Mexican Barrel House makes case for Houlihan’s Creve Coeur site

 (This is from a few weeks ago in West Newsmagazine. The old Houlihan's site will be utilized after being vacant for three+ years!)

Citing high rent and vastly increasing operating costs, popular restaurant chain Houlihan’s saw its final St. Louis area location close on Dec. 30, 2019. That site was located at 1085 N. Mason Road, just south of Olive, in Creve Coeur.

However, the Nov. 21 Creve Coeur Planning & Zoning meeting offered a good deal of hope for a worthy replacement for the building that was constructed in 1981. The new prospect, Mexican Barrel House, would be mostly a sit-down restaurant but with curbside pickup on its southeast corner away from the main entrance. The restaurant would serve traditional Mexican food and also Mexican barbecue via a proposed outdoor smoker. 

Former Houlihan's location in Creve Coeur...photo from The City of Creve Coeur

A conditional use permit request was presented to the P&Z Commission by architect Stewart MacGregor, of OSM, Inc. The site development plan calls for revised exterior elevations and a new outdoor patio area as part of the Bellerive Executive Park Plat 1 in this General Commercial District.

“The owner (Alfredo Flores) is trying to breathe life back into the old Houlihan’s,” MacGregor said. “They want to reface the exterior again and redo the interior."

MacGregor noted that city staff had commented on the need to dress up the site and make it more accessible.

“What we’re trying to do is use as much as the existing (9.044 square foot) building as possible without reinventing the wheel. We’re also aware of some of the things staff has made some comments on like upgrading the sidewalk width (from 5 feet to 6)," MacGregor said. "The exterior is not maintenance-free, and the proposal is to dress it up and give it as much maintenance-free material as possible.”

There were a few points of contention in the conversation that led to a decision for future discussions before a vote would be taken.

From a profit standpoint, Flores prefers occupancy of 220 indoor and 84 outdoor patio seats. However, City Planner Bethany Moore noted that there’s not enough parking to accommodate the 220 indoor seats. She said the site currently has 103 parking spaces whereas 110 are required based on seating numbers. As a result, the city staff recommends the indoor seating be lowered to 198 in order to comply. Moore added that outdoor seats are no longer counted in parking requirements.

Flores said he has been talking to neighboring properties regarding cross-parking, after which P&Z member Julie Labonte asked for details regarding any possible agreement.

“We’ve had some discussions with the property immediately to the south,” MacGregor said. “If we don’t get a cross-parking agreement that’s acceptable to the city, we have a backup to go down to 198 seats.”

Another issue is that onsite non-compliant lighting needs to be replaced since those fixtures are not downcast or shielded according to the city's current zoning code. The potential new owners would also need to replace existing trash enclosures that are beyond repair and repaint or replace an existing pole sign.

“The project includes an exterior remodel and a patio enlargement of about 700 square feet,” Moore said. “The site is in need of repairs and also includes some preexisting non-conformities such as being over the amount of site coverage for a commercial district. But the patio enlargement is exempt from site coverage calculations.”

Those items are all conditions for approval.

A new deck is also proposed and rooftop equipment would have to be screened appropriately. Landscaping needs to be added for parking spot islands and work is needed around the building, although some trees in bad condition have already been removed.

By far the greatest area of concern seemed to be the building’s proposed color scheme.

“Staff does have concerns about the very dark, almost black color that was chosen,” Moore said. “Design guidelines do mention that exterior materials are supposed to blend in with surrounding buildings. There aren’t any examples around it, or in the surrounding Creve Coeur area, regarding commercial buildings that would relate to that dark color. So, staff has recommended that the Planning & Zoning Commission review the colors of those exterior materials to see if they’re in compliance with existing and surrounding buildings.”

P&Z member Rhonda O’Brien wasn’t sure about what would be looked at in the area regarding building color comparisons.

MacGregor responded that just a block south on Mason is Bellerive Commons featuring very dark buildings by the lake with entirely black facades. 

“How far do you go when you ask ‘in the area?" MacGregor asked. “There are different materials up and down Olive that are very dark. If you look at Houlihan’s, it kind of stands out with a very light, yellow color. So, we’re trying to make it a little less sore-thumbish.”

“You’re right,” said Jason Jaggi, the city's director of community development.  “There are buildings that are a little dark if you go around the area, but yours with that color and the masonry, it’s very dark; almost black-stained with a red roof. It’s not going to blend in, but the existing building with a cream color doesn’t, either. This is our chance to make it a little better. We all want to do that. Our guidelines do speak to compatibility of colors.”

P&Z member Thomas Buelter asked MacGregor how flexible they are regarding color. The response was that they would work with staff on whatever compromise was necessary.

“It’s a very special place for me because that’s where my wife and I met over a decade ago,” MacGregor said.

Regarding another Buelter inquiry, Flores gave the restaurant's proposed hours of operation as 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily, except for an 8 p.m. Sunday closing time.

“One of the things we’d like to address is some type of advertising,” Flores said. “When you drive on Olive, you can barely see the building. Also, there will be music during regular hours, but no later than 8 p.m. We try to be as accommodating to neighbors as we can.”

Flores has been affiliated with several area restaurants since 1992 including managing a Chevy’s Fresh Mex and being employed at Casa Gallardo and Olive Garden restaurants.

“We decided we wanted to open one of our own,” he said. “We currently have one on Dorsett and 270 called Casa Juarez. So, this one will be like a branch of that restaurant. We’re willing to work with all of you as much we can so we can get this project going.”

Learning what it takes to be a CHAMP

 (This is a combination of my articles in both the MidRivers and West Newsmagazine just posted Nov. 11 since one puppy raiser lives in O'Fallon and the other in Manchester.)

Those who volunteer as puppy raisers generally believe in the old adage, “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

But those who volunteer for CHAMP Assistance Dogs know that what they do means so much more. They know they're training a new generation of public access service dogs, home service dogs, home companion dogs and facility dogs. They guide the puppies with love and encouragement, and train them in basic and advanced skills using proven positive-based methods.

It's a vital service for the Creve Coeur-based nonprofit that was founded in 1998.

“Puppy raising is such an important job,” explained CHAMP Executive Director Pam Budke. “It’s 24/7 and a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding. For those puppy raisers, everybody always asks me, ‘Is it hard for them to give up a dog?’ Yes, it is, and as one of the puppy raisers said, ‘I’ve never had a puppy and not cried when it was time to give it up. But once you get to meet those clients the dog lives with, it makes it all worth it.’ ”

The demand is high, Budke said, noting that CHAMP is expanding the number of dogs its training. CHAMP, by the way, stands for Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities!

Service dogs are best known for helping people with disabilities lead lives of greater independence, but CHAMP dogs also assist in healthcare facilities and children’s advocacy centers. Most of CHAMP's placements are within 50 miles of its headquarters. And once a dog is placed that's not the end of the road.

“What we’re really proud of is we stay in touch with our clients for the life of the partnership. We visit them at least once a year,” Budke said. “We also tell them if they ever have any kind of issue or problem, they should call us immediately. We’ll go in their home and work with them until that issue is fixed. If years later, one of our client’s health is deteriorating, and they need the dog to learn new skills to help them, they can call us and we’ll go to work with them until that dog is solid to help that client. We are there for the life of the partnership.”

Life of a puppy trainer

Mark Arado, of O’Fallon, and his wife, Tammy, are raising a yellow lab named Primrose, better known as “Rosie.”

                                  CHAMP service-dog-in-training Rosie (Photo provided by Mark Arado)

The pup, who was born in March 2021, is the Arados' third service-dog-in-training.

He said they’ve always been a dog family, so nearly a decade ago, he checked on the need for training service dogs. That's when he reached out to CHAMP.

Puppy raisers are taught to use specific words for housebreaking and ones for correction. Socialization is also important.

“The thing I’m supposed to do is take extra steps to get them comfortable with as many things as possible,” Mark said. “When I got Rosie in March, the Fourth of July wasn’t too far away. When I knew the fireworks would start going up soon, I brought her to a bowling alley where you hear the pins crashing. We would also ride out to the Marriott by the airport alone or with my friend who was ex-military. We’d take the Marriott shuttle there and sometimes there’d be flight crews on it. She got used to being on a bus, then we’d go into the USO and donate to the troops. They’d allow us to have a short visit with them, so she got to meet a lot of people in different uniforms and cultures.”

Mark said they also got Rosie ready for Halloween by going to big costume stores, where creatures would “come to life” and scare any living soul at the press of a button. The main thing is to train the dogs so they’re not afraid or timid.

                                    Rosie with friends on the Marriott airport shuttle (Photo provided by Mark Arado)

Rosie and Mark also take frequent trips to crowded stores for socializing. People were allowed to pet Rosie until she was about 1 years old but at a certain point, the dogs have to be switched to non-petting when they have their work vests on.

Since Mark and Tammy live close to Fort Zumwalt West High, Mark takes Rosie there to watch volleyball, tennis, girls softball and football games. That gives her added experience with crowds of different people to help get her comfortable in any setting. He said Assistant Principal Dr. Samantha Sutton is very receptive to their visits.

“Dr. Sutton knows I have a service dog, so if anyone has questions, I can talk with her because it’s good to get the high school kids aware of CHAMP, service dogs and the wonderful services they provide,” Mark said.

He usually takes Rosie on walks of about 3 miles a day and he loves to tell people along the way about CHAMP as well as how smart service dogs are and what they can do for people. Periodically, they attend training sessions at CHAMP's headquarters, 1968 Craig Road in the Westport area, where they review what they've done and get ready for the next training step.

“Tammy is exceptionally good at the homework drills,” Arado said. “There’s one where she sets down the food bowl and the dog doesn’t eat until you use the word ‘free.’ The dog looks at you and may hear you say something similar like ‘freezer’ or ‘frisbee.’ But they don’t eat until they actually hear the word ‘free.’ You start off with a few seconds, then build on that over time. Rosie can probably go up to 45 seconds or a minute now.”

Tammy also does drills like getting Rosie to go down underneath a chair so she can get used to being underneath someone watching TV or doing an activity.

                                                                      Tammy Arado and Rosie (Photo provided)

During non-training time, Rosie loves to play and grab socks. Mark said one of the most fun things for a dog is to be chased during play. That’s their highlight of the day, so he was told right away, ‘Do not chase the dog’ because they think the fun has begun and fireworks are going off in their head thinking it’s play time.

“Rosie’s really good about training and adapting to the skills,” Mark said. “At CHAMP, they’ll have her put her nose in a mini basket like a basketball hoop. Over time, they’ll give her a command with a clicker and she’ll go and stick her nose in the hoop, turn around and look at you for her reward. If the dog struggles, you redo it because you always want to end on a good note with that positive reinforcement. Then, it’s on to the next part of training. It could even be for someone who might not be able to pick up their own clothing, and the dog will pick it up and put it in a hamper.”

He said he can see Tammy and him continuing to raise CHAMP puppies long into the future.

“The program is a way to give something back, and for me, it’s doing something I enjoy,” he said. “I also know it’s helping another human being … (someone who is) ex-military or whatever it may be. The dogs just create such a comfort for people.

“Also, just appreciating animals and understanding how they can benefit everyone’s life is so incredible! I love it!

Manchester resident Sara Stanley is a relatively new puppy raiser. She has a degree in special education and is currently a para educator at Hannah Woods Elementary.

“My two passions in life are working with individuals who are disabled and animals,” Stanley said. “This has always been a bucket list thing for me … having a dog that can change somebody’s life. It’s absolutely amazing!”

A friend she grew up with and followed for years was a puppy raiser. When the time was right, she connected with CHAMP. But her husband had reservations. She his reaction was “‘This is going to be a lot of work. Are you sure you want to do it?’”

“But he’s currently deployed (in Kuwait) with the Army National Guard,” she said. “He knew he was going to be gone pretty much all this year. So, it was perfect timing and it gave me something to do while he’s been gone.”

After she completed the application process and met the qualifications standards, she was given a date for getting her first puppy.

At a CHAMP meeting, they went over a variety of puppy basics, which were drastically different from how she had raised her own dogs. She said when they first tell you the things they do, you’re not quite sure. Then it all falls into place and it’s absolutely fascinating.

About five months ago, Stanley brought home 6-week-old River, a black lab. On day one, she learned to use specific words for housebreaking and ones for correction. She also immediately started socializing him. River picked up on the training quickly and learned how to help owners with tasks and support.

                                                        Sara Stanley and River (Photo provided)

“They call him methodical because he thinks through things where most dogs are more impulsive and reactive,” Stanley said. “You can see him stop and think about what he’s doing.”

Training sessions for the volunteers and puppies take place in CHAMP's headquarters at 1968 Craig Road. Stanley said they have been incredible. Her assessment includes being able to see where puppies have barriers and where the trainers can bridge those gaps.

While River is often content to stay at home, once he is out, he’s the life of the party and a social butterfly who loves men, women and children. That’s excellent because one of the most frequent places they visit is Stanley's son’s Parkway Central swim practices, where he is well known. He’s kind of become the little team mascot, Stanley said.

“Since River is so adorable, I constantly have people ask me, ‘How can you give him up?’ I tell them, ‘Just knowing that he’s going to be somebody’s everything some day is enough.’ I went into it knowing that would be the end result,” Stanley said. She'll have to give him up sometime in 2024. “He’s amazing, and I think every day about who will be lucky enough to get him and what he’ll do for his life.

“I would highly recommend anyone to do this because every puppy that’s raised is another person who gets helped out. I know there’s such a need. They just can’t raise them fast enough.”

Other opportunities to help

In addition to service dogs, CHAMP currently has nearly 100 therapy dog teams that have racked up close to 35,000 total visits to those in need.

In total, volunteers make up some 96% of the organization’s workers. They help out in a wide variety of operations and programs from just a few hours to the 24/7 lifestyle of a puppy raiser. Each volunteer must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer unsupervised.

“I think we’ve come a long way in the last 11 years,” Budke said. “I am so thankful and grateful for all the people who have helped us get there, especially our volunteers and donors. It’s just remarkable all the changes that we have made in people’s lives. It’s amazing the difference these dogs can make … like therapy dogs that go out and visit people who are isolated or ill. I’m very, very happy with how the organization is moving forward.”

Budke joined CHAMP in November 2011 after previously working for the Animal Protection Agency (APA) of Missouri and the Wildlife Rescue Center where she was executive director.

St. Charles Mayor Borgmeyer leads Sister Cities trip to Europe

 (Here is my full, unedited version of the story that later appeared edited a bit online and in the MidRivers Newsmagazine print edition on Nov. 2, 2022.)

In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower became the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. He planned and organized Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that ultimately led to Allied control of most of Western Europe. Eisenhower later accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Unbeknownst to many Americans, that fierce level of fighting was totally contrary to the demeanor of the eventual 34^th President known as ‘Ike.’ That’s highly evident to visitors at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, KS.  One display reads, “I Hate War as only a soldier who lived it can.” 

Unbeknownst to many Americans, that fierce level of fighting was totally contrary to the demeanor of the eventual 34^th President known as ‘Ike.’ That’s highly evident to visitors at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, KS.  One display reads, “I Hate War as only a soldier who lived it can.” 

Mary Johnson is one localite who was fully aware of that. She is the President of the St. Charles-Ludwigsburg (Germany) Sister Cities Chapter. 

“Back in 1956, Eisenhower was President, and he was holding a White House summit,” Johnson said.  “He was trying to figure out a way to heal the globe and ensure we would live in peace after the calamity of World War II.  He was into relationships with countries, so he came up with an idea about citizen diplomacy.  That idea spawned Sister Cities International, an organization with home base in Washington, D.C.  We’re all about citizen diplomacy--one person and one community at a time.  That’s how you establish relationships, and I think it’s a little harder to go to war with somebody who you have established a relationship with.”

That’s totally in line with another Eisenhower Museum display, “Waging Peace,” from Ike’s book of that title.  The accompanying words read, “After 40 years of military service, Eisenhower devoted his presidency to waging peace.  He strengthened the nation through alliances, promoting prosperity, and demonstrating moral leadership.”

That’s precisely what took place throughout this past September.  Johnson, her husband Steve, St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer and several other Sister Cities members visited a host of European cities.  The prime visit was to the St. Charles long-time Sister City.

“Ludwigsburg, Germany has been our sister city for over 25 years,” Borgmeyer said. “I have developed a personal relationship with their Lord Mayor Matthias Knecht. This visit took place during their huge Venetian Fair and Pumpkin Festival with parades and absolutely stunning 15^th and 16th century costuming.  Additionally, the international community celebrated the 60^th anniversary of Charles De Gaulle’s “Speech to German Youth” highlighting the importance of their relationship to the United States. This visit was somewhat formal with the confluence of all of Ludwigburg’s other sister cities. There were lots of speeches and formal events, and of course sausage and beer and wine and singing.”                               

City Director of Administration Larry Dobrosky and his wife Stephanie personally accompanied Borgmeyer on the trip. The Johnsons were an integral part of the journey to Germany and France, and helped facilitate most of the detailed events. Borgmeyer noted they did an amazing job. Donna Costeilla (former Convention and Visitors Bureau Director), her daughter, Cheryl and the Langs and Dwiggins from St. Charles also attended on their own.

Borgmeyer added that Ludwigsburg and other Sister Cities Montbeliard, France and Inshowen, Ireland offered a full agenda of touring and meeting with involved department personnel.

St. Charles has been courting Montbeliard to join them for over 20 years.  Borgmeyer was pleased to announce that Mayor Marie Noelle Biguinet signed a letter of Intent to begin the formal twinning process. She will sign the formal document upon her next visit to the U.S.

                           Members of the Sister Cities traveling group at dinner in Germany 

“The French were very friendly, accommodating and happy to show us their beautiful city,” Borgmeyer said. “Their appreciation for wine is consistent.  We met with a small, private vintner who has interest in our Augusta development.”

Borgmeyer added that Inishowen is of the most beautiful places he’s ever visited. He met with their City Council and other dignitaries.  They even toured a public school that has a St. Charles West logo on the gym wall. That school has had several exchanges with Warriors’ students. He added how creative the school was, featuring a display of formal ball gowns made entirely of trash that they were required to be worn as part of a competition. 

On his own time and expense, Borgmeyer also traveled to Scotland for two days and achieved a Bucket List item by playing golf at St. Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world. Driving on the golf course wasn’t much of challenge to Borgmeyer, but driving on the other side of the road cost him a passenger side mirror. That was the trip’s lowlight.

“The absolute highlight for me was to, for the first time ever, include the Directors of Economic Development of each of the cities and discuss not only the student and cultural exchanges but also the possibility of economics and trade and commerce exchange.  These efforts met with surprising interest and intent.”

Borgmeyer also initiated correspondence with Cartagena, Spain as his city’s final quest for Sister City twinning.  The four pillars of history of St. Charles are France, Germany, Ireland and Spain. 

This trip was a follow up to this past May’s St. Charles visit mainly from citizens of Ludwigsburg and neighboring Steinhem, Germany.

“Back in the early ‘90s, the German Heritage club of St. Charles County decided that we needed a Sister City,” Johnson said. “So they reached out to a bunch of cities in Germany that were of comparable size of St. Charles, maybe on a river, similar industries where possible. St. Louis has a Sister City of Stuttgart.  So, St. Charles was looking for a Sister that would be of similar distance. (Ludwigsburg is 16 km…10 miles N of Stuttgart.) Of all the letters sent over to Germany, four different towns responded and Ludwigsburg was one of the four.  I think it was 1992 or ’93 when Ludwigsburg was the one they wanted to twin with.

“St. Louis-Stuttgart seems to be more of a business aspect as in commerce between those two cities.  I think we’re more into the cultural aspects.  When we started out with Ludwigsburg, they were a little concerned because they didn’t know what we wanted. They were afraid we wanted money or something comparable.  So, the folks who got this thing off the ground were like, ‘No! No! No! No! No!  We want a cultural relationship. We want to exchange ideas and we want friendship. We want to go there and drink beer.  We want you to come here and drink wine.’ It’s been full steam ahead ever since.  It’s been incredible!”

Johnson said that this year’s German visitors, led by the Ludwigsburg mayor and his assistant, were joined by four people from Montbeliard. They all came specifically to enjoy the Midwest Maifest, a four-hour festival her organization hosted at the New Town Amphitheater with vendors set up on Civic Circle Drive. 

Through all the Ludwigsburg years, the organization was also trying to get a French Sister.  That began several years ago with St. Charles Mayor Grace Nichols and her husband. Johnson believes that this was the first year Montbeliard was invited here, but it wasn’t an official visit because their mayor was unable to come for any of the four days. 

Once everyone was in town on Friday, they had a welcome reception at one of the member’s homes with dinner, drinks, etc.  On Saturday, they took everyone out on Miss Augusta and had dinner and drinks there.

A meeting of mayors: (from left) Dan Borgmeyer, Marie Noelle Biguinet and Matthias Knecht 

“That visit also included a tour of Frenchtown, aided by the Frenchtown Historic Association,” Johnson said. “On that tour, we were able to take them to Good News Brewing (with the Frenchtown Heritage Museum).  So, they got to experience that.  They weren’t even open yet, but Mayor Dan opened it up for us. Dan had some beer and fresh pretzels for us. That night, we took the group to Tompkins Riverside that used to be the Mother-in-Law House. We had a private party downstairs for the French and the two Germans that were left. There were also visits to La Belle Vie, Course Coffee Roasters for coffee and pastries, and the Foundry Art Centre with several artists on hand.”

Next on the agenda is families of Orchard Farm High School students hosting German students for a student exchange trip from Oct. 14-28. This comes after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.  The St. Charles group is expecting 15 students and two chaperones. That will include an invitation to students and their host families to attend the Sister Cities Oct. 24 membership meeting. The Germans will reciprocate for a similar event in summer 2023 for students of the host families.

Johnson said that there are a few other schools in St. Charles that participate in these exchanges. She added that it’s up to the cities themselves what type of relationship and activities they have with their Sister Cities.

As indicated on their literature, ‘The St. Charles Sister Cities Program is part of the Sister Cities International Nonprofit Citizen Diplomacy Network working in nearly 500 communities with over 2000 international partnerships in more than 140 countries.’

“My husband and I have had a ball with this,” Johnson said. “We’ve been with the organization since October of 2013. It’s been a life changer.  If you get really involved in it at all, you host a German, you go to Germany.  You learn so much more than if you go to Germany, stay in a hotel or drive a car, hop on a train and visit a couple sites, then you’re gone.  We talk to people and have a relationship with them; not just commerce, but meaningful relationships.  Luckily, nowadays, it’s so much easier to stay in touch with people.  Back in the day, the best you could do was write a letter.  There was nothing wrong with that, but phone calls were extremely expensive, so you didn’t do that very often.  Nowadays, there are faster and easier ways to communicate.

 “The biggest thing is always reconnecting with the friends we’ve made over there.  It’s such a joy to be able to spend time with them and let them show us their city and their country from their perspective.  That’s a real pleasure because you may go over there with preconceived ideas from hearing and reading stories about Germany in the news, just like they do over there about us.  Then they get here and discover that’s not right at all. Anyway, they always cook for us, so we get these authentic German meals.”

Johnson and her husband visited Germany in 2015 and 2017, and their son has been there three times on two exchanges and once on his own.  The first time, they went to the Dachau concentration camp near Munich that Mary’s uncle helped liberate in the final months of the war. When the Auschwitz exhibit was in Kansas City last year, four of them went there. Some of Mayor Dan’s ancestors are from Alsace-Lorraine, a region formerly in western Germany and currently in extreme eastern France. So, the program has added appeal to him.

“I believe the Sister Cities Program is an important element of a broader view of the World,” Borgmeyer said. “More and more students from Europe are visiting St. Charles and many of our students are traveling there.  They stay with local families on both sides of the ocean and get a full session of cultural exchange with not only those affected but also all the other students they encounter.  Many new transatlantic friendships have developed. The new Economic Development aspect is just icing on the cake.  Several French businesses wanted more information on opening shops in St. Charles Frenchtown Borough.”

Ballwin has heroes old and young in Little Library project and lemonade stand

 (Here is my totally unedited version with photos before the Oct. 21 West Newsmagazine version)

Far too many selfless acts go unnoticed.  That has certainly not been the case lately regarding Ballwin residents. That runs the gamut from the very young to seasoned adults.

The Ballwin Free Library project idea of Planning & Zoning Commissioner/Secretary Olivia Pieknik is a fitting example of the city’s official motto, “Bringing People Together.”

At the other end of the age spectrum is Shanley Gibson. The Woerther Elementary School kindergartner spent a long, hot, 10-hour day of her own to utilize her lemonade stand creation to help animals in need.

Pieknik, who has resided in Ballwin since 1995, recalled how neighbor Randy Doege and wife Peg were in the process of replacing the library in front of their own house and offered Olivia the old one. Husband Chris refurbished it by adding a new roof, door, post and some fresh paint.  The couple then donated it to the City of Ballwin, and the Parks & Recreation staff installed it at Ferris Park in June 2022.

Olivia was later granted permission and received total support from Director of Parks & Recreation Chris Conway in having the Little Libraries in all four Ballwin city parks.

On Oct. 14, one was installed in Vlasis Park in memory of Kathy Kerlagon, a two-term Ballwin Ward 4 alderman who passed away on Aug. 8, less than eight months after her husband Ray announced his retirement from the same position. Kathy was also a professor at Meramec Community College who truly enjoyed reading.

(Olivia Pieknik with Randy and Peg Doege, Ray Kerlagon, Media Dir. Megan Freeman & City Administrator Eric Sterman)

The relationship between Olivia and Kathy began when the former started attending Ballwin Police Citizens Academy meetings back in 2001.

“I appreciated the kindness and continued support from Ray and Kathy when we participated in community events,” Pieknik said. “They both contributed to the City of Ballwin in many other capacities. “I regularly visited Kathy while she was in Memory Care at Westview nursing facility in Ellisville.  She did not recognize me nor did she communicate, but sitting and being with her was all that was needed.”

Peg, who worked for 28 years as a Librarian at Holy Infant School, did the Vlasis Park project’s decorations with her grandchildren. 

Pieknik added that “Randy and Peg Doege wanted to share their love of reading, and Randy enjoys building so they built a library in front of their house.  They also built a library for the subdivision, located on Twigwood by the pool.”

That is in addition to one set to be built in New Ballwin Park this November. Alderman Ross Bullington and wife Becky funded the entire cost of materials.  Peg Doege’s daughter, also a teacher at Holy Infant, will have her students decorate that library. 

Finally, one is also set to be built by Randy Doege, and placed at Holloway Park in North Pointe next spring.  Donations from Pieknik, Pogue, Bullington, Alderman Michael Finley (Ward 1), Planning & Zoning Commissioners Chad Silker, Mike Swain, and Victoria Winfrey will be used to purchase material for Holloway Park.

“It is truly a community project, completed with the love of reading, of kindness and how the residents work together,” Pieknik said. 

Meanwhile, Shanley’s lemonade stand was nothing short of a labor of love.

On the morning of July 26, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Best Buddy Pet Center was flooded with nine inches of standing water from historic level of torrential rains. A good portion of its pet supplies was destroyed.

“I told her that the Maryland Heights Humane Society where we got out dogs from was flooded, so she got the idea to do a lemonade stand because on Facebook they had posted that they had lost all their supplies,” said Shanley’s mom, Megan Gibson.  “So, she came up with the idea to do a lemonade stand to raise money to get them more supplies.”

The preparation included a lemonade poster made by Shanley from Polaroid camera pictures she took herself of their own two dogs.

Shanley’s full day, raising $240, took place at the house of Megan’s father, who is none other than Alderman Mike Utt (Ward 1). That money was ultimately used for purchases at Pet Supplies Plus in Ballwin.

“She was just so excited to take that money and go to the pet shop,” Megan said.  “That was the most exciting part for her, and also dropping off the supplies.  She also took some of her own money out of her piggy bank and donated it.  You know they have those little slots at each one of the dog’s kennels.  She wanted me to tell you that the dog she gave money to was a German Shepherd dog with a cone on its face.”

Although they were told to drop off all donations at the headquarters on Macklind Avenue in the city of St. Louis, Shanley insisted on doing so at the Maryland Heights location.  It was a lot more special for Shanley because that where they got their rescue dogs.

“She’s a very avid animal lover and her dad (John) and I couldn’t be any more proud of her,” Megan said,” Megan said. “They had a day at school for them to dress up like what you want to be when you grow up, she would tell you, and she has said this for two or three years now that she wants to open her own puppy daycare.  But it’s not just for dogs.  She wants to rescue all animals…like a multi-purpose business she has going on.  She wants to rescue pets and also wants them to be able to come there while their owners are working. I love it!  I hope she does it one day!”

 

Ellisville backs Panda Express and Massage Heaven bids; rejects Royal Juice

 (Excited that with this West Newsmagazine article which posted on September 9th, I have now reached 4,000 paid, published articles since I began freelancing in late 1979 while working mostly full-time jobs and homeschooling for six of those years.)

A trio of conditional use permits was the main focus of the Ellisville City Council meeting on Sept. 7. While two received unanimous passage, the third was denied – but barely.

Eric Abeln, of Heights Venture Architecture Design and representing a proposed Panda Express, answered a good deal of questions about landscaping and pathways for tractor-trailer deliveries. The new restaurant would be located at 16301 Truman Road, where a former Hardees has stood vacant near the city's western boundary.

It's design elements will include a “moon gate,” which Abeln described for the Architectural Review Board as a “metal canopy.”

“It’s the modern Chinese tradition that usually goes into the entry portal of their gardens,” Abeln said of the gate.

One element that was challenged was the site's lighting. However, Abeln was agreeable to an amendment from council member Dan Duffy (District 3) to lower the outdoor lighting brightness.

The restaurant will be one of nearly two dozen area Panda Express drive-thru locations.

This former Hardees location is the site of a future Panda Express in Ellisville. (Source: Google Earth) 

Alexander Vishnevetsky was on hand to answer additional questions regarding his ownership of a Massage Heaven to be located at 109 Clarkson Executive Park. Vishnevetsky also answered questions at the council's Aug. 17 meeting.

City Attorney Brian Malone read off no fewer than 18 stipulations regarding the related CUP legislation. Included in those stipulations were:

• The business' hours of operation are to be limited to 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

• All publicly accessible entrances to the business or establishment must be located on an exterior wall with windows that face a street or sidewalk accessible to the public.

• No less than 50% of the overall surface area of the windows on such entrance walls and lobby area must remain uncovered, unobstructed, unshielded and free from tinting.

Vishnevestsky is a long-time licensed massage therapist who is currently employed by another massage company. He said he intends to hire other qualified masseuses over time.

Both the Panda Express and Massage Heaven CUPs were approved by the council.

However, the public hearing on Kallony, LLC (Royal Juice) for a convenience store at 51 Clarkson Road, did not fare so well.

Per an inquiry from council member Greg Sanborn (District 2), spokesman Abdullah Abraham confirmed the 15% or less use of tobacco, Hookah products and other such accessories counting floor space and storage. Liquor products are another proposed store item.

The first public hearing for the business took place at the Aug. 17 council meeting. At that time, Roemerman quickly noted that pages 2-4 of the required application were missing and not presented to the council. City officials declared that it was impossible to make a decision without the full application and unanimously approved a motion to table the matter until the Sept. 7 meeting.

On Aug. 17, a trio of citizens commented in opposition to adding Royal Juice to that location. One resident mentioned a good possibility of broken beer bottles, tobacco and fights in his neighborhood to add to a current issue of teenage drag racing in the area.

Janice Smoots said she was against it because there is already a nearby Motomart, CVS, Dierberg’s and BP gas station.

“I think it would be bad to bring this kind of store into our family community,” Smoots said. “It would also add traffic and more teenagers. We don’t need that. They’ll also bring their boxes and dump garbage that they don’t know what to do with it. There’s no reason at all. We’re not a city. We’re a suburb.”

Resident Emily Karr added, “We already have a Costco around there, lots of kids walking around, people flying by there. We have a theater on the other side. We don’t need more. We’re trying to deal with what we already have. Terrible idea! We have lots of kids here and a couple of special needs residents literally right behind this place. They go for walks in this area.”

There were no citizen comments at the Sept. 7 meeting. However, the vote that evening was split in half among the six council members, with Vince McGrath (District 1), Rob Compton (District 1) and Mick Cahill (District 2) voting “nay.”

“I am in favor of this,” Duffy said. “This location used to be a convenience store. I also think this is low impact on traffic. This is probably not a business I’m going to go to a lot, but that shouldn’t affect how I vote on it.”

Council members Sanborn and Curt Boggs (District 3) also voted in favor of Royal Juice.

Roemerman cast the deciding vote against issuing the CUP. He thanked Abraham for his desire to come to Ellisville to open the store. Then clarified his vote by saying, “I’m personally not in favor of this use in this location, which is a liquor and tobacco store right in front of a residential area.”

Ellisville council considers further legislation related to bees

 (Here is a late July 2022West Newsmagazine article that generated so much attention both online and in print, that is led to a follow up article just one month later!)

Honeybees and other pollinators are declining in numbers.

Exactly one month after the start of National Pollinator Week (June 20-26) Ellisville City Council member Vince McGrath (District 1) offered a vastly different side of bees during the council's July 20 work session.

McGrath said he received a rather detailed complaint in one of his district’s neighborhoods about residents with a pool getting stung by bees. Not knowing exactly how to handle the negative buzz, McGrath admitted he felt obligated to delve more deeply into the subject. So, he did a good deal of research.

“It turns out the bees really like chlorinated water,” McGrath said.

He added that “beekeeper etiquette" would be for the keepers to talk to their neighbors. Then, he offered more information about bees, such as "the average hive has about 30,000 bees in it."

"There are some that forage for food; others forage for water," McGrath noted. "From what I’ve read, a hive of bees can go through several liters of water a day. Of course, with a very close water source, this can be a problem.”

McGrath said he constantly has bees hanging around his own bird bath. He added that when he sprays them with water, they get aggravated, but he’s never been stung. However, he admitted he also has never gone swimming with them.

“One of the big concerns is that they don’t know when somebody comes to their pool if they are allergic to bees,” McGrath said of the residents who had reached out to him.

He requested that the council to look into legislation that would amend its current beekeeping regulations. His proposed changes are:

• Require beekeepers to provide a water source for the hives/bees.

• If a property measures less than 1/3 of an acre, the maximum number of hives allowed would be three.

• If the beekeeper's property is near a pedestrian walkway, a 6-foot fence must be installed around the hives.

• If property owners want to have bee hives near a neighbor with a pool, the beekeepers must discuss it with neighbor before installation of the hives.

Regarding point three, McGrath said that if bees have to fly over a structure that tall (a 6-foot fence), they would normally be well over the height of most humans. 

Mayor Mike Roemerman said that the first two points are easily doable. While he didn’t address the third suggestion, he did say that “number four is going to be very difficult to put into language that’s enforceable.”

The council and City Attorney Brian Malone will work on legislation with amendments to be presented at the Aug. 17 council meeting.

Ellisville quickly backtracks on suggested beekeeper restrictions

Back on July 20, the Ellisville City Council tossed around ideas to try and prevent any of its citizens from suffering bee stings while enjoying private swimming pools.

The first potential restriction mentioned would have required beekeepers to provide a water source for the hives/bees. If a property was less than 1/3-acre, the maximum number of hives would be restricted to three. If the hive location was near a pedestrian walkway, a 6-foot fence would have had to be installed around the hives. In addition, if the property owners wanted to have bee hives near a neighbor with a pool, the beekeepers would have had to discuss it with the neighbor before installation of the hives. The idea of requiring beekeepers to hold special permits was also suggested.

Within a week, those ideas were displayed both online and in print.

The buzz spread quickly and several members of the local beekeeping community swarmed the Aug. 17 council meeting. Seven offered their feedback during the initial public comments section of the meeting. They noted the rapid decline of honey bees over the past few decades and some mentioned the use of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides as a rapid means to that decline.

Some spoke to the council’s attempt to control nature. 

“Honeybees are very busy minding their own business, and they’re just trying to take care of their families,” Mary McCord noted. 

Lisa Kosyan added, “It’s a matter of what we can control and what we can’t control. We can’t control where they fly and where they go.”

Kevin Marrott suggested that the onus is on pool owners to keep the bees out of their pools.

Jane Sueme, owner/operator of Isabee’s Beekeeping Supplies, explained the need for bees to be around major water sources at various times of the year. She said that while people complain about bees being near their pools or hummingbird feeders, it’s just for a short period of time and for the bee’s survival. She added that even in managed hives, bees are wild insects and cannot control their need for water sources.

“They need to be around water sources around early March and again when the temperature gets well above 90 degrees,” Sueme said. “When it gets really hot for a day or two they can handle that with their independent resources. But when it’s 100 degrees, like we had this summer for days on end, they have to store somewhere between half a gallon and a gallon of water per day per hive.”

Since Sueme’s Fenton location is the only retail establishment in the area to serve the area’s beekeeping community, she said they field a lot of phone calls from the general public and help them understand the behavior of honeybees.

Council member Dan Duffy (District 3) thanked those “who came out to support the bees.”

“Their survival depends on the actions people like us take,” Duffy said. He noted that the city has taken a number of measures that are “really at the forefront of actions to help our insects,” which have increased the bee population within the city. Those actions include using more native plants within the city and planting a large native grass area by the Bluebird Park amphitheater. Ellisville even hired a public works employee to care for those areas, he said. 

“I also don’t agree with the idea of giving pool owners preferential treatment,” Duffy said. With that in mind, he made a motion to strike down all beekeeping regulations regarding swimming pool owners and also extra necessary permits.

Meanwhile, Council Member Vince McGrath (District 1) who brought the issue to light in July said he didn’t intend for any beekeepers to be hurt by what was discussed at that time. One of his major intents was limiting the number of hives per lot, he said.

The result of all the comments was that every single previous restriction was dropped and only one was added: Hives must be at least 10 feet from a neighbor’s property line.

Mayor Mike Roemerman said the “extremely amended” bill (No. 3756) was now even less restrictive than even before the previous council meeting. It passed unanimously to become Ordinance 3523.