All Entries Tagged With: "Charlack"

St. Louis Fencers Club: the swordsmen of NoCo

If you ever find yourself in a church basement in Charlack, surrounded by sword-wielding men in masks and tight white pants, don’t worry. It’s only the St. Louis Fencers Club.

Since 1904, when legend has it that athletes training for the St. Louis Olympics first formed the group, it has attracted fencing enthusiasts from all over the metro area, each eager to learn the skills and subtle nuances of this ancient and intriguing sport.

The original St. Louis Fencers Club, which was based in Clayton, merged with the North County Fencers Club in the early 1990s, and weekly meetings have been held in NoCo pretty much ever since. These days, club members gather every Thursday at Stephan Memorial Methodist Church, just east of 170 at St. Charles Rock Road, and they come from nearly every walk of life and every corner of St. Louis.

Pat Dorsey, the current club organizer, is a writer from Webster Groves. The night I visited, he was joined by a West County surgeon, a Millstadt, Illinois, printer, a South City administrative assistant, a Ferguson retiree, and an interesting mix of probably ten other fencers who spanned all ages and backgrounds.

“What I love about fencing is that it’s a sport you can do your entire life,” says Millstadt’s Pearce Wilson, a scout leader who brought along two of the group’s youngest members, including sixteen-year-old Brett Beusink. “You might change the way you fence over time, but you can still fence even when you’re well into your seventies.”

“People assume that fencing is like what you see in Zorro or Robin Hood, but that’s movie stuff,” Dorsey adds. “In reality, you learn to become more efficient over time, and your movements become more conserved.” As an example, he points to club member Carl Herkstroeter, who at 73 is still considered one of the group’s toughest competitors.

“Carl is always in the right place,” Dorsey says. “He can move inches and score while other people will move a foot.”

Fencing Basics

In fencing, points are earned when your weapon makes contact with the opponent’s body. And yes, for one of the three varieties of fencing, that’s any part of the body. “If someone left their foot wide open and you hit it, that definitely wouldn’t be considered a cheap shot,” Dorsey says. “Fencing is about being cunning and stealth, and looking for that tiny window of opportunity. You never know where it’s going to be.”

The sport we know as modern fencing stems from Renaissance-era rapier dueling, which was a common and usually fatal way of settling disputes in Europe. Back then, the blade had a sharp edge. Today, fencers have a choice of three blunt-edged weapons, each with distinct rules and scoring targets, and they duel with them in an area measuring 15 yards by two yards – roughly the size of hallways in medieval castles.

Their first sword, the foil, originally a practice weapon for the rapier, has a slender, 35-inch blade that is often outfitted with a push-button electronic tip. Many fencers wear a vest made of metallic thread, which gets wired (via a long cord) into the electronic scoring system and lets it know if the foil’s tip hits a valid target on the torso.

Less flexible than the foil but equally sized is the epee, a triangular blade whose tip can score points on any part of the body. Fencers can also choose to duel with a sabre (the most pirate-looking sword in the bunch), which scores points anywhere above the waist, with either the tip or the “cutting” edge.

A Rich History

“The sword is a weapon of honor in nearly every world culture,” Dorsey days. “Sabres, in particular, have been used by swordsmen and even soldiers for hundreds of years.”

Around the turn of the 20^th century, fencing for sport became very popular, especially with high-society women, who would often compete wearing skirts. Appearing at the first modern Olympics in 1896 and every Olympic Games ever since, it gained a sizable following in St. Louis, where teams from both the North Side and Central YMCAs sent talented swordsmen to the 1904 world championships. In 1901, the North Side YMCA even hosted a bout between one Mr. T.R. McGowan and Miss Julia Laughlin.

Perhaps it was these early YMCA athletes who founded the St. Louis Fencers Club? Records confirming that have yet to be discovered. Or maybe the club was founded a bit later by Arvilla Droll, the woman widely credited with bringing yoga to St. Louis, who also happened to be a champion fencer and fencing teacher. Her 1990 obituary says she was the club’s founder…though I’m not sure current members really mind either way.

An Intense Workout

Kathy Pogue, one of a handful of women who belong to the St. Louis Fencers, says that she enjoys fencing because it’s an incredible workout for both the body and the mind. She started coming to meetings with her ex-boyfriend five years ago and for most of that time she was the club’s only female.

“The guys were very welcoming from day one,” she says. “Because I’m so much smaller than most of them, my challenge is to try to get inside their reach,” noting that height and long limbs are a definite advantage in fencing.

“A lot of this relies on explosive power, so men do have some advantage,” Dorsey adds. “But then again, women can conserve their movements, and they’re often smaller targets.”

Pogue wears a protective chest plate when she duels. Like everyone else in the club, she also dons a protective helmet, thick gloves and a heavy white top that vaguely resembles a straight jacket. Apparently, the white uniform is a hold-over from the days prior to electronic scoring, when hits were verified by how many ink-tipped blades landed their target.

And does it hurt when the blade lands? Absolutely, says Pogue, who has gotten her fair share of bruises. Knee and ankle injuries are also not unusual in fencing, according to Dorsey. But he insists that the sport’s signature white jacket, or croissard, really does protect quite well. “It’s made of Kevlar so it’s made to stop things from penetrating,” he says. “Honestly, you’re more likely to pull your groin than get stabbed with a foil.”

Fencing is all about honing technique, so part of every weekly meeting of the St. Louis Fencers is devoted to practicing footwork. Members bend their knees in a wide “on-guard” stance, then move forwards and backwards again and again and again, as if they were dueling. Talk about a muscle burn.

Expert Guidance

Many in the club practice together informally, dueling multiple opponents and discussing tips and strategy. Members trickle in over the course of the evening, casually chit-chatting and seemingly ignoring the fact that swords are swinging everywhere!

In one corner of the room, five members are taking a private class from Hossam Hassan (above, in black), former coach of the Egyptian Olympic fencing team. In another corner, a group of fencers is talking about an upcoming tournament and admiring new swords that someone just purchased off the internet.

“You really have to buy the equipment online, but it isn’t that expensive,” Pogue says. A starter set can run anywhere from $125 to $195. On top of that, club dues are $75, but you don’t have to pay those right away. You also don’t have to show up with your own equipment on your very first night.

“We’re always happy to welcome newcomers at our meetings,” Dorsey says. “If you have workout clothes, tennis shoes and a leather work glove, we can provide everything else. It’s just great to be able to introduce more people to fencing.”

Right now, the St. Louis Fencers Club has about 25 active members, most of whom just participate in the sport recreationally. Sometimes, for fun, they’ll cover themselves in balloons and have a mass duel, and the last one standing with an unpopped balloon is the winner.

“This group is really about fun and fellowship,” Dorsey says. “At one point, all of us were new to the sport, and even the old-timers are still always learning, so we come together to help each other improve. If you want to learn about fencing, no matter who you are, you are always welcome here.”

The St. Louis Fencers Club meets every Thursday, 6:30-10pm, in the basement of Stephan Memorial Methodist, 2730 Walton Road, 63114. For more info, visit the club’s website.

12 Ways to EAT NoCo for the Holidays

With Christmas Eve less than a week away, chances are your holiday shopping will soon focus on what really matters: food! If you’re looking to enliven your Christmas menu or maybe give someone a special gourmet gift, here are 12 tasty ways to do just that with fresh, local delights from North County:

1) Kringles @ Helfer’s Pastries, 380 St. Ferdinand St, 63031, (314) 837-6050

If you’ve never had a kringle, or don’t even know what one is, get yourself to Helfer’s Pastries in Florissant ASAP! Inside this decadent Danish pastry you’ll find a heavenly filling of butterscotch, topped with either raspberries or pecans. It’s the perfect hostess treat for a holiday party. According to legend, kringles date to the 1800s and their oval shape is said to represent the eternal love of God. Aw. Unfortunately, not even God can help you score a kringle if you don’t act soon. Helfer’s is really hopping this time of year, and orders for Christmas Eve MUST be placed by Tuesday, 12/22.

2) Linzer cookies @ Cose Dolci, 100 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 799-2157

It’s just an added bonus that Beth Thompson, owner of this amazing little Ferguson bakery, is one of the nicest people ever. But what really keeps Cose Dolci busy (especially in December) is the fact that its made-from-scratch, all-natural cookies are divine! Beth also makes fantastic cupcakes, sweet breads, scones, muffins and more, but her most popular item is the Linzer Cookie, a delicate, jam-filled indulgence that originated in Austria centuries ago. Buy just a bag or combine several types of baked goods for one of Cose Dolci’s delicious gift sets.

3) Peppermint Stick custard @ The Whistle Stop, 1 Carson Rd, 63135, (314) 521-1600

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day of the year to stock up on handmade gourmet frozen custard from The Whistle Stop in Ferguson. After that, you’ll have to wait until February! Take-home quarts are available for every flavor of Whistle Stop custard, but may I suggest three delicious seasonal varieties: Eggnog, Peppermint Stick and Pumpkin Pie. If you’re not too late, you may also be able to nab a holiday pie, a German Chocolate Cake or some super sweet Peppermint Fudge.

4) Exotic meats @ John’s Butcher Shoppe, 2608 Walton Rd, 63114, (314) 423-8066

So…you’ve got someone a little adventurous coming for Christmas dinner? Why not head to John’s Butcher Shoppe in Charlack? This old-timey store has been selling fine meats for 35 years, and it carries way more than just steak. Elk, wild boar, and Potosi, Missouri-raised ostrich and bison are also available for purchase here, in a variety of cuts. You can even get the friendly folks at John’s to wrap up a gift box for you.

5) Donuts @ Old Town Donuts, 510 New Florissant Rd, 63031, (314) 831-0907

Who could resist the fluffy perfection of an Old Town donut, especially as presents are being torn open on Christmas Day? This classic Florissant shop has been churning out some of the best donuts, muffins and cookies in the St. Louis area for 30 years, with workers making fresh batches day and night. Normally open 24 hours, Old Town Donuts will take a rare break for the holidays, closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and not opening again until 4am on Saturday, December 26. So plan accordingly, or be prepared to put your chocolate long-john fix on hold!

6) Peking duck @ Chopstix Asian Kitchen, Plaza on the Boulevard, 8021 W. Florissant, 63136, (314) 383-6888

If you still laugh every time you think of the Chinese restaurant scene in A Christmas Story, just know that you too can enjoy a little Asian flair in your holiday festivities. Chopstix Asian Kitchen in Jennings (across from Target) specializes in traditional Chinese fare, including the most wonderful Peking duck, which is made fresh every day. The owners of this stylish little place are second-generation restaurateurs, so keep them in mind as you shop for holiday eats.

7) Nostalgic candy @ Remembering When Candies, 3232 Parker Rd, 63033, (314) 831-9436

Perhaps your idea of the perfect candy is a giant pair of wax lips or a handful of Pop Rocks. If so, be sure to sweeten up your holidays with a trip to Remembering When in Florissant. This wee shop sells a dizzying array of nostalgic candies, including brands from 1950s and earlier than you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

8 ) Steak gift sets @ Paul’s Market, 1020 N. Elizabeth, 63135, (314) 524-3652

On the verge of celebrating its 50th year in business, Paul’s Market in Ferguson draws shoppers from all over the St. Louis area, primarily because of its mouth-watering filet mignon. Wrapped in bacon and sold for an incredible price, Paul’s filets are by far its best-selling item. And now through December 22, you can get ten four-ouncers – wrapped in a gift box – for just $29.95! Talk about a steak lover’s dream come true!

9) Chestnuts @ J. Goeke Produce, 449 rue St. Ferdinand, Florissant MO 63031; (314) 831-3140

I don’t know about you, but my early Christmas memories often involve nuts. As a kid, it was my duty (and my delight) to sit and crack my grandpa’s big bag of walnuts, Brazil nuts, and other shelled snacks. But what I never did was the one nut-related activity you’re supposed to do at Christmas – roast chestnuts over an open fire. Well, now I’ve got the fire. And thanks to Goeke’s in Florissant, I also have the fresh chestnuts. Let the roasting begin!

10) Gluten-free cookies @ Free Range Cookies, 425 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 882-0163

It must really stink to have Celiac Disease during the holidays, not being able to tolerate wheat products. That’s probably why I keep seeing a steady stream of overjoyed kids walking out of Free Range Cookies in Ferguson. This small, sweet-smelling shop offers a full range of gluten-free baked goods, including breads,  pizza crusts and of course delicious cookies. My vegan friends rave about Free Range’s vegan scones, and I know the bakery is also popular with the dairy-free crowd. If you’re serving a special needs eater this Christmas, you just might be able to satisfy them here.

11) Sheet cakes @ Knodel’s Bakery, 6621 W. Florissant, 63136, (314) 385-2000

Since 1901, Knodel’s Bakery in Jennings has been whipping up some of the most scrumptious cakes in St. Louis. Unique photo cakes have become its recent specialty, allowing you to literally put your face in the frosting, but this old-fashioned bakery also offers classic sheet cakes, perfect for holiday entertaining. Order ASAP if you need something in time for Christmas – Knodel’s usually requires 5 days notice.

12) Conchas @ Las Palmas Mexican Bakery, 4018 Woodson Rd, 63134, (314) 954-6862

You’ll find a delicious world of south-of-the-border baked goods at this petite Mexican bakery in Woodson Terrace. Milk cakes, cookies, fruit pastries, and pan dulce sweet breads are sure to entice you, but may I recommend the conchas. They’re basically big buns with a sweet, colorful topping, and I imagine they’d be quite delightful when paired with a cup of coffee on Christmas Day. Las Palmas Mexican Bakery is also a great place to buy Rosca de Reyes, a sweet roll with a baby Jesus figurine hidden inside, normally served on the feast of the Epiphany, January 6th.

Happy holidays and happy eating! Hope you can shop NoCo for at least a portion of your seasonal needs.