StreetScape Magazine - July | August 2015

“Something Neat...

Something Sweet;

“Something To Put Upon Your Feet”

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Cover Image Credits

Layout Design: Tim Rose

Photo by: Lance Tilford

Wardrobe/Styling: Kristi Pinkham

Hair/Makeup: Tamara Tungate

Model: Haley Zink with West Model & Talent

On Haley: Red hat from Leopard Boutique, top from H&M, Ray-Bans from Overland Optical

Table of Contents

4 StreetScape Magazine

6. PUBLISHER’S NOTE

11. BUSINESSSCAPE

18. INSIDE THE ECONOMY MUSEUM

20. F.L.O.A.T. YOUR TROUBLES AWAY

22. AUTISM VILLAGE

24. AUTISM: FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE

26. OPERATION SCHOOL BELL

28. DONNA HAFER - HAVILAND COLLECTOR

34. NEW HOUSING IN ST. CHARLES ON THE RISE

34. BRINGING BACK THE BLUES

38. NOT JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

42. MO BOARD APPOINTS NEW COMMISSIONER

44. CONNECTIONS TO SUCCESS EXPANDS ITS REACH

46. FASHION: RED HOT

56. MEET KALI: POLAR BEARS RETURN

60. HBO COMES TO ST. CHARLES

64. THE WAYWARD CRITIC

20

26

56

5July | August

Big news!!! WE ARE SIZZLING!!! Our last issue that made its distribution debut at all Schnucks and Dierbergs Markets in St. Charles County flew off of the shelves! StreetScape is strong and growing. If you’d like to be a part of it, see our “Help Wanted” ad below.

Our team is especially fired up about our two annual events that we’re working on for the fall.

StreetScape Fashion Week is going to be hot! Check out our ad on page 54. There are a limited number of vendor spaces available, and they are filling quickly. If you would like information about participation as a vendor or sponsor, please contact Jeanne Strickland at 314.605.7193.

Our sixth annual Beyond the Best Awards Gala will be held on October 15 at the beautiful Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles. If you would like to nominate someone, please

find more information about this amazing event on page 17, and contact Mary Ellen Renaud at 314.660.1975.

Lastly, as you may have noticed, this is our “Red” issue of Styled!. When you flip this issue over, you will be seeing red! We’ve had a lot of fun exploring everything – from our beloved St. Louis Cardinals to red in décor, fashion and fiesta recipes.

Have a safe and fun-filled summer! Mark your calendar with all of the festivals and events on page three of Styled. I’m looking forward to attending as many as I can; be sure to say hi when you see me!

Sincerely,

Thomas P. Hannegan

Publisher’s Note


7July | August

Volume 13, Issue 4 July | August 2015

TPH Media223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

(855) 358.7526Fax: (866) 231.6159

[email protected]

Any reproduction of StreetScape Magazine or its contents requires publishers written consent. StreetScape Magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. StreetScape Magazine re-serves the right to refuse an advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submitted

materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

© 2015 TPH Media. All rights reserved.

Deborah Alessi

Susan Berthold

Nadine Boon

Linda Brown-Didion

Steve Church

John Clark

Sally Faith

April Feldewerth

Lorna Frahm

Grace Harmon

Mike Haverstick

Ann Hazelwood

Jason Hughes

Dianne Isbell

Lisa Kalz

Steve Kaspar

Mike Klinghammer

Kelley Lamm

Martha Mazzola

Bob Millstone

Connie Petree

Susie Pundmann

Linda Sanchez

Kelley Scheidegger-Barbee

Victoria Schmitt-Babb

Keith Schneider

Vicki Schneider

Mary West

Brian Wies

George Wise

DISTRIBUTED TO

Chesterfield • Cottleville • Dardenne Prairie • Lake St. Louis Maryland Heights • New Town • O’Fallon • St. Charles • St. Louis St. Peters • Weldon Spring • Wentzville • Warrenton • Wright City

ADVISORY BOARD

9July | August

Tom Hannegan | Publisher & Founder | [email protected]

Story by Gary Johnson Photo by Michael Schlueter

Family ValuesOne of St. Louis’

Most Storied Companies That You Have Never

Heard About

Schaeffer Manufacturing, located at 102 Barton Street, is a stone’s throw from Anheuser Busch in the heart of the Soulard district. The company opened its doors in 1839 along the Mississippi River, right where the city’s most famous landmark – the Arch – resides. Listening to the company’s president and family member Jay Schaeffer Shields talk about the company’s storied history is like sitting in a history lecture at St. Louis University.

“We have been through a great deal since our inception and have interacted or have been in business with some very well known names. We started in the soap and candle business, and two of our soap distributors you may have heard of. Their names were Proctor and Gamble,” said Shields.

“We survived the Great Fire of 1849, The Great Depression, and two world wars. We feel blessed as a company.”

Schaeffer is no longer in the soap and candle business; it is in the lubricant business, which was originally a byproduct of making soap and candles. Schaeffer’s Black Beauty Grease was used to grease the wagon wheels of thousands of travelers during the great migration west in the late 1800s. Red Engine Oil, another early Schaeffer product, was used by the steamboats on the Mississippi. As electricity became a hit, and the industrial revolution continued to grow, Schaeffer moved full time into the lubricant business and today manufactures some of the world’s top-rated lubricants.

While the company has great products, it is its culture, in this writ-er’s opinion, that has allowed the company to endure and prosper. Schaeffer is a company that truly believes and lives by its mission statement (see photo/plaque).

The company has over 500 sales reps throughout the country who act more like stakeholders than sales-people. They are indepen-dent, but fiercely loyal, and are encouraged to speak the truth to Schaeffer’s senior management. This culture of strong family values, servant leadership, and exceptional customer service has allowed the company to enjoy one of the highest customer service scores that Frederick Reicheld, author of the book The Ultimate Question, has measured.

“Our sales force has an incredible bond with the customer that has allowed us to provide exceptional service to our end user. We also have a fantastic support team in our corporate office on Barton Street that is dedicated to getting it right the first time,” said Shields.

Schaeffer has been able to use loyalty, family values and doing the right thing to grow their business by over 600 percent during the last twenty years and has become one of St. Louis’ largest, privately-held companies. Don’t look for these values and this way of doing business to change soon. The company has been placed in an irrevocable trust, which means it will remain family owned for at least the next hundred years. Schaeffer is another great story from one of this nation’s greatest cities. ¤

11July | August

BusinessScapeBringing the best brightest business ventures to your street &

BusinessScape

Summer Hours: Flex schedules are the norm in an in-creasing number of workplaces, and summer may be when your employees need them the most. Many companies offer “half day Friday’s” allowing their employees to take an afternoon off every other week.

Fun Friday’s will keep your employees engaged and bring about a festive atmosphere. Have a smoothie machine one week, chair massages another, or an employee gather-ing outside work.

Appreciation Gift: Create a “summer fun” gift for each employee. It is a great way to say thank you for all their hard work, so why not arm them with one of summer’s necessities. Gone are the days when companies had to purchase thousands of one item to get a discount or have anything personalized. In fact, many items allow you to purchase as few as 50. Towels, sun kits and barbeque items are always popular. See the Summer Fun page on our website, KJSEvents.com, for inspiration and ideas.

Company Picnic: Many companies already have an annual picnic. Chances are it will be identical to previous years. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, salads and water-melon will likely be on your menu. If this sounds familiar, your event may need a little pick-me-up. It is easy to add pizzazz without increasing your budget. For example, if you have held your picnic in the same spot for more than two or three years in a row, consider moving it. If your picnic is generally held at work, move it to a nearby park.

If you have never had a company picnic, now is a great time to start. Start out small and treat your employees to a barbecue lunch at work. You don’t have to go all out, but treating your employees to lunch is something every-one will look forward to. Find a shaded area that is large enough for grills, tables, chairs and a few games. If you do not have a large enough shaded area, you can rent tents, fans, etc. Have a few games of horseshoes, corn toss or washers for everyone to enjoy before heading back to work. Enhance the picnic with company logo’d Frisbee’s or water bottles.

Casual Dress Code: While many companies have adopted a business casual dress code, some take it to the next level and relax the requirements. Doing this encourages employees to go outside during lunch and coffee breaks and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Extended Lunch Breaks: Companies have extended the lunch time break to allow employees more time to breathe fresh air and enjoy themselves outside. It really boosts productivity, stamina, and makes people open up, which helps in creating a strong, friendly team ready for hard work and creative ideas.

City Scape: St. Louis has so many wonderful fam-ily friendly venues. Why not allow the employee and his family to enjoy a day out on the company! Many enter-tainment venues such as Six Flags, St. Louis Zoo and the Botanical Garden, offer group discounts and catering. This is a great way to give back to the entire family and show your appreciation for all the long nights or weekends your employee was away from his or her family.

With a little planning and a lot of appreciation shown for jobs well done, perks at work can effectively maintain, and possibly increase, employee engagement during the summer months. Flexibility and perks can be the key to continued success.

KJS Events helps several companies throughout the area create special corporate events designed to energize and revitalize your employees. For more information, please contact Kate Santellano at [email protected].

EmployeesLove

Story by Kate Santellano7


BusinessScape

13July | August

G3- Give • Gain • GrowO’Fallon, MO

www.bnistl.com

Jennifer Kennah, OwnerKennahIT, LLC

[email protected]

KennahIT.com

Renaud & Company Mathew J. Renaud

Registered Investment Advisors636.240.5055

RenaudCo.com

Gigawatts ElectricMike Adams314.620.4225

[email protected]

Thomas Legal, LLC Peter A. Lassiter-St. 314.623.1693 Office

[email protected]

Thomas BressieSr. Project Manager

[email protected]

636.795.0262

Appreciation GiftsRon Lares,“The Gift Guy”

[email protected]

Amway.com/RonLares

Xtreme Organizing, llcTracy Skubie314.422.8004

XtremeOrganizing.com

Greystone Inspection ServicesZac LaVoi

[email protected]

Wendy Allen636.561.9210

[email protected]/0191

Reliance Bank Ann Walton636.299.7493

[email protected]

Quality RestorationsBrad Kinkade314.280.8223

[email protected]

Logoor Pic

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Christine Williams

Marketing Specialist314.882.7050

[email protected]

Logoor Pic

Ted Haeffner, Owner636-493-5359 Office 636-734-0823 Cell

[email protected]

John Dickey636.755.5390 Office

[email protected]/JohnDickey

Karen Biehl, RN, BSN – BC Spa Consultant

636.448.7171 [email protected]

Beautipage.com/Karen4uBeautiControl

Dynamic Life ChiropracticDr. Kristin Gaines Porlier

636.887.3400DynamicLifeChiro.com

StreetScape MagazineMary Ellen Renaud

Marketing & Special Events314.660.1975

[email protected]

Trinity Tails Training Lauren Turnbull

636.290-8320TrinityTailsTraining.com

[email protected]

Attend a Meeting for More

Information!

VISITORS WELCOME!

How would You like for these people to be your

Sales Team?They can be!

Meetings areEvery Wednesday

7:00 a.m.Brass Rail

4601 State Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368

Attend a Meeting for More

Information!

VISITORS WELCOME!

The ATHENA Leadership Summit and Awards Luncheon May 6, 2015 • Old Hickory Golf Course

Each year, ATHENA Leadership Foundation of St. Charles County celebrates local leaders, especially women, for their accomplishments, community service and for mentoring others to achieve their leadership potential.

The 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Susan Sams – Owner of Sams Carpet Cleaning and Repair.

Receiving the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Awards were: Victoria Schmitt Babb, Unlimited Play, Tina Berra, Troy Buchanan High School; and Angel Walters Likens, Bogey Hills Country Club.

PNC Financial Services was presented with the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Photos by Michael Schlueter

A

Photos: A. Danielle, Jeff, Susan and Brendan Sams B. Susan Sams, Tina Berra

C. Jill Skyles, Angel Walters Likens and Kristin Williams D. Susan Sams and Denise Liebel

E. Anne Ritter, Barbara James, Kacky Garner F. Victoria Schmitt Babb, Angel Wallters

Likens and Susan Sams G. Neal Ewing of Bommarito Automotive and Susan Sams

H. Keynote speaker Nancy Laubenthal I. Debbie Marshall, PNC Bank J. Michael Scully,

Debbie Marshall, Kasey McKee K. Jill Skyles, Michael Scully, Debbie Marshall

L. Kasey McKee M. Loren Babb and Victoria Schmitt Babb

B C D

E F G

H

I J K

L M


BusinessScapeBusinessScape - Society

15July | August

Are you ready to build a business that is less chaotic, more predictable,

and bigger than your current team?

Trinity Strategic Growth SolutionsBusiness Growth & Development Specialists

[email protected] 636.373.9005

www.trinitymarketing.com • www.systemsprofitgrowth.com

Does your company produce superior products, or deliver outstanding services, and yet you haven’t always hit your internal growth goals? Do you find your revenues – and prof-its – unpredictable and highly vulnerable to internal hiccups and staff turnover? We see this happen all the time to really good companies – run by incredibly gifted and dedicated entrepreneurs who simply find a majority of their energies sucked into keeping the wheels from flying off instead of pushing things to the next level!

If you are tired of the stress of running a company that feels more like an exhausting roller coaster ride than a wealth generation machine, let us help you create what is next for you and your business.

For a limited time, we are offering complimentary, 30-minute “Building a Business Powerhouse” strategy sessions to ex-plore how you can begin to take full control of your business, reduce internal bottlenecks, maximize your revenues, and begin to confidently know where your business is heading and how it’s going to get there. More Profit, Less Headaches – sounds great, right?

We will only be offering a handful of these sessions each month and we ask you apply only if you are serious about creating what’s next for you and your business.

If you would like information on how to register for a session, please email [email protected] with “Business Powerhouse Session – SS0715” in the subject line. Please feel free to share as much information as you feel is valu-able. The more we know about your current obstacles and goals, the more focused we can be during our strategy session.


BusinessScape

Story by Danette Kohrs

17July | August

Recognizing Executives, Employees, and Board Members in St. Charles, St. Louis and surrounding areas

2015 Beyond The Best Awards

For more information or to nominate someone please contact Mary Ellen Renaud at (314) 660.1975 or [email protected].

October 15, 2015 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles

If economics class had been like this, there might be a lot more economists. Who knew the Fed could be fun?

In an effort to demystify the workings of the economy and pro-mote a more welcoming environment, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has opened the doors of its historic downtown build-ing to invite the public to its new Inside the Economy® Museum. Nearly 100 interactive and educational displays, games, sculp-tures and videos offer museum visitors a fun and unique way to understand how the nation’s economy works and their role in it.

Visitors to the 4,700-square-foot museum learn about the econ-omy in hands-on ways, such as playing a trading pit game that lets them experience the high-adrenaline, quick-thinking life of a stock trader.

Director Tom Shepherd said the museum experience is organized into five zones. Zone 1, titled “The Eighth District Comes Alive,” includes a welcome video narrated by St. Louis Fed President James Bullard. In the video Bullard describes the unique econom-ic and cultural characteristics of the seven-state region covered by the Eighth Federal Reserve District. Doors open like those of popular virtual rides at Disney World, and visitors find themselves in the bank’s original teller lobby, which had, until just recently, been in use since the bank opened in 1925.

The space then instantly transforms from an historic, early twen-tieth century banking space, replete with ornate teller cages, to a dynamic, modern, digital experience. A brief video splashes the rear wall with images of the familiar Wall Street ticker, economic terms in varying fonts, and a spinning globe.

The topic of “How People Make Decisions” encompasses Zone 2 of the museum with displays on spending, saving and investing,

and how those personal financial decisions impact the economy. Shepherd said the visitors learn about the concepts of scarcity, human and physical capital, opportunity costs, limited resources, how education affects an individual’s future earnings, and the path to good credit.

Zone 3, titled “How People Interact,” shows visitors how and why people participate in markets. From international stock exchanges to agricultural markets to the flea market down the road, trade affects everyone. This zone includes the trading pit interactive digital game where visitors buy and sell commodities like genuine brokers on Wall Street.

The Connections Theater makes up Zone 4 of the museum where short videos outline the history of the Federal Reserve, as well as other economic topics.

Zone 5 is “You and the Economy.” Across the globe, the actions taken by governments, central banks and commercial financial institutions ultimately affect everyone. In this zone, visitors dis-cover how major decisions about the economy ultimately affect everyone and how every individual’s life would differ if he or she had lived in another place or during an earlier time.

Shepherd said graphic designers, accountants, engineers, treasury department workers, as well as banking supervision and regula-tion department staffers make up the more than 1,000 employees who work inside the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

One of the most important jobs the St. Louis Fed does is remove currency that is “unfit for circulation,” such as those bills that are torn or written on. Shepherd said that in 1958, the average Fed employee could inspect up to 30,000 bills in a day manually. Today, that same amount is done in an hour with machines.

Confused by Today’s Economics and the Role You Play? Confused by Today’s Economics and the Role You Play?

Inside the Economy® Museum Is Enlightening and Fun!

Inside the Economy® Museum Is Enlightening and Fun!Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson


The Federal Reserve Museum’s Director, Thomas Shepherd


“The Federal Reserve likes for the currency to be crisp and clean,” he said. “Today, the St. Louis Fed tests one billion notes a year to make sure they are fit for circulation.”

The museum is filled with fun facts about the history of the Fed and its ever-changing policies and practices to keep up with the technology of the times. For example, 50 years ago employees cut worn-out bills in half, sending one half to the New York Fed and storing the second half for a period of time, sending them on later so bills could not be reconstructed.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Atlanta Fed’s branch in New Orleans was forced to burn millions of dollars of contami-nated money.

In 2013, the St. Louis Fed converted the U.S. Treasury’s federal benefits payments from pa-per checks to an electronic and direct deposit system, Shepherd said.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ website, the Federal Reserve System was created by an act of Congress in 1913. Before that time, no one was responsible for the health of the banking system, mainly because people opposed a central bank. Because of this, there was no emer-gency lender of last resort.

But in 1907, the failure of numer-ous banks and trusts, particularly the Knickerbocker Trust Company in New York, led to a crisis of faith in the banking system throughout the United States. Because the Knickerbocker Trust was unable to save itself from failure, panic en-sued, which resulted in banking re-forms and led to the establishment of a central American bank. Thus the Federal Reserve was born in 1913 during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson.

To protect the Fed from partisan politics and preserve its independence, lawmakers created a regional structure for the Fed composed of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., and 12 regional Reserve Banks located across the country. This structure helped give a voice to diverse views about monetary policy and economic conditions. The Board of Governors consists of seven members, who are appointed to 14-year terms by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.

Basically, Shepherd said, the Fed’s job is to help keep the econ-omy healthy and ensure financial stability. The responsibilities of the Federal Reserve include influencing the supply of money

and credit, regulating and supervising financial institutions, and serving as banking and fiscal agent for the U.S. government. In addition, the Fed supplies payment services to the public through depository institutions like banks, credit unions, savings and loans, etc. Payment services include: issuing, transferring and redeeming U.S. government securities; processing and clearing

checks; transferring funds; and supervising bank holding companies and Fed member banks throughout the Federal Reserve districts.

The Board conducts monetary policy, has general oversight of the operations of the regional Reserve Banks and their branches (as well as the activities of various banking organizations), and has broad responsibility for the U.S. payments system. The Federal Reserve Board also issues regulations under most federal consumer credit protection laws.

The Federal Reserve System has 12 districts, each served by an independently chartered regional Reserve Bank. These banks are in St. Louis, At-lanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond and San Francisco. There are also 25 branches and offices within the 12 districts.

Employing some 1,020 people, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is headquartered in downtown St. Louis at the intersection of Broadway and Locust streets. Its branches are located in Little Rock, Ark., Louisville, Ky., and Mem-phis, Tenn. It serves the Eighth Federal Reserve District, which includes all of Arkansas, eastern Missouri, western Kentucky, west-

ern Tennessee, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and northern Mississippi. The St. Louis Fed currently supervises 128 state member banks while overseeing 550 bank and financial holding companies in addition to 16 savings and loan holding companies. It also oversees all financial services the Fed system provides to the U.S. Treasury — services totaling about $550 million annually.

The Inside the Economy® Museum is free and open to the public of any age. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The museum welcomes both walk-in visitors and groups, from elementary students through senior citizens, and has already hosted nearly 100 groups throughout the region since its opening in September 2014. For more informa-tion about the exhibits and to request a group reservation, visit the museum website at stlouisfed.org/economymuseum. ¤

19July | August

The stresses of school, work, kids and commitments float away, along with your cares, inside the Genesis pod. Don’t let the cliché fool you. This is the real deal.

A healing float sanctuary opened in mid-town St. Louis in Febru-ary. It’s called F.L.O.A.T.; and owners Marcio Guzman, Kevin McCulloch and Jacob Resch say its benefits are undeniable.

They should know. The three partners are psychotherapists. Guzman holds a graduate degree in biomed and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. He specializes in eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety disorders, human attachment, and mindfulness meditation. McCulloch specializes in mindfulness, meditation and healing; and Resch is completing an accelerated nursing de-gree (BSN) while specializing in integrative, holistic healing.

F.L.O.A.T. is just that. Visitors climb into a pod-like structure filled with 200 gallons of water, 10.5 inches deep, mixed with 850 pounds of dissolved magnesium sulfate or Epsom salt. It’s the salt that makes them float. Floaters control the lights. They’re in charge of the door. There is no sound. There are no responsi-bilities. One is not too hot or too cold. No one is watching. No one needs anything. No one is judging. The only thing to fear is when the 90-minute experience of floating – like a baby in the womb – is over. This reporter never should have left.

“It is likely to be the most relaxing thing you’ve ever experi-enced,” McCulloch said.

Benefits for the mind include language and skill acquisition and improved memory, introspection, visualization and learning. McCulloch said floating results in a relaxed body, heightened senses and increased immune function, as well as enhanced heal-ing, rejuvenation, and recovery, among other things. None of these benefits outweigh the benefits to the soul, said McCulloch, who insists the experience promotes self-acceptance, creativ-ity, non-linear thinking, consciousness exploration, and artistic inspiration.

And McCulloch said the more one floats, the better they get at it. In other words, the mind rests, and healing and creativity begin quicker the more times they do it.

Resch said the average float is technically much longer than 90 minutes. “Your evening, your day, the next day after — your relaxation lingers. It’s kind of a still energy. Call it a post-float glow that carries you gently through the day and into a very peaceful, deep, restful sleep.”

Truthfully, floating is about everything that you won’t be doing. You aren’t fighting gravity. Although the tanks aren’t completely zero-gravity, like outer space, they mimic a near zero-gravity

F.L.O.A.T.Your Troubles Away…

And Gain Other Amazing Benefits at the Same Time!

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

Kevin McCulloch, Jacob Resch & Marcio Guzman, owners of F.L.O.A.T.


FutureScape

state. The unique environment supports rest, healing and rejuvenation.

Because the water is kept at 93.5 degrees, you lose track of where your body ends and the water begins. Your ears stay just below the water; and because the tanks are insulated against sound, you won’t be listening to anything except your own breathing. After you shut the door and turn off the light, you float in total dark-ness, thus turning off the world around you.

“It turns out that when you’re not fighting gravity or constantly taking in information, your body has a lot of extra resources at its disposal,” McCulloch said. “Your mind is free to mull things over without distraction, your brain pumps out dopamine and endorphins, and your body gets to rest, de-stress, and heal.”

McCulloch said magnesium is thought to provide better sleep, relax the nervous system, increase muscle flexibility, strengthen bones, hydrate and alkalize the body, promote a better working di-gestive system, and support enzyme function.

“Sulfates are found in ev-

Your Troubles Away…

ery cell within the human body and play a role in the production of collagen, detoxifying the body, sup-porting the digestive system, pancreas function and the secretion of digestive enzymes, as well as having antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties,” he said.

Whatever… you get to do nothing! “The inge-nious thing about floating is that it encourages you to do nothing,” Resch said. “The benefits happen without doing anything.”

Even the pod is relaxing. The only automated thing about the pod is the filtration system. Guzman said the salt water in the tanks is kept clean with a triple filtration process, using a Class 1 filtration that is FDA compliant for drinking water. A combination of ozone and germicidal UV light disin-fection creates a powerful oxidant that instantly oxidizes contami-nants in the pool.

We live in a time when people have to almost be forced to relax, and most don’t even realize how badly they need it. Still, many

people fear they will be claustrophobic inside the pod. Not so, says Guzman.

“People with claustrophobia consistently report having a pleasant experience while floating,” he said. “Once inside the tank, you are able to lose awareness of the walls around you and this allows you to rest in an experience of formless spaciousness. As well, you remain in total control of the experience and are able to keep the door open or the lights on if you choose.”

While the “Genesis” pod opens like a clam, the “At Peace Spa” offers a side entry door. It also has a heightened ceiling and interior sound and light controls.

While this reporter feared all the same things everyone else does, and apparently asked all the same

questions, floating was like nothing I had ever experienced. The only negative

was I had to get dressed and re-enter the world. As I looked out the

front windows of the F.L.O.A.T. establishment at Locust down-

town, I did not want to enter it. It makes sense that a baby would scream when she leaves the comfort and solace of her mother’s body, where noise is muted and the world is still.

For more information on F.L.O.A.T., call 314-833-3444, visit www.floatingstl.com,

or look for them on Facebook and Twitter. ¤

21July | August

FutureScape

FutureScape

Kirby with fellow ScoutsStory by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that currently one in 68 children are born with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) — a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years. It is estimated that ASDs affect more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. That’s a lot of kids who need a lot of resources, says Topher Wurts, founder of Autism Village, a new not-for-profit organiza-tion. Wurts successfully used Kickstarter, a crowdsourced, fund-raising site, to launch a free, cross-platform, ratings and review “App” to serve the growing autism community.

“We wanted to create practical, day-to-day tools to help parents and families that are caring for autistic children,” Wurts said.

The Autism Village app is a free service available for all users where community members, or villagers, help to build the unique database of autism-friendly services and places. Similar to Yelp! or Trip Advisor, users will add ratings and reviews on businesses, organizations and places, but with one difference. This app is just for the autism community.

“We say, ‘It’s like Yelp for autism,’ because it will provide autism parents and the autism community with the capability of finding, adding, rating and reviewing businesses, organizations and places specifically for autism friendliness.”

“It’s not an educational app, but rather a useful, life-management tool,” Wurts said.

“Imagine for a moment that you deal with the never-ending prob-lem that people with autism and their families face. Where’s a good place to go which is safe and won’t over stimulate me or my autistic loved one,” Wurts said, “places where people feel com-fortable and can have fun, and which are staffed by understanding and helpful people?”

“Just have a look at the Autism Village app, and you’ll quickly find nearby places rated and reviewed by others like yourself.”Wurts’ own son, Kirby Wurts, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months of age after the Wurts’ nanny brought up the possibility. The former preschool teacher noticed that Kirby was displaying repetitive behaviors, as well as failing to point at things or make eye contact with anyone – all telltale signs of classic autism.

“We say that Kirby is the Village founder,” Topher Wurts said. Now 13 years old, Kirby has inspired the Wurts family to learn about autism, to try new things, to experiment with therapies, and to help everyone they can on their own autism journey, Topher added.

Topher was a financial services marketing executive known for bringing together marketing, technology and teamwork before founding Autism Village. He said he had a lot to learn when his son was diagnosed. Without warning, he and his family had become one of 2.8 million families in the U.S. who have been affected by autism.

Sometimes It TakesA Village...

Autism Village IsOne Great Example


FutureScape

The idea came to him when he and his wife Jana attended a pub-lic school transitioning meeting for Kirby. He noticed that many of the parents there were single moms who had brought their children with them.

“It was an aha moment for me. I thought, ‘I have a good job. Kirby is going to get a lot of support, but there are others in the room that may not,’” Topher said. “I came to learn that 50 percent of parents with autistic children divorce by the time the child is five years old. The children often end up with single moms raising them alone.”

That’s when Topher started thinking about the practical problems those moms face every day, like finding a dentist who understands the unique sensory needs of autistic children, or finding a play-ground that is fenced all the way around, or even a restaurant with a gluten-and caffeine-free menu.

“These are the practical problems. Wherever parents gathered, this would be the conversa-tion. I wanted to know, ‘How do you take that and help everybody? How do you expand that water cooler conversation?’”

Several months ago, Topher launched Facebook and Twitter accounts to engage parents of autistic children with his concept.

“The Facebook social media response was overwhelming,” he said. In just weeks, some 10,000 Facebook followers encouraged Topher to pursue his idea.

The Autism Village team began working on the technology last summer. A Kickstarter campaign drew some 1,236 backers and raised just over $75,000.

“We have been amazed at the outpouring of support. We are humbled. The following on social media has been intense. We have more than 20,000 followers all over the world. It is defi-nitely a universal need for the autism community.

“From personal experience I know that if you’re an autistic parent, you are always looking for a good place to go with your autistic child that is safe, won’t freak the child out, where people understand and are helpful, instead of staring and sneering,” Wurts says. “Also, we are always looking for a place where we – the parents – can feel comfortable and can have fun being ourselves.”

According to Topher, the roadmap for Autism Village is extensive and fluid. Topher plans to create a specialized marketplace for goods produced for and by autistic people (like Etsy for autism), extensive moderated and open forums, drug intervention tracking tools, mobile logging and integration with wearables for those dealing with seizures, and more.

According to Autism Speaks – the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization –autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder (sometimes referred to as “classic autism”), Rett syn-drome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmen-tal disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disabilities and difficulties in motor coordination, although some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. They may also deal with attention and physical health issues, such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.

For more information on Autism Village: visit www.AutismVillage.com; write to Topher Wurts at 912 Kimberton Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425, USA; call 610-296-2726; or email [email protected]. ¤

23July | August


Focusing on the Future...For Those

With Autism

In the classroom at AFA Academy

Research shows that if you start out early enough, and give them two years of inten-sive treatment, you can change things.

Brad Buechler is betting on it. The former chairman, president and CEO of Spartech Corp. – the St. Louis maker of thermoplas-tic materials and other polymeric products – just opened another site for AFA (Action for Autism) Academy, the learning facility he helped found in 2008.

Buechler, now AFA president, said the St. Louis-based, 501(c)(3) charitable organization was opened to help children and their families with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) within a 250-mile radius of St. Louis.

Buechler wasn’t planning on starting a charity when he retired from the global, multimillion dollar, leading producer of engineered thermoplastic materials; but when his daughter asked him to head up a fundraising drive for autism, he couldn’t say no. The Buechler family took it one step further and decided, if they were going to raise money, it should be put to use in their own backyard. They wanted to help local families with therapy and services for their autistic children. And so, AFA was born.

Rev. Howard Park and the parishioners of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church started the original facility 43 years ago at Howard Park Center, 15834 Clayton Rd., in El-lisville, Mo. It was their vision to help children with developmental delays. How-ard Park Center, along with The American School, have now joined with AFA Acad-emy. Howard Park Center offers Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI) programs for children ages 18 months through 5 years and a Special Education elementary pro-gram for children 6 to 11.

The Academy serves children ranging from the ages of 18 months to 21. AFA Academy at 265 Steamboat Lane in Ball-win, Mo., which just opened in November 2014, serves kids 12 and older.

Kids at all levels of AFA are taught with a “Future Focus” component in mind, Buechler said. Though it may be less apparent for younger kids, those in the elementary, middle and high school level programs participate in Future Focus activities every day. This means they are focused on preparing for their futures. This can include weekly trips to the mar-ket for groceries, library trips to research a favorite subject, visits to restaurants for

lunch, or helping organize AFA events. These are all examples of the Future Focus Program in action.

When Buechler came on board, the AFA was only able to help kids until the age of 12. By 2011, AFA opened a high school in a storefront on Clayton Road. By October 2014, the Ballwin location tripled the size of the AFA. Kids diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and other neurodevelop-mental and special needs can be educated in the AFA Academy classrooms.

Buechler said this unique and specialized learning environment boasts classrooms, gross motor and sensory rooms, a full kitchen and laundry, a teen lounge, a library, an art room, and a company store. Students can learn using the most current technology and resources. The program is designed to challenge the students not only in academics, but also in art, music, and home economics. Community-based instruction is also an important part of the curriculum.

As he assists AFA in moving closer to the long-term plan of creating one campus, Buechler utilizes important lessons in growth and stability brought from his 25 years in the corporate sector. That campus

Brad Buechler and the AFA Academy are

Making a Difference


Working with an augmentative communication device

Lily Pond at AFA Academy

Buechler said autism is treatable. “Children do not outgrow au-tism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significant improved outcomes,” he explained.

Some signs to look for in children you suspect of having au-tism are: lack of or delay in spoken language; repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects); little or no eye contact; lack of interest in peer relation-ships; lack of spontaneous or make-believe play; and persistent fixation on parts of objects.

Speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapists are also available to work with the students as needed at AFA, as well as specialized teachers like Jean Glass. Glass has a master’s degree of teaching in special education. She said the curriculum at AFA is much like that of any reading, writing, social studies, math or science curriculum.

“We put a functional spin to it, getting these kids to be as inde-pendent as possible for their next phase, whatever that may be.

will include a therapy center, educational facilities, and a voca-tional site.

Buechler said he believes that IBI can “get the brain further developed to where these kids can move forward at the same pace of a child without autism. Some may need some assistance, but they will be able to graduate with other kids.”

Two of Buechler’s six grandchildren have autism. One was the first graduate of AFA.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Defined by a certain set of behaviors, autism is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause.

We educate them based on their needs.” These may be indepen-dent functional skills for a job or a day center, she said.

Computer programs, touch screens, websites and pictures are all tools used by Glass at AFA. Some unique aspects of AFA are its sensory integration and activities rooms, where kids can lay on soft pillows in a semi-darkened space in one room or swing and ride stationary bikes in another.

Glass said the need for these tools comes from the symptoms ex-perienced by some children with autism who are not able to feel their bodies in space. These and other activities, such as shaving cream, water play, rice, play dough, and massage can all help a child who experiences dysregulation of their bodies.

Glass said individuals with autism are often mistaken for being aggressive, when, in fact, they are simply trying to

communicate. She gave the example of a person who does not have autism who is tired of waiting in line. They may tap their foot or bite their nails. Kids with autism may act out much more loudly or animatedly, because they are lacking the social boundar-ies to modify their behavior for their environment.

“They are not different from us, they just don’t have the social boundaries to care what they look like.”

The AFA’s holistic approach includes many programs such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), inclusion, peer mentoring, social language groups, social skills groups, sensory diets, picky eating therapy, handwriting specialist assistance, certified music therapy, aqua therapy, community-based instruction, Picture Exchange Com-munication System (PECS), and Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT).

For more information on AFA, visit www.afastl.org or www.howardparkcenter.org. ¤

25July | August

Who can forget the feeling of a brand new outfit or uniform on the first day of school? It’s a memory that not every child has. But thanks to the volunteers at the Assistance League of St. Louis (ALSTL), hundreds of children in the St. Louis area will remem-ber their first day of school and the people who made them feel special enough to have something clean and new to wear.

Some 400 unpaid members of the nonprofit service organization spend at least 60 days a year measuring and dressing more than 3,500 students from 25 schools to ensure that they receive clean, new, well-fitting school uniforms for the coming school year.

It’s all part of the ALSTL “Operation School Bell” program, the organization’s largest philanthropic program.

“Each child receives the attention of a caring volunteer who helps find the perfect fit,” said president Marilyn Panter. “The volunteers love seeing the wonderful smiles on the children’s faces, and the children leave with new uniforms and a new sense of pride.”

The ALSTL is one of 120 chapters of Assistance League, a national organization headquartered in Burbank, Ca. Founded by Anne Banning and a group of 12 ladies calling themselves the Assistance League, the group’s charitable work dates back to 1890. In April 1906, the group responded to the San Francisco earthquake and fire by collecting money and sewing clothes. By 1919, the then Assistance League of Southern California was working to provide food and clothing for local families severely impacted by World War I.

In 2013 and 2014, Assistance League chapters returned nearly $40 million to local communities across the country through the continued success of their community-based, philanthropic programs.

Panter said the St. Louis chapter was started in 1987. Since then, Operation School Bell has consumed the largest amount of the organization’s budget.

Kindergartners through fifth-graders are bussed 60 at a time to the ALSTL headquarters in Ellisville, Mo., on dressing days. Volunteers read to children and do activities with them while they wait to be fitted for their new clothes.

“They read books to them. They have activities like Legos and coloring and puzzles,” Panter said.

By the end of the day, each child leaves with two pairs of pants, two long sleeve shirts, one short sleeve shirt, one fleece jacket, six pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear, a toothbrush and toothpaste, Panter said. Each child also gets to pick a book to take home.

“There are many children who come, and they have no socks. Imagine it’s a cold December day, and you have no socks to wear,” Panter said. “Many families can’t afford to purchase

Assistance League of St. Louis Touches Our Community

Operation School Bell

Brings Clothes (and Smiles)

to ChildrenStory by Robin Seaton Jefferson

Photos courtesy of Assistance League

Assistance League of St Louis… Caring & Commitment in action in our community


uniforms for their children. The most gratifying thing is hearing the kids talk. They get so excited.”

Panter said the ALSTL conducted an assessment of the Operation School Bell program with St. Louis University. “It measured the impact of the program. Teachers, parents and guardians reported that the children were better able to focus on learning, that the uniforms reduce gang issues and bullying, because they are not judged on the clothing they wear,” Panter said.

Operation School Bell is largely funded by the organization’s resale shop, Fantastic Finds, located at 12778 Olive Blvd. in the Bellerive Plaza at the Southwest corner of Olive and Mason Roads in St. Louis. The shop offers fashionable and high-quality clothing and accessories for women, men and children, as well as furniture, housewares and seasonal items.

“The best buys can be found every Tuesday when newly-donated merchandise is added to the floor,” Panter said. “Fantastic Finds is completely staffed and managed by friendly Assistance League volunteers, and all the items we sell have been generously do-nated. All money raised goes to benefit the St. Louis community through Assistance League’s philanthropic programs.”

Other programs operated by the ALSTL are: Steps to Success, which provides new athletic shoes to elementary school chil-dren; ROSE, which provides gift bags of personal care items for women in shelters; Operation HUG, which offers teddy bears for children facing traumatic events; My Own Fun Stuff, which provides activity kits for children and adults in hospital settings; and Outreach, wherein ALSTL partners with other agencies to meet unforeseen challenges.

“It’s just a joy to hold a child’s hand and tell that child how beau-tiful they look in their new uniform or looking in their eyes when they put on a new pair of shoes,” Panter said. “It’s amazing what we do, and it’s amazing how we get it all done. It’s the wonder-ful hearts of the volunteers that get it done.”

Panter said during the last fiscal year, the ALSTL returned some 81 percent of dollars donated to the St. Louis area community.

“Our name says it all,” Panter said. “We help others, making our community a better place. If you’ve ever seen an ear-to-ear smile on a child, or a look of relief from a young woman, or a student standing tall with pride, you will understand why we do what we do at Assistance League.”

The ALSTL is located at 30 Henry Avenue in Ellisville, Mo. For more information, visit www.alstl.org, email [email protected], or call 636-227-6200. Donations can be made at the headquar-ters or on the website. For more information on Fantastic Finds, call 314-579-9500. ¤

Assistance League of St. Louis Touches Our Community

27July | August

It all started with a little teacup. Nearly two centuries ago, a young American china merchant in New York, known as David Haviland, was presented with a broken teacup by a customer who wanted a replacement. The problem was — Haviland had no idea where to find one.

The search for the teacup’s replacement would take Haviland on a journey to find its manufacturer. This journey brought him to Limoges, France, where, for 75 years, china had been made from kaolin – a pure, white clay known from time immemorial in China. It was there Haviland would build his first factory; and by 1842, the first shipment of fine Haviland china was exported to the United States.

A hundred years later, David Haviland’s grandson William D. Haviland, put his energies into producing a fine domestic dinner-ware. Today, because of his efforts, American-made Haviland is a leading domestic china.

Some 176 years after David crossed the Atlantic in search of a matching teacup – covering a span of four generations of Havi-lands – millions of fine china collectors and connoisseurs still search for their own teacups, as well as many other pieces of the treasured fine china and dinnerware.

St. Charles and one of its most noted Haviland China collectors hosted the Haviland Collectors International Foundation 2015 Annual Conference in June at the St. Charles Convention Center.

Donna Hafer, Haviland enthusiast and owner of the Mother-in-Law House Restaurant, not only collects the china, but she also

owns and operates the Haviland Museum on Historic Main Street in St. Charles. Hafer is a collector of fine things — china, jewelry and cameos among them. She’s operated a business on Main Street in some form or fashion for nearly half a century.

Hafer’s Mother-in-Law House is located in the heart of Main Street. Hafer said Francis X. Krammer built the house in 1866 for his wife and his mother-in-law; the building was the first duplex built west of the Mississippi River. The house was divided down the middle… one half for Krammer and his wife, and the other half for his mother-in-law. On her mother’s advice, Hafer kept the name when she purchased the building and opened the Mother-in-Law House Restaurant in 1981. Specializing in fine dining in an atmosphere of Victorian elegance, Hafer is known for treating her patrons like family.

In keeping with that reputation, Hafer appeared in the 2008 reality television show, “Farmer Wants a Wife,” which premiered on the now-defunct CW network. The show was set near Orchard Farm and featured 10 city women who competed for the affection of local farmer, Matt Neustadt. Hafer taught the women how to bake an apple pie in one episode.

Founded in 1990, the Haviland Collectors International Founda-tion is a worldwide organization of people dedicated to the collec-tion and study of porcelain and pottery produced by the Haviland families in France and America. Hafer said members’ interests are as broad as the variety of styles produced by the Haviland firms. Some concentrate on 19th century pottery or on the designs of Edouard-Marcel Sandoz or Suzanne Lalique. Others focus on

Donna Hafer Helps Host the Haviland Collectors

International Foundation Conference

How One Broken Teacup

Gave Birth to a China Dynasty


Donna Hafer with the 1900 Thanksgiving Dinner Set


completing family heirloom sets or on pieces produced by the famous French designers of the Paris Auteuil studio. From thimbles to punch cups to vases and lamps, the areas of specialty in Haviland China are endless, she said.

The foundation offers a variety of publications to assist the new-comer, as well as the advanced collector. Experts assist members in identifying china patterns. Annual conferences have been held in major cities all over the United States where exhibitions are promoted, scholarships awarded, and research encouraged. St. Charles last hosted the conference in 1996.

Hafer discovered Haviland quite by accident when she offered to drive a friend to an auction on Madison Street in St. Charles some years ago. Her husband, Ralph Hafer, now deceased, warned her not to go. Donna said he knew she would come back with an-other collection. And true to her nature, she did.

“It was someone’s wedding present,” she said of the china she bought that day. And she was hooked.

“It’s my hobby. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I don’t play golf. This is what I do. I love it.”

Today, according to HavilandOnline.com, there are between 30,000 and 60,000 patterns of Haviland China, included in Haviland and Co., Charles Field Haviland, Johann Havi-land, and Theodore Haviland Limoges.

Bloomingdale’s in New York sells Haviland “Clair de Lune,” Haviland “Eternity Block,” Haviland “Laque de Chine,” Haviland “Plumes,” Haviland “Brandebourg,” Haviland “Symphony” and many others, with each piece rang-ing in price from $45 to over $1,000.

Haviland China is identified by Schlei-ger Numbers, a system devised by Arlene Schleiger of Omaha, Neb., in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Schleiger was trying to find pieces to fill in her mother’s set of china at the time. Because Haviland pieces do not have pattern names, Schleiger quickly found that there was a need to have a common means or method to identify them. She wrote a book with pen and ink drawings of the most distinguishing feature of the various china patterns and assigned numbers to them, and the term Schleiger Number was born.

Hafer’s Haviland Museum at 625 South Main St. in St. Charles is filled with hundreds of pieces that she has collected over the years. Hafer’s oldest piece is a Haviland vase dated 1850.

“It’s the fun of the search,” said Hafer. “Some of my favorite china are the sets that were made for the railroads. They had to have beautiful table service. But it was heavier, more utilitarian. It’s very rare to find a complete set.”

With a degree in chemistry, Hafer is into the details. Perhaps her largest set, she said, contains 363 pieces. Among the possibili-ties for a set are separate dishes for mayonnaise, sauces, muffins, honey and bones; a soup terrain; vegetable and salad bowls; chocolate pot (which has a lip); teapot (which has a spout); butter pat; teacup; and bread, lunch and dinner plates.

“China manufacturers were smart. They had a dish for everything.”

Not all of Hafer’s china is for show, and she doesn’t stress about the possibility of breaking a piece.

“I use it,” she said. “I can’t wait for someone to come visit. I get out the china. It’s like playing dishes when I was little. I decided long ago I was not going to be heartbroken if something broke. It’s part of the use. You just have to enjoy it.”

She said part of the fun of using her china is recording which pieces she uses for what oc-casions.

One of her favorites is the set she purchased from Gail Boehmer. It was given to Boehm-

er’s aunt and uncle, Sug and Charlie Foy of the famed Seven Little Foys, by Hollywood legend, Judy Garland. That set started out in the Foy household as service for 16. It’s down to eight. She also has a presi-dential set, which was designed for President Rutherford B. Hayes.

For more information on Haviland China, visit the

Haviland Collectors International Foundation website at www.havilandcollectors.com. The books by the Schleiger family are the identifying sourcebooks for the Schleiger identification system of the 60,000 Haviland patterns. Hafer said the later the book edition, the more current the identification. To visit the Haviland Museum in St. Charles, call 636-946-9444. Tours are offered by appointment. ¤

29July | August

31July | August


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33July | August

The talking heads are spieling economic recovery. The business analysts are cautiously optimistic. But for laypeople, especially here in St. Charles County, they need only look around. For the last several years, they’ve driven past the empty subdivisions, with roads and signs, but no houses — dirt that, since 2007, turned from brown to green with weeds. Builders were forced to put their plans on hold, as they had no buyers for the houses they had hoped to build.

Those weeds are disappearing now, and in their place homes are being graised, and commercial enterprises are appearing. Construction is on the move again in St. Charles County; and for local business people, that’s the best news ever.

T. R. Hughes Homes is moving dirt on a 231-home development in St. Charles, and Tom Hughes couldn’t be happier.

“We haven’t seen any new land developments in St. Charles City in years, and I just think that’s a sign of the times that the housing market is back,” Hughes said. “To see earth-moving equipment out there, and track hoes putting sewers in, it’s just a sign of the times.”

It’s been a long time coming for Hughes and others in the real estate market as the nation and the world recovers from what has been called the worst recession since the Great Depression.

At the end of May, the Associated Press reported that core con-sumer prices – outside of food and energy – posted the biggest in-crease in April in more than a year, suggesting that an improving U.S. economy is finally starting to lift prices. Martin Crutsinger of the Associated Press reported on May 22 that analysts noted price increases in April in medical costs, the price of used cars, house-hold furnishings and rent payments, but they also acknowledged that overall inflation still remained very low.

“Consumer prices are down 0.2 percent from 12 months ago, reflecting a nearly 20 percent drop in energy prices. And even with the April increase, core prices are up a moderate 1.8 percent from a year ago.” Crutsinger stated.

And while some economists were concerned about inflation, they predicted the Fed would most likely wait until at least September to raise interest rates.

Good news for Hughes and his first new development from raw land since 2004. T.R. Hughes continues to build at Riverdale in St. Paul, Hampton Woods in O’Fallon, and St. Andrews, in St. Charles.

Charlestowne Crossing is being built on 70 acres just north and west of the new St. Charles Fire Station 4 on Boschertown Rd. Hughes said the Orchard Farm School District purchased 24 acres adjacent to the development.

“The school district is expanding as well,” Hughes said, “with a new early child development center and future elementary school. That says a lot about the growth that’s occurring.”

Charlestowne Crossing, which Hughes will build along with McBride & Son Homes, will offer homes from the mid $100s to $300s, he said.

Jim Gallagher, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reported in late May that the St. Louis-area real estate market is recovering, with sales and prices on the upswing this year. Lower mortgage rates and fewer homes to choose from are all more signs of recovery.

Gallagher reported home sales in St. Louis County were up9 percent and 7 percent in St. Charles. As of March, St. Louis area prices were up 4.8 percent from a year earlier, according to CoreLogic, the real estate data firm. Real estate website, Zillow, predicts a 3.5 percent increase over the next year.

Hughes said builders had an excess of available lots in 2007 when the recession hit. “Now builders need lots,” he said. “It’s turned around that much.”

“A lot of subdivisions went dark. They were abandoned,” Hughes said, remembering dark days for builders eight years ago. “A typical housing recession is about a year or two. We thought by 2009, it would be back. But it still wasn’t. Then in 2010, it still

I Feel theEarth Move

Under MyFeet

New Housing in St. Charles County on the RiseStory by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos by Michael Schlueter


hadn’t come back. It didn’t start to come back till 2012. It was literally an historic moment for the economy and the housing industry.”

But all that’s beginning to change, he said. “When neighbors see neighbors selling their houses, they start to think, ‘I wonder what my house is worth,’” Hughes said. “It’s contagious. It’s exciting.”

Hughes said, while the excitement is con-tagious, it’s also a bit guarded. He hasn’t forgotten going from 173 employees to five when things got bad.

“Everybody learned a valuable lesson, I think, with the 2008 recession. Everyone is moving forward in a more controlled, conservative fashion.”

Danny Wapelhorst said all of that hous-ing development has also helped Cissell Mueller Companies. The company’s two arms, Cis-sell Mueller Construction, Inc., and Cissell Mueller Company, L.L.C., provide seamless, integrated ser-vices, from site selection, acquisition and develop-ment to general contract-ing and interior finishing.

Wapelhorst is vice presi-dent of Cissell Mueller Company, L.L.C. “There are enough people inquir-ing about these kinds of buildings that we’re saying we think we can fill them now. It means we’re going to be selling some ground, giving local trades some work, and doing more development in the city of St. Charles.”

Wapelhorst said one of the company’s projects, an office/warehouse development on Elm Point and Elm Street, has taken six years to get some activity. The promising fact though, he said, is that most of the Elm Point area has little vacancy. “So once the economy turned around, it changed quickly.”

The office warehouse facility is near New Town and Hughes’ development, as well as the proposed Orchard Farm Early De-velopment Center and Elementary School. It has spaces from 1,750 to 10,500 square feet, as well as some 12.59 acres available for new development. This new develop-ment will be for lease and/or for sale and is geared toward smaller businesses.

Shoppes at Mallard Pointe – a 20,240-square-foot retail center – has 1,500- to 15,756-square-foot spaces avail-able. Constructed in 2007, the retail center is located at the southwest corner of Elm Street and Millstone Corporate Drive, ¼-mile south of Highway 370 on a 2.5-acre site.

Cissell Mueller is offering an end cap loca-tion in Elm Street II, at 3731 Elm Street in St. Charles. This 11,700-square-foot retail center is one-fourth of a mile south of Highway 370, with frontage on Elm Street.

“We are optimistic that we can fill and develop all of this in the coming years,” Wapelhorst said. “There is a lot of action going on in this area. By 2016 and 2017, we are going to see a lot of business going on if everything stays the way it is now.

With all the new houses to the area, there will be a need for our inventory.” ¤

“The economy is improving which leads to people being optimistic

about their future. Real estate values have been at a flat rate for a

while but we’ve turned a corner and are rebounding. Interest rates

are at a historic low.” Mike Klinghammer, Project Manager, of

Two Buddies Construction, LLC.

Two Buddies Construction LLC. has a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, open

floor plan for sale in the Cuiver Valley Subdivision, Troy, Mo.,

with a second spec home in construction.

For more information call Kyle Hannegan, Berkshire

Hathaway Realty, 636.299.3593.

35July | August

The Bottleneck Blues Bar has been host-ing musical guests for years, both national and local acts. The venue has done a complete makeover to its sound and audiovisual equipment and has decided to bring back the genre that brought the in-tegrity to the venue in the first place. They wanted to align themselves with someone who has a strong work ethic and knows what moves to make in order to make that happen every Friday night. Devon Allman knows the blues, and he knows what it takes to collaborate with musicians who play that genre and make a project like this work.

The local legend and longtime resident of St. Charles has performed in most venues in the St. Charles and St. Louis areas. Allman has moved his career across the U.S. and has also branched out to other countries, as well, with many different musical projects.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree with the passion for music running through his blood. His dad is the well-known, national artist Gregg Allman.

Devon has a huge passion for the blues; and with this new project, the goal is to reintroduce the blues and make it all about “Devon’s House” every Friday night at the Bottleneck Blues Bar. Allman will be coming home to perform every 3 months and alternating the Friday night perfor-mances of national artists along with local St. Louis blues artists. Streetscape had a chance to talk with Devon about this excit-ing project.

StreetScape: What is your connection to St. Louis (St. Charles)?

Allman: I was born and raised in Texas, then I moved here as a teen. My mom remarried a pilot, and he got a gig flying for TWA. So we moved to St. Charles County and attended a year of high school. In a short period of time, the curriculum did not interest me anymore. It was acting or music. I exhausted all drama and acting classes, and life was waiting. So I moved to New York City for a bit and then went on tour with the Allman Brothers to decide between an acting career or music. Music won.

StreetScape: How did the idea of bring-ing you on board at the BBB come into play?

Allman: This is all about the genre surviving into future generations. A local talent agency became the liaison between the casino and me, and they suggested me being involved. It is a mutually-beneficial deal that makes a great venue available to St. Charles County for a style of music that doesn’t get enough love in the area. I aligned myself with this endeavor because it is a rare example of corporate America doing something really great to promote sustainability in the arts community. My hat is off to them for even wanting to do this.

StreetScape: How exciting was it to bring your friends on board for this?

Allman: Very exciting! Playing in Sou-lard is sacred to me and my friends. That is where my career started. It is nice to play a part of town that does not get much true, blues-based music in the area. I am happy to see my fellow comrades share the stage

Story by Maria Mazzola Photos by Michael Schlueter

DEVON

ALLMAN


with national acts and look and sound great on that bigger Bottleneck stage.

StreetScape: Aside from bringing the blues back into The Lou, what are you hoping to gain out of this project?

Allman: Awareness for this art form and to help galvanize our blues community by bringing our best local talent out to play a great venue and be seen in a better light. We all bat for the same team. I detest musicians that view each other as competition.

StreetScape: What other projects are you working on?

Allman: Well, I have just wrapped four wonderful years making records and touring the world with Royal Southern Brotherhood. It was a very enriching musi-cal experience. I ended up with five new brothers. Now it is time to reclaim some home time as I have now been on tour for a decade. I am going to put out my third solo record by year’s end-ish and then start producing records again for up-and-coming artists. I am also starting my own record label and will be very busy with that venture. The future looks fun!

StreetScape: You’re a father, a traveling musician with many projects, a son; you currently became engaged, you take care of many charities, and do many favors for many people. How do you have so many hats and still manage to keep everything rolling so smoothly?

Allman: I pride myself on time manage-ment and organization. That is the corner-stone of any solid work ethic, I believe. I apply that to my business daily. Make lists, man! And knock them out! As for family, I make time for my son by making sure my schedule has adequate time with him and by taking father/son trips a couple times a year. As for my wife-to-be, I make sure we have date nights, cuddle time, and I make sure she gets out on tour with me often. We cook and shop together. She is my best friend.

StreetScape: You’ve traveled all over the world, and you always come back to St. Louis. What is it that keeps you here?

Allman: My son, my mama and sissy, and the community of people. I promised myself and my son I would maintain residency here through his high school years. Then I am getting back to the Gulf Coast! I miss it – the smell, the ocean, the

shrimp. But I have such deep roots here in the St. Louis area; I will always be back around.

StreetScape: Can you tell me some of the lessons you have learned throughout your career? Do you have any advice for young musicians?

Allman: Yes … play the song, not the in-strument. Go buy anything by the masters of the genre that inspires you. Buy those records — they are your textbooks! Miles Davis, BB King, Fleetwood Mac, Wil-lie Nelson, James Brown, the Clash, Bob Marley, Metallica – any of those masters can get you started. And just keep ham-mering away. Do what you love – and do it really well.

StreetScape: Is social media helping or hurting the music business? How much are you into social media?

Allman: It is quite powerful, as it brings fans together in a forum type of construct that is very conducive for having them in one spot for news about albums, shows, etc. I wish they had that back in the day. I think people get turned onto new music constantly by hopping onto social media. It is awesome for that. The social aspect I gave up a year and a half ago. I would rather truly catch up with a person I have not seen in a while instead of knowing every detail of what they have been up to for months on end.

StreetScape: The music industry has completely changed in the way that albums are sold and how record labels handle artists and albums. Your thoughts?

Allman: Everything evolves. I still take music to people, and we even sell vinyl. Maybe the construct has changed a bit, but yank out the guts. They still smell the

same to me. Make records... tour and support them. Go make more. StreetScape: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Allman: My son. My being on the board of the National Blues Museum; my Blues Music Award. Believing in my dreams.

StreetScape: Who are your top influ-ences, both locally and nationally?

Allman: I like the guitar playing of Steve Pecaro, Catfish Willie, Tony Campenella; and Jimmy Lee Kennett was a dear friend. He taught me some licks, for sure. Nationally, I really love Curtis Mayfield, JJ Cale, The Cure, The Clash, Luther Al-lison, The Smiths, Herbie Hancock, Mark Knopfler, the Stones; good Lord, I could go on for days.

StreetScape: We lost a legend recently; what was BB King to you?

Allman: The epicenter of the blues… the reason it got where it got and became what it became. All the rock ‘n roll is because of him spreading this music around 300 dates a year. If the blues is a tree, he is the trunk; everyone else — they’re just branches.

I also asked Devon if “Friday Night Blues at Devon’s House” was here to stay and if he thought that this would lead to a blues festival in downtown St. Charles; and he said, “Absolutely” to both.

It’s always a great interview with Devon. Thanks to him and his publicist Jill Kettles. ¤

in “his house”Friday, August 28, 2015

See

37July | August

They don’t come around often. When they do, people stand up and take notice. We’ve all read about them or seen them on tele-vision — the child prodigy. In this case, he’s the one who picked up a guitar at the tender age of nine and never put it back down, much like the man who sang, “I look at the world and I notice it’s turning, while my guitar gently weeps.”

He’s the one who would rather spend an hour on the guitar than an hour on the Wii… an hour picking out a popular tune or compos-ing his own, than an hour picking out a new pair of athletic shoes.

“I’m the one who plays guitar all the time,” said Connor Low, 15. “I love it so much. Playing guitar is what I do. I feel like it is part of my body. It’s an extension.”

It started when Low was nine. He asked his older cousin, who had come to visit, to show him a few things on the guitar.

“He taught me everything he knew in a couple of weeks. I picked it up really fast.”

So Amber Low, Connor’s mom, set up lessons for him with his first guitar teacher Brian Sowinski. But that didn’t last.

“Brian didn’t know what to do with him,” Amber said. “He would give him a song, and he would perfect that and learn ten more.”

Two more teachers would take on young Connor, including one he met and performed with in elementary school named Cindy Graven. Graven still calls Connor to perform with her at wineries and restaurants locally.

“Playing guitar came so naturally and fun. I still wanted and needed more. I had a desire to play every note to every song, not just rhythm or lead. I wanted to play the bass, the melody, and the harmony too,” Connor said.

Merely a child himself, Connor played Slash’s solo from Guns ‘n Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” in the talent show at Green Tree Elementary in Wentzville when he was nine. By the time he was 10, he was a guest guitarist with local rock cover sensation Trixie


Guitarist Connor Low


Delight at the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, Mo.

To date, Connor has played at Lollapalooza in Chicago twice. He’s played at The Fox Theater and with Jon Anderson of Yes at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. He played Lou Fest, Fair St. Louis, and the Forest Park Balloon Race 2012. And he joined premier Pink Floyd tribute band El Monstero on stage at the Pageant in December.

Low decided he wanted to follow in his Uncle Jerry Boschert’s footsteps. Boschert, Amber’s brother, has played with Trixie Delight, Lex Luthor, Kung Fu Caveman and El Monstero. Con-nor saw Boschert perform with the band during the guitar solo to “Money.” So he decided to make a video covering every part of the song – all the guitar solos and even the saxophone solo – and sent it to El Monstero’s bassist Kevin Gagnepain. Impressed with Connor after jamming with him at a birthday party, Gagne-pain offered Connor the chance to play “Money” with the group, including the guitar solo, at El Monstero’s holiday show a year later.

“It was amazing. When I went out there, the strings just played themselves,” Connor remembered.

Amber is a cake decorator, and Connor’s father David is a car salesman. Though the two of them may not have contributed to the mu-sical talent Connor has, it was Amber and David who bought the guitar on which Connor would cut his teeth.

“Mom and dad bought me a strat before I was even born, just in case I would ever play,” he said.

In the last three years, Connor has been featured in the River Front Times, Eleven magazine and the St. Louis Post. He’s been on Fox 2 and “Great Day St. Louis” two times each and on “STL TV Live” three times. Connor played for guitar greats Tommy Emmanuel and Eric Johnson while he was still in middle school.

“What’s amazing to me is these very seasoned and professional musicians are so confident in his playing that they have him play on gigs whenever they need him. Thirty- to fifty-year-olds trust this young teen to play two- to four-hour shows with them, which to me is just crazy,” Amber said. “Connor loves every second of performing different music with as many people as he can and is always learning more and more. He has an insatiable appetite for learning, playing and performing.”

Connor studies classical guitar and plays fingerstyle, a technique for playing the guitar, or any stringed instrument, using the fingertips and/or fingernails, rather than with a plectrum (pick). He said he continues to study “rock and jazz with as many great musicians as I can. I love to learn and play all styles of music. I play electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, bass and piano.”

Despite help from teachers and family, Connor, as his generation would have it, learned most of what he knows online. He said it was Marty Schwartz, of YouTube fame, who taught him most everything he knows. Schwartz has some 200 videos, 973 subscribers, and over 429,000 views on his free guitar lessons site on YouTube.

Other videos caught his eye as well. “I then saw a video of Tommy Emmanuel performing at The Sheldon in St. Louis on YouTube and knew that I wanted to be able to play like that. I couldn’t find anyone that really even knew how to play or teach fingerstyle guitar, but I knew it was a style that I understood and wanted to be able to do,” Connor said.

“I had teachers for rock and jazz, but I met a teacher at a Rock n’ Roll camp that was classically trained; and I started

studying classical guitar with him. That opened up a new way to learn. I started finding more and more fingerstyle-arranged songs to music I loved. Guitar arrangements by Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, Edgar Cruz, Adam Rafferty, and Don Ross were so inspiring to learn. They al-lowed me to play all of the parts to so many of the styles of music that I enjoy.”

Amber said it’s quite possible Connor’s genes play a role in his seemingly endless talent. He has several cousins who are accomplished guitar and violin players. His great-grandfather played the accordion and organ on

KMOX many years ago. Jerry Boschert played for Trixie Delight, The Urge, Tropix and Lexx Luther. Today he has a three-piece band called Kung Fu Cave-man. Boschert has owned a sound company for the past 20 years in the area. He and Amy’s other brother, Erik

Boschert, each embraced Connor early on. Erik, who designs and builds custom guitars, built Connor his first guitar when he was 10.

Connor has recorded with and been featured on sever-al artists’ records, including the St. Louis rapper/producer

Vega Heartbreak’s “Go Cards (the Rally Song)” and “Accep-tance,” “Black Sunday” by Arshad Goods, “Jaded” by Candice Ivory, “Follow” by Jason Jacobs, and John Joseph Shanahan’s “Autumn Leaves.”

As a student of the School of Rock in Ballwin, Connor was chosen as a School of Rock Allstar for the second time and is set

(continued on next page)

39July | August

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to tour this summer from Denver, Colo. to Lollapalooza in Chicago. He was also chosen for the School of Rock St. Louis House Band.

“The top 1.5 percent across the nation are chosen through an audition process to tour each summer with School of Rock Allstars,” Amber said. “He toured last year to Chicago as an Allstar and played at Lollapalooza last summer too, as well as the House of Blues, Beat Kitchen and JBTV live studios.”

He’s also played with Dr. Zhivegas, Javier Mendoza, Kim Massie, Kung Fu Caveman, Michael Schaerer and Smash Band.

“I have had the opportunity to meet many of my biggest inspirations, including Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, Steve Vai, Andy McKee and Marcus Miller,” Connor said.

With all of these projects, Connor still somehow has time for Jazz Univer-sity (a St. Louis jazz program), his high school jazz band, and choir. He makes straight As and has little to no

homework.

“I cannot imagine doing anything else but sharing my love of music with

as many people that will listen,” he said. “I want to be able to incorpo-rate advanced musical concepts, as well as a good melody and vocals,

into my own original music. I want to appeal to everyone.”

Connor performs weekly with his acoustic duo Irie Sun at local venues, city events

and festivals. He recently started an original band

called Gypsy Lion and hopes to put out an album this year. He is also a third-year

veteran guitarist in the JazzU program through Jazz St. Louis.

“I’m extremely motivated to learn and

grow as much as I can as a musician. I have been extremely blessed with incredible opportunities in these five years since I picked up a guitar.

My goals are to travel the world touching people with my love of music in a positive way,” Connor said.

“I just feel like my purpose in life is to be a musician and to inspire others through my music, to play and listen to music. I’m very thanful. I work hard; but then again, it’s not work, because I love it so much. I’ll never be the best. I’m always a student.”

For more information on Connor Low, visit: www.connorlowmusic.com; https://www.youtube.com/user/rockersongz;

and https://soundcloud.com/connorlow, or check him out on Facebook and Twitter. ¤


41July | August

Missouri’s new commissioner of education has big plans. And she’s used to getting things done. That’s not a huge surprise. She’s from St. Charles County, O’Fallon, Mo., to be exact. Dr. Margie Vandeven was appointed Missouri’s sixth Commis-sioner of Education by the State Board of Education in December 2014. She assumed her new role January 1, 2015.

Most recently, as deputy commissioner of Learning Services for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Educa-tion, Vandeven has assisted with the planning and implementation of the Top 10 by 20 initiative. The department heralds its Top 10 by 20 initiative as a major improvement effort that aims for stu-dent achievement in Missouri to rank among the top 10 states by 2020. She said seeing that initiative through will be her primary focus as commissioner.

Vandeven has her work cut out for her. That plan calls for accomplishing three goals in the remaining four and a half years: that all Missouri students will graduate college and be career ready; that all Missouri children will enter kindergarten prepared to be successful in school; and that Missouri will prepare, develop and support effective educators.

“The first 90 days in this position, I have spent the majority of my time listening to folks throughout the state,” Vandeven said. “It takes an enormous amount of commitment throughout the state to ensure all students have the opportunity to pursue their passions.”

Stressing the word “all,” Vandeven said ensuring that all students graduate college and are career ready is “an enormous” task that is highly dependent on the success of the second goal.

“Research shows that a child’s brain develops at its greatest capacity between the ages of zero and five.”

As educators and administrators look to improve public schools, they have to consider every child, Vandeven said. “When we’re

looking at state policy, we have to consider that we have an incredibly diverse state,” she said.

It might surprise some people to know that Missouri has districts with 26 students in them and others with 26,000. The state has districts encompassing two square miles and others spanning 500 square miles.

“There are some districts where kids speak 40 different lan-guages,” Vandeven said. “And recently the state has exceeded 50 percent of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. There are some kids who can’t count on running water in the morning. These are the complexities we deal with. There is quite a disparity.”

Vandeven began her education career in 1990 as a communica-tion arts teacher in O’Fallon. From 1995 to 2002, she taught high school English and served as an administrator in Maryland before returning to Missouri as an English teacher and an administrator for three years at St. Dominic High School, again in O’Fallon, where she and her husband David reside.

In 2005, Vandeven joined the department where she worked on developing the fifth version of Missouri’s School Improvement Program (MSIP 5). During her nine years with the department, Vandeven served as a supervisor of the Missouri School Improve-ment Program, director of School Improvement and Accredita-tion, and director of Accountability Data and Accreditation. During that time, she has also been the assistant commissioner for the Office of Quality Schools, and, most recently, deputy commissioner of Learning Services.

Vandeven holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in educational adminis-tration and supervision from Loyola College in Maryland. She received a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership in 2014 from Saint Louis University.

Missouri State Board of Education Appoints a

New CommissionerDr. Vandeven of St. Charles

County Is Helping to Meet Its Goals

Story by Robin Seaton Jefferson Photos courtesy of Linda’s Studio

Dr. Margie Vandeven


In a news release about their decision, board members cited Vandeven’s strong background in education and extensive knowledge of education policy at the state and federal levels. In choosing her for the commissioner’s role, they also considered her proven leadership in multiple capaci-ties in the department and her drive and determination to make the Top 10 by 20 plan a reality.

Vandeven said that in reaching its goals for Top 10 by 20, the department is making a substantial effort to ensure that there are effective teachers in every classroom in the state. To do this, she said, the state is looking at two things: that teachers are competent in their respective subjects and that they are able to effectively interact with and engage their students. Some schools across the state are recording dem-onstrations of lessons or sending observers into the classroom. Although some school districts are conducting student and parent surveys to obtain their opinions on teacher effectiveness, Vandeven said it is not a part of the state’s plan.

Vandeven said she is aware of concerns surrounding Missouri Assessment Pro-gram (MAP) testing and some parents’ and students’ questioning of these large-scale assessments that test students’ progress toward mastery of the Missouri Show-Me Standards. Many people question the need for them and whether preparing for, administering, and taking the tests are absorbing too much teaching time.

“I understand there is an enormous amount of culture and climate that has arisen around testing,” Vandeven said, adding that those concerns will be something the department will “be discussing this year.”

In response to whether or not she be-lieved too much teaching time was being taken on MAP testing, Vandeven said the department generally holds that “the score should take care of itself.” In other words, if students were missing out on anything, it would reflect in their scores. She did say, however, that the department “never wants people teaching to the test.”

Other discussions that Vandeven said are taking place involve reducing the amount of time in testing and whether summative tests are necessarily better than formative tests. Formative tests are smaller tests

that are taken throughout the year to track ongoing progress, as opposed to one large test at the end of the school year.

Vandeven said if she had her druthers, she would focus on the love of learning and how to help kids have a passion for learn-ing. One way to do this, she said, would be through competency-based learning, which is focused on learning and not nec-essarily grade level. In competency-based learning, students are required to demon-strate their competency before going to the next level. They are not put in grades solely based on their ages.

“It’s more based on a personalization of education.”

Benefits of a competency-based system go both ways. While a student who is not competent is not moved up before they’re prepared, a student who is excelling is not held back by a system that is based on ages and grade levels.

While Vandeven acknowledges that her task is enormous, she said she never stops

looking for the positives. “The job is never done,” she said. “There is no way to measure the importance of a high qual-ity, public school system. But we have to remember that 97 percent of our schools are doing an exceptional job. Teachers are doing great jobs every day.”

She said everyone can make a difference every day in Missouri’s education system simply by reading a book to a child and supporting their teachers.

“We need to support teachers. They need it every day. We must also hold high expectations for all kids. Hold them accountable and expect the best from all kids.”

For more information on Top 10 by 20, visit www.dese.mo.gov/top-10-by-20.

43July | August

Connections to Success Expands Its

Reach

Connections to Success operates from the premise that poverty is more than a shortage of funds. It’s more than not having a job. Connections views poverty as a complicated cycle that impacts generations of families.

In keeping with that philosophy, Connections has come up with yet another way to break that cycle—this time with the youngest generation.

Expounding on its many and varied programs and models for supporting people living in poverty and helping them to become economically self-sufficient, Miranda Bell, regional volunteer and mentorship manager, runs Connect and its companion program, Connect Kids. This happens on Monday nights at the Connections headquarters at 3000 Little Hills Expressway in St. Charles. Bell uses the Pathways to Success Model, wherein Connections case managers walk beside people, mentoring them as they move from poverty to economic independence.

Serving people transitioning from generational poverty, incarcera-tion, domestic violence, and other challenging and disadvantaged situations, Bell and others help participants set goals and make a new plan for their lives. Adults take personal and professional de-velopment workshops that offer workforce readiness skills, cogni-tive skill building, job placement resources, health and wellness courses, financial education, educational programs, occupational skills, and transitional employment.

These and other programs at Connections to Success help adults who are in transition now, but what of the next generation? Bell said Connections recently began offering something for the kids, and that’s where Connect Kids comes in. Connect is a social

group that meets on Monday nights for a meal — usually donated by a local church or community organization — and other life skills and enrichment opportunities. Children’s activities, includ-ing Girl Scout troops and robotic workshops, are now available on Monday nights while adults are in Connect. A great example is California Pizza Kitchen that did a pizza box art class.

“With Connect Kids, we’re trying to offer exposure to new oppor-tunities as much as we can,” Bell said. “The families may come in through any of our Connections to Success programs. While we’re trying to turn the economically dependent into the econom-ically independent, we want to break the cycle with the children.”

Adults may participate in High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET – formerly GED) study classes. They may take computer, library skills, financial literacy or even cooking classes. St. Charles Community College (SCCC) recently offered a certified produc-tion technician course. Other organizations have offered a home ownership series, mentoring groups or customer service training.

But sometimes it goes both ways, and a little child will lead them. A young girl currently in Connect Kids has stolen Bell’s heart.

“Her mom went through the personal development class. I can’t remember how many houses they lived in in the last two years. They now live in a house with 20 people. The mom started com-ing and brought her two daughters and one son. She also brought several nephews.”

Bell said the woman is now interviewing for jobs. “It’s time. I can only say she’s been encouraged because her kids won’t let her not come. Because of her children’s motivation, she continues taking action toward her own goals.”

The girl was one of the first kids in the Connect Kids program, Bell said. “She is one of the brightest leaders,” she said. “She

Connect Kids Offers Children a New PerspectiveStory by Robin Seaton Jefferson


Connections to Success Expands Its

Reach

Connect Kids Offers Children a New Perspective

Jaylin enjoys a hearty meal at Connect, donated by companies, churches and organizations


has developed a huge amount of leader-ship skills and love for learning skills since she has been coming. She’s a natu-ral born leader and can influence a room. I love the shine in her eyes.”

Bell happily shared that the girl is making positive influences on her younger sister as the girl watches and mimics her big sis-ter. So far, the older girl has taken it upon herself to help all of the girls put on their Girl Scout sashes, teaches them and leads them in the Girl Scout pledge, helps orga-nize them for activities, and even assists in leading any pre-program activities.

Connect Kids is always seeking resources for participants, Bell said. Currently, Bell

is looking for donations of LEGOS to start a LEGOS club for the kids. Skilled volunteers are also needed to tutor kids in reading and math during Connect Kids. Potential volunteers are welcome to bring their ideas to Bell for any classes or activities they think might be a good fit. Whether they can teach art or music or share poetry, Connections to Success is open to suggestions.

“When you’re coming from where they are coming, life can be hard. I like to say, ‘Sometimes you just need a little lipstick.’ Sometimes it’s all you need to restore that hope.”

Employees and volunteers at Connections to Success understand that the cycle of poverty is repeated daily in communities all over America.

According to www.connectionstosuccess.org, people born into poverty have less access to educational and training opportu-nities, so they’re undereducated and under-trained. This keeps them from finding a job that pays wages that support a family’s

needs. So, they remain unemployed and rely on government assistance to survive. Because they aren’t in the workforce, they lose out on opportunities to gain knowl-edge and skills, widening the education and skills gap between them and others. They become isolated, only interacting with people in similar situations, with no idea that their lives could be different. Sometimes children are born into a family in poverty to parents who may be incarcer-ated. Maybe they get involved in crime because those are the only options they learn about.

“Helping people break the cycle of pov-erty requires more than teaching them how

to fill out applications or training them in a skill,” Bell said. “It must be approached holistically, touching all areas of a per-son’s life.”

Those areas are every bit as crucial in the lives of children living in poverty. “For the children, it is to expand those horizons, spark interest in something they’ve never seen before,” Bell said. “They need to see

more than the four blocks of the neighbor-hood. Exposure breeds opportunity.”

Bell said she is already seeing it through Connect Kids. “Connect Kids is fathers and mothers interacting and learning with youth. I like to think that Connect Kids will make a difference in repeating the cycle of poverty. It may make the differ-ence between a young girl saying, ‘No. I’m going to do things differently.’”

For more information on donating or get-ting involved with Connections to Success Connect Kids, call 636-940-8027 or visit www.connectionstosuccess.org. ¤

Connect Kids show off their pizza box art, preparedin partnership with California Pizza Kitchen

Connectkid, Paul, shares a smile at dinnertime with his sister

Jasmine participates in the Hi-Set Study Group

45July | August

Photography & Direction: Lance TilfordWardrobe & Styling: Kristi PinkhamHair & Makeup: Lisa Kalz with I.M.A.G.Ent.Model: Haley Zink with West Model & Talent ManagementLayout & Design: Grace PettitBoutiques highlighted with red in the photo credits will be featured on runway in StreetScape Fashion Week 2015, “Romancing the Runway”, September 23, 24, 25.

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Spice up your summer style with a

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47July | August

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49July | August

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Dress: Joy’sHandbag: Moss Boutique

Earrings: Vintage

51July | August

Dress: Joy’sEarrings: H&M


53July | August

Top: Leopard BoutiqueShorts: Target

Neck Scarf: Vintage


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23 . 24 . 25



FASHION WEEK

2015





8:00 RUNWAY












Isaiah Jenkins


Romancing the


23 . 24 . 25


An orphaned, Alaskan polar bear arrived just in time for the June 6 opening of the Saint Louis Zoo’s new McDonnell Polar Bear Point exhibit. Kali (pronounced “Cully”), a 2½-year-old, 850-pound, male polar bear, orphaned in Alaska as a cub, is now resting comfortably in the zoo’s new exhibit.

Kali came to St. Louis May 5 from the Buffalo Zoo, where he has lived since May 2013. In March 2013, the orphaned bear was turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by an Alaskan hunter who unknowingly killed Kali’s mother in a subsistence hunt.

USFWS determined that St. Louis would be the bear’s permanent home, working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSPs coopera-tively manage specific and, typically, threatened or endangered species populations in the care of conservation organizations.

FedEx donated Kali’s transportation from Rochester, N.Y., to St. Louis. The Saint Louis Zoo’s veterinarian and animal care staff accompanied him on the daylong journey. The trek in-cluded a FedEx Express flight from Rochester to Memphis and a temperature-controlled truck transport via FedEx Custom Critical from Memphis to St. Louis.

Kali’s new home is a 40,000-square-foot habitat that offers visi-tors a 22-foot viewing window, where the polar bear can come

right up to the glass to greet guests. The seawater area features a 1,000-square-foot arctic cave room that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the bears by looking through a four-panel viewing wall that is eight feet tall and 21 feet wide. At one end of the room, visitors can watch bears swim in a pool that is 13 feet deep, holding 50,000 gallons of saltwater.

With its natural substrate and saltwater pools, the new habitat transitions seamlessly from sea to coastline (moraine) to land (tundra) and offers the polar bears an opportunity to enjoy swim-ming, diving, rock climbing and digging in the sand.

The $15 million, state-of-the-art, McDonnell Polar Bear Point has been under construction since Sept. 3, 2014. The exhibit was made possible primarily by the JSM Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. James S. McDonnell III, and Mr. and Mrs. John F. McDon-nell. This is one of the many projects funded by the zoo’s $120 million “The Living Promise Campaign.”

“It is critical that zoos protect polar bears, which are declining in the wild and are highly vulnerable,” said Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Louis Zoo. “By working to not only conserve polar bears in the wild, but to offer a wonderful habitat for breeding and pro-tecting bears in our care, we can help save these iconic animals.”

There’s a New Man in Town!

Did YouKnow?


Kali, the new Polar Bear at the St. Louis Zoo, frolics in his new home at Polar Bear Point


The polar bears’ habitat includes a cutting-edge life support sys-tem that recirculates and treats exhibit water; it is a closed loop, allowing the zoo to save 2.3 million gallons of water each year.

“Throughout this exhibit, we are employing sustainable design and construction methods to increase the amount of recycled materials used with this project, including the concrete from the historic bear pits that was crushed on site and is being reused as sub-base and backfill,” said David F. McGuire, Saint Louis Zoo Vice President, Architecture and Planning.

The zoo’s sustainable practices are aimed at reducing its carbon footprint to help stall the impact of climate change, which causes sea ice to melt. Sea ice is essential to polar bears for hunting seals on ice floes or near breath holes, since polar bears are not fast enough swimmers to catch seals in open water. They stalk and ambush their prey on ice.

Over the last 20 years, scientists have documented a dramatic reduction in Arctic sea ice due to rising temperatures. Recent modeling of future sea ice trends predicts dramatic reductions in sea ice coverage over the next 50 to 100 years and the potential loss of all polar bears near the end of this century.

The Saint Louis Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan® for polar bears – a cooperative breeding program with a number of North American zoos working together to ensure the survival of the species. McDonnell Polar Bear Point allows for potential breeding of polar bears.

“From the outdoors, visitors can enjoy seeing the bears through a split-view window that offers views of the bears swimming in the deep pool and playing in the shallow pool,” said Steve Bircher, Saint Louis Zoo Curator of Mammals/Carnivores. He added that guests can also observe bears interacting with their keepers as they offer enrichment or go through training exercises with these remarkable animals.

Just down from Bear Bluffs and next to Penguin and Puffin Coast in the Wild section of the zoo, the habitat can accommodate an adult male and female bear, who could head up a family of one to three cubs. It more than doubles the space of the old polar bear habitat, which had been home to zoo polar bears from the 1920s until 2009.

Visitors can also purchase bear-themed items in a new gift shop

as they enter or leave McDonnell Polar Bear Point.

Interesting facts about polar bears:Natives of Arctic coastal areas of Greenland, Norway, Russia, Canada and the United States, the polar bear is among the largest of the carnivorous quadrupeds. They are unique in their white coat and adaptation to an aquatic way of life. Their coat varies from a pure white to a yellowish appearance. The skin of the polar bear is actually black, and the individual hairs on its coat are clear and hollow. Light reflecting off of the clear shafts makes the coat appear white; the black skin underneath helps to absorb and retain heat.

The coat has an outer layer of guard hair over a thick layer of under hair, making it water repellent.

Their feet are fur covered on the bottom, allowing them to swim in arctic waters and walk on snow and ice without freezing. Polar bears also have a two- to four-inch layer of fat under the skin to add buoyancy and insulation from the cold.

In the wild, polar bears live mainly on sea mammals, such as ringed seals, bearded seals and walruses. They also eat carrion found on the shores of the Arctic waters. At the zoos, they are typically fed bear-mix, herring and mackerel.

When the polar bear stands with its head raised, it forms a straight line from the tip of its nose to its tail. This streamlined

shape, unlike any other bear, is an adaptation for swimming. In addition, they have webbed paws and a unique blood system that allows them to swim long distances in icy waters. Some polar bears have been observed swimming more than 100 miles.

Females can weigh up to 655 pounds. Males can grow up to 10 feet long and can weigh 800 to 1,200 pounds. An adult male can consume up to 150 pounds of food in one sitting. In addition, their large stomachs allow polar bears to go as many as five or six days between meals.

Named America’s #1 Zoo by Zagat Survey and Parenting Maga-zine, the Saint Louis Zoo is widely recognized for its innova-tive approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, it attracts about 3 million visitors a year. ¤

Did you know...That Polar bears don’t hibernate? Did you know...They have 2 layers of fur?

Did you know...They can smell food from a mile away?

Zoo Director Dr. Bonner welcomes visitors to the opening of the McDonnell Polar Bear Point at

the St. Louis Zoo. Kali, the new Polar Bear at the St. Louis Zoo, frolics in his new home at Polar Bear Point

57July | August

Most young girls grow up wanting something to cuddle and dress up or maybe a small, furry animal to pet. Not Jean Ehlmann. Her love was, and is, for horses – solid-hoofed, plant-eating, domes-ticated mammals with flowing manes and tails. They can gallop up to speeds of 25 to 30 mph and can weigh as much as a 1,000 pounds. Sadly, a horse, whose scientific name is Equus caballus, has a very short life span of 25 to 30 years.

Jean Ehlman lived in a neighborhood close to the Lindenwood Stables, where she could easily walk at the young age of sev-en. Lindenwood offered summer riding programs where she rode three to five times a week. The program was run by the college students. Jean spent hours hanging around after her lesson, practi-cally begging for an opportunity to wash blankets or clean tack – anything to be near a horse! Jean continued to learn and ride and build her skills in horsemanship.

Jean rode in her first horse show when she was 11. Winning a blue ribbon wasn’t the prize; Jean’s reward was the process she experienced, the practice involved, and the passion she felt for the horses. Finally, at the age of 13, Jean’s dream came true when she got her very own horse.

Having a deep love of horses and growing up with them myself, it was my pleasure to interview Jean Ehlmann on KFAV 99.9FM

and find out that she is back in the saddle again with the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, using her passion to help raise money for charity.

KELLEY: Growing up with horses is amazing, as I know all too well, growing up with them myself as a child. What have you gained from this experience?

JEAN: It taught me responsibility; and if you want something, you have to work at it. It takes a lot of practice to become a competent rider. You have to make it safe for you and the horse. Physically, you learn skills that advance your coordination, rhythm, balance, and core strength. Sitting on the back of a horse is a privilege, and being able to communicate with a horse with your voice and body commands is pretty amazing!

KELLEY: Horses are beautiful. How do they improve one’s life?

JEAN: Horses are incredibly beautiful. I’m sure everyone has seen horses galloping through a field or watched a horse race on televi-sion. They are so powerful and graceful at the same time. Being around horses improves my mental and physical health; they are relaxing to be around. You have to earn a horse’s respect. You have to be honest with them. I love how horses can transform people.

The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show is Coming to Lake St. Louis

Jean Ehlman Shares Its Significance to Her and Others

Story by Kelly Lamm Photos courtesy of Jean Ehlman

Jean accepting award on Mr. Magic - Bridal Spur Horse Show 2015


KELLEY: How do horses transform people’s lives?

JEAN: You see people in wheelchairs being put on top of a horse, and they are transformed! They see the world from a different perspective, and it increases their confidence beyond belief. Hors-es give you a common bond with other horse admirers that overcomes age and social differences. You develop an emotional tie with a horse; they can become your best friend.

KELLEY: Life changes, but your passion for horses has always stayed close to your heart.

JEAN: Marriage, children and life took me away for almost 30 years. Joni Friesen, who I rode with years ago at Lindenwood, heard I was retiring and asked if I would be interested in serving on the board of the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show. Joni had kept active in the horse world since the Lindenwood days and has been on the board for many years. I saw this as a chance to get back in the saddle! It’s ironic that, at last year’s show, I ran into Sharon Niles, who has a stable in Chesterfield. She gave me riding les-sons when she was a young student at Lindenwood 40 something years ago, and that is who I ride with now. We came around full circle.

KELLEY: Tell us about this amazing event, St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, and how it also gives back to the communities.

JEAN: The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show dates back to 1856 and was part of the 1904 World’s Fair. It has existed in its present form since 1977. Last year, the show was able to donate $15,000 to Stray Rescue of St. Louis and $10,000 to TREE House of Greater St. Louis. The TREE House offers therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. The name stands for Therapy, Recreation, Education, and Exploration. The organization was previously Therapeutic Horsemanship. Thera-peutic horsemanship remains the cornerstone of their program, but they have expanded its therapeutic and recreational opportuni-ties for individuals and their families. It is located in Wentzville.

KELLEY: What can we expect to see at this event?

JEAN: The show will bring to St. Charles County over 800 exhibi-tors, trainers, parents, vendors, and spectators from over 12 states. The Hunter/Jumper Show will take place from Wednesday,

Sept. 9th, through Sunday, Sept. 13th. This show includes the $25,000 Grand Prix. The American Saddlebred Show will run from Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, until Sunday, Sept. 27. This show will include five William Shatner National Champions.

The shows take place at the National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis. The Grand Prix is on Sunday, Sept. 13th. It is a class similar to what you see in the Olympics. Horses jump over fences and are timed, with the horse with the fastest time and least number of poles down is the winner. Horses and riders in the Saddlebred Show compete in classes where the horses are in the ring at the same time before judges. The show features seven na-

tional champion-ship classes. It really is exciting to watch these horses strut their stuff! (I ride saddlebreds.) The Saddlebred Show also fea-tures the breed under western and hunt tack, as well as parade tack, which is spectacular!

KELLEY: Is this event for all ages?

JEAN: Riders range in age from three or four in the lead line classes to well into their 70s. I’m sure there are some 80-years-olds, as well! Last year’s show was named Horse Show of the Year by the Missouri Horse Show Association. It’s an exciting event for people of all ages. It’s incredible to watch these beautiful animals. And it’s free!

KELLEY: We are definitely looking forward to this beautiful and entertaining event

coming to our community that also gives back.

It is our passion as a child that can guide us later in life to a great-er cause. We are never too old to do what we love. Never give up on your dreams, never stop learning, and never stop giving.

Giddy up and go to www.stlhorseshow.com for more information about the upcoming St. Louis National Charity Horse Show 2015. ¤

Tune in Monday through Friday at 7:45 a.m. on KFAV 99.9FM

for more Delicious Scoop with Kelley Lamm

www.kelleylamm.com.

59July | August

Who would have thought the likes of Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt would want anything from St. Charles? Well, what started out as one man’s backyard project in the historic river city has gone Hollywood. There’s no telling what the visionary and historian Glenn Bishop would think had he lived to see the boats that he inspired featured in an HBO special presentation.

The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles will lend its fleet, a full-sized keelboat and two pirogues, to producers of the upcom-ing HBO miniseries, “Lewis and Clark,” due out next year. The six-hour miniseries — the most sizable miniseries HBO has done since 2010’s The Pacific — will follow the 1803 journey of the Corps of Discovery and its American explorers, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. On their expedition they traversed uncharted territory up the Missouri River to the Rock-ies, over the mountains, down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean and back.

The miniseries is based on “Undaunted Courage” by historian Dr. Stephen E. Ambrose, written about the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the greatest adven-ture stories of all time. This bestselling author has written more than 30 books, including New York Times bestsellers, “Band of Brothers” and “D-Day.” Lewis and Clark made the first map of the trans-Mississippi West, gathered unrecorded scientific data on the flora and fauna of the Louisiana Purchase territory, and established America’s claim to Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

There is a historical marker honoring Glenn Bishop at the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center in St. Charles, Mo., dubbed Bishop’s Landing. This is where the Discovery Expedition’s fleet that HBO will use is on display. Founder of

the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Bishop was an expert carpenter. He used William Clark’s drawing of the keelboat and plans found at the Smithsonian Institution to design and build the original Lewis and Clark keelboat replica. A fire destroyed that boat, however, resulting in construction of two pirogues and the rebuilding of the original keelboat by Bishop and the Discovery Expedition crew.

The pay cable network’s miniseries will star Casey Affleck as Meriwether Lewis and Matthias Schoenaerts as William Clark and is filming this summer.

The HBO and National Geographic Entertainment drama boasts a bold-faced list of executive producers, including Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Tim Kelly and Adam Leipzig.

On the shelf at HBO for some time, the miniseries is a win for St. Charles. Jan Donelson, chairman of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles said, “We’ve been tracking the progress of this HBO miniseries for a number of years and are proud to have our one-of-a-kind fleet involved in the production. These boats recreated every river mile of the original expedition during the 2003-2006 Bicentennial reenactment from Elizabeth, Pa., to the Pacific Ocean, and back to St. Louis. So this is a real privilege for us to provide them in the filming of this drama.”

The Lewis and Clark Museum was started by Mimi and Darold Jackson as a nonprofit facility in 1985. It preceded the formation of the nonprofit Discovery Expedition of St. Charles by about 10 years. The two nonprofit organizations merged in 2003.

In May, the Discovery Expedition’s fleet was driven to Calgary,

Lewis and Clark Lead HBO to St. Charles

Discovery Expedition Provides the TransportationStory by Robin Seaton Jefferson


Keelboats like those used in Lewis & Clark’s expedition


Alberta, in Canada, on trailers that were specially made to haul them. Filming will take place on the Bow River, as it resembles what the Missouri River would have been like 200 years ago, said Bill Brecht, director of the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center.

Brecht said there are about 170 members from 36 states in Dis-covery Expedition of St. Charles. The non-profit group maintains the museum and the boats.

He said the inclusion of the fleet is important because St. Charles played a significant role in Lewis and Clark’s journey.

“It is very significant because our city represents a major part of the expedition,” he said. “It’s the place where Lewis and Clark got the last of their supplies. It’s the place where the entire group was in one place at one time. We consider it the jumping off place, because once they left here, they were on their own. St. Charles was the last town on the Missouri River.”

Other places certainly make their own claims to fame with regard to the expedition, Brecht said; but only St. Charles can claim the

entire crew, as well as the last stop of civilization as the explor-ers knew it. Elizabeth, Pa., is heralded as the place that the duo’s keelboat was built. Jefferson’s home at Monticello could techni-cally be the starting place, as that was where the idea was formu-lated. Jefferson longed for a water route to the Pacific Ocean so that Americans could set up trade from the Pacific Coast. And Louisville, Ky., holds claim to the place where Clark joined the expedition.

“Everyone has some legitimate claim depending on how you want to define starting point,” Brecht said. “But everywhere else had already been explored.”

Brecht said the fact that the entire crew, less one, survived the more than 8,000-mile journey is almost as notable as the knowl-edge that came out of the trip. “In a 2 1/2-year period, only one man died; and it is believed he died of appendicitis. These were robust people. Just imagine moving a 20-ton keelboat against the currents with oars. And the medicines they took at the time were probably a lot more harmful than good.”

Early nineteenth century medical practices consisted of three therapeutic principles: bleeding, purging with laxatives, and cleansing with emetics and enemas. Opium, mercury and quinine were just some of the cure-alls the explorers carried on the journey.

After nearly a decade of considering the project, Brecht said HBO finally sent representatives to St. Charles in January to inspect the boats.

Discovery Expedition has given HBO the rights to cosmetically age the boats, Brecht said, “…because right now they look too good. They need them to look like they would have 200 years ago after they had been aged on the river.”

Following the filming, Discovery Expedition has the option to have the production company change the boats back to their original condition or leave them aged, he said. The boats are insured by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, as well as the production company.

Still, Brecht is hoping there aren’t any mishaps. “Even so, how do you build another one?” ¤

Keelboats like those used in Lewis & Clark’s expedition

Visitors enjoy the Lewis & Clark replica Keelboats

Lewis & Clark Rendezvous actor

61July | August

Main Street Book Review

Title: Pioneer Girl: The Annotated AutobiographyAuthor: Laura Ingalls WilderPublisher: South Dakota State Historical Society Press - $39.99

Buy it at Main Street Books307 S. Main St., St. Charles Mo. 63301(636) 949-0105 www.MainStreetBooks.netFollow us on twitter @mainstreetbooks

The hottest book in recent memory is back in

print and available at Main Street Books! Pioneer

Girl is the highly anticipated autobiography of

Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the beloved

Little House series of books, which detailed

her life growing up on the American Frontier.

An intricate portrait of Laura’s life and writing,

readers are treated to a more grown-up look at

her experiences, and granted access to the true

people and stories that inspired one of America’s

most widely-read authors. A must-have for any

Little House fan, this book was published by a

small press and was sold out before it even went

on sale! Now in its 5th printing, Pioneer Girl is

sure to delight old readers and newcomers alike.


StreetScape Book PicksTitle: Finally, a Locally Produced Guidebook to St. Charles, by and for Locals, Neighborhood by NeighborhoodAuthor: by Vicki Berger Erwin and Justine Riggs About the Book: A gateway to the west in its own right, St. Charles County is today one of the fastest growing counties in the country and encompasses a number of communities, each with its own charm-ing character. Abundantly rich in history, it is home to the first state capitol, numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places, the Daniel Boone home, and areas traveled by Lewis and Clark on their Expedition, including their starting point. In addition, the county boasts specialty shopping includ-ing antiquing, unique dining experiences, and beautiful parks to explore. A wide range of recreational activities, a large number of which are kid friendly, await at every corridor. St. Charles County is even home to numerous award winning majestic vineyards. This book, produced by authors familiar with the area, will guide you through neighborhoods, towns, attractions, and the countless options available to visitors and citizens alike in St. Charles County.Publisher: Reedy Press - $19.95Where to buy: Barnes & Noble

Title: The Bitter Divide: A Civil War History of St. Charles MissouriAuthor: Rory Riddler About the Book: The bitter divide that split asunder the nation, also split apart the town of St. Charles. It split family and neighbors, cleaved the congregations of churches in two, ended civil discourse, and brought about Civil War. While St. Charles was not the site of a major battle, the City, County, and its people played an important, even vital, role in holding Missouri for the Union. Its sons fought and died on a hundred different battlefields. German immigrants fought for the loyalty they felt towards their adopted homeland and the ideals of freedom that brought them here. The sons of old Southern families, who had brought their way of life as pioneers, fought for the survival of that ideal against what they viewed as Northern aggression. Slaves with the con-sent or without of their so called owners, went to war and often sacrificed the most. This work helps illuminate their words and deeds to ensure their memories and voices live on. Publisher: City of St. Charles - $24.95Where to buy: St. Charles County Historical Society, 101 South Main Street in St. Charles and via their website at www.scchs.org and also at the Frenchtown Heritage Museum and Research Center, 1121 North Second Street in St. Charles.

Title: A Colebridge Quilted ChristmasAuthor: Ann Hazelwood About the Book: The final installment of Ann Hazelwood’s Colebridge Community Series reveals Christmas in Colebridge. Main street is busy with the Mistletoe Market and the quilt show in the depot. Folks in Colebridge help one another, especially at Christmas. Like the quilts, they are sewn together through love and loss. Their lives are quilted together by their appreciation of the community that binds them, not just in Colebridge but in their hearts.Publisher: AQS Publishing - $14.95Where to buy: Main Street Books, Lewis and Clark Boathouse, Parkview Gardens, The Quilted Cottage and Barnes and Nobel.

Title: Pillars Of SaltAuthor: Teddy Norris About the Book: Teddy Norris will read from her newest publication, ‘Pillars of Salt.’ Thematically her poems often suggest the dual nature of memory, its capacity to comfort and also to wound. Honors for her poetry include recognition by the Poets and Writers Missouri Writers Exchange Contest (Pillars of Salt) and by The Argos Prize Poetry Contest (Second Sight). She has earned a Pushcart nomina-tion and was awarded The Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation’s 2013 Poetry Prize. “Pillars of Salt”, was recently published by Finishing Line Press as one of the winning selections from 400 entries in their 2014 New Woman’s Voices Chapbook Competition.Publisher: Finish Line Press - $14.49Where to buy: https://finishinglinepress.com

63July | August

Everyone’s a critic…so why do we need critics?

THE WAYWARD

CRITIC

What’s a “wayward” critic?A critic who doesn’t follow a predictable line—one who mean-ders from movies to television to the internet to culture at large and sees it for what it is; a messy, glorious mélange of gold and crap that can be seen through many windows.

What makes you a critic?A completely paradoxical blend of jaded sarcasm and wide-eyed, fan-boy enthusiasm; a love of both high brow (a.k.a. “films with subtitles”) and low brow culture (a.k.a. “movies with explo-sions”); being a film junkie since I was six; and a few years of film school, writing classes and sheer arrogance. Proudly boast-ing that I was writing reviews long before the age of Facebook and Twitter. Silently ruing that so few people read reviews.

What makes a critic a good critic?The ability to review the movie they saw rather than the movie they wanted to see. A working knowledge of and appreciation for the craft of assembling a movie, play, or series, and the artists who create it. Infectious enthusiasm.

Why don’t you review all movies?With the thousands of movie, TV and cable releases available domestically and imported every year, it would be impossible for one critic. I go for a mix of popular films that are available to the majority of readers who don’t live in New York or Los Angeles, and try to pinpoint some truly great works that should be seen on a wider scale. I also tend to review movies that are of interest to me; I don’t think it’s truly fair to bring my biases and prejudices into reviewing genres or storylines I’m predisposed to yawn over (“relationship comedies” tops that list for me). Also, I’ve put a

self-imposed moratorium on giving further attention to movies starring James Franco, Seth Rogen, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler (well, this list just keeps going on, so there).

What are the best trends in the movies right now?That movies are being challenged by other media. Movies seem both bigger and smaller; bigger in that they’re budgeted at more than the GDP of small countries, epic in sweep and carrying story-lines through several movie projects spanning years…and smaller in that the tools of quality filmmaking have never been more ac-cessible and affordable to those who wish to use them. Um, some of those people should definitely not use them.

What are your favorite movies of all time?In somewhat chronological order: The Gold Rush, The General, King Kong, Fantasia, It Happened One Night, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Pinocchio, Citizen Kane, The Third Man, The Night of the Hunter, The Seven Samurai, Dr. Strangelove, Ace in the Hole, Mary Poppins, Bonnie & Clyde, A Clockwork Orange, Deliverance, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Jaws, Annie Hall, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Tin Drum, Wings of Desire, Fitzcarraldo, Blade Runner, Raising Arizona, The Right Stuff, Fargo, The Sweet Hereafter, Boogie Nights, The Dark Knight. I could have narrowed that down to a Top Ten list—but I didn’t want to. Feel free to berate me for omitting your personal favor-ite movie. If you did not recognize some of my selections, please go look them up on Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu and watch them now.


What about TV and Online stuff?TV and internet series and movies are epic these days; intimate in ways the big screen can’t be, and epic in their storytelling scope over a longer period of time. Game of Thrones, painful as it is to watch sometimes, broke the bar for everything (suggestion for viewers who hit the roof every time someone dies or is tortured on Game of Thrones: stop looking for moral justice in a show that is about not getting moral justice). Breaking Bad was, all in all, a better and more satisfying viewing experience than the Godfather trilogy (ouch, I know).

What new tech will change the movie viewing experience?Well, I won’t be watching movies on the Apple watch. But even though 3D is a mixed blessing these days (I suggest only seeing 3D movies that were specifically filmed in 3D, and Hollywood should label them), I think the next revolution will be in vir-tual reality. Consumer-level virtual reality experiences like the Oculus Rift are coming soon, and they will change our viewing experience profoundly, certainly with interactive gaming and in-structional applications, but stories will become eerily immersive.

EpilogueI am amazed at the human capacity to consume stories; con-stantly, willingly gorging ourselves on created fictions. The movies we watch repeatedly until we inhabit them, the television series we invest our time in as readily as parent-teacher meetings or counseling sessions, the books we read, the news stories that punctuate our day, facts and fictions all mixed up together in our head, giving us therapy and new reasons to need therapy. Look at how many stories you’re invested in; movies you know well, TV shows you follow religiously, news stories of which you seek frequent updates. How many lines and characters are there, to what diverse levels of thought do they take you, do they comfort you in your own beliefs or challenge you to consider new ones? How do they compromise or enlighten your own story? ¤

65July | August

The Wayward Critic reviews new releases and trawls the online and VOD services for notable offerings.

Follow the reviews at: www.StreetScapeMag.com/

The-Wayward-Critic and on Facebook at Facebook.com/

WaywardCritic and Twitter @WaywardCritic.

StreetScape Magazine - July | August 2015

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