Creating Connections

By Barb Byerly

Most of us have heard, and sung, "Love makes the world go round," but can love also affect the weather? Judge for yourself - love was definitely in the air when Dan Linza and Zoe Lyle Linza were married on the open air Zodiac Room patio at the Chase Park Plaza on Valentine's Day.

Yes, it's true - right in the middle of a STL winter day, they were able to have an outdoor wedding ceremony! Zoe, looked gorgeous in a beautiful black and white dress and carried a pink and red bouquet and Dan looked dapper in a blue suit and red tie, as they exchanged their vows with Judge Mary Russell officiating. Zoe's son, Josh Lyle, was the bride's escort; her daughter, Hillary Lyle Spurgeon, was matron of honor, and Nancy Linza Sher, bridesmaid. Dan's son, Danny, was best man, and Mike Linza, groomsman. The flower girl was Dan's granddaughter, Alli Sher; usher was grandson Drew Sher, and the ringbearer, grandson Adam Sher. Pastor Dave Bennett provided the music and blessing. Following the reception, the happy couple headed for a Hilton Head honeymoon. Zoe has returned to her duties as Exec Director of the Bar Association of Metro STL but is still dealing with all those stars in her eyes as Dan, former Kirkwood Police Chief and Security Chief of the STL Rams, is having the same starry challenge. Best wishes to the newlyweds for a future filled with sunny days and starry nights!

Oh, Baby! With the birth of Abigail Victoria Erwin, her parents, Sarah and Bryan have begun a happy new chapter in their lives. Making her debut on Dec 24, Abby weighed in at 7 lbs, 9 oz and was 21-1/2" tall. This blonde haired, blue-eyed beauty is already enjoying her parents reading to her and it's no wonder - as director of the Kirkwood Public Library (KPL), Sarah is an advocate for becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Abby's parents chose her first name, Abigail, because they like it, and her middle name, Victoria, to honor her grandmothers who are both named Vicky. Sarah is deeply grateful to the KPL staff for making her maternity leave possible, "without Lisa Henry and this amazing team, I wouldn't have been able to take time from my duties," she reports. "In addition, it would have been extremely difficult to return to my job were it not for the fact that I work with such wonderful people." And wonderful they were, especially since it was an ultra-busy period at the Library. "January was as busy as a summer month," Sarah said. Plus, the new building is attracting new users. "Citizens seem to be re-discovering the Library and all the services provided. It's such a beautiful, spacious building, users come in and enjoy spending time reading and browsing. It's not surprising to learn a large number of new library cards are even being issued." Sarah is particularly pleased the popular computer classes, now available during daytime hours, will also be offered at night and on weekends in the not too distant future. Sounds like it's been a very happy, busy and exciting time in Sarah's personal and professional life. We wish her, Bryan and Abby continued joy!

It's no surprise to learn we often hear of challenges but aren't always made aware of the strides being made to address them - especially when it involves youth matters. Chamber member John Gile, development coordinator for Progressive Youth Connection (PYC), has a daily close-up view of the needs and efforts underway in the St Louis City and County area. "All PYC services are centered on the kids, with a focus on violence prevention. We work with the St Louis County Detention Center and also school districts as well as anyone with influence on the kids, including families," John explains. What differentiates the PYC from other programs is case management for follow-up services. This can be particularly helpful for kids who could otherwise slip back into potentially violent behaviors. For school districts, including Kirkwood, they offer services as needed as well as programs including Dating Violence; Bullying and Gang Violence. The PYC, a 501 c3 organization, is funded by tax deductible donations and grants. To make a donation to help the PYC continue to make a positive difference in youngster's lives, call John at 963.8368, ext 201.