Almost a year ago, I became aware of a whole home air purifier that improves air quality throughout air-conditioned living and working spaces. After speaking with James Heller from local duct-cleaning company BreathEasy, I learned more about the REME HALO®, which is an indoor air purifier that’s easily installed in an existing air conditioning system ductwork. The REME HALO® actively reduces bacteria, viruses, odors, mold, allergens, and dust, ensuring excellent air quality.
I don’t have any pets and try my best to keep the windows closed during times of high pollen because I’ve always had sensitivities to dust, pet dander, pollen, and other common allergens you might find in the air. I’ve learned to live with lots of sneezing, spending some portions of the year with nasal congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and a scratchy throat.
As I’ve spent most of my adult life as a renter, I had to adjust to life with dust and other allergens coming out of the air ducts in my residence.
Last year we moved into an old home, and while I love the fact that it’s got hardwood floors, plus lots of character and charm, I have struggled with dealing with that old home smell. You probably know what I mean, that slight musty scent is bothersome and it has proven hard to get rid of, it can be masked when we’ve left the windows open or burned lots of candles or scented wax burners, but it would come back once we closed the house up or blew out the candles.
Due to my history of suffering with indoor air allergens, shortly after we moved last year, we had BreathEasy clean the HVAC ducts in our home. We saw a noticeable improvement with increased air flow out of the vents and some improvement with the smell, but there was still a bit of dust build up that would appear near each air duct. Between the dust, the musty old home smell, and the fact that the previous tenant in this home had indoor pets, this spring we had BreathEasy come back out to our home and install the whole house air purifier.
Since the installation of the REME HALO® that old house smell has disappeared. It was installed last month, and I’m so pleased with the results. There’s been far less dust build-up all throughout my home since we had the purifier installed. And, even with all the spring blooms and constant Missouri weather fluctuations, so far seasonal allergens haven’t impacted me, which I attribute to the cleaner air inside my home, so my respiratory system isn’t constantly fighting allergens outdoors and indoors.
BreathEasy provides air duct cleaning and other services to homes and businesses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. If you’re interested in learning more about the REME HALO®, contact BreathEasy at 636-875-6767, reach out by email, or visit the company’s website.
This week there’s plenty of events centered around plants – from a class on how to forage a wild pesto from your backyard, to a plant & sip event creating a potted flower, a community gardening event, and much more. For those who love trivia and bingo, there’s a black light bingo fundraiser, plus themed trivia nights that will test your knowledge on all things Marvel, Lord of the Rings, and Route 66 Centennial info.
There’s also community dances, a Cars & Coffee event, a pop-up BBQ event, a chance to watch kites dance in the wind at a local park, and a lot more!
Just a heads up! April is prime spring shower weather in Missouri, so it might be a good idea to double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled or rescheduled due to weather!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Wednesday, April 8 Bedazzle your book at Neighborhood Reads in Washington. Bring your own book from home, or buy a book from the store to bedazzle. The store will have all the supplies needed to decorate your book. Get tickets.
Thursday, April 9 Want to learn more about small towns across the state and meet a local author? Then head to the Washington Public Library for the Friends Author Series with Author Caitlin Yager, who will sign copies of her book Small Town Missouri. Learn more.
Friday, April 10 Head to New Haven for a BBQ Pop-Up by Josh Lang. Josh will pick a menu, make it on site and it all happens on the Pinckney Bend Distillery patio. The event is from 4-7 p.m., or until the food sells out. Get more info.
Saturday, April 11 Kids and families are invited to free train rides aboard the mini train at Grant Station Park in Union. The rides will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
Saturday, April 11 Head to Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair for an evening of community, camping, a potluck, and breathwork. Get your tickets.
Saturday, April 11 Attend a black light bingo fundraiser event at St. Clair KC Hall. The funds will benefit St. Clair elementary and Murray schools. In addition to bingo, there will also be a silent auction. Get more info.
Saturday, April 11 Crooked Creek Beef in Pacific is hosting an Animalpalooza event from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Get more details.
Saturday, April 11 Gateway Kite Club will be at Veterans Memorial Park in Union from 1-4 p.m. for Union MO Kite Fest. The whole family is invited to the park to watch professional flying demonstrations by the Gateway Kite Club. Find out more.
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Saturday, April 11 Get a Makers Camp Preview at Vibrant Minds in Washington from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This preview is based on one of Vibrant Minds’ summer camp themes, Makers Week. During Makers Week, students will design, build, create, and solve problems using new, different, and recycled materials. Get more info.
Saturday, April 11 The Smiley Face Project will have a spring craft and community garden day, in St. Clair which will be an outdoors and community focused event. There will be local vendors that will be selling a variety of items such as baked goods, handmade crafts, art, as well as live music and planting a variety of food and herbs to make a community garden that will accessible for free for those in need. The event is from 12-5 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 11 Bring your ride, grab some coffee, and chat with other car enthusiasts at Cars & Coffee at St. Peters UCC in New Haven. All makes and models welcome, just swing by between 8 and 11 a.m. to check out the rides in the parking lot behind the church. Find out more.
Saturday, April 11 The first Catawissa farmers market of the year is happening on Saturday. Find a list of the local vendors and more on Facebook. Learn more.
Saturday, April 11 In honor of summer coming up, go to a trivia night in Sullivan with a road trip theme. The event is at the Sullivan Eagles Hall and begins at 7 p.m. Get more info.
Saturday, April 11 Head to Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery to build your own carnivorous bog garden that mimics the plants natural environment to encourage healthier plants. Get tickets and learn more.
Saturday, April 11 The Sullivan Athletic Club is hosting a Reptiles, Oddities, and More event. The event is from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature vendors and more. Get more info.
Saturday, April 11 The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting a vaccination clinic for pets. Learn more.
Saturday, April 11 Head to East Central College for a free evening of stargazing. Join other stargazers at the lower parking lot at dusk. Bring your viewing equipment and chairs to enjoy the experience. More info.
Sunday, April 12 Tri-County Community Senior Center is hosting a Spring Fling Dance from 2-5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and the event includes a live band, light snacks, water, tea, lemonade, and attendees may BYOB. Tickets are not being sold in advance, so purchase them at the door. And don’t forget to dress to impress. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, April 7 Countryside Farm & Market in Cuba is hosting a Plant & Sip event and attendees will create their own potted flower arrangement. Find out more.
Friday, April 10 Defiance Ridge Vineyards is hosting a Lord of the Rings trivia night beginning at 6 p.m. Test your knowledge of Tolkien with trivia specific to the books and the movies. Learn more.
Friday, April 10 The spring daddy daughter dance called The Enchanted Lantern Ball is happening at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Expect an evening of dancing, magical photos, and a fairy tale atmosphere, complete with a visit from Rapunzel. Get your tickets.
Saturday, April 11 The Bourbon Area Community Center in Bourbon is hosting a Route 66 Centennial Trivia Night, with funds raised to benefit the Bourbon High School Class of 2026. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 11 Step back into history with a guided tour of The Historic Daniel Boone Home. Experience an educational and inspiring journey through the lives of Daniel and Rebecca Boone as you explore what life was like on the early American frontier. Get all the details.
Sunday, April 12 Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a Marvel themed trivia event starting at 2:30 p.m. Come out to this trivia event that’s perfect for the whole family. Find out more.
Sunday, April 12 Frisella Nursery in Defiance is having teaching you how to craft a pesto made from wild ingredients found in your backyard. Attendees will learn how to identify and use common species such as henbit, dead nettle, and more. Get tickets.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
Easter’s on the horizon and this week egg hunts and visits with the Easter bunny continue to take place around Franklin County! There are free events, indoor and outdoor events, as well as egg hunts for all ages.
If you want to leave the Easter meal to someone else, there are a couple options for Easter brunch – with a buffet option at Mangia Bella in Washington or Easter brunch at Spencer Manor Winery in St. James.
Just a heads up! April is prime spring shower weather in Missouri, so it might be a good idea to double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled or rescheduled due to weather!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Thursday, April 2 The Alley in Washington is having an Easter Egg-stravaganza! Decorate a wooden egg and have your photo taken with the Easter bunny, and there are egg hunts for kids and adults. Cost to attend is $5. Learn more.
Friday, April 3 Have breakfast with the Easter bunny on Good Friday at City Park in Union. Enjoy donut holes, drinks, and an egg hunt. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased at the park office. Learn more.
Friday, April 3 First Baptist Church in Union is having an Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. for kids up to age 12. Find out more.
Friday, April 3 The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is hosting a Egg-Dying Makerspace from 12-4 p.m. Leave the supplies and mess to the library, you just bring your boiled eggs! Supplies including dye, markers, tattoos, shaving cream, tissue paper are provided by the library. Get more info.
Saturday, April 4 Create a stained glass sheep at Shattered Glass Designs in Washington. The event begins at 10 a.m. and registration is required to attend. Learn more and register.
Saturday, April 4 Hear live music performed by Tom Norton at Hangout Entertainment Bar & Grill in St. Clair from 6-9 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 4 Point Labaddie Brewery in Labaddie will have Papillion Perennials Spring Plant Sale from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will also be music by Gage Seitz and food by Hot Tamales Love at First Bite. More info.
Saturday, April 4 The Lions Club of New Haven will host an Easter egg hunt beginning at 1 p.m. at the city park. Find out more.
Saturday, April 4 Andy’s Produce Too in Union is hosting a free Easter event. Have your photo taken with the Easter bunny, take part in an egg hunt, plus there will be a kids vendor event and a seafood boil. Get all the details.
Advertisement – Need more space in your current home? Whether you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your kitchen, adding another bathroom or bedroom, a new deck or an outdoor space, Freelance Services can help with that! Reach out today to talk about your project!
Saturday, April 4 Over 6,000 eggs will be scattered like treasure on the Harney Mansion’s lawn in Sullivan. Find a golden egg and win a prize! The Easter Bunny will be there, ready to strike a pose with your little ones. The fun begins at 11 a.m. Find out more.
Saturday, April 4 American Legion in Union is having an adult egg hunt beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and includes food and drinks, plus egg hunting fun. More info.
Saturday, April 4 The Alley and Cinema 1 Plus in Washington are teaming up to bring the community a Mario Kart Tournament on the big screen. The cost $8 per and the fun starts at 9 a.m. Get more details.
Saturday, April 4 The Moose Lodge in Union is hosting an Easter Carnival from 2-4 p.m. The event will have fun and games for kids inside the hall, with a possible egg hunt outdoors at 1 p.m., weather permitting. Stay up to date on the event.
Saturday, April 4 The annual Riverside Short Film Festival is happening in downtown New Haven, beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are required to attend due to limited seating. Find out more.
Saturday, April 4 Create a resurrection garden at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist. The event begins at 11 a.m. and costs $40. Registration required to attend. Register for the event.
Saturday, April 4 Head to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington for an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Learn more.
Sunday, April 5 Enjoy Easter brunch at Mangia Bella in Washington. This open seating buffet-style meal is $40 per adult and $25 per child and coffee, tea, and juice are included with bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Marys available for an additional $30. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, April 3 The “Non-Newlywed Game” Show is an event happening in Salem. In this couple vs. couple hilarious version of the classic game show, you will discover just how much the couples playing the game know (or don’t know!) about their spouse! Learn more.
Saturday, April 4 Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt and pancake breakfast. The egg hunt is for kids, but the breakfast is open to the whole family. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Sunday, April 5 Spencer Manor Winery in St. James is having an Easter brunch filled with great food, springtime vibes, and good company. Enjoy a delicious spread of brunch favorites, and fresh flavors, while gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season. Find out more.
Earlier this month American Street Edge, a self-defense school, opened in St. Clair. The school focuses on practical street safety, situational awareness, de-escalation, boundary-setting, and character-building for kids ages 6 to 12 as well as adults.
With a 40 year martial arts background that spans across multiple disciplines including Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and a fourth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, owner and instructor Tim Fancher has a passion and commitment to helping people increase their personal safety and security.
Between his extensive martial arts knowledge and drawing on a diverse professional background and numerous degrees that include criminal justice, theology, and sociology, Tim uses his professional experiences as a former police officer, private investigator, church security instructor, and a unique thirst for knowledge to form the American Street Edge program, which is a methodology that differs from many other self-defense courses and martial arts schools.
Instructor Tim Fancher poses inside his newly opened St. Clair self-defense school. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
American Street Edge focuses on equipping students by helping them to recognize predatory behavior as well as body language and behaviors that are often pre-fight indicators. Students also learn how to de-escalate situations and manage due to fear tense scenarios and daily life.
“I can’t stand unwarranted fear and when someone is feeling afraid in everyday situations. I know if someone can give me a couple of hours, I can make a difference,” he says.
As someone who has been in high adrenaline situations, he’s taken an academic approach to study the psychological and physiological effects of fear on the body by reading countless books on the subjects. Tim helps his students learn through scenario-based training that replicates situations that have been in the news, and helps them understand what to do, as well as what not to do, if they face a similar situation.
Bringing American Street Edge to Franklin County
While Tim has operated American Street Edge schools before in other parts of Missouri and in Oklahoma, the St. Clair school has been a long time in the making.
American Street Edge focuses on fear management, self-defense, and de-escalation strategies. Logo via American Street Edge on Facebook.
Before he opened the current location, Tim offered some instruction sessions at St. Clair gym Priority Fitness and credits gym owner Jennifer Gratzer with encouraging him to open a school.
“From the very beginning Jennifer told me, ‘you’ve got to open a school.’”
The motivation to get the martial arts school off the ground significantly increased after a health related issue he experienced in the fall of 2025 put him in the hospital in critical condition. Tim recalls that sobering moment with clarity months later.
“I was lying in the hospital bed and facing the possibility of life-altering surgery the next day and that’s when I really broke down in tears. I remember thinking ‘am I ever going to be able to teach again?’”
He points to that moment as the shift that changed everything and reignited his commitment to teaching self-defense.
“I made a decision that if I got my health back, that I’d take American Street Edge to a level it’s never been before and I began to think about legacy and what I will leave behind,” Tim shares.
Working with Kids
Part of that legacy-building includes his drive to equip kids with self-defense tactics against would-be child abductors. The core of his teachings stems from a belief that most child safety and self-defense courses are rooted in fear. Rather than focusing on the “stranger danger” model that advocates that children have what he considers an unhealthy suspicion of all unknown adults, the American Street Edge model focuses on instilling skills and confidence, while also giving kids a practical framework that keeps them safe.
Tim instructs kids ages 6-12 at the St. Clair martial arts school. Photo via American Street Edge on Facebook.
While instructing a group of children of varying ages after a long day of school or other commitments can come with challenges for any teacher, Tim handles it with grace and a confident demeanor. He gently guides kids to keep them engaged with the lessons by reminding them to “focus their mind” and retain their defensive stance and posture throughout the 45-minute session.
“I call it the Mr. Myagi effect,” he says. “Kids really respond to instruction and guidance because they’re often craving that.”
Looking ahead, Tim will speak at a Mental Health Conference, which is happening May 15-16 at First Christian Church in Union. The conference is free, and open to the community and will feature keynote speakers, breakout workshops, and community resource access.
Currently, the school is open a few evenings a week, with group classes offered for adults and kids each day that it is open. Tim has offered Small Town Socialite readers a way to try the school for free. Contact American Street Edge and mention this article to gain one-time free admission to a group class.
American Street Edge is located at 960 Plaza Dr. Suite B, in St. Clair. Reach out to Tim to learn more about American Street Edge via email at americanstreetedge@gmail.com. You can also visit the website or follow the school on Facebook to learn more and find the current class schedule.
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