Issuu

M A R C H 2 02 1

Comedian Nikki Glaser MOVES BACK HOME

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Home. I JUST RECEIVED THIS WONDERFUL WORK OF ART. And now, it is the first thing you see when you walk into my home.

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Bridget Killian AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

The first time I saw this painting was exactly one year ago. Last March, I attended a luncheon hosted by The Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce's WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURIAL GROUP -KDC. During that women's luncheon, the members were paired up to connect outside of the

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth Glennon, Ruby Keller, Edie Wheeler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Porter, Molly Higgins, Diana Linsley

group. I was paired with Mary Hanson. Have you ever met someone who, when you meet them, you think, "This person warms my heart?" For me, Mary is one of those people. So, when Mary suggested that we have our one-to-one at her house, I was delighted. I knew she was an artist, and I couldn't wait to see her paintings. Mary's home is filled with her colorful and creative works of art, but this painting stopped me in my tracks. I casually commented to Mary that I loved everything about this piece; the bright colors, the whimsical bike, the happy flower basket, and most of all, the words from Dr. Seuss' book "Oh, The Places You'll Go" painted on the background. I did not mention that I had just purchased two copies of that Dr. Seuss book for my

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

two sons, who were preparing to graduate. Seeing this painting at that moment

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

last year was a bittersweet reminder for me to look on the bright and happy side

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

as our son's move away from home.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

A few weeks ago, I stopped by Mary's home for a quick "Hello." Mary said she had

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

something for me. I walked into her kitchen and she handed me this painting. She said she remembered that I liked this painting and wanted it to go to a good home. I was speechless. Now, Mary's painting is the first thing you see when you walk into my home.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Renee Moore, Publisher

ON THE COVER Kirkwood High School graduate Nikki Glaser

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN PORTER 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 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.

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w w w. s u g a rc re e kg a rd e n s . co m CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 18 At Home with Nikki Glaser A fun conversation with comedian Nikki Glaser and her mom Julie

24 The House that Joe Built Joe and Cindy Roeser talk about building their business for its next generation of leaders

30 A Window into the Past Inside a historic Kirkwood home

34 Live Love Local Learn why Molly Kramper and her family love living local

34 24 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Hometown Hero

30 Open House 34 Trend Setter

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES

Home is where your heart is Home is where you live, laugh, love, create, relax, unwind, and maybe have the occasional Nerf gun or pillow fight all in good family fun. Ask each of these families what they love about their home and every answer will be different. But there is one thing each of these families has in common - they all trusted local real estate agent Teri Nicely to help them find their dream home.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

AROUND TOWN clean eating options are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Katie's favorite Trifecta meal is the shrimp with rice. Go to www.gymguyz/midst-louis-county-mo and click meal services to get 40% off your Trifecta order whether you are a client or not. But honestly, why not?

FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE IS A TOP 10 LENDER When Fairway Independent Mortgage opened its doors in Kirkwood 4 years ago, Mike Swaleh knew he wanted to set the tone that Fairway was going to be a key player in the St. Louis market. With the help of our community, friends, and partners, we have achieved that! Thank you for the support. There are many lenders in Missouri

YOUTH IN ACTION FOOD DRIVE HELPS LOCAL FAMILIES

and we are proud to have cracked the Top 10

Youth In Action hosted a food drive with

in Volume. For more information, contact Mike

Kirkcare. Items were collected, assembled and

at 314-478-3699.

distributed to 100 families in need on January 30th at Glendale Lutheran Church. Thanks to the students at Ursuline and Cor Jesu, Harrison Avenue Baptist Church, Glendale Lutheran Church, Eastern Star, and many others who helped collect over 6,000 food items.

GYMGUYZ PARTNERS WITH TRIFECTA FOODS GymGuyz is known as the personal trainers who bring your workout to you. Owner Katie Mackenzie is excited about GymGuyz's new partnership with Trifecta, the nation's #1 organic meal delivery company. Trifecta brings your meals to you. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, paleo, and

100 THINGS TO DO IN MISSOURI BEFORE YOU DIE John W. Brown, KTVI Fox 2 news anchor and Webster Groves resident, has released a new

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

book that may redefine your bucket list. 100 Things to Do in Missouri Before You Die is a curated collection of the best from every corner of the state. From cosmopolitan rooftop bars to breathtaking mountain views, there are so many things to do in Missouri that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see it all. Get insider tips about where to shop for everything from fine furniture to fine whiskey. Did you know that there are more than 30 distillers of fine spirits across the state? From gin to brandy, Missouri whiskey makers invite you to sample stop in for a sample. The book features seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning a snap. There are suggested itineraries for people who love the outdoors, animals, culture,

food,

history,

sports,

and music. There’s no reason for you or your family to say, “I have nothing to do!” There are literally 100 things to do.

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

HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

Elias Corpas celebrating Kirkwood Des Peres Area Chamber 75th anniversary

CELEB RATING HOME TOWN HEROES

THE KIRKWOOD-DES PERES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES OUR HOMETOWN HEROES AT THE ANNUAL GALA (VIRTUALLY / ONLINE) FRIDAY MARCH 12 AT ANDRE’S WEST.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

photo by Mary Butkus Photography

Elias Corpas THE

KIRKWOOD-DES

PERES

AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. Elias Corpas talked about this year’s Gala event and his new role as Chairman of the Board. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to shape the direction of the Chamber,” said Elias. “This year, we will recognize our amazing community servants and heroes who doubled down and made an impact,” Elias noted. “We invite members and non-members to join us our annual Gala online on March 12. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the good things that came out of 2020.” For more information, visit https://www.kirkwooddesperes.com/ CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

Jon Kuhlmann

When Jon Kuhlmann heard about the second round of restaurant shutdowns, his heart ached for the owners and workers. Jon had seen too many businesses close due to the pandemic. As a third-generation small business owner of Kirkwood Florist, he knew their pain. “I put myself in their shoes,” said Jon. “So, I created a Facebook post that I thought was just going to my friends.” On November 13, Jon posted 51 heartfelt words. Okay, friends. If you bring me a receipt from any locally owned Kirkwood or Des Peres restaurant, I’ll give you a $25 gift certificate to Kirkwood Florist. You have to spend over $50 at said restaurant. Fast food chains no need to apply. Starting today until December 31. Thanks, eat up. The response was more than Jon could have imagined. Leading by example, he remains committed to shopping local and supporting other local businesses. Jon was part of the Jazz program at Webster University and graduated with a music technology degree. While his love for music remains, Jon’s passion, pride, and joy for leading this family business is undeniable. Over the years, Jon has transformed the flower shop by offering a large gift selection and treasures for homes and gardens. Once again, Jon has transformed the shop by becoming a gracious leader and outstanding business partner in our community and our Chamber.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

Businessperson of the Year

Volunteer of the Year “I fell in love with the idea of businesses getting together to help promote each other,” said Margie Schmitz. Margie joined the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce in 1996. She immediately stepped up to volunteer with the Chamber and in the community. And although 2020 was a year like no other, Margie’s commitment to volunteering hasn’t missed a step. She wholeheartedly supports organizations that help children, pets, and Seniors. Over the past 25 years, Margie has volunteered with the Kirkwood School District, PTO, Boy Scouts, library, and Moms of Meacham. This year, her community outreach included volunteering for Shop with a Cop. “My goal is to connect people with outreach resources like KirkCare. I don’t want to deny someone a choice.” Margie pointed out that everyone can make an impact on our community. “An easy first step is just to smile,” she explained. “Put others first. Think about what you can do to show you care.” Margie, a Marketing Representative and Licensed Producer at Hardy Washington Jr. State Farm Insurance described her role model growing up. “Johnnie Mae Partlow was the lovely lady who raised me. She taught me the importance of finding good in people. This award is dedicated to her.”

photo by Natasha McGuire Photography

CONTINUED >

Margie Schmitz CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

Noa Vazq u ez

Early in the pandemic masks were in short supply. Noa Vazquez decided to help by sewing 20 masks for her aunt, an essential healthcare worker. Then requests for more masks came from family and friends. “We received a few hundred orders because everyone needed masks, and they weren’t widely available,” said Noa’s mom Susan. It was Susan who taught Noa to sew at the age of six. Today, 10-yearold Noa has raised over an estimated $20,000 sewing and selling masks through her Facebook page and at select retail stores. “I didn’t want to keep the money,” said Noa. “So, I decided to give the money to local businesses struggling during the pandemic.” Noa’s favorite thing is shopping at local stores and then giving everything away. Her mom explained, “You can’t really walk into a retail store and hand them money. So, we got creative. We would spend the money at a store and then take whatever we bought and dentate that.” Noa has generously donated to the Kirkwood Fire Department, Kirkwood Police Department, and the teachers at Tillman Elementary School. Noa also donated over 1,000 masks to the Jennings School District. Noa’s masks can be purchased at sammysoap, Kind Soap, and on her Facebook page at @MasksbyNoa.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

Citizen of the Year

Montessori for Life

AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

AT HOME WITH NIKKI GLASER

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE EDIE WHEELER AND BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER

A FUN AND FUNNY CONVERSATION WITH COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER AND HER MOM JULIE.

THE CLOSE-KNIT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN E.J., JULIE, AND THEIR DAUGHTER NIKKI GLASER IS EXCEPTIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL. When the pandemic hit last year, the obvious decision for Nikki, a successful comedian living on the East Coast, was to move back home with her parents. “It’s not surprising that I’m back home during a pandemic. I’ve always wanted to be near my parents when the world felt scary,” said Nikki. “I slept on their floor until the 9th grade.” The 36-year-old comedian recalled the events of March 2020. “My parents were with me in L.A. when the pandemic hit. My mom was going on the Kelly Clarkson show with me, and I was also bringing my parents backstage for my appearance on Conan O’Brien. And then everything got canceled.”

CONTINUED >

Nikki learned to play guitar during the pandemic.

Nikki, Julie and E.J. Glaser

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

AT HOME WITH NIKKI GLASER (CONTINUED)

Nikki decided to come back home until the pandemic blew over. “Turns out pandemics don’t blow over,” said Nikki as she reflected on living with her parents in their Des Peres home this past year. “I’m still here. It’s been awesome. I’m here by choice. I want to be with my family.” Julie stated, “There is one thing to be said about the pandemic. We would have never had this opportunity to have Nikki back at home with us. It’s been fun. It’s been a blessing in our eyes.” Nikki was preparing to move to New York City last March. COVID-19 derailed her plan. She signed a year lease on an apartment in New York but never moved in. Ever creative and always unstoppable, Nikki pitched an idea to create a reality show about living back home with her parents. “I love reality shows, and I wanted to have this time in my life documented,” said Nikki. “My family is hilarious. My mom will be golden on camera.” Nikki smiled when she talked about her parents’ appearances on her tv shows, podcasts, and Instagram posts. Julie and E.J. have proudly supported and celebrated Nikki’s passion and dreams since her childhood. “I can never chime in on conversations when other comedians talk about unsupportive parents and how hard family life was,” said Nikki. “That was never my experience.” In fact, E.J.’s personal phone call to Nikki’s middle school drama teacher may have been the catalyst that sparked Nikki’s comedy career. “I signed up to audition for a play in 7th grade, but I was too nervous about going,” explained Nikki. “So, my dad called the drama teacher and said, ‘My daughter is too nervous to audition, but she really wants to do the play.’ I was given the role of an understudy.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

This was a critical turning point because Nikki

But E.J. and Julie kept pushing Nikki to over-

had an insurmountable and debilitating fear of

come her fear of speaking in front of people.

speaking in front of an audience before this audition. When the understudies in that 7th grade play had “I had to give a presentation in 6th grade. I was terrified. I made my presentation glow-in-the-dark

to perform one night, Nikki had no choice but to face the audience.

so I could turn off the lights. I didn’t want anyone

“I used that 7th grade play as exposure therapy

to see my anxiety,” recalled Nikki. Still, there were

to get over my phobia. I did the play, and I realized

clues of her quick wit and comedic timing. In grade

that performing was the best feeling ever,” Nikki

school, a classmate made a horrible comment

said. She continued to perform in plays throughout

about her buckteeth in front of the class. In that

High School. “I didn’t get good roles,” Nikki noted.

moment of pain, Nikki instinctively responded with

“I auditioned for Anne Frank. I really thought I

a funny comeback. Nikki recalled the incident. “He

nailed it. I was ready to dye my hair black, cut it

said, ‘Why don’t you go into the forest and gnaw

short and throw myself into the role. I got cast as

your own pencil, you bucktooth beaver.’” Without

Jewish town girl B.”

skipping a beat, Nikki replied, “I still need lead. You

In her senior year, Nikki was cast as a drunk

can’t write with wood.” Nikki added, “I never wanted

woman. She received laughs from the audience and

to be in front of a group where people could call me

high praise from the director for her comedic timing.

ugly or gross. I never wanted attention.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

AT HOME WITH NIKKI GLASER (CONTINUED)

This sparked the idea that comedy may be a pathway for her. E.J. and Julie were encouraging and supportive as Nikki headed off to college. Nikki tried standup for the first time in her freshman year in college. Nikki said, “One day, my friend saw a flyer on campus that said, Stand Up Showcase. She ripped it down, ran into my dorm room, threw the flyer on my desk, and said, ‘You are doing this.’ I said, ‘Well, I guess no one else is because you stole the flyer.’” Everything clicked when Nikki told her jokes on stage. “My friend held up her phone so my dad could listen to my set,” said Nikki. “When I got off stage, I called my dad. I was crying. I said, ‘I know what I want to do with my life.” Julie and E.J. were thrilled. Julie stated, “When Nikki found comedy, we couldn’t have been more excited for her. She found something she loves to do.” Nikki credits her dad for her artistic endeavor. “I learned my work ethic from him,” Nikki said. E.J. Glaser is an accomplished guitarist and member of the local band Glaze and the Moonkings. Nikki started learning guitar while in quarantine. Julie listens while Nikki performs songs. “She has a captive audience,” smiled Julie. Nikki is known for her authentic, honest, and relatable humor. She explained that the weirdness she felt in middle school became the narrative for her comedy. “I can tell the story about my buckteeth. I can say that I slept on my parents’ floor,” said Nikki. “No one can laugh at me. I’ve already said it. I’m in control of what people think about me.” Nikki is passionate about being authentic and giving young people a voice. “I don’t want anyone to feel weird, or alone, or like an outsider,” said Nikki. “My goal is to be brutally honest all the time. I want to open up my diary and let people in.” Nikki admits, “Everyone has self-esteem issues. We all have things that make us different. Thank God for that. That’s what makes us interesting. I want to normalize that it’s ok to be different. What matters is what type of person

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

Nikki and her roommate Andrew Collin

you are. What you put out in the world. I want to lead by example for girls younger than me, but also women older than me.” “She’s doing a good job,” said Julie proudly. “It was so much easier to become successful because I had parents that believed in me,” said Nikki. “I remember my telling my dad that I might need help until I’m 27. I got my first television show, my first major paycheck, on the eve of my 28th birthday. My goal now is to pay them back and get them into a good nursing home.” Today, as Nikki moves out of her parents’ home and into her own apartment, her comedy continues to evolve. “I’ve convinced my best friend Andrew Collin to move in with me,” said Nikki. Catch a daily dose of Nikki’s life and current events on “The Nikki Glaser Podcast.” Her new iHeart Radio podcast is live Monday through Thursday. It’s just one of many current projects. Stay tuned.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Joe built this church in the 1960's

JOE AND CINDY ROESER TALK ABOUT BUILDING THEIR BUSINESS FOR ITS NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS, BRANDI WARD AND MARK TALLEY

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

THE HOU S E T H AT JOE BU I LT

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER

Brandi and Mark

Joe and Cindy

IN 1977 JOE ROESER PURCHASED A ONE-BED-

managed the business for the first three years and

ROOM,

EVANS

then asked Cindy to join as the bookkeeper. While

AVENUE UNBEKNOWNST TO HIS FIANCÉE CINDY.

Joe worked closely with clients to build their dreams,

(Spoiler Alert: The couple will celebrate their 44th year in

Cindy built the company’s structural foundation. She

that house this October.)

became heavily involved with the HBA and Professional

ONE-BATHROOM

HOUSE

The plan was to live there for five years while the

Women in Building. “It’s been very rewarding to have

young couple remodeled this fixer upper. “I always loved

Cindy involved with the company,” Joe smiled humbly.

working with my hands,” Joe said. “When I was little, I

He recalled people at HBA events saying to him, “Oh,

would build projects out of wooden produce crates.”

you’re Cindy’s husband.” Joe said, “I feel proud of Cindy

One of those childhood projects, a wooden church that

because she has accomplished so much.”

Joe built in the ‘60s, sits proudly on a shelf in his office.

As the company experienced growing pains, Cindy

After high school, Joe became the residential project

had the foresight to join Remodeler’s Advantage, a peer-

manager for a local kitchen and bath contractor. “That’s

to-peer mentoring organization. “It was the most painful

when I fell in love with residential remodeling,” Joe said.

thing we’ve ever been through, but the most rewarding.

As Joe learned the trade, he completed remodeling

We wouldn’t be the company we are today without the

projects on his own house. The expansion of Joe and

support of that organization. Our mentors told us the

Cindy’s family resulted in the expansion of their house.

hard things out of love because they wanted us to suc-

“We added another room every time I got pregnant,”

ceed,” Cindy said.

Cindy said.

The concept of mentoring and wanting someone to

The Roeser’s had three kids (Kim, Brandi, and Trey)

succeed was not new to Joe. Joe describes how their

under the age of five when Joe decided to go into busi-

longest employee, Mark Talley, joined the company. “A

ness for himself. “I supported Joe, but I was scared,”

neighbor called and said they knew an ambitious young

Cindy said. Joe joked that he told Cindy he wouldn’t let

man who needed a job,” Joe said. Mark was hired as an

her starve, but neither could imagine the journey ahead.

apprentice in February of 1995 and soon became a con-

“Because we didn’t have a business background, we

stant frustration for the carpenters he worked under. The

did everything the hard way,” Joe said. He independently

carpenters claimed Mark was useless because he kept CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

THE HOUSE THAT JOE BUILT (CONTINUED)

making mistakes. “They wanted me to fire Mark,”

selections. I said I would love to do that. So that’s how

laughed Joe. But Joe saw something in the nineteen-

I fell into the business,” Brandi said.

year-old. Perhaps Mark reminded Joe of himself at

Today, Brandi joins Mark as the future co-own-

nineteen, or maybe it was Mark’s relentless work

ers of the company. What does the next generation

ethic. “This kid would come in early every workday

look like for Roeser Home Remodeling? “We want

morning. He would bring coffee and doughnuts to

to keep the level of service the same,” Brandi said.

the craftsmen even though he knew how they felt

“I’m like my dad. I love working with clients, going

about him.” Joe lent Mark some tools and taught him

above and beyond.” Mark agrees, saying that, “Joe is

how to work through the challenging projects.

a handshake and ‘you have my word’ kind of guy. We

“When I started out, I didn’t know what I was doing,”

want to keep that.” But at the same time, the new

admitted Mark. “But I showed up for work every day,

leadership team recognized the need to keep up with

and I stayed until the truck was empty. I remember

the industry’s changing technology.

thinking, ‘How am I ever going to be able to do these

“We brought my husband Gordon in to lead the

jobs?’” His nervousness on the jobs earned him the

technical side of the company,” Brandi said. Gordon

nickname “The Cardiac Kid.” But Mark smartly fol-

is a tech-savvy graphic designer who streamlined

lowed the ideology he learned of “stealing with your

the digital communication process and introduced

eyes.” He watched everyone and everything. “Here

3-D drawings to enhance the customer experience.

I am 23 years later, and there is nothing that scares

Brandi said she loves having her husband join her

me,” Mark said. In fact, Mark is honored and enthusi-

at work but acknowledges the struggles of being a

astic about leading the next chapter of Roeser Home

working couple with two young kids. “It’s challeng-

Remodeling as Joe and Cindy prepare to hand their

ing. That’s why I’m grateful I have Mark.”

company over to Mark and their daughter Brandi.

Brandi and Mark have a symbiotic relationship

“It’s hard for Joe to let go of the reigns,” Cindy

perfect for co-leading the company. After 23 years

said. “This company has always been Joe’s dream. It

with the Roesers, Mark has seen it all. Joe pointed

became my dream because it supported our family,

out, “He’s experienced in managing the guys

but it really is hard for Joe.”

in the field and maintaining service quality. Not

As Joe and Cindy were considering their retire-

to mention he’s an expert craftsman. He always

ment, they knew Mark would always have a place in

wanted to be an accountant and work with num-

the company. He had become like a second son to

bers. We got really lucky with Mark.” Was it luck?

them. What came as a surprise was their three kids’

Or was it that Joe took the time to work with Mark

interest in the company as their parents discussed

to develop his potential?

their retirement. Their oldest daughter, Kim, a nurse

Reflecting on what Joe has built over the years,

in South Carolina, said she wasn’t interested in being

it’s easy to see the parallels between his starter

a part of the business, but she wanted it to stay in

house and his close-knit family business - love,

the family. Their son Trey, a talented carpenter with

family, untapped potential, roots, growth and a

solid business skills, expressed interest in being

remarkable legacy.

a part of the company. But his commitment to his

When asked if they are finished adding on to

family in North Carolina prevented him from mov-

their home on Evans Avenue, Cindy laughed and

ing back to St. Louis. Brandi, however, was eager

said, “Oh no. I have a vision for the future. We’ve

to take the company forward. After graduating from

never moved, but our house has changed in many

college with a Fine Arts degree in design, she joined

ways.” Joe and Cindy will live there forever. “We live

the company to develop Roeser’s showroom. “Mom

what we speak,” Cindy said. “If you are a Roeser

and dad wanted someone to shop and help with the

client, you are a client for life.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

Brandi, Cindy, Joe, Mark

Mark and Brandi

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

H O M E

OPEN HOUSE

A WINDOW INTO THE PAST KIRKWOOD FEATURES FOUR HISTORIC DISTRICTS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES: DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD, EAST MONROE, JEFFERSON-ARGONNE, AND NORTH TAYLOR. This home is a part of the Jefferson-Argonne Historic District, roughly defined as both sides of Jefferson Avenue and the north side of Argonne between Taylor Street and Holmes Avenue. The homes in the Jefferson-Argonne District were

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE RUBY KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY DIANA LINSLEY

primarily built from the 1850s through the 1950s. This Queen Anne Victorian house located on 211 East Jefferson was built between 1880 and 1890. The front window showcases the original copper and glass design. The two and a half story home features two sets of pull doors and an open staircase.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE

TOP

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314-478-3699

LENDER

IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI

Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

SHACKSHINE.COM | 1-888-808-7751

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

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TREND SETTER

LI V E LOV E LO C A L IT’S TRICKY TAKING FOUR KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF NINE OUT TO EAT AT A RESTAURANT. But pick up curbside for the family? Molly Bommarito Kramper could do that any day of the week. “I hope curbside sticks around after

MOLLY KRAMPER WON OVER $800 IN GIFT CARDS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS AS PART OF DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD'S #DINEDOWNTOWNKIRKWOOOD PROMOTION.

COVID because it’s been wonderful,” Molly said. Her curbside receipt from P.J.’s Tavern won her family over $800 in gift

Mo ll y

cards from local restaurants as part of Downtown Kirkwood’s

#DineDowntownKirkwoood restaurant promotion. Enjoying

an dB r

am Kr

curbside from local restaurants is just one of Molly’s and her

husband Brad and their four children, Tommy (nine), Grace

(seven), Annie (four), and Danny (two) favorite things about living in Downtown Kirkwood. Here are five more of their favorites.

OLD HOME S

The Kramper’s 109-year-old house is the original house on the property owned by George Doerr. “The home my parents live in on Argonne is also an old house,” noted Molly. “I grew up loving nooks, crannies, and slanted floors.”

S T. P E T E R SCHOOL

Molly's kids are the third generation to attend St. Peter. "My dad went to school there, I went

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

to school there, and now my kids go," said

GREENTREE F E S T I VA L

"The parade goes right by my parent's house. We

Molly. Growing up, Molly loved being able to walk

still stake our spot out in front of my parent's house

to school and church.

and watch the big Schuncks shopping cart go by."

4T H O F J U LY PA R A D E

"I've been doing that since I was a kid. Every year we have to get our picture taken in front of the sign," stated Molly. COVID didn't stop their family tradition. "The kids decorated their bikes and rollerblades, and we got their picture."

Kirkwood Lifestyle | March 2021

T H E C U S TA R D S TAT I O N

As a family, we have spent countless summer evenings enjoying kiddie swirl cones and watching trains. It is definitely a family favorite!

3 3 8 0 L a k e B e n d D r. S t . L o u i s M O, 6 3 0 8 8

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