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Around Town
New trolley service running from The Loop to Forest Park to open for public in late spring and more.
Nonprofit Profile Senior Connections brings companionship and hope to lonely older adults.
Feature Valentine’s Day: behind the scenes Local businesses work overtime (or not at all) to help bring this romantic holiday to life. By Nicholas Elmes
Our Thoughts Moore on Life author Cindy Moore loses her husband to football while Avalanche finds that people on the fringe of society make their own law and order. The Kia Soul gets a sportier look in this month’s Automobile Alley.
Caring Partners Battling the opioid epidemic
Lifestyle How “John Wick” became an unexpected action franchise in Entertainment. Apps and starters perfect for game day in For the Love of Food.
In Depth Heat Up St. Louis works to find heating solutions for at-risk residents in the region.
Events Calendar
Cover Photo - Nicholas Elmes
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AuthorBiographies
Our Town Volume 08 | Number 2 FEBRUARY 2017
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PUBLISHER Robert Huneke EDITOR Mathew DeKinder PRODUCTION Lisa Moran Melissa Nordmann CONTRIBUTORS Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Brian Guerrero, Cindy Moore STAFF WRITERS Brett Auten Nicholas Elmes
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info@mycnews.com or
Community News
Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.
Avalanche
Nicholas Elmes is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience leading the newsrooms of small community newspapers in Virginia and North Carolina. A recent transplant to the St. Louis area, he is excited to get a chance to explore the diverse region while helping to share the stories of all of the good things happing in these communities.
Nicholas Elmes
David Finkelstein
David Finkelstein is a Master/Skill Automotive Service Technician, maintaining that role for over 45 years, coupled with being a shop owner in that time frame as well. He’s also invented a number of garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National as well as local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. Additionally, he pioneered “Car Talk Radio” over 40 years ago, starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio as well as hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for some 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and also does some consulting with various auto manufacturers, both import as well as with domestic nameplates.
Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.
Cindy Moore
Brian Guerro
Brian Guerrero is a former resident of Los Angeles and a current resident of New York City with extensive experience in front of and behind the camera for film and television.
Published by the Community News, Our Town is a monthly news magazine covering the cities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and Olivette. Circulation is 7,000 monthly through over 105 monitored newsstands guaranteeing 100% pickup. Additional issues are distributed online, and a free online subscription is available at www. mycnews.com
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632 www.mycnews.com Copyright 2017 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
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Hot winter books Books can make winter ‘read’ hot With temperatures plummeting, now is the perfect time to stay inside and enjoy some warm winter reads while waiting for spring and the Greater St. Louis Book Fair (May 4-7, 2017) which will be held at Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park. “Reading is a great activity during any season but
particularly in winter,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. “There’s nothing like staying inside, sipping on some hot chocolate and settling in with a good book.” To help readers warm up and escape Old Man Winter’s grasp, the Greater St. Louis Book Fair offers this wintery mix of books.
www.duchesne-hs.org/dreamhome.com
MYSTERIES - “The Guilty,” The Escape,” “The Last Mile” by David Baldacci; “Fool Me Once,” “The Stranger” by Harlan Coben; “Killer Look” by Linda Fairstrein; and “The Black Widow” by Daniel Silva. PULITZER PRIZE WINNING AUTHORS - “The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks. LIGHT READING - “The Apartment,” Property of a Noblewoman” by Danielle Steele. FUN READING - “Tricky Twenty-two,” “Wicked Charms” by Janet Evanovich. BIOGRAPHY - “His Final Battle, The Last Months of Franklin Roosevelt” by Joseph Lelyveld; “Alexander Hamilton American” by Richard Brookhiser; and “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai. NON-FICTION - “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. CLASSICS - “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley; “Vanity Fair” by William M. Thackeray WORLD WAR II FICTION - “The Nightengale” by Kristen Hannah; “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. SCIENCE FICTION - “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King. HISTORY - “Bandits at Sea: A Pirates Reader” by C.R. Pennell. SPORTS - “Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis, and the Quest to End Baseball’s Steroid Era” by Tim Elfrink and Gus GarciaRoberts. TRAVEL - “Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain” by Michael Paterniti.
www.kdar@kdarco.com
FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 5
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Students fight trash The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) invite Missouri public, private and home-school students in grades K-8 to help fight litter in the Show-Me State – and to have creative and educational fun – by participating in the 2017 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trashcan-decorating contest. The annual contest is sponsored by MDC and MoDOT as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign. The contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media. Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules, and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with up to three photos to nomoretrash.org by March 17. Contest rules, entry forms, logo, past contest entries and winners, and educational information can also be found at nomoretrash.org. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates about four pounds of trash each day.
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MDC and MoDOT invite schools to fight litter through ‘No MOre Trash!’ annual can contest
Teacher Gail Forsyth and her students in the Second Grade Recycle Club at East Elementary in Waynesville won the 2016 “No MOre Trash!” trash-can contest with their winning entry, “Box-up your recyclables, Missouri’s State Reptile: Three-toed Box Turtle.” They won the K-2 Grade Category and also the grand prize.
“Missouri’s six million residents produce nearly 26 million pounds of garbage in one day. That’s more than nine billion pounds of trash per year!” said MDC NMT Coordinator Joe Jerek. “Much of that trash shows up on our streets and roadsides, natural areas, and waterways. Litter harms our fish and water quality, plants, and hurts wildlife. Litter also hurts property values, landscape appearance, and our overall quality of life.” Jerek added that littering is illegal in Missouri and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
Looking for award winners Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis is seeking applicants for annual grant awards Soroptimist International of Greater St. Louis (SIGSL) is accepting applications for its annual Humanities Awards. SIGSL is part of an international federation of women who are community leaders, business owners, managers and volunteers. Since 1974, SIGSL has awarded grants to support local efforts to improve the lives of women and children. Awards ranging from 6 | OUR TOWN |FEBRUARY 2017
$500 to $3,000 will be presented to selected organizations that serve women, girls, families, and/or teens in the Greater St. Louis area. Organizations applying for this award should reflect the following objective of the Soroptimist International of the America’s strategic plan: Improve the lives of women and girls by working to end poverty and violence against women and addressing other issues
affecting their economic, social and political process. Application deadline is March 1. Award recipients will receive notification in May and be asked to attend an awards ceremony in June. For more information please contact Humanities Committee Chair Carolyn Nimmons at info@soroptimiststlouis. com or visit their website at http:// www.soroptimiststlouis.com/.
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Teens show their talent St. Louis Teen Talent Competition kicks off its seventh year The Seventh Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition will begin Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 with 169 performers taking the stage in the preliminary round of competition. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is happy to be able to provide the opportunity for students to perform at the Fox and on other stages around St. Louis. We’re delighted that we are able to put talented young people in the spotlight,” said Mary Strauss, President of the FPACF Board of Directors. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation reintroduced the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition in 2011 to showcase the St. Louis region’s most talented teens in the performing arts. Student acts may enter as soloists or in groups up to six people. This year’s entries represent 63
schools in the bi-state metropolitan area (52 MO/11 IL) plus homeschoolers and include acts showcasing a variety of talents including a barbershop quartet, baton twirlers, improv comedian, contortionist, juggler, aerialist, color guard performer, dancers, and singers. Each round and location will have a panel of at least three judges who will adjudicate and advance acts to the next round of competition. Judges for the first two rounds of competition will again include an impressive cross section of professionals from the St. Louis performing arts community. The two days of preliminary competition, at Ritenour High School and Logan University, will narrow the field from 130 to 36 acts. These acts will then compete in the semi-finals on March 4 at Missouri Baptist University where the final 12 acts will be chosen
to compete on The Fabulous Fox stage as part of a professionally produced show on April 8. This final event at The Fabulous Fox is free and open to the public. A total of more than $30,000 in scholarships and prizes will be distributed among the top competitors. Additionally, students are eligible for scholarships from Lindenwood University, Webster University, UMSL and Southeast Missouri State University. Students can also win gift certificates, special awards and other prizes. Finalists will also have unique performance opportunities within the St. Louis area arranged by FPACF and by request. Finalists from prior years have showcased their talents at The Muny, with the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, Winter Opera, at the Sheldon Concert Hall, Shakespeare Festival Green Show in Forest Park, Six Flags – St. Louis, Taste of Maplewood, Let Them Eat Art, and Fair St. Louis. Registration for this competition was free and open to all high school students in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
Searching for scholars The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis will accept applications for its interest-free, fee-free student loan program beginning Jan. 1 through April 15. Qualified postsecondary students of any age can be issued a renewable, interest-free loan of up to $11,000 annually. Those interested must meet the following requirements: • Be pursuing a first certificate or degree at an accredited, nonprofit college, university, or technical/ trade school • Demonstrate financial need • Have a cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher or have earned a GED • Be a permanent resident of the St. Louis metropolitan area, for at least two years prior to application Students can apply for funding by completing an online general application on the St. Louis Graduates’ Scholarship Central
website (www.stlouisgraduates.org). Upon completion of the general application, applicants can then apply for the interest-free, fee-free loan program. St. Louis Graduates’ Scholarship Central website has over 60 scholarships for the 20172018 academic year with various application deadlines accessible through the general application. Students from the following areas are eligible to apply: St. Louis City and St. Louis County; the Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, Warren, and Washington; and the Illinois counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Macoupin, Monroe, and St. Clair. For more information, or for application assistance, please contact The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990, info@sfstl. org, or visit www.sfstl.org.
www.info@mycnew.com FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 7
AroundTown
Loop Trolley still on track New trolley service running from The Loop to Forest Park to open for public in late spring BY NICHOLAS ELMES
Submitted Photos
in a historic neighborhood has real appeal. People will want to take their children If everything goes as and grandchildren. I think planned, by the time it will be the kind of system summer heat rolls into St. that people will really want to Louis, residents exploring enjoy.” The Loop and Forest Park But before riders can enjoy area will have a new, and the new system, Sterman said old, way of getting around. his company would have to “Construction on the Loop go through extensive testing Trolley is almost done,” of the system, something that said Loop Trolley Company will take time. President Les Sterman. “We “Please be patient,” he said. are hoping to have it open “This is a very highly regulated for the public by late spring, service. There are a lot of early summer at the latest.” layers of oversight. We have Once completed, the trolley, which has taken One of the restored vintage trolleys that will soon be carrying passengers along the Loop not been able to pin down an opening date yet because a decades to become a Trolley route. lot of it is dependent on when reality, will run a 2.2-mile loop connecting the Delmar Loop district with the Missouri the state and federal agencies will allow it.” But, even if residents and visitors to The Loop have to wait History Museum in Forest Park. “The Loop trolley will be a big contributor to creating to ride them, they will soon see trolleys being tested on the a cohesive neighborhood,” said Sterman. “This area is transportation system “Hopefully they will be delivered in mid-January,” said growing and prospering and we want to contribute to that.” He said the new transportation system was designed Sterman. “Then there is a period of testing that will probably to travel along existing streets and augment the existing last a couple of months, so we can be sure the trolleys will operate efficiently and safely along the route. For the first MetroLink stations. The new system will feature restored vintage trolleys that bit, they will probably be towed by truck to make sure all of the clearances work.” have been a success in other cities with trolley systems. That testing period will also give people in the area time “It is seen as an experience that will contribute to the overall ambiance of The Loop,” said Sterman. “The to get used to new traffic and parking patterns. “They have to learn where to park so they are not blocking experience for a rider to be able to ride in a vintage trolley
(Left) In addition to the new track and overhead wire along Delmar, new striping for parking spaces have also been placed along the route. (Right) This trolley track and overhead catenary wire have been installed near the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park at one end of the new Loop Trolley route. 8 | OUR TOWN |FEBRUARY 2017
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the track,” Sterman said, noting that new transportation system would actually result in a net gain in parking spaces along its route. “We have a safety brochure that will be going out to merchants along the loop and parking spaces will be clearly marked. Just be aware that the trolley is out there and be careful about how you cross the tracks.” Of course, older residents of St. Louis A new platform station sits along the Loop Trolley route that may remember a time when trolleys runs between The Loop and Forest Park. shared the road with traffic in the city. In fact, The Loop derived its nickname their cell phones.” He said the kiosks would also be able from the streetcar system that serviced to offer vend tickets for area attractions the area until 1966. Sterman said he doubted fares for and also offer coupons from local the new system would be as cheap merchants.” Construction of the trolley route has as they were in the 60s but said that while an exact fare structure for the also resulted in over $10 million in new trolley had not yet been finalized, additional improvements in the Delmar he estimated it would be similar to Loop area including reconstructing the 80-year-old DeBaliviere bridge MetroLink fares. “We will be installing fare collection that runs over MetroLink; building a kiosks on each of the platforms,” said roundabout at Trinity Ave. in University Sterman. “They will operate like the City; repaving Delmar, from the multi-space parking kiosks in the city. roundabout to DeBaliviere; repaving We are also developing a mobile app, DeBaliviere, from Delmar to Forest Park; so people will be able to buy tickets on partnering with Great Rivers Greenway
to extend the St. Vincent Greenway from Ruth Porter Park to Forest Park; adding extensive landscaping in the roundabout along DeBaliviere Ave.; adding pedestrian lighting along DeBaliviere and new LED street lighting along a portion of Delmar; replacing nearly all traffic signals located along the route and adding crosswalk buttons, where required, to meet newer ADA regulations; upgrading several intersection ramps to meet ADA requirements; installing communication conduit for future fiber to connect traffic signals within University City; and adding more drainage structures to alleviate existing ponding at some intersections. Sterman said that while no official opening celebration had been planned for the new trolley yet, he hoped it would be a big celebration. “This thing has been in planning since 2001,” he said. “We would like to have some very special celebrations when it opens. In the end, we are going to look back and say it has all been worth it and will be one of the great places to be in St. Louis.”
Maryland Heights names new director of parks and recreation Tracey Anderson, CPRP has been named the new Director of the Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department. She will lead all operations of the department and its staff as they develop and administer a wide variety of parks and recreation programming in the city’s seven parks, one current recreational facility and the new community center opening soon on behalf of the 27,000-plus Maryland Heights residents. Anderson is relocating to Maryland Heights from the suburban Chicago area. Anderson has 15 years of management level experience in the municipal parks and recreation field. She previously served as Executive
Director of the Morton Grove (Illinois) Park District, where she managed a full time staff of 25 full time and 300 part time employees and a $5.4 million budget. Prior to that, she was Superintendent of Recreation for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. Anderson holds a Master of Science – Recreation and Park Administration from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Arts – Sociology from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with the National Parks and Recreation Association and a member of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.
Photo courtesy city of Maryland Heights
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Tracey Anderson, CPRP has been named the new Director of the Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department. FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 9
AroundTown
Quiet Village Landscaping purchases new headquarters
Advertorial
THE ART OF LIVING
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Quiet Village Landscaping recently purchased this property at 9810 Page in Overland for $545,000.
Quiet Village Landscaping recently purchased property at 9810 Page in Overland for $545,000. The 4,000-squarefoot office building, along with a 5,600-square-foot warehouse with a fenced in contractor yard, is situated on 1.8 acres. Quiet Village Landscaping is a full-service custom landscape design, installation and maintenance company. Founded in 2001 by Dennis Evans, the company has 40 full-time employees and focuses on native plants to promote conservation. Quiet Village Landscaping currently leases space at 11135 Olive Blvd. and will move into its new headquarters by the end of February. According to Evans, the new office location “answers our need for more space for our landscape design team, as well as storage space for heavy machinery and lawn equipment.” Hilliker Corporation’s agent Scott Martin represented the seller, E.R. Belt L.P. and Savoy Properties’ Brian Kelley represented the buyer, Current Investments LLC.
BY RUSS PATTON, OWNER OF BYERLY RV When we designed the new Byerly in 1999 we wanted to celebrate life on the road, the RV way. Two local artists, Jay Ferger and Debbie Ferris captured the dream in giant, hand-painted murals decorating our showroom. They are a pictorial journey representing the four cardinal points and mounted on their respective walls. Each picture evokes an expression. What do they say to you? We cover the four directions, the four seasons with eleven murals. We could say that there is one for every month of the year. Perhaps the missing one is for you to create. Can you picture yourself RVing into the world of “Natural Light?” Never before has the natural beauty of America been so accessible. There is no substitute for being there. Go for it! Your RV is your second home on wheels. And since 1948, Byerly RV has been your gateway to adventure and family memories. Byerly RV, the Center of the RV World. Check us out at Byerlyrv.com and Facebook. Just two miles east of Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri. 1-800-8RV-DEAL.
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Byerly RV 295 East Fifth St. | Eureka, MO 63025 800-878-3325 | 636-938-2000 | www.byerlyrv.com
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BY SANDRA ROEDER SINGER
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For many older adults living in longterm care communities, loneliness and isolation are an everyday reality. Approximately 60 percent of these seniors never receive a single visitor, which increases their risk for experiencing depression. For seniors struggling with isolation, a visit from a specially trained volunteer each week can make all the difference. Senior Connections pairs “relational” volunteers with older adults in need of companionship to improve the
Jackie and Clyde, who was the first pet visitor with Jennifer Blome in 2009
quality of life of the participant (senior resident), the volunteer and the staff of the community. This distinctive program provides older adults with warmth, stimulation, and – most importantly – a sense of hope. Through hour-
long weekly visits, specially trained volunteers help their new friends overcome feelings of isolation and find new ways to experience connection again. Developed in 1999 by Dr. Suzanne Singer of The Singer Institute, board members and assistance from the St. Louis University’s Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Senior Connections has helped more than 2,200 older adults throughout the St. Louis area establish meaningful relationships with 600plus volunteers and improve their quality of life. The goal is to offer older adults the opportunity for meaningful relationships with caring, trusted individuals outside of their living community. In 2014, Senior Connections became part of Lutheran Senior Services. Carefully-screened volunteers are given a thorough orientation and a full day of training – the Good Neighbor Course developed by The Singer Institute. These “relational” volunteers are then assigned to a senior living community where the manager matches them with residents who would benefit from weekly visits. The relational volunteers play board games and puzzles, share stories, bring pets, give manicures, tell jokes, write notes to families and friends or do just about anything else that will bring a smile. They get to know what will surprise and delight those they visit and do their best to make each weekly visit special for the resident. And the results have been overwhelmingly positive. A 2016 survey of participating site managers found that Senior Connections volunteers bring a special energy into their communities that improves the mood and amount of socializing of the partnered residents
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Senior Connections brings companionship and hope to lonely older adults
Senior Connections volunteer Jennifer Blome and her friend, Jackie.
with other residents while increasing participation in site activities and displaying more positive spirits. This also benefits the non-participating residents as well as the staff. Several years ago Jennifer Blome, former TV anchor and now Director of Humane Education at the APA of Missouri, trained as a relational volunteer along with her dog Clyde. Together they started pet visits with lonely seniors regularly and continued for more than three years. By last year there were more than 20 pet visitors in Senior Connections. Currently there are more than 100 Senior Connections relational volunteers visiting 125 residents in 62 partner communities throughout the metro St. Louis area. The organization is seeking additional volunteers, financial support and participating communities serving the elderly. The next relational volunteer training is on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., lunch is included. There will be another training session April 29. People interested in volunteering for Senior Connections or learning more should contact Sandra at 314446-2526. For more information on the organization, visit www. SeniorConnections.info. FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 11
Valentine’s Day BEHIND THE SCENES Local businesses work overtime (or not at all) to help bring this romantic holiday to life
BY NICHOLAS ELMES PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS ELMES
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Flowers Chocolates Romantic card
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For many people, Valentine’s Day is an easy routine – you buy the prerequisite gifts, take your loved one out for dinner or make a nice meal at home, and you are done, as easy as that. But for the people behind the scenes who make those purchases possible the annual holiday means months of planning, hiring extra employees and several very long days around Feb. 14. “Valentine’s Day is one of our top three times of the year,” said Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Vice President of Operations Dan Abel Jr. in January. His company sells chocolates at eight locations throughout the metro area as well as supplying area grocery stores like Dierburgs. “Preparing for Valentine’s Day is a two-stage process and we are in the middle of the first stage right now. We have peanut butter hearts that we came out with this year and we are currently building up our inventory of those and gourmet truffles that we will pack in heart boxes. So we are getting a lot of chocolate made, but we are also in the midst of tasting different strawberries from California that we will use for our chocolatecovered strawberries.” He said they judge the berries on both taste and size, noting that they want berries that are a medium size so that they can get the proper ratio of chocolate to strawberries. Abel said his company orders an entire tractor-trailer truckload of strawberries just for sale on Valentine’s Day. “They have a shorter shelf life than flowers, so we make them the day you buy them,” he said. “We have four production lines that we run every day, but for Valentine’s Day we shrink that down to one chocolate-covered strawberry line. We will have over 40 people making them for a couple of days around Valentine’s Day.
“Instead of making caramels, truffles, and toffee, from the 10th of February until the 14th we are going to be all hands on deck cutting, dipping, packing and boxing chocolate-covered strawberries,” he said. “ The company’s main concern is that they have enough strawberries to make it through the holiday. “If we over-order, we will cook every last berry down to make a puree out of it,” said Abel. They use the puree to make other chocolates. “We make all of our fruit flavors, so our strawberry cheesecake truffle actually has real strawberries in it,” he said. Florists do not have such a luxury when it comes to making sure they have enough flowers to deliver to all of the sweethearts on Valentine’s Day. “No florist wants to be stuck with 100 red roses the day after Valentine’s Day,” said Ladue Florist owner Marianne Przetak. “It is not like you can eat them for breakfast.” But Przetak, who has owned the store for 38 years, said she has rarely run into that problem thanks to lots of very careful planning. “You try to call it as close as you can,” she said. “It is a very difficult guesstimation. You order flowers according to prior years’ records, but there is variance based on what day of the week it falls on which can change a lot. I can’t totally go by last year, but have to also think back to when it last fell on a Tuesday.” She said florists can’t depend on preorders to judge the number of flowers they will need because their wholesalers request orders early in January. “It is a global industry,” she said. “There are flowers imported from all over the world, but a lot of the roses come from South America.” This year she has ordered well over 1,000 long-stem red roses to make it through the holiday. “That is just the red ones,” said Przetak. “That is not even all of the other colors. It is beautiful when they all come in.” Of course ordering the flowers is just
You try to call it as close as you can. It is a very difficult guesstimation. – Marianne Przetak - owner Ladue Florist
the first step to making it through the holiday as a florist. “Valentine’s Day is a very intense several days,” she said. “There is preparation we can do in advance by getting all of the glassware and vases ready and prepared before we start handling any of the fresh product. Then when that comes in we can start with FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 13
greenery and adding that to the vases so then the last-minute thing we do is adding the flowers prior to delivery.” Delivery of the flowers is a major undertaking by itself. “We have to hire additional delivery help and rent additional delivery vehicles,” she said, adding that preordering is a good way to ensure that customers get the varieties and colors of flowers that they would like. “We like to encourage people to send the flowers the day before so that you will know for sure that your valentine has her flowers all day long on Valentine’s Day. We will be doing deliveries all day on Valentine’s Day, of course, but people
like to get their flowers in the morning.” Przetak said that all the work is worth it in the long run. “It is important to be there when your customers need you,” she said. “Many, many of our customers we have helped with special days and special occasions throughout their life. If our customers need us we want to be there.” Jack Holmes, of Petals By Irene, has a different outlook on the holiday. “We just don’t do it,” he said, explaining that he felt he was better serving his customers by not selling flowers that, by the nature of the holiday were overpriced and of questionable quality. “All of the flowers are stored in a warehouse for over a month before they ever even go to the distributors. The producers and distributors also jack up the prices times five and so the local florist has no choice but to jack up their prices as well. You are sending out a substandard product at a higher price. It is just something we choose not to deal with.” Instead, for the past six years Holmes has used the holiday to take a holiday of his own, going on vacation in the Caribbean for two weeks. “Our regular customers totally get it and we always recommend another local florist for them,” he said. “It is a conscious choice we make to insure the quality of our orders as well as customer satisfaction.” He said the major roblem By the time you add all pwith the quality of of that up you are lucky flowers on Valentine’s to be breaking even,” Day was the time of year – Jack Holmes the holiday falls – Petals by Irene in. “February is not a natural growing season for North America,” he said. “The reality is that right now, in January, they are already cutting those roses and keeping them at 33 degrees in a cooler and storing them until they ship them out to the markets. Then they
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are on a plane for a while and then they have to clear customs because people try to smuggle drugs in through flowers sometimes. It takes its toll on the product.” The extreme measures needed to get the flowers to St. Louis, coupled with the high demand, also takes a toll on the price, even when you are buying wholesale. “If I pre-order I might be able to get them for a little over $2 a stem,” said Holmes. “A usual red rose any other day of the year is about 90 cents. On Valentine’s Day week you are looking at $5 a stem and that is the wholesale price. He said that any increases in prices customers see at their local florists around Valentine’s Day are a result of those increased wholesale prices as well as the need to handle extra help and rent additional delivery vehicles. “By the time you add all of that up you are lucky to be breaking even,” he said. Despite his concerns over quality, Holmes said that customers can still find quality flowers if they are careful about who they buy from. “If you know your florist and they really care about the customer experience you can get a good product,” he said. Another alternative is to buy a live plant like an orchid, or send your loved one flowers a week before or after Valentine’s Day. Or you could escape the whole affair and join Holmes in the sunny Caribbean. He says they have great flowers there this time of year.
Love
OurThoughts
IS ON THE AIR PHOTO COURTESY BIGSTOCK
MOORE ON LIFE BY CINDY MOORE
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his is, of course, the month of kissy-kiss and lovey-dove and no one pours on the affection and shows more koochie-koo better than my husband. Aww, isn’t that sweet, you say. Naw, not so much, I say. Why? Because that time has rolled around again in which my husband has his yearly love affair with that trashy little temptress who disrupts my marriage and comes in between me and my man for close to half a year. Her name is Sony, and though she brags about being 65 inches, she is totally shapeless. Actually, her best feature is flatter than a steam-rolled tortilla. For six long months my husband is nowhere to be found. I have chores and house projects that need to be worked on. My honey-dos need to be honey-did and they’re nowhere near getting honey-done. One minute he’s in the kitchen suspiciously loading a tray up with enough sandwiches, chips and beverages to choke a goat then before I can say, “Hey, can you help me unscrew this pickle jar lid?” he’s vanished. It’s as if he’s gone underground into the witness protection program. Underground is right. Later I locate his whereabouts. From the basement somewhere in the depths of his man cave, I hear a primordial yell as if a Neanderthal were being munched on
by a T-Rex. Is he injured? Badly cut? Stuck between a couch cushion? I rush downstairs to his aid expecting to see him bleeding out from a severed artery caused by noshing on the edge of a too-sharp potato chip. I enter his man space and try to compose myself. “Oh, I see!” I say, giving him a dose of the old stink eye. “It’s you and that flat-screened floozy again, huh?” He looks at me sheepishly with half a sandwich dangling out of his mouth then raises both arms and shouts, “Touchdown!” I have lost the fight. Sony has once again lured him in into her bimbo grasp with the irresistible call of the pigskin. I glance at the giant screen to see a full-on battle taking place between warriors. Amid all the shoving and shouting and sneaky tackles, heads are butting, bodies are slamming and barbarians are jumping on each other’s backs. This is how early man fought with warring tribes over dinosaur eggs and how I finished up some last minute shopping on
Christmas Eve. This “fling” all began back in August with the pre-game season and continues until two remaining mangled teams limp onto the field. That is when the culminating event takes place – the Super Bowl; the event which finally puts an end to the tawdry affair. This is critical. If my husband’s team wins, it becomes the Super Bawl. He will cry like a baby with joy for days. If his team loses, it becomes the Stupor Bowl. He will wander around his man cave with glazed eyes in a complete daze tripping over things and bumping into walls until next football season. But he’ll survive. He has enough to live on down there comfortably until then. He’s still got enough sandwiches, a potty, an overstuffed couch and, of course, the remote. Life should return to normal for a while. Unless he drops the remote in between one of the couch cushions and loses it. Then I will once again hear that primordial yell rising up from the depths. But I’ll ignore it completely. Let that sassy wench Sony help him out of his predicament this time. FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 15
OurThoughts ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE BY AVALANCHE
The outliers of society make their own law and order “There’s a pretty strong anti-government sentiment up there,” said my police sergeant friend in regards to the remote area where I live. He had recently responded to a shooting/stabbing incident, in which no one saw anything, knew anything, heard anything, no weapons were found and the combatants were extremely uncooperative. The only facts not in dispute were that two individuals were bloodied and seriously wounded through the use of deadly weapons, and alcohol was involved. My sergeant friend had a point. People out here have a generally reclusive lifestyle and eschew the normal trappings of civilization, such as malls, convenience stores, streetlights, doctors’ offices and cell phone service. Also missing from remote and rural living is rapid police response to emergencies. My friend had to drive his patrol vehicle through three other counties and into a fourth to get to the scene of the bloody fracas. His response time was well over one hour from the time of the dispatch call to when he arrived. He was merely assisting the county deputies in their home jurisdiction; their response time is generally measured in hours during the winter, with the shortest route from the county seat closed once the snow flies. The people who drew the county lines during the early days of statehood had never been here; they had no idea that their confidently drawn invisible lines bisected one or more mountain ranges. Highways generally follow valley floors, and getting around those two-mile-high ridges can take quite a while. With the long response time for emergency personnel a generally accepted fact of life, the locals rarely call police, preferring to handle most situations themselves. As one long-time local explained to me when I first moved here, “It will take the cops an hour to get here, and once they get here nothing will happen anyway.” Of course, if there are no witnesses to tell what happened and all the pertinent evidence somehow disappears before the cops arrive, it’s quite unlikely that a strong case can be presented in court. Long out of the police business, I still occasionally get 16 | OUR TOWN | FEBRUARY 2017
invited to classes and some training events as an active observer. I explain to the newer cops that if they come out to the remote areas, response time alone will relegate them to being janitors and historians. They will arrive, clean up the mess, and provide a written account of what they believe happened. With luck, someone will give them an honest, accurate picture of the events as they actually happened, and they will be able to collect pertinent evidence. If no one talks and the evidence is gone, the police role becomes more that of social janitor and less as historian — clean up the mess and go back to the office to document what little is known. As far as justice goes, that will be left up to the locals. The good news is that there is little crime out here and everyone knows who the few bad guys are. And there is a high percentage of residents who are quite capable of discouraging the few criminal types from becoming too active. Combat vets who have found solace in the quiet mountains far from the battle-rattle of searing deserts, retired cops who haven’t forgotten everything they once knew about dealing with goblins, cowboys and mountain men who don’t take kindly to troublemakers — all provide a non-state-sanctioned deterrent to any kind of major mischief. And for the minor problems, such as kids shoplifting or the eccentric woman who talks to people only she can see, a discreet phone call to a family member can provide a much faster and more effective response than a call to an emergency dispatch center an hour’s drive away. Besides, once the state is called to intervene in a dispute between neighbors, after the officers leave, the people involved are still going to be neighbors, and will still have to deal with each other – all without official assistance. As for the previously mentioned local meeting of the Knife & Gun Club, no one went to jail and the incident did not even get mentioned in the local papers. Life goes on, even for the combatants, here among the outliers of society.
OurThoughts The Kia Soul boasts a sportier look for 2017
BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN
A
vailable in three trim levels coupled with an attractive starting price, Kia Motors America is now offering their popular Soul “people mover” with a turbo powerplant. Their objective is to reach a broader customer base with individuals seeking a fun-todrive modern automobile. “We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “The 2017 Soul Exclaim model with its turbocharged engine gives car fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.” As expected, there were some additional exterior modifications made on the ‘17 version, but the spotlight is honestly focused on the new engine enhancement. So to breakdown the product mix for 2017, their entry level “Base” Soul comes with a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine. It’s designed to produce about 130-horsepower. Standard on the Base model is a sixspeed manual transmission, with a sixspeed automatic also offered. The vehicle’s interior seat design has been somewhat upgraded and there is a broader choice of audio options offered including an available rear back-up camera and automatic “on/ off” headlights. Their middle grade Soul referred to as their “Plus” trim level comes standard with Kia’s 2.0-liter,
161-horsepower four banger engine. It is interesting that both the 1.6-liter engine as well as the 2.0-liter powerplant (with automatic transmission) show 25mpg city/30-mpg with highway usage. The bumper covers have also been reworked on the Plus, therefore their general appearance has been slightly changed. Quite honestly, I like the exterior looks of the 2016 a slight bit better. This now takes us to their top-of-theline version, their “Exclaim” model of the Soul. It comes standard with duel chrome tipped rear exhaust tailpipe outlets, larger/performance inspired
front disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-weather tires, leather wrapped “D” shaped steering wheel with remote audio controls, special gloss black bumper covers front and rear, keyless/push button start with their smart key feature, 4.3-inch driver input display screen, and optional new HID headlights with LED fog lights. Perhaps you may have driven a previous version of their Soul and were somewhat accustomed to its acceleration? Now with the turbo offering, the welcomed level of quick performance is instantly noticeable. The dash gauge cluster is easy to read, most switches and driver input controls are easy to gain access and the seating up front is quite comfortable. Under the rear hatch is decent cargo space. The Plus and Exclaim versions also come with the factories blind spot detection system and rear cross traffic safety alert feature. None of the models come with a spare tire - just an inflator service kit. All trim models are mechanically linked to a front-wheel-drive chassis. Soul for 2017 generally is crossed shopped with the Nissan Juke in this specialty arena. The Base model has a starting price point of $15,990. The Plus version shows $19,650 and their Exclaim Turbo has an MSRP of $22,650. Destination charges aren’t included as they require an additional $850.
FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
CaringPartners
Overcoming the opioid epidemic America is in the midst of an ongoing opioid epidemic affecting families across the country. Reports show that there are almost 80 opioidrelated overdoses a day, amounting to more than 28,000 deaths annually. This figure continues to climb as over 2.1 million people in the United States suffer from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Additionally, the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, W-18 and carfentanil are threats to those already using opiates as the epidemic worsens.
Where occur?
do
opioid
overdoses
Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that 77 percent of opioid overdose related deaths occur outside of a medical setting and 56 percent occur in private homes, meaning family or friends must often be the first to take action in an emergency situation. Accordingly, it is increasingly important 18 | OUR TOWN | FEBRUARY 2017
that responders understand how to prevent death from overdose, including knowing how to use naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication.
What does naloxone do?
Naloxone, the antidote that reverses an opioid overdose, works by neutralizing the opioid receptors in the brain, allowing an overdosed person to breathe again moments after it is administered. It’s been used in ambulances and hospital settings for decades and is now available for people to use in their homes or other remote areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 10,000 reversals of overdoses with naloxone are conducted by nonmedical bystanders. Without having a solution in the hands of those closest to opioid-related overdoses, lives are left hanging in the balance while waiting for emergency medical services. However, there is an FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray designed for use
by laypeople, like friends and family, who are not medically trained. It’s needle-free and requires no training or assembly to use while providing a strong enough dose to help reverse opioid-related overdoses. Naloxone is only effective in opioid-related overdoses and does not affect a person without opioids in their body.
What can you do?
A majority of states have issued standing orders for FDA-approved naloxone products, which permit pharmacies to dispense the nasal spray without a physician’s prescription. If you or someone you know is susceptible to an opioid-related overdose, whether caused by illicit drugs, like heroin, or prescription painkillers, it is important to prepare for an emergency overdose situation. By having naloxone on hand, you can save a life when every second matters. Learn more about naloxone at getnaloxonenow.org.
OurLifestyle
How
“John Wick:
2
” Chapter became highly anticipated BY BRIAN GUERRO
You might be a bit worn out by this year’s awards season. The good news is there’s an action flick coming your way that may be your best chance to experience a guilty-pleasure escape. You could respectfully argue that Reeves is a hit-or-miss kind of actor when it comes to choosing good roles – let alone good films. Though, if you look at his performances in films like “The Matrix” (well-suited), “The Devil’s Advocate” (surprising and emotionally impressive) or even “Speed” (his perfect performance), you know that he’s still capable turning in an impressive A-game performance. “John Wick” is now considered one of his greats. Good reviews started pouring in out of nowhere – so good in fact that Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a “certified fresh” 85 percent rating. If film critics were to give a horror movie raving reviews I’d go see it immediately because, how often do horror movies get good reviews from the top critics? I felt the same way with “John Wick” – not a horror flick – but a sharp action flick with lots of gunplay and stylistic violence as its focus. Since the action is the main purpose of the film, there has to be a good enough plot – the kind that doesn’t take away the film’s special pace; but is simply good enough that you completely understand the protagonist’s motivation. Granted, the motivation is revenge in this film, but again the reason for it has to be good and - most importantly - well developed. What the filmmakers came up with was a winner
PHOTO COURTESY LIONSGATE
– a motivation so emotional you wouldn’t even question the rage of John Wick (Reeves). The film starts off in a quiet somber tone, as we’re learning right away that John Wick’s wife of four years has just passed away. Her dying wish was to have a gift sent to John after the funeral, which arrives at his door later that night. A beagle puppy, named Daisy, is the gift. In no time, we enjoy the relationship between the two very much. We’re suddenly knocked side-ways (so to speak) on the one night when John gets brutally beaten in his own home by ruthless burglars. They steal his car and – worst of all – kill his dog. What the filmmakers do so brilliantly is giving the right amount of room for our main character to grieve. This whole prologue sequence is perfectly paced, granting us the reason for this film’s true purpose that is about to unfold. This is when the story kicks into high gear. The strengths of the stuntmen-turned-directors, Chad Stahelski and (the uncredited) David Leitch, are clearly shown in the wellchoreographed fight sequences – particularly the pistolrelated ones! Reeves moves like a beast in this movie and if you haven’t seen that YouTube video of him shooting live rounds at a gun range in preparation for the sequel, you’re missing out. Let’s hope that “Chapter 2” at least meets the high standards of the 2014 original. After that, enjoy The 89th Annual Academy Awards. FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 19
OurLifestyle Rules may vary from one event to the next, but whether your favorite team kicks it, runs it or dunks it, sports fans and food always provide a winning combo. Gather your friends for the next big game with a menu that gets everyone revved up for a win. A lineup filled with starters is just the ticket for a game day watch party or tailgate. Offering a series of finger foods and lighter fare lets your fellow fans grab a quick bite before the game or during a commercial break and continue snacking through the game. Make no mistake, serving up a lighter menu doesn’t mean you need to skimp on quality – just the opposite, in fact. Make every bite count by using exceptional ingredients and introducing unexpected flavors such as the distinctive taste of Jarlsberg cheese, which has a rich, 60-year Norwegian heritage. Best known as a classic wedge, this mild, mellow and nutty cheese can also be served sliced, shredded and cubed. Quesadillas are always a hit, and this version combines the best of gooey, melted cheese with bacon and a deliciously tangy salsa for a lively burst of fresh flavor. Then keep the mouthwatering cheese and bacon combos coming with a whole new take on grilled kebabs. No game day is complete without pizza, and this one scores big with its unexpected blend of flavors for a pie that is smoky and tangy, sweet and savory, and briny and creamy all at once. Then round out your menu with these easy sliders that are big on flavor and small on prep time. Find more ideas to liven up your game day menu at jarlsberg.com. 20 | OUR TOWN | FEBRUARY 2017
A starting
lineup &
S T A R T ER S P S AP PERFECT FOR GAME DAY
Hawaiian Sliders with Cheese, Ham and Pork Servings: 3 Ingredients: 3 Hawaiian bread slider buns 1 cup pulled pork 3 slices ham 3 slices Jarlsberg cheese sliced pickles Dijon mustard, to taste
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Separate buns and layer pulled pork, sliced ham and cheese. Place sliders on oven-safe tray and bake about 10 minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove from oven and gently remove top bun. Add pickles and mustard before serving.
OurLifestyle
Cheese Quesadillas Servings: 4
Cheese and Bacon Kebabs Servings: 4
Grilled Pizza with Cheese, Prosciutto and Figs Servings: 4
Ingredients: 18 slices bacon 2 1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, cubed 18 pearl onions 12 long skewers Relish: 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers 1 1/3 tablespoons capers 2 2/3 tablespoons olives 1/4 cup cucumber 3 1/3 ounces olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice and grated zest salt and pepper Directions: Cut bacon slices in half and wrap around cheese cubes. Place cheese cubes and pearl onions on each skewer, alternating ingredients. Roast in pan or on grill 2-3 minutes on each side. To make relish, chop peppers, capers, olives and cucumber, and mix with olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
Ingredients: 2 cups pizza or tomato sauce 4 1/2 cups pizza dough flour, for rolling 3 1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, coarsely grated 2 1/2 cups thinly sliced prosciutto 8 dried figs, each cut into six wedges dried red pepper flakes black pepper Directions: Heat grill and warm pizza sauce. Divide dough into desired number of pizzas. On floured surface, roll dough into long, thin ovals and spread with sauce. Sprinkle light layer of cheese over sauce. Add layer of prosciutto and a second layer of cheese. Dot with fig pieces then season with red pepper flakes and pepper. Reduce grill heat, slide pizzas onto grill and close lid. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until crust is lightly charred and cheese is melted.
Ingredients: 4 slices thick slab bacon 1 small chili pepper 4 medium tomatoes 1 small shallot 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon coriander or cumin salt and pepper to taste 1 small lime (juice and zest) 6 slices Jarlsberg Original or Hickory Smoked cheese 2 large tortillas Directions: Fry bacon, drain and chop. To make salsa, remove seeds from chili pepper and finely dice. Chop tomatoes then dice shallot and garlic clove. Combine pepper, tomatoes, shallot and garlic with lime juice, coriander, salt and pepper, to taste. Divide cheese slices and bacon on one half of each tortilla, top with 1/4 cup salsa and fold tortilla over, pressing down to close. In medium-hot, lightly oiled pan, toast tortillas about 1 minute on each side. Cut each tortilla in half and serve with remaining salsa on the side, or combine salsa with black beans and fresh chopped cilantro to make a side salad. FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 21
InDepth
Heat Up St. Louis keeps area warm Local nonprofit works to find heating solutions for at-risk residents in the region
Think of the last time you were outside for any length of time this winter. Remember how your fingers and toes slowly grew numb and eventually started to hurt? Remember how your face and any other exposed skin chilled and grew sensitive to the touch? Think about how you longed to get inside and warm up, to feel comfortable and safe again. Now imagine that when you go into your house, your house is as cold or even colder than it is outside. Imagine that there is no relief to the reality that is cold weather in St. Louis. The way you feel right now is, literally, the cold reality for many of the poor, elderly and disabled every winter in the St. Louis area. Thankfully, if you find yourself in this reality, there is help. For the past 16 years, Heat Up St. Louis has been helping to find heating solutions for the poor, senior and disabled residents of St. Louis and 13 surrounding counties. Heat Up St. Louis Board Chair Melanie DiLeo said the organization worked closely with social services, other nonprofits and utility companies to find the best solutions for those in need. “We all work together to help someone get their bills in line and turn the heat on,” she said. “There are seniors who are freezing and they don’t know whether to pay the utility bill or get medicine. We don’t want people to have to make these life-or-death choices. We are all in this together. It is not to anyone’s advantage to have someone die because they are afraid to turn the heat on. At the end of the day, you want a community that is healthy where nobody is dying because they are cold. 22 | OUR TOWN | FEBRUARY 2017
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEATUPSTLOUIS.ORG
BY NICHOLAS ELMES
Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., chair emeritus Heatupstlouis.org (right) helps a needy client during the Fourth Annual Heat-up/ Ameren Winterizing forum, where many city and county residents are not only helped with their utility bills, but they attend mini-classes on knowing their utility rights; energy efficiency and financial literacy.
“If you are having problems with heat then chances are you are having problems with a lot of other stuff,” she added. “If we can keep the heat on and the keep the warm then there is a good chance we can help get the other things fixed as well.” “You have to have warmth to keep people alive and give them a quality of life,” said founder and Acting Executive Director Gentry Trotter, explaining that the organization was formed to address a variety of needs including heating and cooling assistance. “We really work as a consortium,” he said, noting that Heat Up St. Louis is run by a 57-member, all-volunteer board, which includes local leaders like the city mayor and county leaders as well as representatives from local power companies and media organizations. “We focus on public education, safety advocacy, collecting and distributing funding, networking with different organizations and fostering responsibility.” He said the organization was initially formed to fill a void in services.
“The first thing we did was to make sure we had a hotline where people could immediately get help,” said Trotter. “The second concept was to act as a funding source. The next thing was advocacy, to make sure that we had voiced to let people know that being without heating is a health and safety issue.” He said that aspect allowed the organization to work with electric and fuel companies to find solutions for those who cannot pay their bill during cold months. “We also deal with public education, working with the Fire Chiefs Association to talk about unsafe heating practices,” he said. “Many people rely on unsafe ways of heating in their homes and a lot of those result in tragedy.” But while Heat Up St. Louis provides heating assistance, Trotter was eager to point out that they also encouraged responsibility among those they help. “Our policy is that we only help people once a year,” he said. “That gives them an opportunity to get on a budget plan. We insist that all of our partners tell
InDepth
MAKE SURE YOU ARE HEATING SAFELY BY NICHOLAS ELMES
City residents who were pre-registered for the Fourth Annual Heat-up/Ameren Winterizing forum recently held in October, 2016 seek help from Heat Up St. Louis to reduce their heating or cooling bills before going into the deep winter months. In October, more than $700,000 was donated in one day to help clients with their bills.
people that they still have to pay something on their bill each month. We are a charity with a heart, but we also have a mind to realize that the more that these payments go south the more like it is that there will be a rate increase which will hurt the people who can’t afford it.” But even with those restrictions, the organization has been able to help over 320,000 people since it started, according to DiLeo. “We have raised about $15 million over the past 16 years,” she said. “All of that has gone directly to help those in need. There are no paid salaries, so every dollar we raise goes to help those in need.” She said that fundraising efforts took a variety of forms, including direct donations online, by mail, or at UMB Banks. “We are also getting ready to do one of our biggest fundraisers, Hardees Rise and Shine, on Feb. 11,” she said, noting that that fundraiser has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day in previous years. “We have hundreds of people who help with it, from the Mayor of St. Louis to county executives to lots of amazing volunteers who go out and stand in the cold taking donations as people drive up to Hardees.” She said Hardees sells a special $1 egg biscuit for the fundraiser, with all proceeds going to help Heat Up St. Louis. “This happens at all the Hardees in St. Louis and surrounding counties,” she said. “A lot of people will buy biscuits for their entire office.” She said Heat Up Saint Louis was a very unique nonprofit, both for the work it did and for its ability to convert all donations into direct aid. “I don’t know of another organization like ours anywhere in the country,” she said. “It just works. There is someone answering our phone all the time, there is someone monitoring our website all the time. We have this incredible resource that is dedicated to helping people have heat in the winter and it really does help.” To get heating assistance from Heat Up St. Louis, call 314241-7668, or visit http://heatupstlouis.org.
One of Heat Up St. Louis’s main missions is to make sure that residents are heating their homes safely, in a way that insures that they do not accidently cause a fire. St. Louis Fire Chief, and Heat Up St. Louis Board Member, Dennis Jenkerson said that space heaters were a major issue for safe home heating. “We try to emphasize safe heating methods,” he said. “Using a space heater or opening your oven up to heat your home is very dangerous. Every year we see deaths throughout the region from this.” He said resorting to these heating methods, while dangerous, was an easy solution for many people faced with the inability to pay for safer primary heating methods. “People get behind on their heating bills and buy a space heater thinking it will heat a room,” he said. “But they get it too close to a couch or chair, or a little kid drops a blanket on it and then we have a fire.” He said that since Heat Up St. Louis had been helping people to pay heating bills he had seen a reduction in fire calls stemming from secondary heating sources. “Absolutely,” said Jenkerson. “We have gotten the word out about haw dangerous these devices are and we have seen less fires.” When asked what he recommend as a supplemental heat source, Jenkerson had a simple answer. “The only secondary heating source that is safe is the one you are standing right next to,” he said. “Once you leave them alone anything can happen, Kids can hit them, dogs can hit them. When you leave a room turn it off and unplug it.” He said that while fire deaths had decreased, down to only three in St. Louis last year, fire calls had remained steady. “Last year we had one of our busiest years in the past 10 years,” he said. “Don’t use these space heaters as a primary heating source. Call Heat Up St. Louis for assistance as soon as you can.”
FEBRUARY 2017 | OUR TOWN | 23
February 1 2
National Freedom Day
Groundhog Day
3
National Wear Red Day
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Fundraising event Saint Louis Crisis Nursery invites you to Eat. Shop. Love. from 5 to 7 p.m. at Plaza Frontenac’s North Court outside of Saks Fifth Avenue. Kicking off the event will be Honorary Chair, Y98’s Sherry Farmer. The event is free and benefits Crisis Nursery mothers. Guests are invited to donate new or gently used handbags, and guests are asked to fill them with lotions, sanitizers, toiletries, gas cards and other items our mothers may not be able to afford. New this year, they will be collecting jewelry and accessories… necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses and scarves. Last year over 300 purses were collected, all of which were shared throughout the year with moms who are working so hard to create long-term stability for their children. As a bonus, each purse donated enters you to win a new Kate Spade bag (valued at over $200). You must be present to win raffle items. There will be discounts at several stores that evening and raffle drawings every 30 minutes and complimentary appetizers by BRIO. For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.crisisnurserykids.org.
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Lincoln’s Birthday
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Valentine’s Day
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Presidents’ Day
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Mardi Gras