FITNESS
JUICED WHEELS
SHOPPING
ELLBEE’S GENERAL STORE AND GATHERING SPOT
LIFE + CULTURE
NATIONAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
DECEMBER 2024
Joyful Season
As the holidays approach and the spirit of the season fills the air, we often find ourselves drawn to the magic that made this time feel so special in our childhood. Our family traditions—the scents, sounds, lights, and activities—often echo memories from those early years when everything felt so full of wonder and joy.
I remember how holiday scenes would come alive: store windows decked out in festive displays, model trains chugging through intricately designed towns, carolers filling the streets with song, and the warm, delicious scent of hot cocoa after a day of sledding with friends. These memories embody the season’s enchantment, and my wish is that both children and adults feel that same joyful magic this year.
In this edition, we’ve focused on capturing that holiday magic right here in our cities. From highlighting local shops to make gift-giving more personal to showcasing festive events and ways to give back, our goal is to help you experience all our communities have to offer this season. We also recognize that, while this time of year is joyful for many, it can be challenging for others, especially those coping with loss. In the true spirit of the season, let’s make an extra effort to extend care, kindness and compassion to those who may need it most.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace and a renewed sense of community as we embrace grace, empathy and generosity toward one another.
Wishing you a joyful season,
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery
gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm
kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Schmidt | christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Robin Seaton Jefferson, Mel Boban, Tia Tricamo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gordon Montgomery, Brett Bartrum, Marge Layton
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
“Magic Eraser” Treatment
STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Cheryl is an aesthetic nurse injector and laser specialist with 13 years of experience in the industry. She is part of the creative mind behind Renu Med Spa. Cheryl began her nursing career in 2005 working in the hospital setting, then transitioned to working for a well-known board-certified facial plastic surgeon for 12 years where she learned to perfect her craft in the aesthetic industry. She also trained for two well-known laser companies teaching offices how to utilize laser technology. Cheryl prides herself on creating a personal relationship with clients, getting to know them and understand their aesthetic goals. She is continuously educating herself and immersing herself within the industry to bring you the most up-to-date treatments. Cheryl will work with your lifestyle and budget to get you the most refreshed look, and then teach and assist you in maintaining it.
High
Grandparent
Child
Maintenance
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: 2024 Live Reindeer Christmas at Ellbee’s General Store will be Dec. 19 from 4-7 p.m. 2: Taco Fest has live music, contests, local crafts, food vendors and special kid’s zone. 3: St. Charles Friends supporting Helping Hand-Me-Downs Blackout For Babies Gala at Frontenac Hilton. 4: SSM Health opens new 66,000-square-foot outpatient center in O’Fallon, Missouri, with comprehensive health care services. 5: STL Taco Fest held in St. Charles is premier taco festival in St. Louis area. 6: Hot List guest Sarah and Toby Hayek enjoyed the evening at 360 Westport to celebrate. 7: Enchanted Events guests made the Hot List for 2024 with City Lifestyle event at 360Westport.
8: Hot-Listers Rachel South, Sarah Hayek and Angel Magasano at 360Westport for the Annual Hot-List event. 9: St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer with publisher Gordon Montgomery at 360Westport to celebrate City Lifestyle. 10: Yuppy Puppy team made the 2024 City Lifestyle Hot List Party to celebrate.
Making spirits bright all season.
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Author, Kelley Lamm & Olive the Bulldog
Navigating Parkinson’s Disease: business monthly
A Comprehensive Guide On Enhancing Your Quality Of Life.
By: Dr. Beth Templin
You may be surprised to hear that intense exercise is highly recommended for a progressive disorder such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In fact, research has shown this is the approach that is most beneficial.
Whether exercising in a class, with the guidance of a physical therapist, or on your own, people with PD have some unique needs that must be taken i nto consideration The following guidelines should be focused on and prioritized when designing a PD specific workout:
High Effort Workouts
Complex Movements
Big Movements
Whole Body Exercises
Upright Posture
Intense workouts may sound intimidating for any aging adults, let alone someone with a progressive condition, but intensity is one of the most important factors to see lasting benefits Not only are you fighting back against the normal aging process, but PD as well. Intense exercise allows you to stay active and independent.
If you want to learn more about how to manage the symptoms of PD, we' ve put together this FREE guide to
show how PD specific exercise is truly one of the best things you can do to slow down the progression and manage the symptoms of the disease.
Inside you'll learn:
Primary and secondary symptoms of PD. How exercise manages all of your Parkinson's symptoms.
The most important things to get in your exercise routine.
Top recommendations for managing PD longterm.
AND much more!
T his guide is available to you absolutely FREE of charge! To claim your copy, simply call our office at (314) 939-1377 or visit our website www.housefitstl.com/parkin sons to download the guide directly to your computer If you’re ready to slow down the progression of your PD and continue to live a full life, this guide is for you.
O2B Kids St. Charles (Formerly Bright Start) Opens New Location
Staffers of O2B Kids, which provides care and education for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, opened their newest location at 2041 Bluestone Drive in St. Charles. The location reportedly features state-of-the-art classrooms, secure outdoor play areas and a team of experienced educators. Children can explore, learn and grow through engaging activities and play-based learning experiences. For more information, call 636.306-5319 or visit O2BKids.com
Photography Courtesy of O2B Kids
O'Fallon, St. Charles Join Forces For Law Enforcement Training Center
O’Fallon and St. Charles city representatives approved an intergovernmental partnership agreement for the construction and operation of a $28.5 million state-of-the-art law enforcement training center. Named the Center for Advanced Skills Training in Law Enforcement, it will be located on an 87-acre site located off Highway 79, north of Interstate 70. It reportedly will be completed in several phases spanning multiple years, and also will include K-9 training facilities, with kennels and dog baths.
Senior living at Clarendale of St. Peters is anything but traditional. Why? We encourage and celebrate the independence of residents instead of focusing solely on their limitations. All are welcome to be themselves and make the most out of life.
Discover an integrated environment between independent living and assisted living, where residents share amenities, life-enriching experiences, and many laughs. It’s the perfect balance of freedom and support.
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Photo by Brett Bartrum
One proverb embodies that necessity is the mother of invention. For Brett and Mandy Bartrum, it came in the form of a new business and an as-of-yet untapped market in St. Charles County.
The Bartrums own and operate Juiced Wheels, an e-bike specialty and service shop, in Frenchtown in St. Charles, virtually in the center of the city’s $85 million City Centre Complex project and the Frenchtown Great Streets Plan.
Ironically, they say they started Juiced Wheels when many businesses were failing during the 2020 pandemic. Today, clients come from all over the state, and their business has tripled.
An IT master and a doctor of nursing and infection specialist by trade, Brett and Mandy, respectively, discovered electric biking while living in Colorado. They say they wanted to get healthy and to explore the outdoors. Electric biking helped them with both.
Essentially an electrically power-assisted motorized bicycle, the electric bicycle or “e-bike” can be powered by electricity as well as by pedaling. E-bikes came a long way since Hosea Libbey invented the first one in 1897, helping users enjoy the outdoors while overcoming obstacles such as steep inclines and high physical effort.
E-bikes have many of the same components as regular bicycles, including pedals, chains and gears. But an e-bike also has a battery, motor, computer and most have throttles. “With e-bikes, you don’t have to worry about hills, or headwind, or being too exhausted to make it back home. They allow people to go further than they would otherwise,” he says.
But the Bartrums say they realized the expense of purchasing the bikes and then trying to access affordable support was burdensome.
“We saw a need in the area for a dedicated e-bike shop,” Brett says. “We discovered people don’t want to go into a shop and spend $3,000 on an e-bike, when instead they can buy online for a fraction of the cost and have us support them.”
Photo by Gordon Montgomery
Photo by Brett Bartrum
Photo by Gordon Montgomery
“We
partnered with DTC brands where we can get bikes at better prices online, and at
same time, we are here to support them.”
So Juiced Wheels has become a local support for the directto-consumer market. By partnering with brands that sell directly to customers online, e-bikers can bypass expensive dealerships. “We partnered with DTC brands where we can get bikes at better prices online, and at the same time, we are here to support them.”
With his background in IT, automation, data analytics and cybersecurity, Brett brought technology into every facet of Juiced Wheels.
The company has a full-service department that honors the same deals as online brands. They charge a $150 assembly fee when an e-bike is purchased through Juiced Wheels, which includes a free six-month safety check. They have a mobile van for pickups and deliveries, and do warranty work with more than a dozen e-bike brands. They also sell and rent helmets
equipped with speakers, so riders can communicate on trails. The company also offers BiKeep, as smart bike locking, parking and charging stations, as well as community bike tools and a workstation for free.
The Bartrums named their business Juiced Wheels, because when they started, they intended to sell cold-pressed juice and e-bikes together, a hot combination on the East Coast. With the increase in their e-bike business, they quickly sold off their equipment to Neon Banana in Clayton and B Juiced in Ferguson.
The Bartrums became parents in 2018, and say they're now teaching their daughter, Science Bartrum, everything about biking.
636.373.8135 JuicedWheels.com
ELLBEE’S GENERAL STORE AND GATHERING SPOT
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Expansion
Where does one get the best garlic seasonings, coffees, bubble teas, candies and chocolates in St. Charles County? It’s all at Ellbee’s General Store and Gathering Spot in downtown Wentzville.
Opened in 2016, Ellbee’s General Store offers nostalgia of an old-time merchandise store with a taste of genuine, old-fashioned customer service.
The penny countertop and bottle cap bar display the sentimentality and creativity of Ellbee’s, where shoppers find hundreds of sodas and can do soda shots on Thursdays. Visitors also may enjoy creative lattes, chias, hot chocolates, frappes, 25 flavors of fresh-made ice cream and breakfast sandwiches made with Ellbee's Garlic.
The Ellbee’s name was created using a combination of the first letters of owners Linda and Brent Styer’s names. Ell for Linda and Bee for Brent.
After a lifelong career of salon ownership and working as a stylist, Linda says she laid down her scissors, and Brent, a painter, his paintbrush, and the two created Ellbee's Garlic Seasoning in 1996. They took their recipes around the country in 2008, doing home shows, craft fairs and markets.
The Styers manufacture their garlic and herbs in Truesdale, Missouri. With eight flavors from which to choose, meals go from good to gourmet one teaspoon at a time. That’s why their motto is: Ellbee's Garlic "It is the best buzz your food will ever have!"
The Gathering Spot expansion next door opened in 2023, complete with outdoor seating, an interactive sidewalk that leads visitors to three delightful shops, and Ellbee's Food Truck, with a new menu each day, all prepared with Ellbee's Garlic.
“It really is a dream come true, seeing the beautiful space it’s become,” Linda says. “I love seeing people enjoying it.”
Ellbee’s hosts “Maker's Markets,” wherein local crafters and vendors set up in the Gathering Spot on the third Thursdays of each month, April through November, partnering with local schools for fundraising. Ellbee’s also hosts downtown events with neighboring small businesses. Ellbee’s Plant Swaps, Sip and Savors, Chili and Chowder cookoffs, Ice-cream Socials, Movies on the Wall, Live Reindeer with Santa visits, and Tree Lighting ceremonies are just a few of those events.
Linda says her dad, Mel Plackemeier, was a small-business person, and she often finds herself quoting him. “He always said, ‘The success of small business is new customers coming in every day.’”
Ellbee’s is a true destination location for visitors who fancy stepping back in time.
But what’s in store for the future? Ironically, it’s what Linda and Brent’s grandson, Landon, has on his heart that will shape the future of Ellbee’s.
Landon Steinmann started at Ellbee’s at the age of 4, helping make the garlic. With hairnet and all, he mainly spent his time making extravagant houses out of empty boxes, running product through the heat tunnel and counting finished products for packing orders. He joined the team at Ellbee's General Store when he was 14, and plans to take Ellbee's to another level when he takes over one day.
"I am going to open hundreds of them,” he says.
The Styers and Landon have a five-year plan. “I've always been close with them and love their vision,” Landon says. “I love this place, the people and the environment. I give it my all every day. It’s like my safe space in a weird way. Everybody is always so nice, and I like helping people. It’s always happy here.”
636.887.2737 EllbeesGeneralStore.com
Cheers To 2025
Ideas For A Relaxing New Year’s Eve Celebration
In the rush of the holidays, the last big celebration of the bunch is often left to last-minute plans. New Year's Eve, without longstanding traditions in place, can be tough to plan for or hard to secure a reservation. Restaurants often set prix-fixe menus, or sell tickets for a full evening celebration. Many choose to avoid going out for the safety of driving after midnight. For those who aren't up for a dressy, fancy night out on the town, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate alternatively. Whether someone's year was full of highs or lows, the New Year ahead is always worth celebrating and welcoming. So many new possibilities lie ahead. 2025 is written in the stars. For those lucky enough to live far from light pollution, or have a friend who does, setting up a telescope with a bonfire for an outdoor celestial gathering is a fun and quiet way to ring in the New Year. Look for favorite constellations or zoom in on planets in view. To stay warm, pair a chilly outdoor evening with foods and beverages such as soup or hot chocolate.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
“If not up for a fancy night out, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate alternatively. Whether someone’s year was full of highs or lows, the New Year ahead is always worth celebrating and welcoming.”
If staying warm is more the desired style, a movie marathon will pass the time with entertainment while waiting for midnight. Pop some popcorn, gather favorite candy and let movie selections roll. Movies could be selected by each participant at random or they can follow a New Year's theme. This is a great alternative after really hectic holiday seasons spent with large groups.
Let the games begin! Grab a table full of friends or family members and host a game night in. Games can begin on the hour and rotate to keep everyone from getting bored. Friendly and fun competition always makes for great memories, especially if it's snowing outside.
If New Year's is all about setting goals and ringing in big plans, celebrating while planning for 2025 is the best way to start out positive. Gather magazines for vision board creation or have everyone join with their new journals in tow. Setting concrete goals with clear action plans sets up the year for success and
makes for a productive evening where everyone feels excited for what lies ahead.
New Year's Eve is a long haul! You have plenty of time, so tackling a complicated recipe or baking ahead in bulk is a well suited activity for the evening. From homemade pasta, handstuffed raviolis or pierogi, or even make-ahead meals that freeze easily, an evening in the kitchen is always fun. Invite some extra guests so all hands are on deck and everyone can leave with a gift that keeps on giving. Everyone can all learn together and contribute to optimizing the recipes.
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.org
DECEMBER 2024
St. Louis’s ONLY BLUE DIAMOND +
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 1ST-24TH
Saint Charles
Christmas Traditions | A Christmas Carol
St. Charles Main Street | 12:00 PM
Experience the magic of Noel Traditions, from Legends of Christmas, such as Santa Lucia and Ebenezer Scrooge, to unique displays (Oh Christmas Tree: The Evolution of an Icon) and Holiday Food Hall of Fame, to gift opportunities:. Fridays: 6-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays: noon to 8:30 p.m.; Sundays: noon to 5 p.m.; Christmas Eve Dec. 24: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DECEMBER 1ST
Toasted Chestnut-A Christmas Pop-Up Bar & Winter Light Walk!
5546 Chestnut St, Cottleville, MO | 2:00 pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year & Public School House is back with our most anticipated holiday pop-up.
DECEMBER 6TH
BrrrBASH Palooza Annual Gala Celebration
Ameristar Casino St. Charles | 6:00 PM
Scan for your free consultation today!
Little Black Book serving community since 2012. This is the number one Toys For Tots collection in the entire St. Louis region. Be a part of the legendary "Toy Train" that shifts the toys from "collected" to "donated" status. This collective donation has served 99,000-plus children in the St Louis region, and will support an additional 20,000 children in 2024.
DECEMBER 7TH
14th Annual Santa's North Pole Dash
Frontier Park | 8:30 AM
The Greater St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce members will hold their 14th annual Santa's North Pole Dash as a 5K run and 1-mile walk for all ages. Packet pickups start at 6:30 a.m. and race starts at 8:30 a.m. Email info@StCharlesRegionalChamber.com or call 636.946.0633.
DECEMBER 7TH
St. Charles Symphony Holiday Concert
St. Peters Cultural Arts Center | 2:00 PM
Join St. Charles County Symphony Orchestra members for their annual, 3-hour holiday concert. Tickets are $10 each. For questions or more information about purchasing tickets, email scsymphony@att.net. The concert representatives will not sell tickets at the door due to limited seating. To purchase tickets by mail, send check to St. Charles County Symphony 1272 Edinburgh Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303.
DECEMBER 8TH
New Town Holiday House Tour
3300 Rue Royale St., St. Charles, MO 63301 | 1:00 pm
New Town's Annual Holiday House Tour. This year the tour will be on Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.
DECEMBER 12TH-14TH
Michael Yo *Special Engagement*
St. Charles Funny Bone | 7:30 PM
A two-time Emmy nominee, heard on the Joe Rogan Experience, host of the Michael Yo Show and fresh off his critically acclaimed comedy special Blasian, Michael is a comedian/ actor/host keeping busy in all of Hollywood’s platforms. In stand up, Michael came up under the wings of Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy and now headlines all over the country.
DECEMBER 13TH-15TH & 20TH-22ND
Scrooge: A Christmas
Carol Event
O'Fallon Municipal Centre | 6:00 PM
O'Fallon Theatre Works presents a community adaptation of a holiday classic. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly/bitter old man, despises holiday spirit. However, his life takes a dramatic turn. The ghost of his deceased business partner appears, bound by heavy chains forged from a lifetime of greed. Written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Larry Quiggins, Scrooge is timeless tale of redemption.
DECEMBER 14TH
Breakfast With Santa
Rec-Plex North Food Court | 9:00 AM
Santa will host breakfast for boys and girls ages 2 to 8 years, with a continental breakfast, crafts, Christmas carols and more with Santa and his elves. Every child can pose for photos with Santa as well. Costs: general public adult $11 each and general public child (ages 2 to 8): $16; Rec-Plex Member Adult $9 and Member Child $14
