Creating Connections - August

By Barb Byerly, BJB Creative Services 

What do you get when you're in the company of two of the most talented, thought-provoking members of the local media? You're right, scintillating conversation, peppered with a double helping of fun. Many listeners of Charlie Brennan's popular KMOX radio morning show were delighted to hear Charlie's recent interview with Don Corrigan, author of "Show Me . . . Natural Wonders."

Charlie selected it as the show's July book-of-the-month selection and suggested this terrific guidebook "should be on everyone's bookshelf." Don, who is editor of the Webster-Kirkwood Times, spoke about the abundant outdoor beauty of our state, including nearby Powder Valley, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The day after the interview, Charlie hosted a hike at Powder Valley, inviting the public to join him there and to meet Don - more than 60 responded including a latecomer who arrived by taxi! At the wrap up of the hike in the amphitheatre, Charlie told the group "Don Corrigan is the only outdoor, nature enthusiast who can tell you where the closest brewskie can be found after hiking on Missouri's many scenic nature trails." Don's book is in its second printing and expected to be offered for sale at two of the area's mega warehouse stores and across the state by late August. It is also available At Barnes & Noble; Webster Groves Bookshop, Amazon, or directly from Don at the Times' office in Webster Groves, 122 W Lockwood - if you'd like him to sign it for you - an especially nice touch if you're giving it as a gift - please call ahead to make sure he's in the office, 965.2699. Don adds there are numerous benefits to connecting with nature, stating it can have an enormously positive impact of on the development of children's physical and mental health. This is also true for adults, with or without the "brewskies." Time to put down those hand-held devices and smell the fresh air!

Frank Mistretta really hit it big in 1981 - no, no, not at the casino's, but in both his personal and professional life. During the 12 months of this pivotal year, he got married, graduated and earned his DC from Logan Chiropractic, moved back to upper New York state with his bride, and opened his practice. Luckily for us, the woman he fell head over heels for was Kirkwood's own wildly talented, effervescent Sheri Manning! Frank and Sheri met at a costume party and it was love at first sight for both. They were wed on August 6, and spent their honeymoon traveling to New York where they bought a large house, converted half of the downstairs to serve as his office and hung out his shingle. A couple of years later, this starry eyed duo welcomed their first child, Stephanie and 14 months after, their second, Mike, was born. When Sheri's father became ill, they sold Frank's chiropractic practice to his brother, also a DC, and re-located to Kirkwood. Thanks in large measure to Frank's patient-centered, caring approach, and successful outcomes, his Mistretta Chiropractic practice has continued to grow over the years and Sheri, who has become exec Director of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders, has successfully guided growth in all aspects of development efforts which support the Clinic's fine services. In addition, Sheri has been a key in establishing the amazing partnership between the Clinic and Maryville College. Stephanie has earned her MA in Social Work and lives and works in Chicago, and Mike, who has completed his military service, works locally and is the father of the Mistretta's two adorable grandchildren. So it's been a huge 30th celebratory year for this happy couple - three decades of marriage, two great children, two grandchildren, a boodle of good friends, and thriving careers. What's in store for the next 30 years? We can hardly wait to see. In the meantime, all Chamber members wish the Mistretta's continued happiness and success during this next chapter in their lives!

What do you call someone who got perfect scores on the ACT and missed only one question on the SAT the first time he took them? A young man of such high intelligence, he is one of the smartest people in the US? Someone who had offers for complete tuition from at least eight colleges including some of our great ivy league colleges? Well, Bob Menendez, owner and operator of Sunset 44, calls him "son." That's right, Bob and Bev's son, Matthew, who has a stunningly high intellect, is currently attending Harvard and spent a couple of months this summer studying architecture in Barcelona, Spain. Matthew could graduate after two and a half years, but his parents are encouraging him to remain the full four years, to fully enjoy the experience. According to Bob, Mathew has always been just a regular, really nice kid. It will be thrilling for Chamber members to join Matthew's family and friends to see where life leads him!