The Art Fair took most of our attention and our energy during May, and it seemed a particularly worthy endeavor this year. A record number of people went on the House Tour, and the interest in our neighborhood from “outsiders” was also evident at the Information Booth from the inquiries about Residential Service and other neighborhood organizations. More importantly, it was a nice day, relatively relaxed for those who were working the various fair services and productive for the fund raisers and for the artists. There was a good selection of moderately priced and very nice art works and some decidedly un-tacky items even the children could buy. Wasn’t it fun seeing the spinning wheel, the sandal maker, the lady painting faces and arms, and hearing the jig-saw turning out name puzzles? It was a thoroughly pleasant afternoon! Congratulations to Sam Green and Rich Lake and to all who worked hard beforehand to make it come together so nicely.
There were other events in May, some of them not so grand. Our friend and neighbor on the 6100 block of Kingsbury, Al Nerviani, was hospitalized following a heart attack. We hear that he is doing very well indeed, and we look forward to seeing him soon. We have been missing him at all the neighborhood activities Al plays such a big part in, and we’ll be glad to see him able to participate again very soon.
Also hospitalized as we go to press is Lou Schoemehl of the 6100 block of McPherson. It seems reasonable to say that the Schoemehls have had their share of hospitals in recent months. We hope not to hear of any more calamities or illnesses in that clan for a long while, and we wish Lou a quick and full recovery.
We share in the grandparents’ pride of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Griffin of the 5800 block of Westminster on learning that Brian Malcolm, their grandson, has been awarded an athletic scholarship to CulverStockton College. Brian is a sophomore majoring in psychology. Congratulations!
Our congratulations to Margaret Dahline of the 6100 block of McPherson on her upcoming marriage to Marty Punke on August 17. We wish them much happiness!
And a belated congratulations to Linda (Klippel) and Norman Burkowitz, whose wedding took place in January. The Burkowitz family lives on the 6100 block of Pershing.
Busy neighbors and recently elected School Board members Marj Weir and Betty Klinefelter have been even busier lately, learning the ropes and travelling to study other school programs for the School Board. Both spent some time last week in Flint, Michigan (local resident Council Smith went, too), studying an exciting Community School program, and Marge also attended a workshop in Columbia recently. We hope the School Board and the rest of St. Louis realize what a bargan they’ve got. We are indeed lucky to have such articulate insiders’ views of the school issues, and we are sure all of St. Louis will soon be aware of the talent they now have. We wish Marj and Betty success in their new jobs.
Several neighborhood residents, directed by Cal Stuart, manned a booth at the City Living Exhibit at Kiener Plaza during the week following the Art Fair. Many of the other active neighborhood organizations in the City were also there, and it proved to be a most interesting and stimulating activity for all. People new to the city, and looking for housing, suburbanities who hadn’t any idea there was a viable neighborhood in our area, people who had had some connection with our area in the past and wondered what had happened to it, and several other types of responses were in evidence, and it seemed to be an enjoyable and worthwhile way of reminding the rest of the local world that Skinker-DeBaliviere is indeed alive and doing well.
A luncheon and program concerning Team Policing was held at the 7th District on May 3 and attended by several residents. The explanation of the workings of Team Policing was most helpful, especially since the officers themselves did most of the explaining and describing. Also in attendance were literally dozens of police officers from other districts. All of us learned a great deal and felt very enthusiastic about the apparent changes in not only the crime rate in this district but also in the attitudes of the police officers, whose descriptions of their own improved morale were really upbeat!
Housing news: welcome to Peggy Droege, who has purchased a home on the 6100 block of Westminster. Peggy is the daughter of Parkview’s Bob and Betty Renard, so she’s not exactly a newcomer. We are delighted to have her as a neighbor on this side of Skinker.
The newly renovated two-family on Westminster that you saw on the House Tour is now occupied by owners Sue and Richard Sindel. We look forward to meeting them soon. Welcome!
6045 Kingsbury, one of the spectacular townhouses, has been purchased by Mr. Dennis Smith who has moved here from Westminster Place. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Topping the “would-you-believe?” department, Liz Hall of the 6000 block of Kingsbury, in the country for a church retreat, was bitten by a copperhead snake snake and is still trying to recover fully. Also in the Hall family, daughter-in-law Pat Hall was hospitalized recently for knee surgery and is now enduring a full cast as she and Liz attempt to care for baby Tenille. After lo these many years of Vicissitudes, the all-time record for troubles is without a doubt held by the Hall family. And they laugh and keep on plugging away. Hats off to a family that’s really something!
Discovered during the Rosedale Membership Drive—several years a neighborhood resident, Laura Chaney has recently bought a house on the 6100 block of Waterman. Congratulations! Also on that block is Libby Gilk, who did the marvellous mural on the library which continues to delight all the neighborhood children. It was nice to remeet many of our neighbors whom we see all too little of.
We offer our sympathy to the Sailers of the 6200 block of Westminster. Steve’s mother passed away recently. Our condolences to all the family.
An upcoming event on the 6000 block of Kingsbury has been unveiled: Miram and George Green are expecting a baby in August. Congratulations!
Last minute scoop: Dave and Kathy VanBakergem of 6000 block of Pershing became the parents of an eight-pound boy, Willem Matthew, on May 19. Congratulations.
On May 1, new officers were elected for the block club of the 5700 block of DeGiverville, for many years one of the strongest block units in our area. The new officers are: Chairman—James Coneal, Co-Chairman—Dock Gunn, Secretary— Louise Gaine, Treasurer—Bertha Hughes. Congratulations to the newly elected officers. The block club also welcomed several new residents to that block: Mr. and Mrs. Cater, Mr. and Mrs. Dock Gunn and Mrs. Russell Lauer. Welcome!
There will be housing news galore in September, as several homes in the area are presently changing hands. When you meet someone new this summer, don’t forget to let us know, so we can give them an official welcome next fall!
If you’re among us in June, don’t forget the Annual Rosedale Dinner on June 4 and the “Senior Prom” benefitting The Paper on June 18. Whether you go away for a vacation or stay in the spa-like atmosphere of Skinker-DeBaliviere, we hope you will have a fine and glorious summer. The staff of The Paper plan to have a relaxing break during July and August and do absolutely nothing productive whatever. See you in September!
Originally published in The Paper, June 1977.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Miram, bargan and doubled snake retained.
Original source: SD_Times1977_06.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
