Giant Steps of St. Louis runs a therapeutic school and summer camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The organization was established in 1994 by a group of parents determined that St. Louis should have a comprehensive educational and therapeutic treatment program for autism. The founding parents modeled the program on an innovative, whole-child approach pioneered by Giant Steps of Montreal. Today, the St. Louis school is one of seven independently operated Giant Steps programs worldwide.

Although many children with autism do well in public school, some have communication, social or behavioral challenges that seriously inhibit learning. To succeed, they need a smaller, more specialized school. School districts throughout the metropolitan area refer students to Giant Steps.

Last summer, Giant Steps relocated to the Concordia Lutheran School building on Sarah St. in Maplewood.  With autism on the rise, the organization had outgrown its converted office space in Maryland Heights.

With three stories of classrooms and therapy rooms, a gym, lunchroom and library, the historic school building is an excellent setting for the growing program. Last spring, just as Giant Steps was entering into its lease arrangement with Concordia Lutheran Church, the organization was selected for the St. Louis Rams’ annual playground build.  On June 7^th, Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and more than 100 volunteers from the Rams organization, constructed the playground, landscaped the front gardens, and painted every room in the building, top to bottom.

“Maplewood is such a wonderful community for our program,” Director Betty Berger says. “ “Giant Steps mission is ‘to empower children with autism spectrum disorders to participate fully in all aspects of life, including home, community and education.’ In Maplewood, we’re able to live our mission more fully. Our staff can teach daily living skills like using the post office, shopping, crossing streets and accessing parks as an integral part of the program. We’re especially excited that several local merchants have provided work sites for our pre-vocational students.”

Nadir Djavaherian was presented with the Business Person of the Year award. Djavaherian owns and operates Auto Plaza Maplewood (formerly Auto Plaza Ford) and the Maplewood Scooter Company. He is a Chamber Board member and also serves on the Special Business District Commission. His former industry recognized him earlier this year in awarding Auto Plaza Maplewood the Ford Motor Company’s Presidential Award for which only a handful of dealerships are awarded each year.

Djavaherian exemplifies what it means to be a good corporate citizen demonstrated by his support given to charitable organizations and community initiatives. He has provided support for chamber luncheons, the Taste of Maplewood Street Festival, Maple Days, the Maplewood Centennial, Community Fair, Women Making History and Let Them Eat Art. He continued his support even during times that his industry was facing economic crisis.

Djavaherian serves on the economic development committee for which he has been instrumental in creating a small business toolkit. He is well respected among colleagues and community leaders for his sharp business sense and a desire to help the Maplewood community.

The Citizen of the Year Award was awarded to Maplewood Mayor James White. Mayor White grew up in and has continued to reside here all of his life. After spending 30 years as a St. Louis County Police Officer, he served  10 years as Maplewood Police Chief for which his daughter described as “a dream come true”. As Chief of Police, White is credited with improving the professionalism of the department and making operational changes that ensured officers had the proper equipment.

After retiring as Chief, White continued his public service efforts by running for Mayor of Maplewood for which he ran unopposed. As Mayor he has worked to bring greater visibility to area non-profits and shows strong support for initiatives that create neighborhood ties such as the Block Party events. White is active within the business community in attending and taking part in ribbon cuttings, attending networking events and being available to business owners and community leaders.

Mayor White and his wife Lucy raised 5 children here in Maplewood. They can be found around town attending and supporting community events such as the Summer Concert Series, Let Them Eat Art, and the Christmas Tree Walk. They are actively involved at their church, Immaculate Conception where they volunteer many hours.

The Educator of the Year Award went to MRH High School Math teacher, Cheryl Carmon. Carmon is described as enthusiastic, nurturing, tenacious and someone who always goes the extra mile for her students. She participates on leadership teams at both the building and district levels and is a National Board Certified teacher, the highest level of proficiency awarded in a teach position.

Beyond the classroom, Carmon participates in Women Who Look Ahead, a young women’s group. She also coaches volleyball and track, and keeps score at the basketball games. She also mentors two young math teachers.

Special thanks to our generous donors who contributed items for our silent and live auction. We are grateful for your support!

Would you like to indulge your love of food and drink? Do you gain satisfaction from helping others learn and appreciate food and cooking. An internationally renowned franchise; in the heart of Maplewood’s historical business district; specializing in the very best European oils, vinegars, wines & spirits, is seeking part-time with the possibility of temporary/ full time retail sales staff to join our team.

The ideal candidate for our team should have a college degree, available weekends, evenings (until 7pm) and the ability to adapt to a flexible schedule. You should have a professional appearance and attitude, great customer-oriented personality, creative with gift wrapping and handwriting skills, a love of cooking and enjoy a physically active work environment. You will be responsible for all aspects of a retail store, including cleaning and restocking. You must be able to lift 50lbs. As an employee, you will be part of a dedicated, customer-oriented and knowledgeable sales team. Due to alcohol sales you must be a minimum of 21yrs of age with no criminal record.

Training will be provided for the selected individual and a merchandise discount to help you enjoy your free time! Most importantly, it is a workplace where respect for the individual and teamwork are our fundamental values.

Please email your resume, a note about why you would like to work for Vom Fass and what you believe you will bring to the position, and contact information for references; they should be 3 of your most recent direct supervisors to vomfass.slmo@vomfassusa.com.

Girls on the Run St. Louis (GOTR) is looking for volunteers to support the New Balance Girls on the Run 5k on Saturday, November 12 in Forest Park. The race is open to the public who will run alongside 2,000 girls from across St. Louis region as they complete the fall program. According to Rachel Zuellig of GOTR “Our 5k is not like any other. It’s a celebration of hard work, achieving your goals and setting young girls on the path to a healthy and happy life. The race is a great opportunity for students, organizations and local businesses to come together and serve the community.”

To volunteer or register for the race, please sign up on their website. 

For the next three 3 months, Dr. Michael Barron of Barron Family Medicine will be treating patients in a different zip code. Dr. Barron was deployed to Kuwait as part of his service in the US ARMY Reserve with the 325th Combat Support Hospital.

Dr. Barron was a soldier long before he became a physician. After receiving a Bachelors degree from St. Louis University in English Literature in 1987, he joined the US Marine Corps and served on active duty as an infantry officer until 1994. He then attended St. Louis University School of Medicine from 1997-2001 and did his residency at St. Louis University’s Family Medicine Residency in Belleville, IL.

Residents of Maplewood, Dr. Barron and his wife Elizabeth have five children who all attend the MRH public schools. He is expected to be gone for 3 months and return shortly after the new year. Barron Family Medicine is located at 1423 South Big Bend.

Hermann London presents the 2nd Annual 5k Halloween Run/Walk on Saturday, October 29th to benefit local charities. Last year, they had over 300 runners and raised over $10,000. The 2011 benefiting charities include the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Women?s Safe House.

The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence serves women and children who are victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. The Women’s Safe House provides shelter and support services to battered women and their dependent children and to empower women to make informed choices about their futures.

The event is spearheaded by Hermann London owner, Adam Kruse. Herman London was established in 2007 and is a unique real estate agency that specializes in Investment, Property Management, and Residential real estate. Kruse encourages local businesses and organizations to play a part in the fight against domestic violence by supporting the event. They have several sponsorship and donation opportunities.

Find out more information about the 5k Halloween Run/Walk on the event website.