Talk of the Towns: 10.21.15

[ladue]
These two men were college roommates at Mizzou in 1965, served in ROTC, and literally bumped into each other in Southeast Asia during their tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969-1970. One of them, Kim Krueger, earned the Bronze Star during his service. “As I say, ‘many have done more’,” says the other man, Bob Fulstone of Ladue, who recently received the University of Missouri ROTC Hall of Fame Award. Fulstone had planned to nominate Krueger, and had given him a call in NYC to let him know his intention, whereupon Krueger let Fulstone know he’d already nominated him! Anyone who can maintain a 50-year friendship is lucky indeed, and Fulstone felt especially honored to accompany Krueger to the gala (plus a recent Mizzou football game), along with Kathy Fulstone, his bride of almost 50 years … they celebrate their golden anniversary next year. They were all tickled to see themselves up on the Jumbotron together. Oh, did we hear somebody ask the high school question? Fulstone graduated from Southwest (that’s in the city, you head-scratchers), and Krueger from CBC. Fulstone was especially impressed with the current crop of ROTC cadets at Mizzou … from their intensity to their politeness. Fulstone points out, soberly, that more people than the soldiers who wound up ‘in country’ were directly affected by Vietnam. More than 58,000 names of the dead are etched on the memorial in Washington. But as Fulstone emphasizes, 2.5 million served, which meant at least that many loved ones were left at home, worried sick. Veterans are the true ‘one percenters,’ he observes: “People need to realize that less than 1 percent of the population is protecting the other 99 percent.” (Pictured, above)

[maryland heights]
Man’s best friend is moving up in the world in Maryland Heights. His (or her) second-best friend, the cat (argument alert) also will be welcome at the Best Buddy Pet Center, on which the Humane Society of Missouri has started construction. No, this state-of-the-art, $16 million complex won’t include a spa, indoor-outdoor pool or weight room, but it will raise the bar for animal care throughout the Midwest. The new center will expand significantly the Humane Society’s ability to provide second chances for thousands of abused, neglected and abandoned animals throughout Missouri. The Best Buddy Pet Center will welcome visitors into an inviting, airy, colorful adoption center showcasing somebody’s newest best buddy (or buddies!) eager to go home. Within the complex will be the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America, which will offer the latest wellness and diagnostic veterinary services and treatments, including laser therapy and hydrotherapy. Modeled after the Kuehner Center in Chesterfield Valley, the new Humane Society location at Page and Schuetz roads will be the most visible animal welfare facility in St. Louis, at least by motorists, considering its location is at an intersection where more than 76,000 vehicles pass daily, officials say. The project, expected to be completed next fall, was made possible by the New Horizons Campaign, which is nearing its $16 million goal (at this writing, the campaign had raised $14.7 million). Of course, anyone interested in helping brighten the future for many more dogs, cats and critters can contribute through a one-time gift or multi-year pledge.

[saint louis]
The Nine Network of Public Media snagged four Emmy Awards from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). But wait … they’re also being acknowledged for … architecture? (Learn more about that at the bottom of this brief.) Nine Network producer Jim Kirchherr won three awards, one for a piece on the endangered hellbender salamander that aired on Science Matters, and another for a story on cancer goggles for the Nine Network magazine. Kirchherr, Anne-Marie Berger and Ruth Ezell also won for Ferguson: A Special Report, a half-hour news special following the grand jury decision in November 2014 not to indict Officer Darren Wilson. City of Music, a special that explored St. Louis’ role in America’s music heritage, won an Emmy for producer Patrick Murphy and others. Now, about that architecture … and landscape architecture … the Public Media Commons is an open-air media environment between St. Louis Public Radio and the Nine Network, on Olive Street in Grand Center. The 9,000-square-foot space, flanked by large-screen video walls, provides a dynamic setting for performances and public gatherings for all ages. Now the envelope(s), please: The space won a Merit Award in the Architecture category of the 2015 Design Awards from the St. Louis chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It also won the Honor Award in the General Design category of the American Society of Landscape Architects’ national Landscape Architecture Design competition. Kudos all around!

[webster groves]
Epworth Children & Family Services was honored as an ‘Angel in Adoption’ at a Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) awards ceremony Oct. 6 and at a gala Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C. Epworth, located in the city and at 110 N. Elm Ave. in Webster Groves, was recognized for its commitment to helping children, youth and families build brighter futures in St. Louis. Epworth got a special shout-out for its foster-care case management services, which provide vital support to the community. The ‘Angels’ program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for members of Congress to appreciate and formally honor constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans here and abroad. This year, more than 150 ‘Angels’ nationwide are being honored through the program, a unique annual opportunity inside the Beltway to spotlight the power of adoption and unheralded heroes who have made the dream of a family a reality. Since the program’s inception, more than 2,200 Angels have come to Washington to share their firsthand adoption experiences with members of Congress, highlighting its joys, as well as the barriers encountered. Members of Congress whose hearts are moved may then work to create policy improvements that better support these children and the families that open their hearts and homes to them. In addition to the more than 150 ‘Angels’ from around the country, national ‘Angels’ honorees were recognized for their dedication and commitment to child welfare on a grand scale; nationally and internationally. This year’s national Angels in Adoption honoree was singer Rachel Crow. Former national ‘Angels’ include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Rhea Perlman and Kristin Chenoweth. Way to go.

[ballwin]
We all know about Eagle Scouts, young men who have earned Boy Scouting’s highest honor by completing community projects. It’s like the master’s thesis for male teens, and it’s all hands-on. But how many of you are familiar with the Girl Scout Gold Award? It’s the service pinnacle for high-achieving young women, and Tara LeClere has earned a great deal through her project to help keep disabled adults stay focused during their workday at Lafayette Industries in Ballwin. Tara, a 2015 Lindbergh High grad, is one of the 1 percent in Girl Scouts who earns the award, which honors young women for projects that make a difference in the world. Lafayette Industries is a contract packaging company that wanted to help keep employees stimulated during breaks, and Tara developed the Imagination Station for the workers’ break room, including puzzles, games and other activities for them to enjoy … with purpose. The company’s executive director notes that many of the skills acquired on break are transferable, pointing out that the workers are developing social skills—plus, they’re more productive upon returning to their work stations. It’s been especially valuable for employees with autism, and is also a popular place to hang out while waiting for rides home. Tara, it goes without saying, is thrilled. And, now that she’s studying psychology at Lindenwood University— benefiting from a generous scholarship earmarked for students who participate in projects that serve youth—a special committee at the worksite has been charged with making sure that Imagination Station activities stay appropriate, current and relevant.