Nicki's Central West End Guide

Cardinal red popped up everywhere today!

The winner of the Dog Costume Contest this afternoon was styling in a Cardinals "World Champions" tee paired with a cheerleader skirt. More Halloween pictures on tap over the next couple of days...

"Margin Call" has neighborhood connection

 Photo courtesy of Cameron Goodyear

Last Thursday I received an email from my dear friend Mary Morgan asking if I wanted to conduct an interview with her son-in-law J.C. Chandor, above right, the writer/director of Margin Call, a new movie that has generated lots of buzz in advance of its October 21 opening. I chuckled at the thought that J. C., whom I do know, would be willing to pause between appearances with Kevin Spacey on talk shows or interviews with the NY Times and Wall Street Journal to conduct an interview with the writer of a CWE blog.

I've known J. C.'s wife, Cameron Goodyear, above left, since Mary and step-father Michael Morgan moved to Lenox Place in 1986. Cameron went to Mary Institute (MICDS) for a couple of years, and then left St. Louis to attend St. George's in Rhode Island. Cameron, J. C., and young children, Frances, shown above, and Miles (not pictured), currently live in New York State.

Before making Margin Call, first-time director J. C. Chandor's previous experience in film making was directing commercials. His intimate knowledge of the investment business comes via his father, who was an investment banker at Merrill Lynch for 40 years. J. C. wrote the first draft of Margin Call over a weekend in November 2008. In Rachel Dodes recent article describing Margin Call in the online Wall Street Journal, she explained: "The film, set during the height of the 2008 financial crisis, has an ensemble cast that includes Mr. (Kevin) Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci. It zeroes in on a group of executives trying to save their 107-year-old financial institution from imminent collapse: notably by selling off billions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities in a single day, before the bottom falls out of the market." The big-name actors in the film were such believers in the project that they agreed to work for scale and a percentage of profits.

After I passed on a possible interview offer, Cameron emailed that she and J. C. were attending the premier last night at New York's Sunshine Theatre. She thought all the cast will be there and as she said, "That's a fashion crisis!" Funny she should say that because what I remember about lovely Cameron is that she was quite the fashion plate while she lived here. That, of course, required a little extra preparation time before heading off to school in the morning, which tested the patience of the mother (often her own) driving carpool. Once I remember a scarf-as-blouse kind of get-up, which I felt certain made the ride out to Warson Road a much more pleasant trip for the Country Day students in the backseat. But back to the movie....

Cameron informed me that J. C. started working with producer Zach Quinto (who also plays a part in the movie) soon after he wrote Margin Call, but the pair didn't sell the U.S. distribution rights until the Sundance Festival, which the whole family attended. "So," Cameron said, "it really is a low budget Indie film, despite the stellar cast. Thanks for the support, Nicki!" It's my pleasure, Cam!

J. C. requested that the film's distributors include St. Louis on the list of opening cities for the movie, and perhaps because of the neighborhood connection, Margin Call is opening this weekend at both the Chase Cinema and Landmark's Plaza Frontenac--an unusual occurrence as local movie buffs know.

CWE Decorators & Designers Sale Tomorrow!

CWEnders A. J. Brewington, Marcia Smith, Barbara Martin, Diann Cage, Emma Hand, Jim and myself are planning a "stoop" sale tomorrow at The Pierce Arrow Building, 4814 Washington (just east of Euclid). We've gathered some great stuff so drop by between 9 and 3 and take a look!

P.S. - Enter through the parking lot.

Two very different breakfasts in the neighborhood

Though Health Literacy Missouri at 325 N. Euclid is a relatively young organization, it has nevertheless managed to make a very positive impact on the CWE neighborhood in its short time here. CEO Dr. Arthur Culbert, shown above left, is a biking enthusiast who became involved with Trailnet  to help promote its "Shift Your Commute" program, which encourages St. Louisans to get out of the car and bike to work. The program includes a socializing component, called "Breakfast for Bikers," that is held in three neighborhoods, including the CWE. On the last Wednesday of every month bikers are encouraged to stop by Health Literacy's offices on their way to work to enjoy coffee and a free breakfast provided by HLM's neighbor, Central Cafe. About twenty bikers pedaled in to enjoy the event this past Wednesday. Sponsors include Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation, and the Central West End Association.

There are two other locations and days of the month for "Breakfast for Bikers" events. Kaldi's Coffeehouse on DeMun is the spot on the third Friday of the month, and the Downtown Bicycle Station at 1011 Locust, is the site the last Friday of the month.

TravelGreen Coordinator Emily Luten, above right, is charged with promoting "Shift Your Commute," the name given to this new program. Emily encourages bikers to register at the website where you can log your miles, learn carbon emissions saved, and calories burned.

Another upcoming event sponsored by Trailnet and the CWE's Schlafly Library is a Literary Ride through the neighborhood.  Next Saturday, July 9, there is a two-hour bike ride through the CWE touring literary landmarks. Meet at the Blockbusters on Lindell at 10 a.m. The tour will end at the Library, 225 N. Euclid, where neighborhood authors' books will be on display.

Another neighborhood organization that has jumped right into community outreach is Sante Health Club at the Chase Park-Plaza. General Manager Greg McCarthy, upper left, seems to be everywhere these days promoting a healthy lifestyle. Sante promoted the "Breakfast for Bikers" event to its members; the health club recently conducted a yoga class, open without charge to the community, where 300 enthusiasts practiced yoga mat-to-mat at the Chase's Starlight Roof ballroom; and on Monday evenings, there is an ongoing boot camp, also open to anyone in the neighborhood. In early September, Sante is sponsoring a charity biking event for MS. See Sante's website for more info.

Thursday night's Movie on the Plaza was a very different kind of breakfast, this one at Tiffany's, which drew a standing-room-only crowd to gather at the Maryland Plaza Fountain. The crowd started drifting in around 8:15, quickly filling every available chair. To keep the crowd entertained until it was dark enough to roll the film, Frances Thompson, Publicity Director of Maryland Plaza, arranged for one of the night's sponsors, Mary Jane's, to put on a fashion show. There was also a trivia contest, popcorn for all, and a free bottle of Stella Artois beer for those old enough to imbibe legally. Darkness fell around 9 p.m., and what we all came together for---two hours (plus one film breakdown that was quickly resolved) of the lovely Audrey Hephurn, Henry Mancini's music, and Truman Capote's imagination. It was a magical night.

Thank you to Frances and to all the sponsors, the number of which seems to grow with each film. Up next: "The Maltese Falcon" on Thursday, July 28.

And up next for Health Literacy Missouri: a post on its community garden.

Recycle your poinsettia & pick-up something new this weekend at Bowood Farms

At our house, the holidays are officially over when we take our poinsettia  back to Bowood Farms to be recycled. Recycling* this traditional Christmas plant (in our case in a very non-traditional salmony color, above) will entitle you to a 10% discount on the purchase of houseplants, and an opportunity to fill a gallon jug with Bowood's organic plant food, which will make the plants at home very happy and vigorous. 

The 10% discount could apply to a Cypress topiary, $30, or jewel-toned primrose, $4.50, shown in the nursery's window above. Even better, this Saturday you could choose one of the unusual orchids David Bird of Birds Botanicals will bring to the Orchid Extravaganza at 10 a.m. at Bowood Farms. For a sneak peek at these very special orchids grown in a cave near Kansas City, click here to see last year's post on the subject. Bird's appearance is a prelude to the Missouri Botanical Garden's orchid show opening January 29. Bowood will be giving away 4 tickets to the show, as well as raffling off one of David Bird's favorite orchids.

Orchid Extravaganza, Saturday, January 22, 10 a.m., free event, Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive, (314) 454-6868.

*Recycling poinsettias offer expires the end of January.

Shopkeepers bring on the razzle dazzle!

The Central West End has been transformed into a Holiday Wonderland seemingly overnight. The Window Walk Contest has sparked a creative genius in the merchants throughout the shopping district that has never been as dazzling as it is this year. Starting today with the gorgeous windows at Mezzanine, I plan to post pictures of all the shop windows over the next couple of weeks. The winners of the Window Walk Contest will be announced by a panel of "celebrity" judges on December 18.

So grab your scarf and mittens and join the fun today along Euclid from Maryland to McPherson to Washington. Ice sculptors will be working their magic in front of Pi at Euclid and McPherson, and throughout the day you can vote for your favorite store window. The Holiday on the Plaza event this afternoon where I understand Bissinger's is handing out cups of their fabulous hot chocolate, and elves are setting up activities for the children, will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony. Most importantly let's show our appreciation for all the merchants and restaurants that call the CWE home by doing all of our holiday shopping and entertaining in the neighborhood...it is so important!

Anna and Paul Spector, proprietors of Mezzanine at 389 N. Euclid are holding a Trunk Show today from 11 to 4 featuring Clothing by Dauphine, designed by CWEnder Kelly Reding, and jewelry by Holy Harlot. Stop in and say hello....

Holiday Window Walk & Holiday on the Plaza planned for December 4

Do not miss the neighborhood street festival planned for Saturday, December 4. Big plans are afoot to kick off the holiday season with a host of events that will appeal to the whole family. The new Central West End Holiday Window Walk extends the festivities planned for Maryland Plaza's fifth annual "Holiday on the Plaza" north along Euclid to include the McPherson/Washington district.

The Window Walk is being underwritten by the recently formed CWE North CID (see earlier post) and includes activities such as ice sculptors and carolers. As part of the CID's marketing plan to increase foot traffic for the merchants, shops in the District received notice (via hand-delivered posters produced by the CWE's Dovetail Marketing, accompanied by delicious cookies baked by the chefs at Herbie's) announcing a window decorating contest that will launch on December 4th. The public will be invited to vote throughout the shopping season in the People's Choice Category (5 awards), and a panel of local "celebrities" will select the Judges' Award (3 awards) on December 18.  I understand that Alex Head at The Vino Gallery (McPherson @ Walton) is planning to build the store's decorations around his train set. Some shops, such as Rothschild's Antiques, Left Bank Books, and Mezzanine have already rolled out their holiday windows. Others are brimming with creative ideas to make this the best decorated commercial district in the city.

Another component of the CID's contribution to the holidays is beautification of the commercial district from Lindell to Washington. Look for some familiar elves hanging greens and wreaths starting after Thanksgiving.
It is hard to believe that this is Maryland Plaza's fifth annual "Holiday on the Plaza." The pictures above and below were taken at last year's event.
Frances Thompson, Marketing Director and coordinator of this holiday festival for the whole family sent the poster, below, showcasing the activities and the wonderful sponsors who support it.

So plan on joining in the fun, voting on your favorite window, and doing your holiday shopping in the neighborhood. On a related note, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been declared the first-ever Small Business Saturday. Sponsored by American Express, this nationwide program is intended to help the economy boom, by starting small. We are all encouraged to "Shop Small" on November 27 and help our favorite local businesses start booming. For more information on this movement, join at: facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday.

 

Halloween Babes

A stage was set up at the intersection of Euclid and Maryland early Saturday in preparation for the Central West End Halloween festivities. The children's parade and costume contest took place at 11 a.m., followed by the dog parade at 1. The radiant young girl dressed as "Mother Nature" (above) was a crowd favorite.

A young Lady Gaga in a pretend version of the singer's meat costume, above
Little Miss Cupcake, above, and a baby flower below

Love the skirt and shoes....

This little guy was much more interested in playing ball than being on stage.

Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for the final judging so I don't know which of the children won the "best in show." They all look like winners to me. The amount of effort that went into the costumes was unbelievable. Tomorrow, pictures of the dog parade.

 

Last weekend in August

On Saturday morning, Mary Wissman (above), Nutrition & Health Education Specialist for University of Missouri Extension, spoke at Bowood Farms on "Preserving the Harvest." She gave the rapt audience instructions for drying fruits and vegetables in the oven or electric dehydrator (solar drying isn't an option in our humid climate). Wissman also gave tips for freezing summer fruits, vegetables & herbs..

The photo above shows freshly-harvested produce and bundles of herbs available from Bowood's urban garden. 
Bouquets of summer flowers were also for sale Saturday morning.
Sunday evening I stopped by this weekend's first LouFest on Central Field in Forest Park to see if I could get a few pictures.  A security guard told me that Saturday's attendance was about 2,000, and Sunday's seemed to be a little bit larger. Actress, singer, and songwriter Zooey Deschanel and guitarist M. Ward's band, "She and Him," was the last of the 18 bands to perform on two stages over the two day festival.  

A less crowded, and more thrifty (daily ticket price was $38) spot to enjoy the music was outside the festival grounds. As the guard who let me take photos thru an opening in the fence said, "A man stopped by earlier to say he lives about 6 blocks away and he could hear the music just fine." I know how that is.

A feature on "moon gardens"

If all goes according to plan, photographs of our condominium's front yard garden will be included in an upcoming "moon garden" feature in the Lifestyle section of The Post-Dispatch. Feature writer Amy Burger stopped by to scout out the garden at the suggestion of Ellen Barredo, chief horticultural expert at Bowood Farms. A few evenings later, Post photographer John White (above) came to take pictures.  Predictably, the flowers looked so much better earlier in the summer, but isn't that always the way?
The garden design was the result of a collaboration between landscape designer Mary Morgan, who operates her business under the name "The Plot Thickens," and John McPheeters of Bowood Farms. The garden is laid out in a 5 x 12 grid. The resulting 60 squares are planted in a pattern that includes evergreen shrubs, annuals and perennials, or filled with black pebbles. The type and color of flower was left up to the three homeowners, and after three summers we've decided that our first choice was best, and we're sticking with a white palette.   
Three years ago we planted all annuals. Happily, two of the four annuals, cleome and white salvia, turned out to be repeat bloomers. Late this spring I added the perennial white rudebekia in some of the squares. (As I look more closely at the picture above I see that the gazillion grasshoppers that have invaded the property also seem to love the new rudebekia.)

It's a given that the Post's John White's camera skills are superior to mine, but I thought you might be interested in an advance peek. By the way, another CWE "moon garden"  is also scheduled to be included. It's the newly planted bed in front of Left Bank Books. Thanks to Alderman Lyda Krewson for arranging with Bowood Farms to turn what was a neglected tree well on the corner into one that finally looks like someone cares.

The Plot Thickens, (314) 518-4763.  Bowood Farms, (314) 454-6868.