streetscape magazine spring 2007

Spring 2007Complimentary

featuring

NORTH & SOUTH

MA INFRENCH TOWN

NEW TOWN

THE STREETS OFSAINT CHARLES

F E A T U R E S

22 | DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS—GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Architect Tim Short is helping to revitalizethe historic Frentchtown district withaffordable lofts.

D E P A R T M E N T S

4 | COMMENTARY

6 | FEATURED ARTIST

8 | CELEBRITY ROOTS

12 | TIPS & TRICKS

18 | IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

22 | DRIVEWAYS TO DOORWAYS

26 | A LA CARTE

8 | CELEBRITY ROOTS—MARK BUEHRLEMark Buehrle grew up in St. Charles, played Little League,and pitched for Francis Howell North High School. Checkout his rise to fame as a pitcher for the White Sox.

P R O M O T I O N S — 2 0 / 2 0Street Scape Magazine is proud toannounce its latest promotion: 20/20: A

Celebration of St. Charles’ Youth. We will

recognize twenty of St. Charles’ most

outstanding young members of the community

on September 9, 2007. Participants must be age

20 or younger, and can be self-nominated,

nominated by parents, teachers, coaches, youth

ministers or others.

Event winners will be recognized at a brunchon Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the St.Charles Foundry Art Centre. Tickets are$20.00 per person and must be purchasedprior to the event. Sponsorship opportunitiesare available.

For more information on nominating a youth,purchasing tickets, or sponsoring this event,please contact Tom Hannegan at 636-949-9898or [email protected].

Spring 2007

ON THE COVER | Photography by Michael Schlueter

30 | BEST SHOPPING FINDS

38 | HEALTH WATCH

44 | SEASONAL HUNT

48 | SUNRISE TO SUNSET

64 | CALENDAR

32 | NEIGHBORHOODS—DANCE INTO SPRINGDance is back in many forms. It is an art form that has beenaround since the beginning of time. Find out about St. Charles’dance opportunities and offerings.

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 3

CONTENTS

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

COMMENTARY

Dance Into SpringWelcome to the third edition of Street Scape Magazine! As always, we invite you tocome as our reader and stay as our friend.

As the holiday season winds to an end, we reflect back on the holidays....what we did,what we ate, how we celebrated. We have included some of these memories from ourcultural cluster neighborhoods.

My own special holiday memory is of watching “Miracle on 34th Street”–the original ofcourse–when I was a child. Remember the courtroom scene in the movie where thePostal Service brings tons of letters written to Santa as evidence for his existence? TheUnited States Postal Service, under the direction of Post Master Robert E. Hannegan,clinches the case because it recognizes Kris Kringle, the defendant, as the one true KrisKringle by delivering letters to him. It turned out, my father reported, that that very sameHannegan was actually my dad’s uncle and godfather. Imagine hearing your name on TVas a kid during the Holiday Season? I treasure the movie to this day.

As I reflect back on Street Scape Magazine's sponsored event "The Buzz: An Urban ArtsExperience and Coffeehouse Crawl" and the donation made to Children's Hospital, Irealize "good things do truly happen over a cup of coffee." Thanks to everyone whomade the event such a huge success.

I was brainstorming about spring topics and what to include in this spring edition ofStreet Scape. Immediately I thought baseball, the warm rebirth of flowers, spring fever,romance and dancing. So, as we reflect back on what we did over the holidays, wedance into spring! Meet Chicago White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle, The Dog WhispererCesar Millan, and Pet Nanny/Trainer, Sue Schulze. Also meet some other locals whomake up the tapestry of our our Street Scape scene: "Mr. Main Street," Archie Scott;Roger Orf, our very own local success story and "Trump"; Dick Sacks, author of a newbusiness strategies book The 12 Commandments of Small Business Success; ScottGinsberg, entrepeneur and Name Tag Guru; Dr. Michael Conoyer in our new feature"Seasonal Hunt"; Beverley Groneck, in our Featured Artist section; Lauree Salamonof Lauree's in Frenchtown; and Tim Short, a new neighbor and business developerin Frenchtown.

The best thing about the New Year is a fresh start and family. I am so proud of my StreetScape family. They truly raise me up. Just as the magazine has grown 16 pages, theStreet Scape family has also grown. I am pleased to welcome Monica Adams of KMOX’s(AM 1120) Health & Fitness Show that airs from noon to 2 pm. on Sundays, as oureditorial contributor on health and wellness topics. You'll find the team on this pageunder “Behind the Scenes.” We have a lot of new and exciting things planned for 2007.

And in closing I say, “Dance, Dance, Dance!!!!!” And don't forget to buy a cup oflemonade at your neighborhood kid's lemonade stand. See ya in the Summer!

BEHIND THE SCENES

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

TOM HANNEGANTom, Co-Owner of Hannegan RealEstate & Construction, LLC holdsa master’s degree from LindenwoodUniversity. Hannegan shares hispassion of real estate, communityvolunteering, and his appreciation ofSt. Charles in Street Scape magazine.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSONRobin has been a writer/journalistfor more than 15 years working inprint and electronic media.Jefferson holds a bachelor’s degreein communications from theUniversity of Missouri at St. Louis,with minors in writing andcriminal justice.

ANN HAZELWOODAnn is the owner of Patches, Etc. onHistoric Main Street in St. Charles,Missouri. Hazelwood is anaccomplished quilt author, historian,and appraiser with the followingtitles to her name: 100 Things To DoIn And Around St. Charles and 100Best Kept Secrets Of Missouri (Springof 2007).

MONICA ADAMSMonica is a certified personal trainerand hosts a health and fitness showSunday afternoons on KMOX Radio,and is the traffic reporter for FOX 2News in the Morning. Monica is aSt. Louis native who enjoysentertaining family and friends,and doing charitable work.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

MICHAEL SCHLUETERMichael photographs people andplaces for advertising and corporateaccounts locally and nationally.“The exploration and discoveryprocess is what keeps photographyso exciting for me.”

JEFF FULLERJeff, owner of CJ Photography, enjoyscapturing special moments atweddings, the love of families, andthe personality of high schoolseniors. He has been in businessover 10 years and has had numerousopportunities to pursue these andvarious other venues of photography.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

GIANT LEAP PRODUCTIONSTracy [email protected]

www.giantleapproductions.com


BEHIND THE SCENES

ADVISORY BOARD

ADVERTISING

CHRISTINE ADAMSChristine has worked in sales for over11 years and we are very pleased thatshe has joined our family as AccountManager for Street Scape. She alsohas a Personal Training Certificationfor physical fitness. Hair and makeupby Metro Salon, 116 South Main Street.

Contact Christine to discuss your advertising needs at636-219-7358 or download a media kit available onlineat www.streetscapemag.com.

DISTRIBUTION

Call Tom Hannegan at 636-916-4386

Volume 2, Issue 1

TPH Media

223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

PHONE 636-916-4386, FAX 1-866-231-6159

WWW.STREETSCAPEMAG.COM

Any reproduction of Street Scape magazine or its contentsrequires publisher’s prior written consent. Street Scape

magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate andcorrect at all times but cannot accept responsibility for

mistakes. Street Scape magazine reserves the right to refuseany advertisement and assumes no responsibility for submittedmaterials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressedstamped envelope. © 2006 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.

Deborah AlessiMary BanmillerSusan BertholdNadine BoonDiane BurkemperErica ButlerJody CoxAnn DempseyBarbara DrantSally FaithLorna FrahmBill GoellnerSheryl GuffeyMary Lou HanneganGrace HarmonAnn HazelwoodShirley HillChris HoffmanJason HughesJan KastMike KlinghammerMartha KooyumjianCaryn LloydJeremy MalenskyNancy MathenyDenice McKeown

Bob MillstoneSandy MorhmannSuzanne MatyikoMaurice NewberryCraig NordenGrace NicholsKim ParisToekie PurlerSue RiddlerKathy RobertsonMarc RousseauRocco RussoRichard SacksKeith SchneiderBob SchuetteTeri SeilerJoyce ShawKelley Scheidegger-BarbeeScott TateKaren VehlewaldAleece VogtBrian WatkinsBrian WiesMary WestGail Zumwalt

107 N. MAIN STREETHISTORIC ST. CHARLES

636-724-2295636-724-2295

A FLEA MARKET WITHCLASS FEATURING A

VARIETY OF TREASURES &A WOODCARVER ON SITE


FEATURED ARTIST

Artist’s MuralsAdd H i s t o r i c F l a v o r t o

P u b l i c C o n s t r u c t i o n S i t e s

Beverly Groneck taught hundreds, probablythousands of young people an appreciationof art in her more than two decades ofteaching, but many of her students may besurprised to know their former teacher’stalents have been staring them down in somequite unusual places as of late.

Groneck has effectively cornered the marketon construction barriers by painting lavishdesigns, some depicting community historyand attractions. Her typically 300-plus-feetcanvasses adorn the outskirts of constructionsites to both protect people from the workgoing on inside their walls and to addhistoric flavor to the city scene.

Groneck began teaching art at the Academyof the Sacred Heart in St. Charles in 1980.Since her 2003 retirement from teaching atthe Academy and Oak Hill School in St.Louis, she has been commissioned by variousnotable individuals and companies tocomplete murals of all sizes.

“I needed a change and had an insatiablecraving to express myself. My head was atornado of images,” Groneck said. “I had toget some of the pictures out.”

Many pictures have surfaced from Gronecksince then. In 2004, from over 115exhibiting artists from all around thecountry, she was featured at the America’sCenter’s “Oh! Originals Sale and Show,” anart expo. There she designed and paintedon-site, “Touch the Sky,” a 30-footplayground mural which was later donatedto Our Little Haven.

St. Louis’ ownSchneithorst’shired Groneckfor their 250footconstructionwall mural.

Groneck’spaintings are

currently on display at Hannegan RealEstate on North Main Street in St. Charlesas part of Art Walks that are held eachfourth Friday and for the Spring Art Walk.

Changing careers was a soul-searchingdecision for Groneck. The thought ofloosing daily contact with the children andthe joy they gave to her gnawed at her heart.Before she left, she told her students that itwould be their love that she would miss themost. “When I finish a job now, I receive asmile and a “nice job” but there’s no hug andno cupcake!”

However, Groneck admits that she stillreceives a few hugs, now and then, fromgrown-ups when they enter a room in theirhome where she has transformed a non-descript space into one of artful elegance.“Sometimes their reactions are so cute.Grown adults giggle and hug me whenthey walk into the room. I’m taken bythese things.”

Groneck received her first big commercialbreak when George Hensley of HensleyContractors hired her for the Schneithorstjob. From there it was on to a 330-footmural on Clayton Road at Highway 40 forHensley to hide the company’s constructionof Heartland Bank. She said she chose thetechnique of trompe l’oeil, French for “trickof the eye,” for this type of mural. Thisparticular wall is dotted with life-likechildren painting black line drawings oflandmarks which reflect the history of theareas in which they are displayed.

Another of these trompe l’oeil pieces sits as a250-foot mural at Highway K in O’Fallonfeaturing the history of Lewis and Clark.She said the murals are beginning to be atrademark of Heartland Bank. “It’srecognizable. They know Heartland Bank iscoming to town,” she said.

Among all the things she learned fromteaching, Groneck said thinking on her feetseems to be one of the most long-lived. After

being in charge of nearly 400 studentsduring any given week, one learns to makequick decisions, she said. “As I paint, Imake snap decisions. I know what’spleasurable to people and what makes themsmile.” She sites a square dancing scene onthe mural presently on Manchester Roadwhich depicts a high-stepping childpartnered with a dog who is dancing on itshind legs.

A history buff, Groneck said she loves thefolklore and the images that make up theculture and landscape of the old AmericanWest. Two of Groneck’s great-greatgrandmothers were Native Americans andeven now influence her work. “As a child Iwas intrigued and I continue to be inspiredby our Western history. When my mindwanders, my imagination can hover overanything or any place in time. I amenergized by details. They stir up all sortsof emotions.”

One of her favorite pieces is entitled,“Arapaho Ghost Dance Dress,” a 40 x 60realistic painting of an actual dress adornedwith painted symbols meant to lure passedspirits into rescuing their abandoneddescendants. Groneck said she sees hersubjects in her mind’s eye, as if she had beenthere, in that place, in that moment, withthat person. “I just knew that if I had beenthere, I would have felt the trembling of thewoman who desperately painted each ofthose images. It’s as though I’ve traced theface of a friend.”

One of Groneck’s earliest realizations of herown artistic talent was evoked by a nun incatholic grade school. It was during fifth

continued on p. 42...Beverly Groneck

upscale tees • mugs, hats •

dog accessories • exer-cise apparel & more • up-scale tees • mugs • hats • dog accessories • exercise

apparel & more • upscaletees • mugs, hats • dog accessories • ex-ercise apparel &more • upscale tees • mugs hats • dog ac-

• upscale shirts & hats • mugs •• dog accessories • exercise apparel •

• infant & toddler • & more •

“do what you like, like what you do®” —jake

Now Open!Now Open!

exhibit

516 S. Kirkwood Road • St. Louis, MO 63122314.822.8900 • www.magichouse.org

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires June 3, 2007

Present this adto receive a freechild admissionwith a paying adult.

Construction Zone!exhibitApril 21–June 3, 2007

at The Magic House

136 S. MAIN STREET IN ST. CHARLES



An historic sign hangs above the coach'soffice at Francis Howell North High Schoolthat reads, “The Buehrle Rule.” Below itreads “Don't ever underestimate the powerof a kid.” The sign stands as a reminder toHead Baseball Coach Bobby Dunahue abouta cut he made to his team years ago–askinny kid Dunahue thought wasn't strongenough to play, a kid who would go on topitch for the Chicago White Sox.

They call St. Louis baseball town, but thecity just west of the Missouri River and justa stone's throw from the big city has broughtforth one of it's own. Chicago White Soxlefty Mark Buehrle grew up in St. Charlesand he credits his small-town upbringingand Midwest values for much of his success.

“I live in a large city–Chicago–during thebaseball season and can't wait for the seasonto end so I can get back home to theMidwest to be around family and friendsand get back to the grassroots I grew up in,”Buehrle said. “People (in St. Charles) takethe time to say hi to you because they're realpeople–friendly, sincere–and they treat melike I'm a person, not because they recognizeme as a professional baseball player and hopeto get an autograph from me.”

Buehrle said being raised in St. Charleshelped form him into what he is today. “Igrew up with the morals and virtues momand dad taught us kids and those carried methrough some tough times over the years,”he said. “I don't think kids from largercities often have the parents we have here inthe Midwest simply because they're alwaystoo busy doing something else. I remembersomething my dad said a very long time agoand it sticks with me to this day. He said‘you can give your kids money or time,’and my Mom and Dad always had thetime for us.”

Buehrle's mom and dad, Pat and JohnBuehrle, raised Mark along with two othersons, Mike and Jason and daughter Amy inSt. Charles. Mark attended high school atFrancis Howell North.

John said his son's talent was evident at avery young age. He said when the familyattended fairs in the area, two-year-old Markwould play the carnival games. “He wouldthrow balls at those cut out boards and moreoften than not my wife and I were asked toleave because he kept winning. Peoplelooked at us and we looked at each otherand said, 'We've got something here'.”

Mark grew up playing in little league, Johnsaid, but it didn't end there. “He not onlyplayed, he lived it. He breathed it,” Johnsaid. “He read the sports page in the dailypaper. If it was a sport, he was watching it.That was his thing.”

Even as a little leaguer, Mark was in the sitesof those in the know in the game. “Teamsfrom outside of St. Charles–numerous teamsfrom St. Louis and as far as Belleville, IL–were trying to draft him for select teams, butwe stayed local. It was just too much. Hewas always on select teams in St. Charles.”

John said he doesn't know where Mark'stalent stems from, as he himself was neverbetter than any of the other boys on his ownteams. “I was good, but no more so than

“Don’t everunderestimatethe powerof a kid.”

St. Charles #38Wh i t e S o x # 5 6

St. Charles #38Wh i t e S o x # 5 6


CELEBRITY ROOTS

the guy who lived down the street or themailman,” he said.

John said he didn't raise any of his childrento be quitters. “I told them that rejectionand disappointment are a part of life. Welearn from the negatives and make them intopositives. It's one thing if you go out andget beat fair and square. That's fine. Butwe don't give up.”

Mark played baseball for Francis HowellNorth during his junior and senior years.The school retired his jersey after hegraduated in 1997. Today it hangs in adisplay case at the school, but it was thenumber 38 on his jersey that would followhim and lead him at the same time.

Dunahue redeemed himself with theBuehrles when he called Dave Oster, headcoach at Jefferson Junior College inHillsboro, Missouri (JEFFCO) about Mark.Mark was chosen in the 38th round duringhis freshman year in 1998 after Oster calleda scout he knew with the White Sox.Mark's favorite player was Todd Worrell,also number 38.

John said Mark opted to stay in school andfinish his degree in Criminal Justice, “just incase.” He didn't know how far baseball wasgoing to go.” But two days after hegraduated, he was on a plane to play for theA-ball team the Burlington Bees in Iowa.“Usually players are in the minor leagues forfive to eight years,” John said. “Mark wasonly the third baseball player to go fromcollege baseball to the majors in less thanfourteen months.”

Mark is 100 percent left-handed, John said.John, though right-handed, learned to throwa Frisbee with his left hand as he had brokenhis right arm when the flying disks came outin the fifties. “I like to think he got it fromme,” John said.

While playing AA baseball for the Sox inJuly 1999, Mark was called up to the majorswhen then-pitcher Cal Eldred was injured.“They wanted a bullpen pitcher. Theynormally get them from the AAA teams,”John said. “At the end of the season, theyput on a five-man start. Mark was one ofthe five starting pitchers.”

In 2001, Mark went 16-8 with a 3.29 ERAin his first full Major League season andbecame the first Sox pitcher to win 16 gamessince Alex Fernandez in 1996 and the firstlefty since Floyd Bannister in 1987. In2003, Mark became the first White Soxpitcher since Jack McDowell to throw atleast 200.0 IP in three straight seasons. In2004, Mark became the first Sox pitcher tolead the American League in IP since WilburWood threw 359.1 IP in 1973.

“Mark has had a lot of firsts,” John said.

Mark made two appearances on the OprahWinfrey Show in2005, once two daysafter the White SoxWorld Series victoryover Houston. Alsothat year, Mark madefour appearances(three starts) going 2-0 with a 3.47 ERAand one save as theWhite Sox won theirfirst WorldChampionship since1917. He posted a

no decision in Game 2 of the World Seriesvs. Houston, allowing four runs on sevenhits over 7.0 PI. He earned the save inGame 3 at Houston, recording the final outto preserve the Sox 7-5 win in 14 innings.He was the ninth and final pitcher used bythe Sox in a game that lasted 5 hours and41 minutes, the longest game in WorldSeries History.

Mark married his wife Jamie in December2005. The two are expecting their first childin August.�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

copyright 2005,Photo File, Inc.

Francis Howell NorthHead Coach Bobby

Dunahue, right

Mark Buehrle, below


NEIGHBORHOODS

FrenchtownRedevelopmentT im S h o r t i s B e t t i n g o n F r e n c h t own

Tim Short is betting on Frenchtown. Thesection of St. Charles often lost in theshadows of Historic Main Street has a richhistory of its own and the owner of StudioOne Architecture intends to bring it out ofthose shadows and into the spotlight.

He'll start by moving his own offices toFrenchtown. Studio One started rehabbingthe Platte Ocks Rohlfing Building at 1125North Second Street last year. The 1897building at the corner of Bayard and NorthSecond was once a general store. The namereflects the three original owners' names.Short purchased the building in early 2006and is bringing it back to its original glorywith its unique architectural facade.

Studio One Architecture will reside on thesecond floor of the building and Short willlease the prime office space on the first flooras professional offices.

“All of the floors are the original hardwoodfloors and the ceilings are original too,”Short said. “There will be exposed brickinside.” The original cast iron store fronthas been restored as well.

Studio One Architecture works fromDallas, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada providingmostly commercial work. MGM is one ofthe company's clients. Studio One alsodevelops nursing homes. The companyhandled much of the rehab work onWashington Street in St. Louis. “We havean extensive background in historicbuildings,” Short said.

Short said contractors removed four forty-yard containers of material from the PlatteOcks Rohlfing Building before beginningrenovation work on the project.

“It has been a year-long endeavor,” Shortsaid. “We tore back four layers of flooringto the original hard wood pine boards.We added a new roof and all newelectrical service.”

The structure of the building had to berebuilt as termites had damaged the originalfoundation. The Platte Ocks RohlfingBuilding is a landmark building listed inthe FrenchtownPreservation District.“We are currently filingpaperwork to go on theFederal and Stateregistries,” he said.

Short sees a lot ofpotential in theFrenchtown area. “Ilove the history of thearea. I love thearchitecture of the areaand it's convenientlocation. The greatbuildings that are thereneed to be restored.It's just a great areato be a part of.I'm looking forwardto being a part ofthe historic fabricof Frenchtown.”

But Short isn't stopping there. His firm hasdesigned the FrenchTown Lofts, featuringstudio loft layout, high ceilings, hardwoodfloors, private balconies with French doorsand views of the Missouri River. Locatedjust 30 seconds from the Katy Trail andminutes from Highways 370 and 70, theFrenchTown Lofts are in the heart ofHistoric St. Charles.

Short said he is “bringing affordable lofts tothe area” with the FrenchTown Lofts. Theground floor of the project will house retailand office space. Two floors of lofts will

complete the three-story buildings. “Thescale and size of the buildings will have thegeneral architectural flavor complimentary tothe area with the Frenchtown feel.”

Unlike the renovation of the Platte OcksRohlfing Building, the $1.5 million loftproject is entirely new construction located

on North Second just four blocks north ofthe Platte building. Eight to 10 lofts will belocated on the property.

Short said he wants to be one of the first totest the waters in Frenchtown. “I don't liketalking about things. I like doing them. Ithink Frenchtown is a great area that has alot of potential. But it hasn't beendeveloped to its full potential. I haven't seenanyone get in the water yet. I don't like totest the water. I like to jump right in.”

Short said he hasn't decided on his nextsteps for Frenchtown, but he's looking to thefuture with promise. “I want to createbuildings that bring a living component aswell as the viable business componenttogether down there. On Washington Streetdowntown, the lofts came first, then thesupport spaces, the offices, the retail allcame next. That's kind of my visionfor the area.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Architect Tim Short



TIPS & TRICKS

Beyond Barking BasicsT h e Dog Wh i s p e r e r, P e t N a n n y & S u p p o r t D o g s

Cesar Millan wasn’t whispering when hevisited St. Charles in November. Thefamed dog psychologist came out with abang at the St. Charles ConventionCenter in support of Support Dogs, theSt. Louis-based non-profit agency thathelps people with special needs achieve animproved quality of life through the use ofassistance dogs.

More than 1,400 people attended theeducational seminar, hosted by SupportDogs, with Millan–from the EmmyNominated National Geographic televisionshow, “The Dog Whisperer.”

The first one-hundred VIP seats to theseminar grew to 200 and the 300 generaladmission reservations reached 1,000 in notime at all. All seats sold out before theshow, said Ann Weinerth, director ofDevelopment for Support Dogs.

“So what was all the fuss?” Weinerth said.“The fuss is all about bad dogs; well notexactly bad dogs. More than likelymisguided, but well intentioned dog ownersare what it’s really all about.”

Weinerth said dogs are, well, dogs. “Then adog becomes its breed and then it’s assigneda human personality by a human withstatements like ‘my cute little baby’ or ‘sucha tough guy’ and so forth. Well, enter CesarMillan where he corrects the human’sintention more so than the dog’s seamybehavior. The dog ends up with an effectivepack leader in the human and according toCesar, what more could a dog want?”

During the presentation, Millan said whatdogs really want more of is exercise,discipline and affection—in that order.

But most importantly to Weinerth is thatwhether anyone learned anything fromMillan, they certainly learned more aboutSupport Dogs. The organization earned justover $30,000 for the single seminar andMillan and his staff were given a first handlook at just what a dog is capable of doingfor someone who is physically handicapped.

Using the services of more than 300volunteers, Support Dogs provides servicedogs to recipients nationwide, as well as pet-assisted therapy to thousands in the St. LouisMetropolitan area.

Support Dogswas started in1981 by awoman namedSandy Maze,who sufferedfrom theeffects ofMuscularDystrophy.Weinerth saidMaze had theidea that if shecould train herGermanShepherdStormy toperform tasksthat weredifficult for

her, she couldconserve herenergy and lead amore productivelife. “And shedid just that,starting SupportDogs for theHandicapped, Inc.in Columbus,Ohio,” Weinerth said.

In 1983, a local woman saw Maze on atelevision program and started a St. Louischapter. In 1985 the Columbus chapter wassold to another organization and the St.Louis chapter became, and still is, theheadquarters for Support Dogs.

Support Dogs trains Labradors and GoldenRetrievers as assistance dogs. The dogs aretrained to open doors, retrieve small anddistant objects, carry bags, rise to countersand pull people in wheelchairs. In additionto these skills, the dog provides constantcompanionship and emotional support tothe person it is placed with.

Through its Canine College, Team Trainingand Youth Service Dog programs, SupportDogs certifies hundreds of dogs for publicaccess under the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990.

The TOUCH Program is an animal-assistedtherapy wherein volunteers use their owndogs to visit hospitals, nursing homes,rehabilitation centers, mental health facilitiesand various other healthcare facilities.Unlike the service program, the TOUCHprogram is not breed specific. The dogs areaccepted based on their temperament andtheir willingness to be touched.

Volunteers for Support Dogs also raisepuppies in preparation for their careers asservice dogs. The Paws for Reading Programbrings dogs into the classroom, with the ideathat they will act as incentives for thestudents to read. The dogs can also be the

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan with members of Support Dogs

subject of writings, projects anddiscussion. The Signal Dog Programservices those in the community whoare deaf or hard of hearing. These dogsare trained to alert to a minimum ofthree of five sounds, which can includethe doorbell, smoke alarms, telephoneand alarm clock, among others.

Local dog owners can get help withtheir pets through KennelwoodVillage. Sue Schulze, Kennelwood’s“Pet Nanny” helps dogs with their

people. “I go into people’s homes and make sure their relationship with their dog isalright,” she said.

Schulze has been at Kennelwood for 17 years. She apprenticed with other trainers and wasa junior trainer by age 13.

Schulze starts with a profile in the home including: food control, leash use, front doormanners, aggression, housebreaking and biting. She said dogs want and need structure.They also need and desire interactive play. “They really crave time and attention,” she said.“Nothing replaces time and attention.”

Dogs like variety just like anyone else, Schulze said. “They want a routine, but also varietythrough play, doggy daycamp and mental stimulation.”

Much of the problems owners have with their dogs are caused from boredom and lack ofmental stimulation, Schulze said. “Some people think dogs need five hours ofentertainment per day. That’s too extreme. But maybe going on a different route whenwalking might help or hiding treats around the house.”

These suggestions are especially true of puppies, Schulze said. “When they’re bored theyfind something to fill that time and it’s usually your shoe or your sofa.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Got Poop...?Poop Scoop’n Service & Products

314-770-1500www.yuckos.comwww.yuckos.com

Free Estimates Free Estimates •• No Contracts No Contracts

www.FetchPetCare.comto find your neighborhood pet sitter

Nationwide Service.Locally Owned & Operated.Bonded. Insured. References.

Free Consultation.Money-back Guarantee.

Pet Sitting & Dog Walk ing

cat & small pet visitsprivate dog walks

off-leash doggie playgroupsin-home overnight sitting

private pet boardingdoggie day careyard poop scoop

home carepet taxi

[email protected]

Sue Schulze, Kennelwood’s “Pet Nanny”



FAMILY FOCUS

St. Charles’Roger OrfA t Home on A Ma i n S t r e e t Tr o l l e y o r

a Dou b l e D e c k e r B u s i n L o n d o n

His graduating class at Duchesne HighSchool named him “Most Likely toSucceed.” Did he ever.

St. Charles native Roger Orf (above) startedand owns CPI Europe (Citigroup PropertyInvestors), a $13 billion investment firm inLondon, England. Essentially he buys andsells real estate throughout Europe.

Orf was born and raised in St. Charles.His parents still live in the house he grewup in on Duchesne Drive. Orf creditsmuch of his successes to them and a pushyDuschsne High School history teachernamed Ron Kjar.

“He said I gave him the ability to make themoney he did,” Kjar said. “But he was veryambitious and I knew he was going to be asuccess in life. He said he would call mewhen he made his first billion and he did.”

Orf said Kjar was a major influence in hislife. “He made a big impact on me,” hesaid. “He was a very eccentric character inmany respects, but I was very fond of him.He had a take no prisoners attitude and wascontroversial. He was demanding. But hisstandards were very high. He asked a lotmore, but it caused me to perform more andget more out of it. He was the guy who hadthe most impact.”

As chairman of the republican party in thelate sixties, Kjar got Orf into politics early.He said he put Orf in charge of the KitBond campaign in 1968. Bond lost the

election, but Jack Danforth won theattorney general’s office. Danforth hiredBond and Bond hired Orf. “I knew he hadambitions. I knew he was a good student.He was willing to put in the work and effortto improve himself,” Kjar said of Orf.

After leaving Danforth’s office, Bondrecommended Orf to GeorgetownUniversity where he received hisundergraduate degree. He then wenton to the University of Chicago,where he received his JuristDoctor degree and his MBA. “

Kjar said Orf was a partner inone of the top law firms inNew York, Soloman Bros.where he earned a seven figuresalary. “But he told me hewanted to make some realmoney,” Kjar said.

Although he worked duringschool and summers, Orfgraduated in 1979 with some$30,000 in college debt. “WhenI graduated I was as deeply intodebt as you can possiblyimagine. I thought I wouldnever pay it back, but it was thebest investment I ever made,”Orf said.

Orf took a job with GoldmanSachs in 1990 managing thefirm’s real estate departmentwhich eventually sent him toLondon for the first time. “I’ve

spent most of my career buying property inone form or another in Russia, Poland,Germany, all over Europe,” he said. The jobhas kept him traveling the world, which ispart of the reason he lives in Europe.“When you’re going to Hong Kong orMoscow, it’s easier to get from London tothese places. You can basically get anywherewithin an hour or two.”

Orf met his wife Lisa Orf in New York. She

Ron Kjar, Roger Orf andJohn Hannegan standing infront of the Duchesne High

Key Club trophy case.


FAMILY FOCUS

still works for Goldman Sachs. The twohave three children, Kate, 19; Ted, 17; andBenjamin, 13. Kate now attends CambridgeUniversity in England. Like his father, Tedwants to get into business and is applying atIvy League schools in the states, namelyGeorgetown where his father attended. AndBenjamin is well, enjoying London.

Roger said the changes to his hometownsince he left it are amazing. “It’s amazing tome how it’s grown and how much moredynamic it is than when I was a boy,” hesaid. “I grew up on Fourth Street. My dadworked on Main Street. We moved toDuchesne Drive in 1960 and there were nohouses past Duchesne at the time. Peoplehave certainly prospered on the back of St.Charles. That’s an impressive element of it.”

Roger’s father Gerald worked at theAmmans Office Supply on Main Streethis entire career. Roger’s mother Marthawas a homemaker.

Gerald said even in Boy Scouts Roger wasnot content as being just one of the group.“He was just determined that he would goclear to the top to Eagle Scout. He neversettled for anything. His mother is like that.

She always had to be the best atwhatever she did.”

Gerald said his son was always a hardworker and a good student. “We’reawfully proud of him. He did it onhis own and he didn’t have anythinghanded to him.”

The oldest of four children, Rogersaid his family is truly thecornerstone of his success and hislife. His father was “commercial andthrifty” and his mother taught himlove and trust. “My parents and immediatefamily are great. They are the buildingblocks, aren’t they? I’m very proud of myfamily. They are the people that made thebiggest impact on me.”

The Orfs hold dual citizenship in Americaand the UK. Roger said he always thoughthe would return to St. Charles at some pointbut that never happened. “I always thoughtthat I would move back and get intoelected politics, but I needed money to dothat,” he said.

Now that the money is available, Roger likeshis life the way it is, he said. He said his

wife likes it too. He will continue to buildon the business he has created. “Everyonehere retires to the South of France,” buthe hasn’t decided when or even if thatwill happen.

There is still much of the red, white andblue left in the 54-year-old native St.Charlesan—mainly the red. He said the2006 World Series was just as exciting forhim on the other side of the globe. “First Ihad to explain what a cardinal was toeveryone. Then I told them I would walkaround the office in my Cardinal pajamasand cardinal baseball cap if the Cardinalswon the series. I was true to my word.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Ted, Lisa, Kate & Benjamin Orf

Roger Orf’s Cardinals Pajamas


TIPS & TRICKS

OneGreatThingA Thumbn a i l

L e s s o n i n G a rd e n i n gwith Angela Platt–Horticulturist,

St. Charles Parks & Recreation

nursery should be able to tell you about the plants they sell, orhave the plants tagged with that information.

Soil is the foundation for plants to thrive in. Even the worst soilcan be improved. As soon as weather permits, clear the plantingarea of leaf and plant debris. Open the soil ONLY when it ismoist, not soggy. Soil can be ruined by working it when it is toowet. Add compost or well-rotten manure any time up untilplanting annual, perennial or vegetable gardens. Once the dangerof frost has passed (which is usually when the Forsythias flower)you’re ready to plant. Just don’t forget the fertilizer!

One great thing about gardening is that you cando as little or as much as you want, but even thesmallest effort takes some preparation.

Most gardening mistakes happen when the plant chosen iswrong for the location. Every plant, whether annual, perennial,shrub or tree has specific light requirements, grows to a specificsize, and will prefer moist or dry soil. Know your planting siteand ask questions before you buy. Any good garden center or


Members of the “Antiques” ClubSeated (l to r) Donna Haefer, Joyce Sauer; Standing (l to r)Diane Garrison, Anne Morris, Jean Nickerson, Marie Fitz

TIPS & TRICKS

ClubsHobbies&

HavalandMuseum

Friendship and community define and shape us; once a month a groupof friends visit, enjoy a delicious dessert and talk about things they feelpassionate about. Those things include watches, jewelry, cameos, hats,linens, Christmas items, clothing and more. Sometimes guest speakersare invited; other times the items are just researched and discussed bythe group.

It all started way before anyone watched Antiques Road show. A woman bythe name of Dorthea Roberts was a dealer and collector of Havaland china,and had a vast repertoire of knowledge. St. Charles High School asked Mrs.Roberts to educate enthusiasts of collectables through the Adult EducationPrograms that the school offered at the time, and shortly after, Mrs. Robertsstarted doing her own thing outside of the classroom and in the comforts ofher home. This group of friends are following in her footsteps. They areresearchers, they are antique enthusiasts in various forms, they have apassion for what they do and they like to share their knowledge. Above all,they are friends.

When asked how to start a collection of anything, Donna Haefer said"Start small, research the item of interest, (a great contact is Bonnie Dillonin the Library District for guidance on finding books on the subject matter)and soon you will find various avenues of networking with other collectors."Donna started her collection with a pattern of Havaland China that wascalled “Princess.” In '93 the International Havaland Convention came righthere to St. Charles and the Havaland Museum was opened. The CopperPlatter Restaurant was changed to the Havaland Platter Restaurant, and therest is history. Donna followed in Mrs. Roberts’ footsteps, and withencouragement from fellow members has gotten one of the newer membersof her “antiques” group, Ann Morris, hooked on Havaland. The group is35 years strong, and the ladies stated that they are not experts but they arealways willing to help future generations of collectors and share theirknowledge base.

Members of the “Coffee Clache”Meet for coffee at St. Louis Bread Co. on Main.

The “Coffee Clache” meets at St. Louis Bread Company onMain Street every Friday after mass at Borromeo. Other groupsmeet at McDonalds on the corner of Droste and Duchesneafter Tuesday mass.

Find a group of people who share your interests, whether it’scollecting, knitting, cooking, music, art or just drinking coffee.St. Charles offers myriad places to get together, including cozycoffeehouses like The Crooked Tree, Picasso’s, It’s A Grind andthe Prancing Pony at New Town.

Archie Scott (above) started out as anantique collector. It was during one of his“junk hunts” that he discovered the city onthe West side of the Missouri river. St.Charles was a lot different then. A couple ofantique dealers and dry goods stores as wellas a pharmacy and several other businesseslined the sides of Main Street. But alongwith them were the bums, the hobos, thedilapidated buildings and a used-car lot.That was 1964.

But Scott saw something more along thatstreet and he made it his life’s work todiscover what the city and his favorite streetcould become. It was fall when Scott stoodon the brick cobblestones of rich, dark redearthen colors from another era. He was infront of the Schemmer Brothers Wagon andBlacksmith Shop at 709 South Main Street.“A huge elm tree overshadowed the German-built blacksmith shop and me,” he said. “It

was in that instant that I felt I was in HenryWadsworth Longfellow’s poem, ‘The VillageSmithie’. I was given a glimpse of whatMain Street once was and what it couldbecome. It changed my life.”

Scott said he saw a slice of an early Americantown, virtually untouched and at one timeon the edge of civilization. “In a flash, I sawthe boomtown era of the 1849 Gold Rush toCalifornia. I walked the streets and alleys. Isaw a derelict railroad station still inoperation. I saw the stream and waterfallnext to what once must have been the town’smill, plus numerous buildings dating back tothe 1800’s.”

Forty years later, Scott is still working on hisvision. “St. Charles is 95 percent completein restoring its original historic buildings.Eighty-five percent of it is still the originalbuildings,” Scott said. “That is unheard of.This is Missouri’s first historic district.”

Scott said he remembers the Boone’s TrailInn in the 1960’s prior to restoration whenhippies resided there. They tore out thewood of the interior to use for firewood,he said.

Considered an early pioneer in thedevelopment of the historic district onSouth Main, Scott has in many wayssingle handedly breathed life back intoone of Missouri’s most historic andtreasured landscapes.

Scott has literally been the conscience of anarea that may have turned out very differenthad he not “discovered it.” Known to someas Mr. Main Street, to others as “theguardian” of the historic area, Scott has ledcampaigns to save and restore the MKTdepot and the Blanchette-Chouteau Mill.The mill would have been condemned, butScott not only saved it, he produced a movieand marketed it throughout the Special


IF THESE WALLSCOULD TALK

Mr. Main Street


IF THESE WALLSCOULD TALK

Business District in 1980. He personallyrestored the early French home at 719 SouthMain—considered the oldest in the historicdistrict; the home of the brother ofMissouri’s first governor, David McNair, at724 South Main; and the Mill Stream Innbuilding at 912 South Main. He designedthe first board walk entry way and plantedthe first tree pits on South Main Street.

Scott helped save from demolition theformer Pops General Store, the CarriageHouses behind the Farmer’s Home, theCalifornia House and Boone’s Lick Trail Inn.

An artist and designer, Scott graduated fromSouthern Illinois University at Carbondale’sArt School in 1963 with a degree incommercial art. He went on to be a seniordesigner at Emerson Electric and later artdirector and set designer for KTVI-TVChannel 2 in St. Louis. He also did a stintin the U.S. National Guard during theVietnam war and held a couple ofadvertising agency jobs.

When Scott moved to Main Street thelandscape was quite different from today. “Iwas the first to do any kind of restoration,”Scott said. “There were two antique shops,but mostly derelict, run-down andramshackled buildings. It was pretty much atown untouched by the urban sprawl when Idiscovered it.”

Scott said he had, before coming to St.Charles, “fallen in love with the FrenchQuarter” in New Orleans, and he sawsimilar promise in St. Charles’ mixture ofGerman and French architecture. He was24 years old when he bought his firstbuilding on Main Street.

At the time, a homeless man was livingin a car in the back yard of Scott’s home.“He caught himself on fire trying to staywarm,” Scott said. The man later died atthe hospital.

The house at 719 South Main wasn’t much

better than the car out back. “There wereextension cords running upstairs for heatand we used the oven for heat,” Scott said.

Scott served for years on every board thatrelated to the Historic District, including theArchitectural Review Board (now LandmarksPreservation Board), the Visitors CenterBoard (now Greater St. Charles Conventionand Visitors Board), the Historical SocietyBoard and Special Business District AdvisoryBoard where he was chairman for five years.A founding member, Scott served aspresident of the South Main PreservationSociety for four terms.

Scott has discovered many treasures over theyears including Abraham Lincoln’s re-election committee letter anda great deal of memorabiliafrom the 1800’s.

“For over 40 years, HistoricMain Street has been a laborof love,” Scott said. “I havesomehow fit many roles as avisionary, artist,preservationist and buildingdesigner. It has been apassion, a mission, a purposeand a dedication I’ve beenunable to describe.”

Scott said when he looks backover the years of evolutionfrom being the first residentto move into the HistoricDistrict for restoration toraising family in a “once slumarea to holding fast to a beliefof a completed, restored MainStreet, complete with railroadstation, a mill, a blacksmithshop and a fire house,” he canscarcely believe it himself.

“Now over a million visitorscome and experience wherehistory comes alive,” he said.“Success has brought new

pressures and challenges that are nowfacing the Historic District. It is imperativeto guide, protect and direct this uniqueslice of an early American Main Street forfuture generations.”

Scott continues his work in the historicdistrict, mostly as an advocate and guardianof its treasures. He said if he could beremembered for anything it would be whathe saved—but especially what others cancontinue to preserve.

“It’s all about streetscape to me. This area issacred and needs to be preserved andhonored as a part of history. Unbridleddevelopment is the enemy of both our pastand our future.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Old Woolen Mill, 1851 (above) Trailhead, 2007 (below)


TIPS & TRICKS

SmallBusinessSuccess

Dick Sacks wants small businesses tosucceed. A veteran small businessman andfinancial consultant, Sacks has written abook on how small business can survive.

“No small business ever failed because theowner ran out of money,” he said. “Smallbusinesses fail because the owners run out oftime. Using trial and error to find your wayto success in business can take a long time.All the while the meter keeps running,counting off dollars minute-by-minute andsecond-by-second until the cost exhaustsyour limited supply of capital. And then it’sover. You can’t afford to pay for more timeto complete your learning curve.”

Sacks owns The Sacks Group. His businessprovides financial, administrative andaccounting services to small businesses. Hisrecently published book, The TwelveCommandments for Small Business iscurrently offered at Main Street Books in St.Charles and Sacks hopes to have it inBorders, Barnes and Noble and most localbookstores by spring.

Sacks has been an accountant for 40 yearsand has owned his own business for 22years. He skipped the third and eighthgrades, graduating college at 20 years old.

He said he wrote the book to “try to dosomething about the rate of small businessfailure. I understand what causes it. That’swhat my business is all about.”

Sacks said the problem with most smallbusiness owners is what they don’t know.“The biggest problem they have is that theydon’t know what they don’t know. It’s notthat they can’t research it. The TwelveCommandments for Small Business is a handbook, a review of everything they should

have some working knowledge of if they’regoing to run a business. I say read my bookfirst. It will give you a ready made list ofthings that you have to research further.”

The Twelve Commandments of Small Businessis actually a compilation of 13 rules. Hesaid the misconception is the first lesson.“There is a lesson to be learned. No matterhow credible the source, you need to beskeptical of what people tell you. I’m notsaying to be a cynic, but to be a skeptic.”

A mainstay on Sacks’ list of knowledgeis to practice. “Funny thing. We’reexpected to practice and prepare for mostmajor things we do in life, but not forstarting a business. Broadway actors spendmonths in rehearsal before they’re allowed toopen. NASCAR drivers are told to takepractice runs around the track before therace. Professional golfers play practicerounds before the tournament. All of thesepeople have trained their entire careers. Butthey still need practice. Small businessowners are expected to open for businesswithout experience and knowing practicallynothing about what they’re doing. Yet theyget no opportunity to practice before thecurtain rises.

Sacks said the “death toll” of smallbusinesses runs into the hundreds ofthousands each year, yet entrepreneurs keepcoming, ignoring the odds, trying to achievebusiness success.

“That’s what The Twelve Commandments ofSmall Business is all about. This book is thedry run through the maze of business,” Sackssaid. “The more you know about the trackyou will be running on, the more likely youare to finish at the head of the pack.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

What neighborhood do youlive in, and what do you likemost about it?

Charlotte Fry | (Homemaker)Neighborhood; Old Town, ChaunceyStreet. I love the convenience of beingable to walk most anywhere. The housesare all so quaint.

Marilyn Geery | (Owner–Geery Bed andBreakfast) Neighborhood; North 5thStreet. We call this area "BorromeoSquare" and because of the active alleybetween all of us, we call ourselves the"alley cats." We have many parties andare always there in times of need for thesurrounding neighbors.

Bob Kneemiller | (4th Ward CouncilPerson) Neighborhood; Bogey Crossing.Its all about location, location, location.We are 2 blocks from Zumbehl. Highway 94 and 70 are nearby, and we are 5miles to the 70/270 interchange.

Mimi Jackson | (Curator–Lewis andClark Boathouse and Nature Center)Neighborhood; South Main HistoricDistrict. I love all the people that arealways around you. I get to meet peoplefrom all over the world that visit thisarea.

Arlene Gould | (Retired/Part Time OfficeWork) Neighborhood; Thompkins Street.I love being close to "old St. Charles."The people in this neighborhood arevery diverse in age and I like that.

Steve Shouts | (Owner–CommercialBuilding Services) Neighborhood;Elmwood Manor. We love all ourneighbors, and most have been here along time. We put out luminaries everyChristmas.

Donna Hafer | (Owner–Mother-in LawHouse) Neighborhood; High Prairie.It isthe most wonderful spot in St. Charles.We are close to Lindenwood University,a lovely creek, and lots of trees. Every lotin our area is different,which makes it agreat neighborhood to take walks.

Dick Sacks

withAnn Hazelwood

Hello, my name is...

Four years ago Scott Ginsberg put a nametag on for a seminar he was attending. Littledid he know that tiny piece of adhesivepaper would change his life.

On November 2, 2000, Ginsberg wasattending an on-campus seminar at MiamiUniversity in Ohio when he stuck a nametag on his chest. Like everyone else, he worethe name tag as an introduction to otherattendees of the program. But after theseminar Ginsberg decided to conduct anexperiment. He left his name tag on for therest of the day just to see what type ofreaction it would bring. People reacted wellto it, saying hello and striking upconversations. Before long that day turnedinto a week, then a month, then a year, andbefore Ginsberg knew it, he was “that guywith the name tag.”

So he parlayed his experiment into a full-time speaking career. Since then he’s writtenthree books and spoken to more than80,000 people all over the world on—youguessed it—approachability.

“Approachability has proven to be a leadingcharacteristic of great leaders, managers andstaff members,” Ginsberg said. “Why?Because approachability magnetizes people.It’s what makes your organization a greatplace to work. And it’s what makes yourcustomers want to come back every time.After all, people want to work and dobusiness with their friends.”

“I’m not messing around, because I’mcommitted,” Ginsberg said of his name tagtattoo just under his lapel and the paperadhesive name tag he still wears.

Ginsberg said his first speaking role came inPortland, Oregon at a Rotary Club meeting.“A 91-year-old guy came up to me and askedif I had a job. I was selling furniture at thetime. He told me to quit my job andbecome a speaker full time.”

That little piece of advice empoweredGinsberg to start his company, “Hello MyName Is Scott.” But the best nugget ofadvice Ginsberg said he ever received wasfrom another older gentleman—this one 82years old and in Philadelphia. “This 82-year-old guy calls me and says he saw me onCNN. He said if I was ever in Philly tolook him up and stay at his place. Sohere I am in this guy’s apartment. Hewas a philanthropist. He worked for Nixon.He was the founder of the first publictelevision station in Philly. And he tells methe most important piece of advice.He said, ‘On a daily basis, you must validateyour existence’.”

Ginsberg said the man’s words were “somepretty heavy stuff ” but they turned out bethe impetus for his success.

Recognized as the authority onapproachability and friendliness and theworld’s foremost expert on name tags,Ginsberg has been featured on CNN, TheToday Show, in the Wall Street Journal andyes, on Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Ginsberg speaks for associations,organizations, corporate meetings, faithcommunities, and student and youthprograms. He refuses to speak at anyfunction where alcohol is being consumedsimply because he can.

Ginsberg has written three books: Hello MyName Is Scott, The Power of Approachability,and his latest How To Be That Guy whichincludes 47 secrets to help entrepreneursmaximize their visibility, credibility,

uniqueness, authenticity and memorabilityin the eyes of their customers and prospects.

“The whole point is to make a name foryourself,” Ginsberg said. “I give ideas onhow to make that happen.”

Ginsberg said his success is a testament tohow getting noticed can mean all thedifference. “I’ve taken a simple idea likewearing a name tag 24-7 and I’ve leveragedit into a business and a career. Anyonecan wear a name tag. But not everyonecan transform that into a business. That’swhat no one else has pulled off—turningthe mundane into the memorable,creating something.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

TIPS & TRICKS

Author Scott Ginsberg

FeaturedBurger

T h e F r a n k e n b u r g e r,A R ump l e ’s P u b

S p e c i a l t y – s e r v e d u pw i t h h o t f r i e s a n d

a c o l d o n e , i t ’s n o tt o b e m i s s e d !


DRIVEWAYS TODOORWAYS

GrowthSt. Charles City is second only to St. Louisin size and budget in the region, said MayorPatti York. So it only follows that the cityshould look and feel the part. Many one-of-a-kind projects are now underway to thatend—plans that will add to the city’s flavorand charm.

“Since I was elected, people have always toldme they want quality of life here at home,”York said. “I’ve always said, in St. Charleswe take an idea. We make it bigger, wemake it better, and we make it our own.”

Citing the city’s use of an historic buildingfor its community arts center, York said thecity is known for its uncommon responses towhat other cities consider common needs.

Ward 1 Councilman Rory Riddler said hehas seen a lot of changes in the 26 years hehas served on the city’s council. “I’ve seen somany changes over the years,” Riddler said.“I’ve seen it go from a small sleepy town—and it still has that charm. It really hascome quite a long way to the cosmopolitanarea that it is today with all the advantagesof being a larger city with the traits of ahometown community.”

One of the city’s and in particular Riddler’slatest projects is the creation of a children’smuseum. The city recently created the 13-member Children’s Museum Commission ofSt. Charles, dedicated to assessing thefeasibility and to design a fun and creativepublic learning facility.

The commission will be charged with thestudy of existing facilities in othercommunities, research on facilitiesnationwide, the latest in hands-onequipments and displays in the fields ofmath, science, astronomy, space exploration,history, archeology, geology, biology, health,medicine, engineering, architecture andcomputer science. The study will also cover

museum design and space needs, staffing,annual budget, safety, insurance concerns,volunteerism programs, potentialpartnerships, funding, giving programs,grants and potential locations.

Riddler said the city does not intend torecreate the Magic House or the St. LouisChildren’s Museum. “We want to explorethe idea of doing here in St. Charles one ofthose added quality of life dimensions. Butit’s got to be well-rounded for all levels—kids, family, etc.,” he said.

Because St. Charles County is home toover 13,000 pre-school and some 28,500elementary school children, the city hopesto create an educational facility with avariety of creative tactile learningexperiences, stimulating changeable exhibits,exposure to cutting edge technology andinteresting programs for all ages.

York said $50,000 of the 2008 capitalbudget has been set aside for the study,which should be complete within 24months.

The city has already begun work on aLiving History Farm where crops are grownand life in another period comes to life.York said the city has yet to decide whatperiod that will be, but the land has alreadybeen chosen.

The working farm will be located on about100 acres where the old Princes JodieMobile Home Park used to sit off HawningRoad. “We want the emphasis to be onthe agricultural aspect of our county,” Yorksaid. “How did we farm in the 1880’s?How do they farm now? How will we farmin the future?”

York said the city has hired a planner for theproject who is an expert in the United Stateson living/working farms as well as riverfront

projects. York and the council hope torecreate the old time farm with buildingsdating back to the 1800’s, hiking andhorseback riding trails, a dressage and rodeoring, a polo field, candlelight tours anddinners with the caretakers of the farm.

“Missouri is number three in the nationfor private horse ownership,” said York. “Itjust seemed like we should have horsebackriding here.”

York said the farm would be built on a fiveto six year ramp up, with constructionbeginning in the spring.

Evidenced by the 55 percent yes vote in theNovember election, the St. Charlescommunity and its council want acommunity center, York said. They needed57 percent. But York and the council intendto go back to the drawing board, so tospeak, to formulate a better plan with moredefinite dimensions. York said the mayor’stask force and the council committee will bemerged in the coming months to revisit theoriginal plan and gather citizen input. “Weare 60 percent done. The study is done, theoperational plan and construction costs, sizesand comparison to other centers is done,”she said.

York said the $26 million facility will have

“In St. Charleswe take an idea.

We make it bigger.We make it better,and we make itour own.”

& Development


DRIVEWAYS TODOORWAYS

an indoor track, aquatics facility, workoutrooms and meeting spaces, with the addeddimension of a community theater.

The center would be located on the FifthStreet extension in Blanchette Park at thesite of the old Boys and Girls Club.

“All of the councilmen want a communitycenter,” York said. “The community wants acommunity center. We just have to go backand iron out the particulars.”

The door to the city begins at the MissouriRiver, and York said it’s time the city startsusing the benefits of the waterway. The firstof the city’s plans for the waterfront includea sort of boardwalk along the Katy Trailbetween Monroe and Jefferson Streets. TheCity of St. Charles Riverfront/TrailsPlanning Committee recently approvedplans for a riverfront overlook.

The terraced platform, which is plannedfor construction in mid to late 2007, willprovide residents and visitors with aunique opportunity to engage the MissouriRiver, York said. Later phases of theproject include a natural riverbank trailthat will connect the overlook platform toFrontier Park.

The plan is one of several projects thatwill use capital improvement funds over thenext five years to “make the river moreaccessible to the people,” York said.Another plan calls for a plaza in Frontierpark with a limestone step appearanceleading down to the river. The plaza as wellas the platform will connect with new trailsleading into the woods.

York said the city hopes to build a “trueboardwalk” between the casino and the St.Charles Arena. Currently in the conceptualphase, the estimated $1 billion boardwalkwould include a two-mile protected channelor canal between the main shore of theMissouri River and the original St. CharlesIsland, also called Willow Island.

The riverwalk would have a marina attached,as well as housing, businesses, upscaleentertainment and the like.

“The reason you don’t see any private

boating alongthe river isbecause of thefast currentand the massof debris,”York said.“We hope toprovide anopportunityfor privateboating withinthis channel.”

The Noah’sArkDevelopmentsite will alsosee manychanges in thecoming years.Closed forover a dozenyears, theNoah’s ArkRestaurantand Hotel willeventually bedemolishedand the some28 acres of surrounding land redesigned andrebuilt to include a first-class live and workretail destination. The $800 million projectwill feature the first high rise living andoffice spaces in the county.

“For the entrance to the city, we wantedsomething dynamic there,” Riddler said.Homebuilder and New Towne DeveloperGreg Whittaker took on the project when hehired the planner who designed New Townto formulate the plan. The project iscurrently in the engineering phase.“Expectations are to start clearing land in thespring,” Riddler said.

Whittaker and the city would like to bringan electric trolley system to connect the city’sattractions to the boardwalk and eventuallyto New Towne. A feasibility study iscurrently underway. The cost of the studywill be shared by Whittaker and the city.

York said when all phases are complete forthe riverfront projects, the result will be

phenomenal. “There is nothing like thisin any other part of Missouri. It will betruly amazing.”

Developments aren’t just for the South Mainand riverfront areas. Frenchtown isbeginning to take on a life of its own as St.Charles continues to evolve with the 21stcentury. The city declared about four blocksof the historic neighborhood as blighted andhas begun plans for redevelopment and all ofthe tax advantages that includes.

York said all of the projects that are in theworks represent a continuation of St.Charles’ ability to plan ahead for a brighterfuture for the city without letting go of itsrich history. “We have a lot of history here,a lot of firsts here,” York said. “But oureconomy isn’t based on retail. We havemanufacturing, retail, medical and tourism.We’ve made sure that we are a multi-facetedand multi-dimensional community.” �

ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Mayor Patti YorkCouncilman Rory Riddler

Mayor Patti YorkCouncilman Rory Riddler


NEIGHBORHOODS

LoftyArchitecture

Big changes are taking place in Cottleville,the city that just a decade ago was barelynoticed at all along the St. Charles Countylandscape. One of the latest is HarmonyRidge, a massive $20 million developmentthat will include single family homes,courtyard villas and a loft development fromMoore Company Homes.

The Lofts at Harmony Ridge just might putCottleville on the map, residentiallyspeaking. Three loft buildings will include80 residential spaces above 31 retail shops—among them, Seamus McDaniel. Fouradditional retail establishments are currentlyin the negotiating process with Moore.When complete, the development willinclude family oriented retailers such as an

ice cream vendor, dry cleaners, hair salonand pet groomer.

Moore Company Owner and CEO GarySemaan said each building will contain

45, 000 square feet, with the group spanningsome five acres. Moore Company Homes isbased in Lake Saint Louis.

Semaan said the company already has anaudience. “Our target demographic is youngprofessionals,” Semaan said. “Loft living is anew trend in lifestyle. For those looking forthat type of lifestyle, young executives andprofessionals and others seeking this type ofproduct, it’s an alternative to lookingdowntown. They’re excited to find this inSt. Charles County. Before they didn’t havea choice in loft type living.”

Moore Company Homes didn’t go intothe development without a plan. “Whatwe really tried to do is identify the next

major trend in real estate which wefeel is lifestyle living or urbanism, andcapitalize on it,” Semaan said. “Withthis community, residents will haveconvenience to amenities aroundthem and the opportunity to live abalanced lifestyle.”

Semaan said Moore is marketing theloft project as “All Hip and no Hassle”

symbolizing the downtown atmospherewithout the traffic and safety concerns thatgo with living in the city.

Moore Company acquired one of the lastsites in Cottleville and the surrounding areathat could handle such a large development,Semaan said. Situated on CottlevilleParkway opposite St. Charles CommunityCollege, Harmony Ridge will have excellentproximity to the Page Avenue Extensionwhen the highway is finished. Semaan hopesto complete The Lofts at Harmony Ridge inApril or May of 2007.

Residents of The Lofts at Harmony Ridgewill get a lot of bang for their buck, Semaansaid. Each resident will receive an assignedsecure underground parking space includingon-site storage.

Semaan said the lofts are already selling. Theunits are priced from $149,900 to $300,000.Some have premiums with 17-footceilings—sort of a mezzanine level for a loftwithin a loft.

The Lofts at Harmony Ridge will alsofeature walking trails that will connect with

the city’swalking trails, apark, anamphitheaterand a doggypark on30 acres.�ROBIN SEATON

JEFFERSON

(l to r) Craig Hasten,Gary Semaan andSuzanne Matyiko

No matter what stage of life

you’re in, from first-time homebuyer

to empty-nester, Moore Homes

has a place for you at Harmony Ridge.

With a long list of standard features

and unbeatable amenities –

including walking trails,

a picturesque lake, fitness center

and pool – these unique loft condos

and courtyard homes offer the

opportunity to live the lifestyle you

want and deserve without having

to leave the comforts of Cottleville.

Open 11 - 5 Daily

636.477.7221

Hwy. 94 to Mid Rivers Mall DriveLeft on Cottleville Parkway to Community on Left

*Prices subject to change without notice.

oN

oy

ot

ha

W

an

et stage of lifeer whatto ma

om first-time homebfre in,,r’ou

omes e HoroM,,err,y-nesto empt

ymont Harou aor ye ffor yas a plac

tuead feith a long list of standarW

table amenities –eand unb

erbuy

.idgeR

esur

in

a

an

an

op

w

ot

,ailsing tralkcluding w

etenfitness c,,eesque lakturpic

ont col – these unique lofond p

er thed homes offearytournd c

yle yeste the liffesto livy ttunitorpp

vine without havt and deseran

vottlets of Coromffore the cvo lea

er

ndos

ouy

ng

.ville

O

6

HweLot

ailyen 11 - 5 DOp

636.477.7221

eivrall Ders Mivid Ro M94 t..ywyawkarville Pottlet on Cef

tefy on Lommunito C

*Prices subjeect to change without notice.



A LA CARTE

It’s one of a kind—literally. Grappa Grill onHighway 94 in St. Charles is the only oneand owners have no plans to open any more.They say they’re satisfied with doing onething and doing it very well. And so far,customers agree.

Grappa Grill’s General Manager JackBorgmeyer said owners Terry Jones, GaryShaw and Jerry Scheidegger are quitesatisfied with what they’ve created inGrappa Grill.

Grappa Grill offers an American-Italiancuisine with specialty pastas, steaks, chickenand seafood. Borgmeyer said a top seller isthe restaurant’s Seafood Fettuccine. The 16oz. K.C. Strip special with salad and a sideitem on Wednesday nights is also a draw.But it doesn’t stop there. Grappa’s Fillet ofAtlantic Salmon with fried jumbo shrimpkeeps regulars in attendance.

Borgmeyer said he has been seeing some newfaces in the twenty-something crowd of late.“We get all ages from 24 to 55 for the happyhour, and we are a family business.”

Grappa houses three private rooms whichseat up to seven people. The rooms are usedfor small business meetings and privatedinners with a “nice bottle of wine,” he said.

Banquet rooms also make up a portion ofthe 9,000-square-foot restaurant. Theserooms seat up to 100 people or as few aseight. Menu options include lunch, dinnerand buffet. Rehearsal dinners, charity eventsand political gatherings often take place inthese spaces.

Grappa Grill also offers catering andoutside house parties. They have cateredthe St. Louis Rams buffets each week duringthe season for four years at Rams Park inEarth City.

Grappa offers “more than reasonablepricing,” Borgmeyer said.

The establishment’s semi Mediterranean

style and art deco Italian murals in the rearclearly give off an ambiance of culture andrefinement in a family-style atmosphere.The restaurant’s name comes from whatBorgmeyer said is an Italian moonshine.“All the books call it a liquor, but it’s a prettyheavy shot. We say people can try it at theirown risk. It really is an acquired taste.”

Grape vines, decorative plants and anoutdoor patio further the Mediterranean feelof the place while the faux brick motif ofinlaid windows looking out to the ocean andhillsides leave visitors yearning for Italy.

Grappa celebrated its tenth anniversary inOctober. The restaurant was originallyopened by current owner Terry Jones andNorbert Siegfried. Later, investors Shaw andScheidegger brought in a new chef, JohnAltmann who was trained at the CulinaryInstitute of America in New York.

Along with the master preparations ofAltmann, Borgmeyer said the peoplecontinue to come for the atmosphere.“People like the atmosphere. The clientèleknow what kind of service they get whenthey come through the door and they keepcoming back.”� ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Grappa Grill | Chef Dan Rosen

Pan Seared Chicken Asparagus:

1 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 6oz Boneless SkinlessChicken Breast

2 oz Sliced Mushrooms

2 oz Diced Tomatoes

8 Asparagus Spears

3 oz Supreme Sauce(recipe below)

Heat oil in 10 inch skillet. Coatchicken breast with all purpose flourand carefully place chicken in oil.Sear one side for two minutes oruntil golden brown. Turn chicken toother side and remove skillet andplace in 325 degree oven. Cookchicken for an additional 8-10minutes until chicken is cookedcompletely. Remove chicken fromskillet and set aside. In the sameskillet lightly saute mushrooms,asparagus, and tomatoes. Last addthe supreme sauce to the sauteedmixutre and top chicken breasts.Garnish with parmesan cheese andfresh rosemary if desired.

Yield: 2 Servings

Supreme Sauce:

1 qt chicken veloute

1/2 pt heavy cream

1 1/2 oz unsalted butter

1 pinch salt (optional)

1 pinch ground white pepper(optional)

Combine the veloute and theheavy cream. Simmer, stirring andskimming the surface frequentlyuntil the sauce coats the back ofthe spoon. Strain the sauce andadjust the seasoning to taste withsalt and pepper. Finish the sauceby adding butter.

Yield: 2 Servings

F E A T U R E D R E C I P E SGrappa Grill

est. 1998

• Casual dining in a unique atmosphere• Serving Lunch and Dinner

• Awesome steaks and burgers• A full menu featuring 14 appetizers

• Live acoustic music• Patio dining

221 N. Main, St. Charles • 636-949-7678

636.926.30021052 Wolfrum Road

Weldon Springs, Missouri 63304

www.tequila-restaurant.com

Open Daily11AM–10PM

Specials this Month

Lunch in 15 minutesor it’s FREE!

Wednesday House Margarita

(20 oz)–$3.99

ThursdayHouse Margarita Pitcher–$10.99

Happy Hour4PM–8PM M-F

$5 offany $25 purchase(Not valid with any other offer)

$5 offany $25 purchase(Not valid with any other offer)



TIPS & TRICKS

P r om 2007

Lauree Salamon knows what girls want. Theowner of Lauree’s Formalwear and Bridal inFrenchtown St. Charles caters to some 500young women every year for the first andsecond most important days of their lives—their wedding and prom.

Salamon started Lauree’s in 1995 after beingdown-sized from a pharmaceutical company.Today she specializes in informal bridal,bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride,and pageant and prom dresses.

Destination wedding wear is the latest in the

bridal industry, she said. With more andmore brides and grooms choosing to bookan all-inclusive wedding in an exotic locationsuch as Jamaica or Hawaii, the trainlessgowns are all the rage.

“A lot of times the weddings will be on thebeach or under a gazebo in a warm climate,”she said. “More and more people are doingit, that’s for sure. They can get an all-inclusive wedding with the cake, ceremony,flowers and rooms for $5,000 to $6,000.”

But Salamon’s first love and certainly mostlucrative specialty is prom. “We’re evenmore into prom than bridal.”

Salamon said the average prom can cost agirl—or more than likely her parents—inupwards of $1,000. “By the time you getthe dress, the hair, the nails, the tickets, thedinner and the limo, it’s at least $1,000. Somanufacturers are really into that, especiallywhen seniors go all out. I’m even shocked atwhat they spend on prom.”

Lauree’s is in all the top magazines, Salamonsaid, from “Seventeen” to “Your Prom” to“Teen Prom” to “Cosmo Girl Prom”.“These magazines are on the newsstandsbefore Christmas and the day after they areon the newsstand, the phone starts ringing.”

Lauree’s prom dresses go from $140 to $430each and this season all bets are off. “Thisyear all categories are popular,” Salamon

said. From the 1930’s slinky, silk beadeddresses with halters and low backs to theCinderella ball gowns to the A-linedresses, every girl has her own taste. Andthe manufacturers are providing somethingfor everyone.

“There is a big variety this year,” she said.“Last year the Cinderella ball gown was verypopular. This year they want it all.”

Lauree’s also sells vintage costume jewelry,including rhinestone necklaces in the 1950’sand 1960’s styles for $25 and under.

Salamon said girls should be consideringtheir formalwear in January and no laterthan mid-February. Since mostmanufacturers are overseas now, many timesdresses must be shipped and often take 12weeks to order.

She said there are only about five shopssimilar to Lauree’s in the St. Louis area.“We’re a specialty shop. You won’t find ourdresses in the mall.”

Lauree’s is opened six days a week throughthe prom season. Salamon’s hours areMondays from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesdaysfrom noon to 7 p.m, Wednesdays closed,Thursdays noon to 7 p.m., Fridays noon to5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. �ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

AllDressed

Up...

Kim Paris & daughter Simone Borisovshop for Prom at Lauree’s

Morgan Brockman (center) & Elise Poggemeyer (right)shop for Prom at Lauree’s


BESTSHOPPING FINDS

Your sense of style shines thisyear...the sky’s the limit! Ourpicks for the top 5 styles thisseason:

Designer Inspired | Affordablelabels have created their ownversions of celebrity-chicdresses. Look for red carpetcopies that include empirewaist dresses and one-shoulderGrecian gowns.

The Cocktail Dress | The usualprom styles just aren’t you? Trya posh circle skirt or sleek trim-hemmed cocktail dress, whichwill also come in handy forother dressy get-togethersdown the road.

Elegant Trains | Whether it’s a full-on train, or anelegant small drape (a duster), your entrance ANDexit will pack a major punch.

The Sleek Sheath | Glam but comfy sheath dressesare a celebrity favorite. They’re simple, soaccessories are a must. Anything goes, from classicpearls to 50’s retro. Mix it up!

Marilynesque | Go va-va-voom with an ultrafeminine hip-hugging Marilyn Monroe inspiredgown. Choose delicate fabrics like satin or silkthat drape well. Keep theretro going with a clutch purse andpeep-toe shoes.

Shoe Choices | Shimmery evening sandals,T-straps with bling, Sultry strappy sandals,Shimmery wedges, Chic beaded slides,Elegant Sling-Backs

HotProm Picks

2007


NEIGHBORHOODS

The dance. It’s depicted on the walls ofancient caves. It’s discussed in the HolyBible. It has been the meeting place foryoung lovers over the ages. It is timelessand it’s partakers span all culturesand generations.

No matter what the age of the dancer,no matter what the tune that’s played,people love to dance. It’s the one exercisethat everyone can and will do withoutmuch prompting.

Linda Landwehr started dancing in high

school with the modern jazz troupe.Decades later she and her partner StanMayer are two of the most popular dancersand teachers in St. Charles and much of St.Louis Counties.

The pair, of Arthur Murray and Fred Astairestudios fame, teach ballroom dancing at St.Charles Community College on the secondand fourth Fridays of each month.

A self-taught dancer, Landwehr ownedan aerobic dance studio for over ten yearsand has been teaching dance for over 22years. She and Mayer are starting aballroom dancercise course, new to thecollege this year.

“We’re providing something for the St.Charles community—a very inexpensive andentertaining hobby—that they can sharetogether as a couple,” Landwehr said.

“It’s full of exercise and fun,” Landwehr saidof dancing. “It’s something men and womencan share. They don’t go their own ways,instead they have fun together.”

Dancing, Landwehr said, is a skill and apastime that can be used just aboutanywhere. “You can dance on cruises andvacations. It’s a great thing to share on asocial basis. You always have a good time

together and you’re not just sitting anddrinking. Most dancers have water. Theydon’t need to drink. There’s a chemical inthe brain that’s released when you exercise.”

Landwehr said her students range in agefrom 20 to 70. “Age doesn’t matter whenthey come to dance,” she said, adding thatthe therapeutic benefits of dancing aresubstantial. “I’ve had students who havehad heart surgery, arthritis, high bloodpressure and diabetes. They’ve also comefor physical therapy.”

The rewards of dancing go beyond thephysically obvious, she said. “Dance is oneof the most rewarding things. It increasesself confidence which can even help in theircareers. Dance doesn’t depreciate.”

Barbara Drant has been a student ofLandwehr’s for over three years. UnderLandwehr and Mayer, she has studiedImperial Swing, West Coast Swing and theJitterbug. In basic ballroom classes, she haslearned the Fox Trot, the Rumba, the Waltz,Swing and the Tango. In advanced levels,she has went on to the Bolero, the Samba,the Cha Cha, the Mambo/Salsa, theMerengue and the Night Club Two Step.“There’s a lot to remember and one mustpractice constantly to keep up their skills

Dance Into Spring

Lindenwood’s Ballet Class

NEIGHBORHOODS

and that’s why we go to dances, to havefun and practice. There are dances almostevery night of the week somewhere in themetro area.”

Drant dances on Tuesday nights at theAmerican Legion Hall on Raymond in St.Charles. She dances at bars and cocktaillounges, in a sports cafe in Bridgeton and atLouie’s at Holiday Inn St. Peters/St. Charles.She dances at Fireman’s Hall on McMenamyin St. Peters. And she fills in when othersneed a partner. Drant calls it her favoritepastime and her dance community.

“The dance community is unique,” she said.“It’s one way of people getting together tomeet others who have a like interest andhave fun. They work hard at it. Mostpeople really enjoy dancing and try to beas good as they can be. I keep a notebookof the dance steps. It keeps the mindfine-tuned.”

Drant said the St. Charles Imperial DanceClub at www.scidc.com, the JeffersonCounty Imperial DanceClub, the SouthSideImperialDanceClub at

www.southsidedance.org, the St. LouisImperial Dance Club at www.slidc.com andthe West County Imperial Dance Club allmeet at regular intervals and providedancing opportunities.

Swing dancing is offered at the Sports Cafein Bridgeton. The Concord Farmers Club inSouth St. Louis also provides an outlet fordancing as do a few of the casinos, she said.

Ballroom and swing dances are held atCasa Loma Ballroom on Iowa in the cityof St. Louis. Jim Horne conductsdances at the U Can Dance studio inSt. Ann off Adie Road. His schedule canbe found at www.jimsdances.com.

Drant said she doesn’t remember a timewhen she didn’t love to dance. “I’ve had thedance gene my entire life,” she said. “Theysay if you take 4,000 steps in a day it isequal to walking two miles. In dancing,trust me, in an hour you can do 4,000steps easy. When you’re dancing, you’rereally moving.”

The St. Louis Strutters & Co. dancesthousands of steps in each of itsperformances. Initiated in 1985 by a retiredgroup of former professional tap dancers, thetroupe has performed at the Taj Mahal in

Atlantic City, The Muny Opera in St. Louis,on The President riverboat, at the Duquoin,Illinois State Fair, for military balls andreunions, conventions, anniversaries and theOlympic Festival. The group representedthe United States as Senior GoodwillAmbassadors to the Russian Summer Festivalin 1993 and in Australia in 1997.

Kristen Best, assistant professor of dance atLindenwood University, said dancing hasexperienced a giant upsurge largely due toHollywood’s opportunities to make it big inthe industry. “With the ‘So You Think YouCan Dance’ phenomena, dance training indifferent styles is more marketable,” she said.“Contemporary dance is the crave, thehottest thing now. It’s amixture of modern danceand

jazzwith alittlehip-hopthrown in.It’s a fusion ofa bunch ofdifferent styles.”

Best saidprofessional companies

“Dance is theonly art of whichwe ourselves arethe stuff of which

it is made.”


Missy Gorman Shockley,Owner, Techniques Ballet & Pliates


NEIGHBORHOODS

aren’t just looking for the seasoned ballerinathese days either. “Those in the professionalfield are looking for dancers who are well-rounded, who can do anything you throw atthem. Dance companies are looking forballet too, but it’s different from the pastwhere each dance company looked for aspecific technique such as the Horton-basedtechnique or the Martha Graham technique.In the past, they stuck to those. Nowcompanies are looking for ballet and modernand even mixing in acrobatics.”

Best said hip-hop has been big for some timebut it too is evolving. “Hip-hop has alwaysbeen big in music videos, but now they’refusing it with modern dance.” Crumpingand clowning are forms of freestyle orimprovisational dance.

“Dance For the Camera” festivals are beingheld on the West Coast, Best said, wheredance pieces are created specifically for film.Dancers may perform on the street or underwater. “It’s mostly at the collegiate level, anexperimental tool,” Best said. Theperformances are shown on film as opposedto live performances.

Academy of the Sacred Heart AlumniDirector Jane Cannon said the time-honoredtradition of the Maypole at the school datesback at least until the 1940’s when theMaypole was inaugurated. “The Maypole,for as long as it has been danced here,represents an opportunity for girls—youngerand older—to participate in somethingwhose time-honored re-enactment everyspring is an attempt to capture some of the

refinement and beauty of a bygone era,”Cannon said.

Graduating eighth grade girls perform theritual with the second grade girls, who havemade their First Communion earlier in thespring. All are clothed in long white dresses.“Although the Maypole’s origins date back topagan times, it surely plays out in a morespiritual setting on this campus,” she said.

One of the two performances is always givenat the close of the May Crowning honoringthe Blessed Virgin Mary, Cannon said. “Wefeel that by offering this time-honoredspectacle to our school community, we areenabling children to see themselves in adifferent way—even if for just a short time.They treasure this ritual and through it cansee their potential for beauty in a world thatis sometimes less than beautiful.”

Many instructional dance classes are availablein the St. Charles area, including St. CharlesCommunity College, Lindenwood University orTechniques Ballet & Pilates Studio.

“Dance is the only art of which we ourselvesare the stuff of which it is made.” TedShawn, Time, July 25, 1955 �ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Linda Landwehr and Stan Mayer, leftBarbara Drant and Dennis Sturdivant, below

T E C H N I Q U E SB A L L E T & P I L A T E S S T U D I O

6 3 6 - 9 4 0 - 7 3 0 8

Whe r e Te c hn i q ue i s Ou r E s s en t i a l Goa l .Now offering competitive & non-competitive classes

for all age levels with newly expanded studios.

546 Fi rs t Capi to l D r i ve • Sui te 5 • S t .Char les , MO 63301

Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical • PointeHip Hop • Tumbling • Pilates • Cardio GoGo

Missy GormanShockley, Owner

Erin McKee, fighting the glaring sun and brisk breeze,clutches her Maypole ribbon at Sacred Heart Academy’straditional spring Maypole Celebration



EDUCATION

What’s new in education in St. CharlesCounty? For starters, Barat Academy. Likethe innovative live work community thatsurrounds it in Winghaven, Barat Academywill break through traditional notions ofwhat high school is all about.

A design/build enterprise for Paric, theprivate, independent high school willoffer single gender classes on a co-educational campus, adjacent to the BaratHaven development.

Academy President Debby Watson said theschool is not only innovative but smart. “It’sa more personalized approach to each child’slearning needs, so it maximizes theireducational experience,” she said. “Theacademy will be able to address howeveryone learns differently.”

Built around the idea that each individual,as well as both genders, learn at differentrates and in different ways, Barat Academywill draw from the same concepts used byWhitfield School in St. Louis, Watson said.“It is an individualized approach with theteacher as coach and the student as worker.Just as a coach might practice free-throwswith a player after practice because thatindividual needs extra practice, ourteachers hope to identify each studentsindividual needs.”

Watson said the school is it’s own model andnot necessarily a copy of any existingmethod. “We are also focused on learningthings well, not necessarily learning a lot ofthings. Instead of reading 15 books, wewould rather read eight books and learnthem well. We’re not trying to do toomuch and be everything to everybody,”Watson said.

Watson said the school will be somewhat inalignment with the Coalition of EssentialSchools. “But we are our own model,faith-based education combining in thecoalition principles.”

Watson said graduates will live the LearnLifeconcepts of Love, Learn, Serve, Build andGrow. Small class size, a respectful learning

environment, clear goals and expectations,personal excellence and strong characterformation are the foundation of the Barateducational model. “Educational research isclear,” she said. “Students do best in anenvironment where high expectations arecoupled with low anxiety, in a place wherestudents feel safe to take risks, whereexpectations are clear and the goal is foracademic excellence and achievement forevery child.”

The school will begin by using smallerstudent/teacher ratios, with no more than 18students in each classroom. “So the teacher

learns by developing a relationship with eachchild,” Watson said.

Barat Academy will offer a rigorous collegepreparatory curriculum in a Catholic, single-gender class environment on a co-educational campus. Central to Barat’smission, which is rooted in the traditions ofSacred Heart education, is the education ofthe entire child—mind, body and spirit. “Asadolescents move through this precariousportion of their lives it is imperative thatthey develop and grow in an environmentthat sees them and values them as wholepeople—self confident, focused, achieving,contributing individuals.”

The single gender classes reflect Barat’s beliefthat learning differs among individuals,Watson said. “They are single gender classeson a coed campus. It is supported byresearch that boys and girls learn differently.”

The 70,000 square-foot Barat Academybuilding will consist of two floors, each with30 classrooms, a total of eight science labswith two prep rooms, administration anddevelopment offices, a bookstore, library,information technology department andeight break and study rooms. The firstphase is set to be completed in September2007 and will house the ninth grade

Barat Academy will eventually house ninththrough twelfth grades. The school iscurrently accepting enrollment for ninthgrade to begin in the fall. Watson said Baratwill add a grade every year thereafter.

Education is changing and ways of teachingevolving to better equip students based ontheir own skills, Watson said. “We aretrying to re-imagine and re-design learningso that 21st century students can have 21stcentury skills. It’s all about the kids in a re-imagined way.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Breaking TraditionBarat Academy:

Imagine a place where tree-shaded streets encour-age walking and biking … where your favorite cof-fee shop is right around the corner. It’s reality withThe New Town at St. Charles, developed byWhittaker Homes. New Town simply goes back intime when fresh bread was at the corner bakeryand when places to shop, worship or just hangoutwhere footsteps or a bike ride away. When youbuy here, you’re purchasing more than a home –you’re buying an experience

…. You’re choosing to drive less, walk more and sim-plify your life with everything you need in a truetown setting … and that is a beautiful thing.

THEY THREW

IN A WHOLE TOWN

“Marsala’s Market Now Open in New Town!”Fresh Products, Boar’s Head Deli, USDA

Choice Meats, fresh produce, bread, pastriesand more!

Designed byDuany Plater - Zyberk & Company

www.dpz.com

Pictures and renderings are artist’s concepts only andare not an express representation of what will be built.

* Due to the velocity of sales housing types and priceranges may vary.

** Provided by Market Graphics Special Report

Prices from mid $100’s to $800’s+*

Take Hwy. 370 to north on New Town Blvd., 1 1/2 miles to New Town on the right.

636-949-2700www.newtownatstcharles.com

®

6 3 6 - 9 4 0 - 7 3 0 8Techniques Ballet & Pilates Studio is the home andtraining center of Maximum Pulse Dance Company

Join us at the Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles for the “Keep The Beat” benefit. Ticket price includes an open beer and winebar, dinner, performances by companymembers along with special guest artists, aswell as a silent auction. Maximum Pulse is aregistered not-for-profit public dance andtheatrical company dedicated by charter to support the American Heart Association asa third party fundraiser. Maximum Pulseprovides dance and performance opportuni-ties to amateur and professional dancersand performers who share in the vision to provide funds and physicalsupport to the AMA andit’s programs.

“Keep The Beat”

Call 636-940-7308for tickets or to make a donation .

Sunday, March 25, 2007Charity Benefit

Third Annual

We put h art in finding or s lling your hom .

Your St Charles County Real Estate Specialists

Call us today at:(636)441-8200

55 Centre Pointe Dr. ¨ St. Charles, MO 63304

©©©

Red Realty proudly supports Go Red for Women.



HEALTH WATCH

TakeCare of

YourHeart

(especially after 50), a family history of heartattack or stroke. One in four females in ourcountry has some form of cardiovasculardisease and if you are an African Americanwoman, nearly half (44.7%) of you has someform of heart disease, stroke or CVD. Inhispanic women it is nearly one third(32.2%) that die from problems of theheart. At least 65 percent of people withdiabetes die of some form of heart or bloodvessel disease.

The Go Red For Women movement ismaking a conscious effort to drive people towww.goredforwomen.org to ensure you takethe heart health test and know your numbersand warning signs. Pay attention if you havechest discomfort, don’t passit off as indigestion.If you havediscomfort inyour arms, back,neck, jaw orstomach tellsomeone. Areyou short of

What words pop into your mind when youthink of a heart? Do you ever really stop tothink about your OWN heart and what youdo to it daily? Go Red For Women,affiliated with the American HeartAssociation, wants you to love your heartand make a promise to exercise,learn yournumbers, kisssomeone, eatsmart; to take justa moment and loveyour heart and gored for women!Go Red is amovementnationwideenergizing women toinstill their passion inbonding with otherwomen to once and forall wipe out heartdisease. The colorred and the red dress are becomingsynonymous with heart health and acommonality with other women tostrengthen their hearts and live longer,healthier lives.

If you were asked what the number onekiller of women was, you might answer likemany that it is breast cancer, that answer iswrong; it is HEART DISEASE!

Heart disease is not just the main killer ofwomen but the disease that takes the livesmost of men as well. The only way to

change this direction is to empower yourselfwith the knowledge and tools to takepositive action to reduce the risks of heartattacks and stroke and protect your overallhealth. One of the major factors leading toheart disease in our society is obesity andthose carrying excess weight. About 65

percent of Americans age 20 andolder are overweight or obese. 34.5million American adults havecholesterol levels of 240mg/dL orhigher which is when it becomes amajor risk factor for coronary heartdisease and stroke. Your totalcholesterol should be below 200and your HDL (good) cholesterolshould be 40mg/dL or higher.America needs to get moving as theCenters for Disease Control showthat ony 30 percent of adults in thiscountry do some type of physicalactivity for over 30 minutes on 5 ormore days a week. As you read these

next few lines feel the power in your handsas you place your hand over your heart.These are the risk factors for heart diseasethat YOU can control!

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SMOKING,HIGH CHOLESTEROL, PHYSICALINACTIVITY, OBESITY OR BEINGOVERWEIGHT AND DIABETES.

Now is the time to talk to your doctor aboutyour current state of health and how you canstop the process of damaging your heart.Know your risk factors, such as age


breath, experiencing cold sweats, nausea orlightheadedness? Tell your doctor and takecare of the organ that beats each day forYOU... Today what will YOU do for YOURheart? When you click on this very powerfulwebsite you will learn about programs thatwill get you moving and involved in anactive lifestyle, bringing your cholesterol

down and decreasing your risk of diabetes.You will find programs that get yournutrition in check and teach you how toavoid saturated fat, trans fat and highsodium foods which can contribute to highblood pressure or atherosclerosis, a primarycause of heart attack and stroke. All it takesis one simple click of a mouse and you’re at awebsite leading you to a path to take controlof your life and those you love. Spread theword and see how many lives you can savesimply by taking a heart health check uponline.

Go Red and the American Heart Associationwant you to enjoy your life, to laugh andlove and live, truly live. You will be able tomake a statement, not only by taking controlof your health and getting others to do thesame but by displaying it on you and yoursurroundings. When you go towww.goredforwomen.org you will have theability to shop for necklaces, bags, shirts,caps, ties and pins that display the message.What better gift can you give someone thanthat of a life? You have been given that gift,now is the time you live it to its fullest. Formore information on your heart visitwww.goredforwomen.org, americanheart.orgor call 1-800-AHA-USA (242-8721). Thetime to MOVE is NOW!�MONICA ADAMS

How much cardio do I need to

be doing and how often do I

need to exercise?

For weight (body fat) loss, you

need to do 5-6 days of 30-40

minutes of cardio and 3 days at

least of lifting weights. Now,

once again, you will work up to

this. Don't start off too hard

because you will burn out

and/or get injured and we don't

want that.

How often should I change my

workout program so as not to

get bored and to keep me on

course to reach my goal?

You should change your

workout routine every 2 - 6

months. It varies because some

people need more variety to

stay focused and others want

the set routine for longer.

Change is definitely a very good

thing when talking about not

letting your body adapt. It has

to work harder when you keep

your body guessing!!!!!!!

Almost 95% of my clients never

do the same workout twice and

I've been training some of the

same clients for 3+years!!!! Its

all about RESULTS and that's

what you'll get if you do as

your trainer says!!

How do I stay motivated to

reach my goals?

Stay motivated by not setting

your goals too big or out of

reach ( if you are trying to lose

20 lbs., focus on 5lbs first, then

the next 5lbs, etc.) If you are

trying to make it to the gym 3-

4 days, focus on one day at a

time.

with Monica Adams

St. Louis newscasters “Go Red for Women”

make your next party easy and fun with the following tips:

easy does it...

label glasses with a

grease pencil at your

next party – the names

will wipe right off later.

bake old records in a 250°

oven on the lowest rack for

3-4 minutes centered on an

empty coffee can. watch carefully

and remove right away. melting

stops promptly. fill with chips,

pretzels or your favorite snack.

nostalgic bowls...

Galleries &Artist Studios

636-255-0270 · www.foundryartcentre.org520 North Main Center · St. Charles, Missouri · 63301

'RLANDos

• Ballrooms seating 50-1000 guests

• Prices from $18.95 per person w/buffet & open bar

• Catering to unique St. Louis venues including

City Museum, the Foundry Art Centre,

Mahler Ballroom, and New Town St. Charles

South County/Webster/Kirkwood 314.638.6660Maryland Heights 314.453.9000

Banquet & Conference Centers• Cater ing • Event Planning

www.or landogardens.comwww.or landogardens.com

Celebrate!Celebrate! Our Venue,Your StyleOur Venue,Your Style

ST. LOUISADVERTISERS...

Catchthe buzz from

across the bridge

M A G A Z I N E

Advertise with Street Scape and bring St. Charles customers to St. Louis.

!



TIPS & TRICKS

A Family HolidayHow t o Ge t To g e t h e r

Thirty-five years ago on Thanksgiving the J.

Maurice Thro and Josey Page families decided

they needed to take a hike to let their

children run off some of their energy. Since

Josey and Nancy have a farm near Warrenton,

Missouri, it was the logical choice. From that

Thanksgiving a tradition was instituted-rain,

snow or shine. At that time there were four

adults and a total of seven children. Through

the years the children married and

grandchildren arrived. The group numbered

35 for Thanksgiving 2006.

The day starts with all families attending

church to give thanks to God for all of their

blessings. They used to stop and eat at the

I-70 truck stop but as the group grew it

became difficult to seat them. So now a

continental breakfast is served at the country

cottage with homemade breads, donuts,

juice, coffee and hot chocolate. A hike

follows for about two hours up and down

the hills. Young children are carried in

back packs.

After the long hike, a fire is started for a hot

dog roast, with beverages and snacks served.

The finale of the day is a tractor hayride for

the children. It is nearly dark when the clan

arrives back at the Thro home for a turkey

dinner with all the trimmings. The turkey

has been slowly cooking all day. (One year

Joan forgot to turn the oven on so they

had a traditional Thanksgiving meal without

the turkey–It was never missed.)

It’s a long day but one that is a favorite with

all. Some say it’s better than Christmas– with

less stress– and it’s great fun to be outdoors

with everyone all together.

What a great way to start new traditions for

your own family in 2007!

Artist’s Renderings, cont...

grade. “I had finished a drawing and shehung it up on the back wall. Later, sheasked if she could keep it as a sample forfuture classes. It was a silent revelation thatI might be an artist. From that experience,I learned the impact of a teacher.”

Groneck’s father and mother recognizedearly on that their child had talent, thoughin their own personal educations neitherhad the luxury of an art class. Theyremain two of her strongest supporters.

The support shown by her parents wasextended when, 35 years ago, Groneckmarried her husband, Rich. “He is a selflessman and supports everything I do.Sometimes, I’ll come home and say, ‘You’llnever believe what I’ve gotten myself into.’He’ll smile and say, ‘I know you can do it.’I often think he believes in me more than Ido.”

Among her credits, Groneck has held 3one-woman shows in the Grand Lobby ofthe Metropolitan Square Building in St.Louis and received numerous awards forher works. In 1999, she received theRotary Club of Clayton’s “Service AboveSelf ” Teacher of the Year Award. The clubnamed her the top elementary teacher ofall public, private and parochial schools inthe Clayton school district. She is alsolisted in the 1996 edition of “Who’s WhoAmong American Teachers.” Look for herlatest work–a 400 ft. mural at the MagicHouse that will surround their expansionproject due to open in June 2008.

Groneck’s styles span modern to realism.She specializes in murals, acrylics, pen &ink, calligraphy and mosaics commentingthat, “I owe my diversity to creativesurvival. If I wanted to inspire expressionin nine grade levels of students, I needed toconquer multiple mediums. I’m grateful forall that those wonderful children taughtme. Life is a circle.”

In addition to Hannegan Realty, her worksare sold at Olson Reed in Warrenton andviewed @ www.bgroneck.com �ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Centerpieces to CelebrateFill a tray with coffee beans... try darkroast, hazelnut or chocolate truffle, andfill your home with enticing fragrancethat lasts. Top with candles or decorativeballs to accent your decor.

The Thro and Page Families


SEASONAL HUNT

Call of the DucksD r. M i c h a e l C o n o y e r

Most residents of St. Charles County knowhim as the ear, nose and throat specialist, theone they turn to for sinus and auricularproblems. Most of his patients know hispassion extends beyond the annals ofmedicine, though. They need only visit hisoffice to see his part time passion—hunting.

Dr. Mike Conoyer (below) has beenpracticing medicine in St. Charles Countyfor decades. During that time, he hasamassed one of the most renownedcollections of duck mounts in the state andbeyond. His ducks are displayed throughouthis office in St. Peters and his home.

Conoyer grew up hunting with his father onhis Uncle Herbert Iffrig’s farm in St. Peters.The two would hunt rabbits on the farmwhere his mother grew up. Hunting wasdifferent then, Conoyer said. “Back thenthey used to say it was expensive to miss. It

was during the depression and the idea ofkilling an animal was for dinner that day,” hesaid. “Meat was very hard to come by andmoney was not very plentiful. If you missedyou gave up the cost of a meal.”

But soon Conoyer would go away to schooland his opportunities for hunting would befew and far between. First he attendedSouth East Missouri State University then itwas on to Vanderbilt University in Tennesseefor medical school and than back toWashington University for his residency.

It was at Wash U that Conoyer met up withanother hunting enthusiast. “An ENT docin Idaho had me out to duck hunt,”Conoyer said. “It was then that my interestreally started taking off for shotgun andrifle shooting.”

That was 1977. “That really lit my fire onduck hunting,” he said. So much so thatConoyer soon became an avid hunter,spending more and more time with otherpros in the area such as Jack Wetter ofHackmann Lumber fame and Dave Baue.

Conoyer said these and other skilled hunterstaught him everything he knows. Especiallyone Glen Schuman whom Conoyer andothers affectionately refer to as “Mr. Duck.”

“Everybody’s a Glen Schuman wanna be,”Conoyer said. “He’s a premier duckhunter. It doesn’t get any better thanGlen Schuman.”

Conoyer said hunting is not just a sportor a pastime. “Hunting is a game of skill.You have to be able to call the duck. Youhave to be able to get the duck within rangeand obviously you have to hit the duckwhen you shoot at it. You use a dog forretrieval which adds a whole other elementof enjoyment.”

Conoyer’s favorite hunting dog was Cobb—a black Labrador he obtained from RolandFischer—who lived to be 13. “He had thepersonality. He was feisty. He was very

aggressive and loved to hunt,” he said.“These dogs will put themselves at greatperil to retrieve. They are amazing animals.”

Conoyer has about 20 mounted big gameanimals in his home. He has also collectedmature pairs from all of the North Americanwater fowl species he can have, less thePacific Brandt and the King Eider. Both arefound in foreign countries with very lowtemperatures. “I’m not sure I want to dothat,” he said.

Conoyer’s collection of ducks, geese andupland game birds such as quail and grouseare all under glass. Many of his animals arefrom Missouri, but also from the East Coast,the West Coast, the Central Flyway, Alaskaand Argentina.

Conoyer’s favorite mount, however is not aduck, but rather an Alaskan Brown Bear hekilled on a 1987 trip to Heidon, Alaska.“He’s a legitimate 10-footer,” Conoyer said.Kills such as the bear are skinned on site,”Conoyer said. He turned the 800-poundbear with a tree limb during the process.The skin and skull are rolled in salt andbrought back for mounting. The hide isfleshed and all the meat removed—usuallyleft for carnivores.

Skill, place, personality and love for thesport is what makes a great hunter, Conoyersaid. The love for the sport is “absolutelycontagious,” he said.

Conoyer has been lucky as far as accidents go. Aside fromdislocating a shoulder falling off of a snow mobile, he hasn’t hadany serious occurrences while hunting. His two sons also love thesport, he said, and the proud new grandfather is eager to introducehis grandson Joseph “Michael,” not yet two years old, to thefamily’s hunting traditions.

Conoyer feeds about 5,000 ducks in an average night on hisproperty in Elsberry. He takes about 120 a year. He also leavesabout an acre of standing corn out for deer on another property.

Conoyer said he doesn’t have much interest in traveling to Africaand other foreign locations for hunting. “North Americanhunting is much more challenging,” he said.

Hunting is a generational thing for Conoyer. “The tradition of itis passed from father to son, generation to generation. It’s a lotabout relationships—what you learn from someone else.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

2725 Veterans Memorial: 866-619-7114Polestar Marina: 866-637-2522

2725 Veterans Memorial: 866-619-7114Polestar Marina: 866-637-2522

ALWAYS OPEN ATMARINEMAX.COM


Marketers of St. Charles want brides-and-grooms-to-be to know the city they workand play in can also be the city in whichthey tie the knot.

“We're trying to convince them that St.Charles has it all—the whole package,” saidDonna Costellia, long-time assistant directorand newly appointed director of publicrelations for the Greater St. CharlesConvention and Visitors Bureau. “Whateversize venue they need from the conservatoryto the foundry, we have it. Imagine theunique photo opportunities like FrontierPark with the stage and the backdrop of theMissouri River or standing on the depot.”

Costellia is currently using thecity's popular monthly cableshow, “What's Happening inSt. Charles Through theGreater St. CharlesConvention and VisitorsBureau” to produce a newsegment on weddings.

Filming began in January for the Marchepisode. So far weddings at theConservatory and the Winery of the LittleHills will be featured on the new show aswell as the St. Charles Convention Center.

Costellia said even the Demolition Ball canbe used as a modern day chapel. Onecouple took a turn in the bumper cars andplaying basketball. “It was fun for the brideand groom.

“People don't know what's in their own backyard,” Costellia said. “They think they haveto go into St. Louis or other areas. We havea lot of calls about weddings. When theyhear what all we have here, they say, ‘I justdidn't realize we had all of this’. Even theflowers. We have great florists here.”

Costellia said the segment on weddings willhighlight many of the possible venuesavailable to the brides-and-grooms-to-be forreceptions and weddings, restaurants forrehearsal dinners and parties, florists, bedand breakfasts and even shopping.

“Where would you think to go that haseverything for romance? Where can youstroll holding hands in a gorgeous historicdistrict or along the river? Where could youtake a carriage and stop at a chocolate shopto dip strawberries? Where can you spendthe night in a lovely bed and breakfast withyour sweetheart? It's St. Charles.”

St. Charles is probably most known for itsfestivals, but Costellia said there is so

much more. “Most people don't evenknow that over 400,000 people came intothe city for the Festival of the Little Hillsalone last year.” Bringing more nuptials intoSt. Charles is a win for everyone, Costelliasaid. It gives couples the opportunity ofgetting married in their own home town.And it benefits the Greater St. CharlesConvention and Visitors Bureau and the cityas well. “It brings room nights to our hotelsbecause everyone has wedding guests. Itbrings people to our restaurants for rehearsaldinners and parties and it generates revenuefrom the one percent tax placed on all thefood. That's what makes up [theConvention and Visitors Bureau] budget.”

Costellia said the show that she will host willgo on into the spring when the “springCherry Blossoms, Red Buds and Dogwoodsbegin to bloom.”

Costellia has worked at the Convention andVisitors Bureau for over 23 years. She saidshe has seen a lot of changes in her timehere. “It's just an incredible time for St.Charles,” she said.

The St. Charles Convention Center hasadded a new dimension to the city with itsupscale Embassy Suites Hotel connection,Costellia, making a huge impact on the cityand county. “People that come here notonly come to experience the seminars andthe learning, they come to experience thecity they're in. They want to know what agorgeous historic district we have. Theywant to know about our festivals. Theywant to know about St. Charles.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

St. CharlesO f f e r s t h e who l e p a c k a g e


NEIGHBORHOODS

Vote for your favorite waiter, waitress or

bartender at participating restaurants. (look for

the St. Charles’ Best button) One participant will win a

much-earned prize and recognition in the next issue of

Street Scape. Voting begins March first!

M A G A Z I N E

catch the buzz!


SUNRISETO SUNSET

Halloween on Main StreetOctober 31st | Every Halloween Main Street welcomes trick or

treaters from 3-5 pm as a way for merchants to thank the

community for their ongoing support and patronage during the

year. This good will neighborhood gesture brings smiles as

merchants along 14 blocks pass out treats. The event grows

each year with more and more children; you'll even see some of

our local merchants dressing up in costume (Rose aka The North

Main Witch, Matt aka Scooby-Doo) and the children's parents

are even getting into the act.

www.mainstreetstcharles.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter

so youthink you’ve

got good

ideas?

s

then lay ‘em on us!send your story ideas to

[email protected] 501 First Capitol Drive • St. Charles, MO 63301636-946-9753 • www.shockleycommercial.com

6

Whether office, warehouse, retail, or land development, our strength lies in a proven track record. We broker, market, leaseand build. Call today for more information.



SUNRISETO SUNSET

The Commons House ToursDecember 3 | How often are you invited into a stranger’s home? St.

Charles was given just this opportunity as members of the St. Charles

Commons Neighborhood Association invited us into their homes.

Front gabled Victorian Folk Houses, Queen Anne bricks & cottages

and others are representative of the neighborhood. The homes on

the tour were decorated in Christmas finery and holiday decorating

ideas were surely borrowed and taken back as the guests made stops

along the tour to various homes.

Kathleen McCoy 636-946-8648

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

Holiday ReflectionsDecember 2006 | A reflection back on the spirit of the holidays. We

celebrated with a festival of lights, ate roasted chestnuts and shook hands

with Santas from around the world. We sang with the strolling carolers,

shopped in the over 125 specially decorated historic buildings, rode the free

Horse Drawn Carriage, viewed Santa's Train Land on North Main Street and

held tight to the Believer Bells as we committed ourselves to Christmas past,

present and future. And most importantly we celebrated true Christmas

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

events such as Las Posadas Procession, the candlelit procession down South

Main Street depicting Mary and Joseph looking for room at the inn. Family,

friends, and the community celebrated and now reflect back and look

forward to Christmas Traditions 2007. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a

good night!

www.stcharleschristmas.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

Fête de GlacéJanuary 27 | The Festival of Ice on Main Street was held from

10am - 3:30pm along the 100-200 blocks of North Main.

Professional ice carvers bring art to life in a 2 1/2 hour competition

using chain saws, power grinders, sanders, cold chisels, hand saws

and irons. Outdoor fireplaces, hot beverages & food items were

available from local restaurant vendors. This year a "Gallery

Walk" was added to the event as part of ongoing effort to create

an Art District. Various venues were open for people to warm

up and come out of the cold and to view and purchase art from

area artists.

www.mainstreetstcharles.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter

Fête de Glacé | WinnersMaster Carver Class

1st | Bill Melson • Lunch by the Stream

2nd | Naomi Hamamura • Neptune

3rd | Art Phetsadasack • Two Birds on a Grapevine

Carver Class

1st | John Flottman • Sweet Slip’n Slide

2nd | Joe Modica • Train Kept Rollin’ All Night Long

3rd | Gary Hall • Lunch Time

Team/Monster Carvers

Burkemper/Flottman • Dad’s Day Out

For eight years, a group of St. Charles musiclovers has been bringing culture and class toSt. Charles through the Crescendo ConcertSeries. The non-profit organization was ajoint project initiated in 1999 by St. JohnUnited Church of Christ, St. CharlesPresbyterian Church and First UnitedMethodist Church.

The Crescendo Concert Series has broughtthe likes of the Manhattan Brass Quintet,the Ambassadors of Harmony, the St. LouisSymphony Ensemble and the Opera a laCarte to St. Charles. Through the donationsand grants of the Arts and CultureCommission of the city of St. Charles, theMissouri Arts Council, the Arts Council ofSt. Charles County and corporate sponsorssuch as Target Stores, Inc., ParksideMeadows Retirement Community, Sam'sClub Foundation, the series has been acontinuing and rising success.

George Morris, board president of the Seriessaid the board recently received a $1,000-donation from the Arts and EducationCouncil for the presentation of theBaltimore Consort scheduled for 3 p.m.,March 4 at the First United MethodistChurch in St. Charles. “We believe that thiswill be a very special concert appearance andvery much hope that our growing audienceof music lovers will appreciate the

opportunity this spring to hear thisrenowned ensemble in St. Charles. Thisgrant will go a long way toward making oureighth year of concerts a successful one.”

With an ensemble of viols, lutes, recorders,flutes and vocalists, the Baltimore Consorthas delighted audiences on both sides ofthe Atlantic having toured all regions ofthe United States and appearing frequentlyin Europe.

The Consort performs early music fromEngland, Scotland, France and Italy “whichspeaks to the heart as well as the mind,”Morris said. “Their love for the early musicof English and Scottish heritage has ledthem to delve into the rich trove oftraditional balladry and dance tunespreserved in the Appalachian mountains andNova Scotia.”

The group has held residencies at thePeabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimoreand the Piccolo Spoleto Festival inCharleston, South Carolina. Performanceson syndicated radio programs likePerformance Today and Onstage (CBC)have broadcast their music far and wide.Their twelve recordings on the Dorian labelhave earned their CDs a place on theBillboard Magazine Top-Ten list.

The Crescendo Concert Series features fiveconcerts each season which runs fromSeptember through May. Venues for theconcerts have included The Foundry ArtsCenter as well as the churches that originallyformed the organization.

Tickets for the events are $12 for individualadults and $5 for students. They can bepurchased at the door or through the mailby sending a check or money order and aself-addressed stamped envelope to theCrescendo Concert Series, P.O. Box 1613,St. Charles, MO 63302-1613. Grouprates are available. Call 636-724-2507 formore information.

Morris said ticket prices alone are notenough to garner the funds needed to attractthe level of talent the group has brought tothe area. Ticket revenue is only a small partof the income needed to present a concertseries even when conducted entirely byvolunteers. We are fortunate that membersof the Crescendo Concert Series Board ofDirectors donate generously of their time,talents and efforts,” he said.

Each event begins with a pre-concert talk at2:30 p.m. Delivered by Nancy Rubenstein,Ph.D. Rubenstein has taught music historyand appreciation at local universities andnow serves on the Crescendo Concert SeriesBoard of Directors. “This is one reason weare able to provide so much quality musicfor so little money,” Morris said. “Ourboard members are doing all the workthat requires paid employees inmany organizations.”

Morris said he and his board have a verygood reason for wanting to enrich the St.Charles Community with music. “Goodmusic is an essential element in a good life.For many the definition of good musicapplies perfectly to the works performed bythose artists the Crescendo Concert Seriesbrings to St. Charles city and county. Mostof our performers are classical musicians, butfolk music and innovative modern music areincluded in their repertoires as are lightclassical works.”�ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON

Culture & ClassT h e C r e c e n d o Con c e r t S e r i e s



SUNRISETO SUNSET

New Year’s Eve at The Foundry Art CentreDecember 31 | Where else would you want to be to start the New

Year than a place of beauty and imagination? Guests were greeted

with complimentary champagne, enjoyed a fashionable dinner, and

enjoyed a Performance of Broadway Musical Tunes. The clock struck

midnight; champagne flowed, hugs and kisses were given, desserts

and fruits were eaten and dancing continued with yells of Happy

New Year and horns blowing. Happy 2007!

www.foundryartcentre.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

The 12th Annual Taste of St. CharlesNovember 16 | Guests enjoyed sample after sample from twenty-

nine local restaurants who provided food and drinks at The

Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles. This event is sponsored by

the Noonday Rotary Club of St. Charles. Proceeds benefit local

charities. Music Entertainment provided by the Solar Power Band.

Contact Clarence Solar for band booking information

at 314-878-5765.

www.rotary6060.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

The Buzz: An Urban Arts Experience& Coffehouse CrawlJanuary 18 | The Buzz was a four stop coffeehouse crawl that

highlighted “urban” themed artistic pursuits from physical art to

music to poetry. Bryan Walsh, Justin Tolentino and Timothy Wagner

painted live, LaPointe sang, and countless others sang, played and

recited during open mike. Special thanks to Tim Ezell and the Fox2

morning show for their help in promoting the event, and to all the

people who contributed to Children’s Hospital.

www.streetscapemag.com

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


SUNRISETO SUNSET

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter


We can’t fit all 150 of the region’s most talented advisors into one photo, but we can share an important detail about the best-in-class talent who call Brown Smith Wallace home.

Each of us makes a commitment of personal responsibility for the work we do.

From this we base our brand promise … Deliver A Measurable Difference.

THE DIFFERENCE IS

Lisa Boyd, CPA

Alan J. Fine, CPA, JD

Kelly J. Weis,CPA

Steven M. Ronquest

St. Charles 636.255.3000St. Louis 314.983.1200Chicago 312.674.4668

www.bswllc.com

Comprehensive Accounting & Tax ConsultingManagement Consulting | Business Valuation & Litigation SupportAudit & Risk Management Services

GraceGetsThingsDone

Bring back Grace Nichols As MayorProven Leadership Experiencewww.nicholsformayor.com

You’re closer to the action than you think.

*Special rate applies to standard room in the Island Tower. Most Popular Casino based on 2006 turnstile counts. While supplies last. Offer valid at Harrah’s St. Louis Casino & Hotel. Pending Missouri Gaming Commission approval. Subject to change or cancellation with prior approval from the Missouri Gaming Commission. Employees of Harrah’s, vendors and their family members are ineligible to participate in this promotion. See Total Rewards Center for complete rules, regulations and details. Offer not transferable and not

replaceable. Alteration, duplication, or unauthorized use voids this offer. Harrah’s is not responsible for lost or stolen vouchers and reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time. This offer is not valid for persons who are on the Missouri Disassociated Persons List or for persons who have otherwise been excluded from Harrah’s affiliated casinos. Must be 21 or older to participate, gamble or obtain a Total Rewards® card. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-BETSOFF.

For more information call 314-770-8100. harrahs.com ©2007 Harrah’s License Company, LLC.

Make your evening come alive at Harrah’s St. Louis – the only place where you’ll get hot spots like iBAR and VooDoo®, great restaurants like The Range Steakhouse and Charlie Gitto’s “from the Hill,” and the best gaming in town. What are you waiting for?

$169*Only

Package includes dinner for 2 at Moby’s or the Range and breakfast at the Town Square Buffet! Offer valid Sun. - Thurs. Not valid on holidays. Subject to cancellation.Visit harrahs.com or call 1-800-HARRAHS for reservations. Mention code: PDINE

Special hotel package!

St. Louis’ most popular casino.


SUNRISETO SUNSET

Discover 370 AwardsNovember 16 | A 10 year Anniversary Celebration and Awards

Banquet was held at the Foundry Art Centre to recognize the

business leaders, businesses and government entities that helped

create and shape the mixed use 370 corridor.

www.discover370.com

Foresight Dinner AuctionOctober 28 | Duchesne High School’s annual Foresight dinner

auction celebrated the school’s 50 years with a cruise ship theme,

The Golden Voyage. ‘Captain’ Terry Gravemann, the school’s

administrator, welcomed a crowd of nearly 550 parents, alumni

and friends of the school as they ‘boarded the S.S. Duchesne’

for a night of fun and fund-raising. For more information, please

call the Office of Community Relations and Development at

(636) 946-2603.

www.duchesne-hs.org

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter

SUNRISETO SUNSET

Movers and ShakersDecember 17 | Hosts Hal Bartch, Tom Chamberlain, Jerry

Scheidegger, Gary Shaw and Greg Whittaker gathered the

Movers and Shakers of St. Charles at Grappa Grill and

celebrated the past year’s successes. The Movers and Shakers

have a motto – "Work Hard and Play Hard." This event was

definitely PLAY, but even during their fun they were

networking and sharing visions that will help make St. Charles

the best place to live, work and play in 2007 and beyond.

Photographyby

MichaelSchlueter



SUNRISETO SUNSET

c a l e n d a rSpring

M A R C H

2 | Working Women’s Survival Show (March 2-4) |www.wwssonline.com

3 | Movies & Martinis at New Town |www.newtownatstcharles.com (space limited)

4 | Baltimore Consort–Crescendo Concert Series |www.crescendoconcerts.org

9 | Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament |www.newtownatstcharles.com(must register in advance)

10 | Flea Market/Resident Garage Sale |www.newtownatstcharles.com

20 | Diabetes 101 at Town Hall-New Town |www.newtownatstcharles.com(call 636.928.WELL to register)

23 | Frenchtown Museum Auction |www.historicfrenchtown.com

24 | New Town Trivia Night |www.newtownatstcharles.com(register in advance at the Prancing Pony)

31 | Opening Day Baseball Event (GO Cards!) |www.newtownatstcharles.com(2:00 pm at the New Town Amphitheater)

31 | Tartan Days (March 31-April 1) |www.mainstreetstcharles.com

A P R I L

7 | Easter Extravaganza |www.newtownatstcharles.com(2:00 pm, New Town Amphitheater)

12 | A Celtic Celebration: Series on Irish Culture |www.stcharles.edu (April 12, 16 & 17)

23 | College Student’s Art Exhibition |www.stcharles.edu (April 23-May 6)

27 | Spring Art Walk (April 27-29) |www.stcharlesriverfrontarts.com

28 | Spring Wellness Festival & Run |www.stcharles.edu

28 | Beer Tasting at New Town |www.newtownstcharles.com(in the Prancing Pony courtyard–must be21 years of age to participate)

28 | Blues Festival/Great Blues Tunes |www.newtownatstcharles.com

30 | SCCC Concert Band Concert |www.stcharles.edu

M AY

1 | SCCC Singers Women’s Chorale Concert |www.stcharles.edu

3 | Children’s Play–The Wizard of Oz |www.newtownatstcharles.com(May 3-5, 10-12)

4 | Friday Movie Nights at New Town |www.newtownatstcharles.com(May 4, 11, 18 & 25)

6 | Frenchtown Spring House Tour |www.historicfrenchtown.com(tickets available at the Museumor at Vivian’s Vineyards)

14 | SCCC President’s Classic Golf Scramble |Becky 636.922.8472

16 | Music on Main Begins |www.mainstreetstcharles.com(third Wednesday of the month,May through September)

19 | Corvette Car Show at New Town |www.newtownatstcharles.com(call Lisa Maull at 636.916.1511)

19 | Foundry Art Centre GALA Fundraiser |www.foundryartcentre.org

19 | Lewis & Clark Heritage Days |www.mainstreetstcharles.com(at Frontier Park, May 19-21)

20 | Stephen Porter, Piano–CrescendoConcert Series |www.crescendoconcerts.org

25 | Friday Night Flicks |www.historicfrenchtown.com

For more information on events inSt. Charles, visit these helpful websites:� www.historicstcharles.com� www.mainstreetstcharles.com� www.historicfrenchtown.com� www.newtownatstcharles.com

BOOKCLUB Never has a funeral been more

inspirational, insightful, glorious and fun.

When, Annie Freeman dies, she leaves

instructions for five of her friends —

some know one another and some do

not — to sprinkle her ashes in specific

places around the country, experiences

and expenses courtesy of Annie Freeman.

Along the way, Annie’s friends meet

people who shaped Annie into the

woman she became. Take a lesson from

this book and plan your funeral today. A

must read for anyone with friends.

ANNIE FREEMAN’S

FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL

Available at Main Street Books

307 South Main | 636-949-0105

streetscape magazine spring 2007

Documents

n e 3contents4 s t r

o t i o n s

e n t s4 commentary6

t u r e s22 driveways

event winners

charles youth

street scape magazines

n ecommentarydance