Historical Summer 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Inevitability each year brings the departure of individuals and/or families who are special to the neighborhood and the city.
This year is no exception.
After 17 years on 61xx Washington, Billy Handmaker and Betul Osmat and their sons, Simon, 14, and Lev, 12 are saying au revoir. Billy has headed Crossroads School, on our periphery, for 15 years, making this 7-12 institution a premiere college preparatory for increasing numbers of students. Just recently the school was certified bond platinum, a rare and valued designation, because of its investment in environmental sustainability in its expanded campus. Betul, who grew up in St. Louis, has been Assistant Dean for the George Warrren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University.
She has enjoyed this position and a “great group of colleagues.” Since 2006, Betul has been Committeewoman of the 28th Ward.
In this office, she was able to meet a number of people who are committed to the city and who care about their neighborhoods.
She spoke strongly of the positive leadership of Alderman Lyda Krewson. Billy and Betul were active in Skinker DeBaliviere as well.
They were involved in the growing community on their block. Billy served as a Times columnist for a time and wrote glowingly of how our front porches contributed to the health of the area. Betul served on the committee that brought the playground to Four Corners.
She also advised on the drafting of the SDCC’s long-range plan and was pleased to work with now SDCC president, Katrina Stierholtz, on both occasions.
There is no doubt that they will miss the neighborhood but they have much to look forward to.
In June, they move to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Billy will become head of the Bosque School. Betul noted that it is very sunny there, with very little humidity.
They have found a house along the Rio Grande River, by bike and hiking trails.
We hope they enjoy their new lives in the Land of Enchantment but we will miss their presence here.
Original photograph caption
Betul and Billy with their sons. Descriptive caption supplied; photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2011.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source Osmat differs from Ozmut in neighboring column; Katrina Stierholtz differs from established spelling. Printed variants preserved, not merged.
Original source: SD_Times2011_05.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
