic and tomboyish. I love to customize a "chic" dress with a vintage belt or an unexpected jacket to tone it down and make it look and feel more relaxed. Uptight, stuffy, uncomfortable and unplayful definitely doesn't work on young girls for any season.

For the summer days, I like to mix a light white cotton short dress with a pair of denim shorts (so I can ride my bike) and a cool pair of sandals (not flip flops). Flip flops should only be worn for going to yoga or to get a pedicure. Instead of wearing trendy items head to toe, just have one item that is "trendy" like a fringe purse or ankle wrap sandals. It's important to wear what YOU feel comfortable in, not what other people tell you to wear.

I

Do's Make your legs look longer with miniskirts.

Wear makeup within your natural tones or a few shades off—

naturally. Wearing purple and green eye shadows do NOT look good.

The best trend is no trend! Who cares what's in the magazines

and on TV? If you like what you wear and you wear it with a smile, you will set the trend! People will think you look great and go to you for fashion trends. Be spontaneous and always try something new.

When you’re wearing a tight shirt, wear loose pants, and when

wearing tight pants, wear a loose shirt. Loose with loose makes you look sloppy, and tight on tight makes you look kinda trashy.

When you wear jeans, you should wear a cool shirt that makes ordinary jeans look good. You can also play up jeans with a good looking pair of shoes.

Make sure that each time you buy a new bra, you see a fit

specialist at a lingerie store or the lingerie department at a major department store. Wearing the right fitting bra makes you look great and feel much more comfortable.

If you have blue eyes wear blue often to accentuate your eyes.

Always wear nail polish; it looks great. But you must keep in

mind that the nail polish should match the color of the clothes that you are wearing so that you don't look weird.

Something totally cool right now, especially for teens, is hair dye.

Bright un-natural colors like pink or blue look great. This style is especially good for people with short hair. Make sure you try it temporary first to make sure it will look good!

You can make a great body spray by mixing your favorite 44 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Ola Hawatmeh, StreetScape Magazine Fashion Editor

perfume with some water and some sparkly mini glitter jewels!

Go ahead and try it.

For a nice casual look this fall in the pre-teen to teen section, just

try some loose flare jeans with a tight fitted top. They look great together and compliment curves.

Embellish and accessorize the outerwear and sweaters that you

already own for creativity and replacement savings. A faux fur collar and cuffs attached to last year's wool coat makes a new look and is economical too. Bead a sweater neckline, or add some decorative trims (gold coins, feathers, one-of-a kind buttons, leather strips etc.) around the bottom of your pant legs or copy tuxedo style striping up the side seams using metallic trims, or even the beading that matches your sweater, to add sparkle and fresh style.

All the best dressed fashionistas know that when wearing animal

prints, less is more! Please do not dress in animal prints from head to toe!!! The best dressed and stylish are wearing only one print and adding a dramatic flair by doing so. My favorite is wearing animal print accessories such as a wonderful animal print scarf, or even some fab shoes! Just remember less is more and you will never go wrong.

If you are small-chested you can still wear tops that are bare on

top. They'll accentuate your neck and shoulders.

If you're wearing tight pants, wear thong underwear or a G-

string. If you're wearing tight white (or light colored) pants, ONLY wear nude underwear. NO OTHER COLORS! White underwear will glow under artificial lights, and dark underwear will be visible from a block away!

A dark pare of Mudd jeans and a bright yellow shirt or a light

blue shirt looks so Kool!!!

Ever try to stay "in" with fashion and find that by the time you

find the designer look-a-like it’s already on its way out? Stick to basics! You can't go wrong, they never are on their way out and you can wear them with anything. Sure you can buy a crocodile skirt here or a bare back tank there, but don't go overboard on trends because by the time you wake up the next morning that outfit you just bought the day before will be faux pas!

women wear bras with cups far too small, giving them the infamous quadruple boob syndrome.

Dont’s Plus-size women, don't wear tapered leg jeans in very light

colors. Go for bootleg or flare styles. They are guaranteed to slim you down at least 10 pounds. If you don't like jeans, try boot or flare leg stretch pants, also. Very slimming.

ABSOLUTELY NEVER wear platform sandals! They are sooo

over, and they've been over since, like, forever. But if you really, really have to, then DO NOT ever, ever wear them with pants!

Never wear white socks. It's that simple.

When you walk in high heels, don't walk on the heel; it makes

you seem like you walk in them everyday

continued

Always keep looking in the magazines and then go to your

designer to make it real.

As for no pantyhose/stockings with open-toed shoes, my

boyfriend PLEADS with me to show off my stockinged feet.

I wear tye~dye shirts all the time! If there are other people out

there who are fans of bright colored tie~dye shirts by brands like Liquidblue, then rock on! If you are making an educated fashion decision, and you like what you are wearing, that’s great, but if you are making an uneducated decision, that's different! I also think that tennis shoes look great with short dresses sometimes!

You just need to look at the outfit and decide for yourself! There are exceptions to everything!

Go with what you feel comfortable in. Just don't go with what

everyone else has on. Go with what you like.

If you wear a black skirt or dress and black shoes, wear black

stockings. It is lengthening, slimming and sexy.

The look for this season is basically structured with straight-slim

silhouettes. Lilac, burgundy, tomato red, bright colors form the basic colors in vogue. Transparency still dominates the trend.

Tubes, sequins, beads, ornate the embroidery length of Indian Kutra's further diminishing with shorter ones in vogue.

I like classic, smooth and understated. For this, one color or

monochromatic garb works best. But you have to know which color flatters your skin & hair. Medium to dark hues are more slimming in general. Nice, drapey materials look and feel good.

Slim cuts are tres cool because you don't have so many lines broken up. For instance, a jacket over pants in a blue that flatters you. Check the shoulders so it hangs well, stops at hips or below and make sure the pants are long enough. Poof! A classic.

If you have long hair and you crochet, make yourself some

scrunchies to make your outfits and wear your hair up. You could also decorate combs or barrettes.

Wear bras your size!

For some unfortunate reason, a lot of

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S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 45

Even if the look is really in style, don't wear it if it doesn't match!

with

I'm telling you all this because lately I have seen the worst outfits in Seventeen and YM (Like a blue animal print top with a pink skirt and a leather vest) NO WAY- In the "No You Didn't" category, please ladies do not wear clothes that don't fit. What is that “wear one size smaller than you are” thing? It is not stylish or classy to look trashy and flabby! No you didn't! - If you have dark skin color, don't wear light lipstick, wear some kind of purple, brown or red.

Ann Hazelwood Bra straps showing are tacky unless you are trying to re-live the

"material girl look".

What's HOT and What's NOT in St. Charles County?

Never wear pantyhose that are lighter than your natural skin color.

They make your legs look fatter, and the color is just plain bad.

Stick to sheer shades that match your skin, or funky patterns and bright colors. But NO WHITE! Don't wear different tone blue jean clothes together.

April Felderwerth | Manager of the Flower Petaler in Historic St. Charles Yellow, Yellow, happy colors are big.

Blue and brown OUT! Jan Levine | Grants Administrator for the Community and Resource Board Michelle’s Clothing Store on North Main is hot for me. I like the customer service and free alterations!

Kristin Robinson | Accountant for Hollander CPA Group Soccer is becoming the prominent sport in St. Charles County.

Linda Roques | Asst. Manager of St. Charles Antique Mall Antique garden accessories. like garden tools,and statutories.

Janice Boschert | owner of String Along with Me on Historic South Main Flowers are showing up in jewelry, clothing and hats. The BoHo look is hot also!

Patricia Badalamenti | co-owner of OOh La La on Historic Main street Jackets and more jackets....the brighter the better!

46 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Never wear black pantyhose with white shoes.

No knee-high hose with skirts.

Although shirts with no backs or strings across the back are in vogue

right now, one should not wear them unless you are very thin and have a toned back. Far too many girls who are perfectly normal wear these shirts and it makes them look lumpy and overweight. ■

Community Living’s Big Kahuna Celebrity Bartender Challenge Community Living’s Big Kahuna Celebrity Bartender Challenge, held at Side Pockets in St. Charles on July 23, raised a record-breaking $26,000 for Community Living’s programs and services for people with disabilities in St. Charles County!

Music On Main

Hi-tech Shopping

Photo by Michael Schlueter

TECHNOLOGY

MyShape.com

Story by Amy Armour

hopaholics beware—shopping has never been so easy or convenient with the new tools of technology.

S

In recent years, shopping has been taken to a new level, offering shoppers the option to buy online with little more than the click of a mouse and some credit card numbers.

Now with the help of some advanced technology, shoppers can have all of the benefits of shopping online without the drawbacks like sifting through tons of web pages in search of a specific brand or taking a guess on what size jeans will probably fit.

And no fitting room is required.

“Shopping is frustrating. You bring 20 items into the dressing room and maybe one will fit,” said Linda Freedman, chief marketing officer for MyShape.com. “We try to eliminate the guesswork.”

At www.myShape.com shoppers can take the guesswork out of sizing by taking advantage of an online tool that calculates a series of measurements to determine a body shape. From that body shape, the Web site offers guidance and suggestions on the types of clothing that would flatter that shape— from the length of a skirt to the plunge of the neckline to the most flattering type of fabric. The site also chooses the size each shopper will fit into—depending on the specific brand or designer.

“You can ditch the dressing room. You don’t have to try anything on again,” said Freedman.

To become a member and create your own ‘personal shop’-- which is completely free-get a tape measure handy and prepare to take several measurements. No tape measure? E-mail the site and MyShape.com will mail one. Once the measurements are entered into the form, the site will determine which of the body shapes fit the shopper. Then shoppers fill out a list of fit preferences for each article of clothing, as well as brand preferences.

MyShape.com shoppers can pick and choose from more than 200 brands, some of which include: Michael Kors Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Nanette Lepore, Tadashi, Liz Claiborne, AK Anne Klein, BCBGeneration, Sue Wong, Ellen Tracy, Kenneth Cole NY, Jag Jeans, Gayla Bentley Bianca Nero and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ).

Outfit available on MyShape.com

48 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Once the information is entered, the personal shop is created. Shoppers can shop by designers, type of apparel, or what’s on sale. Shoppers simply click on an item to see

True Tailor Digital Measurement System utilized by Lori Coulter Swimwear

a close-up picture, the price, the designer and a pretty purple button to add the item to the shopping bag. The size—as determined by the shopper measurements-is already highlighted and everything in the personal shop should fit and flatter based on the body shape.

“No one has time to sift through pages and pages of stock online…we’re really excited to bring this retail outlet to women,” said Freedman.

The site recently launched a new measuring tool that will approximate the rest of the body from key measurements. A virtual measuring agent assists the shopper to aid in completing their measurements, indicating if a measurement is incorrect.

And the cost to become a member of MyShape.com is absolutely nothing.

MyShape.com, founded by Louise Wammier, launched in 2006 and has since grown five times over in both members and sales with more than 600,000 current members.

“It’s the first and only personal shape tool for women on the Web,” said Freedman.

According to MyShape.com, the average order is double the online industry average and returns are significantly less.

Starting in August, MyShape.com launched a new feature called “Make Your Own

Outfit,” which mixes and matches from separates that already suit shoppers shape, style and fit from the personal profile.

The site also has live chat with Patty Fox, a fashion coordinator of the Academy Awards, who also shares lots of fashion and styling tips. Shoppers can also view a whole page of tips on the most flattering styles for their shape, from everything from the style of shirt to the length of a pant’s hem to the detailing on an outfit. nd now a relatively new technology aims to make shopping for a swimming suit an enjoyable and confidence-boosting process—which is no small feat for the average woman. The invention of a new technology geared to find the best and most flattering and fashionable fit is available from Lori Coulter at Macy’s in Chesterfield Mall.

A

Coulter has partnered with Macy’s Department Store in Chesterfield Mall to provide private consultations in a discrete fitting room setting to help women find the perfect, custom-fit, fashionable, one-of-a-kind swimsuit.

Coulter utilizes the True Tailor Digital Measurement System which is a light band system, similar to the flash of a camera, which takes 140 measurements of the body in the privacy of a fitting room. In less than a minute, the measurements create a 3-D image. From that image, the system identifies the shopper’s body shape and can help determine the best, most flattering swimsuit for her specific body.

“Our swimsuits are made to fit each person,” said Coulter.

“Our mission is to help women feel confident, beautiful and comfortable in their bodies.”

The made-to-order swimsuit is custom-designed by the shopper, with the help of a certified image consultant.

Shoppers literally have a million choices, choosing everything from the fabric to the color to the cut to the length of the strap to the plunge of the neckline.

And the swimsuit is ready for the beach or a fall getaway in 10 business days—for a cost of $225. The $225 price includes the initial consultation, measurements, swimsuit and any alterations.

For more information, check out www.loricoulter.com. or the sale-savvy shopper, the Shop It To Me web site sends an email to shoppers alerting them of sales on their favorite brands.

F

“It’s a free personalized shopper for clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories,” said Charlie Graham, founder of Shop It To Me. Shop It To Me was launched in the summer of 2005 as a side project for Graham, who describes himself as a serial entrepreneur.

“I love sales and knowing when things are on sale,” said Graham, who is based in San Francisco, CA. Shop It To Me has partnered with about 100 retailers nationwide to offer its customers up to the moment sale price offers. About two millions savvy shoppers currently use the site, with more additions daily.

To receive ‘sale mail’, shoppers simply fill out a relatively short profile at the Web site www.shopittome.com with their name and email address. Then, shoppers check off their favorite brands from a list of more than 600—some of which include Gap, Coach, Calvin Klein, Express, Jones New York and Victoria’s Secret. Shoppers can choose brands for clothing for men, women and children and the site also includes a special section for running apparel, accessories and shoes for women and men.

Once the brands have been chosen, the site asks the shopper to fill in the sizes for each type of clothing.

Once the sizes are set, the shopper then chooses when they would like to receive a sale mail—from as often as once a day to as little as once a week. And the service is completely free to the shopper.

“This is a fun and convenient way to shop. The deals come to you. There’s no searching at 100 different sites,” said Graham. “I think the web is so filled and cluttered with information—you really need tools (like this) to get through it.”

Pictures of the items are emailed to the shopper, who can then simply click and purchase the items Shop It To Me offers directly from the retailer. Graham said many free personalized shopping times shipping is free. via email alerts

“Our goal is to make (swimsuit shopping) a positive experience for women,” said Coulter.

“We want to make it simple for women to find a style for their body shape.”

The idea for the made to order swimsuit was created when Coulter was working on a paper for graduate school about using technology for clothing design.

“It is a mission for us…it’s not just about fit. I don’t want women to sacrifice fashion,” said Coulter.

To keep the swimsuits current with the latest fashion trends, Coulter offers more than 40 styles of bikini tops and bottoms, tankinis and one-pieces. Swimsuit shoppers can also a variety of stylish cover-ups to match the custom swimsuit.

“And a number of the stores offer exclusive promotions in the email,” said Graham. “It’s really fun finding items you never knew existed.”

Graham said the target market for Shop It To Me is people who like mid- to high-end brands and they know the brands they like.

“And they also like to get it on sale,” said Graham.

Graham said there would be several new features on the site in the near future but he was not able to release the information at press time.

“We’re focusing on ways to make it more fun and more convenient,” said Graham. ■ S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 49

SEASONAL HUNT

Trophy Taxidermy Heads ... you loose!

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photo by Michael Schlueter

said. The Busch family of Anheuser Busch brewing fame has a few as well.

Anyone who has visited Dr. Michael Conoyer’s office in St. Peters can attest to the man’s love of the hunt. The good doctor shares the beauty of the animals in the form of mounts all over the building.

Conoyer said the mounts in his office are for his enjoyment as much as for his patients’. “If I’m going to be in a place for most of my waking hours, I wanted to see that it was decorated the way I like it.”

His private collection, housed in both his home and office, represent nearly 100 mounts, including pairs of every duck in existence today in North America, short of four. It also includes 21 heads of North American big game animals.

For Conoyer, it’s better than home movies, better than an album. Mounting the animals he has hunted helps him relive the many adventures he has had as well as share his memories with others. “It’s a great memory of the hunt and the relationship with the people and nature around hunting,” Conoyer said. “It shows the people that don’t get to go out how beautiful the animals are. But a memory that instantly puts you back in that moment is a pretty cool thing.”

The ducks are mounted under bubble glass, the most expensive and yet the best way to preserve the animals. Mounting under bubble glass is patented. It rates up there with museum quality, he said. The Cheshire Inn in St. Louis used to house a couple of ducks mounted in the first years of the 20th century under bubble glass, he

In fact, Conoyer’s mounts are so detailed, they rival the real thing. He said he shoots

a photograph of the place where the animal was killed. An artist then draws the background and reproduces that within the bubble.

For most of his mounts, that artist was deer, gamehead and mammal specialist and taxidermist, Frank Wagner of Schwarz Studio Taxidermists in St. Louis.

Schwarz is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Founded in 1882, it’s the oldest taxidermy business in the United States.

Located at 8520 Gravois Road, Schwarz is entrusted each year by literally hundreds of sportsmen to bring their prize trophies to life-like appearances. Wagner, as well as bird specialist Jim Whinnery and fish specialist Mark Deweese turn out a wide variety of mounts, which include white-tail deer, Western big game, African big game, turkey and other game birds, waterfowl, fish and reproduction fish mounts. The company has also furnished zoos, museums and schools with mounts.

Schwarz was founded by Frank Schwarz, a German immigrant who came to St. Louis from his hometown of Hanover, after spending three years at the Academy of Fine Arts, studying sculpture. He had also studied anatomy at Heidelberg University and served as a taxidermy apprentice at the Berlin Museum.

While working for Singer Sewing Machine in St. Louis, Schwarz built up his taxidermy business on the side. He opened the studio full-time in March of 1882. In 1907, the studio moved into a brick building in Lafayette Square and soon became nationally known.

Dr. Michael Conoyer

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Wagner said at that time, African big game hunting had become extremely popular, due in large part to publicity of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s safaris.

“Not surprisingly, much of Schwarz Studio’s early work involved turning out big game trophy mounts and the company’s early clients included such notable names as

William Jennings Bryan, Kaiser Wilhelm II and August A. Busch, Sr.” Schwarz still does work for the fourth generation sportsmen in the Busch family.

In 1911, Schwarz convened nearly a dozen local naturalists at his studio to plan the formation of a St. Louis Zoological Society, known today as the St. Louis Zoo. Schwarz introduced the use of wood-framed glass bubbles to protect mounts of smaller birds and fish. Featuring hand-painted background scenes, the glass bubbles provide virtually airtight protection, Wagner said.

As the years passed, Schwarz passed on his knowledge of taxidermy to his sons, Max and Paul, who inherited the business in 1933 after their father’s death. Paul Schwarz’ own son, Paul Jr., worked at the studio as an apprentice. After a stint as a chemist, he later rejoined the company started by his grandfather. Paul Jr. later taught taxidermy to his son Carl, the fourth generation of Schwarz to work at the studio.

By 1974, Frank Schwarz and his two sons were gone, leaving the business in the care of Paul Jr. and Carl. At that time, the studio received an increasing number of native species such as white tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, turkey, pheasants and waterfowl, the result of a highly successful national emphasis on conservation measures.

Wagner purchased Schwarz Studio in 2002. The company today continues to turn our native species as well as exotic mounts for customers all over the country. Elegant company board rooms, personal dens and museums alike showcase the studio’s work, ranging from life-size lions to mounts of giraffes, to a full size gorilla completed for the St. Louis Science Center.

“Emphasis is placed not only on the creation of a life-like mount, but on its display as well,” Wagner said. The artists at Schwarz possess impressive knowledge about specific plant species and even what types of rock are authentic to a particular animals’ habitat.

Once the appropriate setting and fauna are selected, the finished mount is then displayed in a remarkable life-like setting.

Fishermen can provide Schwarz Studio with a photo of their catch, and a recording of the length of a trophy fish.

Created entirely of manmade materials, the fish is made to replicate what a sportsman or woman caught and then released. “With the increased popularity of catch and release fishing, the fish reproductions provide proud sportsmen with a way to display their trophy catches, while also ensuring the ongoing

See my live exhibit at the Festival of the Little Hills Aug. 14-16.

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 51

first skin the animal. The skin is then tanned and placed on a polyurethane form. Clay is used to install glass eyes. Forms and eyes are also commercially available.

Rogue Taxidermy is the creation of stuffed animals which do not have real, live counterparts, such as the jackalope. They may have mythical counterparts, like dragons, be of the taxidermist’s imagination or be endangered or extinct species.

Anthropomorphic Taxidermy is the creation of animals that are dressed as people or displayed as if engaged in human activities.

Frank Wagner of Schwarz Studio Taxidermists

reproductive cycle of the fish species,” he said.

Taxidermy.Net notes the first taxidermists were hunter-gatherers, when man first hunted for his food and found that the skins of his prey, when treated with certain substances, could be preserved and used for clothing and shelter.

The term stuffed animal evolved from the tanneries of the 19th century stuffing animal skins with rags and cotton to preserve hunters’ trophies. To this day, taxidermists prefer the term “mounting” to “stuffing” due to the terrible looking mounts of the trade’s crude beginnings.

Taxidermy-supplies.com lists the Ancient Egyptians as some of the first taxidermists effectively. They embalmed and stuffed countless dogs, cats, monkeys, birds, sheep and oxen to be buried alongside their dead owners. This form of taxidermy did not work well, however, for while the body of the

52 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

animal may be preserved from decay without removing it from the skin, the subsequent shrinkage and distortion spoil any effect which may be been achieved.

In the early 20th century, artists, such as Carl E. Akeley, William T. Horneday, Coleman Jonas and Leon Pray developed anatomically accurate manikins which incorporated every detail down to each muscle and tendon of the animal in artistically pleasing poses. They invented new techniques for mounting that allowed them to portray animals with uncanny lifelike accuracy and created mounts in realistic settings and poses.

Taxidermy can be done on all types of animals including mammals, birds, nematodes, reptiles and amphibians.

Wikipedia.org describes taxidermy—from the Greek for classifying skins—as the act of mounting or reproducing dead animals for display or other sources of study. Taxidermists

St. Charles played host in May to the World Taxidermy Championships, which were held at the St. Charles Convention Center. More than $25,000 in cash prizes were awarded at the competition that featured hundreds of creative entries representing the finest work of taxidermists from all over the world competing in such categories as Masters, Collective, Professional, Freeze-Dry, Novice, Youth, Live Taxidermy Sculpture and World Challenge Divisions. ■

Mary Ellen’s Corner: you will find several tips and tricks in marketing, advertising and networking your business. We welcome questions and comments that will be answered in the next edition. Please send inquires to Streetscape Magazine, ATTN: Mary Ellen’s Corner, 223 N.Main, St. Charles Mo 63301

Moving Forward with Technology Technology has forever changed the way professionals' network with many sites such as FaceBook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Plaxo. Consumers are doing more business with those who have an online presence including these social networking sites over those that do not. Over the next few issues I will be exploring how to utilize these websites for your business. Today we will focus on LinkedIn and Plaxo.

Mary Ellen’s Corner Do you find yourself having multiple calendars, folders, email addresses in several different day timers? I myself have three different places that this information is kept. This is not a way to be productive. By utilizing Plaxo you are able to synchronize all that’s important to you in one single place. It’s about staying in touch with all those who you care about… your family, your friends and your business contacts. Plaxo has a wonderful update that keeps you in the know with what your friends, family and business contacts are up to.

Some of the features Plaxo offers are:

www.linkedin.com and www.plaxo.com

• Share photos, videos, reviews and more…

So lets get started:

• Share content from the websites you use like Flickr, YouTube, Digg, Facebook, etc.

LinkedIn is a strong source when it comes to building your network; it is all about the quality of the right connections and not about the quantity of connections. By focusing your network on connecting others you will in turn grow your own business.

LinkedIn allows you to send invitations to those you would like to collaborate with. You can also help those in your network be introduced to one another. For example, you can introduce one of your contacts that might be looking for a “chiropractor” to that doctor in your group. This helps everyone build their business with referrals.

Some of the benefits to joining these free networking sites are the following: • Increase your bottom line • Build on branding your business • Find reliable sources • Connect with other businesses • Allows merging of your blog feed into profile • Designed as a professional networking site •

Promotion of events

• You can represent yourself on the web with your own profile.

• With the Plaxo address book, get the information you need for the people you know and sync it to places you already use (this means you can access your multiple calendars from any computer).

• Your Plaxo calendar syncs with Yahoo!, Google Mail, Outlook, Mac • Back up for your contact database and calendar.

The best feature of Plaxo is that with everyone moving positions in this current economy it will keep your database up to date.

So get online and check out these sites to help you compliment everything you are doing now and help you grow your business. You can connect with me via these sites and search for “Mary Ellen Renaud” and mention streetscape in the invite. Have fun growing your network.

Your networking friend, Mary Ellen Renaud Mary Ellen Renaud

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 53

SOCIETY

SOCIETY SIGHTINGS … by Teri Seiler emember the old tune, “Summertime” written by George and Ira Gershwin from the musical Porgy and Bess? The words start out “Summertime, and the living is easy”. Well, it may have been easy in the 1900’s but in the 2000’s – there is nothing easy about it. The new version of that famous song is “Summertime and the living is busy, busy, busy. Here’s what I mean…

R

Legal eagle, Randy Weber and his wife, Sondra, recently witnessed the marriage of their son, Matthew Weber to Holly Tulin, both graduates of Purdue University, at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica on Lindell Avenue in St. Louis. This fairy tale wedding began with the couple united in marriage by William H. Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore, who just happens to be the cousin of the groom, and Father Noah Waldman, Associate Pastor of St. Joachim and Ann who served as con-celebrant. The bride looked breathtaking in her white beaded, strapless, silk organza gown designed by Reem Acra for Saks Fifth Avenue. Matron of Honor, Laura Tulin-Cody, and bridesmaids Stacey Weber, Ashley Weber, and Lorrie Rohan, wore gowns in fuschia, fashion’s fav color of the season, with the bride dipping her heels in the same dye, which added some colorful fun to the traditional bridal attire.

Best man, Matt Kisker, and male accomplices, Jim Bindbeutal, Blake Detter and Dan Zerjav donned in the classic black tuxedo, showed their support as groomsmen. Parents of the bride, Ronald and Linda Tulin, outdid themselves as they hosted 200 guests in the Starlight Room at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. In an effort to please the varied culinary preferences of their guests, multi-cultural buffet stations were prepared throughout the ballroom where wellwishers such as former U.S. Attorney, Steve Higgins and his wife, Carol, St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano and first lady, Joyce, Honorable Dan Pelican, John and Pam Winkelmeier, Ken and Babs Kolkmeier, John and Mary Lou Hannegan, Matt Fairless, Joe Webster and Karen Enke, Keith Hazelwood, David and Ruth Hamilton, and Jim and Sally Hennelly, could enjoy the tastes of different countries all under one roof. Other guests such as Dan and Meredith Borgmeyer, Tom and Cathy Glosier, Tom and Minnie Brown, if they were so inclined, were able to whirl their way onto the dance floor to the orchestrated tunes of Pleasure Groove. The magic of the evening was caught by Drew Weber, cousin of the groom and second year law student at UMC, who escorted his date, Lindsay Helpler, to the outside balcony and politely popped the question: “Will you marry me?” Her response: “Yes.” So, in time, there will be another wonderful Weber wedding.

But, this fairy tale does not end here. It is a tradition in the Catholic church for the bride, in the year of her marriage, garbed in her wedding gown, to be presented to the Holy Father and a papal audience. Thus, Matt and Holly, who honeymooned in Maui, will be off to Rome to be presented to Pope Benedict XVI in October at St. Peter’s Basilica, which has to thrill the matriarch of the family, 54 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

Nettie Weber. Now, that’s a fairy-tale ending.

Writing of fairy-tales…Fairy Godmothers, Joyce Shaw, Mary Enger, Nancy Matheny, Sally Faith, Marilyn McIntyre, Nadine Boon, Grace Harmon, Jean Saputo, Jan Martinez, Gail Zumwalt, Diane Wolferding, Barb Drant and Amie Bossi have been busy this summer preparing for their September 12 fundraiser to be held at the old McKinley School on North Second Street.

Their goal is to help finish Grace’s Kitchen, a commercial-grade kitchen, established through the “grace of God” and named after a very gracious Grace in our community, being built at the McKinley School. Kathy Lambert, the director of Connections to Success, is eager to get the kitchen project finished so the clients of the organization can learn culinary skills. Mary West, chairwoman, is hoping the event, which will feature numerous local eateries and caterers sharing their finest appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages will attract 250 charitable people who like to dish it out - their money that is - to help women better themselves. If you would like to attend, call Mary at 636-925-3877.

While the above women were using their womentality to make a difference in our town, A.J. Edgar, John Moehlman, Hal Bartch, Gerry Prinster, and Jim Pauley were using their mentality with the assistance of Dianne Siegfried and Melinda Movick to make the Fifth Annual ERA/Muscular Dystrophy Golf Tournament a success. Their mission was accomplished. “Even in this bad economy, we raised more money than ever before,” exclaimed Ed Crow of ERA Crown Realty and host of the tournament. It was one hot day, but it did not stop friends of MDA such as Bill Schaefer, Tom Pauley, Terry Zensen, Tom Goessling, Mark Randazzo, Mike Wentz, Tom Bruening, Barb Lampe, Barb Schrand, Joe Glosier, Phil Krupa, Cal Schneider, Jim Davis, Duane Hercules, and Terry McClintock, from teeing up at The Falls Golf Club while 9-year-old, Taylor Branson, MDA spokesperson for the State of Missouri, cheered them on and cheered them up letting them know they were sweating for a cause.

They raised a cool $12,000.00 thanks in large part to Kohl’s Department Store, who came through with a whopping donation of $2,000.00.

While we are on the topic of hot, you need to check out this local video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd6f8w595ak showing highlights from the Fifth Annual Crawfish Massacre that was hosted by Roger Martin, Rich Beardsley, and Arturo Latimer. As you watch, you can feel the heat as over 200 guests such as Jan Beardsley, Candy Zemon, Christine Medley, Wendy and Chris Black, Sean Keough, Mike and Margie Duenke, Tammie and Bill Pugh, Dawn and Darrell Pendel, Monica and Dave Settle, Linda and Dan Lockwood, Jeff and Liddy Arneson, Valerie Momeno, Linn Porzuczek, Glen Reinholz, Ed Weeks, Barb Marshall Michael, Cary Martin, Teri Bales, Randy Davies, Mike and Justin Smith, Bill Field and Nancy Kraut, and Kent and Kristie Zimmer sampled the mixture of crawfish, corn-on-thecob, onions, sausages, mushrooms, and a lot of Cajun-like spices.

As is traditional for crawfish boils, the party-in-the-pot is poured

out on the table for all to feast and, from the video, you can tell the guests were enjoying the delicacies; albeit, they were grateful for the beverages to help cool the fuel. The crawfish, 260 pounds to be exact, were flown in live from New Orleans just to be a part of this spectacular event.

Ever wonder what hunters do with all the game they kill during the various hunting seasons? Well, wonder no more. Thanks to the ingenuity of Gary Shaw, a board member of the St. Charles Boys & Girls Clubs, a Wild Game Gourmet Dinner was held at Grappa Grill, wherein local hunters donated their extra pheasants, elks, buffalos, venison, ducks and salmon. Approximately 100 wild game enthusiasts such as Mitch Stepro, Tom Nolan, Dr. Max Webel, Jeff Steinhoff, Brian and Jerry Scheidegger, Shawn Saale, Mike Plackemeier, Cliff Neuse, Don Boehmer, Paul O’Rourke, Jamie LoPorto, Pat Koepke, Tom Johnson, Bob Davis, Dave Bumb, Steven Busch, Patrick Coyne, David Anderson, the Fabulous Baker Boys of Warrenton Oil fame (Wayne, R.G., Dave, Robert, Jim, Danny and Mark) and the Fabulous Baker Females (Betty and Becky) “bucked-up” $100.00 a plate to sample the unforgettable dishes prepared by Jack Borgmeyer, Manager of Grappa Grill, and Chef T.J. Withoelter. Each entrée was prepared with an accompanying sauce, compote, topping and/or demi-glace that complimented the flavor of that particular game. A small but effective oral auction was held thanks to the generous contributions of Ernie Dempsey, Denny and Angel Walters, Jon Kercher, Sgt. Paul Bastean and Craig Werling.

According to the club’s development director, Jeanette Koechner, the response was so overwhelming and positive that Wild Game Gourmet Dinner 2010 is already in the works. If you want to be on the invitation list contact Jeanette at 636-946-6255 x 104.

There is no need to go to Hollywood to get due recognition for your lifetime achievements. Just ask Linda Hecht who, to celebrate the momentous occasion of her 60th birthday, had Hollywood come to St. Charles. Stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Harrison Ford, and Kim Novak lined up outside her house to walk the red carpet all the way down to her beautiful built-in pool, where appetizers and libations were flowing plentiful. Okay, okay, one can pretend can’t they? And they did. Kenny and Jenny Engram dressed as Tim the Tool Man and his beautiful sidekick, Heidi. It was George Worthington who was decked out as Harrison Ford and George’s wife, Sharlotte, made a stunning imposter as Kim Novak. Roberta Casida and Sharon St. Moritz did their dress-up versions of Liz Taylor. Amy and Bob Schult, who came as Clint Eastwood, added life to the party arriving on their revved up Harley Davidson. And, of course, no Hollywood party would be complete without Marilyn Monroe played by MiNette Asbury. Lance Theby, one of our hometown professional photographers, was on hand to capture the craziness while posing as the ever-menacing papparazi. Don Thebeau won the Golden Globe for Design on a Dime, while the host-of-honor channeled one of her favorite stars of all times, Doris Day. It was a night of fame, fun and the recognition of good fortune in having so many friends with whom to celebrate.

Linda and Clint Techmeyer, Dr. Kevin Lydon, Heather Dawson, Gary Melchior, Dale Brown and David Bailey, a few members of The St. Peters Rotary Club, were burning the coals at the OldTyme Picnic at Lone Wolf Park this summer as they hosted a barb-que cookoff to help raise funds for local children’s charities. Tim

Cudd, of Gragnani’s Bistro, chaired the event with St. Peter’s Mayor Len Pagano serving as one of the judges. It was quite a tasty event!

The St. Charles County of Realtors held its Second Annual Idol Contest this summer. According to those in the know, “the local talent was amazing”. Dani Meyer of USA Mortgage was awarded the first place trophy with Jan Mintert of Assured Title being voted a close second. Celebrity judges were County Executive Steve Ehlmann, Sharon Keating, Chairman of the Missouri Real Estate Commission, and Chris Polychron, 2015 Candidate for National Association of Realtors President. Seen in the audience, showing their appreciation for such great talent were Karen Vennard, Joe Sahrmann, Jennifer Piglowski and Judy Bateman.

Congratulations to Craig Frahm who was presented with the Founder’s Award 2009 at the Campbell Montessori School’s Emerald Anniversary Gala held at the Embassy Suites. Miriam Gutting, director of the school, recognized Craig, and his spouse, Lorna, for their 20 years of service to the school. Art Holliday served as Master of Ceremonies and Scott Campbell served as Toastmaster. A few well-wishers seen congratulating Craig on his award were Billie Collier, Nancy Matheny, and Greg Prestemon, as well as the Frahm children, Anna and James.

Julie Feast, Laura and Rich Powell along with Jill and Todd Ryan served as co-chairs for the annual Wine Tasting Event that benefitted the Crisis Nursery of St. Charles. The “friend raiser”, as described by Bonnie Define, community relations director, was hosted by Mike Holmes at his Sherlock’s Steak and Seafood restaurant in Cottleville. Supporters such as Peter and Kim Wazlawek, Heidi and Bruce Sowatsky, Brian and Christy Mundy, Kurt and Marty Beanblossom, Bud and Cathy Goellner and Bill and Geri Willbrand were among the group of attendees who sampled a variety of fabulous wines complimented by a delicious assortment of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres. The twohour event raised approximately $2500.00 and added numerous new friends to the Nursery’s supporters. The organization will be holding a Celebrity Waiters event on August 20th from 5 – 10 p.m. at Canyon Café and Cardwell’s at Plaza Frontenac. To get more information on their fun-raising events, visit www.crisisnurserykids.org.

Here’s a few Biz Bytes: Jan Martinez is back working with the Scheidegger clan – this time for Brian Scheidegger of Assured Title. She says, “Business IS coming back”, so they are gearing up their marketing efforts. Scott Sacco has started a new real estate company with his business partner, Ralph Turney called Scott Sacco Real Estate, Scott Sacco Commercial Real Estate and Red Arrow Properties. The premise of the new business is to be a “single point of contact to sell, maintain or purchase real estate”. They are currently working on an on-line auction service for their clients.

Scott’s new number is 636-735-2211. Kelley Lamm, our local chocolatier, has sold her chocolate cafe in O’Fallon and is now on the motivational speaker circuit. She has just finished writing a book “BitterSweet”, a journey through life both pleasure and pain.

She is available for speaking engagements and can be reached at kelleylamm@sbcglobal.net.

Until next time…I got my eyes on you. ■

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 55

STATE YOUR BUSINESS

Lovely Lullabies Sweet dreams in the Nursery

Story by Amy Armour Photos by Michael Schlueter

C

reating a soft, comfy place for newborn sweet dreams is easy to do at Lovely Lullabies in St. Charles.

Lovely Lullabies, a nursery furniture and décor shop, opened its doors to parents-to be on Aug. 1 2008. Located at 222 N. Main St. and 519 S. Main St. in St. Charles, the shops aim to help parents create a dream nursery for their precious newborns without breaking the bank.

“We work with you to help coordinate your nursery, while helping you get the best value for your money,” said Melanie Walker, coowner.

Lovely Lullabies sells nursery furniture, décor, and accessories, as well as children’s toys and gifts. The shop started offering an infant clothing line at its South Main location this summer.

The business is a joint venture between Walker and Janet Bell. For Walker, the store opening is a dream come true.

Since she was nine years old, Walker has helped out a variety of family businesses. Walker has vast experience in the retail field, working for a car lot, gas station, television store, a furniture store and a confectionary, to name a few.

Walker teamed up with Bell, who she worked with at her previous employment at Smurfit Stone Container, to venture into this new business. At Smurfit, Walker worked more than 60 hours a week as a systems analyst.

“If we’re working that many hours, we might as well be working for ourselves,” said Walker.

Walker, mother to 24-year-old Elizabeth and 23-year-old James, said she’s dreamed of opening a children’s store since having her first child.

When Walker’s son James was born, she had a difficult time finding sturdy, wellmade furniture.

“I would come home from work and (James) would be moving the nursery

56 | S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E

furniture,” said Walker.

available at a typical baby store.

So Walker decided to make her own—literally. Walker designed nursery furniture, visited the hardware store and chose the wood, picked up a saw, hammer and some nails and created her own.

“We try to carry unique items that are not usually found in your box stores. We have a lot of gift items that are different and special,” said Bell. “We have a big line of religious gifts, like porcelain figurines, mementos and picture frames”

Now, Walker does not design the nursery furniture offered at Lovely Lullabies, but she and her business partner have carefully researched a multitude of products and its companies to determine the best and safest products on the market.

Lovely Lullabies carries the full line of Dutailier furniture including cribs and gliders.

“Dutailier is famous for its gliders…and their cribs are sturdy and well-made and customers often say they’ve lasted 20 years or more,” said Walker.

Many of the cribs in stock transform into a toddler bed and then a full size bed.

“Our furniture is a little more expensive, but its quality furniture…it will last them until their teens,” said Walker.

The shop also carries AP Industries cribs and Bratt Décor. And for a high quality, less expensive alternative, parents can check out the Angel Line. “We want to offer really nice furniture without being overpriced,” said Walker.

Customer service is key at Lovely Lullabies. Employees are well trained to answer questions and guide new parents in the right direction.“We try to make our store as personalized as possible,” said Walker.

Lovely Lullabies also carries infant jewelry, New Testaments, Christening gowns and a line of silver mementos.

“We carry a lot of traditional gifts that you don’t really see anymore,” said Bell. Parents looking for loud, flashy obnoxious baby toys will have to look elsewhere.

“We avoid electronics and flashy type of toys,” said Bell. “We carry a lot of Melissa & Doug, Elegant Baby and Gund.”

Lovely Lullabies also carries several clothing lines, including Loved Baby.

The shop also carries Earth Mama Angel Baby, which is a line of organic products including soaps, shampoos, teas and lotions, for both moms and babies.

Moms can also pick up a Miracle Blanket, which swaddles babies as they sleep, keeping them safe and warm.

“We have moms coming in who swear by them,” said Bell.

The shop will also likely expand to include clothing, bedding and shoes for toddlers, Bell said.

For more information on the shops or products check out the Web site www.llbbaby.com. ■

Lovely Lullabies also tries to carry items that may not be readily S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 57

FITNESS & LIFESTYLE

Story by Monica Adams

That's what it takes to be succesful in all aspects of life, so says Matt Brown, owner of SWEAT St. Louis. Matt is considered one of the top personal fitness trainers in the St. Louis area. Brown, along with Jamie Mushlin, opened SWEAT in Clayton three and a half years ago and have been transforming lives unlike anyone in town.

What makes someone number one in their field? Drive, Passion, Determination, Motivation and a will to be service above self. Brown was taught that in every path he chose in life and once he saw it on a repeated basis he knew to pay it forward.

Brown graduated from the sports medicine program at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville but made a very powerful decision not to pursue a job in the field because of all the red tape. He knew he was good at what he did but felt a more powerful tug to follow his dream of personal training and injury prevention and rehab for clients after learning so much about his own body through competitive bodybuilding. Brown entered the field as an employee for someone in Clayton and, as many do, struggled with a connection to that position for three years before turning his attention to a home remodeling business. While he was away from training clients on a regular basis for about four years, he never could shake the burning feeling to get back to his dream.

Brown was once again called to the fitness field as an independant contractor, a position he felt was a perfect fit, where he could start to create programs with passion.

He also saw the beginning of someone putting service above self. His current business partner, Mushlin, saw the passion in Brown and allowed him to train clients and make a living while paying very little rent. Mushlin saw the passion in Brown and helped him build his clientele, while at the sametime first introducing him to boxing within his training sessions The two knew one day this would pay off for both of them and boy has it ever.

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S E RV I C E ABOVE

"couldn't get enough of it". Mushlin planted the seed but Brown took it to the next level. "I raced out and got every boxing training video I could get my hands on and surrounded myself with people in the boxing field who would teach me combination punches and bag work", Brown says. He purchased his first bag and every spare moment he had away from clients or working on self development was spent hitting that bag. This was the first bug that bit him.

He continued training clients in this manner until he met a man who, unbeknownst to him, had been boxing since he was 9. This client truly taught

Brown the artistry and true form of boxing.

He credits this client with setting him on the path to building a very succesful training and boxing facility and showed him once again how people put service above self as he continued to show Brown how to box for free! Brown remembers with a laugh, I tried to show him how to land a punch and he said "no... do it this way!" Brown continued to perfect his form and style and went to Jamie Mushlin with the idea to do bootcamp style training and boxing full time in Clayton. This was the

SELF

birth idea behind SWEAT! The name came from a drawing Matt did that is a "play" on a sweat drop and the outline of a speed bag.

Brown and Mushlin are joined by 6-7 solid instructors that had made SWEAT their home and have played in the evolution of classes over the years. While the inception was strictly personal training and boxing, they now offer a very diverse set of classes that their clients have asked for. Brown and Mushlin are committed to listening and developing classes that will meet their clients expectations while delivering extraordinary results.

Just like any passionate, driven and succesful businessman Brown knew that it took something mental and a high level of discipline to truly reach a goal. He wanted to know how to transfer that same mentality to his clients so they could ultimately reach their goals.

This inquisitive mind continued spinning and in turn helped him create his succesful and life changing program "The Ways of Being".

Brown used this in his own life before he knew it was something clients needed in theirs. He would choose a way of thinking and being for a day; that could be a number of things from excited to being held accountable, to confident, having integrity,being approachable, even unreasonable (but in a positive way). These were all ways of being that others used to be successful in business and life..things he learned from self help books.

The Ways of Being is a program where you roll a die and the number corresponds to the way you are going to live your life that day. It is a mindset and a way to take action. Brown also developed The Mindset email for those who wanted a connection to their electronic lives. They get an email every day that tells them how they are going to be for that one day. It allows you to start your day with a choice and sets you on a positive path. Brown has lived with ups and downs and has learned what it takes to stay on a clear path. He has seen so many in his life "pay it forward" or put "service above self", including alcoholics anonymous meetings where they helped a then 19 year old cocky frat boy stay on the

straight and narrow so he could realize a goal to one day change lives on a major level. Brown has not had a drop of alcohol since June 1st of 1993. He realized it was ruining his life at a very early age when he was preparing for a bodybuilding show and couldn't stop his drinking.

Brown created many options for mental clarity. The roll of the dice game, the email program and a way for the community to "Be One Way For A Day" so that everyone could realize service above self. "You've got to give people options, that's service", Brown says. The way to connect to a community as a whole is the biggest picture of them all for Brown. He wants people in all walks of life to realize they can be "generous" for example to themselves but also to those around them. Others will see this and it will catch on and it will be paid forward. "You get a taste of your own power, that good really does spread itself", Brown comments. This will affect communities, families, schools, offices, people in all walks of life.

Lastly and most important Brown is focused on "what it takes for a conversation to change a generation". Brown wants to get the message to kids, schools, private sectors, public schools, churches so he can find a way to "raise a generation of kids who know you can be kind no matter what, you can be generous no matter what and be confident....NO MATTER WHAT! In turn these kids will turn into young adults who will be the new role models for a cycling generation who need a new way of approaching life.

For more information on SWEAT, go to www.sweatstl.com or call 314-486-3458. For a one month free trial of the Ways of Being or Mindset email program log on to www.themindsetemail.com or www.waysofbeing.com and get ready to change your life on multiple levels. ■

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Life on Purpose K i e r s t e n Ve n e z i a b r i n g s h o p e t o o t h e r s t h r o u g h m u s i c

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Guy Venezia, M.D.

Kiersten Venezia has been surrounded by musicians her whole life. She said music inspires her and helps her to inspire others.

“Just knowing how powerful music can be and crossing into the musical side of things is inspiring,” Venezia said. “A lot of times you can listen to people speak and hear the music in it. You can read books and hear the music in them. But the power of music with the words, that is inspiring more than words alone can do. It also crosses all barriers.

People from all economic and spiritual levels can be brought to the same level where words alone may not impact them.”

Venezia said she has been watching and listening to the hearts of people for years and that what she has witnessed is that everyone is longing for a place to belong and to be loved.

The daughter of a drummer, Venezia was exposed to music in many forms from a young age. She started piano lessons when she was six years old. She said she tried her hand at several different instruments and genres over the years as well as participated in many choirs and worship teams, but it was in her thirties that God began shaping a course for her to share her music with an audience.“With my music I can inspire people,” Venezia said.

“The music I write builds their faith and helps them see God in a fresh way. With personal experiences, I try to focus on the

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character of God with the purpose of reflecting on God in a fresh way and seeing God’s goodness.”

Venezia released her first album, “Good Promises” in 2005. Within six months of the release, she was invited to share the stage with ZoeGirl as their opening act in St. Louis, her hometown. She has since written songs for SSM Health Care, been featured on local television and radio shows, lead worship services and performed for thousands of people around the nation.

She has partnered with Children’s Hope International to raise awareness and support for orphans and to help raise money to provide cleft palate and lip surgeries for orphans.

She has written two adoption themed songs, “Child of Mine” and “She Gets Grace”.

The Venezia’s adopted their own daughter, Serena, 10, from China. Serena had to have surgery to repair a cleft palate. “We want to help other orphans that are not adoptable and provide more cleft palate surgeries.”

In May, the Venezia’s participated in “SSM Health Care’s Mission Days” at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. The three-hour event raised enough money through compact disk sales to provide another cleft palate surgery for an orphan in China.

Venezia and her physician husband Guy Venezia have ministered

F E AT U R E D M U S I C A RT I S T

America, soccer-mom lifestyle to the core. “Daniel lived in a culture that was calling him to compromise his Godly beliefs on a daily, if not hourly basis,” she said. “I decided to embrace the rest of my God-given life and live it purposefully, like Daniel did so well. So with a new resolve came a new song.”

Kiersten said living a life of purpose has changed everything. “In a world of six billion people, I feel very small. But occasionally I’ll hear a story of one person’s small deed affecting multitudes in a profound way. There is a great quote from Mother Theresa that says, ‘we can do no great things, only small things with great love’.

It’s the little things done for others that help our world to be a much better place and shine a light on God’s goodness.” with health care organizations like SSM Health Care, Christian Medical and Dental Association and St. Louis Crisis Nursery on many occasions to help others. “With Guy’s background in medicine combined with my songs, we have brought our talents together to inspire, teach and lead others in worship of God as our healer.”

Kiersten Venezia wrote “Be Brave” for SSM Health Care’s Corporate Leadership Conference in 2008. “While brainstorming the idea, I thought of the abundance of stories in scripture where common people were faced with overwhelming circumstances.

With a bold resolve to be strong and have faith in God, who’s sovereign over all, they overcame amazing odds. I have had to remind myself of this again and again in my trials, but I’m seeing God ‘show up’ more with each step I take in faith.

Kiersten said her second album, “Back to Eden”, which was released in the Spring, “is about redemption, the power of unrestrainable beauty and goodness to release the death grip that evil has on this world. Christ is our hope of Heaven, our hope of Glory.”

A Bible study on the book of Daniel challenged Kiersten’s middle-

Kiersten’s albums are available at Mozingo Music in O’Fallon and at www.kierstenvenezia.com. Her songs are also available on iTunes. ■

On Another Note ...

The Ambassadors of Harmony, a St. Charles-based barbershop chorus of about 160 singers, won the gold medal on July 3rd with a record-breaking score at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 71st annual international convention in Anaheim, California.

Crossroads, a barbershop quartet with two members who sing in the Ambassadors of Harmony, also won the gold medal in the quartet contest last weekend.

The Ambassadors scored an all time high score of 2,926 points out of a possible 3,000 to win gold over 28 other qualifying choruses from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and Sweden who competed at the Honda Center arena in Anaheim.

This year's contest was historic because, for the past three decades, no chorus had beaten the Dallas-based Vocal Majority, which had won the contest 10 consecutive times since 1979 and 11 times overall in that chorus' history. The Vocal Majority's silver medal score Friday of 2,889 points of 3,000 was a record high for that chorus and would have won the gold medal in every other chorus contest in BHS history.The Ambassadors won their first gold medal in 2004 and silver medals in 2007 and 2008. Contest rules require first-place finishers to sit out for three years.

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→ www.historicstcharles.com

→ www.newtownatstcharles.com

→ www.stcharlescountycalendar.com

→ www.stcharlesfashionweek.com

Many of the rescued horses ended up at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, a farm animal rehabilitation facility and Twister’s pregnant Mama was one of them. Seven months after the crash, Twister was born against all odds, creating front page news around the country. The story of the rescue and Twister’s miracle birth is truly a story of inspiration and hope.

TWIST OF FATE

by Chris Stuckenschneider Reedy Press, Hard Cover $16.95

BOOK CLUB

In September 2006 a tractor trailer crashed on Interstate 44. Inside were 42 horses and the rescue of 25 of those horses and a hinny is the subject of this picture book.

Available at Main Street Books 307 South Main | 636-949-0105

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