D E C E M B E R 2 02 0
Merry & Bright
LI F E + C U LTU R E M EE T RI C K D U PL IS SI E , G EN ER AL M ANAG ER O F T H E K I RK WO O D PERFO RM I N G AR T S C EN T ER 2020 H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
SHINE BRIGHT, KIRKWOOD WHAT A GIFT THE KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IS TO OUR COMMUNITY. The performances and events that will take place on both stages, in the two-
Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER
Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beth von Behren, Megan Greco, Samantha Waigand, Fred Ortlip, James Kauffman, Beth Glennon
story lobby, and on the lawn are sure to leave the gift of long-lasting memories
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
for years to come. And while we are eagerly waiting for the safe opening of
Brian Porter, Samantha Waigand, Megan Greco
the center, we can enjoy the massive piece of art anchoring the grand staircase. It’s a gift that glows both day and night and serves as a bright, beautiful reminder of how special our community is. The idea for the piece came from a visionary session with Kirkwood leaders, including Rick Duplissie, GM of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. “We wanted a piece of art that represented the city of Kirkwood; the trees and the train station,” said Rick. “If you look at the piece, you will notice that the main tree branch is actually a map of the railroad that runs through Kirkwood.” The piece was designed by Jacobs and installed by the fabrication company Arktura.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
“Technically, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center is a park,” said Rick.
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
“The artwork serves to bring the exterior of Kirkwood into this community
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
space. We’ve carried the motif throughout the building. Essentially, we’ve created an indoor park.”
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Lit up by 30,000 LED lights behind perforated aluminum panels, this piece of art is a reminder of how bright we can shine when we all come together. This art is an incredible gift to all of us. Shine bright, Kirkwood. Renee Moore, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Rick Duplissie, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center General Manager
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN PORTER 4
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
5
INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020
FEATURES 12 Master of the Arts Meet Rick Duplissie, GM of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
18 Live Local. Shop Local. The exclusive gift guide for everyone on your list
24 Holiday Hearths Marvelous mantle decorations match existing room décor for a creative Christmas flair
32 Gifts for the Wine & Spirit Enthusiast Local wine & entertainment blogger,
12 24
Megan Greco, discusses her favorite holiday gifts
32
18
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Back Stage
18
Local’s Choice
24 Renovate & Refine 30 Inspired By 32 Trend Setter
WWW.TWOBLINDGUYS.COM (314) 698-2090
CALL US
DESIGN SHOWROOM Kerr RD. 1066 Dylan N. BALLAS (867) 379-3820 DES PERES, MO 63131
DESIGNER BANDED SHADES
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87 San Carlos Court  Elyria, OH 44035 TREATMENTS
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
7
GOOD TIMES
Live Local. Shop Local. As the giving season rolls around, we celebrate those who choose to shop in dozens of retail stores throughout Kirkwood and Webster. By shopping local, you will be giving more than one gift this year. Supporting community-owned businesses spreads the joy even further by assuring hope for the livelihood of so many of our friends and neighbors. #ShopLocal
8
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
AROUND TOWN
SCHOOL OF ROCK’S END-OF-SEASON PERFORMANCE
GRAND OPENING OF THE COVE MEMORY CARE HOUSEHOLD
School of Rock Kirkwood will live stream its end-
Cape Albeon continues to celebrate its 20-year
of-season performances on December 11 - 13, Check
tradition of excellent care for seniors and long-term
out their Facebook page @SORKirkwood for more
friendly staff. The new Cove Memory Care Household
details. The students have been performing around
is designed to offer residents and families a beacon
town as they get ready for their end-of-season show.
of hope in caring for dementia and Alzheimer’s res-
Recently, they played an outdoor pop-up show at
idents, including early-onset. The all-inclusive Cove
Gaslight Studios and they also performed a benefit
apartments are centered around a beautiful private
for Kids Rock Cancer. These kids rock.
outdoor oasis, offering a variety of comfortable private apartments with person-centered, individualized, compassionate care. The Cove uniquely provides short term respite stays and overnight stays for relatives. Tours are by appointment to keep everyone safe. Call 636-431-2011.
BEAUTIFUL AND 100% BIODEGRADABLE Abby Lapides, the owner of Sugar Creek Gardens has created a beautiful wreath for Missouri Botanical Garden's annual Holiday Wreath Display and Auction. Each flower is hand-carved from Shola wood, a 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly sustainable product. Abby's wreath will be on display during all Garden Glow evenings from 5:00-10:00 pm through January 2, 2021.
LIBBY’S BLOWTIQUE IS KIRKWOOD’S FIRST BLOWDRY BAR Meet Libby Meskill, Kirkwood native and owner of Libby's Blowtique. Libby's love for fashion, hair, and makeup was the driving force towards
10
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
pursuing her dream of starting her own business. The shop specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and bridal services. The shop’s selection of shower caps and satin pillowcases make your blowout last longer. Stop in to pick up trendy
Montessori for Life
and affordable hair accessories (great gift ideas). The Blowtique is located at 545 W. Woodbine and is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. www.libbysblowtique.com
AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us
at
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.
1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
11
BACK STAGE
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
MASTER OF THE ARTS 12
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
ARTICLE RENEE MOORE
Here’s our conversation with the center’s new boss:
PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ARTS? My dad, Rick Sr., is retired military, and my mom, Liz, is a retired
THE NEW GM RICK DUPLISSIE IS READY TO DELIVER A ‘WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE’.
school nurse. My brother and sister are both in the military. I am the artist of the family. I very much remember how I felt the first time I heard an audience react to strong a performance. It felt like I was in a dream. Whether I’m performing or producing, I have been chasing that dream ever since. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? The lobby. It’s designed for people to connect and share their experience. Here, families and friends can hang around after a performer showcases their work. Patrons can take what they saw on stage and continue that experience in the lobby while enjoying a signature cocktail outside on the balcony or upstairs in the loft. KPAC’s designers have crafted unique seating areas that are picture-perfect for Instagram and Facebook to commemorate their outing. The upstairs lobby feels more like a living room; it says, “come on in, grab a drink, let’s chat.” WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? I see KPAC being a neighborhood hangout, a park with an artistic flair. We intend to have something happening here roughly 300 days a year. A typical Saturday could start with yoga on the west lawn, immediately followed by mimosas, then an afternoon matinee capped off with a concert in the evening, maybe even nightcap drinks on the Sunset Deck. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PATRON EXPERIENCE AT KPAC? Once we get fully staffed, we plan to deliver a world-class experience on stage. I want to create a dynamic venue for patrons in the center both before and after the performance. After that, I want to focus on
INSIDE
THE
KIRKWOOD
SPARKLING
NEW
the outdoor environment adjacent to the center. If we can enhance the
PERFORMING
ARTS
space surrounding KPAC, the patron’s experience will subtlety start
CENTER, THE NEW GENERAL MAN-
before they even hit the parking lot.
AGER OF THE CENTER, RICK DUPLISSIE, IS QUIETLY WAITING FOR PATRONS
DESCRIBE THE EVENT SPACE
TO FILL THE 525 SEAT ROSS FAMILY
We have 5,000 square feet of space ideal for weddings, receptions,
THEATER, THE 125 SEAT STUDIO THE-
holiday parties, galas, and cabarets. KPAC is fully equipped with two
ATER, AND SEVERAL EVENT SPACES.
bars, drink stations, a warming kitchen, and several VIP experience
The coronavirus outbreak prevented an
rooms. Outside, there is over 2,600 hundred square feet of space.
August opening and put a crimp in schedul-
On the event lawn, I’m planning outdoor movie nights, concerts, and
ing that will include film, dance, music, opera,
art festivals. I’d love to utilize the rooftop as an additional outdoor
aerial arts, and children’s programming.
event space. The rooftop is perfect for wedding photos at sunset,
Rick, a native of Waynesville, Missouri,
and perhaps a live band. The future rooftop space should be part of
about two hours west of St. Louis, brings a
the performing arts experience. But we need someone to claim the
wealth of experience in the arts with a focus
rooftop naming right to make that happen. A rooftop lounge would be
on enhancing patron experience while pro-
the perfect capstone. Whose name should be up there? Maybe your
ducing community-centric programming.
readers can give us a lead.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
13
BACK STAGE (CONTINUED) Rick Duplissie has a vision
IS THERE ANYTHING UNIQUE ABOUT THIS THEATER? Because Kirkwood is Tree City USA, I want to commission a tree trunk painted backstage so that it emotionally pairs with the experience of bringing Kirkwood’s outdoor environment inside, similar to our Feature Wall in the main lobby. Each performing artist, designer, and director will have the opportunity to place his or her colored handprint on the tree, forming branches and leaves - I’m thinking vibrant greens, yellows, reds, and oranges. Eventually, we will have a forest backstage. I see this living art as a unique opportunity and leaves a lasting impression of the performance we all had a hand in. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PUT THE ART IN PERFORMING ARTS? You cannot have a Performing Arts Center without art. My vision is to have many pieces of art and some large rotating pieces dotting the facility. We don’t have a marquee here so it would be fun to have five permanent art pieces around the center representing the core arts competencies. Essentially, this is an art gallery for artists to share their work. The lobby loft features a gallery wall and can accommodate hundreds of people. I want people to come and experience world-class art in Kirkwood’s back yard. Rick Duplissie loves to talk about performing art
14
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT MANAGING THE THEATER? I love watching the audience. I love to discover what they think about their entire theater experience. The best time to get that unfiltered feedback is walking with them, incognito, to their cars after the show. I listen with intent as they talk about their experience. I find out how their drink was, if the restrooms’ lines were too long, or if the box office attendant was polite. That type of information is invaluable. FINAL THOUGHTS? Do you know how it feels when you have a large, fun space that you want to share with people? For me, KPAC is like that. Prior to finding KPAC, I was looking for an artistic home where I could host incredible performances and large parties. KPAC is not just my home; it is Kirkwood’s home. There is something ultra-fulfilling about what we do, how we do it, and how we share it with folks. KPAC Grand Lobby
I am loving this ride. I cannot wait for our grand opening.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
15
BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)
W h at s h ows a r e yo u e xc i t e d to B R I N G T O T H E T H E AT E R ? I am excited about our relationship with On the Fly I want to bring the St. Louis Film Festival here and be the Productions, an international flight/wire performance com- extended classroom for the Shakespeare Festival, and I’m pany based in St. Louis. They will be a major part of our eyeing the St Louis Fringe Arts Fest. Outside of St. Louis, grand opening. Currently, the group is using the main stage there is an urban, hip-hop version of The Nutcracker that as a classroom, training youth programs, and program devel- I want to bring in from Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve had a opment for new shows to be performed across the country long-standing relationship with the organization and have and around the world in 2021. I’m very excited to see what watched it grow from concept to multiple, sold-out houses. they can do with our space. Soon, we’ll have STAGES St Louis It is a beautiful rendition of the classic story, and I want to and Kirkwood Theatre Guild and Kirkwood Youth Theatre, too. bring it to this stage.
On the Fly Productions practicing at KPAC 16
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
01 02 03
STAGES St. Louis is thrilled to mark its 35th Anniversary Season with the move into the organization’s new artistic home in the Ross Family Theater at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents theatrical productions for the enjoyment of its members and the community and to stimulate interest in dramatic arts. Kirkwood Youth Theatre prides itself on being a place where young performers can develop their passion and talent for theater in a fun environment.
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13100 Manchester Rd., Suite 65 Des Peres, MO 63131 636.527.3015 CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
17
LOCAL’S CHOICE
Live Local. SHOP LOCAL. Y HOLIDAYS PP HA P
HO
YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I 18
LIDAYS HAP HO PY
Y DA
PY
APPY HOLI DA S H YS
HA
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
ARTICLE JAMES KAUFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER
g i f t s fo r
CHRISTMAS (3) The Minifig Shop
(1) Blue Dahlia Designs
(4) Head to Toe Dancewear
7) Story Seven
(2) Checkered Cottage
(5) O.K. Hatchery Feed & Garden Store
8) Glow Candle Co.
6) Kind Soap Company
9) Neustaedter's Fine Jewelry
1) Blue Dahlia Designs LED snowflake luminarias, $27.75 - $39.50, bluedahliadesigns.net | 2) Checkered Cottage Winter vignette with ornaments, $10.95 - $35.95, Best Tree Ever Candles $24.95, checkeredcottage.com | 3) The Minifig Shop Lego characters and sets, $10 and up, theminifigshop.com | 4) Head to Toe Dancewear Monogram bow, $11.50, bracelet, $7, charms, $6, headtotoedancewear.com | 5) O.K. Hatchery Feed & Garden Store Holiday welcome mat, $19.99 - $23.99, 314-822-0083 | 6) Kind Soap Company Sugar Plums solid sugar scrubs, $12.50, kindsoap.com | 7) Story Seven Santa mug, snowmen marshmallows, peppermint swirl spoons, and more, $8.75 - $15.00, storysevenstl. com | 8) Glow Candle Co. This is what Christmas smells like, $30, glowcandleco.com | 9) Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry All pieces are hand-engraved and completely customized, wowdiamonds.com
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
19
LIVE LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. (CONTINUED)
g i f t s fo r
01 Alpine Shop
HER
2) Nouveau Medspa
3) Finders Keepers 6) Descendant Boutique
4) Lass and Laddie
7) Mod on Trend Boutique
5) Never Enough Boutique
8) James Durbin Jewelry Design
9) Leopard Boutique
1) Alpine Shop Patagonia Radalie Jacket, $159, alpineshop.com | 2) Nouveau Medspa Medical services, massage therapy, IV wellness therapy, aesthetic services, and add-on services, $50 - $500+, nouveaumedspa.com | 3) Finders Keepers Personalization Boutique Camo tunic hoodie, $40, beanie, $20, backpack, $52, 314-966-3044 | 4) Lass and Laddie Blush shag vest, $48, lassandladdie.com | 5) Never Enough Boutique Tie-dye sweats, $54 - $59, neverenoughstl. com | 6) Descendant Boutique Camel sweater, $58, knit hat, $28, brass Mahnal Bangle, $70, milk bath by Butter Love, $18 shopdescendant.com | 7) Mod on Trend Boutique Been There Before sweater cardigan, $69.99, modontrend.com | 8) James Durbin Jewelry Design 14kt white gold diamond eternity ring, $8,250, jamesdurbinjewelry.com | 9) Leopard Boutique Faux fur slippers, $24.50, C.C. Beanie, $24.50, Gold Heart-Shaped Bag, $48.50, leopardboutique.com 20
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
g i f t s fo r
1) Clay and Cotton
HOSTESSES
2) Gus’s Place Pet Store
3) The Novel Neighbor
4) Kirkwood Pop Co.
5) Cornucopia
6) Down By The Station
7) Rusted Chandelier
8) Sammysoap
9) Naturally Inspired Gifts
1) Clay and Cotton Rainbow acrylic drinkware and bowl, $10.00+, clayandcottonkirkwood.com | 2) Gus’s Place Pet Store Puppy owner gift box, $30, 314-961-1201 | 3) The Novel Neighbor Creative cocktail recipe books, $15, thenovelneighbor.com | 4) Kirkwood Pop Co. Custom flavored popcorn, $5 - $10, kirkwoodpopco.com | 5) Cornucopia Christmas Traditions Coffee Vanilla, Cinnamon, Hazelnut, $7.95 – $14.95, cornucopia-kitchen.com | 6) Down By The Station GurglePot Fish Water Pitcher (actually gurgles as you pour), $45, downbythestation.com | 7) Rusted Chandelier Personalized fabric pouches, $40, rustedchandelier.com | 8) Sammysoap Warm Wishes gift pack, $29, sammysoap.com | 9) Naturally Inspired Gifts Custom gift baskets, $25 - $250, anaturallyinspiredgift.com
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
21
LIVE LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. (CONTINUED)
g i f t s fo r
1) Frame Shop of St. Louis
PEOPLE WHO LOVE LOCAL
2) Pedego St. Louis Electric Bikes
3) Massage Envy Sunset Hills
4) Union Studio
5) The Initial Design
7) Grapevine Wine and Spirits
8) Embroider the Occasion
6) Sugar Shack
9) Kirkwood Hardware
1) Frame Shop of St. Louis Kirkwood Train Station custom print by Jim Eyrich, $45, 314-822-8196 | 2) Pedego St. Louis Electric Bikes Rovr Cooler designed to be bear-proof and keeps ice up to 8 days, $369+, pedegoelectricbikes.com | 3) Massage Envy Sunset Hills Massage, facials and skin care gift card, $50 and up, 314-849-5100 | 4) Union Studio Holiday Park Print Set, $35, stlunionstudio.com | 5) The Initial Design Royal Standard fleur-de-lis serving dishes, $20+, and hand towel, $8.50, theinitialdesignstl.com | 6) Sugar Shack Decade Collections Candy 1920 – 1990 (1950 shown), $36, kirkwoodsugarshack. com | 7) Grapevine Wine and Spirits A Taste of Kirkwood Wine Box, $61 for the box or $86 including the Kirkwood cutting board, grapevinewineandspirits.com | 8) Embroider the Occasion Super soft sweatshirt with local coordinates on back, $35, embroidertheoccasion.com | 9) Kirkwood Hardware Weber Kettle in bronze, $165, 314-821-0164 22
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
23
HOLIDAY RENOVATE & REFINE
ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER
HEARTHS Dining Room Hearth
MARVELOUS MANTLE DECORATIONS MATCH EXISTING ROOM DECOR FOR A CREATIVE CHRISTMAS FLAIR.
24
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
HOLIDAY HEARTHS
Tour presented by St. Louis Homes +
Looking for some inspiration to brighten
Lifestyles. Melissa turned to interior decora-
up your hearth for the holidays? These four
tor Patti Porter for ideas and inspiration. “I told
hearths are bursting with creative color.
Patti to come and sprinkle Christmas all over
Homeowner Melissa Haupt says that she
my house,” said Melissa. The award-winning,
typically decorates with the traditional green
four-year-old home designed by Mitchell Wall
and red colors for Christmas. However, this
Architecture and Design and built by R.G.
year her home is one of the four homes on the
Ross features three fireplaces that set the
Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Christmas
stage for a creative Christmas theme.
SOFT AND SNOW Y
Master Bedroom Hearth
STYLE TIP Match your holiday design to existing décor. Icy eucalyptus leaves and snowy stems match the soft color pallet of this master bedroom. White ginger jars nestled into pine stems on top of the armoire add subtle texture around the room.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
25
RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)
Kitchen Hearth
CHRISTMA S CITRUS This see-through fireplace anchors the kitchen on one side and the great room on the other side. The back-to-back mantles have an intentional asymmetrical design; each mantle’s left side is decorated based on the existing theme of the room. However, as you walk from the great room into the kitchen, the mantle décor seems to “wrap” around the entire fireplace. So clever!
26
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
STYLE TIP Both the fireplace mantle and the kitchen pendants are adorned with lemons and oranges wrapped in cedar and eucalyptus leaves to embrace the feeling of happy holiday gatherings around the center island.
STYLE TIP This large room beckoned for a grand hearth design. Giant green baubles draw attention to the hearth that glows with touches of gold. The single navy-blue bauble is a nod to the existing blue and white kitchen
Great Room Hearth
HOME BY THE HEARTH
around the corner.Â
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
27
Searching for the right next step?
WE’VE GOT THIS. Our New State-of-the-Art Assisted Living & Memory Care Community is Now Open in Chesterfield! We have the right fit for any need—from daily assistance, to memory care with a Montessori-Inspired Lifestyle Approach—meaning true peace of mind for you. • 40+ Years’ Experience • Person-Centered Care • Innovative Wellness Programs and Technology • Partnerships with National Assisted Living Research Organizations
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FriendshipVillageSTL.com A not-for-profit Life Care community by Friendship Village Senior Services.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
29
INSPIRED BY
ARTICLE BETH VON BEHREN
A Conversation
George Walker talks with Friendship Village resident
Filled with Care WHEN AND HOW TO TALK ABOUT TRANSITIONING TO A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
30
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
AT SOME POINT, MOST ADULT CHILDREN OF
ADDRESSING CONCERNS
AGING PARENTS FIND THEMSELVES CON-
An aging parent who has been self-sufficient
FRONTING QUESTIONS ABOUT WHEN THEIR
may fear the loss of independence. Seniors may
PARENTS CAN NO LONGER LIVE ALONE AND
think their quality of life is over once they move
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THEIR FAMILY. Delaying
into a community. Or worse, that they are going to
those tough conversations doesn’t shelve the con-
end up using a walker. Quite the opposite is true.
cern felt for aging seniors. And, for family members
Residents are monitored and given the assistance
who are unable to check in on their loved ones fre-
they need to avoid diminished mobility and retain
quently, the worries can mount quickly. The transi-
a strong sense of self. Seniors may also be con-
tion into a senior living community can be a difficult
cerned about leaving behind a lifetime of memories
conversation to have. George Walker, Assisted Living
during this transition. The good news is that seniors
Specialist at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills, sug-
often find they don’t spend much time in their new
gests framing the conversation around care. “Most
apartments because a calendar of activities and
of our residents have been in their homes for many
outings keeps them busy. Communal dining, reg-
years,” Walker said. “Some are a little too proud to
ular activities with others with shared interests or
admit they need assistance. I always share with the
similar backgrounds and everyday conversation
families the peace of mind that comes from knowing
benefit seniors in residential living tremendously.
their loved one is being cared for all day, every day.”
Larger communities like Friendship Village also have libraries, lounges, exercise gyms, swimming
STARTING A CONVERSATION A senior family member may be just one fall away from needing independent living, assisted living or
pools and multiple restaurant options. All compelling reasons for residents to spend more time staying active and interacting with others.
skilled nursing, which is why starting those conversations now is important. But a fall isn’t the only inci-
ASSESSING THE OPTIONS
dent that may trigger a conversation. An aging loved
It’s never too early to seek answers. It is smart
one can display other important signs to indicate
to investigate all the senior living options available
a need to investigate senior living options. Has the
before it becomes a need. Senior living communities
senior family member withdrawn from his or her reg-
differ in their options of care as well as in their costs.
ular activities? Have changes in their weight or eating
For example, Friendship Village is the only Life Care
habits occurred? Are bills unpaid or mail unopened?
community in the area, which means it offers all lev-
Are they uncertain about which medications to take
els of care, from independent living to assisted living
and when? Something like unusual clutter in the
and memory care to skilled nursing, all on one cam-
home or a lack of personal hygiene may cause con-
pus, providing the option of predictable costs for life
cern. “Mom never used to have dirty laundry on the
regardless of the level of care needed. Families have
floor or dishes in the sink,” Walker said. “A change in
multiple things to consider when thinking about
regular behavior is a red flag that families may need
senior living for a loved one, but it all starts with a
to start talking about a transition to senior living.”
conversation centered around care.
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
31
TREND SETTER
G i f ts f o r t h e w i n e & s p i r i t
ENTHUSIAST LOCAL WINE & ENTERTAINMENT BLOGGER, MEGAN GRECO FROM @IFYOUPOURIT DISCUSSES HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR WINE AND SPIRIT LOVERS.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN GRECO
1
Drink Dispatch Blind Wine Tasting Kit
drinkdispatch.com
32
Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
2
Red Head Barrels handmade oak barrel
redheadoakbarrels.com
3 Megan Greco loves this bartending kit from Mixology & Craft mixologyandcraft.com
OAK BARRELS ARE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR
the box, a Blind Tasting 101 Informational Guide
ANY COCKTAIL LOVER! They look adorable sitting
walks even the most novice wine drinker through
on a bar or counter, and you can turn inexpensive
how to use their senses to guess the varietal, the
ordinary spirits like rum, tequila, and bourbon into
vintage, and the region of the wine. To keep the
Top Shelf Liquor for a fraction of the price. Adding
wines a mystery, each bottle included is disguised
your own flavors like bitters and fruit to the aging
and labeled with a number.
process will take cocktails to the next level, making
Bartending kits are easy to come by, but high-qual-
anyone feel like a real mixologist. Red Head Barrels
ity, stylish ones do not seem to pop up all that often.
creates handmade oak barrels that come in a variety
This beautiful rustic bartending kit by Mixology &
of sizes and finishes. In addition to offering a variety
Craft delivers on both superior quality and rustic
of spirits, these barrels can be personalized with
sleek style. Made from stainless steel, these kits are
logos and monograms.
rustproof and leakproof. Every detail on this product
Know any wine enthusiasts? Blind Wine Tasting Kits are the perfect gift. Created for both novice
is well planned; there are even cute quotes hidden throughout that make the kit extra special.
and advanced wine drinkers, these kits are edu-
Megan Greco is a local blogger specializing in
cational and fun. Developed by local St. Louis
wine, spirits, parties, and entertainment. Find other
company, Drink Dispatch, these 3 or 6 pack kits
fun creative ideas and reviews on her Instagram or
come in a variety of price points. Upon opening
Facebook @ifyoupourit. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
33
National Strength, Hometown Service Experience our five star mortgage service Call Mike Swaleh at (314) 478-3699 Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020
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