streetscape magazine winter 2010

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

COMMENTARY

BEHIND THE SCENESPUBLISHER & FOUNDER

TOM HANNEGANTom, Co-Owner of Hannegan RealEstate & Construction, LLC holds a master’s degree from LindenwoodUniversity. Hannegan shares his passion for real estate, community vol-unteering, and his appreciation of St.Charles in Street Scape magazine.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Cillah HallCillah Hall is the owner of XanaduPublic Relations. Prior to foundingXanadu, Cillah was a morningnews producer at KSDK-Channel5. You can contact her at 636-259-9059 or via e-mail,[email protected].

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSONRobin has been a writer/journalistfor more than 18 years working inprint and electronic media. Sheholds a bachelor’s degree in commu-nications fromUM–St. Louis, with minors in writ-ing and criminal justice.

AMY ARMOURAmy writes articles that cover a widerange of topics. Contact her at 314-303-0248 [email protected].

ANN HAZELWOODAnn Hazelwood is an accomplishedquilt author, historian, and appraiserwith 9 books to her credit. Her spe-ciality is Missouri travel.www.booksonthings.com

MARY ELLEN RENAUDMary Ellen is a contributing writerand Director of Public Relations.Contact her at [email protected].

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

MICHAEL SCHLUETER Michael is a freelance photographerbased in St. Peters. For over twenty-five years he has produced images foradvertising agencies, corporations, andmagazines. In addition to his commer-cial work, Michael also teaches andleads photography workshops as well

as creates fine art photographs. View his work andlearn more at www.schlueterphoto.com. 636.926.8181

Happy HolidaysWelcome to the 18th edition of StreetScape Magazine. As always, we invite you tocome as our reader and stay as our friend.

So grab your Snuggie and cuddle up with the winter issue of Streetscape Magazine.

It seems like during the holidays we are all on own “Amazing Race.” But this time wehave found the composer of the reality television show “Amazing Race,” Tom Morse.This story promises to bring the reality of Hollywood and the movie business to yourdoorstep.

But even as we race around with all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays we need toremember to stop and smell the roses or during this time of year the holiday greenery.We ve also helped you out in that regard with Dale Rohman, “America’s Flower Man.”The best part of that story is he’s right around the corner at New Town St. Charles.

In an exclusive interview with Albert and Deidre Pujols in their home in Wildwood, wehave brought the Pujols family values home. This a particular coup as the couple typical-ly does not grant in-home interviews. We were fortunate enough to meet personallywith the family, meet their children and watch Deidre in action in the kitchen. In thisissue you see that family and cooking as well as nourishment of the heart and soul areas important to our StreetScape family as yours are to you.

As we look ahead to 2011 StreetScape will continue our traditions with Fashion Weekand Beyond the Best awards.

In our new partnership with Xanadu Public Relations, we look forward to serving ourreaders and our clients in the coming year. Be sure to friend us on the StreetScape Mag-azine’s ‘LIKE’ page on Facebook to keep abreast of what’s going on with the magazineand various events throughout the year.

From all of us at StreetScape have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Be thankful! Be passionate. Life is not only good. It is GREAT!

Thomas P. HanneganPublisher and FounderStreetScape Magazine

Volume 5, Issue 3 • FALL 2010

TPH Media

223 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

PHONE 636-949-2973, FAX 1-866-231-6159

WWW.STREETSCAPEMAG.COM

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

aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at alltimes but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. StreetScape

magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement andassumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited

material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.© 2010 TPH Media. All Rights Reserved.M A G A Z I N E


Deborah AlessiMary BanmillerSusan BertholdNadine BoonDianne BurkemperErica ButlerSue CasseauJody CoxAnn DempseyBarbara DrantCindy EisenbeisSally FaithLorna FrahmBill GoellnerSheryl GuffeyMary Lou HanneganGrace HarmonMike HaverstickAnn HazelwoodChris HoffmanJason HughesJan KastMike KlinghammerChristopher KochMartha KooyumjianCaryn Lloyd Watson

Jeremy MalenskyNancy Matheny Denice McKeownBob MillstoneSandy MohrmannSuzanne MatyikoMaurice NewberryCraig NordenGrace NicholsKim ParisToekie PurlerKathy RobertsonMarc RousseauRocco RussoRichard SacksKeith SchneiderBob SchuetteTeri SeilerJoyce ShawKelley Scheidegger-BarbeeKaren VehlewaldAleece VogtBrian WatkinsBrian WiesMary WestGail Zumwalt

ADVERTISING

JUDY PETERSAs Director of Sales, Judy Peters usesher many years of PR and marketingexperience to consult with businessesand organizations on the many waysStreetScape Magazine may serve theirmarketing needs. Contact her at 636-

448-2074 or [email protected].

TERRY BELLAs Account Executive, Terry is respon-sible for establishing new business anddeveloping current business relations.Contact him at 636-936-3666,[email protected].

EVENT PLANNERS

KATE SANTELLANOKate is the producer of StreetScapeMagazine’s St. Charles Fashion Week.Please contact her for information andopportunities for 2011 Fashion Week.314-249-2454 [email protected].

DONNA COSTELLIADonna was a tourism professional for 25years as the Assistant Director of the St.Charles CVB. She is now an independentmeeting & event planner. Contact Donnaby email at [email protected] 314-341-2790 for your next event.

DISTRIBUTION

Call Tom Hannegan at 636-949-2973 or via email [email protected]

Distributed to:Chesterfield, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie,Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, St. Charles,St. Peters, New Town, O’Fallon, Weldon Spring,Wentzville, Wright City and Warrenton.

Smoke-Free • Free Birthday Dinner

www.eriosristorante.com

BEHIND THE SCENESADVISORY BOARD


Nana Jane’sNana Jane’s, located at 125 N. Main Street in St. Charles, is filled withunique treasures meant to both amuse shoppers and take them to aplace to reminisce.“Nana Jane’s is really a fun store. It just really is.And when I hear people laughing I have achieved my goal in makingthem enjoy the shopping experience,” said Barr.

When Barr and her husband were thinking of downsizing their home,the avid auction-goers and collectors of antiques realized many of theirtreasures would not fit into their new smaller home. So, Barr decidedto give the treasures a new home for others to enjoy and purchase.

“I’ve always enjoyed shopping and I’ve been shopping in the littleshops on Main Street for years,” said Barr. “It just all came togethervery suddenly.” Barr, who had been retired for 15 years, opened NanaJane’s in Sept. 2009.

The shop includes antiques and reproductions, giftware and interest-ing items that Barr picks up from auctions. Everything from silk floralarrangements to tableware to lamps and vases, the shop carries allkinds of home décor. New items change every time Barr goes to mar-ket.

The five room shop is filled with unique items from an oak ice box toa Hoosier cabinet to a gambling machine. “I have no idea what thegambling machine does, but it’s very cool to look at,” said Barr.

Barr never knows what she’s looking for when shopping at the marketor checking out an auction, until she sees it. Whether it’s a table or alamp, a vase or a cabinet, Barr lets her instincts take over. “I pick upwhatever catches my eye,” said Barr.

The shop also includes a room dedicated to Christmas all year. Christ-mas trees are decorated with unique styled ornaments that add awhimsical touch. “We have wonderful ornaments. My daughter and Ihad a lot of fun choosing the ornaments,” said Barr.

The shop also carries a line of jewelry made in America. And a chil-dren’s section includes juvenile jewelry and fun items like glow in thedark magic wands. “Grandparents and parents can also pick up treatsfor the kids,” said Barr.

The shop doesn’t cater only to women. Nana Jane’s has a section justfor men stocked with fishing lure playing cards, pockets knives andhumorous metal signs designed for the clubhouse.

“We’re trying to hit all areas that other people don’t have the space tocover,” said Barr. “We want to be different. If you’re looking for some-thing extraordinary, come to Nana Jane’s.”

HOLIDAY FEATURE

Black SheepMonogram & Gifts5359 Hwy N – Cottleville636- 939-9366

Silks & Treasures319 S. Main St.(636) 946-3319

www.silksandtreasure.com

Boutiques Boutiques Boutiques

The holidays are upon us. Christmas lights are twinkling from the rooftops. Beautifully wrapped gifts are piling up under-neath the tree. Shoppers looking for last minute memorable gifts can check out the many unique boutiques in St. Charles,St. Charles County and Chesterfield. n

Story by Amy ArmourPhoto by Michael Schlueter

Finishing Touchesby Charlotte825 South Main Street636-947-6330www.finishingtouchesbycharlotte.com

St. Charles CountyHistorical Society

101 South Main Street636-946-9828

[email protected]

Unique BoutiquesBoutiquesBoutiques

Meka BoutiqueMeka is a glamorous woman’s dream come true and a hot spot formothers and daughters looking for that special piece of jewelry, or apair of designer jeans. And don’t forget that little black dress for yourholiday party.

Run by a mother-daughter team, Meka, which is Hawaiian forMegan, opened shop in October. It was a surprise gift for MeganMeyer and a dream that started to materialize during a business classat Fontbonne University.

During her senior year, Meghan completed a business plan thatdetailed opening a clothing boutique. As a graduation gift last May,her father surprised Meg with the opportunity to turn her plan intoa reality.

With mom by her side, Meg is having lots of fun sharing her love ofbeautiful things with other women. “I like to shop and I like work-

ing with people and helping people find their look,” said Megan.

There’s something there for any woman looking to add some spice toher wardrobe. Megan pointed out that the boutique “has a youngvibe, but it’s a place where mothers and daughters can come toshop.” You can dig up a pair of Laguna Beach jeans, Big Star and orcool Hudson Jeans. And for a bit of western, Meka also carries OldGringo boots.

Meghan said boots are a big seller this season, whether it’s pairedwith jeans or a dress. She anticipated the Christmas jewelry fromJohn Wind to be popular. The collection includes vintage Santa andreindeer pieces.

“The jewelry is unique and pretty for the holidays,” said Meghan.

So if you’re looking something fun, stylish or flirty, drop by MekaBoutique located at 1634 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield.


HolidayGift Guide

Canine Cookies N CreamDog Bakery822 S. Main St. - St. Charles636-443-2266www.caninecookiesncream.com

The Lavendar SpaSt Charles

Gift Basketscall for appointment

(636) 926-7722 Hide & Chic205 North Main St.636-447-6561www.doublekleather.com

Jake’s on Main136 S. Main Street

636-724-9992www.jakesonmainstcharles.com

Carol’s Treasure Chest343 North Main St636-925-2800www.carolstreasure.com

Provenance Soapworks523 S. Main St. - St. Charles

636-577-1972www.facebook.com/

ProvenanceSoaps

Thro’s229 North Main St636-724-0132

Figuero’s InternationalGourmet Foods524 S. Main St. - St. Charles636-947-9847www.figueros.com

HolidayGift Guide


it Boutique & More3237-1 Rue Royale (New Town)636-916-2008Www.itboutiqueandmore.com

Main Street Books307 South Main St

636-949-0105www.mainstreetbooks.net

Fran’s427 South Main St.St Charles636-940-1919

H.A.M.’s Deli105 North Main St.

636-925-9996Hams-deli.com

Lia Sophia314-680-9750www.liasophia.com/marilynrufkahr

Vintner’s Cellar973 Waterbury Falls Dr. -

O'Fallon636-300-9960

www.vintnerscellarofallon.com

Posh Unique Boutique5343 Highway N(636) 939-3070

www.poshuniqueboutique.com

Renaissance Plastic Surgery& R medical spa145 St. Peters Centre Blvd636-896-0600www.RPSplasticsurgery.com

Seve’s Boutique201 South Main Street636-925-8584www.sevesapparel

Halo Candle Co.of St. Charles

720 South Main Street(636) 946-7711

www.halocandle.com/stcharles

Spool BoxV's Tailoring & Alterations4129 Mexico Road - St. Peters636-447-1550www.spoolboxtailoring.com

My Handyworks205 South Main Street

636.724.7337www.myhandyworks.com

Hams, Turkeysfor the holidays!

Carrie’s Boutique107 O’Fallon Commons

636-281-1254www.carriesboutique.com

Black Orchid salon & spa1452530 Old Hwy 94 South

636-244-0946Blackorchidsalonandspa.com


Carrie’s BoutiqueOwner Stephanie Robinson describes the shop as casual contempo-rary. Jackets and faux fur vests are popular this season at Carrie’s.And the hot holiday items are hand painted sweaters and jackets.Curio sweaters are a big seller.

Carrie’s team makes frequent trips to the east and west coasts tobring you the latest. The upscale shop in O’Fallon MO carries itemsfrom designers City Girl, Erin London, Pierre and Zoe D. to name afew. You can also pick up accessories, shoes, boots and purses.

“We have a lot of unique, one-of-a-kind items that not everyone willbe wearing,” said Robinson. And to ensure uniqueness, Robinsononly purchases small quantities of each item.

The shop carries tons of accessories to complete an outfit includingBrighton jewelry, sunglasses and hand bags.

Check out the website, www.carriesboutique.com.

Oma’s BarnOma’s Barn is really a barn and it is 100 years old! The shelves insidethe charming rustic red building are stocked with all kinds of holidaytreasures.

“We have everything you can think of to decorate your home forChristmas,” said Owner Lisa Hagemann.

If you’re looking for Santa, you will definitely find him at Oma’s.The store carries about 50 versions, from train Santa to Golf Santa toMartini Santa to Movie Santa to Wine Santa…and they even haveKaren Didion original Santas. The 16 to 20 inch dolls with bigbushy beards range from the very traditional Mr. Claus in a red vel-vet suit carrying a bag a toys to Ski Santa wearing a wool sweater andskis.

If you’re tired of dragging the same old Christmas year from thebasement year after year, Oma’s has trees set up throughout the shopdecorated in a variety of themes.

Wine Connoisseurs will love the ‘Wine Tree’ which Hagemann saysis selling like crazy. “Anything related to wine is on that tree,” saidHagemann. It is decorated with grapes, wine bottle ornaments, Santawith a wine glass and wine stoppers.

The barn is open from March 1 to Dec. 30. It has a heart-warminghistory of love and family. Hagemann is the great granddaughter ofthe original owner. Her sisters Lisa Cleaveland and Danielle Murrayhelp her run it.

“My sister and I wanted to do something together. We had an emptybarn on the family farm, so we said let’s do something with what wealready have,” said Hagemann. “We wanted to do seasonal retail,and we also wanted to do something inside and outside.”

Outside the shop, customers can purchase flowers, mums, pumpkinsor Christmas trees, depending on the season.

“Our store is enchanting. People love to come in because it makesthem feel good,” said Hagemann. “There are no pressure sales. Peo-ple come in and just wander through and sometimes stay for an houror hour and a half looking and shopping.”

Oma’s Barn is located in St. Peters, about 1.7 miles north of Inter-state 70 on Highway 79.

Jake’s on Main

A Christmas shopping trip led husband and wife Scott and SarahNewcomer into their latest business venture.

The Newcomers found the Life is good® brand while vacationing inDelaware. The couple loved the optimistic shirts and purchasedabout a dozen for Christmas presents, each shirt with a theme fittingfor a relative’s hobby.

“Everyone just loved them. And we thought maybe we should lookat opening one on Main Street,” said Newcomer.

The father of two was an airline pilot before he was furloughed short-ly after September 11. After being out of work, he decided to stay athome with his children Calvin and Kelly. Newcomer was a stay-at-home dad for five years before he opened the shop. “That was a verypositive experience in my life,” said Newcomer.

Life is good at Jake’s On Main. The clothing shop, located at 136 S.Main Street, offers the Jake’s on Main is a Life is good® GenuineNeighborhood Shoppe. The independently owned shop is solely ded-icated to the Life is good® brand.

“Our belief is focus on the simple things in life,” said Newcomer.

The main focus is on optimism and enjoying the simple things inlife. The shop carries casual lifestyle clothing for men, women andchildren, as well as homeware, pet supplies and exercise apparel.

“The store has made me even more optimistic,” said Newcomer. “It’sall about spreading good vibes in the community.”

If you’re looking for something for a woman in your life, women’spajamas are a hot item at Jake’s on Main. You can visit the store, orshop online at www.jakesonmainstcharles.com.

THRO’S/Michelle’sThro’s opened its doors at 229 North Main Street more than a cen-tury ago, offering current fashion trends for men.

Offering men’s clothing for work and play, the shop carries every-thing from suits to blazers to sportswear and shoes. Thro’s carries thefashionable brands like Tommy Bahama, Enro, Pendelton, AustinReed, Alex Cannon, Cutter & Buck and Florsheim.

Thro’s also offers alterations and free gift wrapping.

Frank Netsch, co-owner of Michelle’s, said the family-owned storeoffers personalized customer service.

Michelle’s opened inside Thro’s 45 years ago to bring current fashiontrends to women in business. The shop carries brands like Brighton,Tribal, Nic & Zoe, Woolrich, Adrianna Papell, Conrad C. and NotYour Daughter’s Jeans.

In addition to business suits and work clothing, Michelle’s also car-ries mother of the bride dresses and dressy evening attire.

Netsch said the dressy evening clothes would be popular for holidayget-togethers. Whether it’s a suit, an updated blazer, or glittery topsto be paired with black pants, Thro’s/Michelle’s can help its cus-tomers find the perfect look for the holidays.

Boutiques Boutiques BoutiquesBoutiques

Designer Resale BoutiqueShoppers looking for that perfect designer dress for the holidays, butwithout the designer price tag, can check out Designer Resale Bou-tique in St. Peters.

Located at 344 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, the consignment shop carriesthe better brand designers like Chico’s, Talbots, Anne Taylor, Loft,Banana Republic and Coach.

Owner Jamie Christopher said the shop carries all types and styles oflittle black holiday dresses from size 0 to 3X. “Mothers, daughtersand grandmothers can all shop together and everyone can find some-thing,” said Christopher.

Inventory is constantly changing at Designer Resale Boutique, with2,000 new items added to the floor every week. The shop carries alltypes of clothing from jeans and t-shirts to formal wear and loungewear. Women can sell their gently used items and earn some holidaycash. The shop pays 40 percent of what the item will be ticketed.

“Women can make money and get the most out of their clothing,”said Christopher, who has always loved searching for treasures. Andsome of the clothing comes into the store with the tags still attached.The shop also sells new and consigned jewelry. “We have some reallyunique pieces that people have brought in,” said Christopher.

“Jewelry is really hot this season. The statement pieces—the bignecklaces, bracelets and big rings,” said Christopher. And to com-plete an outfit, the shop carries purses. It not usual to find Coachpurses in the store.

For the ladies visiting a warm locale this holiday season, the shop hasa new line of swim suits available in all sizes.

“It’s a really fun place to shop,” said Christopher.

Finishing Touches by CharlotteFinishing Touches by Charlotte sells home and garden décor, as wellas items to complete your wardrobe. “We offer finishing touches foryou and your home,” said Owner Charlotte Schuman.

The six-room shop is stocked with all types and styles of items todecorate the home and garden. The shop has everything from lamps,vases, pictures and tables to complete a room. Schuman describes thestyle as transitional—which is modern but not contemporary.

And to help compliment a wardrobe, Finishing Touches carries sev-eral jewelry lines, including Chamilia, Annaleece, Treska and MarieOsmond.

HolidayGift Guide



Thirty-One GiftsChristy Weber

-Independent Thirty-One Consultant314.583.0538

www.mythirtyone.com/christyweber

Aly’s Interiors & Gifts5359 Hwy N – Cottleville

(636) 939-2597www.alysinteriors.com

Little Hills Winery501 South Main Street636-946-9339www.littlehillswinery.com

Baue Funeral Homes Gift Shops• 620 Jefferson• 3950 West Clay• 311 Wood(636) 940-1000 www.baue.com

Michelle’s229 North Main St.636-724-0132

Make It Meaningful/Thistle & Clover330 South Main Street636-946-2449www.thistleandclover.com

Schuman said Angel Wings by Linda Nall have been flying out ofthe shop. The bracelets and necklaces feature delicate angel wingswith intricate beading.

Schuman decided to open her own shop after spending years travel-ling to craft fairs with her handmade Victorian crafts. “I wanted tostop carrying my things around,” said Schuman.

“My idea is to be unique and different,” said Schuman. “I justchoose things and look for things that are different.” Her moreunique items, like decorative fans and a mouse that plays the piano,are some of her big sellers. “I just pick up whatever I think is cute,”said Schuman.

Finishing touches is located at 825 South Main Street in St. Charles.You can visit the visit at www.finishingtouchesbycharlotte.com.

Posh Unique BoutiqueCheryl Mackay opened Posh Unique Boutique at 5343 Hwy. N inCottleville five years ago to showcase her jewelry designs as well as awide selection of unique gifts. The shop offers custom jewelry forwomen, babies, children and tweens, as well as religious and inspira-tional jewelry.

You will also find a selection of belts, scarves and handbags. TheMiche Handbag line is popular and will save you money in the longrun. All you have to do is purchase the base bag, then switch coversto match an outfit or an occasion. The shop also carries Christmasornaments, bracelets, necklaces and rings that can be initialed.

“It makes it extra special for that person,” said Mackay, who has adegree in fashion design and art from Southern Illinois University.She also studied design, international marketing and illustration atthe Paris American Academy in Paris, France.

After working for several retail outlets, she turned her custom jewelryinto her form of art.

“I needed a creative outlet and jewelry was an easy art form,” saidMackay. “It didn’t take a lot of space and I could do it at night. I tryto find a collection of things that are really unique.” For the ArtGlass Collection, she uses hand blown glass beads, art glass and ster-ling silver to create earrings, bracelets, bookmarks and watches. Shealso uses freshwater pearls mixed with sterling and gold filled beadsto create her Children's Keepsake Collection.

“I absorb all of the trends in high end jewelry design and translate itinto moderate priced jewelry,” said Mackay. “I like to feature thingsthat are unique different.”



Nana Jane’s125 North Main St.

636-925-2442

The Bridgefair trade market

205 South 3224-1 Rue Royale(New Town)

636-724-9921www.TheBridge-online.org

European Accent426 S. Main Street

636-724-7677www.europeanaccent.net

Meka Boutique1634 Clarkson Rd

314-757-7011www.MekaBoutique.com

Walters Jewelry230 North Main St.

636-724-0604www.waltersjewelryinc.com

VON MAUR- The MeadowsHwy 40 and Lake Saint Louis Blvd636-561-7040www.vonmaur.com

HolidayGift Guide

Savvy Settingsresale boutique412 Boonslick Rd636-352-1629www.savvysettings.com

String Along With Me625 South Main Street(636) 947-7740

Oma’s Barn Home& Garden

1057 Hwy 79 - St. Peters(636) 278-4445

www.omasbarn.com


String Along With MeNeed the perfect piece of jewelry to compliment your holiday outfit?

Customers can find unique custom-made jewelry at String AlongWith Me, located at 625 South Main Street in St. Charles. The shopoffers a wide selection of handmade pieces. It’s owned by JaniceBoschert.

“I have a variety of jewelry for women to choose from to match withtheir personality,” said Boschert. She has helped many brides andprom-goers create a memorable piece of jewelry that will last a life-time.

“I can help bride’s choose jewelry that will help compliment hergown,” said Boschert. “A lot of young girls come in to get jewelry fortheir prom or to match special occasion dresses.”

Boschert has been designing and teaching women how to updatejewelry for decades. She said jewelry is continually wearable. “All youhave to do is change the length, or add a color to change it to workwith your new wardrobe.”

She decided to turn her hobby into a career when she opened up hershop in St. Charles in 1986. One-third of her business remains basedon custom made pieces. “I’m inspired by current designs, and I justgo with it,” said Boschert. “I have always designed. There’s always atime to design.”

String Along With Me also carries hats, clothing, Brighton jewelry,leather belts and purses.

“The trend is moving into chains of different lengths, with multiplecharms on one chain,” said Boschert. “Anything with hematitewould be great for gift giving. Bling rings and silicone watches arealso great.”

European AccentsIf you’re looking for fun and memorable gifts, drop by EuropeanAccents located at 426 S. Main Street, St. Charles.

The store carries the entire line of Vera Bradley handbags and match-ing accessories. You can design a modern day charm bracelet for thatspecial someone or choose from a selection of Kameleon jewelry, aunique collection that can be customized to fit your mood. The cen-ter pops out and can be replaced with different styles and colors.

The new line of ladies apparel includes jackets, fun tunics and outer-wear. For comfort and style, pick up a pair of Lindsey Phillips‘Switchflops’ with interchangeable straps. Also check out the cuteballet shoes, kitten heels and wedges with interchangeable snaps.

Fran’s On MainFran’s On Main offers gift items, collectibles, jewelry and accessories.

They have recently added more hats, scarves, umbrellas and purses.“We featured many of our new items in the Accessory FashionShows we held last spring and everyone loved them,” said Fran Hof-mann, owner.

In addition to Lampe Berger fragrance lamps, Fran’s has added anew line of aromatherapy products by Easy Scent. “We like to sellthings that make people feel good,” she added. That’s why you canalso find magnetic therapy jewelry at the store, located at 427 S.Main St, St. Charles. For more information and store hours, call636-940-1919. n


A Basket CaseCustom Gifts for Any Occasion636-578-5254www.a-basket-case.com


Story by Robin Setton JefersonPhoto by Michael Schlueter

He started out in Mr. Graef ’s South Junior High band in St.Peters. He ended up in Hollywood.

Thomas Morse, Los Angeles composer extraordinaire, has writtenscores for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and films, including“The Big Brass Ring” and a long-running reality television gameshow known as “The AmazingRace.”

Morse said he was a late bloomer asfar as performance musicians areconcerned, as he didn’t start saxo-phone and piano lessons until thesixth grade. “By the time kids are14, they’re already virtuosos andhave an absolute technical masteryof an instrument and the mostcomplicated repertoire,” he said.“My interest was always moregeared toward writing music.”

Morse continued in band through-out junior and high school per-forming in jazz and honors bands.But it wasn’t until eleventh gradethat he realized his love of musicjust might be a life-long endeavor.

“I started to write a piece of musicfor the whole band. The problemwas I didn’t have the skills to imag-ine what the whole band playingtogether might sound like,” Morsesaid. “I knew how to write andknew that the saxophones would play this and the clarinets wouldplay this and the tuba would play this. I could write it down but Idid not have the ability to comprehend what I was doing.”

It was a local conductor who would give him that knowledge. Mar-cia LaReau, conductor of the St. Louis city-wide honor band inwhich Morse played and director of bands at Southern Illinois StateUniversity at the time, is who Morse credits for “truly changing mylife.”

LaReau had a 1984 Alpha Centauri system that would realize acomposer’s score and create a computer simulation of a band play-ing the song. “It was super cutting edge in those days,” Morse said.

So LaReau took Morse’s music, called “Sans Peur Ensemble” (With-out Fear Together)—a song he said represented his friends’ and hispassion and innocence at the time—and recorded the individualparts into the system. “Suddenly I started to hear my music coming

back to me as a full concert band,”Morse said. “What I’d written workedabsolutely perfectly.”

After that, LaReau took Morse underher wing, giving him private lessonseach weekend and charging him noth-ing. Then one Saturday Morse arrivedlate to meet LaReau as she was con-ducting the SIUE band. “I heard thissound wafting down the hall. It wasthe most glorious sound I had everheard. It was my music being playedby 60 people. It was overwhelming.That’s when I knew that’s what I wasgoing to do for the rest of my life.”

Morse studied college level music the-ory in the evenings at LindenwoodUniversity (then Lindenwood Col-lege) while still in high school andwent on to attend North Texas Statein Denton, Texas where he receivedhis bachelor of music, majoring incomposition. For a part- time job incollege, Morse drove the equipmenttruck for the school’s band, liftingtubas and such onto and off of thetruck and driving for 10-hour spansto various competitions across the

nation.

But his focus and hard work paid off. The then 22-year-old wasawarded a full scholarship to the University of Southern Californiain Los Angeles for a post-graduate “Scoring for Motion Pictures”program.

“So I pack my bags and I go to Hollywood and my first apartmentwas right underneath the intersection of Highways 10 and 405—thebusiest intersection in the world,” Morse recalled. “It was a constant

Music Without Fear:An Amazing Race to T inseltown

FEATUREDMUSIC ARTIST


rumble. It was like Vietnam. Helicopters flew overhead constantly.”

The surprises Hollywood had in store were just beginning. At USC,Morse was part of an elite group of eight students who were hand-picked from over 500 applicants. “So suddenly I’m sitting in theroom with some of the most legendary Hollywood composers of ourtime—Jerry Goldmsith, Henry Mancini and John Williams. I playedin the Fort Zumwalt North Marching Band and now I’m sitting withthe guy who wrote the music for Jaws and E.T. and Close Encoun-ters of the Third Kind and Star Wars.”

His first classes involved going to recording at the 20th Century Foxsound stage. There he was introduced to a 110-member symphonyorchestra made up of “some of the best musicians in the world.” Thebuilding had a 100-foot ceiling under which sat the orchestrabetween the composer/conductor and a huge movie screen. “Whilethe composer is conducting the orchestra they can see the film andmake sure everything is in sync. Some people say composers are theactors you don’t see.”

A self-described novice in the entertainment industry, Morse did ashort stint at Walt Disney Studios as an office assistant. He quicklyproved his naiveté while answering phones at Disney. “One day aman called for one of the producers. He said, ‘This is Harrison.’ Isaid, ‘Can I get your last name please?’ I didn’t get it. I didn’t have thesophistication to understand they were developing Hollywoodmovies all around me. Michael Eisner was upstairs.”

Seduced by the wealth and the “beautiful people” of Tinseltown,Morse said he spent a period visiting clubs and getting to know peo-ple he thought could have an influence on his career. “I thought thatwas where the industry was. I didn’t make one connection then,” hesaid.

Morse purchased one of the first Pro Tools systems on a credit cardand started learning to write and edit music and sound. He startedwith dialogue editing or taking recorded sound from a movie set andbasically cleaning it up. It was the mid-1990s and Morse was master-ing the equipment, scratching out a living on B-movies, in the bed-room of his small apartment. “One of my first jobs was for the doc-umentary television series COPS. “I was the guy who put the bleepsin when people said bad words,” he said.

Then Morse got a call from a friend asking him to come out to aparty in the Hollywood Hills. “So I’m winding up the hills gettingcloser and closer to the Hollywood sign and I’m thinking people withmoney are in the hills. People like me are in the flats.”

When he arrived at the mansion where the party was being held, theowner of the home introduced himself as Matt and began to showhim around. “I had never been in that world,” Morse said.

But when they got to the basement, the wall hangings nearly knockedhim off his feet. “There were all of these awards all over the walls andI realized who he was.” Matt was Matt Sorum, drummer for legendaryhard rock band Guns N’ Roses. As it turned out Sorum wanted towrite music for movies. He had all the equipment but didn’t knowhow to use it. So he hired Morse to do it for him.

Before long, Sorum invited Morse to “take a spare bedroom” in his

mansion and Morse found himself living and working in a rock star’smansion in the Hollywood Hills. The two did Miller Genuine Draftcommercials (which netted them among other things a garage full ofthe beer) and the Twentieth Century Fox film “Great Expectations”among others.

Morse said his time in the Hollywood Hills was anything but ordi-nary. “One day I woke up to a loud and very strange sound. I wentdownstairs groggy-eyed. It was around 9 a.m. and there was a fullMariachi band in the living room performing for Matt.”

Apparently there had been a scheduling snafu. The band was sched-uled to record in the downstairs studio at 9 p.m. and not 9 a.m.Additionally, the sombrero-clad musicians “thought it was a gig, nota recording session, so they wore their outfits.”

”The funny thing is, I hardly blinked an eye,” Morse said “I got somecoffee and went outside to read the newspaper. The place was so sur-real that I didn't find it all that unusual that there was a Mariachiband playing in the living room at 9 a.m.

Morse has worked in the film and music industries as an orchestra-tor, composer, editor and musician. He has composed scores for morethan a dozen feature films including director George Hickenlooper’s“The Big Brass Ring” (Orson Welles' final script starring WilliamHurt and Miranda Richardson). He also worked with Hickenlooperon “The Man From Elysian Fields” starring Andy García, Mick Jag-ger, Olivia Williams, Juliana Margulies, Michael Des Barres andJames Coburn. Hickenlooper died in his sleep October 29. Morse


has worked with Poe, Michael Hutchence, Guns N' Roses, The Cult and others as astring arranger for pop albums. He created the exciting emotional music for producerJerry Bruckheimer's hit CBS television series “The Amazing Race.”

Morse also conducted the Seattle Symphony to record his score for “The Sisters.” Afterfinishing “The Amazing Race” Morse spent six years in Berlin, Germany where he setout to improve his skills and to “acquire a European sensibility.” He recorded a classicalcrossover album in London and Prague called “Kounterpoint” to be released early nextyear. He is now writing music for the Tim Roth African epic “In the Shadow of Wings,”which is shooting in Kenya and South Africa as well as music for the CCR clothing line.

After a brief stint in Nashville, Morse plans to return to Los Angeles for good.

“It's like Act II of my life. All of my old colleagues are welcoming me back, so it feelslike a reunion. A lot of people reminisce, ‘Gee if I could do it all over again.’ I feel likeI am getting to do it all over again in Hollywood, but now I'm a lot smarter and a lotmore skilled,” Morse said. “A lot of people have flashes of success in Hollywood, but veryfew are able so sustain it over the long term. My time in Europe gave me the maturityas an artist and a person, to be able to do that. My creative guns are loaded and I'm infor the long-haul.”

Though Morse said he still has many things to do, for a small town St. Peters boy, “It’sbeen a hell of a ride.” n

A LA CAR TE


Story by Robin Setton JefersonPhotos by Michael Schlueter

It’s a safe bet that whoever built the little cottage at 5525 OakStreet in Cottleville some 160 years ago never dreamed itwould be an exclusive reservation-only dining establishment,

or that the chef would be a world traveler with a resume fit forheads of state.

Stone Soup Cottage opened in June 2009 just off the main thor-oughfare across from the post office. The quaint French Countrydécor is complimented by unique antiquated dining pieces as wellas wine vessels from Syria, Morocco and Turkey and ladles from aTibetan monastery.

Handcrafted silver and Waterford crystal line the European-styletablescapes that include five forks, three knives, and soup and sor-bet spoons.

“When people sit down and see the table, they know, ‘I’m in forsomething special.’ The takeaway part is that you feel like you arecoming to the chef ’s home for dinner,” said Nancy McConnell.

Nancy and husband, co-owner and chef, Carl McConnell traveledthe world before returning to Nancy’s hometown of St. Louis andsetting up shop in Cottleville. Carl has visited 130 countries,Nancy 150. Both worked in the luxury travel industry for morethan two decades the last leg of which was in the South of France.

Chef Carl McConnell apprenticed with renowned Chef JamesMacDonald at the nationally acclaimed Tratoria Bella Ciao in AnnArbor, MI. There he learned the art of traditional southern Frenchand Italian cookery. From there, he continued his education at theLjungstedtska Skolan (Nordic Culinary School of Europe) inGothenburg, Sweden where he mastered vintage European prepa-rations. His education continued as he held executive chef posi-tions with cruise lines, rail lines, and private jet excursions and atthe Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, CA.

Nancy said Stone Soup Cottage is “very quintessential of the rusticfarm houses you see in the South of France. There were so manyhusband and wife teams with seasonal fare of the day. This is a farmto fork restaurant.”

Stone Soup Cottage seats up to 24 guests by reservation only Mon-day, Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch or dinner. Chef ’s tastingdinners are held Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Champagnebrunch is served Sunday. Menus are made up of six courses in atasting tradition. All courses are paired with a favored wine. Firstcourse might include roasted butternut squash and caramelizedsweet onion tartlet with pancetta gastrique paired with a 2007Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc from California. The fifth coursemight include a pheasant cassoulet with 2007 Wilderkrans Caber-net Franc from South Africa. The sixth course frequently is sabay-on with fresh berries. The prefixed menu changes every two weeks.

Stone Soup Cottage offers a “Chef ’s Tasting Menu” designed toshowcase the talent, creativity and seasonal selections of the chef.To do this, the chef creates a small portioned multi-course mealconsisting of delicately balanced flavors which progress throughoutthe menu. The dishes are comprised of seasonal, sometimes hard tofind or difficult to prepare courses that often have high quality andpremium ingredients. The technical aspects of the various cookingmethods are often expressed as the menu progresses course tocourse. “A tasting menu allows each guest to thoroughly experiencea wide variety of tastes, techniques, preparations and beautiful pre-sentations and also allows you to discuss each course in detail withyour table,” Nancy said.

Stone Soup CottageL o c a l C h e f B r i n g s a W o r l d l y Ta s t e t o C o t t l e v i l l e


The six-course meal delivered in a homey atmosphere is exactlywhat guests of Stone Soup Cottage are after. “There’s here for theduration. We are not turning tables. It’s solely about the food andthe wine and the company you’re with. No other restaurant doesthat.”

The McConnells decided early on that they wanted to be a part ofthe Cottleville community. After all, the name of their restaurantwas derived from the childhood story of a community who cametogether to keep from starving. The McConnells live just up thestreet from their restaurant. Their kids attend a local school. Andthey purchase almost all of the ingredients for their dinners fromthe local farmer, florist and baker. “The philosophy of Stone Soupis that we tried to work with the local purveyors, farmers and mer-chants,” Nancy said. “Our philosophy is to make a little contribu-tion not only to benefit the experience in the cottage but to helpthem as well.”

Stone Soup Cottage will soon be sharing its recipes with everyone.A much-anticipated cook book is expected to be in print in Febru-ary. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys and GirlsClub of St. Charles. Children in the club are currently working on

an artistic project showcasing their interpretation of what the bookStone Soup means to them in their daily lives. The winner’s picturewill be featured on the cover of the 1st edition cook book.

For more information call 636-244-2233 of visit www.stonesoup-cottage.com. Nancy strongly recommends calling months aheadfor special dates as the restaurant books quickly. n

Fresh Corn and Blue Crab Tartwith Tomato Coulis

1cp Corn, fresh kernel

2 tbl Yellow onion, fine diced

1 cp Blue crab meat, jumbo lump

1 cp Cream, heavy whipping

4 ea Puff pastry, cut 3” rounds

Salt and pepper to taste

For Tomato Coulis

1 pt Tomatoes, (peeled, seeded and diced)

2 tbl Garlic, fresh crushe

2 tbl Shallot, fine diced

1 ea Jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1/4 cp Olive oil, extra virgin

Sugar to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush puf f pastry rounds

with egg wash and lightly season. Place in oven and

bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside

and keep warm.

In a large sauté pan over medium to high heat. Add a

drizzle of olive oil. Add onions and corn and sauté for

no more than 4 minutes. Do not brown vegetables.

Add cream and reduce by half or until cream has

become very thick. Add crab meat and set aside.

With a serrated knife, cut tops of puf f pastry off. Fill

each puff pastry shell with crab mixture. Place puf f pas-

try lids on top. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes or until

piping hot. Serve immediately with tomato coulis.

Tomato Coulis

Combine all ingredients (excluding olive oil) and sim-

mer over low heat for 30 minutes. Season to taste and

finish with olive oil.

Makes 4 servings.

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Story by Amy ArmourPhotos by Michael Schlueter

Sloppy Joes and fish sticks are no longer on the menu atAndrews Academy.

The private grade school located in Lake Saint Louis re-vamped thecafeteria menu in August to include healthier lunch items.

Instead of chicken nuggets, students can have grilled chicken breastwith fingerling potatoes and snap peas. There will be no morefrozen pizza, but flatbread pizza made with fresh ingredients.

“Everything is fresh and made in-house,” said Ben McArthur, headchef at Andrews Academy. “We’re trying to stay away from preser-vatives and make everything fresh and healthy.”

Students can choose from pork loin basted with apple and brownsugar, a steak sandwich or homemade chicken pot pie. The cafete-ria also includes a salad bar and a potato bar, along with an assort-ment of daily vegetables.

McArthur, and the other two cooks at Andrews Academy, createthe recipes for the school. McArthur, who studied at L'École Culi-naire, has 18 years experience in the restaurant industry working atthe Ritz Carlton, Cardwell’s and Herbies.

When the menu first changed this summer, students questionedthe new food offerings.

“But the students have been taking (the new menu) very well,” saidMcArthur. McArthur said parents are loving the new menu, as it’sbroadening the palates of the young children.

“Kids at this age can be pretty picky,” said McArthur. “We want todo something that’s fresh and healthy, but also something that theywill eat.”

Using lots of fresh ingredients and creating the meals in house hasalso saved the cafeteria money, said McArthur.

One of the most popular new lunches has been the chickenpancetta with orecchiette noodles and asparagus.

“Now you can definitely tell that the kids are enjoying the newlunch menu,” said McArthur. n

HEALTHY CHOICES

Andrews AcademyGets Fresh and Healthy

Head Chef Ben McArthur

Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin with fresh Thyme


Story by Robin Setton Jeferson

There’s a sign that reads, “Kiss the Cook” above the buffetline in The Meadowlands Memory Care Neighborhood.Well, the truth is, everyone does.

April Hagan, one of two chefs in the Alzheimer’s unit of AssistedLiving at the Meadowlands in O’Fallon, MO makes eating a socialexperience for the residents there.

“I believe that you can present them with joy, happiness, love andwarmth and you can care about caring for them,” Hagan said ofher charges. “If you do these things, they are going to respond toyou.”

Hagan spends her days inventing new ways to serve the olderadults in her care—and not just at the dinner table.

“No matter what their cognitive disorders, people are still people,”Hagan said. “They want to feel welcome, useful and human likeanybody else. So many times they get put in a situation wherethey’re told, ‘Just sit down and I will take care of it.’ Nobody likesthat. Everybody wants to be a part of something.”

So a big part of Hagan’s technique is letting everyone she serves bea part of something. Like when she lets the ladies snap the greenbeans, or the men fold the cloth napkins and tablemats. Or whenHagan’s residents kneed the dough, make cookies or help her cleanup.

“Some people with memory problems tend to wander,” she said.“So instead of having them pour water into the steam table ordrink out of dirty cups, this is an option, to invite them into thekitchen.”

The Meadowlands memory care program is lead by a team special-

Fresh Ideas atThe Meadowlands

HEALTHY CHOICES

izing in dementia care that has been trained by the St. LouisAlzheimer’s Association. The Memory Care Neighborhood is spe-cially designed with purposeful wandering spaces, life stations, andother innovative programming that enhance physical and cognitivefunctions. Residents will find their days filled with therapeutic andmeaningful activities like Hagan’s.

Staff at The Meadowlands understands that being able to havemeaningful interaction with someone suffering from dementia andAlzheimer’s can become difficult and frustrating. That’s why theyoften conduct family coaching that helps friends and relativesinteract with their loved one.

The latest of these interaction training sessions will be carried outin Hagan’s kitchen where she is planning a Memory Care CookingWorkshop. The workshop will be open to the public and willinstruct caregivers on unique and interesting ways to prepare foodfor adults suffering from dementia.

“The big thing in memory care is to look at how the food looks onthe plate and the portion size,” Hagan said. “If you give them toomuch at one time, it turns their stomach and they don’t eat it.”

Mechanical soft and finger food cooking can make all the differ-ence, Hagan said. For instance a sandwich cut into halves is not afinger food, but one cut into fourths is. The people in the Memo-ry Care Neighborhood are often aged and have suffered strokes andother physical maladies. They need to be able to pick up and gripthe food with their thumbs and two fingers.

Overdoing the “soft” part of food preparation for seniors can beeven less appealing. Hagan said many senior living facilities tend toput everything in a food processor. “The trick is to make very smallpieces that are easily chewed,” she said. The technique not onlyproduces tasty entrees but offers dignity to seniors, especially men,who often feel humiliated at having their food cut up for them.

Hagan suggests tuna, egg and chicken salad, grilled chicken andeven pizza. White sauce is used on Italian dishes instead of redsauce to make digestion easier and pizzas have uncharacteristicallysoft crusts.

Hotdogs can be quartered and chopped and put into a pan withketchup, mustard, relish and even barbecue sauce. The finishedproduct can then be loaded into a hotdog bun and cut in threepieces.

These and other recipes will be demonstrated during Hagan’scooking workshop planned for early 2011. For more informationcall 636-978-3600.

Whatever the recipe, individuals with Alzheimer ’s disease or anykind of dementia want to enjoy their meals like anybody else,Hagan said. “They are like a five-year-old that’s raised a family,owned a business and earned a master’s degree. I have a homicidedetective, a dancer and an electrical engineer in the Memory CareNeighborhood,” she said. “They’re all still there.”

Hagan knows all too well the toll it can take on a caregiver livingwith and loving a person who is suffering from dementia. She caredfor her own grandfather, Harold Eaton, for years. A jeweler, Eatonwas also a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Her grandmother startedthe original petition to start the St. Louis County Library. Sheworked at the library for 37 years.

It’s part of the reason Hagan works so hard to keep her residents“healthy and stimulated. When a man who has been nonverballooks at you and says, ‘You’re a good cook,’ that’s what it’s allabout.” n


Chef April Hagan snaps green beans with residents.


Shopping is freeat Blessings Boutique

Story by Amy Armour

Operated by Harvester Christian Church, Blessings Bou-tique opens for two days each spring to give away new andgently used clothing, shoes and accessories for women and

children in need. The shop is located in the Family Life Center andis tentatively scheduled to be open on April 8-9, 2011.

“There are people who will cry because they are so thankful,” saidJo Anne Stearns, with Harvester Christian Church.

Last year, Blessings Boutique had a wedding shop—thanks to thedonation of 20 wedding gowns from a bridal shop.

“The (gowns) were breathtakingly beautiful. God just blessed us,”said Stearns. In addition, the undisclosed shop donated 20 pair ofbridal shoes, along with bridesmaid dresses, gloves and tiaras.

While Blessings Boutique does target women in need, the shop isopen to anyone. And everything is completely free. Cash donationsare accepted.

In the past, Nike has donated athletic clothing and shoes to theshop. And Dress Barn has donated new clothing as well. Maternityclothes, purses and shoes are popular items in the boutique.

“Purses and shoes are the first thing to go. We never have enoughshoes or purses,” said Stearns. Clothing and accessories left overafter the weekend will be donated to charities.

The week prior to opening, the shop will accept new and gentlyused clothing, shoes and accessories for women. To donate clothing,or for more information about Blessings Boutique, call 928-7651.n

CHARITYBOUTIQUES


New Life Resale Boutique

Story by Amy Armour

New Life Resale Boutique has a purpose much greater thanselling clothing for women.

New Life Resale Boutique offers female victims of domestic violencea chance to start over. Proceeds from the boutique—which is a partof the nonprofit House of Refuge Ministries—will be used to buildmuch needed transitional housing in St. Charles County. “There is atremendous need, and a gaping hole, for transitional housing,” saidCarla Campbell, president/founder of House of Refuge Ministries.

Campbell said there are only five domestic violence shelters in the St.Louis metropolitan area, offering women and children up to 90 daysof shelter. Lydia’s House is the only transitional housing in St. Louis,allowing women and children to stay for up to two years to get backon their feet, she said.

The Women’s Center in St. Charles County, a shelter offered byBridgeway Behavioral Health, helped 62 women and 56 children in2009. The shelter is forced to turn away hundreds of women andchildren each year due to a lack of space.

“We want to provide housing in a place that is safe for women,” saidCampbell. The nonprofit is looking to purchase an apartment build-ing that could provide shelter for about four women and their chil-dren.

“The women could stay for up to 12 months to get on her feet,” saidCampbell. And the boutique plays a huge part in making the transi-tional housing attainable.

Painted in pale shades of yellow and lavender, the shop is decoratedwith inspirational quotes. Sparkly pink lights hang on the walls,along with a T-shirt that says, “I’m not with Stupid (Anymore).”

The shop features gently used women’s clothing, shoes and purses. Inaddition, the shop offers new jewelry, some of which has beendesigned by survivors of domestic violence. Residents from OurLady’s Inn, a pregnancy shelter in St. Charles County, make keychains and decorative flip flops. A few former clients also sell theirproducts in the store.

“This is not a thrift store. It’s a boutique,” said Campbell. “The itemsare more upscale than a thrift store.” Shoppers can purchase silk bagsand business card holders, beaded necklaces and bracelets, all dis-played in beautiful glass cases.

The boutique was born from the nonprofit House of Refuge Min-istries which offers support groups for women who have been in aphysical or verbally abusive relationship.

“Some women aren’t ready to leave yet so they just sit and listen. It’sa place to cry and to be loved until they’re ready to leave,” said Camp-bell.

The nonprofit also offers case management to help women puttogether goals on how to move forward.

“A lot of women don’t know the resources that are out there, so theydon’t feel empowered to leave,” said Campbell.

The nonprofit opened an 800-square-foot suite in June 2006 tohouse its support groups, as well as offer women a place to makephone calls, access computers safely and utilize a fax machine. “It’s aplace where they can come and utilize the resources,” said Campbell.

The nonprofit also helps build the confidence of women by offeringhelp with job skills. They will help women fill out applications ordirect them to the Missouri Career Center to help put together aresume.

Women who have been abused are often in need of help finding ajob, Campbell said. “These women have been in relationships some-times where they’re told they’re stupid and won’t amount to anything.It makes the process of getting a job daunting,” said Campbell.

The boutique also plays a part in helping abused women transitioninto the workplace. The women will interview with the store manag-er and volunteer a few hours a week working in the boutique. Thewomen get into a routine of getting up and going to work, as well asearn some Life Bucks to spend in the store, Campbell said.

Volunteers from Kohl’s help the women with professional dress andcustomer service. Kohl’s department store also donated hangers andfixtures to be used in the resale boutique.

Norma Vermoilen is the store manager at New Life Resale Boutique.“I feel really, really humbled that she put me in charge (of the bou-tique). I feel like I’m fulfilling God’s purpose. I feel like this is whatI’m supposed to be doing now.”

There are lots of volunteer opportunities available within the organi-zation. From providing child care during support groups, to workingin the boutique to donating gently used women’s clothing and shoes,volunteers are always needed.

New Life Resale Boutique is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesdayand Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; andfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information visit www.houseofrefugeministries.com orwww.newliferesaleboutique.com. n



Achild dies every 15 seconds due to water borne illness andabout 25,000 people die every day from bad water, accord-ing to UNICEF.

Edge Outreach, a faith-based international nonprofit headquar-tered in Louisville, KY, is trying to lower that number. Hundreds ofEdge volunteers travel to developing countries every year to purifythe water systems and teach health and hygiene classes to commu-nities.

Edge Outreach opened a satellite office at 321 Boon’s Lick Road inSt. Charles in October. The office has already started training pro-grams to get more volunteers geared up and ready to travel to helpthe cause—bringing pure, clean water to developing countries.

Kurtis Daniels developed a system that works as a miniature watertreatment plant. A chlorine generator only requires a handful ofsalt, dirty water and a car battery to work. “We take it to develop-ing countries. We take the dirty water, purify it and make it drink-able,” said Claudia Daniels, logistics director for Edge Outreach.

One generator can purify enough water for 10,000 people a day.Since 2001, Edge Outreach has installed between 150 and 175 gen-erators across the world. The cost of a generator is $3,000 for a typ-ical village and $5,000 for a larger generator to be used for disasterrelief.

Edge takes volunteers through a two-day, hands-on training processto teach them how to install and work with the miniature watertreatment plants. Volunteers also learn how to teach the communi-ties proper health and hygiene.

“If people purify the water, but they bring dirty buckets or don’twash their hands or have animals in the kitchen, it’s contradictory,”said Jim Keagy, with Edge Outreach in St. Charles.

Claudia Daniels joined the nonprofit because she wanted to getinvolved in helping people. “I was looking for something to do tofill a hole in my heart…this is something I was meant to do,” saidClaudia, who travels to developing countries three times a year.

“It really hit me when I heard a mother say that they don’t celebratebirthdays until the child is 5-years-old because they probably won’tlive that long,” said Claudia. “A child is usually not named until theage of one…and mothers can’t lay their babies down because para-sites will suffocate them.”

More than 400 Edge volunteers travel to developing countries tohelp implement miniature water treatment plants. It takes two tothree days to set up the generator and train the local people onhealth and hygiene.

“The women are walking miles to get water that will kill their fam-ily, but if they don’t drink the water it will kill them faster,” saidClaudia.

Most of the Edge volunteers travel to Central America, visiting theDominican Republic, Haiti, India and Pakistan. But Edge trainsvolunteers who travel all over the world to help people with waterissues.

Edge Outreach was founded by Mark Hogg as a nonprofit ministryin 1995. After a mission trip to Kenya, Brazil and Costa Rica, theministry added water relief to its missions. “(Hogg) found a direneed for water and he thought there has to be a take care of this,”said Claudia Daniels. “With knowledge comes responsibility.”

So in 2001, Edge focused its efforts in providing safedrinking water for undeveloped countries. Edge alsoprovides hand pump repair training. Claudia said inthe 1980s there were a lot of hand pumps installed tohelp with the water problem, but more than 2 mil-lion are broken. “We’ve developed some tools thatare lightweight and easy to handle,” said Claudia.

The St. Charles office will offer water purificationand heath and hygiene training every other month.“It’s just another tool in their bag when they go toother countries,” said Keagy.

For more information about Edge Outreach, visitwww.edgeoutreach.com. “We’re always looking forpeople to get involved,” said Keagy. n

YOU CAUGHTOUR EYE

E d g e O u t r e a c h


Story by Robin Setton JefersonPhoto by Don Adams

The Lindenwood University School of Business and Entre-preneurship just moved into its new home and a step clos-er to Dr. Ed Morris’ vision to be one of the top three choic-

es in the St. Louis region by employees and students for businesseducation.

Morris, Dean of the University’s School of Business and Entrepre-neurship, hopes making the school’s home in the expanded andreconfigured Harmon Hall will increase visibility to Lindenwood’sfast growing programs in business education as well as give theschool’s students a sense of cohesion and identification.

“Formerly the (business) classes were spread out over a number ofbuildings throughout the campus,” Morris said. “Now the studentscan have more opportunities for conferring and working on proj-ects.”

Lindenwood effectively doubled the size of the building from30,000 to 60,000 square feet. The newly renovated and expandedhall provides students a number of breakout rooms, 17 classrooms,a boardroom, two auditoriums and closer proximity to the 38 busi-ness professors.

Currently 1,500 students are enrolled in the business school, 300of which are graduate students.

The business school also recently celebrated its accreditation by theprestigious Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Pro-grams—a third-party endorsement which puts the school underthe microscope for at least two years reviewing faculty credentials,staff learning outcomes, management and teaching effectiveness.

More than 200 people turned out October 15 for the ribbon cut-ting and grand opening ceremony at Harmon Hall-named forPresbyterian Minister Roy Harmon. The Rev. Harmon was fatherof now deceased long-time local business entrepreneur, philanthro-pist and Lindenwood Board President Ray Harmon. Ray Harmon’swife, Grace Harmon was present at the ribbon cutting.

Morris said he hopes the new state-of-the-art facility, with its sig-nificant technologies including Smart classrooms, Internet accessand Wi-Fi, will also supply well educated, principled professionalsto work in the region upon graduation thereby boosting the area’seconomy.

With its two auditoriums—fully equipped for distance learning viabroadcast talks and conferences—Morris said Harmon Hall willposition the Lindenwood School of Business and Entrepreneurshipto foster partnerships with leading business and industry in theregion. The Dunseth Auditorium named for Elizabeth Dunseth, abenefactor and alumnae, seats 110 people. The Harmon Auditori-um seats 50.

The school recently added “Entrepreneurship” to the school’s title.“We called it the Division of Management until three or four yearsago when we consciously tacked on entrepreneurship, partlybecause we think it is key to business education today for studentsto have a sense of entrepreneurship,” Morris said. “Whether theygo into business for themselves or work for a larger company, stu-dents need to know how to put together resources and think likean entrepreneur.”

For more information on the Lindenwood School of Business andEntrepreneurship, call 636-949-4840 or visitwww.lindenwood.edu. n

The Lindenwood UniversitySchool of Business and Entrepreneurship

YOU CAUGHTOUR EYE

(from left) Don Paule, LU Board of Directors and co-chair of thebuilding campaign; Ed Morris, dean of the LU School of Businessand Entrepreneurship; Patti York, mayor of St. Charles; James Evans,LU president; Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County executive; GraceHarmon (after whose family the building is named), LU Board ofDirectors; Rick Dixon, Grace Harmon’s son-in-law; Jean Harmon Hue-semann, sister-in-law of Grace Harmon and professor emeritus; JanDixon, Grace Harmon’s daughter; Gary Shaw, LU Board of Directorsand co-chair of building campaign; Lynn Harmon, Grace Harmon’sdaughter; Roger Ellis, LU business faculty; and Ronnie Osborn, LUBoard of Directors.


Christmas Traditions is a year-end holiday celebration stagedon Main Street in St. Charles. This special family event creat-ed by the South Main Preservation Society was born of mod-

est beginnings in the 1970s.

Now more than 30 years later, Christmas Traditions remains one ofthe favorite St. Charles attractions for visitors from far and near.Here’s an “at-a-glance” look at what’s happening for the holidays thisyear:

Santa Parade – 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; begins at 1000South Main and ends at 200 South Main where the Christmas Tra-ditions cast perform a family-friendly program in Berthold Square.

Pictures with Santa – Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun-days from Noon to 5 p.m. in the lower level of the St. Charles Visi-tors Center, 230 South Main Street.

Christmas Legends – be sure to meet and greet more than 20 color-ful characters, with Santas from around the world. Collect the 2010holiday trading cards, too!

Santa’s Train Land – Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sun-days from Noon to 5 p.m. in the 200 block of North Main Street.

Shopping by Sparkling Lights – 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fri-days and Saturdays throughout the historic district on North andSouth Main Street.

Candlelit Procession – from 8:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridaysand Saturdays; begins in the 900 block of South Main and ends inBerthold Square, featuring the Cobblestone Wassaliers.

Skate in the Park – St. Charles outdoor ice rink will once again belocated in Frontier Park, along the Missouri riverfront. Refer to thetourism website for complete details.

St. Charles Christmas Tree – Berthold Square in the 200 block ofSouth Main Street.

The Kissing Ball – Kister Park Gazebo, 400 block of South MainStreet.

While you’re in town, don’t forget there are more than 120 shops,restaurants and pubs in the historic district. So whether you’re insearch of a hot meal, a cup of java, the perfect holiday gift or a placeto toast the season, discover all that is St. Charles!

For more information or to receive a copy of the 2010 eventbrochure, call the tourism office or access the festival online atwww.stcharleschristmas.com. n

Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau230 South Main StreetSt. Charles, MO 63301

636-946-7776www.historicstcharles.com

Christmas Traditions


Photos by Joel H Watkins IV

With the Winter months ahead, its nice to know one canentertain and educate ones self at wonderful facilitieslike museums. According to Webster’s Dictionary,

museums are to provide a place for displaying artistic, historical orscientific objects. Most museum highlight their particular field ofinterest, so you know what to expect. They can be enjoyed at vari-ous levels in your local region.

The St. Charles County Historical Society is a fine example of whatlocal cities can do to enhance their history and research. This muse-um publishes a journal and other historic materials.

St. Charles County has a new Heritage Museum that offers 5 dis-play rooms in an 1857 building, built by Lawrence Cribbin.

A reconstructed 3,000 square foot barn houses larger displays ofinterest.

The state’s Missouri History Museum is an amazing collection ofhistory as well as exhibits that are routinely changed for repeat vis-its. It has a library and research center, and a first class gift shop.

Many historic homes do a marvelous job at housing their own col-lections. St. Louis features 6 museum homes. An example is theCampbell House that displays gowns from 1850-1870, along withthe educational components.

For those folks who are not “museum junkies” and easily bored atsuch places, there are many unique museums that can arouse yourcuriosity.

A MISSOURI MILEw i t h A n n H a z e l w o o d

MISSOURI MUSEUMS!

TRAVEL


The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri was featuredon “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” as one of Missouri's most unusualmuseums. George Glore had been collecting psychiatric treatmentdevices for over 40 some years.

The Museum of Telephone Pioneers is located in the charmingtown of Blackwater, Missouri. The collection of phones, switch-boards and other phone novelties were donated by a retired execu-tive from GTE, and are displayed in the former Bank of Blackwaterbuilding.

If you are ever near St. James, Missouri, you may want to pay a visitto the first ever Vacuum Cleaner Museum. Tacony Corporation willsuck you in on a visit down memory lane with products from Kirbyand Electrolux. There are even examples of what cleaning was likebefore electricity.

Independence, Missouri is known for many things like PresidentHarry S. Truman and his famous library and museum. Just waithowever; folks are likely to tell you about Leila’s Hair Museum. LeilaCahoon, a lifelong cosmetologist, followed the evolution of hair art.You’ll see over 200 hair wreaths, jewelry and oddities made of hair.She has authored 3 books on hair. Their titles are; the Genealogy ofHair, How to Make Hair Wreaths, and a children’s book on hair.Pretty hairy, huh?

If you are a frequent visitor to Branson, Missouri, you won’t want tomiss the Titantic Museum. When you enter, you receive a boardingpass bearing the name of a Titantic passenger. They recreated all thevisuals like the grand staircase. You’ll see historical artifacts and pho-tos, plus sounds of that very horrid event.

Beauty and art can be enjoyed by most everyone, like at the St.Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. This magnificent building wasdesigned for the 1904 World’s Fair and was the only building tobecome a permanent structure. It continues to bring the finest artfrom around the world.

Small collections of beauty can be singled out like the HavilandMuseum in St. Charles, Missouri. It contains over a thousand piecesof Haviland China collected by one owner. The historic Newbil-McElhiney House and it's furnishings are a plus to it’s function andbeauty.

Hundreds of museums are in existence in this diverse state and moreand more are created everyday. They are generally free to attend,except special exhibits which sometime request a fee.

You don’t have to leave your home state of Missouri to enjoy muse-ums with your eyes, mind and body! n


Coffee with a Cause

Story by Amy Armour

The non-profit coffeehouse is also a fair trade market wherecustomers can purchase unique items created by artisansand farmers from 35 different developing countries.

“We try and educate people on how to use their purchasing power.This is a tangible way to show how (shoppers) can help people (inother countries),” said Paul Dinkins, community curate for coffee-house.

As a fair trade market, farmers and artisans from other countriesreceive between 25 and 40 percent of the final sale value, instead ofthe typical one to five percent from a regular store, according toDinkins. “Our tag line is community coffeehouse/fair trade mar-ket,” said Dinkins.

The nonprofit coffeehouse got its start thanks to grants from theReformed Church of America and the Evangelical LutheranChurch of America. The coffeehouse is run by a partnership teamwhich is staffed mainly with volunteers.

According to its Web site The Bridge was named “from a desire tobridge cultures, ethnic differences, racial division, socio-economicdisparity, and religious divides.”

“New Town is a very interesting community and that communityfocuses on a lot of values that we like,” said Dinkins.

The coffeehouse offers a full expresso and coffee bar, along withsweet treats. The shop also includes a children’s area, stocked withtoys, pillows and books to keep the kids entertained while parentsstop for some caffeine and camaraderie. “We’re very kid-friendly,”said Dinkins.

Dinkins said the mission of the shop is “doing justice…lovingkindness…walking humbly with God.” Every month, the Bridgedonates 50 percent of its tips to a charity or cause.

The coffeehouse is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturdayand from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Visit www.thebridge-online.org for more information. n

STATE YOURBUSINESS


Story by Robin Setton Jeferson

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skiesfrom pain. Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? Asmile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?”

The words from Roger Waters’ acclaimed “Wish You Were Here”album epitomize the essence of what St. Louis’ own Pink Floydtribute band “El Monstero Y Los Masked Avengers” seeks toaccomplish. Most fans can’t tell the difference between the seem-ingly immortal English progressive rock group and El Monstero.

Released in September 1975, “Wish You Were Here” was the sec-ond Pink Floyd album to use a conceptual theme written entirelyby Waters and echoes his feelings for former band member SydBarrett, whose alleged drug-induced breakdown forced him toleave the band before its hey day.

Celebrating its twelfth year, El Monstero will return to The Pageantin The Loop at 8 p.m. December 17, 18, 22, 23, 25 and 26. Whathas become a holiday tradition for many local fans, the annual“Wish You Were Here” concert features founding member KevinGagnepain (bass/vocals), Bryan Greene (electric and acoustic gui-tar), Mark Thomas Quinn (lead vocals/guitar/lap steel guitar),Jimmy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar), John Pessoni (drums/vocals),Bill Reiter (keyboard/vocals), Jake Elking (keyboard), Dave Farver(saxophone), and Ermine Cannon, Tandra Williams and MelindaMierek (vocals). All of the musicians are St. Louis natives and mosthave been in bands that were signed to major record labels.

El Monstero is an off-shoot of the band “Stir” which signed with

Capitol Records in the late 1990s. Originally El Monstero playedclubs in between tours of Stir, performing mainly cover songs.“During the last set, El Monstero would do the last half of ‘DarkSide of the Moon’,” said band member Bryan Greene. “We just gotan unbelievable response. People were coming out just to see thatpart of the show. So Kevin Gagnepain said, ‘What if we did anentire Pink Floyd show?’” Gagnepain enlisted Greene from themusic store where the two worked at the time and the tribute bandwas born.

El Monstero’s first appearance was a single-night, sold out show atMississippi Nights in 1999. The group donned Lone Ranger masksso as not to be recognized from Stir. Today, the show spans sixnights at The Pageant and has developed a massive loyal fan base.The nearly three-hour production focuses on the Gilmour/Watersera of Pink Floyd, featuring songs off of the albums “Meddle,”“Dark Side of the Moon,” Wish You Were Here,” “Animals,” and“The Wall.”

David Gilmour is best known as the lead guitarist, one of the leadsingers, and one of the main songwriters in Pink Floyd. FoundingPink Floyd member, Roger Waters, was the conceptual leader,composer, lyricist, bass player and co-lead singer for the group.Pink Floyd achieved worldwide success in the 1970s with the con-cept albums, “The Dark Side of the Moon, “Wish You Were Here,”“Animals” and “The Wall.” It is estimated that the group has soldover 200 million albums worldwide, including 74.5 million unitssold in the United States alone.

With each yearly show and as the first decade of the 21st centurypassed, El Monstero continued to put money back into its Pink

An Annual Holiday Tribute to Pink Floyd

FEATUREDMUSIC ARTIST


Floyd tribute show. Within a few years of moving from MississippiNights to The Pageant, the show was selling some 2,500 tickets.

Greene admits the whole group is comprised of “huge Pink Floydfans. That’s why the music conveys so well to the audience. We arevery passionate about playing the music and playing right. These aresome of the best musicians in St. Louis, hands down.”

Most of the band would love to take the show on the road and “givethe Australian Pink Floyd tribute band a run for their money,”Greene said. The Australian Pink Floyd Show, also known by theacronym TAPFS, is a Pink Floyd tribute band formed in 1988 inAdelaide, South Australia.

Greene said there is a production plant in Germany that does noth-ing but produce “The Dark Side of the Moon” albums 24 hours aday, seven days a week. There’s a reason for that, he said. “The musicand the lyrics are unique and timeless. There is nothing out theretoday or even with the bands of that area that grabs you like PinkFloyd. These people crafted songwriting. They crafted lyrics. Theycrafted playing their instruments. Today people don’t practice theirinstruments. It’s just a machine. They can go buy guitar hero or getPro Tools and Auto Tune to correct the pitch of their voice.”

The messages of the lyricists are timeless as well. The eleventh studioalbum of Pink Floyd, “The Wall” was released November 30, 1979.As with their previous three studio albums, “The Wall” is a conceptalbum, and deals largely with themes of personal isolation. It was firstconceived during the band’s 1977 “In the Flesh” tour, where Waters’grew increasingly disillusioned with stardom and the godlike status

that seemingly mindless fans grant to simple rock stars. Waters beganto imagine building a wall between the performers and audience. Thealbum is a rock opera that centers on the character Pink, who is large-ly based on Waters. Pink’s life experiences (each considered bricks inthe wall), which begin with the loss of his father during WWII, andcontinue with abuse from his schoolteachers, an overprotective moth-er and the breakdown of his marriage, factor into his self-imposedisolation from society, represented by the metaphorical “Wall” of thealbum title.

“The Dark Side of the Moon” remained in the charts for 741 weeksfrom 1973 to 1988, longer than any other album in history and iswidely considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. It’sthemes include conflict, greed, the passage of time and mental illness.

El Monstero goes to great lengths to create a visual and audio experi-ence to pay tribute to the depth of the music of Pink Floyd. Greenesaid band members have spent literally tens of thousands of dollars onauthentic gear to make their performance as close to the sound of theoriginal recording as possible. High watt guitar heads as well as a$25,000 rack system recaptures the sounds of the effects that are notmade anymore. Keyboard players’ outboard gear recreates authenticsounds of “The Wall” and “The Dark Side of the Moon” era, he said.

Tickets to El Monstero’s show are available at The Pageant box office,all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tocharge by phone, call 800-745-3000. Information on VIP balconyticket packages with the Moonrise Hotel is available at www.thep-ageant.com. n


Jim Lloyd,CPA

Sue Miller

Julie Pryor

40 Portwest Court • St. Charles, MO 63303

636.946.3411“Work Hard — Play Hard”

Caryn Lloyd Watson,CPA

Story by Kate Santellano

If there were to be a “quintessential” mother, the award wouldhave to be bestowed upon June Cleaver. Perhaps the same canbe said about the entire cast of Leave It To Beaver, the famous

comedy that became popular in the 1950’s. While the series’ star“Beaver” Clever discovers the wonders of the world he grows up in,June is there to make sure he’s staying out of trouble and has hislunch packed properly for school. June definitely set the standard inher day of being the sweetest mother on the block.

In 1940, according to the Employment Policy Foundation’s Centerfor Work and Family Balance, 66 percent of working householdsconsisted of single-earner married couples. By 2000, that percent-age had dropped to less than 25percent. By 2030, the center esti-mates, a mere 17 percent of house-holds will conform to the tradi-tional “Leave it to Beaver” model.Having approximately 70% ofparents using childcare facilities ofsome kind it is every parents mis-sion to find a June Cleaver atmos-phere!

Move over June Cleaver, St.Charles has found a real life facili-ty that rivals any television show!The Waverly Forest Academy ofEarly Learning is the newestchoice in early childhood educa-tion. It opened its doors in March2009 from a commitment to provide families with a positive nur-turing environment. It has a strong influence on family, and accord-ing to Angie Nesslage, founder of Waverly, “our vision is simple.Smaller is better. It is the little things that matter most at WaverlyForest Academy and we genuinely care about each child and fami-ly.” Starting with 9 children, the word quickly spread about theirphilosophy and grew enrollment to 102 families in just over a year.

Not only does the center surpass State of Missouri standards byincluding with tuition such extra curricular activities as Spanish,yoga, and sign language and complimentary parent training nightsby the onsite family specialist Renee Knobbe, and low teacher tochild ratios, but it offers an atmosphere that is just like home, mak-ing it easy to leave your child for the day. While June Cleaver maynot greet you at the door, you can expect to see a familiar face. “Youcan tell the minute you walk in the staff cares about your kids asmuch as you do. They are so personable and dedicated to making ita truly special place to take your children,” said Lisa Wetzler whohas taken her children since they opened.

“The teachers are highly qualified, educated and devoted,” sayAngela Nesslage, Director of Waverly Forest Academy. “All of our

team members have a sense of community and responsibility. Webelieve our team is critical to our success and we treat them as val-ued members of our Waverly Family.”

The day at Waverly starts with an “opening ceremony” that isunique to the center. It is designed to bring all the rooms togetherand cheer that they are there, sing for the sick and pledge of alle-giance. A song of the day completes the ceremony where childrengo on to their activities. This allows the children and teachers toknow each other and again instilling a sense of community andfamily. Teachers such as Sara Laurence help make Waverly a specialplace. “We believe in the family atmosphere and keeping the fami-ly involved. We are focused on keeping families informed and emailparents daily various pictures showing their kids days as well as gen-

eral information about their chil-dren and their classrooms. We talkdaily to our parents about what isgoing on with our classroom andtheir child and we work as a teamto create the best environment foreveryone.”

Many amenities are offered solelyto accommodate parents and theirbusy schedules. How many placesdo you know that while droppingoff your child at school, you canalso drop off your dry cleaning,arrange for haircuts, order cup-cakes to be delivered for birthdays,making it a fantastic conveniencefor the busy parents. And if that

isn’t enough to make it the envy of all childcare centers, their “cof-fee on the go” which allows parents to grab a cup of coffee for thecar, seals the deal! “These conveniences provide families with moretime to be together at home. They have more time to focus onbeing truly present with their children,” said Nesslage. Familynights are another great way for the families to connect and buildlifelong relationships. While June Cleaver may not be there to cre-ate the meal, it is as close to the perfect balance of early childhoodeducation and family as you can get. “Family nights allow us tocome together as one big family to catch up,” Nesslage said.

Waverly is a center where children, families and team members aretruly valued, loved and nourished. Being one of the few centers inthe area that offer part time infant and after school programs showstheir desire to meet the needs of all families.

While many parents may not be able to send their kids off to schoolwith a hot breakfast or greet them after school with warm cookies,it is still possible to have a warm and loving family environmentthat enriches children both academically and socially. Waverly For-est Academy is an extension of your family the moment you walkthrough the doors. n

STATE YOURBUSINESSL i t t l e T h i n g s M a t t e r


Make BelieveTheatre & Arts Centre


You can hear the passion for music in Beth Duelo’s voice. “Myvoice is a big part of who I am. I want to share that love andenjoyment that the arts have given me.”

And that she does. Whether it’s acting in community theatre, per-forming in a musical at the Muny or belting out a tune with thePatt Holt Singers, Duello was born for the spotlight. The full-timemusic and choir teacher is now bringing her love of the arts to St.Charles. She opened the ‘Make Believe Theatre and Arts Centre’ inJune.

“I wanted to have a place in St. Charles where kids can feel confi-dent and be creative and use their imaginations,” said Duello.

The Theatre, located at 307 Droste Road, gives children an avenueto express themselves in a fun atmosphere. On any given day, youwill find little ‘stars’ creating costumes, learning lines in a play orsinging and dancing.

“I really feel strongly when it comes to the arts,” said Duello. “I real-ly want to get kids to open themselves up to the arts, and feel com-fortable and good about themselves.”

The theatre, filled with vibrant paintings of fairy tale characters, hasactivities for children of all ages. In a “Taste of Theatre” class, olderchildren from 8 to 12 get to experience everything involved in atheatre production. They read scripts, learn how to improvise, par-ticipate in storytelling and build acting skills. The class wraps upwith a wonderful production for family and friends.

In the “Broadway Song and Dance Revue”, kids sing and dance topopular songs from Cinderella, Annie and Mary Poppins.Preschoolers put their dancing shoes on in the creative movementclass or learn some new songs in the Music for Me classes.

The Theatre also offers themed birthday parties where children getto dress up and participate in games and activities based on a cho-sen theme like knights of armor or fairy princesses.

Learning the arts from Duello is truly a gift for her students. Shehas a degree in music education and teaches music and choir full-time at Hazelwood West Middle School. She’s also the children’smusic director for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, directorof the Duchesne Branch of the National Pastoral Musicians andserves on the board for the St. Charles Crescendo Series.

It’s no surprise that Duello found love while doing what she loves.She met her husband Phil during her time with the Patt HoltSingers, an impressive world-renowned show group that has per-formed for five presidents. The couple has no children but gets somuch joy from spending time with a brood of nieces and nephews.

The music genes run deep in the family. Her sister Jane BoschertJennings and her brother Michael Boschert are professional operasingers. Her father Paul Boschert was known around town for hissinging.

“We are a musical family. We all can at least sing,” said Duello.

There is no doubt that the arts will always be an important part ofDuello’s life.

“My voice is a big part of who I am. I want to share that love andenjoyment that the arts have given me. I feel very proud of whatwe’ve done. And I think it’s very important to give back to the com-munity.”

Santa will be visiting the Make Believe Theatre and Arts every Sat-urday in December. Parents can drop off kids for some holidayactivities while mom and dad complete their shopping list. Visitwww.makebelievetheatreandarts.com. For more information. n

STATE YOURBUSINESS


Beth Duello, owner & director with students

WARM LAYERS & NEUTRAL TONES FOR A WINTER ATTITUDE

This page on Sara:

Heather grey sweater

dress by Ryu from It

Boutique, black blazer

by Vintage Havana from

Seve’s Boutique.

Opposite page on Hannah:

Black Military Coat by

Costa Blanca from It Bou-

tique, black knit scarf from

Moss Boutique.

This page on Sara:

White long sleeve T-Shirt by

Alternative Apparel from It

Boutique, faux fur Vest from

Michelle’s, olive green cargo

pants by J-Brand from Pulse

Boutique, bangle bracelets

from Moss Boutique.

Opposite page on Hannah:

Silk and velvet Tunic by

Nicole Moss from Moss

Boutique, dark grey long

hooded sweater by Gentle

Fawn from Pulse Boutique,

rhinestone layered necklace

from Moss Boutique, dream

catcher chain necklace from

Seve’s Boutique, black knit

hat from Moss Boutique.


STATE YOURBUSINESS

Story by Robin Setton JefersonPhoto by Michael Schlueter

Dale Rohman has been featured on NBC’s Today Show,CNN’s Morning News, Discovery Channel’s Home Mat-ters, HGTV’s “Today at Home” and “Our Place” and the

DIY Network for his love and knowledge of flowers. In his 45-yearcareer, “America’s Flower Man” has written two books and mademore than 25,000 events come alive with flowers.

But when the renowned master of floral design decided to open hisown shop at New Town, even he had second thoughts. “I said to thedog, ‘What the hell did we do?’” Rohman recalled of the late-nightconversation he had had recently with “Dolly” the beagle and bestfriend he rescued a year ago from a local shelter.

Rohman’s twin brother cleared his labored conscience though. “Hesaid, ‘I know why you did it, because you’re Dale. It’s who you’vealways been.’”

Indeed. Rohman started cultivating his passion for flowers earlywhen he asked his father if he could plant a garden in a small spacebehind the garage of their St. Louis home. “He said yes,” Rohmanrecalled. “He thought I was going to plant tomatoes and corn.Instead I planted roses and marigolds.”

After years of designing some of the most spectacular parties andweddings in St. Louis, Rohman will open “The Second-Hand Rose”in New Town St. Charles on December 4. An eclectic boutique fea-turing unique, elegant items he has hand-selected to enhance homeand garden, The Second-Hand Rose will start Rohman on what herefers to as his next “journey.”

He’s assembled a collection of stunning antiques, fine furniture,American primitive furniture, handmade quilts, antique clocks, walldécor, home accessories, books, florals, depression and holiday glassand holiday decorations.

“I’m living, laughing and dancing with my passion,” Rohman said.“The Second-Hand Rose is the perfect voice to express what I’vealways found true. What once was loved can still be cherished.”

Rohman created a name for himself in the floral industry in the lasthalf a century from Honolulu to New York, but is most well-knownfor his entertainment tips, his presentations utilizing unusual mate-rials and his ability to create elegance on a shoestring budget.Rohman brings a lifetime of love for flowers and design to his sold-out seminars and how-to lectures. His style included weaving histo-ry, traditions and fascinating folklore into presentations loaded witheasy to replicate centerpieces, memorable floral arrangements, eye-

catching holiday displays and dramatic party decorations.

Rohman said he “married the boss’s daughter.” The bossowned Kruse Flower Shop in Clayton. After turningdown what his own father thought was an incredibleopportunity to attend Washington University on theMetal Goods Corporation’s tab (Rohman worked at thecompany then), he went into floral design. The planshocked his father until he realized his son was going outon his own. “He didn’t like that at first. But he alwaystold us that to be successful, you have to be in businessfor yourself. So when I went into business for myself, hehad a whole new opinion of the flower industry.”

Rohman’s wife and the mother of his three childrenpassed away two years ago. About a year after that hedecided to get Dolly. His second journey had begun. “Ifound I was in a fog, kind of lost. I knew what I neededwas a new adventure. I thought Joan is gone but my jour-ney is not over.”

His daughter proclaimed his decision on Facebook with

‘America’s Flower Man’ Plants a Rosein New Town


an interesting post. “She said, ‘Dad has a new lady in his life. She’smoved into the house with him, but just between you and me Ithink she looks like a dog.’”

Rohman’s daughter also gave him a tattoo on his leg of his favoriteflower—the sunflower—for his 60th birthday. “Before they were sopopular, people considered them as weeds,” Rohman said. “I canremember years ago driving out toward Cottleville to find them onthe side of the road. Their personality is like me, bold and brassy.”

Although now in the furniture and gift business, Rohman will stilloffer tips on what’s hot in the flower market. Currently alstromeriaor the Peruvian lily, gerber daisies, white stargazer lilies and callalilies are certainly popular, he said.

He said it bothers him that people forgo flowers so often because“they die. We are all going to die. If you enjoy them, then enjoythem for the three to five days then let it go and move on to some-thing else,” he said. “I think we need to have flowers in our liveseveryday, not just on special occasions. As a child I probably under-stood that.”

Rohman said flowers are like snowflakes in that no two are alike, butthe reaction is always the same. “How many mothers have receiveda bouquet of dandelions from their child. It’s that thrill. Every timeflowers are given it’s that kind of feeling people get. The best reasonto give flowers is for no reason at all. With all that’s going on in theworld today, we need as much beauty as we can get.”

Tips for fresh cut flowers abound in Rohman’s book, “Kitchen SinkFlorist.” But he’s always willing to share. A mixture that keeps flow-ers fresher and doesn’t have to be purchased includes ½ tsp bleach(kills the bacteria in the water), ½ tsp sugar (acts like food) to every1-1/4 cup of water. Rohman said to cut stems at an angle whichgives them a wider space from which to draw water and to put newroses in ½ hot and ½ cold water. Then when the roses open asdesired, put them in cool water. “They will stay open longer thatway,” he said. Half and half of white soda (not diet) and water isalso a good mixture for cut waters to feed from.

Putting an aspirin in the water of cut flowers is a myth, Rohmansaid. “It doesn’t do a thing. Save your aspirin for your hangover.”And dripping wax where petals enter the kalax of tulips keeps themcupped thus saving tulips for longer.

Rohman said it was his grandmother who introduced him to andencouraged him with flowers. She actually let him pick her flowers.“There were flowers blooming everywhere in her garden. I credither for encouraging my passion for flowers. My mother thoughtflowers were just to look at but grandma let me pick them.” Hisgrandmother’s name was Rose.

The Second-Hand Rose is located at 3307-1 Domain Street inNew Town. Visit www.TheSecond-HandRose.com. The shop isopen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. n

By Cary O’BrienThe Salon Guy

Are you planning on sharing the big meal with family? Is thecompany holiday party in your plans? What about the bigNews Year’s Eve Party? This is the festive time of year when

lots pictures will be taken. It’s time to pump up the volume andbring out that inner glam.

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up!

1. Love Those Toes. You head over to a friend’s house for a partyand they have a ‘shoes off at the door’ policy. Meanwhile, thereyou are with only half of your toes polished. What to do…whatto do? Be prepared and get a pedicure. It’s a great way to relaxand take care of you.

2. Get Fabulous Hands. Lots of meeting and greeting during theholiday season and hands can say a lot. Try this; just beforeheading out, mix a little bit of liquid foundation in with yourfavorite hand cream. The lotion will make your hands feel softand smooth and the foundation will cover up any redness fromthe cold weather and too much holiday wrapping.

3. Show Off Those Arms. What better way to say ‘I’m hot’ at thatholiday party than to show off your arms. Exfoliate them withyour favorite facial exfoliant or get out the loofah to add glowby getting rid of dead skin. Use spray tans to maintain a light,healthy looking skin tone. They can last up to seven days.

4. Do A Smoldering Eye. Be brave and be bold. It’s time to dark-en those eyes up. Try the smokey eye look by using bronze orgray eye shadows. Apply a bit more than you normally would.Try something fun by adding a touch of metallic silver on theupper lid and the outside.

5. Add Elegance. The dressier the dress, the dressier the hair. Ifyou missed the last article, I suggested big loose curls. I recom-mend big curls again, but this time, brush them out complete-ly. Brush them through and follow with your hand to give thecurls a smoother and more sophisticated look. Or just rakethrough for the loose curl look.

6. Get Glammed UP. Go for the simple updo. Take small bunch-es of your curly or wavy hair and bobby pin it up to the crown.Start on one side, then the other and finish in the back of yourhead. If you have smoother, straight hair, try the simple Frenchtwist. Doing it yourself is great. But in this busy holiday season,turn to your favorite salon professional for help.

7. Stay Calm, Stay relaxed. Now is the time to get a professionalmassage. Take an hour to be completely selfish and get pam-pered before things get too crazy. Then you can spend the restof the season taking care of everyone else and head into the newyear feeling great.

For more hair and beauty advice, visit my salon website, www.cary-obriens.com. If you have a hair or beauty issue you would like meto talk about in the next issue of StreetScape, send me an email,[email protected].

Ask the Salon Guy, Cary O’Brien n

‘Tis the Season fora more glamorous you

THE SALON GUY


(636) 724-0132

Enjoy our large selection ofBrighton accessories.


Story by Cillah Hall, Editor-in-ChiefPhotos by Michael Schlueter

D eidre Pujols, wife of Cardinals slugger and MVPAlbert Pujols prefers to keep family time private. In arare and unexpected moment, Dee Dee invited

StreetScape Magazine to capture the magic of baseball’s firstfamily. The home in West St. Louis County is beautiful, luxu-rious, but unpretentious. With Albert washing dishes acrossthe room and four beautiful kids playing nearby, Dee Deeshared her life. It’s easy to see why she’s the biggest homerun inAlbert’s life.

StreetScape: What does the holiday season mean for the Pujolsfamily.

Dee Dee: Obviously the kids like the gifts. For us as a Christianfamily, it’s about our faith and how we celebrate just the gift thatwe have in Christ. Being able to go back to Kansas City and bewith the family and just celebrate each other. Great grandmas aregetting older…and I’m getting older (laughs). Just being able tonotice the special things about family and celebrate them. Goodfood and good times.

StreetScape: What is the household like during that time?

Dee Dee: We have Christmas Eve with my mom’s side and Christ-mas Day with my dad’s side. It’s just crazy and wild. Eating is most-ly what we do and we’re too full to do anything after that, so wejust lay around and watch TV.

StreetScape: When you think about Christmas, what would beyour ideal wish list.

Dee Dee: For continued health…success for my husband and suc-cess for the Pujols Foundation, but for myself, I don’t have any per-sonal wishes.

StreetScape: Are you already getting requests from the kids?

Dee Dee: We get toy magazines in the mail and they can sit therefor hours and circle all the toys that they want. It’s pretty funny.

StreetScape: So let’s talk about cooking. How’s the cookbookdoing?

Dee Dee: It was a cookbook calendar so 2010 is the year that thecalendar was made for, but I still have people buying it for the

recipes. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the foundation. That wasjust a warm-hearted thing for me that I wanted to do. The successwas great. I had people telling me they were doing cook-offs,almost like the Julie and Julia (2009 movie based on Julia Childs,starring Meryl Streep) where they would cook then talk about whatthey did. So that was fun because people were really excited to trynew food. They might not know anything about the DominicanRepublic, but they love Albert. So it was fun for them to connectwith him in that way as well.

StreetScape: You have a different heritage. Why did you decideon Dominican? Deidre’s father is Mexican-American.

Dee Dee: Because that’s the food I’m familiar with cooking. It waswhen I was pregnant with my son that I was trying to learn how tocook. But I had to make many appointments with Albert’s familyand his grandmother to learn how to cook Dominican food. That’show I learned to cook very well. I can cook other dishes and I canfollow recipes, but I can cook Dominican with my eyes closed.

StreetScape: What was your inspiration to do the book?

Dee Dee: I was already crazy about the Food Network and thingslike that, but I never saw the kind of foods that I was cooking. Ithink it started off like a joke, like “what are you feeding that guy?”because he was hitting all those homeruns…then pretty soon, Iturned ‘Pollo Guisado’ into ‘Home Run Chicken’ (laughs). Onetime I had a lady in the grocery store that asked me what a purplesweet potato was…and so I was sitting in the grocery store explain-ing it to her and that was kind of fun. I was like “I should write abook”.

StreetScape: What’s your family’s favorite recipe?

Dee Dee: The chicken that I just served (“Home Run Chicken”)is the most convenient and easy to make probably, but they all loveit.

StreetScape: Have you seen more homeruns since you changedthe name from Pollo Guisado?

Dee Dee: Well, I haven’t seen less homeruns, so that’s great!

StreetScape: Is that Albert’s favorite recipe too?

Dee Dee: Probably that or something called ‘Carne Guisado whichis the same thing, but you use red meat.

Dee Dee Pujols:On Family, Cooking and Giving

YOU CAUGHTOUR EYE


Dee Dee serves Albert her famous Home Run Chicken.


StreetScape: Do you get some inspiration from the chefs onTV?

Dee Dee: The first time I got stuck on the Food Network was at atime when I was kind of tired of making the same things for him.So I was getting my nails done in the salon. They had the channelon the Food Network and Michael Chiarello came on. He was hav-ing a chicken cook-off with his buddy and it lookedawesome…they were brining and I had never brined anythingbefore. So I went home and printed out two recipes and made bothof them at the same time. And I remember I fed Albert and EliMarrero when he used to play here. That was where it started forme…with the Food Network. I actually got to go to their awardshow several years ago and I met Michael Chiarello and got to tellhim that story. How he was kind of my inspiration for changing upmy cooking. That was cool.

StreetScape: What was it like being on Paula Deen’s show?

Dee Dee: Oh Gosh! She’s awesome. Just like you see on TV…that’show she is in real life. She’s fun to be around, she was really fun towork with…and we had agreat time with her. Shemakes everybody feel com-fortable.

StreetScape: Do you havean ongoing relationshipwith her?

Dee Dee: I’ve seen her acouple of times after that.And she called me oncebecause her husband was intown and he wanted to goto a game. But a goodfriend that works on her sethas become a pretty goodfriend of mine. I’ve told herthat when the next season comes up and if they need more recipes,to call me up. Maybe I’ll get another chance to go back. It was ablast.

StreetScape: Do you integrate your recipes with Pujols 5’smenu? How involved are you with it?

Dee Dee: Now that we moved out here, I am not as active asmuch. When we lived in Creve Coeur, we were there a lot. I thinkthey might have taken a couple of things from the cookbook likethe ‘Chimichurri Burgers’. I know they used those a couple timesfor catering events and things like that. But I don’t really have toomuch of my actual input in that menu.

StreetScape: You’ve mentioned a few Cardinals players thatyou’ve cooked for. Is it something you enjoy doing?

Dee Dee: Actually, I don’t cook as much for the Cardinals as I dofor the visiting team players. What happens is that they’re fromother countries and so when Albert travels, a lot of times they cookfor him. And when they come over here, he likes to just bless them

and give them a good home cooked meal that they might not getotherwise from a restaurant. I like doing that because I like for himto be able to do that for his friends.

StreetScape: Why did you decide to become a vegetarian?

Dee Dee: There were a lot of things…The other reason is that Iwas still losing weight from having the baby and I just felt like “I’mgoing to stop eating meat” so I stopped and that’s why I always saythat it probably had to be a God thing because I could not just stopeating meat. I’ve tried before and I would get sick, but this time Ijust stopped. I have no desire to eat meat again.

StreetScape: Because you’re this amazing chef, how does yourfamily feel about things like McDonalds and Burger King? Ifyou don’t feel like cooking, do they still enjoy that kind offood?

Dee Dee: Oh yah!! We ordered Papa Johns last night. We still runout of time and McDonalds and whatever comes in handy. Or thekids just want an extra treat. We definitely still pick up the fast

food.

StreetScape: How did youmeet Albert?

Dee Dee: We met at a salsaclub in Kansas City. Weknew each other for severalweeks before we ever evenwent out or started dating.We would just dance, youknow. It was one of theonly places to salsa ormerengue in Kansas City atthe time. So we just wenton the weekend and hangout and danced really.That’s all it was. And then

he asked me for my number.

StreetScape: And at that time he was not THE Albert Pujols.

Dee Dee: No, no. He was still in high school so he really should-n’t have been there. He confessed later, actually on our first datethat he wasn’t 21 (Albert was 18 when he met Dee Dee).

StreetScape: I’ve heard that you actually asked him for hisnumber and he told you to wait because he was playing pool?

Dee Dee: No, no. I asked him to dance and he told me to waitbecause he was playing pool. That was the very first encounter Ihad with him. But we continued to dance several weekends after-wards because I always ran into him.

StreetScape: What did you think when he asked you to wait?Were you tempted to just walk off?

Dee Dee: I was just gallivanting around. I had my friend therewith me and we were just hanging out on the side and then final-


ly he got done. I don’t remember what he said when he gotdone…probably something like “you wanna dance with me now(Dee Dee in Albert’s voice).”

StreetScape: What was it about you two that made you decidethat you wanted to take the next step?

Dee Dee: Well I had just had Bella and I was really strong in myfaith at that point. I didn’t want to just be picking up guys left andright. I think we fell in love the day that we were at the CheeseCake Factory on The Plaza in Kansas City because after that wenever went a day without seeing each other. But it was also the timewhere I was really trying to be grounded in my faith and I wantedto respect that. So he started going to church with me and I thinkthat spiritual connection of actually wanting to grow and then usbeing so young… I don’t know. We were optimistic about ourfuture and what that could look like. He was still in high schoolwhen I met him so there was non of this big league stuff happen-ing yet.

StreetScape: I read somewhere that you survived on love at thetime.

Dee Dee: That’s good. That sounds like something I would say…

StreetScape: What would you say has sustained you since thatperiod of surviving on love and now you have all these differ-ent dynamics?

Dee Dee: Our faith. And I think a lot of the accountability thatcomes with our lifestyle. Having people on a daily basis tell us thatthey look up to our family, or they love the role model that Albertis…not just that he shares his faith… because anybody can sharetheir faith. We’re in the business of encouraging and trying toinspire others and I think that Albert especially has the ability todo that because of where he comes from. Coming from a thirdworld country and into this, we never thought that he would be ina home like this or have the things that he has. But at the sametime, we both know that we can’t take any of this with us when wego. We’ve learned over time those values that sustained our rela-tionship, how we are as parents and who we are to the communi-ty. That’s a big part of what keeps our relationship healthy. With-out the faith and without the accountability of all the millions of

people who adore him and appreciate our family, weprobably wouldn’t be who we are with this crazylifestyle.

StreetScape: Does Albert drive you crazy during theoff-season?

Dee Dee: It’s getting better. Last year I was pregnant andprobably needy and I wanted him around a lot. Beforeit was hard getting him back into the routine of himbeing here all the time. I think by now we’re 10 yearsinto it and he’s the biggest help ever. He takes the kidsto school in the morning and helps pick them up. He’sa huge help and I love having him home.

StreetScape: What gets you through the times wheneveryone is demanding his time and all you want is

just some family time?

Dee Dee: It’s tough. He’s really good about balancing his timethough. And there are periods or seasons where there is a greatdemand. During the baseball season, he doesn’t like to do a lot ofcommercials or photo shoots. And then when the off-season comesaround, he tries to make it so that it’s not consuming all of his time.He knows that I get irked if I don’t get him for a good amount oftime. But I think we’ve handled that pretty well actually.

StreetScape: What about the foundation. How has that impact-ed your lives?

Dee Dee: The foundation has been amazing. The way that thecommunity with Down Syndrome has been affected is just awe-some. When I was 21 and had Bella, I was like “What on earth amI supposed to do with this? What is this experience for me?” But tolook back and go “oh my gosh, there’s totally a plan in this”. One


of the feelings you kind of get that some people may not under-stand is a feeling of embarrassment and shame. It’s just strange tohave to deal with all those emotions that come with having a childwith special needs. But her life has been awesome in the way thatwe’re telling people that there is nothing shameful and nothingembarrassing about having a child with Down Syndrome. They’rejust as capable as the next person.

StreetScape: It’s really amazing how you’ve turned the situationaround and owned it. You’re using it as a tool to help othermothers. Was there a single moment when as a mom youaccepted it and embraced it as another dynamic in your family?

Dee Dee: Yes! Oh yes! That happened a long time ago. The DownSyndrome Association was the first group we connected with. Andas he (Albert) started to get better and was starting to get morerecognition, then “oh he has a child with special needs…” then itjust kind of grew from there. People’s lives are definitely affected byher.

StreetScape: It’s really interesting to come into your home andsee your daughter setting the table and Albert washing the dish-es. How did you get them to be so helpful?

Dee Dee: With the dishes, he always helps me there. If I cook, healways does the dishes. But he’s always been the guy who can getthe bathtub the whitest. He’s a great cleaner! I guess that’s just

something they’ve got in them to help. Sophie loves to set the tableand Albert loves to wash the dishes.

StreetScape: You danced when you first met. Do you stilldance?

Dee Dee: Oh girl I don’t even remember (laughs). We had our 10-year wedding anniversary. We had the big blow out wedding… likea princess fairytale wedding and I was eight months pregnant. Wedanced and had a really good time. But we don’t just go dancing.He can’t really go out to a lot of places.

StreetScape: Not even in the house?

Dee Dee: Oh yah! Sometimes we get down. We have fun like that.

StreetScape: You have an amazing life. Is this how you envi-sioned your life?

Dee Dee: No. I think everything has to do with really staying faith-ful. I lived in faith. There were times when we didn’t have anymoney. We made it. We had exactly what we needed each everytime to pay bills, to eat…but I didn’t have furniture in the minorleagues. I had a card table that we ate on, I loved shopping at Aldiwhich I still do…we did what we had to do and I stayed faithful inmy tithing, always trusted in god to come through for me. Therewere a couple of times that I wanted to file for bankruptcy becauseI was in so debt and I was pregnant with my second child and usingsocial security for Bella who had a disability. Albert and I say it allthe time… we would never be able to write down all of our wish-es and have even half of what has really happened to us happen.

S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 57S T R E E T S C A P E M A G A Z I N E | 57

StreetScape: How do you manage to stay authentic and sonormal?

Dee Dee: One of the things that people always say is “you’re sonormal or you’re so real” because a big part of my testimony is howI used to live my life. We do really try to stay down to earth andwe’ve had a few comments that people will make, like “they’vechanged or you’ve changed”. You have to change a little bit whenyou’re in this situation because you’re getting pulled at so much. Soyou say no a whole lot more than people want to hear. I love beingdown home and grounded and chilling Friday night with my fam-ily. That’s comfortable for us.

StreetScape: So what does the future hold? Is there anothercookbook coming?

Dee Dee: Actually, I am working on cookware. I am hoping tohave that out by April and it will be great because for every set ofcookware that’s sold, I am donating a whole caldero (a cooking pot

similar to a Dutch oven) and a utensil to a family in a third worldcountry. I’m pumped. My family keeps me busy. I’m hoping tohave some of the celebrity chefs that I know come up and do someweb stuff with me. With the foundation, we’re always doing some-thing. Whether it’s classes for the kids with Down Syndrome orfundraising events. Volunteer opportunities are always open forpeople. We’re not an outlet for resources. Typically we will directpeople back to the Down Syndrome Association because they haveall this information, but we’re more in the business of celebratingtheir lives, being able to comfort new families, bring them in andshare the joy of the kids. When people partner with the founda-tion, they’re going to be blessed either way.

For more information about the Pujols Family Foundation, go towww.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org. Scroll down the homepage for aquick link to ‘Pujol’s Kitchen’ where you will find a selection ofDee Dee’s recipes, including the famous ‘Home Run Chicken’ andthe ‘Mini Chimichurri Burgers’. n

Home Run ChickenIngredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon sugar • 2 large tablespoons sazon seasoning • 1 large chicken bouillon cube, crumbled • 1 whole chicken, cut up, skin removed, bone-in • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon chili powder • Water, to cover chicken • Kosher salt

Directions

In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and sugar overmedium-high heat. Add the sazon seasoning and thebouillon and cook until the sugar lightly browns. Addthe chicken and let it fry, stirring it around to get allthe sides browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in thetomato paste, cumin and chili powder. Add water tojust cover the top of the chicken. Let the water cometo a boil and stir to make sure the tomato paste iscombined. Cook the chicken stirring occasionally,until tender, about 45 to 60 minutes. Remove thechicken to a serving platter and coat with thecooking sauce from the pan. Typically servedwith white rice and beans.


SOCIAL SCENE

M A G A Z I N E

For more information on Youth LifelineAmerica call 636-536-7770 or visitwww.youthlifeline.org Roland Williams



SOCIETY

SOCIETY SIGHTINGS… by Teri Seiler

SSM St. Joseph’s Health Center recently celebrated 125 years ofservice to our community via a suave soiree held in the grand ball-room of Ameristar Casino. Melissa Calvaruso, Celeste Leuck and

Laurel Rector served as tri-chairs of the gala, which engaged approxi-mately 400 socialites, donned in elegant gowns and black-ties, in anevening of recognizing and honoring those who have played vital roles inreaching the magnificent milestone.

The mesmerizing evening of socializing and celebration began with horsd’oevres, such as miniature tenderloins of beef wellington, delicatelyarranged on silver platters then offered to the mingling guests byAmeristar’s friendly and professional wait staff. Ken and DonnaNaumann, Bob, Julie and Matt Brown, Deny and Kate Spangenbergof the Kaiser Electric team, hosted the cocktail hour where the likes ofBill and Geri Willbrand, Dennis and Brenda Maher, Craig and LornaFrahm, Shawn and Diane Saale, Don and Marlene Schneider,Jeanette Koechner, Tammy Mudd, Chuck Leuck, Dale and DebbiePoslosky imbibed in a little pre-event warm-up.

When the chimes rang, beckoning the guests to their assigned dinnertables, State Representative Sally Faith, Steve and Jill Hoven, Drewand Laurel Rector, Scott Tate, Denice McKeown, Dr. Tom and JoyceSchneider, Terry and Joanne Gravemann, Tom Walther, Dr. EvelynSchuetz, Dr. Robert Cusworth, Dr. Michaele Penkoske, Pat andClem Komoroski, Dr. David and Susan Terschleuse, Steve and MaryJo Hippe, Dr. Filippo and Margaret Ferrigni, Dr. Tom and ChristyTyree, Dr. Stephen and Marie D’Orazio were among those who filledthe ballroom that was elaborately decorated with jaw-dropping center-pieces designed by our own florist-extraordinaire, Connie Cissell.McGraw Milhaven, host of The McGraw Show on radio station KTRS,and emcee for the evening, introduced Sr. Kathy Buchheit who quietedthe guests and gave a thanks-provoking invocation to our HeavenlyFather. Ralph Butler and his band kept the mood of the crowd upbeatas they dined on sea bass, with cucumber and tomato dill relish, alongside a grilled petite filet mignon, with a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce. Asguests finished their culinary experience with a white and dark chocolatetulip cup filled with a Grand Marnier mousse garnished with a darkchocolate sauce, Health Center President, Gaspare Calvaruso (wholooked liked an Italian Stallion in his tuxedo. Okay, did I mention hisgorgeous wife, Melissa, looked like an Italian-Grecian goddess in herone-shoulder, classic black, evening gown? What a handsome couple!)approached the microphone and began the program for the evening.

Dr. Charles Linsemeyer, Dr. Martin Smoller and Sr. Inez Kennedy,FSM, were presented the Heritage Heroes Award for their outstanding

contributions and dedication to the Health Center and for their passionand compassion for the people in our community whom they haveserved. Ruth “Snooks” Wessler, who has volunteered more than 10,000hours to the Health Center, and her hubby, Neal Wessler, who has alsogiven numerous volunteer hours were both recognized with theCommunity Heroes Award. The final award for the evening – TheInspired Youth Award – was presented to Matthew Sauer and GreggWegener. The fourteen-year-old friends who attend St. CharlesBorromeo school and share the same birth month – December – have,for the past several years, hosted combined birthday parties and request-ed their guests to bring gifts, not to them, but for children who trulyneed a gift of hope. For the past three years more than 125 gifts to chil-dren and adolescents receiving treatment in the SSM St. JosephAdolescent Behavioral Health Unit were given by Matt, Gregg and thechildren in their class.

After the formal presentation of awards was given, Sherry Gerke,Director of Development; and who, by the way, was red-carpet ready inher deep purple evening gown that had a gathered-drape effect and fit herlike a glove – thanks to the assistance of Bobbie Netsch of Michelle’sclothing store – got the crowd excited about raising funds for the much-anticipated SSM Maternity Care Center. The facility is currently underrenovation and due to open in the Spring of 2011. An incredible amountof money was raised in record time – over $58,000.00 in about 15 min-utes or less – when McGraw Milhaven simply asked the guests for out-right monetary donations. Kaiser Electric answered the call-for-contribu-tions with a $20,000.00 donation, which set the pace for a great bid-outamongst the guests. Bid numbers flew up, throughout the ballroom, tothe ca-ching of $5,000.00, $1,000.00 even $500.00 and $250.00.Staffers, Stacey Krieg and Jeanette Kasal did their best to keep up withthe flying numbers. When all was said and done, members of the GalaCommittee, such as Kathy Binz, Marilyn Bock, Nancy Erlinger, GraceHarmon, Gayle Horn, Anne Ritter and Elizabeth Rauch could notdispute the gala was anything less than a stellar event.

At another fine St. Charles establishment, The Columns Banquet Center,Molly Dempsey, Christy Mundy, Karen Prideaux and Penny Rogersrecently served as quad-chairwomen of the Over-the-Top for Totsfundraiser for the Crisis Nursery of St. Charles County. The event beganwith guests such as Valerie White, Mary Ellen Renaud, Sandy Polley,Tara Hovis, Sandy Franta, Kurt and Marty Beanblossom, ChrisPauley, Jill Miles, Dana Martin, Justine Riggs, Carolyn Hughes,Jenny Reinheimer, and Jill Ryan sampling the healthy (?) blueberry (agreat anti-oxidant) martinis while perusing the decorative table topsdesigned by such talents as Heidi Sowatsky of Decorating Den, Skipwith Hearts & Roses, and Judy Duncan of Francesca’s Resale. Inside theballroom, where the lunch tables were decorated with tall, clear, glass,cylinder vases filled with baby blocks and little, yellow, rubber ducks, theattendees were enticed by the sweet smell of sugar to admire the delec-table cake creations of Ellen Bornhop of Mid-Towne IGA, JenniferStrange, Chef Marie Anne Velasc of LeCordon Bleu College of


Culinary Arts, J. Noto of J. Noto’s Bakery, Elaine Kneemiller of Cakesby Elaine, and Nancy McHugh and Michael Temm of WeddingWonderland Cake Shop. Each guest was given two jingle bells to use asvoting tools – one bell for their favorite table top design; one bell for theirfavorite decorated cake.

After the 425 guests such as John and Keri Crocker, Kenny Wyatt, JulieFeast, Cathy and Lisa Goellner, and Deb Cochran, of CongressmanTodd Akin’s office, were seated for lunch they were welcomed to the eventby Honorary Celebrity Chair, Andrea Robertson, Mrs. America 2010.Reverend Fran Pieper gave the invocation. CEO of the St. Louis CrisisNursery, DiAnne Mueller, presented the Guardian Angel Award toSenator Scott Rupp. The Children’s Champion Award was presented toMarlene Gebhard, President of SHOP ‘N SAVE who, with the help of theShop ‘N Save staff and customers, raised over $115,000 to help savebabies lives and keep little boys and girls safe throughout the area – themission of the Nursery. Bonnie Define, Community Relations Directorfor the Nursery, introduced Joy Stevens, who brought tears of hope to theguests with her acappella song of joy as a video of the Nursery’s clients wasshown. A quick oral auction was held, which featured a dinner withWentzville’s Mayor Paul Lambi and his wife, Rose. When all the bellswere counted, Sarah Corrigan of The White Hare won best table topdesign. Stacy Krieg of Stacey Cakes was the Ace of Cakes and won Bestof Show. When all the dollars were counted, approximately $65,000.00was raised during the three-hour fundraiser.

The take-off into holy matrimony went very smooth as Abby Boehmer,daughter of Don and Vicki Boehmer, and Aaron Eich, son of Bill andKay Eich, recently united in marriage at St. Joachim and Ann church.There was just a little in-flight turbulence when Abby’s three-year oldniece and flower girl, Alaina Osredker, unbuckled her seat belt and wentrunning down the aisle screaming, “I want my mommy” to catch up withher mom, Katy Boehmer-Osredker, who was head flight attendant andhad already assumed her in-flight position as Matron of Honor across theaisle from co-captain, Adam Eich, who served as Best Man. Then therewas one-year-old ring bearer Joe Osredker who fell asleep in the cockpitof his dad’s, Patrick Osredker, shoulder just as he was hitting the run-way with the rings. This created quite a stir of compassion from the cabinthat included passengers such as Great Grandma Lorraine Boehmer,Rose and David Wells, Gerry Prinster, and Ann and KeithHazelwood. Once the captain, Deacon Gary Meyerkord, officiallyannounced the new couple, the flight carrying crew members, AlisaCorderman, Rachel Geringer, Ashley Anderson, Rachel Uptergrove,John Currie, Daniel Dysart, Seth Horton, Brian Jens, Jordan Bueltel,Kayla Eich, Shannon Gross, and Tara Welko safely landed at TheColumns Banquet Center. As passengers such as St. Charles CountyExecutive, Steve Ehlmann and his wife, Jean; Jeannie and BobPalumbo, Jim and Mary Machens, Steve and Lisa Welko, ChristyWelko, Mike and Linda Boehmer, and MaryLou and JohnHannegan, entered customs (The Columns) they were given passportsassigning them to different destinations (tables) where they could begincelebrating the union of the adorable two-some. The couple honey-mooned in Jamaica and they have made Kansas City their first destina-tion to begin their life together. In case you were wondering…Aaron isan airline pilot; thus, the reason for the fun “flight” lingo and the reasonall the guests were given delicious, white and milk chocolate molded intoairplanes to take home.

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


Have you heard about foursquare?No, it’s not the game you probably played as a kid. Foursquare canhelp you find friends. It can grow your business. It can help you dis-cover new things! As a business tool, foursquare could be invaluable.So what is foursquare? It’s a mobile application tool that is also asocial city guide and a game that challenges users to try new thingsand rewards them for it.Created in 2008 by Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadural fromCrowley’s kitchen table in New York’s East Village, foursquare waslaunched in 2009.As of October 2010, foursquare had over 4 million users worldwideand tens of thousands of venues featuring special offers through theapplication.Like Twitter, foursquare has an Application Programming Interface(API) that allows developers to build their ideas on the foursquareplatform. Many have already done so, building new check-in func-tionality, unique games and awesome data visualizations. Users cancurrently browse through hundreds of applications at www.fours-guare.com.Foursquare lets users “check in” to a place, tell friends where they are,and track the history of where they’ve been and who they’ve beenthere with.Foursquare is extremely helpful in business and it’s fun! It’s discover-ing new avenues through which to approach people socially and inbusiness.As the co-founder of Women’s Business Alliance — which in just overa year has grown to five chapters within St. Charles County and

Chesterfield — I’m a living example ofwhatappropriate business techniques such as socialnetworking can accomplish. Like LinkedIn,Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, foursquarepromises to be a social networking dynamo.Foursquare’s website says the new application“aims to encourage people to explore theirneighborhoods and then rewards people fordoing so.” The site does this by “combining our friend-finder andsocial city guide elements with game mechanics — our users earnpoints, win Mayorships and unlock badges for trying new places andrevisiting old favorites.”Business owners can use foursquare to engage their mobile customerswith foursquare “Specials,” which are discounts and prizes they offerto customers when they check in on foursquare at the business’ venue.Business owners can also track how their venue is performing overtime.Foursquare’s simple self-service tools allow business owners to createdifferent kinds of foursquare Specials and track how the Specials per-form. These services empower business owners to develop more engag-ing, ongoing relationships with their customers.Business owners can also promote their involvement with foursquarevia Twitter, signs at cash registers and sidewalk blackboards.Tools such as “Mayor Specials,” “Check-in Specials,” “Frequency-based Specials,” and “Wildcard Specials” can be customized for anybusiness.Check out foursquare at www.foursquare.com andhappy networking!

Mary Ellen Renaud

Mary Ellen’s Corner

Mary Ellen Renaud

St Charles is the second oldest city inMissouri and it doesn’t take muchimagination to see, feel and perhapseven smell the ghosts lingering here.Join Michael Henry for some of theirstories as he keeps vigil with the city’ srestless past from the lost dogs of theLewis and Clark Expedition to themysterious Lady in White.

GHOSTS OF ST CHARLES by Michael Henry

Available at Main Street Books

307 South Main | 636-949-0105 History Press, Paperback, $19.99BO

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streetscape magazine winter 2010

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