Clayton, MO August 2023

Kids & Pets

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Kids & Pets

Dear valued readers,

Welcome to our highly anticipated Kids & Pets edition—a personal favorite among our team. This edition brings us immense joy as we celebrate the profound impact children and pets have on their families and communities. They truly embody the hope for a brighter tomorrow and form the bedrock of our society.

Children, with their inherent innocence, boundless curiosity, and limitless potential, possess the remarkable ability to shape the world in ways beyond our imagination. They represent our most significant investment and the fruits of our hardest work. In this issue, we are thrilled to showcase the "I Define Me Movement" on page 34, as well as the inspiring work of the KidSmart Organization on page 22. These incredible initiatives are actively making a difference in our communities, empowering children to thrive.

And let's not forget our beloved pets! The companionship they offer is a transformative experience for both children and adults. Pets provide us with unwavering love and offer a nurturing environment for learning, growth, and the development of essential life skills. The profound bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends cannot be ignored, as it fosters qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and companionship. Don't miss the heartwarming story of Olive The Bulldog on page 26, as well as the remarkable work of Second Chance Ranch—a haven for senior pets looking for a loving home—on page 16.

While we recognize the immeasurable value of children, it is important to note that both children and pets rely on us. Our care, attention, and intention shape their upbringing and shape the individuals they become. We hope this issue serves as an inspiration, encouraging you to pour a little extra love and dedication into the children and pets in your life this month.

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey into the world of Kids & Pets. We invite you to immerse yourself in the stories, insights, and experiences shared within these pages. Let this edition kindle your enthusiasm, as we explore the indelible impact that children and pets have on our lives and the world around us.

Be Inspired,

August 2023

PUBLISHERS

Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com

Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mel Boban, Julie Brown Patton, Robin Seaton

Jefferson, Kim Hill, Alana Fravell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Suzy Gorman, Delaney Jean Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Circus Harmony’s New Board President Was Former Flying Child

When Tiffarnish Lewis first started taking circus classes at Jefferson Elementary School in 1988, she just thought it was fun. Thirty-five years later, Tiffarnish is the newly-elected president of the board of directors of Circus Harmony, St. Louis’ only social circus school. Social circus means using the teaching and performing of circus arts to motivate social change. She was one of the first members of the St. Louis Arches, Circus Harmony’s youth performance troupe.

The J To Host Biannual Used Book Sale

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns to Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building from Aug. 27-31. Patrons can stock up on mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and more, while benefiting the Cultural Arts Department of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. There are day and evening hours, with the last day allowing to buy a bag of books for just $5. For updated and complete information visit  JCCSTL.com/ programs/used-book-sale

St. Louis Resident Crowned Miss Missouri

For the first time since the teen program started, a panel of judges crowned two sister queens as Miss Missouri’s Teen and Miss Missouri. Miss Southern Missouri Hayley Leach of St. Louis is the new Miss Missouri. Judges also crowned her sister queen, Gracyn Rouse, Miss Southern Missouri’s Teen as the new Miss Missouri’s Teen. The third Runner-Up for Miss Missouri was Miss Gateway Halie Hebron of O’Fallon. Hayley is preparing for Miss America.

Our mission at The Gemini Group is to partner you with a knowledgeable and experienced team of professionals who can manage your unique investment objectives and circumstances. We understand life happens and we believe we are well able to effectively serve your financial needs. The world in which investments function doesn’t seem to be getting any simpler as time goes by. It can be a tremendous benefit if you can enlist the support of a team to help lighten that load. Just as we go through different stages of our lives, there are corresponding stages of investing: Accumulative, Preservative and Distributive. Keeping on track with your personal investment timeline can be made easier by having a well-crafted, practical plan.

Party In The Park With 'Vote For Pedro' Band

On Aug. 9 from 5-8 p.m., Clayton residents and guests can enjoy live music, beer, wine and libations with band "Vote For Pedro" at North Brentwood between Forsyth/ Maryland Avenues. There's no event admission fee. Formed in 2005, Vote for Pedro is comprised of Jeff Faulkner (guitar, vox); Jamie Perryman (drums); Chris Bosslet (bass, vox); Lydia Caesar (lead vox, percussion); and Paul Kriege (keyboards, sequences). Metered city parking that evening is free after 5 p.m.

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CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

Sanctuary For Adoptable Senior Dogs, Cats

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a little out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well," imparts Bennie Wilcox. A certain set of local people would agree, for on a daily basis they honor muzzles that are a bit whiter and aged angelic faces that can purr their way out of anything, all while offering hearts full of love and gratitude. Admirably, all of this group's nurturing and care is accomplished through volunteers.

Second Chance Ranch, the St. Louis region's first organized hospice sanctuary for dogs and cats in their senior stage of life, was founded by Tracy Rumpf on July 18, 2021. It's located in Valley Park at a renovated early 20th century farmhouse.

As a 501(c)(3) supported solely through public donations, Tracy says the ranch team is able to provide a loving home, food, veterinary care and medications to pets who have nowhere else to reside, all due to generous donors.

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE SWEET SOUL OF AN OLDER CANINE OR FELINE

The majority of animals who arrive at the ranch are due to their owners relocating or dying, leaving pets with no homes. They're also comprised of animals picked over in shelters and were saved from euthanasia, or rescued from dangerous situations. "We're committed to helping and being a voice for the most needy, most vulnerable canines and felines among our communities. We're dedicated to creating a loving home for senior dogs and cats who also are homeless or sick, and we strive to make the rest of their life the best of their life," Tracy says.

In general, a dog is considered a senior, based on their breed and size. Small dogs are viewed as senior citizens of the canine world typically when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.

Likewise for cats, they're considered by veterinarians to be a senior, or deemed geriatric, by the time they reach 10 to 11 years old. If a cat lives beyond 15 years of age, they're often referenced as being a "super-senior."

Tracy emphasizes that older dogs and cats, throughout all adoption sources, get adopted at a much lower rate than younger dogs. When these animals should be enjoying their golden years, instead they spend their days in a shelter, up to four times as long as a younger dog.

"Dogs grieve. They love, feel, care, are happy and sad. There are people in this world who don't understand this; the ones who surrender their 17-year-old dog because he sleeps too much, or the family who wants to make room for the Christmas puppy, so they surrender their senior dog," states Tracy. "We need to be their voice. What we do at the ranch is validate their feelings, and value them as a living being with feelings. Every one of our dogs deserve to know they are worthy."

Note that senior dogs are capable and often eager to learn new things. Additionally, older dogs tend to bond quicker because they know how to get along with others. Furthermore, senior pets don't require the constant monitoring and training that puppies and kittens do. Many are already housetrained Because senior pets are fully grown, adoptive pet parents are immediately aware of important information, such as personality type, grooming requirements and perhaps medical history, making it easier to choose the perfect pet for each family.

Since launching, the ranch has hosted or fostered 279 pets, and adopted out about 80%. Tracy says the other 20% typically are on hospice and will spend the rest of their lives at the ranch, being coddled and reassured that they are cherished.

"The ranch is a two-story, and we used to keep the little-sized dogs upstairs and the bigs on the main floor. But we just added 1,400 square feet so we can maintain all the dogs on

Second Chance Ranch is operated by volunteers who love senior dogs and cats, and are committed to care for the animals until they take their last breaths. It’s also a self-funded, forever home for discarded animals.

the first floor, with the upstairs becoming a quarantine area or for animals being treated for more serious medical needs," Tracy says.  Additionally, an animal acupuncturist performs services for arthritic dogs each Sunday at the ranch.

This sanctuary actually was a natural outgrowth from a prior initiative. Previously, Tracy co-founded The Wet Nose Project about five years ago, which still serves as a foundation to raise money to help pay for life-saving veterinary medical or surgery bills for vulnerable, rescued dogs and cats who are pulled from animal control or abandoned when their owner must enter assisted-living accommodations.

"We also teamed up with Aging Ahead's Meals on Wheels to donate pet food for seniors' pets on fixed or lacking incomes. It's called Whiskers On Wheels, and we provide thousands of pounds of food," she says.

Ranch volunteers are needed, confirms Tracy, even if to just be on a standby list for the 80-ish mainstay volunteers. "Those who can only do mornings, evenings or certain days of the week also are welcome."

To adopt, see the ranch's Facebook page, then call to set a time to meet a potential match. The ranch requires appointments because it's a true home-away-from-home for the dog residents and the felines in the three cat condos. The dogs are not crated or paneled. They enjoy soft music playing and TV shows. "It's their home, and we're just here to serve them!" exclaims Tracy.

Second Chance Rescue: 636.517.1013

SecondChanceRanchSTL.org

WetNoseProject.org

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EMPOWERING CHILDREN IN NEED TO SUCCEED

KIDSMART

Jennifer says people often don’t realize that kids in their own local communities start school without the most basic supplies. “Equipping kids with tools for learning provides them equity and the opportunity to access education,” she says. “We’ve proven we can come together and make a difference.”

That proof is in the success stories KidSmart has witnessed. “There are thousands of stories of success,” Jennifer says. Like the fifth grader in the Riverview Gardens School District who wrote a thank you note: “I’ve always been that kid—the kid who starts school without school supplies. My mom wanted to afford school supplies, but she just couldn’t. KidSmart made me not be ‘that kid’ anymore.”

“He [that kid] is an attorney today,” says Jennifer.

KidSmart's doors were opened in 2002. Now more than two decades later, the Maryland Heights nonprofit helps kids in some 4,500 classrooms in 17 school districts within the St. Louis area.

“Each year, there are 90,000 kids in the St. Louis area whose families live at or below the poverty level and who attend schools in our highest poverty neighborhoods. That’s enough kids to fill Busch Stadium, twice. These kids have the ability and desire to learn, they simply cannot afford the critical school supplies,” says KidSmart Founder and CEO Jennifer Miller. “Throughout each year, KidSmart provides educational resources for tens of thousands of these students.”

In its 21-year history, KidSmart has distributed more than $85 million in free school supplies to the kids who need it most in the St. Louis area.

“This is a communitywide issue. With a communitywide effort, we create a communitywide impact. These children are our future employees, our future consumers. By supporting them, we lift up our entire community, in the future.”

THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WAYS KIDSMART EQUIPS KIDS:

• The KidSmart Free Store: The only free, educational supply store in Missouri.

• Free Store on the Go!: The KidSmart On the Go! truck takes services on the road, delivering essential supplies directly to students and into classrooms.

• Push for Pencils, Push for Change: The largest school supply drive in Missouri, rallying the support of employees and businesses across the St. Louis area and collecting more than 500,000 brand new school supplies at its community drop-off locations each year. Just $25 equips a student with $125 in free school supplies for back to school.

• Crafts with Conviction: Partnering with the Missouri Department of Corrections, each school year since 2002, more than 1,000 offenders in Missouri correctional facilities donate 500,000-plus hours of their time to create educational and learning materials for the students KidSmart serves.

• Annual Giving Club: Members provide a class with a set of free school supplies to equip 100 percent of the students in a high poverty classroom.

• Head of the Class Society: An exclusive donor circle at $1,000 and higher, provides the foundation of annual support that enables KidSmart to deliver a five-times annual ROI.

• KidSmart Gift of Heart Volunteers are always needed to sort donated supplies, inventory products and help with special events and mailing projects.

• Individuals or companies may host supply drives, sponsor a school, a classroom or a student, or host an event or party to raise important funding.

“It’s a need that is year-round,” Jennifer says. “So many educational resources are consumable. You may have leftover items from your own event, such as paint, paper, art supplies, staplers, pens, pencils or T-shirts. Anything may be utilized by teachers and students to equip them to learn. If they’re branded, that’s fine, too. It lets kids know there are companies who believe in them, and places where they may possibly work someday. There's a place for everyone at KidSmart, and the payoff for kids, for our community, is big.”

314.291.6211

KidSmartSTL.org

‘Oh Olive’ New Children’s Book

Lifestyle Publisher Pens Book To Encourage Others To Marshal Courage Deep Within Themselves

Olive the Bulldog is a real-live, happy-go-lucky pup with a courageous spirit and a heart full of love, bringing joy to everyone she meets. She's also the subject of a new children's book titled Oh Olive. However, Olive has a secret to share with readers: She's terribly frightened of thunderstorms.

City Lifestyle Publisher Kelley G. Lamm authored the book, in honor of her beloved English Bulldog whose name is truly Olive. The story unfolds in New Town, the real community of Kelley and her Lifestyle co-publisher husband, Gordon Montgomery.

"Olive is so easy-going, but wow, when a thunderstorm moves in, she shakes and tries to hide anywhere she can," shares Kelley. "She inspired me to write about conquering fears, and to remind others that even during the wildest storms, there's always sunshine waiting on the other side."

Kelley says she hopes readers of the book will find, or reconnect with, their staying power and courage to face and overcome obstacles or threats. "In life, we all encounter stormy times—those moments when skies darken and challenges loom. It's during these

difficult moments we must remember Olive's lessons about summoning bravery to face our fears head-on and find solace in the fact that storms will pass."

KELLEY SUGGESTS THREE ESSENTIAL STEPS TO NAVIGATE THE STORMIEST TIMES WITH COURAGE AND GRACE:

1. Embrace the Olive within you. Tap into your playful soul and find joy in life's simple pleasures. Chase after passions with uncontainable excitement, and let your heart wag with joy. Remember that amidst challenges, there's always room for happiness.

2. Seek companionship on your journey. Surround yourself with love and friendship as pillars. Reach out to loved ones, seek their guidance, and offer your support in return. Together, we can weather any storm and emerge stronger.

3. Believe in your own fortitude. Each one of us possesses a wellspring of bravery deep within. When faced with adversity, tap into that reservoir of courage, and take that leap of faith. Trust in yourself, for you're capable of remarkable things.

Author Kelley with Olive

Pre-sales of Oh Olive, Oh No! A Thunderstorm! are scheduled to begin this September. The launch party is slated for Sept. 28. Look for the book’s online offering through Ingram Sparks/Amazon. For updates, email oholive@oholivethebulldog.com.

Living Analog In Digital World

“It’s Time To Rethink How We Use Devices,” Implores Leader In Guarded Approach Toward Technology

Digital minimalism is the way forward, declares Olivia Orman, founder/CEO of Livin’ Analog. She also works in tandem with the local company Publishing Concepts, LLC.

Olivia initiated a personal and professional development project in St. Louis to provide resources for corporations, entrepreneurs and backward-looking thinkers curious about more analog ways of approaching life. She poses, "While digital tools can increase connection and productivity, many individuals are finding it’s diminishing human experiences, such as conversation, practicing hobbies and living in the present moment."

She adds the project goal is to clearly define what roles technology has in achieving specific objectives. Outside of those functions, she encourages people to live more analog while coexisting in a digital world.

Rather than be tethered to electronic devices, Olivia lists her favorite device-free activities as reading, writing,

kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, walking, yoga, exploring, traveling, playing musical instruments, writing music, innovating and painting.

"On a societal level, we have an addiction on our hands, so it's time to rethink how we're using our electronic devices," Olivia states.

When people depend on smartphones, she says it can really impact their productivity, creativity, critical thinking skills and communications. "It's better to set boundaries for electronic tools, assigning them to just task-specific roles."

This fall, Olivia plans to assist others' transformations to digital minimalism by hosting the first Livin’ Analog Day Retreat, an entirely phone-free event. Consult her website for resources.

LivinAnalog.com

“Living in the present and being able to analyze what’s truly going on in your mind, rather than glued to a cellphone, are just two of many benefits gained from living more analog.”

Hop To It

MEET DOLLY’S DREAM HOME RABBIT RESCUE

"Can we get a pet?" is a common question heard in houses who embody young children. Kids love the responsibility of caring for a cute, furry friend, and you may've considered a rabbit during negotiations with your children. How hard can it be to adopt an adorable, loving bunny? There's more to it than that! The team at Dolly's Dream Home, a foster-based nonprofit, are local experts when it comes to considering a rabbit.

Did you know bunnies and rabbits are the same thing? The term "bunny" often refers to young rabbits, or as a term of endearment for a pet rabbit. This article about Dolly's Dream Home Rabbit Rescue helps do a deeper-dive into owning rabbits as pets.

This rescue apparently was never meant to emerge, but after the team rescued a few local bunnies, they say the calls never stopped. Now, they get about 80 requests per week for dumped bunnies, meat bunnies and surrenders. There are basically zero laws or regulations regarding pet rabbits in Missouri, which is a huge problem.

If interested in visiting the team and meeting some potential pets, their rabbit supply storefront is called Dolly’s Dream Store in St. Charles at 494 South 5th St. Anyone is welcome to attend their bunny events, shop for supplies (all bunny safe). The store usually has one or two rabbits at a time, because they are entirely foster-based.

City Lifestyle asked Dolly’s Dream Home President and Founder Katie Kottmeyer and Dolly's rescue team to share enlightening details about the world of bunnies.

WHAT KIND OF MISCONCEPTIONS DO PEOPLE USUALLY HAVE ABOUT OWNING A RABBIT?

People usually think rabbits are OK to live in cages, but cages are too small and rabbits often experience variations of hind leg atrophy. We recommend a 4-by-4-foot minimum puppy pen.

RABBITS ARE SO CUTE! CAN ANYONE OWN ONE?

People think they’re easy starter pets, but in reality, they live 8 to 12 years. Not only this, but they’re technically exotic animals and only a few vets will see them. This is an expensive issue because demand for exotic vets is high, which drives up spay costs, but otherwise 80% of unspayed females get uterine cancer.

People also think you can release them outside into the wild when after caring for them. However, domestic European rabbits are actually an entirely different species than cottontails, like cats and dogs, and they absolutely cannot survive outside. We litterbox train all of our bunnies and they can even learn tricks, their names and more.

We highly recommend doing proper research first. They’re not pets for kids; they have 28 teeth, and bite to deglove. They’re fabulous pets IF you have the right education. This is why we offer a free virtual education course that anyone can sign up for at DollysDreamHome.org

WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES COME WITH ADOPTING A RABBIT?

They’re fabulous family members, just not what we would consider a “starter pet." Our process is extremely efficient in terms of helping get set up and ready for a bunny. If you’re not sure a bunny is right for you, consider our foster-to-adopt program or hop over to our bunny blog, DollysDreamHome. org/Rabbit-Care-Information . Dolly and her husbun, Kenny Rogers, thank you!

To assist this rescue, consider shopping on the group's Chewy or Amazon Wish List. Donations accepted through Venmo and Cash App.  DollysDreamHomeRescue@gmail.com

DollysDreamHome.org

“This rescue was never meant to emerge, but after the team rescued a few local bunnies, the calls never stopped.”

I Define ME Movement:

"We are keepers to our dreams," says Tracie Berry-McGhee, founder of St. Louis-headquartered 'I Define ME' in 2002. "We focus on wellness, opportunities, knowledge and empowerment. IDM aspires to help women establish their own identities and walk in purpose."

Also as a licensed therapist, speaker, author, talk-show host, empowernista and St. Louis native Tracie, M.Ed., LPC, says she lives by the philosophy: "I am unique, I am we, I represent unity, I am diversity, a mosaic of people live in me."

In essence, the goal of this movement is for girls, especially girls aged 8 to 18 years, to nurture inner awareness, find their purpose, and realize the value of defining their voices.

As a speaker, Tracie addresses topics, such as girl empowerment, girl bullying, mental health and parental tips. She also founded a nonprofit named SistaKeeper to support and inspire teens, with an empowerment center based in Florissant. IDM also provides a wellness mobile tour van that travels to schools, libraries, special events, churches or community centers to offer Keeper Kits, journals, personal hygiene items, shirts, books and products made by girls for girls (sometimes through pop-up shops).

WHERE GIRLS AND WOMEN DEFINE THEIR PURPOSE LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY

Stemming from the following statistics, Tracie says she saw the need for surrounding girls and young women with tools for maximizing self-confidence:

• 74% of girls say they're under pressure to please everyone (Girls Inc., The SuperGirl Dilemma).

• 98% of girls feel there's an immense pressure from external sources to look a certain way (National Report On Self-Esteem).

• 92% of teen girls would like to change something about the way they look, with body weight ranking the highest (Dove Campaign).

• 90% of eating disorders are found in girls (National Association For Self-Esteem).

• 1 in 4 girls fall into a clinical diagnosis: depression, eating disorders and other mental/emotional disorders. Furthermore, many more report being constantly anxious, sleep deprived and under significant pressure. (The Triple Bind, Steven Hinshaw)

Locally, IDM school-based programs include: Parkway School District; Ladue Middle School; Hazelwood School District; St. Louis Catholic Academy; Marian Middle School; Ferguson-Florissant R-II School District; and Mehlville R-IX School District.

Growing up in Tracie's community, she recalls often not having all the resources she needed to thrive. "As a Black girl, I dealt with bullying about my hair and my lips. Now we teach girls the power of financial security, social media representation and becoming an overall positive individual in the community," she shares.

idefinememovement@gmail.com

314.602.8729

Text IDM to 22999

NIAGroupSTL.com

“Staff and supporters of the I Define ME organization have impacted more than 25,000 girls in positive, long-lasting ways over the past 20 years. To date, 22 local schools, 31 national IDM school chapters and presences in six countries were assisted and encouraged, while increasing self-esteem, literacy, decreasing relational aggression, bullying and giving girls and women a safe space to define wellness. Women and girls share their stories, and define their voices to help shape the world mentally, physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally.” ~Tracie McGhee

THIS DESTINATION IS HALF SAFARI PETTING ZOO

BIG DOINGS AT BIG JOEL’S

Joel Clinger wanted to be a zookeeper since he was a little boy, obtaining his first exotic pet, a ball python, when he was just 6 years old. “He even drew maps of zoos when he was a little kid,” says Joel’s wife, MiMi Clinger. “He always wanted to be a zookeeper.”

His childhood wish came true in 2012, when Joel and MiMi opened Big Joel’s Safari Petting Zoo and Educational Park, an agritourism attraction just south of Wright City on State Highway M. With more than 600 animals representing 70-plus species, the facility is recognized as a zoo by the Missouri Farm Bureau. Both Joel and MiMi are members of the Zoological Association of America to increase their knowledge in the care and keeping of their animals. As Joel says, “if you stop learning, you are no longer the expert.”

His knowledge started early, caring for his ball python as a first grader, and increased as he grew up. “I would bug zookeepers and ask what their degrees were in,” Joel recalls.

Emulating his idols, Joel majored in animal sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he also played football. That’s where he met MiMi, who shared his passion for animals. In fact, she planned a career as a veterinarian, although she became an occupational therapist instead. Joel played arena football for a few years after college graduation and began to work more intensely with exotic animals in the off season.

Over the years, Joel and MiMi kept adding more animals to their collection. Friends and family enjoyed visiting them, and soon strangers began stopping in their driveway to view the animals. People encouraged the couple to open a small animal park. They began planning to do just that, and when it came time to christen their park, Joel says he didn’t want to name the zoo after himself. He’s mum on the origins of the nickname “Big Joel,” but admits he was outvoted by his parents and MiMi on using the nickname for the park.

Big Joel’s Safari is a walk-through park, half zoo and half petting zoo. Of the many hooved mammals, visitors can see camels, llamas, alpacas, zebra, American bison, watusi cattle, North American elk, muntjak and fallow deer, a yak and other species.

“We're probably known for our largehooved stock as a whole,” says Joel. “You can get pretty close to our bison and the watusi cattle with the huge horns.”

Mimi says people don’t realize how big a bison is, or the length of a watusi’s horns until they get close to them. “We try to get people as close to the animals as we can and do it safely,” she explains. “This is also so they can see their different features.”

A ‘deer’ can be one of many different species, she notes. “We want people to realize just how unique each species is.”

Joel spends a lot of time with the camels, and if he’s forced to choose, Clarence is his favorite, he says. “We’ve done appearances with him all over the place,” he adds.

At 25 years of age, Clarence is now retired from giving rides to visitors, but for years

he delighted kids, large and small, from the perch above his hump. “Our male camels are very large. I like them because they make me feel normal,” jokes Joel, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall.

Other animals on display include the capybara, a favorite of MiMi’s; porcupines; lemurs; a Carpathian lynx; Bennett’s wallaby; and another MiMi favorite, a pair of fennec foxes. She says the tamanduas, a genus of anteaters, and the sloths, a fan favorite, are unique to privately funded zoos, such as theirs.

At the petting zoo, kids go crazy for the goats. “They love to feed them,” Joel says.

In the parakeet encounter, guests can purchase a parakeet feed stick and birds may even land on their head in the open bird aviary. Other birds include parrots, cockatoos and macaws, joined by an emu, ostrich, cranes, swans and pheasant.

Of course, there are reptiles: pythons, harkening back to Joel’s first exotic pet, boa constrictors and an anaconda. An American alligator, a caiman and a Morelet’s crocodile represent that species group.

Joel is living his childhood dream every day, caring for hundreds of exotic and interesting animals while sharing his knowledge with guests, including kids on educational field trips and through private events. “We're proud of our animals and the family that helped us create our oneof-a-kind farm,” says Joel. “But we’re not done yet, as we're always planning new projects and new animals to acquire.”

636.745.3031

BigJoelSafari.com

“WE TRY TO GET PEOPLE AS CLOSE TO THE ANIMALS AS WE CAN AND DO IT SAFELY.”

Yay For Sorbet!

RECIPE FOR SEASONAL SORBET TO SATISFY WHOLE FAMILY, GUESTS

Cold + sweet treats are naturally kidfriendly. Shop local farmers markets for tasty seasonal fruit to have on hand for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat: seasonal sorbet. When produce is at its peak, it’s usually the sweetest, most nutritionally dense, and most abundant (making it more affordable, too). The fresh produce season can be fleeting for items, such as watermelon and peaches, so why not take advantage of the short season? Buy extra and freeze. You’ll have the most delicious fruit at your fingertips and in your freezer, so you can enjoy the flavors of summer all yearlong. Bonus, this dessert is guilt free for serving kiddos because it uses little sugar and is nutritious as well as delicious!

Seasonal Sorbet

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups fresh, frozen seasonal fruit, such as watermelon, peaches or strawberries

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1-3 tablespoons of local, raw honey or agave (depending on how sweet your fruit is naturally)

• Pinch of salt to enhance flavor

• ¼ cup of water or fruit juice, if needed

DIRECTIONS

Ahead of time: Chop the fruit in 1-inch evenly sized chunks, and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet to avoid clumping. Once frozen, store in an airtight container for later use.

When desiring to prepare, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add more liquid if needed to help blend smoothly and press down with a spatula to help the process along. Add more honey for a sweeter taste. Eat immediately for a softer texture, or transfer into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm. Also works for popsicle molds. Keeps for three months. This can be made days and weeks ahead of time. Serves 4.

Optional: Add in fresh mint, basil or thyme. Add a drop or two of a high-quality essential oil from doTERRA, such as lime, kumquat, lemon, cinnamon or rosemary, to add a layer of botanical flavor. Try a spice such as cardamom or cinnamon. Maybe your kids aren’t adventurous eaters; reserve these more complex flavors for an adult dinner party. Or, make a split batch.

Tip: Using fruit that’s already frozen results in a smoother, less icy sorbet. This also shortens setting time for the sorbet. Add in a little plant-based milk for a creamier variety.

Ready For Seconds?

MEET THE AUTHOR

Alana is driven to help her community live their best lives. She can found at her garden center and produce market Sugar Grove Growers in Troy, Missouri, and on her blog sharing knowledge about plants, healthy cooking, mocktails, connecting with nature and self-care. She says she believes we all deserve to live a life of quality and can do that by being intentional about how we care for ourselves and spend our time. She guides others regarding how to simplify, scale back and grow in healthy, meaningful ways. She has upcoming virtual and in-person workshops through which to connect.

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Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 4TH AUGUST 7TH-11TH

A World Without Cancer

COLLEEN'S (COOKIES, PASTRIES, CAFE) | 7:00 AM

Many have been touched by cancer and the staff of Colleen's in Clayton want to help make a difference in finding a cure. Colleen's will donate 20 percent of all sales on this day until 2 p.m. to assist funding of cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman kids. Visit PedalTheCause.org .

Master Seal Team Scuba Camp

SHAW PARK AQUATIC CENTER

Y-kiki Divers and Clayton city representatives offer the PADI Master Seal Team Scuba Camp for kids ages 8-14. Each Specialty AquaMission introduces divers to new dive experiences and equipment. A new AquaMission will be completed each day: Creature ID Specialist, Underwater Archeology Specialist, Search & Recovery Specialist, Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialist and Inner Space Specialist. Fees: resident $220; non-Resident $250.

AUGUST 11TH

Kids' Night Out

CENTER OF CLAYTON | 6:00 PM

Sign up kids, who are 7 to 12 years old, for a night filled with fun that runs through 9 p.m. Recreation Academy instructors will lead a different activity every hour, including kickball, dodgeball, gaga ball, 9-square in the air, capture the flag and foam-tipped archery. Cost is $35 for members and residents; $40 for general admission.

AUGUST 11TH

The Merry Wives of Windsor

SHAW PARK | 6:30 PM

Take lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy a 90-minute outdoor performance of "Merry Wives of Windsor" that is reminiscent of a 90s sitcom, put on by TourCo, a traveling caravan of six actors, who are part of The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. This performance is free to attend. Organizers indicate dates/locations are subject to change. For more information, phone 314.290.8500.

AUGUST 17TH

Opening Art Reception

BRUNO DAVID GALLERY | 11:00 AM

EVERYTHING THAT WAS...STILL IS reflects an exhibition of mixed media work by Bunny Burson. This is the artist’s sixth solo exhibition with the gallery. Bunny's recent body of artwork is part of a decades-long exploration of her family history. Her fascination with scientific breakthroughs, in particular the mapping of the human genome, led her to add digital fabrication to artwork.

AUGUST 18TH-20TH

Black Futures Festival

ST. LOUIS DOWNTOWN | 12:00 PM

The citywide festival is a three-day immersive experience introducing the concepts of Black Speculative Art and Afrofuturism through an nteractive multi-location event series that teaches, explains and explores various topics representing different positions that integrate African diasporic worldviews with art and music, science and technology, economics, politics and more. For updated details, visit online BSAM-art.com .

AUGUST 20TH

2023 Inkwell Clayton Kids Triathlon

SHAW PARK AQUATIC CENTER/ SHAW PARK/GRG CENTENNIAL GREENWAY | 8:00 AM

Representatives of Clayton officials, The Center of Clayton and Big Shark Bicycle Company are holding the 9th Annual Inkwell Clayton Kids Triathlon. This fun, twisty course will introduce kids, ages 7- 14, to the sport of triathlon. New this year: following the completion of the younger age groups, a free Fun Run on the 1-mile run course will be held.

AUGUST 20TH

Musical Nights

OAK KNOLL PARK | 5:00 PM

Musicians 'The Woo Daddies' will perform 5-7 p.m. Take blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to enjoy with live music near the pond. Access to parking is off of Big Bend. This free event is sponsored by the Clayton Community Foundation. Contact jjader@ claytonmo.gov for more information.

AUGUST 26TH-27TH

Evolution Festival

FOREST PARK

This new music festival will feature headliners Brandi Carlile, Ice Cube, the Black Keys, the Black Crowes and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals. Organizers of the event estimated it will draw up to 20,000 festivalgoers each day. The concert is the first of this scale planned for Forest Park since LouFest organizers canceled just days before its 2018 event.

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Empowering Children

INSPIRING KIDS THROUGH LIFE LESSON BOOKS TO BE ALL THEY WANT TO BE

Children who envision their future aspirations and careers in their minds now can also physically see themselves in those roles via customized books and digital prints created by local mass communications producer Moses Ukoh. He turns customer-submitted photos of children's faces,  from looking directly into a camera, into pieces that depict them as self-selected characters, such as firemen, hairstylists, astronauts, nurses, teachers, scientists, pilots, musicians, U.S. presidents or even superheroes.

"I've always been interested in helping to mentor kids, and wanted to come up with a way for them to truly cast their visions for their authentic selves," he shares, adding that he was heartened by his mother formerly operating a personalized book cart in Union Station.

He says he personally practices meditation, and that this publishing idea crystallized one day after he had subconsciously been considering how to formulate e-books to uplift others, especially children.

Moses currently takes orders through the online Etsy platform, for which his page can be found at  Etsy.com/shop/InspirationalObjects His softcover books cost $39.99, and they arrive at customers' homes in approximately a week. Hardcovers are scheduled to arrive to customers within two weeks, and they cost $49.99. His books ship for free within the United States.

He also applies his experience in digital communications and videography to this 'Inspirational Objects' publishing project by producing personalized, motivational books, such as how to deal with bullies. He adds that a direct message to recipients can be added.

"Whatever gift your child has, teach them to express it no matter what the naysayers say or do, through heartfelt books composed to teach helpful lessons," suggests Moses.

To discuss possibilities or pose questions, email inspirationalobjects@gmail.com.

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