Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sweat, Sip N' Shop Yoga event

• Upcoming Evolution Festival

• A deep-dive into the life of Max Starkloff

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” 

—Isabelle Lafleche

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which St. Louis neighborhood is celebrated for its historic French market and vibrant annual celebration of French heritage, including live music, food, and cultural festivities?

A) Soulard

B) Lafayette Square

C) The Hill

D) Frenchtown

The answer to last week's trivia is :
In St. Louis, the historic venue is recognized as the birthplace of a major international fast-food chain is D) The original White Castle location.

News

💼 Business

Boeing to furlough workers this week amid strike, including in St. Louis area. (Link)

St. Louis to review 'business viability,' 'conflicts of interest' after politically connected families win federal ARPA grant awards. (Link)

🏒 Sports

UFL and MLB to share opening weekend in 2025. The St. Louis Battlehawks will host six games at The Dome at America's Center in 2025. (Link)

11 new members inducted into St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Interest rate policy 'super-successful,' former St. Louis Fed boss says. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🧘 Sweat, Sip N' Shop Yoga
Sports & Social St. Louis, St. Louis
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

🏟️ Browns Luncheon
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Dashboard Confessional
The Pageant, St Louis
Saturday, Sep 21 | (More info)

🎶 STARSET
The Pageant, St Louis
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

🎤 Evolution Festival
Forest Park, St Louis
Friday, Sep 27 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “St. Louis with an art district where the buildings are canvases for digital art” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

Civic Center Completed (1968) - Including the Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion.

The Civic Center in St. Louis, completed in 1968, stands as a vibrant hub of cultural, recreational, and civic activities. This sprawling complex not only caters to the needs of the community through its various facilities but also incorporates the iconic Gateway Arch, making it a symbol of historical and architectural significance in the United States. The Civic Center reflects the modernist architectural style of its era, promoting an aesthetic of sleek lines and functional design that has stood the test of time.

The Gateway Arch, an integral part of the Civic Center, was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965. Towering at 630 feet, it is the world's tallest arch and Missouri's tallest accessible building. Constructed as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States, the stainless steel structure arches gracefully over the St. Louis skyline, offering breathtaking views from its observation area to those who venture to its peak. The Arch stands on the west bank of the Mississippi River, symbolizing a door to the western United States and commemorating the pioneers who helped shape its history.

Moreover, the Civic Center and the Gateway Arch collectively serve as a key tourist attraction and a pivotal element of St. Louis's identity. The area surrounding the Arch includes a museum that delves into the history of the United States' westward expansion, providing educational content for visitors of all ages. This combination of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and historical significance makes the Civic Center and the Gateway Arch not just architectural marvels, but also cultural treasures that continue to draw visitors worldwide, cementing St. Louis's place in the narrative of America’s growth and development.

Famous People From St. Louis

Max Starkloff (1931–2010)

Early Life and Encountering Disability (1931-1959)

Max Starkloff was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1931. His life took a dramatic turn at the age of 21 when a car accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. This tragic event would set the stage for Starkloff’s future as a prominent disability rights activist, forever altering his perspective on life and the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities.

The Road to Advocacy and Empowerment (1960-1969)

The initial years following his accident were marked by personal challenges and the struggle to adapt to life with a significant disability. However, Starkloff's indomitable spirit soon led him down the path of advocacy. He began to vocalize the need for improved accessibility and rights for people with disabilities, turning his personal adversity into a catalyst for broader societal change.

Foundation of Paraquad and the Independent Living Movement (1970-1979)

In 1970, Max Starkloff, along with his wife, Colleen Starkloff, and others, founded Paraquad, a pioneering organization aimed at supporting the independent living of people with disabilities. Paraquad became one of the first Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the disability rights movement. Starkloff’s leadership and vision were instrumental in advocating for accessibility, education, and employment opportunities for the disabled community.

Expanding the Movement and Advocacy in St. Louis (1980-1989)

Starkloff’s connection to St. Louis ran deep, and he was particularly focused on making the city more accessible and inclusive. Under his guidance, Paraquad expanded its services, working tirelessly to ensure public buildings, transportation, and housing were accessible to individuals with disabilities. His relentless advocacy was crucial in the enactment of local and state legislation aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990-1999)

Max Starkloff’s efforts, along with those of many other disability rights activists, culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark federal legislation prohibited discrimination based on disability, representing a monumental achievement in the fight for equal rights. Starkloff’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the ADA and ensuring its passage, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the disability rights movement.

Continued Advocacy and Leadership (2000-2010)

Even after the passage of the ADA, Starkloff continued his advocacy work, focusing on education, employment, and furthering the rights of people with disabilities. He remained a respected leader in the movement, mentoring new generations of activists and continuously pushing for societal progress until his passing in 2010.

His Legacy and Impact (Post-2010)

Max Starkloff’s legacy lives on through the continued work of Paraquad, the disability rights movement, and the countless lives he touched and inspired. He is remembered as a visionary leader whose efforts have profoundly impacted the accessibility and rights of individuals with disabilities not just in St. Louis, but across the United States.

Remembering Max Starkloff (1931-2010)

Max Starkloff passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy characterized by resilience, advocacy, and profound change. His life’s work transformed the landscape for people with disabilities, promoting a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to live fully and independently.

Key Achievements of Max Starkloff:

- Co-founded Paraquad, one of the first Centers for Independent Living in the U.S.

- Played an instrumental role in the disability rights movement, leading to critical advancements in accessibility and legislation.

- Key figure in the advocacy and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

- Devoted his life to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through advocacy for accessibility, education, and employment.

Max Starkloff’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of determined advocacy and the pursuit of equity, marking him as an indelible force in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities. His contributions have not only changed the landscape of accessibility in St. Louis but have also set a precedent for disability rights across the nation. Starkloff’s legacy of empowerment and relentless advocacy continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that his vision for a more inclusive world lives on."

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll