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TH E TH A N K F U L I S S U E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Thankful for Our Community I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME IN THANKING THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE. Whenever I am asked about Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine, I start by saying, "Let me tell you about my partners."

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Becca Lemcke, Nicole Wonderlic, Brett Murray, Beth Glennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erica Ott, Annie George, Ashley Stanze

On behalf of all of our readers, I want to say thank you to every single business and business owner who advertises, advocates and supports Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine. Our partners, advertisers and advocates have created the opportunity for us to connect with our community in such a unique and inspirational way. If you enjoy the people, places and things we feature each month, I encourage you to reach out to our advertisers to say, “Thanks.” Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine would not be possible with out them. Forever grateful, Renee Moore, Publisher 314-223-7960 Renee.Moore@LifestylePubs.com

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Maverick Ott, #9, and Connor Fox

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA OTT 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

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.

- Drive by - Give Thanks - Eat Pie CALL TO RESERVE the pie of YOUR choice - Apple or Pumpkin 636-431-2011

PICKUP DATE: Tuesday, November 23 rd TIME: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Lake Bend Drive Saint Louis, Missouri 63088 3380

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURES 15 Kirkwood Historical Society celebrates 60 Celebrating history in the house, on the porch and in the community.

18 Connecting with the puck Kirkwood Youth Hockey strengthens character and community.

26 Catching up at the KPAC Mayor Tim Griffin talks history, hockey and what's on the horizon for Kirkwood.

32 26

32 Thanks and Gratitude Two readers share what they are thankful for this year.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

26 Local Limelight 30 Back Stage 32 Parting Thoughts 34 Inspired By

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES

Supporting Community and Creating Connections Enterprise Bank & Trust President and CEO Jim Lally and his team hosted a wonderful Business Owner Networking Night at 9 Mile Garden. Enterprise colleagues and business owners from around St. Louis gathered to enjoy some of the best local food trucks and connect with their peers in St. Louis' only outdoor food truck garden. #TogetherThereIsNoStoppingYou

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

AROUND TOWN

FAIRWAY MORTGAGE TAKES A LEAP OF FAITH TO HELP HOMEBUYERS Fairway Mortgage is taking a leap of faith to try to help homebuyers in the Kirkwood market. Rather than waiting for next year’s Conventional Loan Limit increase (typically announced by the government after Thanksgiving and applied after Jan 1), Fairway is leading the market and making it easier for homebuyers to access up to $625,000. Home price appreciation nationwide took a big leap this year, and this helps buyers stay competitive and not get priced out of the homes they want, especially in the Kirkwood area. For details, email swalehteam@fairwaymc.com.

THE KAUFMAN FUND PROVIDES FREE TREES TO ST. LOUIS VETERANS Thanks to businesses like Enterprise Bank and Trust, The Kaufman Fund has given away 2,500 Christmas Trees to St. Louis Veterans since 2014. The Kaufman Fund's mission is to support Veterans and children at risk of abuse or poverty, needing shelter, clothing, CONTINUED >

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH A LOWER MORTGAGE PAYMENT?

Leanne Pacheco

Community Engagement Manager

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

AROUND TOWN medical care, and basic needs. This year The Kaufman Fund will be giving away 300 Christmas trees to deserving Veterans and their families. To request a tree visit www. thekaufmanfund.org/request-a-tree. You can also send an email to tvf@thekaufmanfund. org. Request forms must be downloaded and completed by November 15, 2012.

BUFF CITY SOAP OPENS IN KIRKWOOD Buff City is a manufacturer and retailer under one roof. Owner Charli Gorman said, "We produce everything right here in the store. Our employees pride themselves that they actually get to make the products that the community gets to use." Buff City's #1 product is the laundry soap. All products are 100% plant-based and available in unscented, pre-scented, or customize your very own scent at Buff City's scent bar. The bright, big, beautiful store is located at 1050 S. Kirkwood Road in front of Target.

WELCOME SPENGA SPIN + STRENGTH + YOGA The Kirkwood - Des Peres Chamber of Commerce celebrated St. Louis' first 12

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

SPENGA location at 11676 Manchester Road in Des Peres. Owners Eric and Donna Moss said, "We are happy to be part of this community." Get your cardio, strength, and flexibility all in one 60 minute workout. Instructors lead a small group through customized interval training; 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength, and 20 minutes of yoga. SPENGA's philosophy is "You vs. You." For more information, visit www.desperesmo.spenga.com or call 314-677-1663.

'TIS THE SEASON FOR WINTER WORKSHOPS Get out your calendars and jot down these dates to join Blue Dahila Designs at 7930 Big Bend Road in Webster Groves. Receive decorating advice and inspiration at The Holiday Open House November 5th - 7th. Grab a friend and reserve your space for the Grapevine Wreath

Workshop

Tuesday,

November 9th, at 6 pm. The cost is $12 for an 18" wreath or $15 for a 26" wreath. The popular Evergreen Wreath Workshop is on Tuesday, November 16th, at 6 pm. The cost is $32 for the swag. Florals, ribbons, bows, and ornaments are purchased on the nights of the events. Private party workshops can be reserved for groups of 6 - 8 people. Shop local this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday on November 26 - 28th. 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. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

OUR TOWN

Benefit concert to support the Mudd's Grove "Porch Project."

Kirkwood Historical Society celebrates 60 THE FRONT PORCH REPRESENTS THE IDEAL COMMUNITY IN AMERICA. It’s a picturesque, quintessential structure that has brought families and neighbors together for generations. The front porches in our community are an iconic design element of both century-old homes and elaborate new construction. On the 60th anniversary of the Kirkwood Historical Society,

Board

Members

Deb

Hill-Jablonski

and Tom Whittaker along with President Gina Jaksetic, gathered to reflect on the past, present, and future of the organization on the breezy and beautiful front porch that wraps around the historic Mudd’s Grove mansion. The beautiful Mudd’s Grove house, which began construction before the Civil War, sits on the corner of West Argonne and South Harrison Avenue and makes an impressive statement about the city of Kirkwood and the value we place on our history. “The front porch is a wonderful focal point,” notes Tom. The open space, the wooden floors, and the rocking chairs Board Member Roy Brown and his wife Nancy with Fletcher and Wyatt Woodard at the annual Home and Garden Tour.

evoke the feeling of a warm welcome to anyone who walks up the steps. “Whether it’s a home tour, a wedding, a concert, or a private event, we want to provide an inviting place for families and friends to gather as an entry point to exploring all that the Society has to offer,” he said.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY KIRKWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“As would be expected for a century-old house, our historic front porch needs repair,” stated Gina. Estimated porch repairs are around $150,000. Since the Kirkwood Historical Society is entirely independent of the City of Kirkwood government, the Society has established a Go Fund Me page for their Porch Project. They are also pursuing grant opportunities. “We need this house to stick around so that the collective past has a strong foundation to build a great future,” she said. “Raising funds for the porch project is just one example of what is required to maintain this historic gem.” What does the future hold for a new front porch? “It serves as the front door to new opportunities,” said Deb. She wants Kirkwood residents to view Mudd’s Grove as their house where they can gather with friends and to celebrate our town’s storied history in fun and creative ways. “I envision hosting cocktail parties on the porch for people before seeing a performance at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Maybe we can even shuttle them down there,” she said with a smile. “Porch concerts are another great way for bringing people together on our beautiful front lawn. There are all sorts of things we can do to make the front porch at Mudd’s Grove come alive as a gathering place. Our goal is to make Mudd’s Grove feel both historic and current.” People move to Kirkwood for many different reasons, but our city’s historic look and feel certainly makes an undeniable impact. Clayton Caringer’s family moved to Kirkwood when he was 10 years old. “In high school, Clayton would spend time in our library looking at old maps, researching his favorite Kirkwood homes, and studying the stories of the families who lived there,” stated Deb. Clayton became Mudd’s Gove’s youngest Docent. Six-year-old Brice Butler is the Society’s youngest donor. “Brice loves Mudd’s Grove,” said Deb. “Instead of presents for his sixth birthday, Brice made a donation box in the shape of a house and collected donations for the front porch.” “Mudd’s Grove is the cornerstone of our organization. It is a repository of artifacts and documents,” said Gina. “But the Kirkwood 16

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

Brice Butler and the box house he built for front porch donations

Kirkwood Historical Society Mudd's Grove House

Historical Society is so much more than that. Mudd’s Grove is a place where families, kids, and people of all ages can feel connected to each other and the community. We want to help foster what history means outside the walls of Mudd’s Grove.” “The Kirkwood Historical Society is not just about looking back,” Tom added. “We are driven by our mission statement; to preserve the history of the Kirkwood area and retain the organization’s relevance to the present and the future. We want to use what we have learned from the past to help inform where we are today and what that means for the future.” Deb commented, “We really do make history every day.” Want to make history and be a part of Kirkwood’s future? Start by taking a private tour of the house. “Tours are by appointment only. That way, your tour is completely personalized regardless of the size of your group,” said Deb. Round up some neighbors, kids included, and attend an event like the upcoming Historic Saint Louis holiday home tour on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. And, of course, we hope you and your family will consider donating to the Porch Project and becoming a member of Kirkwood Historical Society. “The lifestyle we enjoy in Kirkwood today could never have existed without all of the things that happened 150 years ago,” stated Deb Hill-Jablonski. “There are other cities founded around the same time as Kirkwood, but very few of them have retained their charming historic feel.” Kirkwood has a front porch feeling you can’t deny. More can be found on the Kirkwood Historical Society’s website at www.kirkwoodhistoricalsociety.com. Follow them

Facebook

@kirkwoodhistory,

Instagram

@Kirkwoodmohistory, and on Twitter @kwdhissoc CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY ERICA OTT

Connor Robson, Connor Fox, Cayden Fox, Patrick Ravensberg, Maverick Ott, Ryan Gayle

CON N ECTING W ITH THE PUCK 18

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

HOCKEY IS MORE THAN CONNECTING WITH THE PUCK. IT’S ABOUT CONNECTING WITH A COMMUNITY.

“MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR IS THANKSGIVING MORNING BECAUSE I GET TOGETHER WITH ALL THE KIDS I GREW UP PLAYING HOCKEY WITH,” STATED CRAIG HERWEK. “We’re on the ice, but it’s not about the hockey game we’re playing - it’s about that moment of comradery with friends. Forty years later, we are still getting together.” “Hockey is such a unique sport,” notes Craig. “Anyone can try to play soccer or baseball because everyone knows how to run. But not everyone knows how to skate. Many people never consider playing hockey because they don’t know how to skate.” Craig, a lifelong Kirkwood guy, grew up playing in the Kirkwood Youth Hockey Association (KYHA) and now serves as the organization’s president. The KYHA was founded in 1968 by a group of men led by Bill McKenna and is one of the oldest hockey clubs in St. Louis. CONTINUED >

Cayden Fox

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

CONNECTING WITH THE PUCK (CONTINUED)

The organization’s founders, community leaders who volunteer their time and talents, coaches, parents, even a few St. Louis Blues alumni help keep the organization going. “But at the end of the day,” notes Steve Chapman, Executive Vice President, and Chief Revenue Officer at the St. Louis Blues, “You have to give credit to the kids who are out there playing. Without them, there is no youth hockey program.” We asked some of Kirkwood’s youngest players (six-years-old and younger) what they love about playing hockey. Maverick Ott said, “Taking the puck away and scoring goals,” Then he quickly added, “And I like to stop really fast and make the snow go up.” Conner Fox stated that he also liked shooting the puck. Will Ravensberg said his favorite thing about hockey is playing the games. “When you have players out there having fun,” said Craig, “other kids see that, and they want to be a part of it. And that is how our organization grows.” The organization has exploded in growth under the leadership of the past KYHA president Steve Williamson and of former coaching director John Luetkemeyer.

“One

proudest

accomplishments is achieving Model Association status by USA hockey,” said John. “Which means that even if you don’t know anything about hockey, you know your kids are in good hands in this program,” he explained. Craig said his vision for the Kirkwood Youth Hockey program is to maintain the legacy that started in 1968. “It’s not about pushing kids to the next level,” he said. “It’s about having fun.” The program has grown from around 300 players in 2015 to over 700 players on

Connor Fox, Patrick Ravensberg, Ryan Gayle 20

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

Connor Fox, Patrick Ravensberg

the roster this year. Craig said, “If a kid wants to play

coaching team. Those values drive KYHA’s mission

hockey, we’ll do whatever we can to find a spot for

of keeping youth hockey awesome, inspiring a life-

him or her to play.”

long love of the game.

For Craig, hockey is not just a sport - it’s a lifestyle.

Love for the game of hockey has grown with the

“There are life lessons learned in the locker

success of the St. Louis Blues. And while the Blues

room,” Craig stated. “Winning is fun but developing

are celebrated for winning the Stanley Cup, the

young players to become better people when they

Blues celebrate youth hockey.

come out of hockey is much more important.”

“We are a support mechanism and a mega-

KYHA parents and board created seven core

phone for youth hockey,” stated Steve. “Our (St.

coaching values. Developing potential over wins,

Louis Blues) job is to support these organizations

positive coaching over pressure, and creativity over

and to create programs that help get kids on the

conformity are part of the values instilled in the

ice. Some of those kids may go on to play hockey CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

CONNECTING WITH THE PUCK (CONTINUED)

at an advanced level. Most of those kids will develop a love for the game that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.” “We are all stewards of the Blues and of the game of hockey,” said Steve. “Our goal is to ensure that what we are doing today to help build the game, build the Blues and promote St. Louis will live on forever.” St. Louis Blues sponsored youth hockey feeder programs like Little Blues and Try Hockey for Free allow kids ages 4 - 9 to experience hockey for the first time. The Little Blues program includes a complete set of hockey equipment, six on-ice practices, and a graduation ceremony. Since it is highly recommended that kids know how to skate before registering for the Little Blues, the Try Hockey for Free program provides kids everything they need from head to toe to learn the fundamentals of hockey, including skating, stickhandling, and shooting. Upon graduation from the Little Blues, kids that live in KYHA’s designated zip codes -determined by the Missouri Hockey League - are invited to join the KYHA program. KYHA’s Mini Mite and Mite coaching team take it from there. The 6U coaching team of Coach Fox, Coach Bill Ravensberg, Coach Wes Gale, and Coach Joe Vitale understand and, more importantly, are excited about their impact on the kids. Coach Jordan Fox explained, “We are the kids’ first experience with club hockey. Our jobs as coaches are the most important because if kids don’t like it, they are never going to play again.” “This year 120 kids signed up for 6U, and 50

Maverick Ott, Connor Fox

parents volunteered to coach,” said Coach Fox. “A lot of these parents have never played hockey

who all played hockey at a higher level,” said

before. So, they are learning to skate along with

Coach Steve Ott, Assistant Coach for the St.

their kids. They don’t want to sit on the sidelines

Louis Blues. “There are countless coaches and

and watch their kids. They want to enjoy the

volunteers involved in KYHA, but this group of

game with them.”

Mini Mite and Mite coaches are the reason why

We are fortunate as a community to have

the program continues to grow.”

great leaders who want to give back. “We’re

“They set the foundation for a lifelong love

really lucky to have coaches like Jordan Fox,

for the game,” stated Coach Ott. “Since I’m

Bill Ravensburg, Wes Gale, and Joe Vitale,

not at the Kirkwood hockey rink all the time,

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

K I R K WO O D YO U T H H O C K E Y L E A R N T O PL AY 01

Contact Wendy Drochelman by

Little Blues Registration - Little

Try Hockey for Free

email at LTP@kyha.org or visit

Blues Learn to Play presented

Registration - Try Hockey

https://www.kyha.org for

by First Community Credit

for Free presented by

more information

Union starts January 8, 2022.

First Community Credit

https://www.nhl.com/blues/

Union starts January 8th,

community/little-blues

2022. https://www.nhl. com/blues/community/ try-hockey-for-free

CONTINUED >

St. Louis Little Blues

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

CONNECTING WITH THE PUCK (CONTINUED)

I feel good about having these men coach my son, Maverick. I trust these men to teach my son the respect, the talent, and the fun of the game. I know my son is in great hands.” “The thing I love about coaching is the smile on their faces on and off the ice,” said Coach Fox. “It’s so rewarding to watch the kids improve as they are having fun. It’s crazy how fast they progress. We had a player last year named Ezra who could barely walk on the ice, and this year he is out there flying.” “If you have young kids, get them involved,” advises Coach Fox. “As confidence builders teaching maturity and respect, these coaches are outstanding leaders and mentors for your children.” Coach Fox smiled and said, “Our number one goal is that each time the kids leave the rink, they can’t wait to come back.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT Mayor Tim welcomes you to the Kirkwood Performing Center

MAYOR TIM GRIFFIN TALKS HISTORY, HOCKEY AND WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON FOR KIRKWOOD

PHOTOGRAPHY ANNIE GEORGE

WE SAT DOWN WITH MAYOR TIM GRIFFIN IN ONE OF HIS FAVORITE SPOTS IN KIRKWOOD – THE TOP FLOOR OF THE KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. While Mayor Griffin referred to himself as, “a private person who is in the public,” he is clearly passionate about this building and its potential to drive this city forward. It was an honor to sit down with the mayor to talk a little bit about history, hockey and what’s on the horizon for Kirkwood. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT GROWING UP IN KIRKWOOD? In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, downtown Kirkwood was not a thriving district. Looking back, I think what saved downtown was the Target store. Target, and Casey’s Sports right next door, opened in 1977, and gradually downtown became a destination for people from all around the St. Louis area. It didn’t happen overnight, but soon restaurants like Mike Duffy’s, Kirkwood Ice & Fuel, PJs, and

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

C AT C H I N G U P AT T H E K PA C

ARTICLE RENEE MOORE

The Baby Grand at the KPAC

Upstairs at the KPAC

other businesses followed. When Target moved down the road to

to leadership, whether it’s in city government or

Kirkwood Commons in 2000, those businesses helped drive the

business, one of the things I try to do is provide

economic growth of downtown.

perspective. You must create an environment that allows everyone to express their opinion or

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE CITY? I wasn’t involved in city government before I ran for city council.

idea. But then you must bring everything back to what is pertinent.

But as I noticed the city leaders making small changes that helped Kirkwood grow and change, I remember thinking that I wanted to be

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS UNIQUE ABOUT

a part of that growth and the city’s direction.

LIVING IN KIRKWOOD?

In the summer of 1991, I decided that it was time for me to get

People are choosing to live here because they

involved. I ran and lost to someone who is now one of my best

want to be part of the Kirkwood vibe. It’s not

friends. The following year there was a special election to fill Mike

about the houses. Families aren’t moving here

Gibbon’s city council seat. I ran again and won. I was on the city

because they want a big new house. They can

council 19 years before being elected mayor.

buy that same house somewhere else for much less money. Families want to live here because

HOW DID PLAYING HOCKEY HELP YOU PREPARE FOR A

of the people, the neighborhoods, and what

LEADERSHIP ROLE?

Kirkwood offers. The fact that families choose

After playing in high school, I started officiating games. Twenty

to buy new homes here means that they want to

years of calling games taught me how to be objective. I learned to

be active and engaged in our community. And

clear out the noise and focus on the objective reality. When it comes

that’s exactly what we want.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

MY GOAL IS TO KEEP THE TRAIN ROLLING FORWARD TOWARD THE FUTURE. KIRKWOOD HAS CONTINUED TO EVOLVE OVER THE YEARS. AND WE ARE NOT AT THE POINT WHERE IT’S TIME TO STOP.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN

country. It’s amazing to consider all the ways that

THE COMMUNITY?

the Arts will change our community and drive our

I try to encourage people of all backgrounds and

economic development.

ages to contribute to the community, their school or church. Getting involved is the best way to connect

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR KIRKWOOD?

with people, make an impact, and even test out an

At some point, there is going to be significant new

entrepreneurial spirit. We encourage everyone to

development around the Performing Arts Center. We

share their talents and their passions. Our staff con-

want downtown to remain vibrant with more resi-

tinues to find ways to get younger residents involved

dents and more businesses. My goal is to keep the

with the city. Running for a city council seat may be

train rolling forward toward the future. Kirkwood has

daunting for some residents. However, the simple

continued to evolve over the years. And we are not at

opportunity is to find a city council board or commit-

the point where it’s time to stop.

tee that aligns with that person’s passion.

Recently, I read a New York Times business article about Rolling Stone Magazine’s new Editor-In-

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE

Chief. He was talking about the differences between

PASSIONATE ABOUT IS THE KIRKWOOD

Rolling Stone Magazine of old and the way it is today.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. HAVE YOU

He said, “I appreciate the legacy of Rolling Stone as

ALWAYS BEEN AN ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS?

much as anyone. But legacy is not the future.” That’s

The Arts are, in and of themselves, fantastic for

the mindset that I have as mayor. The best way to

people. I became passionate about the Performing

know where you are going is to know where you’ve

Arts Center when I realized how transformational

been. I appreciate our tradition, our history, but I

it could be for our city. I’ve been told that a com-

look to the future. I want to keep Kirkwood at the top

munity-owned Performing Arts Center of this

of the list of municipalities in the area where people

magnitude doesn’t exist in many places around the

want to live.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

Art at the KPAC

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

BACK STAGE ARTICLE BRETT MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY STAGES ST. LOUIS

Meet the New Artistic Director of Stages St. Louis

Gayle S e ay A rtistic Director “I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORK-

Gayle will assume the Artistic Director role in

ING WITH STAGES ST. LOUIS AS AN

January 2022.

ACTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER, ASSOCIATE

“We could not ask for a better person to

DIRECTOR AND/ OR CASTING DIREC-

continue to grow and build upon the out-

TOR SINCE 1996. I am thrilled to now make

standing foundation gifted to us by Michael

my second home, St. Louis, my new home,”

Hamilton,” said Mosbacher Family Executive

Seay said. “I look forward to continuing,

Producer Jack Lane. “We have worked with

diversifying, and growing the legacy left by

Gayle for nearly 25 years and are thrilled to

Michael Hamilton.”

bring her into the STAGES St. Louis family as

As a performer Gayle has worked on

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

our new Artistic Director.”

Broadway, National Tours, Regional Theatres,

In 2022, STAGES will present a dynamic

cruise ships and with Symphony Orchestras

36th Season, which includes the World

across the country. She has appeared in

Premiere pre-Broadway tryout of THE KARATE

commercials, films, television and print. More

KID: THE MUSICAL, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s

recently, she co-owned and operated a cast-

Tony Award Winning Best Musical IN THE

ing office, Wojcik | Seay Casting and has also

HEIGHTS, and Tony Award Winning Best

produced and developed several plays and

Musical A CHORUS LINE. New subscriptions

musicals, and guest teaches at colleges and

go on sale in December 2021 and single tickets

performing arts schools around the country.

go on sale in Spring 2022.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

PARTING THOUGHTS

THA

NKS AND

TWO READERS SHARE WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR

Becca and James Lemcke

Becca Lemcke: “I am forever thankful for the 15 years

skate for him at the Kirkwood rink in 2019. I cherish the

spent with my high school sweetheart, best friend, and

moments we had together every day. I am also thankful for

former husband, James Lemcke. James suddenly passed

all of my family and friends that have supported me along

away in February of 2018. James loved being part of the

the way in navigating life without him. It has been a tough

Kirkwood hockey community. We even held a memorial

road, but I could not do it without their love and support.”

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BECCA LEMCKE / ASHLEY STANZE

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

E D U T I T A R

Wonderlic family

Nicole Wonderlic: “I’m thankful that we moved to St.

definitely feels like the case for us. I’m thankful for the birth

Louis to follow my husband’s passion, and that we found

of my second son, Hayes. I’m also thankful that my oldest

our dream home in a dream neighborhood in Kirkwood

son has taken on the role of big brother like a champ. I

where we could continue to grow and raise our family.

have so much to be thankful for and our hearts are over-

They say to follow your heart and the stars will align - that

whelmed with gratitude.”

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

INSPIRED BY BEN HIGGINS TALKS COFFEE, HOPE & HUMANITY, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THANKFUL

Living a Purposeful Life PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR BEING LEAD #20 IN THE BACHELOR, THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO BEN HIGGINS THAN BEING ONE OF AMERICA’S REALITY TV SWEETHEARTS, SUCH AS HIS DEEP PASSION FOR MAKING MOVES TO “MULTIPLY GOOD IN THE WORLD.” Since his time on The Bachelor, Ben has taken the opportunity to use his fame to create not one, but two inspiring podcasts, publish a successful autobiography, while also elevating awareness of his “for-purpose” Generous Coffee brand. CL: HOW DID GENEROUS COFFEE BEGIN? BH: We launched in January of 2018. When I was 15 years old I went to Central America; our hearts were broken and eyes were opened to the lack of strategy behind non-profit work. My buddy on that trip started a non-profit called Humanity & Hope United Foundation. We ask people within these communities, how can we help? The goal was a partnership to help them increase their education programs, their healthcare, but be led by them. When the show [The Bachelor] happened,

We believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.

our fundraising increased 500%, but we knew that it wasn’t going to last. We asked ourselves

With over 1.2mm Instagram followers, Ben

how we can make this more sustainable and

Higgins is co-founder of @generous_

came up with starting a for-profit business and

coffee_,

calling ourselves “for-purpose.” We donate

host of @hopestillwins, and co-host of

100% of our profits.

@almost_famouspodcast.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | November 2021

author

#AloneinPlainSight,

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