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D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

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3380 Lake Bend Dr. Saint Louis, Missouri 63088

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

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

It's the most wonderful time of the year

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

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Sara Minor

"WITH THE KIDS JINGLE BELLING AND EVERYONE TELLING YOU, ‘BE OF GOOD CHEER’ IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR." - George Wyle / Eddie Pola / John Moss There is only ONE version of that song that is worth listening to. Every year, I kick off the Christmas season by playing The Andy Williams Christmas

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tara Hitchcock, Joan Pace, Angela and Alyssa Mangan, Beth Glennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anna Carr, Christy Ridenhour, Gia Zofness, James Patrick, Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate, Kristopher Kimlin, Tor Hawley

Album. If I were hip, I would change that sentence to say, "Every year I listen to the original 1963 version on vinyl." I'm not hip. I just love listing to the sound of Christmas music played on a record player. Few things make me happier than every single memory associated with every single one of my Christmas records. John Denver and the Muppets. The Carpenters - A Christmas Portrait - double album. I bought A Very Special Christmas just for the Keith Hering cover art, but every song on that album is so great. If you ever want to go deep on Christmas music, call me. After Broadway music, Christmas music is my favorite genre.

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

It's happy and hopeful. And void of "humbuggery."

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Wouldn't it be great if we put all of the "humbuggery" banter aside during the

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Christmas season? What if we challenged ourselves to only say kind, positive, cheerful things for 12 days. Is that too ambitious? The 12 days of Christmas would take on a whole new meaning. That's something Miss Piggy could really sing about.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood ON THE COVER Christmas Coco styled by Laura Roussos PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA ROUSSOS 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

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.

Metrotix.com 314-534-1111

Fabulous Holidays at f See a Show This Holiday Season f

f Great Gift Ideas f

January 25 - February 6

December 7 December 17-18

December 9

March 8-10

December 21 - January 2

December 10

December 20

February 15-27

GIVE THE THRILL OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! FABULOUS FOX GIFT CARDS & ORNAMENTS

March 11-13

March 22 - April 3

April 5-9

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 10 Our Tudor Revival Laura and Nico Roussos are the 5th owners of this century old Tudor home.

18 Get Creative in Kirkwood Business partners and lifelong friends Will Klippel and Danny Zofness open DTK Studios in Kirkwood.

22 Sharing the Secret of Christmas Jeff Daniels brings Secret Families to Kirkwood.

30 American Underdog Kurt and Brenda Warner take us

18 10

behind the scenes of their upcoming movie.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Open House

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Giving Back 26 Trend Setter 30 Back Stage

32 Inspired By 34 Our Town

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES

Applause! STAGES St. Louis 2021 Gala The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center was filled with friends and fans of STAGES St. Louis. On Friday, November 5th, the gala included special honorees Nancy and Don Ross and a show-stopping performance from Broadway legend and Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel. Proceeds from the night enable STAGES St. Louis to continue offering innovative programs that transform lives through the power of performing arts.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

T U D O R

OPEN HOUSE

OUR TUDOR R E V IVA L LAURA AND NICO ROUSSOS MOVED INTO THIS HISTORIC TUDOR HOME ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY. “This house was built in 1915 and bought it in 2015,” said Laura. The Roussos talked about what drew them to Kirkwood. “We wanted to live in a community that was oriented around what we like to do,” said Nico. “We like to walk to restaurants and the farmers market. And we like to bike and play tennis. We can do all of that within a few blocks from where we live.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

LAURA AND NICO ROUSSOS ARE THE 5TH OWNERS OF THIS CENTURY OLD TUDOR HOME ON WEST ADAMS IN KIRKWOOD.

“I love the character and charm of old homes,” said Laura. “This house has the original stained glass windows, all the original woodwork, and built-ins. They don’t make houses like this anymore.”

ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTY RIDENHOUR

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

R E V I V A L

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Laura

passionate

about

entertain-

ing, decorating, staging, and styling. Her Instagram account features ideas and inspiLaura said she wanted an old home with a story. “During Christmas, the bay win-

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

ration for sustainable living, gardening, all things vintage, and travel.

dow is my favorite feature of the house. It’s

Laura, Nico, and their two dogs, Mason and

the perfect place for the Christmas tree.

Henry, spend most of their time on the front

I like to think about the 100+ Christmas’

porch. Wave “Hello” next time you walk by or

and holidays families had in that room.”

follow Laura on Instagram at @ourtudorrevival.

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

The Gift of Conversation

ARTICLE BY JOAN PACE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

"E ach person who lives here pursues t heir specific interests. T hey decide wh at t hey want t o learn or experience, who t o spend time wit h, wh at do t hey want t o t ry for t he first time, and so much more bec ause it is all up t o t hem."

SOME GIFTS START WITH

Director of Community Life Services,

A CONVERSATION.

Friendship Village, Sunset Hills. "They can

A gift can present itself as a significant

choose from activities to match their exist-

life-changing opportunity for a loved one

ing or newly realized interests, consider

when the time is right.

options to keep in shape mentally and

Talking with a loved one about how they

physically, become involved in a variety of

want to live the next chapter of their life is a

competitive or individual sports, or travel

gift of peace of mind for them and you.

throughout the community, the region, the

Older adults enjoy new experiences. They

country, and, well, the world!"

want to meet new people, they want to be

"Each person who lives here pursues their

active, and they want to be free of worry. After

specific interests. They decide what they

all, they've spent their lives working and rais-

want to learn or experience, who to spend

ing a family. Perhaps illness or the loss of a

time with, what do they want to try for the

spouse have put thoughts of their future on

first time, and so much more because it is all

hold. Having a conversation about the next

up to them," stated Sarah.

chapter of a loved one's life may be precisely the change they want and perhaps, need.

EVERY DAY CAN BE A BRAND NEW GIFT.

Consider that this may be their time for

"It's their turn," says Terry Walsh, President

change. Now could be the perfect time for

and CEO, Friendship Village Senior Services

carefree living without the stress of home

and Executive Director, Friendship Village,

maintenance. Your loved one may welcome

Sunset Hills. "And at Friendship Village, the

this as a time to pursue unlimited opportu-

world is at their doorstep."

nities for laughing, learning, and living in a

In the right senior living community, the

vibrant community. The gift of new friend-

colors and shapes are endless on new

ships and enjoyable experiences is timeless.

life's canvas.

A GIFT FILLED WITH ACTIVITY

with the gift of conversation.

Your loved one's next stage of life begins AND OPPORTUNITY. "Many families say their loved ones seem so much happier," says Sarah Corbett, CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Get Creative

in Kirkwood BUSINESS PARTNERS AND LIFELONG FRIENDS WILL KLIPPEL AND DANNY ZOFNESS OPEN DTK STUDIOS IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD. ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIA ZOFNESS

“KIRKWOOD IS PRIMED FOR AN ARTS DISTRICT,” SAID WILL.

or digital photography, videography, or pod-

“Our studio has only been open for a minute, and it already feels like

casts, we can help with that. We are set up

a creative community.”

to be a one-stop-shop for people looking to

Business partners and lifelong friends since sixth grade

promote their business.”

at Nipher, Will Klippel and Danny Zofness have opened DTK

Danny added, “We offer photo sessions

Studios in what they hope will become the new Arts District

for families looking for the perfect back-

for Downtown Kirkwood. “Our studio is a space where we can

drop for a Christmas card or annual pho-

actively contribute to the community. DTK Studios offers a fun

tos. There are so many uniquely Kirkwood

and creative experience for both businesses and residents,”

places within walking distance from DTK

stated Danny. “We have designed this studio to be a positive

Studios to get some cool shots. The bene-

place for anyone who walks in.”

fit of having the studio is that we can come

DTK Studios is located at 217 1/2 S Kirkwood Rd, just next to

back here after the shoot and the family

Spencer’s Grill. The big, bright picture window beckons people

can select their favorite photos then leave

walking by to stop in and look around. Will said, “We were working

with their pictures. We want people to walk

in the studio getting ready for our opening when our 7th-grade

away feeling great about our community.”

science teacher, the legendary Wayne Baldwin, walked by, saw

“It’s about raising all boats,” said Will.

the new studio, and popped in to learn more about what we are

“Our goal is to encourage a much more

doing with this space.”

integrated community between the busi-

“We create very high-end, bespoke content,” said Will. “If your business needs a logo or branding, social media management, film

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

nesses in Downtown Kirkwood and the artists that live here.”

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Inspired by Community

locally It’s time to think

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

lifestylepubs.com/advertise

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GIVING BACK

SHARING THE SECRET OF CHRISTMAS

SECRET FAMILIES, A NON-PROFIT STARTED IN MUNCIE, INDIANA EXPANDS TO KIRKWOOD.

Al Holdren (far left), Jeff Daniels (far right) and their wives

"AL HOLDREN HAS NEVER STEPPED FOOT IN KIRKWOOD, MO, BUT HE IS GOING TO CHANGE LIVES HERE," STATED JEFF DANIELS, PRESIDENT OF AUDI KIRKWOOD. Al is the Co-Founder and President of Secret Families, a non-profit organization founded in Muncie, Indiana. Secret Families works directly with local schools to ensure that selected families have a very merry Christmas. Each

Secret

Family

receives

Christmas tree, family Bible, grocery gift card, and presents for the whole family on Christmas morning.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

SECRET

ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SECRET FAMILIES

Incredibly, the entire process of shopping, wrapping,

and delivering the presents to the Secret Families occurs in one day. It is kind of a Christmas miracle that thousands of Secret Family volunteers gather in one

Secret Families volunteers

place at dawn and by the time the stars light up the night sky, lists have been made and checked twice, eyes twinkle with delight, joy and laughter fills the air, heartfelt tears have been shared, and memories that last a lifetime have been made. More than that, people graciously and happily serve others whose names they will never know. "One of the coolest things I experienced is seeing families who were served in the past, now volunteering to serve other families in need," said Jeff.

Secret Families Delivers

Secret Families started in December of 2004 when Al and his wife Chris decided to sacrificially give to one family at Christmas. Today, the organization serves over 400 families across eight cities. "Kirkwood will be the ninth Secret Family city. And there is no one better to launch Secret Families in Kirkwood than Jeff," stated Al. "He is as close to this operation as anyone. And his heart is always ready to serve the community." Jeff Daniels and Al Holdren CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

FAMILIES

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Jeff worked directly with Kirkwood School District leaders Steph Deidrick and Dr. Matthew Bailey to select one Secret Family recipient from each school in the district. Jeff smiled and said, "We will serve nine families for our inaugural year this Christmas.” Jeff commented about his transition to St. Louis three years ago. “The part that hurt the most was leaving Al and Secret Families. I have always said that no matter where I end up, I would bring Al's Secret Family legacy with me." Jeff met Al at a business networking event in 2007. "I was running a car dealership in Muncie, Indiana. I started networking because I wanted to get involved in the community," stated Jeff. "The minute I met Al, I knew that once you were in his orbit, you don't leave. Al is one of the most gregarious and magnetic personalities that I have ever met."

Secret Families Shop Team

Upon learning about Al’s passion to help the community through Secret Families, Jeff jumped at the chance to get his family and his employees involved as volunteers to shop, wrap, and deliver presents. "The first year I was involved with Secret Families, we served 25 families," recalled Jeff. "It was fulfilling and humbling at the same time for everyone who Secret Families Shop Team

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

The Wrapping Team

back to the community. And even better, they can't wait to share this experience with their families and their kids," said Jeff. "When I was in Muncie, the Secret Family event was my family's Christmas. It's everything Christmas is meant to be." Visit secretfamilieskirkwood.org for more information about sponsoring a family or volSecret Families Elves

unteering for the inaugural Secret Family event.

volunteered – especially for our kids. I can't think of a better way for kids who grow up relatively privileged to begin to understand the struggles some of the kids from their school face." "We drove by a house of a family that we served a couple of years ago, and my daughter said, 'I wonder how they are doing.' This is a house we drive by all the time," noted Jeff. "We don't realize how much need there is everywhere around us." While the families' identity are kept completely anonymous, the enormous amount of love poured into each member of the family from the Secret Family volunteers cannot be understated. "My team at Audi Kirkwood is excited to bring this to Kirkwood to give Secret Families Santa

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

TREND SETTER

RECIPES FOR R ADIANT EVERGREENS SETTING UP AND DECORATING AN EVERGREEN TREE HAS BEEN PART OF THE CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR WHAT FEELS LIKE FOREVER. Did you know this tradition began in the mid-1830s? And while a variety of unique elements have adorned evergreens over the years, every family strives for the same result – a radiant Christmas Tree. We’ve got the perfect holiday recipes to create bright, big, and beautiful trees this year. Here are some time-tested tips based on our years of experience:

DESIGNER TIPS + When choosing ornaments and florals, choose ones with different colors, textures, and sizes for interest. + To create a proportionate floral topper, start 2/3rds of the way up the tree so that the top 1/3 of the tree becomes the topper. + When placing floral picks throughout the tree, change the angle of floral picks to match the natural angle of the tree branches. + Divide the tree into quadrants to ensure you’re decorating the tree evenly. + When using ribbon, wired is best. Instead of wrapping the tree with one long ribbon roll, try cutting the ribbon in 1-yard lengths. Take those lengths and place them to look like they are cascading around the tree, tucking the ends deep into the branches. This will give the illusion of the ribbon disap-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTY RIDENHOUR

ARTICLE BY ANGELA AND ALYSSA MANGAN

pearing into the tree.

+ Use large ornaments, floral picks, and ribbons to help hide gaps in the tree. Tuck the ornaments back as far as you can into the tree. + Wrap the ornament string around the tree branches so that the ornament hangs directly below the branch instead of having a large gap. + Add interest by securing a few large decorative items, such as tree arms which can hold votives or taper candles.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

7’ TREE RECIPE + 21 Yards of Ribbon and/or Garland + 55 Floral Picks (20 to be used for a Floral Topper) + 21 Large Ornaments + 42 Medium Ornaments + 70 Small Ornaments

9’ TREE RECIPE + 27 Yards of Ribbon and/or Garland + 69 Floral Picks (24 to be used for a Floral Topper) + 27 Large Ornaments + 54 Medium Ornaments + 90 Small Ornaments

We hope these tips help! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more helpful tips and videos @bluedahliadesigns.mo. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

BACK STAGE ARTICLE BY TARA HITCHCOCK

The wedding scene in the movie. Photo by Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

A M E R IC A N U N DE R D O G

Photo by James Patrick

Zachary Levi and Dennis Quaid on set. Photo by Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

BACK IN THE DAY, WILD E. COYOTE’S WAS A RAUCOUS, SAWDUSTFILLED SPOT IN CEDAR FALLS, IOWA, WITH GARTH BROOKS AND TIM MCGRAW ON ROTATION. It was also where, in 1992, an aspiring football player named Kurt Warner struck up the courage to ask a sassy Marine in red cowboy boots to dance. Thirty years later, that former Marine and her NFL Hall of Fame husband would find themselves on the dance floor again, this time inside a rented whiskey saloon in Oklahoma City that had been transformed

KURT AND BRENDA WARNER TAKE US BEHIND THE SCENES OF THEIR UPCOMING MOVIE AND THEIR LIFE TOGETHER

by Hollywood filmmakers to look like the original. With Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark” playing the background, Brenda surprised Kurt with matching bracelets engraved with the coordinates of the original bar where they met. Debuting Christmas Day, audiences around the world will get to watch stars Zachary Levi and Oscar-winner Anna Paquin recreate that magical first night in a feature film from Lionsgate called American Underdog.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

And, while the movie re-traces Kurt’s incredible rise from

pain and to kind of realizing that, gosh, that was the lowest

supermarket shelf-stocker to Super Bowl champion and MVP,

of low… and then all of a sudden, something else hits you

the film is also a testament to the Warners’ decades-long love

and you think ‘no this is the lowest of low.’ Then you’re 25

story, a tale of never settling, finding the love you deserve, and

years down the road and you think, ‘You know what? This

perseverance through difficult times.

is a reminder that I survived. That I’m a survivor. That I am

Today, the parents of seven (you read that right!), between

who I am today because of making it through that.’ … I think

Kurt’s NFL TV commitments in Los Angeles, Brenda’s weld-

it makes our story relatable because we went through some

ing projects, their relentless commitment to Treasure House in

really tough times... you just hope that people will say, “They

honor of their son Zack (another incredible “underdog” story

weren’t superheroes… they weren’t extra special. They just

you’ll see unfold in the film), they still find time to watch sons

kept going and getting up and doing the best they could.” So

Kade and Elijah play football, hang with their four daughters,

that helps make it worth it having to relive all those moments

enjoy being grandparents, and fit in a few last-minute intense

just hoping someone will be touched by it.

pickleball games with friends. The Warners also found time to reflect on exposing their lives to moviegoers in a project that’s

TARA: I’d love to hear from each of you, what was the most fun

been more than 10 years in the making.

day being on set as you’re watching this film? KURT: Ironically enough, the majority of the time I was on

TARA: It’s one thing to have people all your life say, “This

the set it was football stuff. And as great as those football

would make a great movie” but I’m sure you visualized who

scenes are... it was the stuff away from the football field

would play you guys in a film. Brenda, you’ve joked about

that was the most impactful to me. The day at the bar… that

Denzel playing Kurt [laughs]. I was excited to hear it was

was a lot of fun because it brought back so many different

Zachary Levi. What were your first thoughts?

memories. The day when we did the wedding. Reliving

KURT: I think both of us came at this from different perspec-

those moments at the wedding… thinking back to [our

tives going into it from the casting side. You wonder to your-

kids] Zack and Jesse… how that played out… I think those

self, ‘Is it about getting bigger name people to play us? And

were the two days or the two scenes that impacted me the

will that make it do better at the box office possibly?’ Or, is it

most when I was on set.

better to get people who are less known, kind of like we were

BRENDA: Oh gosh [pauses] that dance scene was special. Our

at the time… the underdog story? I think I wrestled back and

daughter Jada got to be an extra in the dance sequence. And

forth with what would be best. But as you know in the movie

so knowing that we have a 20-year-old daughter who wants

industry now, it seems like you need a big star attached to [a

to be an actress and she got to stand next to the actress that

project] to really get the publicity and get a studio behind it. I

plays her mom in the movie just was kind of extra-special for

don’t watch enough TV for me to know a lot about that stuff

me personally. Just to see her kind of fly a little bit and spread

[Laughs]. So for me, it was about who do we get attached to it

her wings and step into her first motion picture.

and what’s the most advantageous to the story. I think Brenda was on the other side. Knowing so many people from different

TARA: SO… What are you guys doing Christmas Day?

realms… the big stars and then people she watches through

BRENDA: [Laughs.]

other shows. She would mention names and I’m like, ‘I have no idea who that is’ [laughs].

TARA: Will you be in a theater?

BRENDA: I think for me it was more that I had to make a shift

KURT: I do believe we’ll probably be in a theater. It’s not some-

that this movie isn’t how I see myself. It’s how others see me.

thing we’ve ever done on Christmas Day before… although,

I didn’t write it. I didn’t direct it. I didn’t cast it… so just kind

since our movie is scheduled to be released on Christmas,

of releasing that… that this is how other people see me and

we’ve heard a number of people tell us about how that’s what

to trust that. When you find out somebody’s playing you? It’s

they’ve always done… go to the movies.

humbling and weird and exciting. Then when I got to know Anna, it was all worth it.

TARA:

what

your

Christmas

Day

Warner

family tradition? TARA: The movie is called American Underdog, but Brenda,

BRENDA: Oh, for sure we’ll be in matching PJs, eating waf-

your story and some of the parts of your life that are included

fles, fake snow in the front yard, and soaking up every minute

are very personal, and quite frankly, more emotional on many

as a family before he goes to work. Always faith, family, and

levels than Kurt’s story. How hard was it for you to open up?

football. That being said, think we can sneak a family of eleven

BRENDA: It is surreal because, when you see it being

into a theater [laughs]?

played out, you relive it. So, something about your mind and your heart and your soul even goes back there to that

For more information on Treasure House, visit TreasureHouse.org. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

INSPIRED BY

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN THE NATIVITY VILLAGE FROM WORLD-FAMOUS ARTIST FONTANINI WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE TAU CENTER

ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON

A CULTURAL VIEW

O F C H R I S TM A S

DOZENS OF UNIQUE NATIVITY SETS WILL

and around the world. “We want to emphasize that diverse

BE DISPLAYED AT THE TAU CENTER IN

cultures have different ways of expressing the nativity scene,

KIRKWOOD, INCLUDING AN ENTIRE VIL-

from grapevines to match sticks. Our annual nativity display

LAGE FROM THE WORLD-FAMOUS ITALIAN

is one way we can bring the real reason for the season into

ARTIST FONTANINI. “The expansive Fontanini

people’s lives and contribute to the amazing event that hap-

village fills four shelves. The detail and the art-

pened over two thousand years ago.”

istry gives you a sense of what a middle eastern

The display is open Thursday and Friday, December 9th and 10th,

village would have looked like during the time

from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, December

of Jesus’ birth,” said Sr. Connie Probst, Director

11th, and 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. The Tau

of Mission Support for the Franciscan Sisters

Center is located on 335 S. Kirkwood Road behind PNC Bank.

of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The annual display will feature nativity sets from around town

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2021

For more information, contact the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 314-965-3700.