News Of Neighbors

Historical April–May 2009 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

Well, it’s spring in Skinker DeBaliviere and at least at the time I am writing this, it’s over seventy degrees, birds are singing, and the sun is shining. Neighbors are out and about visiting with one another.

A great reminder of why we all love this neighborhood so much. Let’s hope this gorgeous weather continues! Lana Stein reports that wedding bells rang on the 5900 block of Pershing recently for long time resident Joe McNeal and his new bride, Tammara.

They were married on Saturday, March 1st and vacationed in the islands! Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple. Joe actually grew up in Skinker DeBalivere and like so many of our residents, moved back as an adult. For those of you who have not seen it yet, the cover girl for the latest issue of Saint Louis Woman Magazine is none other than Rachelle L’Ecuyer. Rachelle, who lives on the 6100 block of Washington, is a second generation Skinker DeBaliviere resident and the power behind the City of Maplewood and all the exciting things we read about happening there!

The issue features gorgeous photos of Rachelle and a wonderful article about her.

If you don’t pick up a copy at Schnucks, be sure to check it out on line at: http:// www.stlouiswomanmag.com/ index_home.html. Yet another second generation resident is making the news again. Andy Cross of the 6000 block of McPherson recently closed out his second art show at the Bill Kohn Studio at Kingsbury and Des Peres. Andy’s show, “Diocotyledon,” featured a wide range of Andy’s talents with many different styles on display and for sale.

Also included in the exhibit was a wall of Andy’s volunteer efforts from the past year.

We all appreciate the beautiful signs, posters, and fliers that Andy designs for our neighborhood, but seeing them displayed on an art studio wall was a reminder of how blessed we all are with his talented works touching our daily lives. Andy Cross also hosted some young visitors in his studio recently.

The St. Roch Webelo Scouts were treated to a behind the scenes tour of life in an artist studio, and also took the time to enjoy Andy’s show. Andy followed up with a lesson on drawing at a recent scout meeting and has inspired some of the boys to work more on their own artistic endeavors.! Susan Gamble of the 6100 block of Kingsbury co-chaired the Herbert Hoover ‘Table for Four’ event on March 11th at the Frontenac Hilton.

It was created to help dedicate more resources for the girls’ programming and to raise more awareness of the girls’ activities and accomplishments at Herbert Hoover, and to enrich the girls’ experience.

While the club originated as a boys club, it has served both boys and girls for a very long time. Parkview neighbor, Flint Fowler, is the executive director of the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club.

We commend both Susan and Flint for their great efforts and congratulate them on a successful event! Baby news has just arrived from Holly and Bob Moraca, former residents of the 6100 block of McPherson.

The Moraca’s have welcomed their third child, Ryan Joseph. Proud big sister is Sydney and Lucas is now a big brother! Congrats to the Moraca’s who now reside in Pittsburgh. Great news!

A year ago I reported about DeGiverville resident Mike Butler being recognized by the 7th District Business Association as Officer of the Month. Well, I am happy to report this year that Mike Butler repeated the honors again in 2008 and was awarded Officer of the Month for July 2008. Congratulations to Officer Butler for continuing his outstanding service to our community!

From BJC, we learned of a new honor for Dr. Scott Jones of Parkview, who received a new title of Fellow from the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine. “I am honored to receive this distinction from an occupational medical organization that means so much to me,” Jones is also owner of Occupational Health Strategies, LLC, a service that schedules and reviews medical exams, as well as owner of Doctors-onCall Physician Case Management Services, LLC, a company that provides real-time, work-related injury and illness management through a 24-hour call center and periodic review of medical cases for local and national companies. Congrats to busy Scott!

The 6100 block of McPherson was sad to see longtime residents Mary and Pete Schmit move away.

The Schmits have downsized to a condo but are still seen regularly in the neighborhood and at St. Roch Church. Mary wrote to the TIMES to get a “subscription”!

She said, “What a world here in St. Louis County. Yes, we feel blessed: no grass to mow and no walks to shovel… but we miss the City noises… sometimes it gets so quiet… but we do have many dog walkers and trains and birds, and most of all, friendly neighbors. Bob and Trish Martin are both our former neighbors and now our current neighbors.” The same block bid farewell to Howie Brick and Debra Schwartz at the end of 2008.

They have moved on to Michigan where Howie will continue teaching.

We wish them the best of luck. One of the harder parts of writing this column is when we have to say goodbye to neighbors.

But hopefully we take the time to look back at lives lived well, happy times, and fond memories. Many neighbors recently said their farewell to Mary Fleener. Mary and her husband Charlie were longtime Parkview residents who raised their two daughters here. Mary’s daughter Cristina and her husband Sean are now raising their children in the neighborhood too. Mary died the way she lived, sharing stories and enjoying the company of her family and friends, and of course, her beloved grandsons. Many people were able to say goodbye in person while others followed Mary’s journey through a Caring Bridge website that her daughters Cristina McGroarty (of the 6100 block of McPherson) and Molly Kluckznik took the time to update regularly.

Her daughters gave her the greatest gift they could, their love and support to the very end. Without a doubt, Mary’s smiling face will be missed, but never forgotten. Do you have some news to share?

Please send your items to Rachel Boxdorfer at rboxdorfer@ udentialalliance.com with the subject line “News of Neighbors”. Thank you!

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2009.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Archival transcription note: Printed Saturday March 1 was Sunday in 2009; source weekday/date preserved. Printed email udentialalliance.com appears truncated; not restored by guess.

Original source: SD_Times2009_04.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.