Kirkwood, MO December 2024 by City Lifestyle

We wish you a familyfilled season of joy.

I don’t find sports joyful - playing or watching, with one exception. Every holiday season, the thing I look forward to the most is Moore Family Football. We started the tradition when our boys were little. We’d find a football (or not be able to find the football and have to stop off at the sports store to buy a football) and find a field. Half the fun of Moore Family Football is setting off to play with no plan of what field we would go to. Moore Family Football is best played when it is just the four of us. One time we brought our dog, and it ended up being “Moore Family Chases Dog with the Football.” We’ve invited various people to join us over the years - but that throws off the balance of the teams. “Balance” probably isn’t the right word… it’s not like we are all equally good at catching and receiving. (It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem.) But this picture makes me smile because being on the field with these three brings me joy.

This year, I asked our Kirkwood City Lifestyle partners to send me pictures of their families that make them smile. It could be their immediate, work, or four-legged family. Sharing their family photos, like the one on the cover and the ones on page 10, brings a feeling of holiday joy and nostalgia. In every smile, silly pose, and heartfelt hug, family photos show us where we come from. They remind us that no matter where we are, we’re part of something bigger, something cherished and lasting. From all of us to all of you, we wish you the happiest of holidays and the most picture-perfect, in-the-pocket, family-filled season of joy.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kate Berry

INTERNS

Lilly Anderson, Olivia Silvey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lilly Anderson, Olivia Silvey, Lucy Rogers, Sharon Balleau, Tricia McConkey, Katie Mackenzie

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Hayes, Jessica Rose Photo & Video

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

inside the issue

A timeless treasure of the

is family photos. Photographer Chris Hayes perfectly captured the

and anticipation of the

the

of children. (Sonus Benefits CEO, Tom Murphy’s grandchildren.)

Christopher Hayes

The partners of Kirkwood City Lifestyle express their heartfelt good wishes from their family to yours in the spirit of festive family celebration. This holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of family and community, values that resonate deeply with each of our partners. They extend their warmest season’s greetings through their cherished family photos, symbolizing the bonds that unite us all. May this season bring your family peace, love, and joy.

From all of us, to all of you

Roeser Home Remodeling owners

Joe and Cindy Roeser’s three children and six grandchildren

Health and Wellness Personal Trainer Katie Mackenzie and her two boys

Realtor Andrea Maddock and her family

Le Macaron owner Jim McKibben

MVG Painting and Decorating owner Michael Von Gerichten and his wife Debbie

Audi Exchange Kirkwood General Manager Neil Westfall and his family at Kirkwood Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat

Dougherty Orthodontics owner, Dr. Stefanie Dougherty

City Seafood and Meramec Hardscapes owner Brad Burns and his family

Nouveau Med Spa owner Carol Anderson

Kirkwood Family Dental owner Dr. Allison Winkler and her family

barre3 owner Melissa Stolze and her team celebrate their 10 year anniversary

BenchMark Custom Homes team

Dr. Sean Bailey and his wife Nadeen

Realtor Lorilee Cummings and her family

Back to Wellness Chiropractic owner Jim Hankinson and his family

Dalie’s Smokehouse Chef Craig Basler

Woodhouse Spa - Ellisville owners

Treasa (left) and Tony (right)Turnbeaugh celebrate their grand opening event

Director of Kirkwood Electric Mark Petty and Team Kirkwood

MSMF Wealth Management Managing Partner Mark Finke and his two girls

Massage Envy - Sunset Hills, owner Bruce Conner and his family

Timberline Landscape owners Brian and Katie Pfotenhauer and their two kids

Have a Holly, Jolly, Rockin’ Holiday Experience

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Premieres in The Repertory Theatre

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is ready to knock your holiday socks off with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, a rockin’ holiday musical experience that brings together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins in a holiday jam session that will have audiences jingling all the way. Find them performing at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University December 4 - 22, 2024. These legendary musicians blend their chart-topping hits with seasonal cheer in the decked-out Sun Records studio, filled with Christmas cheer and enough musical talent to power a city grid.

A collaboration with Stages St. Louis, Million Do llar Quartet Christmas combines two powerhouse performing arts organizations on one stage. It is the musical’s first production to be performed in St. Louis. This iconic rock n’ roll musical is packed with holly, jolly holiday favorite songs.

The new Augustin Family Artistic Director, Kate Bergstrom, discussed The Rep’s collaborations and building on the theater’s success as a vital, celebrated and cultural cornerstone of St. Louis. “The Rep’s mission is to create incredible theatrical experiences through storytelling. Collaborating in different art forms allows us to invigorate the theater by elevating and expanding the capacity for the extraordinary.” Kate is The Rep’s eighth Artistic Director in its 58-year history. Her most recent productions at The Rep wowed audiences this past December with the critically acclaimed “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” “My time at The Rep, I hope, will be marked by collaboration and transcendent audience experiences.”

ARTICLE BY LILLY ANDERSON AND OLIVA SILVEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS

Augustin Family Artistic Director, Kate Bergstrom

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a significant amount to those who could use a little extra support. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone facing tough times? Your nomination could make all the difference.

Scan below to nominate.

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com

Making memories through meaningful gifting

THE NOVEL NEIGHBOR AND NOBLE NEIGHBOR ARE MORE THAN BOOKS.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY THE NOVEL NEIGHBOR

Holland Saltsman photo by Fresh Art Photography

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Novel Neighbor, owner Holland Saltsman’s story illustrates the transformative power of literature and community engagement. The Novel Neighbor is more than a bookstore; the shop is filled with new books of all genres, locally made art, and carefully curated gifts for avid readers of all ages. They facilitate in-store book clubs, host book-themed birthday parties, summer camps, and cocktail classes, and offer space for event rental. Its non-profit, The Noble Neighbor, seeks to amplify historically marginalized voices and engage with equity and inclusion work in the St. Louis area and beyond.

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF NOVEL NEIGHBOR: #MORETHANABOOKSTORE

“It astounds me how incredibly supportive everyone has been,” remarked founder Holland Saltsman as she discussed the store’s 10th anniversary. “From the staff, which is unmatched anywhere, to our community of readers, to everyone who believes in supporting local businesses, I am amazed and humbled and excited for the next 10 years.” Holland recalled, “When I started the store in 2014, I had no 1, 3, or 5-year plan. My business plan was a three-paragraph letter to the landlord stating a simple mission: to fill a gap in the community by creating a space that offers a diverse selection of new books for both adults and children, a retail space for local artists, and a welcoming place for community events.”

“The next 10 years are as unexpected and unplanned as the last 10,” Holland said, emphasizing that the store will continue to evolve in ways that reflect the community’s needs.

The Novel Neighbor’s hashtag, #MoreThanABookstore, perfectly encapsulates its mission. Whether attending a

book-themed event, browsing unique local gifts, or simply soaking in the inviting atmosphere, visitors to Novel Neighbor leave with more than just books—they leave with an experience unlike anywhere else.

A THIRD SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Novel Neighbor is more than a beloved bookstore on the corner of Big Bend and Dale Avenue in Webster Groves’ Old Orchard neighborhood. It’s one of St. Louis’ celebrated community icons. Holland explained, “People talk a lot about ‘third spaces,’ a concept that describes a place where people gather outside work and home to foster community connections. For many, The Novel Neighbor is exactly that.” Over the years, the bookstore has hosted countless events, from book clubs and author signings to children’s birthday parties and baby showers to off-site events that draw crowds in the hundreds.

EXPANDING INTO NEW TERRITORY

One of the store’s most exciting developments is the opening of Open Door Romance, a dedicated space that quadruples the store’s inventory of romance novels—a genre that’s rapidly growing in popularity. This expansion also allowed the store to increase its selection of sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and thriller titles, ensuring that everyone has more books to explore and more space to read.

MYSTERY BOXES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY PERSON.

During the pandemic, the store launched mystery boxes, a creative idea born from a customer’s request for a personalized selection of books based

CONTINUED >

“ #MoreThanABookstore perfectly encapsulates its mission. Whether attending a book-themed event, browsing unique local gifts, or simply soaking in the inviting atmosphere, visitors leave with an experience unlike anywhere else. ”

“To date, The Noble Neighbor has partnered with local businesses to sponsor 94 author visits and donated over 17,289 books to the kids who need them most.”

Terry Crews actor/author

on her grandson’s interests. “All I can tell you is he likes dragons, rainbows, and soccer,” the grandmother said. “We’ve got you,” responded Holland. From there, the mystery box idea took off. In fact, the boxes were so popular that they were featured in The Wall Street Journal.

In addition to mystery boxes, The Novel Neighbor offers curated subscription programs, which are also perfect for gifting. Customers can choose from an adult, romance, or picture book subscription, each carefully selected to ensure new books that readers are unlikely to have encountered.

NOBLE NEIGHBOR: A CAUSE FOR EQUITY IN EDUCATION

In addition to its bookstore operations, The Novel Neighbor is making a difference through its nonprofit arm, The Noble Neighbor. The initiative was born out of a desire to bring authors to under-resourced schools and provide free books to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own a book. “The idea for our non-profit started when we were hosting Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. She was in town promoting her beautiful children’s picture book. I approached her about visiting a local school,” said Holland. Justice Sotomayor said that she would be interested in visiting schools that don’t have the resources to bring in authors. “Publishers will send authors into schools as a way to amplify sales with the expectation that order forms will go home to the parents and books will be purchased for the school library,” explained Holland. Justice

Sotomayor wanted to go into under-resourced schools and wanted to ensure that each student received a free book. Holland asked a customer if they would underwrite that school visit for $2,500. Without hesitation, the customer said, “Absolutely.” “There are phenomenal organizations that provide free books to under-resourced schools, but adding the author to the visit exponentially changes the child’s experience with reading,” said Holland. “Studies show that students who have had an author visit their school are more joyful, confident and proficient readers.” To date, The Noble Neighbor has partnered with local businesses to sponsor 94 author visits and donated over 17,289 books to the kids who need them most. The impact has been profound, with students often holding onto their new books as prized possessions and, in some cases, sparking a newfound love of reading and writing. When students meet the author, they connect with the book more personally. “We talk about how books provide either a mirror or a window for a reader,” said Holland. “Readers either see themselves in the story or they see an opportunity for themselves.” One teacher, whose class received a Noble Neighbor author visit, said, “Meeting authors who look and sound like my students has helped them realize that they can be authors. Students I taught years ago are still sharing their writing with me. The Noble Neighbor did this.”

This holiday season, if you are looking for a way for your family or business to give back to your community, The Noble Neighbor proves to be a practical, necessary, and common-sense way to truly change a child’s life.

Learn more at thenobleneighbor.org

The Novel Neighbor is proud to be a place where people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate their love of books and community.

Give the Gift of Caring

HOW TO ENSURE THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

As the holiday season approaches, giving the intangible gift of care and attention to our older adult relatives and friends becomes increasingly important. Family gatherings and community festivities provide an ideal opportunity to ensure their needs are met and assess any areas where they may require additional support. While joyous celebrations are abundant, our commitment to their well-being should remain a steadfast part of the holiday spirit. During visits, observing critical indicators of their living conditions, health management, and social engagement can be vital.

SOME OF THE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN VISITING ARE:

1. Evaluating household conditions and personal hygiene is essential. Is the home cluttered or in need of repairs? Are individuals showering regularly, wearing clean clothes, and dressing appropriately for the weather? These factors can signify a need for increased assistance in and around the home. Improving these aspects can reduce the risk of falls and enhance overall health and living conditions.

2. Are medications and supplies stored in a central location or scattered? Do individuals clearly understand when and why they are taking their medicines? Do the expiration dates on the bottles match the quantities and prescription schedules? Medication mismanagement is one of the leading reasons why older adults require hospitalization.

3. Pantries and refrigerators can provide insights into an older adult’s healthiness. A shortage of essentials or excess expired items may signal cognitive decline, hoarding behavior, or feeling overwhelmed. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential, especially with the cold and flu season approaching.

4. The trash is connected to point #3. If their cabinets appear understocked yet claim to use pre-made or delivered meals, is there any evidence—such as containers or leftovers—that supports their statement? It is essential to examine whether the presence of these items aligns with their claims regarding nutritional well-being.

5. Social engagement is vital for maintaining essential cognitive health. When someone disconnects from church, friends, or exercise, it may suggest they are struggling to leave home due to anxiety about driving, cognitive issues, or depression. Self-isolation can signal a need for support, as isolation does not equate to independence.

By offering the gift of caring for our senior family members, we can make a significant difference in maintaining their safety, health, and independence, ensuring they feel supported, cherished, and included throughout the festive season. It’s never too early to be proactive and create a plan. Transitions For Senior Living is a FREE service that assists seniors and their families in finding appropriate care and support when a loved one struggles to live independently without assistance.

For more resources and information visit transitionsforseniorliving.com

“By offering the gift of caring for our senior family members, we make a significant difference in maintaining their safety, health, and independence, ensuring they feel supported, cherished, and included.”

Home for the Holidays

As you dream of holiday celebrations—sparkling New Year’s Eve parties, decorating the perfect tree, and cozy evenings spent caroling—remember: it’s not just a house; it’s a home. Whether you’re looking for more space to host loved ones or a cozy retreat for quiet moments, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Kirkwood - Webster neighborhoods or anywhere in the St. Louis area, let’s connect! Together, we can create a plan to find the best space for all your holiday gatherings and family traditions for years to come.

COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY TRISHA MCCONKEY

Deck the Halls

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA ROSE PHOTO & VIDEO

HOMEWORK WITH TRISHA

Our priority was to create a home filled with warmth, glad tidings and good cheer.

My love affair with our home on 408 Gill Avenue began in January of 2023. The house spoke to me the moment I walked through the front door. Our family is big and busy, and I knew this beautiful house would be the perfect fit –it just needed a “little work.”

Having remodeled three previous homes, I understood the process was more challenging than the transformations portrayed on HGTV. Still, I was captivated by the potential of this historic property and knew our family could add a beautiful new chapter to the story of this house. Over 18 meticulous months, every inch of this home has undergone thoughtful transformation. Each material, fixture, and furnishing were chosen with intention, striking a balance between honoring the home’s history and creating a welcoming, modern retreat for our family. Our goal was to create a home filled with warmth, glad tidings and good cheer.

John and Trisha McConkey

of Saint Loius

Macarons, Tarts & Cakes, Éclairs, Napoleon, Croissants, Lavazza Euro Coffees, Organic French Wine, Iced Drinks, Gelato, Fine Chocolates, & More

Reserve our Event Room!!

Seating up to 36!

Old Webster Groves

111 W Lockwood Ave 314-395-6094

“Best Coffee in St Louis!”Our Customers

LeMacaron1StLouis@gmail.com

M-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 9am-9pm lemacaronstlouis

ARTICLE BY KATIE MACKENZIE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“The gift of selfcare is typically last on our list, but it might be one of the most important gifts.”

Give the Gift of Self-Care

How Red Light Therapy Can Recharge Your Mind and Body This Holiday Season.

As a business owner and mother, I often find myself constantly on the move, juggling work and family life demands. The stress can become overwhelming, especially this time of year. I can almost feel my cortisol levels rising, signaling that I need to pay attention to my self-care. The gift of self-care is typically last on our holiday gifts-to-get list, but here’s why it might be one of the most important.

Self-care means giving my mind space to slow down while tending to my body’s needs, which allows me to show up better for everyone else in my life. Since escaping to Sedona for a full spa retreat is not feasible, I’ve discovered that spending time in the Red Light Therapy bed at Woodhouse Spa in Ellisville is unmatched for a total health and wellness reset.

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and tissues. Research has shown the benefits of red light therapy. Physical

health benefits include pain relief, enhanced muscle recovery and performance, promoting collagen production, healing ulcers, burns, and surgical scars, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation in chronic conditions like arthritis and autoimmune disorders.

The researched list of RLT mental health benefits is equally impressive. Improved mood and reduced anxiety, enhanced cognitive function, better sleep, and reduced symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have shown improvement in scientific RLT studies.

The physical and mental health benefits of relaxing in the Red Light Therapy bed at Woodhouse Spa are heightened by its luxurious spaces and services. The Quiet Room, the Salt Room, and even the massage room provide a mood-elevating experience. Personalize your selfcare routine. The most important thing to remember throughout this holiday season is to make your gift list, check it twice, and honor your self-care with something nice.

The Red Light Therapy bed at Woodhouse Spa in Ellisville

Katie Mackenzie in the Quiet Room