March 20, 2026

ALWAYSTHELEADERINKANSASANDMISSOURI. ALWAYS THE LEADER IN KANS

Thankyou,St.Louis, formakingReeceNichols Missouri’smosttrusted realestatebrokerage againin2025.

CURIOUSWHATYOUR HOMEISWORTH? CHECK HERE:

YourNextChapter StartsHere.

$3,100,000 NEWPRICE

1TUSCANYPARK•CLAYTON,MO

SetwithinoneofClayton’smostdesirableenclaves,1TuscanyParkis aresidenceofuncommonpresenceandpolish.Overlookingpark-like surroundingsnearOakKnollPark,thiscustomhomeoffers7,542square feetofbeautifullycomposedlivingspacewith5bedroomsand5.5baths.

DesignedbyLaurenStrutmanandfinishedin2019,thehomebalances architecturaldramawithlivableelegance.Asoaringtwo-storyentryopens tointeriorsrichincustommillwork,timelessdetailing,andasophisticated designerpalette.Themainlevelfeaturesaprivateoffice,sunlitdiningroom, expansivegreatroom,andastunningchef’skitchenwithThermadorandBosch appliances.Theprimarysuiteisaretreatuntoitself,whiletheupperandlower levelsofferexceptionalflexibilityforguests,entertaining,wellness,andleisure.

Withcuratedlandscaping,refinedoutdoorliving,and acovetedClaytonsetting,1TuscanyParkisarare opportunitytoownatrulydistinguishedhome.

BRIANBRISTOW REALTOR®

ExploreSub-Zero,Wolf,andCoveatwww.rothliving.com 7800ClaytonRdRichmondHeights,MO63117

PUBLISHER

Ian Caso

EDITORIAL

EDITOr-IN-chIEF

Amanda Dahl | adahl@laduenews.com

SENIOr EDITOr

Emily Standlee | estandlee@laduenews.com

cONTrIBUTING WrITErS

Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Lauren Leady, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Mabel Suen

SALES

VIcE PrESIDENT OF SaLES

Kevin Hart | khart@stlpostmedia.com

SENIOr MEDIa STraTEGIST

Katie Ray | kray@laduenews.com

MEDIa STraTEGIST

Michelle Brown | mbrown@laduenews.com

SPEcIaL PrOJEcTS MaNaGEr

Maggie Peters | mpeters@laduenews.com

cLaSSIFIED accOUNT MaNaGEr

Lisa Taylor | ltaylor@lee.net

CREATIVE

arT DIrEcTOr

Laura De Vlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com

cONTrIBUTING PhOTOGraPhErS

James Anderson, Christina Kling-Garrett, Bryan Schraier

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @LADUENEWS

Get our best stories delivered weekly to your inbox by signing   up for our newsletter on the laduenews.com homepage.

A LEE ENTERPRISES PUBLICATION

Transitioningfrom wintertospringthis yearfeelsabitlike experiencingevery seasonintheshortesttime span.I’vewornshortsleeves onedayanddonnedmysnow parkathenext.Whendeciding whattowearfeelslikespinning aroulettewheelandhoping youlandontheperfectnumber, howdoestherestofyour routinefeeloff-kilter?

Justaslayeringistheanswertothewardrobequestion,yoursolutionforseasonalactivity isinfindingbothindoorandoutdoorfun.Frigidtemperatures?Haveaflippinggoodtime withCircusHarmony,whosefounderhasbeendubbedaglobalambassadorofcircus(see Page44).Thenonprofitschoolpromotessocialemotionallearningthroughthecircusarts, puttingonperformancesacrossthemetroandregularlyatCityMuseum.

Whentheweatherallows,placeyourselfinawonderlandatLaumeier.Thesculpturepark iscelebratingits50thbirthdayinabigway.RevisittheoutdoorartgalleryonPage48,with apreviewofitsspectacularyearahead,anddiscovernotonlyhowLaumeiermadenational historybuthowitreinvigoratesallwhovisititstilltoday.

ThanksforreadingLadueNews.

AmandaDahl,editor-in-chief

ANIMALSAGLOWeventatthe SAINTLOUISZOO

SwingbytheZooinForestParkfromnow throughMay17,andseeitnewlyilluminatedby larger-than-lifelanternsdepictingeverything fromChinesefolkloretoflamingos,peacocks, andpeonytrees.Ticketsareavailableat stlzoo.org/animalsaglow.

REGISTRATIONOPENforthe ST.LOUISLEGENDSGAMES

ContinuingthelegacyoftheformerSenior Olympics,theSt.LouisLegendsGamesareopen toadultsages50andup.The2026Gameswill runfromMay18throughJune4.Learnmoreand registeratjccstl.com/legendsgames.

WOMEN’SHISTORYMONTH MORNINGHAPPYHOURat BOWOODBYNICHE

OnTuesday,March31,takepartinamorning happyhourforWomen’sHistoryMonthat BowoodbyNicheintheCentralWestEnd. Eightentrepreneurswillspeakasyouconnect andnetworkoverbrunch.Makeyourreservation atexploretock.com/bowoodbyniche.

Editor’sphotobyChristinaKling-Garrett;AnimalsAglowphoto byTianyuArts&Culture,Inc.;MorningHappyHourphoto courtesyofBowoodbyNiche

theCommunity th C R

estoring

ByMaggiePeters |PhotoscourtesyofUrbanLeagueofMetropolitanSt.Louis

Whentragedyorhardshipstrikes, whatpeoplewantmostarethe toolsandsupporttohelpthem getbackontheirfeet.TheUrban LeagueofMetropolitanSt.Louisunderstands theimportanceofupliftingourneighborsand helpingfamiliesregainstabilitywhilecaringfor themselvesandtheirlovesones.

Formorethanacentury,theUrbanLeague ofMetropolitanSt.Louishasservedasatrusted charitableinstitution,assistingmorethan225,000 peopleayearacrosstheSt.Louisregion.Through morethan60programs,theorganizationhelps individualsandfamilieswithemployment, education,economicempowerment,housingand othercriticalresourcesthatcreatepathwaysto opportunityandlong-termsuccess.

Inadditiontoitsyear-roundservicetothe community,theUrbanLeagueplayedamajorrole inassistingthousandsofresidentsinNorthSt. Louisfollowinglastyear’sdevastatingtornado.

“TheUrbanLeagueimmediatelysteppedinto theresponse,eventhoughfourofourbuildings sustainedroughly11-15milliondollars’worthof damage,”saysMichaelP.McMillan,President andCEOoftheUrbanLeagueofMetropolitanSt. Louis.“Weserved—andcontinuetoserve—tens ofthousandsofpeoplethroughouttheregion, mobilizingvolunteers,donorsandcommunity partnerstoassistthoseindividualsandfamilies stillrecoveringfromthistragedy.”

ThepublicisinvitedtosupporttheUrban

League’songoingworkduringtheWeekendof Service,May15–17,attheorganization’sRegional Headquarters.1408N.KingshighwayBlvd.,on thecornerofDrMartinLutherKingDrive andKingshighway.

TheUrbanLeaguewillalsocelebrateits108th anniversarywithitsAnnualDinneronApril30,2026.

“WeareverypleasedtohonorMichael HolmesandSteveSmithatthisyear’sdinner,” McMillansays.“Bothhavedoneremarkable workaroundtheregionthroughavarietyof venuesanddevelopmentprojects.TheAnnual Dinnerisalwaysanopportunitytosharewiththe communitywhatwe’veaccomplishedinthelast yearanddiscusswhatourvisionforthefuture.”

McMillanaddsthattherearewaysforthe communitytosupporttheUrbanLeague— whetherbyattendingtheAnnualDinner orcontributingthroughouttheyeartothe organization’sprogramsandongoingtornado recoveryefforts.Individualscandonate, volunteerororganizefundraisinginitiatives tohelpstrengthenthecommunity.

Tolearnmoreorgetinvolved,visitulstl.com. BystandingwithUrbanLeague,community memberscanplayadirectroleinhelpingfamilies rebuild,recover,andthrivethroughoutthe St.Louisregion.

UrbanLeagueofMetropolitanSt.Louis, 1408N.KingshighwayBlvd.,SaintLouis, 314-615-3600,ulstl.org

Saint Louis University Expands Access With TUITION PROMISE

By

In early 2026, Saint Louis University launched a new tuition assistance  program that covers full undergraduate tuition costs for eligible  students. Dubbed the SLU Tuition Promise, the program helps ensure  that students from all walks of life can attend the university regardless  of their families’ income.

“Families are making decisions earlier, and cost can stop some from  even considering private universities,” says Jean Marie Cox, interim vice  president for enrollment management at SLU. “The Tuition Promise removes  that barrier, so tuition doesn’t stand in the way of considering SLU.”

Beginning in the fall of 2026, eligible first-time freshmen can attend the  university without paying undergraduate tuition. The Tuition Promise is  reserved for students and families with a combined adjusted gross income  of $60,000 or less per year and limited assets. Eligible students who live on  campus will have their full undergraduate tuition covered through grants  and other gift aid, including federal and state funding.

The new program is part of SLU’s recent efforts to expand affordability  and access to collegiate education. The university recently committed  nearly $3 million in new scholarships for local students pursuing  undergraduate degrees in education, social work, and criminal justice,  and expects all first-year students enrolling this fall to receive some  form of scholarship or financial assistance. Each initiative is rooted in a  higher calling.

“At SLU, our Jesuit mission calls us to remove barriers, not just reduce  them,” Cox says. “Traditional scholarships help, but a Tuition Promise is  clearer and more direct. If you qualify, tuition will not stand in your way.”

For qualifying students, SLU will apply federal and state grants first,  with the Tuition Promise covering the remaining tuition balance. It’s  designed to account for normal cost-of-living changes so that students  can remain enrolled and on track to earn their degrees. And while the  program doesn’t cover room and board expenses, the financial support  means students will have their undergraduate tuition fully covered  without loans.

“Research consistently links on-campus living to stronger retention  and graduation outcomes, which is why the residency requirement is part  of the program,” Cox explains. “Covering tuition removes the largest cost  families face, and students can use other scholarships, grants, and workstudy to help with housing and meals. Our team will work closely with  families, so they understand the full picture before making a decision.”

Without the barrier of tuition, SLU students stand to gain greater  financial freedom – allowing them to focus on learning skills and  participating in the college experience. Combined with strong advising,  mentoring, campus resources, and career services, Cox says the Tuition  Promise program will help put students on a stronger path to success in  college and beyond.

“It tells local students that SLU is within reach,” Cox says. “If you’re  academically prepared and meet the criteria, tuition won’t keep you out.  We want students to decide based on fit and opportunity, not assumptions  about cost.”

Saint Louis University, slu.edu

SCANME!toview thevideotour.

ThisarchitecturallysignificantMid-CenturyModern masterpiecehasbeenthoughtfullyupdatedfortoday’s lifestyle.Theexceptionalresidenceshowcasescleanlines, expansiveglass,andanopen-conceptfloorplandesignedto maximizenaturallightandeffortlessflow.Aseparatecarriage houseincludesafullyequippedapartmentwithtwo bedrooms,fullbath,kitchen,andlivingarea—idealforguests orextendedfamily.

Muscle Loss and GLP-1s:

Is There a Link?

By Connie Mitchell | Photos supplied

About 12% of Americans have taken a semaglutide GLP-1 drug like Ozempic for weight loss, according to the nonprofit research group Rand – making them among the most used drugs in the nation. Yet the drugs do not come without some concerns.

For instance, about 10 to 15% of the weight loss is from muscle, not fat, notes Dr. Samuel Klein, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at WashU Medicine. “Large amounts of weight loss could cause a large decrease in muscle, which could be a problem in people who have low muscle at the start of therapy,” he says. “Accordingly, middle-aged and older adult women (55 and older) might be at particularly high risk because they have less muscle mass than men.”

Klein is launching a new clinical trial studying how semaglutide, with and without exercise, affects muscle mass and what happens after patients stop the medication. The 2-year trial will evaluate the effect of GLP-1 therapy on metabolic health – blood sugar control, blood lipids, blood pressure, and bone health – plus muscle strength and physical performance.

“We will provide participants with physician-monitored GLP-1 weight loss therapy for one year, with or without supervised exercise training three days per week, and participants will be followed for one year after stopping treatment. There is no placebo group, so every participant gets treated with a GLP-1 medication,” Klein says.

Those eligible for Klein’s study include women ages 55 to 75 with obesity and who do not have diabetes, are able to exercise safely, and are not already taking a GLP-1 drug. Participants will receive the drug and exercise

program at no cost and will receive up to $3,000 for their time.

“Exercise, both resistance and endurance exercise, could be a very important additional therapy for people taking GLP-1 based medications, because exercise decreases or prevents the loss of muscle during weight loss, increases muscle strength, and improves performance of daily tasks,” Klein says.

He notes that GLP-1 drugs mark a major advance in weight loss therapy and are becoming the standard of care. “Our study will determine the effects of GLP-1-induced weight loss on physical strength and function, and whether exercise training is needed in patients treated with GLP-1 medications who have decreased physical function at baseline because of obesity,” he adds.

Anyone interested in participating in the study or wanting more information can call the research team office at 314-273-1879 or email nutritionresearch@wustl.edu.

Center for Human Nutrition, WashU Medicine, 507 S. Euclid Ave., Central West End, St. Louis, nutritionalscience.wustl.edu/research/center-for-human-nutrition

PainRelieffrom the SpineExperts

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Exercising,playingwiththekids,walkingthedog—don’t loseyourlittlemomentsofjoy.Fromcommonback problemstocomplexspineinjuries,ourteamisready torestoreyourmobility.

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EXPRESSIONFree

By Nancy Robinson | Photos supplied

Make way for a fresh infusion of style with these freehand patterns in a manageable black-and-white color palette.

Looking for an alternative to the classic blue-and-white ginger jar? harp & Final presents this new black-and-white ceramic beauty available in three sizes: 15, 18, and 21 inches tall. (rustedchandelier.com)

The Maiori striped 19-inch-tall table lamp is crafted with an innovative papier-mâché construction. The lamp’s punchy stripes add a playful touch and are complemented by a domed lampshade and an orb finial. available in several color options. (tovfurniture.com)

Meet Pippa, a charming stool dressed in a bold black brushstroke print, adding a twist to this best-selling silhouette. The abstract pattern adds movement and style, while its compact shape makes it perfect for use as a chic vanity perch or extra seating in a pinch. (tovfurniture.com)

Marble Marvel

By Alecia Humphreys | Photo courtesy of J&J Design Team

This once outdated, dull space in a  historic Soulard neighborhood home  is now decked out in beautiful marble  after a remodel by St. Louis-based J&J  Design Team.

“The walls were painted a faded dingy color  with old drab-looking tile on the floors,” designer  Jenna Siebert says. “The shower walls had lots  of little broken tiles, and the vanity was literally  falling apart.”

The J&J Design Team began the renovation by  gutting the entire space before its total makeover.  “The layout was similar to how it is now,” Siebert  says. “We just did a lot of updating.”

Marble served as the main inspiration for  how to aesthetically redefine the ambience of  the room.

“I knew that I wanted to incorporate marble  in this bathroom for a timeless look mixed with  a modern edge,” the co-founder and co-operator  details. “The gold details were the inspiration  for the name, ‘Gold Door Loft,’ as we have little  gold accents sprinkled throughout every room in  the house.”

And while those gold details – including  shower heads, hardware, a mirror, and more –  add touches of glam to the master bathroom,  Siebert points out that the floor-to-ceiling marble  is by far the biggest transformation in this sleek  and sophisticated space. She describes it as “such  a beautiful background.”

The marble wall continues into the focal  point of the room: the double shower, featuring  a custom niche shelf and glass enclosure.  Siebert adds: “I also love the clear acrylic shower  handles. I love cool acrylic pieces!”

In addition, the team installed a modern sink  vessel atop a new vanity with a custom concrete  countertop, which perfectly accents the grain of  the marble. “I absolutely love how this bathroom  project turned out,” Siebert says. “The space is  light and bright with an elevated airy feel. It feels  very spacious. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

J&J Design Team, jandjdesignteam.com

I knew that I wanted to incorporate marble in this bathroom for a timeless look mixed with a modern edge.

–JENNa SIEBErT, DESIGNEr aT J&J DESIGN TEaM

FACES OFREALESTATE

ByMaggiePeters

DRENNANBAILEY

DrennanBailey,broker,ownerandpresidentofBaileyProperties,Inc.,isaSt.Louis nativewithalifetimecommitmenttolandmanagementandownership.Afterearninghis businessdegreefromWestminsterCollege,Baileyfollowedinthefootstepsofhisfamily, whohavebeeninfarmingandranchingforoveracentury.Hisearlyexperiencesonhis family’sMissourifarmfueledhispassionfortheland.Apioneerinno-tillfarmingduring the1980s,Baileyhasbothbrokeredandpersonallyownedthousandsofacres. Hisexpertisespansagriculture,ranch,wildlife,andoutdoorrecreationlandsales. Bailey’sextensivenetworkincludestrustdepartments,banks,attorneys,CPA’s,farmers, andlandowners.He’sfacilitatedtransactionsforclientsglobally.Marriedfor40years, Baileyisafatheroffourandagrandfatherofsix,valuingfamilyandtradition.

TAYLORBAILEY

TaylorBailey,aWestminsterCollegealumwithafocusonmarketingandbusiness, beganhiscareerinthecorporateworldwithaFortune500company.Hisexperiencethere honedhisskillsinsales,projectmanagement,andrelationshipbuilding.JoiningBailey Properties,hehasbroughtwithhimamodernapproachtotechnologyandmarketing, alongwithayouthful,energeticperspective.Knownforhisexcellentpeopleskills,Bailey iscommittedtohelpingclientsfindtheiridealland.Hispassionsextendbeyondreal estatetotheoutdoors,includinghunting,fishing,andsports.Hisgoalistoguideclients towardsrealizingtheirpropertydreams,leveraginghisblendofprofessionalexpertise andpersonalenthusiasm.

MARYBETHBENES

Forsellersandbuyersseekingthemostknowledgeable,experiencedand professionalagentintheGreaterSt.LouisMetroregion,theirsearchoftenendsat ColdwellBankerRealty–Gundaker,whereMaryBethBenesservesSt.LouisCounty, St.CharlesCounty,the40/64Corridor,Ladue,Frontenac,TownandCountry andChesterfield.

Withmorethan$1billionintotalsalesinhercareerandover$150millionsoldin 2025,TheBenesGroupisrankedNo.1inthestateofMissouriwithColdwellBanker Realty-Gundaker.Licensedsince2003,shecreatesastress-freeprocessforherclients whileplacingtheminthebestposition,whethertheyarebuyingorselling.Sheispraised forworkingonbehalfofherclients’interests,aswellasbeingactivelyinvolvedduring allpriceandcontractnegotiations.

Benesworksaroundtheclockforherclients,andhasbuiltanunparalleled knowledgeofthemarketandstrongworkingrelationshipswiththeotheragentsinthe area.“Fromthehomesearchandsaleprocessstraightthroughtoclosingandbeyond, Benesworkstoexceedyourexpectations!”

KIMCARNEY

KimCarneyisconsistentlyrankedastheNo.1ColdwellBankerPremieragentand listedinthetop1percentofallREALTORSinSt.Louis.Shespecializesinthehigh-endreal estatemarket,utilizingauniqueandaggressivemarketingplanthatsellshomes.

Differentfromothertopagents,Carneypridesherselfonherproactiveapproach.She doesnotstickasigninyouryard,“hoping”thatyourhomewillsell.Shecreatestop-notch printadvertisingthatcan’tbebeat.Shealsousessocialmediaboostsandotherunique toolsthatmakeasignificantdifference.Sheoffersthenecessaryexperienceandsavvy negotiationskillstogetherclientswhattheywant.

CarneyattendedLadueHortonWatkinsHighSchool,wenttotheUniversityof Missouri-Columbiaandreceivedhermaster’sdegreeincounselingfromtheUniversityof Missouri-St.Louis.Sheisanemptynesternowthatherdaughters,EmmaandGraceare seniorsattheUniversityofKentucky.

Carneyenjoystraveling,pickleballandhangingoutwithherdaughters.After overcomingovariancanceralmost11yearsago,shestaysinvolvedinandgivesto numerouscharitiesdeartoherheart,includingtheSt.LouisOvarianCancerAwareness organizationandSitemanCancerCenter.

LISACOULTER

LisaCoulterhasbeenanagentatJanetMcAfeesince1989inwhichtimeshehasbeen consistentlynamedamongtheTopProducersintheoffice.Herlifetimesalesvolume exceeds$500million.Lisaiscommittedtocreatingagenuinecomfortlevelwithevery personwithwhomsheworksandhasvastexperienceinrelocationforbothbuyersand sellers.AsanativeSt.Louisan,shehasastrongreferralbaseandhasworkedcloselywith numerouscorporations,hospitals,anduniversities.

Lisaisastrongbelieverincommunityserviceandhasbeenanactivevolunteerfor numerousorganizationsincludingSt.LouisChildren’sHospital,MaryInstituteSt.Louis CountryDaySchool,TheServiceBureau,Women’sSafeHouse,andCityAcademy.Lisa attendedMaryInstituteandearnedaB.B.A.fromSouthernMethodistUniversity.Shealso attendedWashingtonUniversitySchoolofLaw.

THEGELLMANTEAM

BrothersMarkGellmanandNeilGellmancombinedtheirwiderangeofexperience, education,andpassionforrealestatetocreateTheGellmanTeamin2008.Theysoldtheir firstmillion-dollarlistingin2011–and300moresince.Usingtheirprovenprocess,the teamhit$1billionincareersalesin2020and,inspring2026,theteamwillsurpass6,000 familiesservedand$2.5billioninsales.TheGellmanTeam’scommitmentanddedication totheirclientscanbeseenin1,500-plus5-starGoogleandZillowreviews.

MarkGellmanandNeilGellmanareveryproudoftheteamculturethey’vecreated followingtheircorevalues–integrity,honesty,professionalism,confidentiality, responsiveness,reliability,attentiontodetail,clientrelationshipsforlife,givingback, persistingwithoutexception,andfamily-life-workharmony.Oneofthebrothers’greatest, sharedpassionsisgivingbacktothecommunitiesinwhichtheyliveandwork.Theteam supportsover90charities.Getaninstanthomevaluationattgtvalue.com.

CINDYHANDY

Followingasuccessfulsalesmanagementcareer,andalifetimeofachievement andcommunityservice,CindyHandynowbringsherimpressiveskillsettoluxuryleader, JanetMcAfeeRealEstate,whereshehasbeenfor7years.Heradvancedknowledgeof customerserviceandrelationshipmanagementwillserveherrealestateclientswell. Throughouthercareer,Cindyhasdemonstratedexcellenceatbuilding,maintaining andgrowingrelationships.

“OneofthethingsIloveaboutrealestateistheone-on-oneconnectionwithpeople,” Handysays.“Itrequirestrustandskilltoguideaclientthroughtheprocessofbuyingor sellingahome.Becauseourhomesaresuchanimportantpartofwhoweare,Ifindthe processveryrewarding.”

HandylendsherleadershipskillsthroughboardpositionswithSt.LouisChildren’s HospitalFriendsBoard,St.Paul’sLutheranChurch,andcommitteechairswiththe ChaminadeMother’sGroupandMICDSSportsBoosters.Sheisapastboardmemberof FamilyForward.HandylivesinTownandCountrywithherhusband,andenjoysreading, golfandgardening.

KRISSYHOF

KrissyHofbringshometownheartandinsiderknow-howtoeveryrealestatejourney inSt.Louis.BornandraisedinFrontenacandBrentwood,sheoffersunmatcheddeep localrootsandexpertguidance.Withapassionforhelpingclientsdiscovertheperfect neighborhoodandthebestfarmersmarkets,dogparks,andrestaurants,Hofmakesither missiontohelppeoplefallinlovewithhercity.“Ifeelresponsibleformakingyouloveit asmuchasIdo,”shesays.

MIKEHUGGINS

Recognizedasatopagentsince2017,MikeHugginsisdedicatedtoeveryclient, whetherbuyingorselling.Histrackrecorddemonstratesthatheconsistentlygoesabove andbeyondtoservethebestinterestsofhisclientsandthatheworkstirelesslytoensure asmoothandsuccessfulexperience.

CommunicationisoneofHuggins’greateststrengths;hekeepsclientsinformed, promptlyaddressesquestions,andprovidesclear,straightforwardadvicesotheyalways knowwheretheystand.Hetailorshisservicestomeeteachclient’suniqueneeds, accommodatingschedulesandpreferences,andensuringtheprocessisstress-free. AnativeofSt.Louis,Hugginslovesthecityanditspeopleandiscommittedtohelping clientsfeelathomeinthisgreatcommunity.Helistenscarefully,askstherightquestions, andnegotiatesfirmly,earninghisreputationasatrustedrealestateprofessional.From listingtoclosingandbeyond,hecoordinateseverystepoftheprocess,frominspections andphotographytorepairsandupdates,ensuringpropertiesarepresentedintheirbest lightandtransactionsarehandledefficiently.

TEDDYJ.JOHNLIKES

Hardworking,focusedandpossessingunwaveringattentiontodetail,St.Louisnative TeddyJ.JohnlikesproudlyserveshomebuyersandsellersinSt.CharlesandSt.Louis counties’mostsought-aftercommunities.

AsapartneratTheBenesGroup,Johnlikesprovidesaresults-orientedexperience drivenbyexcellentservice.Heconsiderscustomerservicehisfirstpriority.Withover $1billionincareersalesandover$150millionsoldin2025,TheBenesGroupisranked No.1inthestateofMissouriwithColdwellBankerRealty-Gundaker.

“Withovertenyearsofexperienceasafull-servicerealestateprofessionalwitha focusonSt.CharlesandSt.Louiscounties,Iprovidebuyerandsellerserviceswithahigh levelofknowledgeastowhatishappeninginthiseverchangingandfastpacedmarket,” Johnlikessays.“Fromthehomesearch,preparationandsaleprocessstraightthroughto closingandbeyond,weseektofarexceedyourexpectations!”

THEMcCLELLANDTEAM

TheMcClellandTeamisranked7thoverallintheSt.LouisRegionbyRE/MAX International.MattMcClelland,GingerBrinker,SarahSullentrupandRachelleElbert areawell-versedgroupofrealestateprofessionalswithextensiveexperienceinthe Washington,Missouriareaandareknownfortheircreativemarketing.Ranking7thinthe regionisatremendousaccomplishmentandthisteamcontinuestoraisethebar.The officeisconvenientlylocatedinWashington,MOat1402WashingtonSquare(Rightnext toJimmyJohn’s).

NICKMONTANI

NickMontanibringsnearlyadecadeofrealestateexperiencetoJanetMcAfeeReal Estate,alongwithaBroker’slicenseandtheAHWDaccreditation.Recognizedearlyin hiscareerforbothperformanceandprofessionalism,Montanihassuccessfullyclosed millionsinresidentialsales,earningareputationforhisclient-firstapproachandgenuine passionforguidingpeoplethroughoneoflife’smostimportantdecisions.

AproudSt.Louisnative,Montaniisalifelongadmireroftheregion’sricharchitectural heritageandvibrantneighborhoods.WhethertouringahistoricresidenceintheCentral WestEndoracontemporaryloftdowntown,hetakesprideinshowcasingthedistinctive lifestyleandcharacterthatmakeSt.Louissuchaspecialplacetocallhome.Clientsvalue hisprofessionalism,integrity,andthoughtfulguidancethroughoutthebuyingand sellingprocess.

Outsideofrealestate,Montanienjoysexploringtheculturaltreasuresofthecitywith hislifepartner,Ando.FromafternoonsinForestParkandstrollsthroughtheMissouri BotanicalGardentoartfairs,outdoorfestivals,andlocalsportingevents,hislovefor St.Louisiswovenintoeveryaspectofhislife—andshinesthroughinhiswork.

314.724.6090

NickMontani.com nmontani@janetmcafee.com

ROSSINIREALESTATEGROUP

Asatop-producingrealestategroupspecializinginSt.Louis’CentralCorridor, AllieRossini,andDonnaWellmonoftheRossiniRealEstateGrouphavebuilttheirsuccess onreferralsfromsatisfiedclients,friends,andfamily.Withacombined38-plusyearsof experienceandmorethan$432millioninclosedsales,theybringunmatchedexpertise, insight,anddedicationtoeverytransaction.Knownforbeingaccessible,professional,and trustworthy,theteamiscommittedtoguidingclientsthrougheverystepofthebuying andsellingprocesswithconfidenceandcare.Kindness,integrity,andhumorarevalues theyliveby—bothpersonallyandprofessionally—creatingaseamlessandstress-free experiencefortheirclients.WhenworkingwiththeRossiniRealEstateGroup,going beyondexpectationsisn’tjustagoal,it’sthestandard.

AIMEESIMPSON

AimeeSimpsonisaseasonedrealestateprofessionalwithmorethan29yearsof experiencespecializinginluxurypropertiesthroughoutSt.Louis,includingLadue,Clayton, Frontenac,andTownandCountry.ASt.LouisnativeraisedinLadue,Simpsonhasbeen atrustedleaderintheupscalerealestatemarketsince1996.Knownforconsistently achievingtopsalesinthecentralcorridor,sheisalsoago-toexpertforluxurybuilding lotsandhigh-qualitynewconstruction.Herbackgroundinthemedicalfieldbrings exceptionalcommunicationskillsandanintuitiveunderstandingofclientneeds.Witha strongnetworkoftrustedpartnersandapersonalized,tech-forwardmarketingapproach, Simpsondeliversaprofessional,efficient,andenjoyableexperiencefromstarttofinish. SheispassionateaboutgivingbackandproudlysupportsRonaldMcDonaldHouse Charities,St.Jude,andCardinalGlennonChildren’sHospital.YourHome.HerExpertise. Readytomakeamove?She’sreadytotalkstrategy.

THETIMETOSELLIS

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“Drivenandatruego-getter…Kim foughtforuseverystepoftheway… howshehandledissuesshowed whata trueprofessional sheis.”

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FIN D YOUR POT OF GOLD… AT YOUR NEW ADDRE S S!

By Andrea Smith | Photos supplied

A ONE-DERFUL Party

Congratulations! You’ve survived a year  of sleepless nights and diaper changes,  and that deserves celebrating.

For a first birthday party, start  planning a couple months in advance to leave  time for coordinating with a party planner and  other vendors, and send invitations at least a  month before. It’s a milestone event, but don’t  feel pressured to plan a huge birthday bash. Plan  around your baby’s routine and crowd tolerance  level, and schedule the party during their  happiest time window.

Tradition says that a cake smash and gifts  are non-negotiable, but do what feels right  for your family. Offer guests some time to  mingle and enjoy small bites or desserts, and  provide non-structured play opportunities for  younger guests. Numerous party planners and  decorators in the metro area, such as Bounce  + Bash Co. (instagram.com/bounceandbashco),  rent out bouncers in different colors. Kidz Play  STL’s soft-play packages might be better for the  wobbly babies and toddlers and are customizable  according to the party’s theme and needs.  Add on a small ball pit or bouncer for extra  fun (kidzplaystl.com).

Keep reading for theme inspiration, plus  locally made treats that are almost as sweet as  your 1-year-old.

In One-derland

Replace “Alice” in “Alice in Wonderland”  with your baby’s name, and embrace the  magic and whimsy of year one. Just look at the  time – a theme from the fantastical story – by  displaying photos from each month that show  their growth or milestone moments. A tea and  coffee bar is on-theme and pairs well with  sweets decorated expertly by Mac’s N Snacks  Bakery (bakesy.shop/b/macs-n-snacks-bakery).

First Down, Hole in One, or Rookie Year

Is your little one taking to sports yet?  Themes like these might encourage such an  interest and give parents an excuse to show  team pride. With Cardinals baseball season  starting, spring and summer are the perfect  time for a Rookie Year party. In the fall, a  First Down theme feels especially fitting –  and a country club, your Hole-in-One party  headquarters, is a natural choice in any  season. For custom photo backdrops, check  out By Leona’s vibrant designs with balloon  installations (instagram.com/byleona_). Find  personalized banners and additional sports  accessories from Chill Mom Craft Co.   (chillmomcraftco.com)

Wild One

Embark on an adventurous safari or to  a tropical jungle destination – this  theme works with just about  any color scheme and in any  season. Event decorator  and balloon artist  Sherrie Eanes has a set  of large plush animals  for rent and the skills  to style a classy party  (miyah7eventdecor. com). Liz McClure  Macarons are a beautiful  addition to any dessert  table and can be shaped and  painted in wonderfully wild  ways (lizmccluremacarons.com).

First Rodeo

We love a versatile theme and an excuse to  dress up in a cowboy hat and boots! Does the  sight of farm animals make your little smile?  Invite Waffles, a Highland cow, and his friends  to join the party with Meyer Mini Farms’ mobile  petting zoo (instagram.com/meyerminifarms). For  delightfully detailed treats, check out Cakes by  Ahnna – just make arrangements for a separate  smash cake (bakesy.shop/b/cakes-by-ahnna).

Go Boho-Chic

WITH GINSEY ROSE BOUTIQUE

By Brittany Nay | Photos courtesy of Ginsey rose Boutique

On downtown St. Charles’ historic Main Street, the eye-catching,  eclectically decorated storefront windows of Ginsey Rose  Boutique draw in passersby.

“We have the outfits that make people stop and look twice  – and smile,” says Tjody Varner, co-owner of the women’s clothing and  accessories shop, which is known for its expansive collection of funky,  free-spirited styles.

After more than 16 years, the boho-chic business outgrew its space in  the 900 block of South Main, moving down the stretch of cobblestone to  104 S. Main St. last fall. The store is co-owned by Varner and her daughter  Jessica Wojtowicz. The duo started collaborating on purses and jewelry  together more than 25 years ago, eventually adding in clothing to sell at  wholesale shows across the country.

When travel became too frequent with grandchildren in tow, the  family-focused designers decided to plant roots with a brick-and-mortar  establishment. For a name as unique as the boutique, Varner says it could be  none other than Ginsey Rose – inspired by an eccentric friend of her mother.

At the family business’ new space, a warm atmosphere — complete  with cozy furnishings that complement its historic exposed brick walls  and wood floors — welcomes customers who soon become friends.

“Everyone who comes in says they want to live here,” Varner laughs.

Varner and Wojtowicz focus on purchasing rare pieces from unique  designers, such as Jaded Gypsy tops and trousers as well as stitched,  jeweled, patched, and hand-sewn clothing by A Rare Bird. “We love  mixing colors and textures, prints and patterns,” Varner says, adding that  lightweight blouses with patchwork and oversized, wide-leg pants are big  for spring. “We look for comfort in everything we buy. If it doesn’t feel  good, we don’t get it.”

Among the store’s vast assortment of statement-making accessories,  customers will find rancher-style hats, Corkys footwear, and handmade  jewelry, including its popular Prim pieces: boho-chic earrings, necklaces,  and bracelets made exclusively for Ginsey Rose. Also available are  thoughtful gifts for loved ones, from handmade journals to unique socks  and playing cards.

The larger location serves a dedicated base of women of all ages, but  the Ginsey Rose Boutique shopping app also draws in customers, with  hundreds watching its weekly Facebook livestreams and more than 5,000  followers hitting subscribe. “We do pop-ups for new items that just came  in, so if you have your notifications turned on, you can watch,” Varner  says. Live streams air daily, except Sunday, at various times depending on  the season.

It’s easy to see why so many shoppers call Ginsey Rose their home  base. With a mix of friendly customer service, an ever-rotating inventory  featuring rare finds, plus exclusive sales, perks, and app-only gifts, the  boutique appeals to folks in St. Charles and beyond. Varner says it best,  adding: “We like to keep customers as happy as possible.”

Ginsey Rose Boutique, 104 S. Main St., St. Charles, ginseyroseboutique.com

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By Lauren Leady

Photos and art by Jessica Neusitz

Landmark Art

After years spent finding her footing in the classroom as an  elementary school art teacher, Jessica Neusitz made her way back  to the canvas.

In her early teaching career, Neusitz’s energy was focused on  becoming confident in front of her students, which led to her personal art  practice taking a back seat. But in 2019, she picked up her paint brushes  again, and color came rushing back. “I absolutely love color,” Neusitz says.  “Creating it can feel magical. My work naturally becomes vibrant and  saturated, even when I try to hold back. It just seems to happen.”

That sense of bold color is shaped in part by her work in the classroom.  Surrounded daily by kindergarten through fifth grade students, she  witnesses creativity in its purest form. “I’m constantly surrounded by  creativity, imagination, and fearless self-expression,” she explains. “My  students don’t worry about what others think – they just create. That joy  and freedom absolutely comes home with me and has become a key part  of my artistic voice.”

Although Neusitz’s early work and experimentation explored a wide  range of subjects, lately she has narrowed her focus to the St. Louis area  as a muse. “In recent years, my focus has shifted strongly toward St.  Louis and what makes the city special,” she explains. “I began painting  landmarks and local favorites to highlight what makes St. Louis fun,  unique, and meaningful.”

She started down this road in 2023 and hasn’t looked back, finding  it joyful and fulfilling connecting to the city through her painting.  “Rediscovering the city through an artist’s perspective has been incredibly  meaningful,” Neusitz says. “There’s so much pride, character, and  creativity here, but it can easily be overlooked in the day-to-day. Painting  these subjects has made me fall in love with the city all over again.”

That sense of connection doesn’t stop at the canvas. “I also love  connecting with people at markets and art shows and hearing what they  love about St. Louis,” the artist says. “Those conversations often inspire  new pieces and help me see the city through different perspectives. I  currently have a long list of St. Louis places and items I’m continuing to  work on, and that remains my main focus.”

In many ways, Neusitz’s pieces are about more than landmarks or  color. They are about reclaiming creative joy and inviting viewers to see  their city, and perhaps their own imagination, with a new perspective.

Jessica Neusitz Art, instagram.com/jneusitz

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Tee Rak Thai

Alada Poodtajan will proudly tell anyone  that visits her restaurant, Tee Rak Thai,  that Drunken Noodles changed her life.

The gifted chef started cooking  the classic southeast Asian stir-fry dish for  enthusiastic patrons at Tower Grove Farmers  Market in 2023, eventually saving up enough  funds from vending to open her first brick-andmortar business last November. At the Shaw  neighborhood eatery, she whips up more of  the best-selling entrée in a fiery hot wok than  ever – around 500 to 600 pounds of hand-cut rice  noodles worth a week, to be exact – in addition to  a full menu of favorites from her home country.

Growing up in a small village outside of  Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, Poodtajan  became adept in the kitchen from an early age  out of necessity. Due to the remote nature of her  upbringing, she was accustomed to cooking with  her mother, utilizing their family’s own farmed  goods including everything from chicken and  eggs to fresh vegetables.

She went on to develop an even deeper  passion for Thai cuisine while studying hotel and  tourism hospitality at a university in Bangkok,  sampling all of the big city’s dynamic street  food that her heart desired. Poodtajan and her  husband Tom met when he traveled to Thailand  from the river city for kickboxing training, and  the rest is history.

With Tee Rak, which translates to the term of  endearment, “my love,” the married couple brings  a taste of Poodtajan’s authentic Thai recipes to  St. Louis – a duty the chef does not take lightly.  To prepare for her role as a culinary ambassador,  she spent two years working at four different area  restaurants in various roles to learn the ins and  outs of the industry. After the duo made a name  for themselves at markets and festivals, Poodtajan

returned to Chiang Rai for a month to develop  her skills at a professional cooking school.

Now, with a new debut storefront, Tee Rak  Thai is already the talk of the town. The casual  full-service dining destination features a bold,  colorful yet down-to-earth interior design  that celebrates Poodtajan’s cultural journey,  complete with imported decorations from

Thailand and meticulously handpainted art. The  vibrant gold, blue, and red space complements  the flavor-packed food that steams out from the  kitchen, including her famous Drunken Noodles,  or Pad Kee Mao.

The savory, slightly spicy delight gets its  name from being an ideal meal to pair with an  ice cold beer. For first-timers, Poodtajan also  recommends Ghaeng Hunglay, a Northern Thai  tender pork belly stew teeming with curry paste  and tamarind – typically prepared for special  occasions in her hometown. Khao Soi featuring  her mother’s recipe is another can’t-miss souplike dish from the region made up of wholesome  egg noodle curry topped with a chicken leg.

Poodtajan still intends to offer her sizzling  stir fries and lovingly cooked-from-scratch  fare at outdoor events when they return this  summer, but for now, she’s happy to have a  regular home based in the community where  Tee Rak Thai originally established its humble  beginnings. She takes care to ensure that the  dutiful food traditions she holds dear do not get  lost in translation. Her mom’s first questions  when Alada calls home are, “Did you eat?” and  “Was it delicious?”

Tee Rak Thai’s current hours of operation are  Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m.  to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday through  Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to  10 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tee Rak Thai, 2203 S. 39th St., Shaw, St. Louis, teerakthai.com

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Nine Lives: St. Louis Modernism

Modernism is marked in many fields. Among them are language, theology, art, and architecture. Focusing on the last in that list, let’s define this historical moment through the lens of our city. In the United States, modernist architecture – marked by minimalism over embellishment, clean lines, concrete, glass, and steel, and a “form follows function” mentality –roughly spanned the 1920s through 1970s.

Emerging alongside the Industrial Revolution, modernist art and design were shifting out of the Romantic era’s sentimental leanings. Technology and science were ramping up, and modernism was simply skeptical of what came before it. In St. Louis, it manifested in styles like Brutalism (the Pet Milk Building at 400 S. 4th St., now apartments), International Style (the former Magic Chef headquarters at 1641 S. Kingshighway Blvd., now a U-Haul store), Streamline Moderne (the Paristyle Building at 1517 Washington Ave., now apartments), and others.

Similarly, the buildings highlighted below – enduring landmarks of St. Louis modernism – have been repurposed, weathering the storm throughout decades of change. Here’s how St. Louis, in the county and city, has given new life to some of its historic structures.

Famous-Barr department store, 7425 Forsyth Blvd. (1948)

Somehow both looming and stylish, the low-slung building that once housed St. Louis company Famous-Barr until 1991 is now home to local businesses and a WashU library. The department store brand operated from 1911 to 2006, selling everything from cosmetics and clothing to furniture and food. “The building’s footprint gracefully follows the curve of Forsyth Boulevard,” writes Built St. Louis author Robert Powers. “Two stories in beige brick float over a ground level clad in black polished stone and are punctured by small square windows that cast fascinating shadows across the curved façade in the sunlight of late afternoon.”

Phillips 66 gas station, 212 S. Grand Blvd. (1965)

So recognizable we might as well put it on a T-shirt, the “flying saucer building” in Midtown has all but shed its humble gas station roots. It’s since lived other lives as a Naugles – part of the “Cal-Mex” fast food chain popular with late-night diners – and a Del Taco. The building was saved from demolition by preservationists and fans in 2011. “[It’s] both an amusing piece of whimsy – badly needed in this over-trafficked stretch of Grand – and a startling bit of mid-century design,” writes Powers. “The upswept roof, outlined in red neon and illuminated by lengthy runs of fluorescent lighting, makes a powerful silhouette day or night.”

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SAINT LOUIS BALLET

Winter Gala 2026

Guests, friends, and supporters of the Saint Louis Ballet gathered at the Touhill Performing Arts Center for the Saint Louis Ballet Winter Gala 2026, celebrating 25 years of Gen Horiuchi as executive and artistic director. Horiuchi brought his experience as a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and as an international and Broadway performer to St. Louis where he has transformed the city’s ballet landscape. Guests enjoyed food and drink and browsed fabulous raffle items before appreciating a performance by members of the Saint Louis Ballet. Dinner featured music, live auction, raffle pull and a presentation.

“The Saint Louis Ballet Gala was a truly special evening—a celebration of Gen Horiuchi’s extraordinary 25-year anniversary and the breathtaking talent of our dancers. We are incredibly lucky to have such world-class talent right here in our city. Their artistry, discipline, and passion bring an extraordinary sense of beauty to the stage.”

– KAREN SPECTOR SAINT LOUIS BALLET EVENT CO-CHAIR

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“Cheers to 25 Years of Simon Law!” Anniversary Party

Simon Law hosted their “Cheers to 25 Years of Simon Law” Anniversary Party, at Energizer Park on February 19. Attendees were greeted with complimentary custom soccer scarves en route to lavish food buffets and dessert displays, free signature cocktails and beverage stations with fresh coffee or hot cocoa for the kids. Spanning multiple levels, guests were allowed backstage access inside the new stadium with a chance for photo-ops both inside the press club and on the pitch. In commemorating 25 years, this event gave founder John G. Simon and Simon Law to opportunity to show their appreciation for clients, friends, and families throughout St. Louis.

“Our

25th anniversary is a milestone I know we never could have reached without the tremendously talented attorneys and sta members that have been with us throughout the years. We are incredibly grateful to our clients, who have put their trust in us, and we look forward to continuing to serve this community.”

– JOHN G. SIMON SIMON LAW FOUNDER

LEVELINGTHE

PlayingRing

InJanuary,St.Louis’‘CircusLady,’Jessica Hentoff,wasawardedaninternationaltitle andawiderplatformtosharethemission ofCircusHarmony,nowinits25thyear.

ByBethanyChristo

WhenJessicaHentoffwas awardedtheinternationaltitle ofAmbassadorofCircusby theWorldCircusFederationin MonteCarlo,Monaco,onJan.18,shewasonly thesecondAmericangiventhedistinction. (Notably,theotherAmerican,KennethFeld, CEOofFeldEntertainment,operatesasthehead ofRinglingBros.andBarnum&BaileyCircus.) Hentoffisalsothefirstteacherinthehistory oftheambassadorship.

Aftertheinitialshockpassed,Hentoff’s reactionwastosharethehonorificwiththe youngperformerssheshapesasthefounderand artisticandexecutivedirectoratCircusHarmony inSt.Louis.

H.S.H.PrincessStéphanieofMonaco,JessicaHentoff,andWorldCircus FederationboardpresidentUrsPilz|PhotocourtesyofCircusHarmony

“Iwasstunned!”Hentoffsays.“Itnevereven occurredtomethatI’dbeinconsiderationfor somethinglikethis,becauseifyoulookatthelist ofpreviousambassadors,they’remultigeneration circuspeopleorownersoflargecircusesor companies.Butinreality,forme,whoarethereal ambassadors?Thekids–ourflyingchildrenwho arenowperformingaroundtheworld.”

Hentofflearnedthis“passiton”mentalityof sharingsuccessesandjoysfromherfirstcircus artsteacherandmentor,WarrenBacon,whilein collegein1973.Afterspendingasummertouring withayouthcircus,shewentontobecomea

world-renownedprofessionalcircusperformer andthencreatedtheSt.LouisArchesyouthcircus performancetroupein1988,whichstilloperates today.In2001,shefoundedCircusHarmony,a “socialcircus”schoolthatoperatesoutofCity Museumandoffersarangeofcircusartsclasses, workshops,andprogramsforfolksfromages3to 93.Theschoolputsonmorethan650showsayear outofthemuseumandacrossthecommunity.

HentoffisfamiliarwiththeAmbassador ofCircusselectionprocessfromattending ceremoniesinthepastasyouth-circusadvisor totheWorldCircusFederation,thegoverning bodythatawardstheAmbassadorofCircustitle. Shealsoservesonthesteeringcommitteeofthe GlobalAllianceofCircusSchools,isafounding boardmemberoftheAmericanCircusAlliance, andwasthefirstpersontoreceivetheExcellence inEducationAwardfromtheAmericanYouth CircusOrganizationin2014.

Hentoff’snewtitledoesn’tgiveheraresidency inMonacooraspecialornamentalstaffandtiara, butitdoesgiveherawiderplatformtospread theCircusHarmonymissionasasocialcircus–usingcircusartstomotivatesocialchangefirst andforemost.

“HereinAmerica,circusisconsideredatbest afolkart,alowerformofart,”Hentoffsays.“But whenyoulookatit,it’sdance,it’smusic,it’ssport –tome,it’severything.Fromayouthpointofview, circusisafabulousactivitybecauseit’ssomany differentdisciplinesandgenres.Maybeyou’renot thebesttumbler,butyouhavegreatbalanceand canwalkatightropeorrideaunicycle,oryou’re agreatjuggler,orthisistheplacewherebeinga classclownisabsolutelyapplauded.”

Hentoffsaysacircusis“anevenplayingring,” andatCircusHarmony,studentslearnnotjust tricksbutalsohowtopresenttheminfrontof anaudienceviaperformancesatCityMuseum, whichgivesstudentsanedgewhenapplyingto circuscollegesorprofessionalcompanies.They alsolearnsoftskillsliketimemanagementand emotionregulationthatareapplicablenomatter

whatyoudo.“Circuscanbescary,andit’sall aboutlearningtocontrolyourfear,”shesays.

CircusHarmonyalsoespousestheideaof workingtogetherwithpeopleacrossallabilities, skills,andotherwayswedifferfromoneanother. “Whenyou’relearningtoflip,fly,andfling,you’re alsolearningfocus,persistence,andteamwork,” Hentoffsays.“You’relearninghowtopresent yourselfinpublic.Whatweteachinallour programmingis,ifyoufocusonwhatconnects youratherthanwhatdividesyou,youcancreate somethingamazing.”

OnApril11,CircusHarmonyiscelebrating25 yearsasanonprofitwithaSilverCircusSoiréeat CityMuseum,whereitwillproduceandperform apreviewofashowdepictingthelifeofspecial guestSidneyBateman.TheCircusHarmony alumniwentontogreatsuccessasanacrobat inthecircusringandas“Reggie”intheWWE wrestlingring–Batemancreditsthecircusarts forhisdecisiontoquitgangs,forsavinghislife, andforgivinghimnewpurpose.

Hentoffpraisestheartformaschangingthe trajectoryofherownlife.“Everydayisacircus dayforme,”shesays.“Oneofmypetpeeves iswhenpeoplerefertopoliticsasacircusor politiciansasclowns.Youwishitwereacircus –youwishtheywerecoordinatingandworking togethertocreatesomethingwonderfulthat bringsjoy.AsAmbassadorofCircus,I’mfalling downonthejobifI’mnotbringingmorepeople toseecircusartsandexperiencethatjoy.”

CircusHarmony,CityMuseumthirdfloor, 750N.16thSt.,Downtown,St.Louis,314-436-7676, circusharmony.org

Readyforthering?Here’syour chancetojointhecircus.Children andadultsalikecantakeclasses, workshops,andcampsofferedat CircusHarmony.ScantheQRcode forupcomingprogramming.

Recharging the Community

ByDrewGieseke |PhotoscourtesyofByteBackSTL

WAFTERSEEINGAMOUNTAINOFDISCARDEDTECH ATASCHOOLFUNDRAISER,JOHNBURROUGHS SOPHOMOREROSHANRAOLAUNCHEDBYTEBACKSTL TOMAKERESPONSIBLEELECTRONICSRECYCLING FREEANDCONVENIENT.

hileattendingafundraiseratJohnBurroughsSchool,student RoshanRaowasshockedbythemassivevolumeofdonated electronics.Theexperiencehighlightedahiddenproblem: Ifthismuchwastecamefromproactivedonors,evenmore “overlooked”smallelectronicswerelikelybeingthrownintothegarbage.

RaofoundedByteBackSTLin2025,whenhewasjustasophomore,toraise fundsthatsupportcommunitye-cyclingdrivesandcoverthecostsofresponsibly recyclinglargeelectronicsacrosstheSt.Louisarea.Inlessthanayear,he’s collectedandresponsiblyrecycledmorethan2,500poundsofelectronicwaste. Hiseffortscouldmakeamajorimpactonthelocalenvironment.

“Throwingawayoldelectronicsaffectstheenvironmentinways beyondtypicalwaste,especiallywhenyouconsiderthe

toxicmaterialsandvaluableresourcesoftencontainedintheseitems,” Raosays.AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization,e-wasteisone ofthefastest-growingsolidwastestreamsworldwide.Ifdiscarded improperly,e-wastecancauseadversehealtheffects,particularlyfor pregnantwomenandchildrenwhoare“vulnerableduetotheirpathways ofexposureanddevelopmentalstatus,”reportsWHOonitswebsite.

“Manyelectronicdevicescontainsubstancessuchaslead,mercury, andcadmium,”Raosays.“Ifimproperlythrownawayintolandfills, thesematerialscanleakintosoilandwater,harmingecosystemsand humanhealth.”

Sincefoundingthe501(c)(3)nonprofitorganization,Raohas beenworkingdiligentlytoensureoperationsarerunningsmoothly atByteBackSTL.Ultimately,hisgoalistohelpthecommunityand addresstwocommonfrictionpointsthatpreventpeoplefrom recyclingelectronics:costandconvenience.

Likemanypeople,Raowassurprisedtolearnthatthereisafee forrecyclingcertainelectronics.ByteBackSTLcollectse-wasteand alsohelpsoffsetsomeofthosecostswhenpossible,makingthe e-recyclingprocessmorefinanciallyaccessible.Throughdonations, theorganizationraisesfundsthatcanhelpdefrayexpensesassociated withcommunityelectronicsrecyclingdrives.

“Toaddressconvenience,wepublishinformationaboutlocal electronicsrecyclingeventsandhelpconnectresidentswith trustedrecyclingpartners,”Raosays.“Ifaneighborhood,school,or organizationisinterested,ByteBackcanalsohelpcoordinatealocal collectiondrivetomakeresponsiblerecyclingeasierforeveryone allatonce.”

Generallyspeaking,electronicsarerecycledbyseparatingdevices andotherpartsintomaterialssuchasplastic,steel,andaluminum. Onceorganized,they’reshreddedandsortedforreuse.Deviceslike smartphones,tablets,TVs,andcomputersalsocontainrareearth elementsusedinadvancedinfrastructureandmilitarytechnology.

ByteBackSTLpartnerswithcertifiedrecyclerssuchasSpectrum Ecycle.OnceadonordropsoffanoldlaptopinaByteBackSTL collectionbinatJohnBurroughsSchool,it’sfirstsortedbytypeand condition,andanystill-workinglaptopsmightberefurbishedforreuse. Next,alldataissecurelywipedordestroyedtomakesurenopersonal orsensitiveinformationleavestherecyclingchain.Afterthat,thelaptop istakenapartsometals,plastics,andcircuitboardscanbeseparated. Spectrumthenensuresthatallqualitytechnologyisresoldor refurbishedfornewusers,whilecomponentsthatcannotbereused arerecycledresponsibly.

Inlessthanayear,Raohas collectedandresponsibly recycledmorethan2,500 poundsofelectronicwaste. Hiseffortscouldmakea majorimpactonthe localenvironment.

“Partsthatstillfunction,likeRAM,harddrives,orscreens,are harvestedandsoldtocompaniestokeeptechnologyincirculation andreducewaste,guaranteeingthateverypieceofthedeviceiseither refurbished,sold,orrecycled,leavingnothingtogotoalandfill,” Raosays.

It’snoteasytorunanonprofitandmanageahighschoolschedule. Nowajunior,Raosaysbalancingthetwomakesgrowthmuchharder, butJohnBurroughsSchoolhasbeensupportiveofhiseffortswherever possible.Anotherbigchallengeisformingpartnershipswithnational retailersinourcommunities.Manyofthem,includingBestBuy,already haveestablishedrecyclingprograms,orthey’rehesitanttotrustahigh schoolstudentwiththeirelectronics.“Localbusinessesandschoolscan reallyhelpbyopeningdoors,whetherthat’sconnectinguswiththeir networks,lettingussetupcollectionbins,orevenjustspreadingthe word,”Raosays.

Withcollegeonthehorizon,RaohopestoexpandByteBackSTL asacollectionservicewhilealsogrowingintoabroaderplatform foradvocacyandenvironmentaleducation.“Ithinkit’simportantto keepthecoremissionofactuallycleaningupe-waste,butIalsowant tospreadthemessage,”hesays.“Large-scalechangeinelectronics recyclingwon’tcomefromjustoneperson;ithastocomefrom acommunitymovementandashiftinhowpeoplethinkabout technologyandsustainability.”

ByteBackSTL,400ChesterfieldCenter,Suite400,Chesterfield, 314-624-2008,bytebackstl.com

GetLostin LAUMEIER

ByBrittanyNay

FAlexanderLiberman,TheWay,1972-80.Black-andwhitephotographfordedicationluncheon,1980.

romTonyTasset’sgigantic blueorb,Eye,toAlexander Liberman’stoweringred columns,TheWay,hundreds oflarger-than-lifeartpiecesdisplayed acrossfivedecadeshaveputLaumeier SculptureParkonthemap.

Markingitsmilestone50thbirthday thisyear,St.Louis’iconicoutdoorart parkwillcelebratewithaseriesofgolden anniversaryeventsandexhibitions.

AYearofWonder–exploringthe curiosity,creativity,andconnection Laumeierhascultivatedthroughlargescalesculpturespanningfivedecades–kicksoffwiththeindoor exhibition,BeginAgain:50YearsandCounting,revisitingthe museum’shistoryofcommissioningandexhibitingartwork. Visitorsareinvitedtowalkthroughtheyearsfrom1976totoday. “Itshowstheincrediblerangeofourartprojects,fromthesubtle tothemonumental,”executivedirectorLaurenRosssays.

Above:RichardSerra,ToEncircleBase PlateHexagram;RightAnglesInverted, 1970.Colorphotograph.Loanfrom GreenbergGalleryandSaintLouisArt Museum,LaumeierSculpturePark photoarchive.

Left:UrsalavonRydingsvard,Untitled, 1997(decommissioned2013).Color photographbyRobertLaRouche. LaumeierSculptureParkcommission, photoarchive.

Thetitle,BeginAgain,wasinspiredbyLaumeier’snextthemed phase:commissioningnewworksbyartistswhosesculpturesformerly stoodinthepark.ThefirstofthesecommissionswilldebutonApril18, accompaniedbyanartisttalkandfamilyactivities.“[Threeartists]were giventhechoiceofremaking[their]oldpieceorsomethingentirely new,andtheyaretakingdifferentapproaches,”Rossexplains,adding thatthecommissionswilldebutinApril,August,andOctoberandoffer audiencesnewpiecestoseeeachseason.

Fan-favoriteevents,includingthe39thAnnualArtFairfromMay 8to10,willreturnwithanniversary-themedsurprisessuchasdigital slideshowsrevisitingpastartfairsandotherevents.

DuringLaumeierAfterDarkonNov.7,takeinilluminated sculptures,trails,andaNightMarketfeaturinglocalmakers,foodand beveragevendors,andlivemusic.AndonDec.5and12,visitthepark’s HolidayPop-UpShopshowcasingareamakers.

AlisonSaar,Leelinau,1997(decommissioned2013).Colorphotograph.LaumeierSculptureParkcommission, photoarchive.

‘WhereWanderTurnstoWonder’

Amongthemorethan1,000artistsandhundredsofworksexhibited throughtheyears,Rosssaysshe’spartialtosomeofthe“quirkier projects.”“Thereisanundergroundsculpturebythepreeminent minimalistsculptorRichardSerrathattodayisinstalledintheroadright outsidethefrontdooroftheSaintLouisArtMuseum,”sheexplains. “BeforeitwasatSLAM,itwasinstalledatLaumeier.”

Theexecutivedirectorloveshowthepark’s50-yearhistorymeans ithasservedmultiplegenerationsoffamilies.“Inevertireofhearing peopletellmethattheycamehereasachildandnowtheybringtheir ownchildrenandgrandchildren,”shesays.“Theyhavemarkedimportant milestonesintheirliveshereincludinggraduations,weddings,and celebrationsoflife.”

Rossrecallsonerecentstorythatmovedhertotears:“Awomantold methatLaumeierwasherlatedaughter’sfavoriteplace,soeveryyearon theanniversaryofherpassing,herfamilycomestotheparktovisitthe installationbyMaryMiss–herdaughter’sfavorite–tocelebrate hermemory.”

Suchcherishedrecollectionsinspiredtheanniversaryadditionof LaumeierStories,acommunity-drivenstorytellingprojectinvitingpeople tosharetheirmemories,videos,andphotographs.Findthesubmission link,aswellasthefullslateofcelebrationevents,onthepark’s anniversarypageatlaumeiersculpturepark.org/50years.

AsRosslookstothemuseum’sfuture,shereflectsonitspast. “Laumeierisn’ttheexactsameplaceitwasin1976,butthecoremission remainsintact,”sheshares.“Changeissorapidthatperhapsthepark mayoperateorevenlookdifferentin50years.Butevenifthat’sthecase, Ibelievetheimpactithasonpeoplewillstillbethesame.”

Laumeier’sanniversarytagline,‘WhereWanderTurnstoWonder,’ celebratesits“specialmagic:aplacewhereyoucanimmerseyourself inalandscapeandbeintellectuallyandemotionallyenrichedbyhaving encounterswithgreatworksofartandnewideas,”Rosssays.“Isuspect thattypeoffulfillingexperiencewillalwaysbewelcome,comewhatmay.”

LaumeierSculpturePark,12580RottRoad,SunsetHills,314-615-5278, laumeiersculpturepark.org

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