West Newsmagazine 12-13-23

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38 I December 13, 2023 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE Life Celebrations Celebrate the life of your loved ones with your community, family and friends! - Serving West St. Louis County since 1996 - - Delivered to more than 68,000 mailboxes - For more information on obituaries contact: 636-591-0010 | info@newsmagazinenetwork.com OBITUARY Elliott, John Alfred John Alfred Elliott, Sr. of Naperville, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2023. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and “friend to all,” he is survived by his son John A. (Sophy) Elliott, Jr., his grandsons Grant, Clark, and Jack, his siblings Roger Elliott of Westerville, OH, Betty (Clifton) Cole of Homewood, IL, William Elliott of Chicago Heights, IL, and Marian Elliott of Homewood, IL, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and the dearest of friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lillian “Joann” Amos Elliott of Naperville, Illinois, his siblings, Bernice Jackson and Luella Smith Douglas and parents William Elliott and Violet Ligons Elliott of Chicago Heights, IL. John Elliott was born on August 26, 1942, at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL. He spent his boyhood in Chicago Heights and graduated from Bloom High School before achieving academic and athletic excellence at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. During his time at Western he made friendships that would last his lifetime. He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, earned a bachelor of science degree in social studies and, most importantly, met the love of his life, (Lillian) Joann Amos, “Lilli-Jo” as he affectionately called her. John and Joann were married on April 10, 1964 in Macomb, IL. They welcomed their only son, John Jr. into their family and were together in love for 57 years. John and Joann settled their family in Kankakee, IL where John began his professional career as an educator. He was a prominent figure in the Kankakee community including as a member of the boards of the Dr. Martin Luther King Education Center, The Boy Scouts of America’s Rainbow Council, the Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs as well as a member of the Kankakee Country Club. During his tenures in the Kankakee and Lockport, IL school districts, John served as a junior high school and high school history teacher, the school district’s community services director and assistant to the superintendent. Following an impactful career in education, John joined Kankakee Auto Leasing and was appointed president in 1974. Fifty years of dedication to the student transportation industry followed including as senior vice president of Ryder Student Transportation, president of First Student, CEO of Durham School Services and most recently as CEO Emeritus, and active consultant, in his 22nd year with National Express Group LLC. John achieved great triumphs throughout his career. He was a recognized icon in the transportation industry as leader of the two largest student transportation companies in North America. He served on the Board of the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) for more than 20 years, and received many accolades for his work, including the NSTA Hall of Fame Award in 2006, School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year in 2007, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from National Express Group PLC in 2014. He was proud to be the first African American to be appointed CEO of a publicly traded school bus corporation in North America. John was a trailblazer and often told others that although “he is old, he is not an old thinker.” As a well-respected leader, John’s presence would light up a room. As he walked through the office, John enjoyed meeting with team members, letting them know that they were seen, heard, and most of all, valued. He was an endearing man, who embodied tenacity, charisma, and intellect. He served as a mentor to many and left a lasting legacy and impact. By far John’s greatest source of happiness and pride came from his family. His son, John Jr. was a source of extreme joy, and fulfillment that began upon his birth and never waned during his lifetime. Dedicated Illini fans, John and Joann followed John Jr’s athletic journey to stadiums across the midwest in their orange and blue Illini conversion van. John never once stopped being a nurturing father, supporter and fan of his “2-John” in every way. He absolutely adored John Jr. and Sophy’s three sons, Grant, Clark, and Jack. Watching them grow into young men and hearing about their aspirations and goals filled his heart. He intentionally spent his time with them curiously asking questions about their lives and learning about their youthful worlds. Happiness to John was the happiness and success of his family. They brought him a lifetime of joy. John and his beloved wife Joann also lived in Overland Park, KS, Chesterfield, MO and Lakeway, TX before settling in Naperville, IL. John and Joann loved and treasured the enduring friendships that they developed on their life’s journey. They rested and recharged each year at their favorite place in the world, The Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach where they vacationed together for 38 years. John served on the National Board of Directors of Canine Companions for Independence for 22 years and was extremely proud to lend his support to the organization. He fiercely supported his alma mater, Western Illinois University and in 2017 received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his exceptional professional accomplishments and service to the community. He also supported The Jones Center in his hometown of Chicago Heights, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Canine Companions for Independence https://p2p.onecause. com/tributegift/donate The Jones Center 220 E. 15th Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 https://www. jonescenter.org/ AWARDS, from page 19 Hammer, an army of volunteers help deliver food across a 60-mile radius (from the restaurant’s O’Fallon location).” To make those meals possible, The Brass Rail also relies on the generosity of community partners, giving witness to the positive things that can happen when businesses and community members come together to solve problems and affect change. Perhaps no one knows that better than Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Doris Fiddmont Frazier. “Doris is rightfully considered one of St. Louis’ most loved, well respected and cherished citizens,” said Progress 64 West President Debbie Shaw-Franke. “Doris’ evangelism, community activism and musical education have offered her opportunities to participate in historic moments, hold distinguished positions and receive many recognitions.” Noting that Frasier is a “nationally and globally applauded singer,” Shaw-Franke commented that she “ walks in the sunshine and never in the shadow, as heartfully sung on one of her albums.” Frazier is a community leader who has worked with legislators at all levels of government. In the early days of western growth in St. Louis County, she worked for then-St. Louis County Executive Maurice Stewart. Frazier knew all about western St. Louis County, having lived there for most of her life. She and her late husband, Clifford, raised their six children in Westland Acres, in the northeast area of Wildwood near Chesterfield. Historically an African-American community, Westland Acres was founded by William West, a freedman who was one of the area’s first settlers and Clifford Frazier’s great-grandfather. West purchased about 133 acres of land in 1879. History is important to Frazier, who played an instrumental role in the county’s recent acquisition of a one-room schoolhouse, African Schoolhouse #4, that has been rebuilt in the Historic Village at Faust Park. More recently she advocated for St. Louis County adopting the state-passed real estate tax freeze for senior citizens. Whether helping to establish Circle of Concern, getting a distinguished citizen award from the American Cancer Society, or volunteering as a human rights commissioner for the city of Chesterfield, Shaw- Franke said no challenge has ever been too big for Frazier. In honor of her 92nd birthday, both St. Louis County and Wildwood named May 6 @WESTNEWSMAG WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM Lifetime Achievement Award winner Doris Fiddmont Frazier with Progress 64 West President Debbie Shaw-Franke and broadcaster/emcee Marc Cox. (Rob Shirley Photography) as Doris Fiddmont Frazier Day. Shaw-Franke, daughter of the late Tom Shaw, who helped found Progress 64 West, noted that Frazier was at the first luncheon meeting for Progress 64 West, along with “her husband and best friend, Cliff Frazier Sr., who was instrumental in launching the organization.” In her acceptance speech, Fraiser said she has always been interested in progress. “We can all acknowledge we’ve made some progress here,” she said. “But there’s one thing where we’ve not made much progress and that’s my community, Westland Acres.” Today, except for a few acres, the land that once belonged to William West is still owned by his heirs, including Frazier. Since the incorporation of Wildwood in 1995, the community is shared by two cities: Wildwood and Chesterfield. It was designated as a Wildwood Historic District in 2005. Although the surrounding areas have been developed, Westland Acres is still without amenities such as water, gas or sewage, and no entrance from any of the surrounding community subdivisions, Frazier said. “So the question remains: Why haven’t we been able to accomplish this? I hope to finally see my community become a beautiful, thriving community.” Ever the activist, Frazier used the opportunity to speak directly to community leaders. “Can you and will you help me achieve one of the greatest desires of my lifetime?” she asked. Other speakers at the banquet included St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and keynote speaker Michael Staenberg, president of the Staenberg Group. The awards ceremony also included the presentation of The Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarships. To learn more about those awards, see page 20.
December 13, 2023 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE I BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT I 39 Cape Albeon – retire in style at a picturesque lakeside retirement community FACEBOOK.COM/WESTNEWSMAGAZINE WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM With special events on the calendar and the whole campus adorned for the holiday season, Cape Albeon’s décor and activities offer a festive note and fun to the retirement community. But residents say living lakeside at Cape Albeon is delightful all year round. “It’s a hidden jewel,” said Julie Beck, who has lived in an apartment at Cape Albeon for more than four years. “I love the surroundings. A friend of mine said ‘It’s like we’re living in a resort,’ and that’s really how it feels.” Jacqueline Pell, who spent many years living in a lake community, said the lakes and the beauty of the grounds were an important influence on her decision to come to Cape Albeon. “I looked at four different places and Cape Albeon was by far the best with all this ambiance, with the lakes and all the greenery around it, and then when I decided this was what I wanted, I found out they were putting in a pickleball court, which was perfect.” Jacqueline and her husband played (Photos provided) tennis since their early 30s and for the last 11 years she has played pickleball. “When you do a sport and you just don’t quit, age doesn’t mean that much. As long as you are able to still do it, and I am,” she said. As for Julie, she too keeps active. “I’m in pretty good shape. I keep very, very active. I play games and cards every single afternoon and every evening, and I love it. I’m one who can’t sit still,” she said. She’s played bocce ball for 30 years and is looking forward to the bocce ball court, coming soon to Cape Albeon. In the meantime, however, there are holiday events. “The decorations are lovely. They have a huge, probably 20-foot, tree in the lobby,” Jacqueline said. “They had a tree trimming party with a piano player, and we helped put ornaments on the tree. The ornaments were donated by residents over the years. There wasn’t a store-bought one on it. The pianist was excellent. He played all the Christmas tunes and people were singing along,” she said. Coming up is a special dinner, said Julie. “We have a beautiful candlelight dinner. They tell the story of Christmas. It’s very impressive and touching, and it’s a wonderful dinner. Then we’ll have a dinner dance, and we dance outside the dining room,” she said. Both Julie and Jacqueline said the dining room makes excellent meals, and they enjoy their retirement apartments. “It’s a great space,” said Jacqueline. “The bedroom is huge. The living room is big enough. It has a full kitchen, and the bathroom is definitely made for an older person. It has a walk-in shower with all the handholds so you feel secure,” she said. “I like my apartment. It’s efficient and very comfortable,” Julie said. “I’m very content here. I think God watched over me and put me in this place.” “But you know the best part about Cape Albeon is it’s small,” she said. “It’s size really allows us all to know one another including those in the cottages. It’s a special camaraderie and because it’s small, we all care about each other and that makes me feel very good. It warms my heart,” Julie said. Jacqueline is impressed with the staff. “Friendly? The staff is unreal,” said Jacqueline.” “We’re on a first name basis, and the residents are all friendly, so you see why I love it.” Cape Albeon, a partner of St. Andrews Resources for Seniors Systems, provides services for retirement/independent living, assisted living and memory care. Schedule a tour and find out why residents choose Cape Albeon. Cape Albeon 3380 Lake Bend Drive • St. Louis standrews1.com Assisted Living, Memory Care (636) 431-2018 Retirement Living (636) 861-3200 Owners Ben Boland & Jim Menner H NEST JUN K HAULING CALL TODAY, WE’LL HAUL YOUR JUNK AWAY! 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Page 4 and 5: 4 I OPINION I December 13, 2023 WES
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Page 10 and 11: 10 I NEWS I December 13, 2023 WEST
Page 12 and 13: Your Time is More Valuable Than Eve
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Page 19 and 20: FACEBOOK.COM/WESTNEWSMAGAZINE WESTN
Page 25 and 26: Have a MAGICAL Holiday Season Karie
Page 30 and 31: 30 I SPORTS I December 13, 2023 WES
Page 32 and 33: 32 I SPORTS I PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
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Page 44 and 45: 44 I EVENTS I December 13, 2023 WES
Page 48: CELEBRATE WITH US THIS CHRISTMAS! C

West Newsmagazine 12-13-23

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