Historical February–March 2008 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
As we begin the new year we are pleased to note that one neighborhood family is starting the new year with a little less sleep, but a lot more fun! Congratulations to Cari and Jamie Allen of the 61xx block of Westminster on the December birth of their second child, Tyler Allen. Very proud big brother is J.D. Allen.
A large part of what makes living in the Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhood so wonderful is the people. Neighbors know each other, socialize and never hesitate to roll up their sleeves and do the work that needs to be done to make the world (or a little corner of it) a better place. Every now and then, some of those people are recognized for their hard work. We’re pleased to share news of two of our neighbors who were recently paid tribute for some of their efforts. Congratulations to DeGiverville resident, Venita House, who received the Susan S. Barnes Volunteer of the Year award for her outstanding service with Talking Tapes/Textbooks on Tapes. House has served as a Talking Tapes Volunteer Reader for more than 13 years and primarily records high school textbooks.
The subject areas of her recordings include history, psychology and science; and an always favorite topic for House is English literature.
The Center for Women in Transition honored Parkview resident Mary Abkemeier in November for her volunteer and community service.
The organization works with recently released nonviolent offenders, stressing one-onone mentoring, combined with transitional housing and life skills training and services for children. Congratulations to Mary! Jennifer Olmstead of the 61xx block of Westminster reports that she ‘loves’ her new job as the District Coordinator for the Urban Land Institute – St. Louis District Council. Dan and Monique Hudspeth hosted a 70th birthday for Dan’s step-dad and former SD resident, Jim Kropp. Mom, Susie Kropp, and many old friends and neighbors joined in the festivities, resuming an old tradition in the neighborhood from the 70’s and 80’s of having a New Year’s Day party. Saying goodbye is never easy. Long time Skinker-DeBaliviere residents Ken Cohen and Margie Brammeier of the 61xx block of Kingsbury will be pulling up stakes and moving to Maplewood.
We look forward to still seeing Ken and Margie at many neighborhood events. Many Skinker-DeBaliviere residents (as well as music fans from all over the St. Louis area) were spotted on Christmas Eve embracing their last opportunity to shop at the legendary Streetside Records in The Loop. Streetside closed its doors for the final time making way for a Chipotle and Noodles and Company restaurants.
In other business news, Andrew and Kim Yawitz of the 61xx block of Westminster will be opening ‘The Gramophone’ in The Grove Entertainment District in Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood.
The Gramophone will feature live music of rotating genres – including jazz, blues, funk, bluegrass and rock – several nights per week, along with sets by local and national DJs.
A full bar will serve draught beers, wines by the bottle and the glass, classic cocktails and signature drinks, and the space will be also available for private events. And for all the women out there; please note the Women of Skinker-DeBaliviere is an unofficial, informal group of fun and interesting women from the neighborhood who get together monthly for dinner and conversation.
The January dinner was at Seki on Delmar and in February the group will be holding a wine tasting at Parker’s Table in Clayton.
The group had a wonderful event there last fall (Parker’s Table is owned by Jon Parker of the 60xx block of Kingsbury). For information on the wine tasting or to be updated on any of the Women of Skinker-DeBaliviere dinners, please email Jennifer Olmstead at jenniferolmstead@sbcglobal.net. Unfortunately, some sad news as we begin the new year in Skinker-DeBaliviere. Our heart felt condolences go out to Carla Duncan on the sudden passing of her husband Roger in December. Roger Duncan was active in the neighborhood and could be seen at many events, including; Wintermarkt and the McPherson Community Garden. Roger and Carla were also instrumental in the organizing of the concert series at Ivory Perry Park. Roger’s knowledge and enthusiasm about gardening will be greatly missed by his fellow gardeners at the McPherson Garden this year. Our sympathies also go to the family of Vanessa Ball. Vanessa passed away after a long illness and was cared for and blessed with the strength and love of her family as she bravely fought her illness.
Her children, her life long companion Donald Bester, and her mother, Roosevelt Ball of the 61xx block of McPherson, and all of the Ball family will miss Vanessa very much.
The Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council has announced four new members of the board of directors: Brenda Davis, Sean Meara, Vincent Flewellen, and yours truly. One of our new members, Sean Meara, was recently in the spotlight as a volunteer for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
As a big brother, Sean accompanied Nick, a fellow city resident, to professional sports, jazz concerts, camping excursions, and just being there for him. Nick is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s HS, and has joined the National Guard.
He wants to be a Big Brother someday. Sean was proud to attend his graduation and intends to remain a friend and support.
If you would like to support the organization or become a mentor, call 361-5900. Have you got some news to share?
Please send your items to Rachel Boxdorfer at rboxdorf@ cbgundaker.com with the subject line “News of Neighbors”.
Original photograph caption
Venita House receives recognition for volunteer service. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2008.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2008_02.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
