WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
restaurants and shops, so I put in a bid to buy it,” she said. Her artist father
created a watercolor painting of her vision for a mixed-use development.
Schmidt partnered with a local developer, and they refurbished the
building to include 10 luxurious custom lofts with layouts focusing on
river views, in-ground parking, and a first floor occupied by various retail
establishments.
She has become extremely involved in community efforts, which was
new to her because before the move, she never had time.
She became aware of the Learning Center and literacy program at
St. Patrick’s School in Alton, and was impressed with what it had to
offer local residents. When the building went up for sale, she didn’t
want to see the program go away, so she made her second building
purchase. Recently christened the Scott Bibb Center, Lewis and Clark
Community College now administers the literacy program and added
other services like vocational training and the Youth Build organization.
“I needed to do something beyond luxury lofts,” Schmidt said. “I
wanted to help maintain a social safety net and educational programs
for the community.”
She is on several community improvement boards, and is proactive
about city development. And she teaches yoga at Nautilus Fitness Center.
“My glass is overflowing,” Schmidt said. “I think I used to be in a
bubble, but I’ve learned to be receptive and patient.”
She became involved with Jacoby Arts Center at a time when the
board was divided - should it be a regional art gallery or community
center? “It was a critical moment for JAC, and I felt strongly that it
was important for it to stay open,” she said. She and her long-term
boyfriend work diligently, along with volunteers and staff to keep the
center alive and well.
Her life change was – without question – triggered by 9/11, she
said. Studies show that Americans across the country experienced
symptoms of stress after the attacks, and living “up close and personal”
like Schmidt made it especially difficult.
She is now on a gluten-free diet and feels healthy. Treatment of
adrenal exhaustion is holistic since it is stress-related. Good nutrition
(eating a seasonal, organic, plant-based diet), supportive relationships,
creative engagement, and the calming benefits of yoga have helped.
“One doctor diagnosed it as ‘the 21st century syndrome,'” Schmidt
said. “I've also been treated for PTSD as a result of 9/11, and I’m grateful
to continue working periodically with a psychotherapist.”
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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