Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

This year, Nolting Real Estate, will sponsor Joshua’s Groupies at the Walk Now for Autism.  Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Joshua is a family friend who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder.  He is a sweet 10-year old who is creative and intelligent.  Joshua’s is a great artist and enthusiastically plays chess, rides bikes, and plays basket ball.  He attends a small Christian school in West St. Louis county and is active in his local church.

By supporting Autism Speaks, we provide funding for continued research about this condition.  In addition, Autism Speaks creates awareness about Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually.

For more information about Autism, Autism Speaks, and Walk Now for Autism, or to contribute, give me a call at 314-267-2636.

Sat., May 23 and Sun., May 24: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mon., May 25: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tues., May 26 through Thur., May 28: 4 to 8 p.m.

Fri., May 29 through Mon., August 17
Weekdays Noon to 7:30 p.m.
Weekends 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tues., August 18 through Mon., September 7
Weekdays 4 to 7:30 p.m.
(Competitive Pool & Family Pool only)
Weekends 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Lodge in Des Peres

Located along Des Peres Road in the heart of Des Peres, The Lodge in Des Peres is the community hub for the city of Des Peres.  In addition to both indoor and outdoor aquatic centers, The Lodge in Des Peres has a state of the art fitness center, running track (1/10 mile), basketball courts, meeting rooms, childcare, and various casual seating spaces.  

The outdoor aquatic center at The Lodge in Des Peres has the following hours for the summer of 2009:

The Outdoor Aquatic Center is open 
Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, August 23.
Monday – Friday        12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday                   11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday                     11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

**The Outdoor Pool will operate on a school schedule beginning August 24.  
Monday – Friday                    Closed
Saturday                11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday                  11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Holiday Hours
Memorial Day, May 25  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Independence Day, July 4  11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Labor Day, September 7  11 a.m. - 8 p.m.    

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Please click on property for times.

For more information, you can contact my Town and Country, Webster Groves and Kirkwood Homes and Listings site.

Or call me at 314-267-2636.

Russ Nolting

Dougherty Lake is a community of nearly 200 single family homes and various parcels of common land including a private five acre lake.  It is located in Des Peres, Missouri about a mile southwest of the intersection of Manchester Road and Interstate 270.  Dougherty Lake, along with neighboring subdivisions along Des Peres Road, continues to outpace the St. Louis real estate market.  

Click here, for Dougherty Lake’s restrictive covenants.  

Two homes are currently under contract in Dougherty Lake.

1.  12951 Beaver Dam Road, 63131, was listed for $344,900 (original listing prices was in the $390s).  It took 119 days to get an accepted contract on this property.  

2.  12927 Briar Fork Court, 63131, was listed for $429,900 and sold in 7 days!

For more information about Dougherty Lake, go to your Home Guide St. Louis.  

Not ready to talk to an agent yet?  Go to my St. Louis Home Values website to determine the value of your home.  

Click here to Download my 2009 Item of Value. As you have no doubt noticed, nearly everyone has an opinion about the state of the real estate market. The most vocal opinions are being expressed on television, on the Internet, in print media and on the radio. The problem is, many of these opinions tell only one side of the story.

For example, lower home prices and large inventories make this an ideal market for first-time homebuyers, people looking to move up to a larger home and real estate investors. In addition, 2008 was also one of the largest transactional years in history, a fact often neglected in the media.

In the first Item of Value of the new year, I have looked at the state of the real estate market. On the reverse side, I have included tips on selling your home faster, the best ways to invest in your home and a look at historic home values to prove that your home is the best long-term investment.

I hope you had a great 2008, and I look forward to serving you in 2009!  Click here to Download my 2009 Item of Value.

For more real estate information, please see your Home Guide for St. Louis.

I live on the West side of Des Peres Road on Huntercreek Road.  This has always been one of my favorite areas of St. Louis.  The 70’s saw development of Dougherty Woods, Dougherty Lake and Four Winds Farm along the west side of Des Peres Road.  Since then, developments like Pelham Estates, Westledge Place, and The Arbors at Sugar Creek have filled along the road.

Des Peres, MO, is conveniently located off I-270 with easy access to Hwys 40 and 44.  Moreover, with the development of the Des Peres Lodge, Des Peres has established a central community meeting place complete with athletic facilities and large meeting rooms.  West County Center is the central retail shopping district in Des Peres.

In the past year, 12 homes in this area west of Des Peres Road have sold.  The average house sold for $400,708.  The average days on the market for these sales was 80 days.  For a list of 2008 sales along the west side of Des Peres Road, click 08 sales west of Des Peres Road. 

Historical sales data in Des Peres can be found in one of my previous posts. 

Currently, along the west side of Des Peres Road, there are 6 homes listed: 

If you’d like to see one (or more) of these homes, please give me a call at 314-267-2636 to schedule an appointment.  For more information, you can go to my St. Louis Listing Resources site. 

Russell Nolting
314-267-2636
Russ@NoltingRealEstate.com

Want to check a web site for families with kids that live in and around St. Louis!  www.kidsinstl.com is a great place to find daily children’s/family activities, Birthday Party Venues, Kids Eat for Free Restaurants, Sensory Recipes, Links for Kids With Special Needs and much more.  Stop by, check it out and become a member – it is free. 

Good neighborhoods are important for St. Louis kids. 

For more community news, visit our St. Louis Community Resources page.

Two recent meals at Robust in Webster Groves gives me high hopes for this newer St. Louis restaurant.  Smaller portions paired with wine make Robust a unique offering in the beautiful community of Webster Groves. 

Eastern Shore Lump Crab Cakes with Meyer Lemon, Roasted Garlic and Chive Aioli, were presented as two mini cakes presented on top of the aioli with a garnish of spring mix.  The crab cakes were good, though not outstanding, due to an under-seasoned aioli.  This small plate was $12. 

The Pan Seared Sea Scallops with White Truffle Risotto and a Garlic Herb Crumb ($15) were delicious.  The risotto was cooked perfectly and provided a great contrast to the seared scallops.  The garlic herb crumb was crunchy and flavorful.  Though this dish included only two scallops, the risotto was quite filling. 

A note about smaller portions:  I’m thrilled that many restaurants are electing to offer smaller, less expensive, alternatives to old-fashioned enormous portions.  Who really needs a 16 oz. steak?  Two small portions at Robust can be combined to make a satisfying meal.  The bonus for the foodie is that he gets to enjoy two preparations instead of just one.  And the delay between servings enables the body to experience the feeling of fullness that doesn’t kick in when you quickly inhale an enormous serving of a single dish. 

I’ve had a number of other enjoyable dishes at Robust.  Make your reservation early as the restaurant is crowded all the time due to a great deal of favorable press from local publications.  In fact, St. Louis magazine named Robust the 2008 Restaurant of the Year. 

To book a reservation, call 314.963.0033.