Inspiring Women
M AY 2 022
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Inspiring Women Our May issue is dedicated to all women, especially those in our own lives and the impact they have made. One of the best qualities a woman can possess is having confidence in oneself and at the same time being able to see the beauty, greatness and talent in other women around them. Women inspiring women, empowering and encouraging each other to succeed is so beautiful and rewarding. Encouraging and empowering the people in our own life can be something that comes naturally, but the impact of intentionally looking for ways to inspire those in our greater community is so powerful. We all want to be seen, and when we share encouragement and consideration to those around us, barriers break down and warmth follows. In this month’s issue, we are sharing amazing stories of inspiring women who have made their mark in our community in one way or another. We are also recognizing a few local entrepreneurs, women who are finding ways to give back to our community and businesses that help women. Let’s take time to encourage each other, appreciate the beauty in everyone and lift each other up, perhaps even a stranger. We also urge you to take time to reflect on the inspirational women in your own life and reach out to thank them for their impact on your life. Happy Mother's Day!
May 2022 PUBLISHER S
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Judy Peters | judy.peters@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER
Antanette Ray CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Judy Peters, Julie Brown Patton CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Carol Green, Joseph Brown
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
G O R D O N A N D K E L L E Y, P U B L I S H E R S @STCHARLESCIT YLIFEST YLEMAG Join us each month in a new city and new place with "In Your City" Show. A podcast production offering an experience to meet people, places and things to enjoy and engage in your city.
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/STCHARLESCOUNT Y |
Proverbs 3:5-6 St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St. Charles County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St. Charles County City Lifestyle™ is gathered from
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE ALREADY GETTING PROMOTIONS. Lindenwood Athletics just got promoted to NCAA Division I. If you have your eyes set on a better title and bigger salary, applying to Lindenwood is the first step. You can earn a 27% higher income than the national median 1O years after enrolling* and reap the rewards of going to a Division I school. Regardless if you’re a player or fan, it’s time you set your sights to the top.
APPLY NOW at Lindenwood.edu REAL EXPERIENCE. REAL SUCCESS. * Source: US Dept. of Education’s Scorecard / Dept. of Treasury 2020
RETHINK WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT
M AY 2 0 2 2
inside the issue The Ladies’ Issue
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32
18
36
F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
18 Inspiring Women
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
City Scene
12
Business Monthly
16
Local Experiences
18
Local Limelight
26
Self Care
32
Locally Sourced
36
Inspired By
40
Events
41
Realty Report
LBB: Women Leading Women
26 One Day Transformations Cosmetic Surgery And Liposuction Specialists Help Patients Feel Better In Their Skin
32 Meet The Miss Missouri Candidates Three women representing the St. Louis area in Miss Missouri Pageant in June; winner moves on to Miss America Pageant.
36 The Amazing Letisha Wexstten
Born with No Arms, She ‘Hugs’ the World with Her Inspiring Life
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Tammy Robinson Bri Dinwiddie, Miss St. Charles County
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LI FE + C U LT U R E
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LI FE + C U LT U R E
R EA L ESTAT E
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS BUILDING YOUR OUTDOOR DREAMS!
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M AY 2 0 2 2
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
3
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CITY OF ST. PETERS
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7 5
MADDI MANHEIMER
1: Celebrate the County’s German heritage at Missouri Maifest May 15 in New Town-St. Charles. 2: Peppa Pig’s Adventure brings the lovable, cheeky little piggy to Family Arena-St. Charles May 5. 3: Mayors of St. Charles County at The Mayor’s Charity Ball - St. Charles Convention Center. 4: Clarendale-St. Peters Senior Living joins the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce. 5: Tim Albers, owner of Dream Play, with hosts of In Your City Show podcast. 7: Barre3 St. Charles held an open house on April 2, welcoming the local community. 6: Pump Track World Championships Qualifier returns to Kinetic Park Aug. 6. Brooklynne Schuetz-2021 winner.
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C I T Y SC E N E
SYDNEY SCHADER
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8: Karen Englert, CEO, Boys and Girls Club’s, “A Night In The City” 57th Annual Gala. 9: Opening Day tradition for April’s on Main owner April Moxley and family. 10: Cindy Blake and Mary Enderle tailgating at St. Louis Cardinals Home Opener.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @StCharlesCityLifestyleMag
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Soaring to New Heights W I N G S O F H O P E G A L A 2 0 22
eN ot SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
The Wings of Hope Soaring to New Heights Gala is back in person and set to be
the biggest celebration of the summer. Join us as we honor the amazing work accomplished this
past year to change and save lives through the power of aviation. This very special evening — our largest annual fundraising event — will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, special programming, and silent and live auctions. We are thrilled to welcome back as our auctioneer and emcee KSDK’s Rene Knott. We anticipate a sellout, so get your tickets today. For more information and tickets please visit www.wingsofhope.ngo/gala or scan the QR code below.
Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel St. Louis 212 N. KINGSHIGHWAY | ST. LOUIS, MO 63108
For individual tickets and to purchase tables or sponsorships online, please visit www.wingsofhope.ngo/gala. For questions, please call Lena at 636-537-1302 ext. 510 or by email at lena.pak@wingsofhope.ngo
Senior Living with a Heart for Giving.
“It’s heartwarming,” says Mark Golliday, Executive Director. “Our residents are always looking for ways to give back to our community, because they’re passionate about helping their neighbors.” The independent living, assisted living and memory care community has already tackled two projects in 2022. Baby Blankets. Bright and colorful, the residents created fleece tie blankets for children at the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.
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For more information about Clarendale of St. Peters, call 636-242-6096 or visit ClarendaleOfStPeters.com. ClarendaleOfStPeters.com 10 DuBray Drive | St. Peters, MO 63376
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MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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M AY 2 0 2 2
Celebrating 36 years!
Foundation Repair
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Annual ATHENA Awards The ATHENA Leadership Awards Summit & Luncheon is May 6, 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. The mission of ATHENA is to support the development of women in leadership roles, and to support area women in need. The organization is partnering with Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service and Youth in Need to support area women with a feminine hygiene product donation drive at the Summit & Luncheon.
Basement Waterproofing 2022 Mission Clean Stream Hear from our satisfied customers
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The City of St. Charles' 2022 Clean Stream event was a huge success! In fact, it was the biggest turnout EVER. Gloves and trash bags were
provided for the nearly 200 volunteers that showed up to clean St. Charles. Volunteers collected a little over 5,200 pounds of trash and debris, with approximately 1,200 pounds of recyclable materials collected.
“In Your City” Let’s Talk!
Hoffmann Plans for Outdoor Amphitheater at Balducci Vineyards The construction of a 500-person outdoor amphitheater at Balducci Vineyards is the Hoffmann Family of Companies’ latest project to move forward as part of the multi-million dollar investment in the Augusta region. The amphitheater, being built into the hillside near the winery’s tasting room, will feature 10 rows, with the seats consisting of long pieces of Kansas-mined limestone. There will be 10-foot terraces between each of the rows.
LIVE ON LOCATION MAY 11, 2023 AT CLAYTON PARTIES IN THE PARK | B
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/St.Charles
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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You Dream It, We Build It!
Dream Play Recreation offers the absolute finest swing sets, trampolines & hoops
view current offers at
dreamplayrec.com dreamplayrec. com 17373 Edison Ave. Chesterfield, MO 63005 • 636.530.0055 Unmatched Quality • Durability • Safety • Long-Term Value • Service
Family owned & operated for over 31 years
M AY 2 0 2 2
local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.
Grab a friend and enjoy a day out brunching, shopping, enjoying the outdoors and visiting the many things to do in our city. Whether it’s an outdoor patio, an art gallery or boutique shopping you prefer, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Gals on the Town THE WHITE HAR E: It's always an adventure to see what's new at The White
Hare in Cottleville, with 13,000 sq. ft. of furniture, florals, decor & more! 1010 Miralago Way, St. Peters, MO CEDAR LAKE CELLARS: Derby Day, May 7, at Cedar Lake Cellars: watch the Kentucky Derby throughout the property while enjoying photo ops, Clydesdales, & mint julep wine slushies. 11008 Schreckengast Rd., Wright City, MO DANIEL BOONE HOME NATIONAL HISTOR IC SITE: Home Brew Fest at the Daniel Boone Home May 21: try samples from local home brewers/breweries; learn how they make beer, ale, and cider. 1868 Highway F, Defiance, Mo 3 70 LAKESIDE PAR K: The City of St. Peters' Sunset Concert Series returns with live concerts at 370 Lakeside Park. Kicking it off: Joe Metzka blues band, May 27. 1000 Lakeside Park Dr Saint Peters, MO THE WINE CAFE: Relax with a glass of wine, great food, and great people, at the new Wine Cafe, 703 South Main St. in St. Charles. 703 South Main St., St. Charles, MO
Cedar Lake Cellars
Scan for more photos and the full list.
Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.
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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S
Inspiring Women
ARTICLE BY JUDY PETERS
LBB: WOMEN LEADING WOMEN
The need to learn from other women business owners and form a system of support and education is what led Angel Magasano, of Wentzville, to create a community to meet the needs of female professionals known as Little Black Book: Women in Business (LBB). “As a former corporate professional and budding entrepreneur, I didn’t know what I didn’t know about growing a business, so I began reaching out to other like-minded business owners to share best practices and business growth ideas.” Ten years later, she has grown the Little Black Book organization to more than 360 members spanning eight chapters in both Missouri and Illinois. In 2021, Little Black Book boasts an $85,075 financial impact through community service and philanthropy. The largest charitable contribution has been to the Toys for Tots Foundation, donating 50,000-plus toys over the past several years. Little Black Book recently hosted a highly successful women’s conference entitled “BECOME: Women’s Day of Inspiration,” to commemorate International Women’s Day. New offerings for Little Black Book’s membership in 2022 include a women’s collaborative workspace to open by the end of the year and an exclusive business strategy retreat for six-figure business owners ready to take their business to the next level. Angel says she feels LBB has the perfect balance of women’s empowerment programming and business skills workshops to further women’s personal and professional success. “Little Black Book meets women where they are, and supports them along their journey to becoming the person they aspire to be.” Angel has received numerous awards throughout her career including 2020 Small Business Monthly’s “Top 100 St Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business,” 2019 Western St Charles Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, 2016 “Certificate of Recognition,” issued by the City of Wentzville for services to the City. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Vision St Charles County Leadership, and will be installed as a Board Member for BackStoppers St. Charles County in the spring of 2022.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
Angel Magasano / Photo by Eichelberger Photography
Angel Magasano Founder, LBB
CONTINUED >
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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Shannon Norman has been a member of LBB for about six years but was involved in some of their activities since the organization started. “I’ve been friends with Angel (Magasano) for years, and I have loved getting to know these LBB women who are strong, driven, and forward-looking. By associating with these ladies, I’m always driven to do better, and to build my business to new levels. These are some of the most amazing women in the local area. They’re truly inspiring.” A graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, Shannon also holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. While there, she also earned a certification in Trauma Studies. Shannon is from south Louisiana and grew up working in her family’s aviation business. Later, while attending college, she worked with international companies bringing products into the states through customs and border protection. This combined experience working with corporate clients and people of varying backgrounds, as well as multiple government agencies, is invaluable to her current law practice, Shannon Norman Law, LLC in St. Peters. She is licensed in both Missouri and her home state of Louisiana. Shannon decided to complete law school in her late 30s, when her kids were in high school. “I should have done it earlier, but life got in the way,” she quips. She knew she was going to eventually open her own firm. In preparation for that, she did a lot of volunteer work as a Rule 13 lawyer for the SLU Legal Clinic, mainly dealing with battered women and abusers. Through that, she was involved in the clemency petition for Judy Henderson, and ended up working on the case for eight years, eventually succeeding in getting Judy released from being wrongly imprisoned for 36 years for a murder she did not commit. “We are now close friends and she’s doing wonderfully,” says Shannon. “It’s kind of hard to top that in your career,” she concludes. Shannon spends a lot of time in court, since her practice mainly focuses on family, criminal, and personal injury law. But she does find time to volunteer with LBB and with the Cottleville Firefighters Outreach. She is a past board member of the Center for Autism Education, and also travels as a national competitive ballroom dancer. For the last several years, Shannon has been named as a Rising Star Super Lawyer, which represents only about 2% of lawyers in the Missouri/Kansas region, selected by peers.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
Shannon Norman Photo by Jenna Whitmore
Shannon Norman Shannon Norman Law, LLC
CONTINUED >
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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Yolonda Lankford recently had the honor of emceeing LBB’s BECOME Women’s Conference. She says what she loves most about LBB is that they connect women that have resources to share and truly support each other. “As Emcee for BECOME, it was just beautiful to look out at a sea of faces that were ready to receive positive information.” Which perfectly fits Yolonda’s personal mission of “sending out vibrant vibes and positivity.” She says her life theme is to uplift and empower girls and women. One of the ways she fulfills that is by co-hosting a TV show three times/week called “The Own Your Now Show,” airing on the Ah! TV network. It’s described as a Morning Wellness Talk Show, birthed in the midst of the pandemic, to be a space focusing on everyday positivity. She is also the project manager for a nonprofit organization called SistaKeeper (idefinememovement. com). Founded in 2002, it was developed to empower, inspire and develop the mind, body and spirit of young women into women with a purpose. “I get the joy of helping young girls reach their potential…and showing them what it looks like to have a life/career that you love.” Yolonda has been involved in many charities throughout her 28 years in the St. Louis area (she’s originally from California). As a volunteer, she helped develop Cardinal Care, then was hired as the Executive Director of Kwame Foundation (KwameFoundation.org) which provides a platform that highlights talented public school students who are passionate about the visual and performing arts and provides financial assistance, educational mentorships, internship opportunities, and career training. Recently, she served as Emcee and Co Chair for the St. Jude Gala raising $1.6 million. She has received an Oprah Winfrey Angel Award for spearheading an Oprah Angel House in St. Louis. “I’ve always loved using my God given talents to help non-profits. My kids call me the community connector,” she quips. Other well-deserved recognition includes being voted one of St. Louis’s Most Magnetic Personalities by St. Louis Magazine, and she is the recipient of the National Council of Negro Women Legacy Award. Yolonda is engaged to Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith. She will soon have a blended family with seven children (two biological children, three of her fiance’s, and two of his sister’s children who they’ve been raising since she passed away). She laughs and says, “I call us the Black Brady Bunch.” Yolonda is truly an inspirational leader with a powerful presence and is a role model for her own family as well as countless others.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
Yolonda Lankford Eichelberger Photography
Yolonda Lankford
Co-Host, Own Your Now Show MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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Prepare to Excel!
two days of golf events for advanced high school and college players The Accelerated Golf Tour will consist of a series of approximately ten tournaments during June, July and the first week of August. Each tournament will be open to both male and female golfers. Collage coach’s may be in attendance. Call us at (314) 494-6306 or Scan the QR code for schedule of events & entry forms
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New openings! Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh from the oven treats at recently opened Hot Box Cookies. Enjoy an ice cream treat – with or without a boozy addition – at Buzzed Bull Creamery, opening in May! New concert line-up! May 11th kicks off the Beale Street Concert Series with Superjam performing 6-8pm.
Hwy 70 @ S. 5th Street StreetsofStCharles.com
HouseFit
PHYSICAL THERAPY & FITNESS "We Help People 55+ Maximize Their Independence And Fitness, So They Can Continue To Enjoy A Full And Active Life"
Download our Parkinson's & Exercise Guide or visit our website www.housefitstl.com *HouseFit is a Medicare Preferred Provider MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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O N E DAY T R A N S F O R M AT I O N S ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL GREEN THE GRACEFUL LENS
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SDELF E PA RT CAM R E N| T BEAU | CATEG TY ORY
Sono Bello Team
C O S M E T I C S U R G E RY A N D L I P O S U C T I O N S P E C I A L I S T S H E L P P AT I E N T S F E E L B E T T E R I N T H E I R S K I N
“When the opportunity at Sono Bello became available, I knew it was the perfect fit. They continue to improve and grow, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
Flat, tight tummies in just one visit are possible through a local team of body-contouring leaders; such a possibility prompts hope in many. AbEX -- an innovative, breakthrough technique developed by Sono Bello -- combines the center’s signature TriSculpt micro-laser liposuction with excess skin removal in the full abdomen to provide a more comprehensive approach to fat removal than a traditional tummy tuck. “While a tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia, AbEX is done under localized anesthesia, which results in fewer complications, less downtime, and faster patient recovery as we completely avoid the risk associated with general anesthesia,” says Gerald Lionelli, M.D. Located at 845 N. New Ballas Court, Suite 360, in Creve Coeur, the St. Louis Sono Bello 18-member team is part of 70-plus locations nationally. Sono Bello was founded in 2008. The company’s 135-plus, board-certified surgeons have performed more than 250,000 procedures to date. Overall, Sono Bello services include targeted area body contouring, mommy makeovers, tummy-tuck alternatives, excess skin removal, chest/gynecomastia reduction and double chin reduction. Stephanie Naar, Sono Bello senior patient care consultant, says she’s always been interested in the aesthetics field. “When the opportunity at Sono Bello became available, I knew it was the perfect fit. They continue to improve and grow, and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” she adds. As a patient care consultant, Stephanie says she appreciates having the ability to change lives by supporting patients and their transformation body goals. “On a personal level, I love the challenge my job brings every day,” she says. “I consider many of my patients my friends, so when I see them after their procedures, it excites me to see their amazing results. It really is like cheering on your best friend.” Lifestyle publisher Kelley Lamm Montgomery plans to have skin removed from five, prior emergency surgeries that she says left her hating her stomach. “It’s something after all these years to transform my belly. I’d like to feel better in my skin and in my clothes,” she says. “I’m doing this for myself, something that makes me feel like me again. Age and surgeries can play a wicked game on the body. No matter what I do, what I eat, I cannot change the appearance.” Kelley encourages women to not feel guilty about wanting to have the opportunity for better body-related results. CONTINUED >
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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How AbEX Works
LOCALIZED AWAKE ANESTHESIA
Patients remain awake throughout the AbEX procedure, receiving local anesthesia in treatment areas.
Dr. Gerald Lionelli’s Assurances Feel Comfortable With Yourself Again This is the opportunity to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. After your transformation, you’ll feel more confident in your appearance, which will lead to confidence in other areas of your life.
Patient Kelley Lamm with Dr. Gerald Lionelli
The Results Will Come Be patient and give your body time to heal; results aren’t immediate. Continue to eat
POWER-ASSISTED AND MICRO-LASER
healthy and drink plenty of water to combat
ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
swelling and inflammation. Soon, you’ll be
Sono Bello physicians use power-assisted technologies with micro cannulas and gentle suction to effectively remove unwanted fat.
amazed by your full transformation.
For the finishing touches, a micro-laser is used to contour unwanted fat in problem areas.
Keep Transforming The fat removed during the procedure will not return, however you should use this opportunity to embrace fitness and maintain healthy eating habits.
Show Off Your New Body After six months, you’ll be so happy you Patient Kelley Lamm with Husband Gordon Montgomery meeting with Patient care consultant Stephanie Narr E XC E S S S K I N R E M OVA L
Excess abdominal sagging skin is removed to achieve a more toned and sculpted look.
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S ELF CA R E | BEAU TY
came to Sono Bello. Complimentary consultations can be scheduled. SonoBello.com/Locations/St-Louis
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MEET
miss MISSOURI candidates
Bri Dinwiddie, Miss St. Charles County
ARTICLE BY JUDY PETERS
Three women representing the St. Louis area in Miss Missouri Pageant in June; winner moves on to Miss America Pageant.
Bri Dinwiddie M ISS ST. CH A R LE S COU N T Y
A 2020 Mizzou graduate, Bri Dinwiddie is working for a global app called Life at Venn, which focuses on bringing neighbors together through digital communication and hosting events in the Kansas City area, where she currently resides. She is involved in Show Me Little Sister, CASA and Bringing Families Together. Her Miss Missouri platform focuses on foster care and adoption. “As an adopted child myself, I am passionate about wanting to break the stigma and negative connotations about foster care. “Another reason I love the organization is that they fund over $15 million in scholarships to women every year and I’m hoping to use those funds to continue my law degree and to advocate for children on a greater scale.”
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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | BE AUTY
Aj Surrell, Miss Route 66
Clare Marie Kuebler, Miss Spirit of St. Louis
Aj Surrell
Clare Marie Kueble
From working for the Christmas Traditions Festival on Main Street St. Charles for
Clare Marie, a senior at the University of Missouri, says she’s proud to be grad-
the past three years, to graduating from Lindenwood University, and now currently
uating with a Bachelor’s in Education. She’s involved with many organizations
working at a digital marketing agency in Frenchtown, Aj Surrell says she’s proud to
including the Mizzou Golden Girls dance team and her sorority, Tri Delta. She
be the only candidate who actively lives in and represents the St. Charles area.
is driven by a passion for children, and she continues to pursue this through
I have a social impact initiative that represents accessible arts experiences and
her social impact initiative, Celebrating Courage: Childhood Cancer Advocacy.
have worked with local high schools, middle schools, and community theatre
Her mission is to be able to provide experiences for children diagnosed with
organizations to create performing arts experiences that anyone can enjoy,
cancer, allowing them to experience joy and celebrate their courageous
through adjustments that make them sensory-friendly, with ASL Interpreters,
efforts. In doing this, she is also actively involved in fundraising efforts to fur-
and audio-description. I love finding a way for everyone to have equal experi-
ther childhood cancer research.
MISS ROUTE 66
M ISS SPI R I T OF ST. L OU IS
ences both in-person and online. MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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Help us design you backyard oasis
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(636) 441-1111 Find us on B thewhitehare.com 1010 Miralago Way, Cottleville, MO 63376
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A Catholic school for boys and girls of all faiths Grades PreK3 - 8
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2022-2023 Experience the Academy in action! Schedule a tour today and inquire about our Affordable Customized Tuition (ACT) Program. ash1818.org | 636-946-6127 619 N. Second St. | St. Charles, MO 63301 MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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THE AMA ZING
Letisha painting
LETIS HA WE XSTTE N ARTICLE BY JUDY PETERS
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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE
Born with No Arms, She ‘Hugs’ the World with Her Inspiring Life From an inspirational YouTube-er to Founder and CEO of an important, much-needed company, Letisha Wexstten, of St. Louis, is truly amazing. Letisha was born without arms and at an early age had to learn how to do everything with her feet, including driving and painting. “When I was a baby, my parents were very supportive of me being independent, and that really kickstarted my personality of being OK with not having arms, accepting myself for who I am and accepting others for who they are,” she says. “There were no support groups for amputee babies, and so it was kind of trial and error.” “My mom – a genius – would sit me in the kitchen, and I would dump the beans out of the jar and then pick them up individually with my toes,” Letisha says. “That really helped with dexterity in my toes.” “I just figured it out,” she recalls. “And that’s how my life has been ever since. I drive a car, I paint and I’m an artist. I use a normal computer setup – I don’t have any extra adaptations or voice-activated stuff. It’s almost faster for me to use my feet because my feet are my hands.” And that’s how she got through college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from UMSL. She has now taken her inspiring, self-motivated attitude to the business world with the company she founded, V15Able. She began her journey to inspire and assist the disabled community in 2012 when she debuted her YouTube channel, “Tisha UnArmed,“ where she creates and posts informational and humorous videos of her daily life with a disability. But taking her story online wasn’t something she did lightly. “A lot of my friends are amputees, as well as my husband, and we’re all real open about our lives and have a really weird sense of humor,” Letisha says. “And because we do all these weird and interesting things, they were like, ‘Tish, you have to videotape some of it.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know if I want people to make fun of me. I don’t know if I can handle someone making a mean comment about me or saying that’s gross or something.’” She decided to make one video – showing her making a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich with her feet. She was a hit. The channel now has more than 170,000 followers. Its success made Letisha think about what else she could do to help the disabled community.
Because approximately 60% of all disabled people in the United States of working age are unemployed, and still there are seven million job openings that go unfilled every year, Letisha founded V15Able (pronounced Visible), a new employment platform designed to bring candidates and employers together. Currently the V15Able website offers disabled candidates the ability to create their own free, customizable profile that best describes and showcases their capabilities in the workplace. Candidates may then share their profile with prospective employers with a personal link. “When I saw how much of a difference the YouTube channel was making I knew that I wanted to help other people like me gain the confidence they needed in order to take back their independence,” Letisha explains. “I am really excited to see what the future holds for V15Able. We think that this platform is going to change the world.” V15Able (15 represents the 15% of the global population with disabilities) was developed at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2019 through the University’s first Entrepreneurial Quest Accelerator (EQ ) program, a six-week course in entrepreneurship that culminated in a competition for a $15,000 grant. Later in 2019, V15Able won a $50,000 St. Louis Arch Grant to put toward building the online platform. In 2020, V15able partnered with St. Louis startup studio Sigla to build the first iteration of its platform, which made its debut in March 2021. Investors, business leaders, and disability advocates interested in helping bring V15Able to the next stage can contact Letisha at tisha@v15able.com. “My plan is to change the way businesses hire people with disabilities, allowing disabled candidates to advocate for themselves proving that anything is possible,” Letisha said. When asked how she acquired such a can-do attitude and positive spirit, she says “I just figure it is what it is. My mom trusts in God, and she says He made me this way for a reason and don’t ever question that, just go with it – and I’m like, ‘All right, it works.’ “I’d rather work hard and accomplish something than sit around and feel sorry for myself. People may see me and say, ‘Well shoot, you don’t have arms, and here you are working to become a graphic designer, you paint, you drive, and here I am complaining about a hangnail.’” CONTINUED >
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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“When I was a baby, my parents were very supportive of me being independent, and that really kickstarted my personality of being OK with not having arms, accepting myself for who I am and accepting others for who they are.”
Designs by ve A ’ THE UNIQUE HOME & ACCESSORY STORE We offer custom furniture, custom florals, home consultation along with all of our in-store merchandise.
222 Historic North Main Street, St. Charles, MO | (636) 395-7605 | aprilsonmain.com
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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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M AY 2 0 2 2
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
M AY 1 ST
Cheer for Your Favorite Senior
FLORIS SAN T CIVIC CEN TER | 2 :0 0 P M The Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant 2022 is May 1st, 2:00 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre. All performers are members of Missouri Senior Cameo Club, a non-profit organization sponsoring the annual pageant for senior women which fosters their talent development, charitable giving, community service and personal growth. Tickets: $15 in advance and $17 at the door.
M AY 2 1 ST
Inaugural Display at Heritage Museum
H ERITAG E MUS EUM-ST. CHAR L E S | 1 0 :0 0 A M The Heritage Museum in St. Charles debuts its new and exciting exhibit, “The American Revolutionary War” with a celebration on May 21. This will be the first time the exhibit has been on display ever. In the main museum gallery, guests will learn about the Mississippi River Valley during the war and our region’s contributions to the conflict.
M AY 2 7 T H - 2 9 T H
Wearin’ of the Green
FRON TIER PAR K-ST. CHARLES The Missouri River Irish Festival in St. Charles is a celebration of Irish music, culture and good old craic! Vendors will be on hand selling some great food and merchandise, bands will be belting out your favorite Irish songs, Irish dancers will entertain, and young ones will enjoy the Children’s Village with loads of crafts and activities. CONTINUED >
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
EXPAND YOUR LIVING Add a room! Add an office space! Add your vision! Love your home, but need more space? Enjoy your neighborhood, but the house is feeling a tad cramped? Stay where you are, in the house that you love, and let us extend your space into something that fits your needs!
(314) 443-5641 | WWW.EAGLEEYEBUILDERGROUP.COM 40
EVE N TS
Build Up or Build Out, whatever your vision we can accomplish it together.
MAY 2 0 2 2
realty report A sample of recently sold properties in St. Charles County. N E I GH BO RH O O D
LIST PR ICE
SO L D P RIC E
% L IST
DO M
B DRM S
B AT H S
Spring Mill Estates Spring Mill Creek
$1,150,000
$1,100,000
96
250
4
6
Spring Mill Estates - Dorothy Ann
$759,900
$805,000
106
5
6
6
Whitmoor CC - Clifden Dr
$769,000
$800,000
104
4
4
5
Austin Ridge - Austin Ridge Dr
$800,000
$800,000
100
8
5
5
Talbridge - Talbridge Way
$670,000
$705,000
105
5
4
4
Wyndemere Estates - Wyndemere Dr
$695,000
$700,000
101
3
4
4
Barathaven - Trailhead Way
$665,000
$652,500
98
13
4
4
Crest Over Katy Trail - Napa View
$620,000
$650,000
105
13
4
4
New Town - Hempstead Way
$595,000
$625,000
105
5
4
5
Westhampton Place Westhampton Place
$545,000
$625,000
115
2
6
5
Renaissance Pl - Renaissance Pl
$550,000
$580,000
105
9
4
4
Creekside - Winding Creek Dr
$490,000
$560,000
114
12
4
3
Estates at Dames Park Autumn Forest
$515,000
$536,000
104
34
5
4
Country Oaks - Quail Run Dr
$525,000
$535,000
102
5
4
3
Muirfield - Towers Creek Pl
$479,900
$512,500
107
0
4
4
Information is a sampling of data from the MLS from 3/12/22 - 4/11/22
MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STC H A R L E S C O UN T Y
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EVENTS CONTINUED
M AY 2 9 T H
Support Local!
CITY FOUN DRY STL | 12:00 PM The Women’s Creative announces the return of Procure Market, featuring over 500 local women-owned businesses. This shopping celebration will be held the last Sunday of every month, through October from noon – 4:00 p.m. at City Foundry STL. This free event will also feature local female DJs, and community health services from Cardinal Glennon.
J UN E 1 0 T H
Golf "Fore the Kids"
FOR EST PAR K G OLF CLUB | 8 :0 0 A M Grab your friends and have fun for a great cause. Support St. Louis Crisis Nursery by participating in "FORE THE KIDS" June 10 at Forest Park Golf Club. For information and tickets: CrisisNurseryKids.org/events.
JU NE - AU G U ST
Summer Fun & Memories at Camp
ST. CHARLES COUN TY PARKS Enrollment is now open for an exciting lineup of summer camp adventures in St. Charles County parks! Children, 6-17, can experience day and week-long nature, fishing, extreme-sports, art, and history adventures. These camps are a great way for children and teens to stay active, create memories, build new friendships, and just have fun! For information, call 636.949.7535.
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