Hello Cindi Sullivan
I’m so lucky to have taught at Nipher with Stephanie for 13 years and formed a friendship that has brought me to this book club.
My Story
I have always been a reader. I love to read! I couldn’t wait for the newsprint scholastic book orders so I could tick off what I wanted to buy. My mom never said no to books! My dad was a save a lot store manger when I was young and when I was 9 he moved to a new location in St. Louis county. The bookmobile parked on the lot and they offered us library cards even though we lived in Jefferson county. This opened a whole new world!!
I have been married to Scot for 28 years and we have two boys. Alex is 25 and works for Northwestern Mutual and is engaged to be married to Emily in August 2027. Max is a paramedic in Ste Genevieve County and has an amazing girlfriend Bea.
I just retired from 30 years in education and enjoying more time to read, shop and spend time with friends and family.
In 2020 we discovered we enjoyed hiking so it’s been a goal to get to all of the Missouri state parks
We also watch a lot of TV and movies!
Hello Laura Thake
I'll go first since I'm the one designing this site and it’s just easier. First of all, I have known Stephanie since I was 18. We met in the dorm at Southwest Missouri State University. We each had other roommates, and our rooms were next door to each other. Oh boy do we have stories!
My Story
I am the youngest of 5 girls, raised in Crestwood Mo. We are all fiercely independent and at the same time, close friends and confidants. My parents are both in the afterlife, and remembered fondly. I have been married to John Thake for 29 years, and we have no children. I am an Aunt to five nieces and nephews plus a couple of greats. I'm proud to be known as the “Fun Aunt!” We are dog owners and currently lavish our love and affection on Gus, a black and white Springer Spaniel. I have been a knitter for the past thirty-three years, currently looking for my next project. I love to garden and have a large collection of native plants to attract pollinators. My favorite pollinators are the Monarchs. I have enclosures where I keep the caterpillars safe and release them when they are ready to fly. I belong to Monarch Watch and we tag each and every butterfly that we release. (Yes, seriously, it's a tiny little sticker that doesn't affect them in any way.) John and I own a farm in Ozark County Missouri, where some of you have been over the years. The farm has a house, a barn, a river and a cave, but no livestock. We are there as much as possible! I love to bicycle, and can often be found early in the morning on Grant’s Trail. If anyone knows of a good spin class for Winter, I'm looking! I have been active in politics and prefer to defend democracy in any way that I can. I have attended many protests, with some of you! I love cooking, hiking, kayaking, eating good food, traveling, & drinking signature cocktails and good wine. I am also a member of Weight Watchers who is always trying to stay on track and often fall for sweets! Finally, if you are a fan of Halloween decorations or Christmas lights, check out my website called www.holidaylighthopping.com, I share the best FREE holiday lights in the St. Louis area. I forgot to even mention that I’ve been a Graphic Designer in my professional life. I worked for Stan Gellman, Alex Paradowski, and Webster University before going out on my own 21 years ago. I’m definitely ready to retire!
