Welcome to our highly anticipated Kids & Pets issue—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 inspiring work of the KidSmart Organization on page 14. 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 44.
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 issue kindle your enthusiasm, as we explore the indelible impact that children and pets have on our lives and the world around us.
Be Inspired,
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
Robin Seaton Jefferson, Kara Savio, Julie Brown
Patton, Kelley Lamm, Kim Hill, Alana Fravell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Julie Brown Patton, J. Whitmore Photography, Casey Pierce, Delaney Jean Photography
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
Owners John & Danielle Fogarty invite you to age beautifully with their state-of-the-art treatments. Excellence is the Standard
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
outstanding
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“With over 18 years of promotional, branding, and advertising experience, we can expertly feature your business and get your message to a large audience. At Promotions Pronto, we give you high-quality, innovative promotional, and printed products and services to help your business and non-profit organization reach the next level and maximize your return on investment. We want to help you create that simple pen or product that changes your world.” - Stacee Fernandez Founder/Owner
Join others to raise funds for The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital by attending a polo match on Sept.16 at August Busch Polo Club, 4020 Benne Road in Defiance. The event will feature a VIP Experience and the Field Side Party. Both options include the polo match and an opportunity to make life-saving health care available to children who may not otherwise have access. Register online at Glennon.org/Gallop
Thomas Hoffmann, mechanical engineer, has spent a lifetime building. He married his high school sweetheart, Julie, and built a beautiful family. Nick Hoffmann, an engineer, proudly works with his dad. Building Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating is the pinnacle of Thomas' career, and he is beyond proud to share it with Nick. They value their outstanding work and the lasting relationships they have built as they continue the Hoffmann legacy for the next generation.
Cottleville-Weldon Spring Chamber members recently hosted a St. Charles Experience Annual Raffle Drawing. Grand Prize winner (shown here) was Miranda M., awarded an Advanced EV 4 Passenger golf cart. The second prize winner was Elizabeth W., and the third prize winner was David S. Chamber staffers thanked The Cottleville Caddy Shack & Fusion Media Marketing for helping with this raffle.
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.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/StCharlesCounty
Photography JC Productions/Evergreen Creative Company
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.
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSONKidSmart'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
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.
In 2021, using a golf cart and supplies donated by the St. Louis Blues, she started a mobile snow cone business selling throughout her neighborhood. Before long the demand for orders was outpacing what she could deliver.
She’s a young entrepreneur with Down Syndrome and a bigger-than-life personality, and she’s determined to chart her own course. Seventeen-year-old Lilly Eikermann knows firsthand how hard it is to find meaningful employment for kids like herself, but she refuses to let that stop her.
With the help and support of Lake St. Louis businesses and her family and friends, Lilly’s Snow Cones opened last month at 8621 Highway N in Lake St. Louis. And for Lilly, it’s been a life-changing experience. St. Charles County City Lifestyle magazine spoke with Lilly’s mom, Stacy Eikermann, about her daughter’s incredible transformation.
As soon as she turned 16, she wanted to learn how to drive, and she always wanted to run a business like the ice cream man. So we kind of combined the two.
“Few people with disabilities have an opportunity like this. In fact, only three in 10 people with intellectual disabilities are employed.”
~Stacy Eikermann
She became much more confident and started making friends. She also started managing the girls’ soccer team at her high school and they love her.
She only goes to school part-time during the school year because they don’t provide her with classes I think are beneficial to her. They mainly focus on picking up trash and things like that.
Yes, in high school, they never asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up and never focused on that. Few people with disabilities have an opportunity like this. In fact, only three in 10 people with intellectual disabilities are employed. But we’re working to change that narrative.
By offering employment opportunities to teens with and without disabilities, showing our community that we’re all more alike than different, especially when it comes to showing the many talents these very capable and special individuals possess.
It’s had an immeasurable impact on Lilly’s life. It’s helped her social and speaking skills. She’s in charge of almost everything. She sits through interviews deciding who to hire, works the register making change, and is learning inventory, payroll and placing orders, plus she runs a regular shift.
She already has plans on franchising on the beach in Florida and, of course, she would run that stand.
MARKETING, ADVERTISING, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING VIDEOS
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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.”
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.”
~Olivia Orman
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!
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
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.
ARTICLE BY ALANA FRAVELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY DELANEY JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
When Jessica Eisenbeis graduated Francis Howell Central High School, she was more than eager to land a job. Unfortunately, she was born with a rare genetic condition, Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, that affected her motor skills and ability to learn new information.
"I quickly realized it was difficult to find employers with accommodations for my special needs, but I really wanted to work," recalls Jessica, who also completed the Adult Life Preparations Program at St. Charles Community College.
With the support of her parents and due to her passion to help abused and neglected dogs (especially her own rescued dogs Annie and Yadi), she launched Yadi's Yummies in June 2016 to create natural, healthy treats with human-grade ingredients for dogs and cats. For two years, she worked from her family's home, often selling at craft fairs. During June 2018, Jessica moved her production kitchen to a retail location in St. Peters at 1251 Jungermann Road. She now has the assistance of about 10 colleagues, all of whom shared the difficulty of finding employment.
Jessica says she started Yadi's Yummies because "it perfectly combined my passion for making pet treats with my desire to help underserved pets."
(On left): Kathy Williamson and Terri Stendeback
Fast forward to now, and the Yadi's Yummies team also provides bandanas, pet parent caps, bowties, dog birthday cookies and unique gifts. Or consider their 'All American Basket,' which comes with edible, human-looking dog treats in forms of a miniature hotdog, pizza, hamburger and sack of French fries. At their retail location, they offer a rental party room with birthday packages.
"Celebrate your dog’s birthday with one of our purple, blue, pink, green, yellow or white doggie birthday cakes," Jessica suggests.
Treats are beef-, lamb- or chicken-based for dogs, or tuna flakes for cats. Other products come in the form of edible dog cigars, pupcakes, sweet potato chews, trail mix and gourmet doughnuts. They also carry a munchies catnip snack.
Cindy Eisenbeis, Jessica’s mother, says they donate a portion of what they make to animal rescue groups to help with medical needs. "We're extremely proud to see how Jessica refused to let anyone put limits on what she can do," she adds.
EVENTS TO FIND YADI'S YUMMIES
DURING THIS MONTH
• Aug. 5 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
• Aug. 5 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
• Aug. 6 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
• Aug. 12 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
• Aug. 12 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
• Aug. 13 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
• Aug. 19 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
• Aug. 19 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
• Aug. 19 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Pop-Up Shop at Blooming Daisy, Cottleville.
• Aug. 20 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
• Aug. 26 – 8 a.m. to noon : Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
• Aug. 26 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
• Aug. 26 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Woofstock 2023, Wright City.
• Aug. 27 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon
The Yadi's Yummies team recently partnered with the business Wellness-Palooza to provide a one-of-akind Birthday Club for pets. After signing up for the club online, pet parents get an email with a coupon for the month of their dog's birthday. Coupons are taken to Yadi's Yummies to secure pups' special treats.
636.244.3865
YadisYummies.com
In recent years, a sport emerged that captured the hearts of both young and old, becoming a sensation in communities across the nation. Pickleball, once considered a well-kept secret among avid players, has experienced a remarkable resurgence, attracting enthusiasts of all ages to its courts.
Pickleball traces its roots back to the summer of 1965, when three dads, Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, sought to create a new game that would entertain their families during a lazy afternoon on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Combining elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis, they crafted a unique sport played on a smaller court with solid paddles and a whiffle ball. The game's unusual name is said to have been derived from the Pritchards' dog, Pickles, who would chase after the errant balls and run off with them.
Over the years, pickleball gained a devoted following in retirement communities and recreation centers, but it wasn't until recently that its popularity exploded nationwide. The sport's accessibility, easy learning curve, and social nature have made it an instant hit, attracting players of all skill levels and ages.
Pickleball is played on a court divided into three sections: a non-volley zone (commonly known as the "kitchen"), a service area, and the remainder of the court. Two or four players engage in a fast-paced game, using solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The objective is to outmaneuver opponents by strategically placing shots and preventing them from returning the ball.
The sport's simplified rules make it easy for beginners to grasp, yet its competitive nature offers seasoned players plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills. Pickleball provides a unique blend of physical activity, strategy and social interaction, making it a perfect choice for individuals and families seeking both recreation and camaraderie.
Local cities have recognized the growing popularity of pickleball by introducing dedicated courts for public use, both indoors and outdoors. It's time to get out with friends and embrace the thriving pickleball craze.
Check with local recreation centers, athletic clubs, local parks, colleges, sport centers and more for public use, team leagues, tournaments, and open play sessions to discover their pickleball offerings.
Pickelball co-founder Joel Pritchard and Former Governor Dan Evans
"PICKLEBALL PROVIDES A UNIQUE BLEND OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, STRATEGY AND SOCIAL INTERACTION, MAKING IT A PERFECT CHOICE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SEEKING BOTH RECREATION AND CAMARADERIE."
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.
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.
TOP: Illustration by Isabella Brouster
LEFT: Photo by Casey Pierce
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
AUGUST
2ND-4TH
BISHOP'S LANDING | 8:00 AM
Imagine racing across the entire state of Missouri, with the boat thrown against 340 miles of wind, heat, bugs and rain. The Missouri 340 is an endurance race across Missouri. Competitors will start in Kansas City and finish, some of them anyway, in St. Charles. Participants are allowed exactly 88 hours to complete the course. See RiverMiles.com
AUGUST 4TH
RYSE NIGHTCLUB | 10:00 PM
Daniela Di Lillo, better known by her stage name Nora En Pure, is a Swiss-South African DJ and deep house producer. She first received recognition for her 2013 single "Come With Me." Further popular releases are "Morning Dew," "Lake Arrowhead," and "Tears In Your Eyes." She's specially known for electronic dance music. Tickets range from $20 to $600.
AUGUST 5TH
NEW TOWN AMPHITHEATER | 7:00 PM
Enjoy "The Big Rigs" from 7-10 p.m. They play original music as well as folk and cover Country/Americana music. The Big Rigs also play in other locations, such as Ballpark Village St. Louis, The Orris and Chesterfield Amphitheater. This is a free event. For any updates, call 636.552.9212 or email events@newtownatstcharles.com.
AUGUST 11TH-13TH
SAINT CHARLES CONVENTION CENTER | 10:00 AM
Spas And More! is a one-stop source for new hot tubs, therapeutic spas, swim spas or saunas. They offer sales, support and service, including parts and repair. They're the Bi-State’s dealer for Master Spas and have been serving customers for more than 20 years. They are a “brick and mortar” retailer located in Sunset Hills. This event has free admission.
AUGUST 13TH
FOUNDRY ART CENTRE - SAINT CHARLES | 11:00 AM
St. Charles County residents and visitors celebrate diversity at the third annual music and cultural event, the St. Charles Jewish Festival. The festival will offer a unique recognition of the music, traditions and foods that Jewish people celebrate and enjoy. The festival will be held that Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
AUGUST 13TH
FRONTIER PARK | 7:30 PM
The St. Charles Big (Jazz) Band is performing on the Jaycee Stage the banks of the Missouri River. Performances include a wide spectrum of popular music, including “Swing," “Bebop Jazz," “Pop," “Show Tunes," “Contemporary Jazz” and vocals. The concerts features both a female and male vocalist. Take a chair/blanket, food and refreshments. Parking is free in lots alongside Riverside Drive.
AUGUST 17TH
FAMILY ARENA | 6:00 PM
Celebrating a career that has seen him perform his ever-growing catalog of smash hit songs across the globe for nearly six decades, legendary music superstar Kenny Loggins is conducting his final concert tour. Ticket prices range from $43 to $300; parking is $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m. Buy tickets FamilyArena. com/event/Kenny-Loggins-This-Is-It
AUGUST 22ND
BEMO'S | 4:30 PM
Attendees learn how the Cottleville/Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce can best assist their businesses. New members and existing members invited. Soft drinks and appetizers provided. Phone: 636.336.2979 for more details or email info@cwschamber.com.
AUGUST 31ST
FRONTIER PARK | 7:30 PM
This is the second-to-last scheduled concert for the 2023 summer series from this band. This is a free event. Take lawn chairs or a blanket. The Municipal Band Organization is currently supported by the City of St. Charles and more than 100 businesses, companies, organizations and individuals throughout the Greater St. Louis Area. The band is directed by Andrew Pulliam.
