Lay Renewal Ministries

layrenewal.com

Think of 3 independently owned businesses you would miss if they closed. That is the counsel of the 3/50 project , an innovative online support for local businesses, brick and mortar stores as they call them.

Lay Renewal is one of those for me. I suppose it's more of a not-for-profit agency than a business, but it was of great value to our family.

In recent years they added a new service, a used book exchange. I had saved a stack to trade, but this was sadly what I found......

I was afraid to ask, "Why the big sale? Why are the shelves so empty?"

I knew in my heart the answer. How can a little book store survive, even one supported by not-for-profit advantages?

When the kids were little, I was in the store several times a year. They had great children's titles and it was the perfect spot to find the latest VeggieTales movie or book. They even had a video library of family movies to check out.

When Alli and Lindi were young teenagers they loved books so much, they thought maybe they would like to own a book store or become a librarian. We were wondering how they might gain some real experience in the book world. At that time the public libraries couldn't accept volunteers....liability issues or something. They were too young to get actual jobs. So I asked the folks at Lay Renewal if they could use some helpful young ladies to assist with stocking shelves. They readily agreed and it was a very positive experience for all involved.

I understand what happened. I love the on-line book services. To me it is truly a marvel. Think of it! *Any* book from anywhere in the world can be yours in a few days with the click of a button and without ever leaving your desk. Or as Bill, my husband, has discovered, skip the book altogether and download it to a Kindle.

But still, I'm sad the Lay Renewal book store is gone. While the organization continues as a positive force in the community with its Sunday school curricula offerings, the loss of this resource for individual customers is a shame.

This year I resolve to revisit some little new and used book stores. I do love those shelves filled with books of all shapes and sizes, colors and textures; and the excitement of taking a book off the shelf, opening it to see the secret treasures hidden inside.

Mattresses Wholesale, Maplewood Bedding

Maplewoodcustombedding.com

Micha, our youngest son, needed a new mattress. It is yet another of my attempts to conquer his allergies.

Of course, there are the obvious places to get a mattress, but oh the joys denied when you take the well traveled path.

From the time I walked into the 100 year old building, happy stories followed.

My first greeting was by three of the most mellow dogs I've ever met. Jack, Babe, and Harry were definitely welcoming but in no way assertive, they waited quietly to be recognized and happily accepted any offered patting. As I talked to John I learned of his serious commitment to abused animals. He has rescued dozens of dogs, keeping some, like the threesome at the store, and working in cooperation with a private shelter to find homes for the others.

John Schaffer is the Grandson of the John Schaffer who started the family in the mattress business 6o years ago. They were originally located in the garment district downtown, but in the '70s moved to their present location on Sutton Av. in downtown Maplewood. About 80% of their sales come from folks just like us needing a new mattress and box spring. The other 20% are larger commercial customers including many not for profit agencies who provide sleeping arrangements for the homeless. From what I've learned about John, my hunch is he offers them a more than fair deal.

Now this is the real-deal here at Mattress Wholesale, Maplewood Bedding. Behind the show room...

is the actual factory where our mattress was made.

From the quilting of the cover on this impressive old machine,

to the assembly of frame, springs and pads, it is all done right here.

In fact, they can make any size bed you would like, custom work is their specialty.

You see all of those frames? Those are all handmade out of hardwood. Mr. Fulbright is a Baptist minister from Pine Bluff and made them in his barn. He is 70-something years old and he has been making them, loading them and hauling them to St.Louis for years now. He always delivers on time, unless he calls up to say "Johnny, I'm gonna be a day late, I've got to tend to a funeral here at home today."

OK, one more happy story.....this is Justin and his little girl, Alli. His cute wife Tammy is watching but not in the picture. 15 years ago Justin was a floundering kid, bored with school, skipping school, expecting to drop out of school. His Dad said, "then you better get a job." It was his good fortune to get a job sweeping up at a mattress company in Maplewood. At a point when his life could have gone either way, he received good guidance and caring instruction. Today he has become a very skilled and trusted employee. He knows every part of this business and when John is ready to retire it will be Justin who keeps this valued local business alive.

I guess you could say they do things the old-fashioned way. John says it is all about having a good product, but also respecting people enough to be honest with them. Of course, he wants to sell mattresses; it is how he supports his family and pays his 7 loyal employees. Actually though, he insists he is not the boss. To John they are all partners, each specializing in a different part of the business.

We have a new mattress now, and Micha hasn't been sick since it came home. I am hopeful.

Maybe you should try Mattress Wholesale. You won't meet nicer folks anywhere; you will not find a sturdier mattress and box spring anywhere; and you can have it made any way you like. Even Goldilocks could find a mattress that is just right at Maplewood Bedding. I'm sure you will too

Hi-Pointe Theatre

hi-pointetheatre.com

The Hi-Pointe Theatre is my first post because it is one of my favorite places. We discovered the Hi-Pointe a few months ago. And we think it is THE best movie theater in St. Louis.

Mainly because there is a real man, a really nice man who owns and operates the theater. His name is Mr. Brian Ross. He is there all the time. Remember this year's big blizzard, that closed down everything in St. Louis? Well, because of Mr. Ross, the Hi-Pointe was open for anyone who wanted to hike in through the snow to see "The King's Speech." I don't think he knows the last time he had a day off, much less a vacation.

The Hi-Pointe Theatre was built in 1922 and has operated as a local theater since that time. In fact, it is the last independently owned and operated movie house in St. Louis. I think it is amazing that Brian pours so much of his heart and soul into this St. Louis treasure. He has installed the newest technological improvements while maintaining all the nostalgic charm of a single screen neighborhood theater. No one can guarantee you'll love the movie being shown but you've gotta love the place.

From the time you buy your ticket in the old-style box office, you'll know you're in for a treat.

Scattered throughout the building are surviving hints of the building's art deco origin.

It is a simple place from a simpler time when neighbors came to watch a show together, then chat about it on the walk home, just like they went to church and the market together. It was through these shared experiences that community existed.

So call a bunch of friends, meet at the Hi-Pointe and remember why neighborhood is such a good thing.

If you want to support a St. Louis landmark, encourage a local entrepreneur, pay low movie and concession prices, keep more of your money in St. Louis, and have a great movie experience, go to the Hi-Pointe the next time you want to see a movie. Or if you love expensive stale popcorn and plastic butter in an impersonal warehouse setting, there are several other options in town.

I haven't even told how wonderful are the concessions! I'll be back later to give you even more reasons to go to the Hi-Pointe.