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.