Retasha Smith arrived at The Haven of Grace’s doorstep alone, pregnant and confused. But the organization quickly came to her rescue. A dependable support system and resources to become independent led her to a productive family life. 

A region-wide cakewalk, a Valentine’s Day ‘Burnin’ Love’ festival at Forest Park, and a giant heart sculpture in the Grand Basin are some of the highlights on tap for ST. LOUIS’ 250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION in 2014. This week, before a gathering of the city’s civic and community leaders, the new nonprofit, stl250, announced some of the key events to commemorate the city’s founding by Pierre Laclede in 1764. The 2014 celebration will be co-hosted by Mayor FRANCIS SLAY and St. Louis County Executive CHARLIE DOOLEY. Stl250 co-chairs are Ameren’s TOM VOSS, and his wife, CAROL; with ERIN BUDDE as the organization’s executive director. Stay tuned, LN will have more details about the semiquincentennial milestone in the coming weeks!

William Thompson enjoys gazing out his window. His view differs from most, however, as when he looks out, he stares upon a pasture of retired horses saved from slaughter and offered sanctuary at Fieldstone Farm Foundation.

In commemoration of its 90th anniversary, the APA has commissioned renowned local sculptor Harry Weber to create a ‘litter’ for its community art project.

It’s difficult to explain why, but national studies have shown that emotional and social health translate into improved physical health. And that’s exactly what St. Louis NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) sets out to achieve with its many programs and services, says program manager Karen Berry-Elbert.

MISSION: St. Louis County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) works to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure political, educational, social and economic equal rights for everyone. The nonprofit stands for the belief that people of all races, nationalities and faiths are created equal. 

Admiring abstract art. Analyzing articles in The Wall Street Journal. Researching the Dead Sea Scrolls. Not the usual activities for an older adult, but for Henrietta Freedman and other local retired professionals, it’s all in a day’s coursework. As co-founder of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University, Freedman has given area seniors the gift of being in college again. And it’s a pleasure, not a chore, this time around.

A Mari de Villa resident recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a large group of family and friends in the new Waterford Room private party suite, overlooking the same sparkling lake her mother did 30 years ago.

The Gatesworth is getting ready to break out the silver, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this fall. That kind of longevity doesn’t come easily, and it has been earned with a commitment to providing the highest possible level of service, says director of operations Bob Leonard. “We do quality, not quantity,” he says. “We’re not trying to run 30 senior living facilities—we have one at each level of care. We decided to do one thing, and do it right.”

Wipe the dust off your car’s tuning knob—classical music is making a comeback on April 8 with the highly-anticipated Radio Arts Foundation – St. Louis.

Thank you for the great spread in LN for our Change Begins with Me exhibition opening. You have been wonderfully supportive and we couldn’t be more pleased with the impact. You are the best. (2/8/13 issue, p. 7)

Caroline Kennedy will be in town next Wednesday, April 3, for the ninth annual Family Read Night at St. Louis County Library headquarters to discuss her new book.

Kim Eberlein (Volunteer Leadership)

CITY ACADEMY received a $1 million gift from the Crawford Taylor Foundation for endowment. The gift supports the school’s efforts to offer an expanded Early Childhood Program. With the help of this grant, plans to expand to a total of 175 students by 2014 are in place. Pictured: D’Niya Ammons, Chantell Johnson and Chontell Johnson of City Academy's new Early Childhood Program.

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

Back for its third year, Junior League of St. Louis’ annual Kitchen Tour is going to be bigger and better than ever, if event co-chair Ann Beck has anything to say about it. Along with Julie Kearbey and their committee, she is working to build on the successes of years past. “It’s one of the League’s largest fundraisers, and it has a lot of public support,” she says.

Mission: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Hot off the press…Ten local women are being lauded for their leadership and community service as this year’s WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT honorees. They are: KIM EBERLEIN (Volunteer Leadership), SHEILA GREENBAUM (Social Justice), MARGARET ISRAEL (Health Education), SALLY KATZIF (Women’s Empowerment), VERONICA McDONNELL (Health & Arts), MERRY MOSBACHER (Community Betterment), PEGGY NELSON (Health Advocacy), BRENDA NEWBERRY (Civic Responsibility), MARIAN NUNN (Youth & Family), and VIDA ‘SISTER’ PRINCE (Multicultural Leadership). The Class of 2013 will be celebrated during an awards luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton on May 2. For reservations, call Sarah Thorowgood at 421-2005 or email sthorowgood@macmeetings.com.

It started as an innocent question one year ago to a long-time friend. Andrew Rehfeld knew the Jewish Federation of St. Louis had been looking for a replacement for the retiring president and CEO, Barry Rosenberg, and he was curious about the progress of the search. As his friend detailed the profile of the Federation’s ideal candidate, the associate professor of political science at Washington University was intrigued. “It sounded exactly like the sort of thing I was really interested in doing," he says. "The building of community—trying to inspire and move a community to a healthy and robust place where they are helping themselves and one another—was inspirational for me.”

Story: Ralph takes the same walk every day, same park, same path, same familiarity. One day he goes crazy, changes his routine and becomes smitten with a beautiful woman strolling with her dog in the city’s dog park. Suddenly, the retired widower has a new spark and aggressively befriends the reluctant Carol.

On any given day at The Gatesworth, you can stop by the Fitness Center and find residents partaking in exercise classes, using equipment or swimming laps in the pool. In the Starbird Theater, a group may be discussing current events, enjoying classical music or listening to a professor from one of the local universities. In another area of the senior living community, a social worker may be meeting with residents as part of a support group; while in the dining room, a book club gathers over lunch. Anywhere you turn, The Gatesworth offers opportunities to support a resident’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. “Our goal is to provide programs and amenities that help them live a more active, happy life,” says executive director Martha Kessel. “Seniors are living longer, and it’s so important to stay healthy and learn new things every day.”

When families ask Fred Wiesehan why Mari de Villa is the best place for their loved one, he has a ready answer: “I tell them it’s as easy as one-two-three,” he explains. “No. 1 is the level of care and the respect that our guests receive. No. 2 is the fact that the ownership lives here—my wife Mary Kay and I have been here for 29 years, and Mari de Villa has been here for 52 years. We’re very hands-on and we know our guests and families. And third is the affordability—with all the amenities and services we provide, we work hard to keep our rates very competitive in the St. Louis market.”

Planning for your future can be a daunting and obscure task, but Wells Fargo Advisors is trying to make the process a little easier. With the use of the company’s Envision tool, financial advisors can help clients prepare for whatever unknowns life holds, says Kevin Whitehead, St. Louis market manager for Wells Fargo Advisors. “When you’re talking about money and things that may happen based on probability, it’s difficult because it’s not tangible. The Envision plan helps our clients see what they’re trying to accomplish, and we can make sure their investment plans are in place to achieve those goals.”

During this time of year, it is an LN tradition to salute local charities and nonprofit organizations that have commemorated milestone anniversaries in 2012. In celebration, we've asked a sampling of them to share some favorite memories, as well as even bigger future plans.

2013 Charitable Events & Fundraisers