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LIFESTYLE LETTER
MAY 2021 PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
The Women's Issue "THE WORLD IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO WILL GO THEIR WHOLE LIVES AND NOT ACTUALLY LIVE ONE DAY. She did not intend on being one of them." - Leigh Standley. I love this image of a girl on a moped charting her own course, heading down her own road. And I love the quote from Leigh Standley. This picture has been in my office for over 15 years and it reminds me of the women
Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com INTERN
Bridgett Killian AD DESIGNER
Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER
Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Beth Glennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Danny Zofness, Sam Waigand, Trevor Hellman, Gisela Pacheco
featured in this issue. Pioneers. Dreamers. Doers. Women blazing a path. I can't wait for you to read their stories. Let me start by saying that the women on the cover are all fully vaccinated and were comfortable being photographed without their masks on. I admire their unwavering dedication to preserving the train station. They have so much pride in that building and in our community - it's inspiring to be around them as they move forward with the train station renovations. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by the stories of the women featured in this issue as we head into the bright sunny days of summer - full steam ahead.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
Renee Moore, Publisher
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
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
ON THE COVER Historic Kirkwood
SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
Train Station Foundation Board Members: Donna Poe, Zoe Linza, Nancy Luetzow, and Kirkwood City Council liaison Liz Gibbons. Not pictured - Barb Byerly.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS 4
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 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.
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
5
INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021 FEATURES 12 The Little Foundation That Could The Historic Kirkwood Train Station Foundation moves forward toward its goal of raising $4.6 million
18 The Power of Being the Only Woman in the Room Jen Brooks is the 2020 Athletic Director of the Year for the State of Missouri
24 Reflecting on Relationships Meg Schneithorst draws parallels between building relationships within a community and with a bank
18 12
30 Always Smiling Whatever the Weather Meet Angela Hutti - KTVI 2 Meteorologist and Glendale resident
30
24
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Our Town
14
Giving Back
16
Travel Destination
24 Locally Owned 30 Local Limelight 34 Parting Thoughts
Cape Albeon presents
Summer Concert Series Featuring...
Join us for our special concert series, Every Tuesday in June and July Starting June 8th. Please call us at 636-431-2011 or visit our website www.capealbeon.com for more information!
3380 Lake Bend Dr. St. Louis, MO 63088
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Blue Dahlia Designs Celebrates The Women Who Inspire Us Angie and Alyssa Mangan, owners of Blue Dahlia Designs in Webster Groves, celebrated women at their first annual "Women Who Inspire Us" open house. The mother and daughter interior design team are inspired by family. Blue Dahlia Designs is a home away from home atmosphere filled with beautiful and eclectic assortments of home decor, furniture, florals, and gifts.
5.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
1. Kate Money and Lacy | 2. Megan Rebore, Katy Jamboretz, Alyssa Mangan, Rebecca Havrilka | 3. Terry Sibbits | 4. Cecilla, Hadley, Mary Hanson | 5. Melanie Carter | 6. Peg Weathers, Margie Schmitz, Mary Butkus | 7. Heather Gentile and Jessica Lowe | 8. Phyllis Ravensberg and D'Anne Weber | 9. Owners Angie and Alyssa | 10. Blue Dahlia Designs Family | 11. Sisters Cecilla and Hadley | 12. Margie Schmitz and Cindy Roeser
8
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
AROUND TOWN
LOCAL AUTHOR'S MEMOIR IS A CREATIVE TIME CAPSULE
Bring your mom, your aunt, your daughter, or your best friend and take the tour!
Pink Satin Sashes is a delightfully unique memoir designed and written by Debra Larson offering a personal history of styles and fabrics from the 1950s-1970s. Enhanced by photographs and anecdotes, it is a colorful and nostalgic chronicle in sketches, swatches, and paper dolls, and a moving tribute to Debra's mom. But what makes her and this book special is that she kept spiral notebooks containing detailed drawings of what she made, with swatches of the fabrics and trims. The book is perfect for sharing with mothers and daughters. Available at the Webster Groves Bookshop and at The Checkered Cottage in downtown Kirkwood and online at www.larsondesign.net/shop.
SWEETS ON EVERY STREET IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD
ONE BOOK, ONE KIRKWOOD FEATURES BRIT BENNETT'S BOOK "THE MOTHERS"
Here’s the scoop! There are so many sweet
One Book, One Kirkwood is a yearly community
options sprinkled throughout downtown Kirkwood
read. Brit Bennett is the author of the dazzling
that we are serving up a self-guided tour of treats
coming of age novel The Mothers and the National
to celebrate Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 8:
Book Award-nominated novel, The Vanishing
Sweets On Every Street! Frozen custard, dough-
Half. Already a buzzed-about social commenta-
nuts, chocolates, cupcakes, kettle corn, candies,
tor, well-known for her powerful personal essays,
shaved
confections,
Bennett is one of today’s most exciting new voices
restaurant desserts, and more! Look for the map,
in literary fiction. Her essay in Jezebel, following the
more information, and some sweet specials at
Ferguson protests, was shared over a million times.
www.downtownkirkwood.com.
She has been invited to write several Op-Eds in
ice,
gelato,
gluten-free
the New York Times, and appeared on NPR’s The Brian Lehrer Show.
10
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
AMY'S CAKE POP SHOP & BOOZY BITES OPENS IN WEBSTER Owner Amy Gamlin has been making cake pops as a hobby for about 10 years. She decided to turn it into a business a year and a half ago. Fortunately, Amy's cake pop business exploded during Covid. Her new storefront is located on 7961 Big Bend in Webster Groves. Amy offers a variety of cake pops, boozy bites, cake cups, chocolate-covered Oreos, chocolate-covered pretzels, etc. She also carries the infamous hot chocolate bombs in boozy and non-boozy flavors. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11-6 (unless she sells out before 6). AmysCakePopShop.com
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
11
Go OUR TOWN
T THE LI TLE
Go
U T FO N D A I O N TH
Donna Poe, Liz Gibbons, Zoe Linza, Nancy Luetzow 12
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
T A
C
U O L
D
Go
Go
o
o
o
o
M eG
F eG M nd Fu
Go Fund M eG nd Me u F o o
eG M nd u F eG M nd Fu
Go Fund M eG nd Me u F o o
Go Fund M eG nd Me u F o o
J
Fu nd M eG
o
Fu nd M eG Fu nd M eG
o
o
o
Fu nd
Fu nd
M eG
Fu nd Fu nd
UST LIKE THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT KEPT ON CHUG-
GING UP THE HILL, THE HISTORIC KIRKWOOD TRAIN STATION
M eG
oF
M eG M eG
oF
eG M d Fun
eG M un nd dM e Go Fund Me Go Fu
un dM e Go Fund Me G
G Me d n o Fu
FOUNDATION KEEPS MOVING FORWARD TOWARD ITS GOAL OF RAISING $4.6M TO PRESERVE THE BELOVED LANDMARK. The recent award of a $1.5M grant from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments provides a wonderful infusion of energy as the renovation funding gathers steam. Can you hear that whistle blowing? It’s signaling that big changes are coming, and now is the time to hop on board. “People were wondering if we were going to be able to secure
original glazing. But the most notable improvements will be the addi-
the funding needed for the renovation,” said Donna Poe, Executive
tional bathrooms, the expanded event space, a renovated outdoor
Director of Downtown Kirkwood. “Now that we have the grant, we
plaza, new landscaping, and fresh paint.
are really on our way.”
“The Kirkwood Train Station is more than a building,” noted Art.
On board to steer the grant application were the city’s Public
“It’s actually alive. It’s the heart of Downtown Kirkwood. Many com-
Services Department and the Historic Kirkwood Train Station
munities have abandoned their train stations even though they were
Foundation. “It was a great collaboration,” said Art McDonnell,
so essential to the growth of their community. We value the history
President of the Foundation. “The Foundation was able to provide
of our community.”
community perspective and a match of $500,000, so that made the
This historic icon is arguably the most recognizable thing about
grant application very viable.” Since then, that figure is tracking to be
our community. The impact of the train station is undeniable not only
in excess of the $768,367 raised through the generosity of so many
to our residents but to our region.
donors, large and small.
o
nd u F
eG M nd o Fu
un dM e Go Fund Me Go
oF
oF
un dM e Go Fund Me G
o
nd u F
“A donation to the Historic Train Station Foundation is an invest-
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is administered by
ment into the community,” said Donna. “And it’s a wise investment,”
East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The program provides
added Nancy. “People want to be connected to this landmark
federal funding for transportation projects which includes historic
because of the old memories they have and the new memories they
preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities.
can’t wait to make.”
Former Councilmember Nancy Luetzow proudly noted that the
Now is the time to hop on board. We encourage you to partici-
application received the second-highest score. “What raised our
pate in the Historic Kirkwood Train Station Foundation’s Go Fund
score is that it wasn’t just the city submitting the application,” she
Me page (www.gofundme.com/f/historic-kirkwood-train-sta-
said. “The private funding from the Foundation proves the commu-
tion-foundation) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.kirk-
nity support and region-wide love behind the renovation and preser-
woodtrainstationfoundation.org to find multiple ways to make
vation of the train station.”
your donation.
While the original 1893 limestone building is structurally sound, the station needs repairs and renovations. Repairs will be made to the roof and HVAC, and the windows will be refurbished using the
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
13
d un F o
o
nd u F
GIVING BACK L’ARCHE ST. LOUIS IS CELEBRATING ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. CELEBRATE AT THE ANNUAL “BREAKFAST WITH FRIENDS.”
An Inclusive Community Is G ood For Everyone “WE BUILD SMALL COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND DISCOVER THE JOY OF BEING TOGETHER,” PAULA KILCOYNE STATED AS SHE DESCRIBED L’ARCHE. “Inclusive community is good for everyone. Our particular strength is to recognize the value, dignity, and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” anyone interested in learning about our mission and
Marquette University. “I decided to go visit the largest
getting to know our members, to participate in our
L’Arche organization in Toronto, Canada, and ended up
group activities and public celebrations.”
staying there for 25 years.”
Paula noted that L’Arche has extensive and inclusive
Paula moved back home to St. Louis in 2013. A
educational opportunities. “We’ve been invited to host
year later her love for both St. Louis and the mission
our public events around the city. We also offer edu-
of L’Arche were unexpectedly brought together when
cational opportunities in schools. We focus on what
she was offered the opportunity to serve as L’Arche’s
it means to respect someone who is different from us
Executive Director.
and what it means to offer support in a caring way that
L’Arche St. Louis is based in Webster and Maplewood.
retains the dignity of the person receiving support.”
It is one of 19 cities where the movement of L’Arche is
L’Arche offers a model where students can have an
thriving across the States. Founded in 1964 in France,
immersive experience as an intern and even live in one
L’Arche is now in 38 countries on six continents.
of the L’Arche homes. Paula added, “That can be an
“We have residential homes with individualized
amazing summer internship or gap year for a student.”
support so that our fellow citizens with intellectual
L’Arche St. Louis is celebrating its 10th anniversary
disabilities who have complex care needs can live full,
this year. Its annual “Breakfast with Friends” is a focal
meaningful lives.
point for L’Arche’s ongoing fundraising. This year’s event
Our homes are rooted within local neighborhoods.
will feature both live and pre-recorded content happen-
We just want to be seen like everyone else. Our mem-
ing throughout May. The full Breakfast with Friends
bers do their own cooking, cleaning, gardening, and
program will premiere on YouTube on Thursday, May
take care of their own homes with support from a team
27, at 7:30 am. For more information, visit https://www.
of assistants,” said Paula. “At the same time, we invite
larchestlouis.org/breakfast
14
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
ARTICLE BETH GLENNON
ate. She learned about L’Arche while she was attending
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF L'ARCH ST. LOUIS
Paula grew up in Glendale and is a Nerinx Hall gradu-
1.
2.
3.
4. 1. Adam Witzig, Edward Stoller | 2. Rear Olivia Walter, Kira Brandt, Mary Ellen Wojciechowski Front Amy Barmann, Kristina Roselle | 3. Amy Barmann, Jordan Lott, Kira Brandt, Beth Ludwig | 4. Chip Beers, Jim Santen, Jeff Reichelt, Pauline McDonald, Donnie Clinton
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
15
TRAVEL DESTINATION
M OUNTAIN
SHADOWS A BOUTIQUE ESCAPE IN PARADISE (VALLEY) ARTICLE KRISTIN HEGGLI PHOTOGRAPHY MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESORT SCOTTSDALE + DAVE SANSOM PHOTOGRAPHY
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS SET THE BENCHMARK FOR DESERT LUXURY AND DISTINCTIVE DESIGN WHEN IT FIRST OPENED IN 1959. Reopened in 2017, this boutique retreat has been completely re-envisioned from the ground up. Set in the shadow of Camelback Mountain in the town of Paradise Valley, the resort sits just ten minutes from Old Town Scottsdale’s renowned dining, shopping, nightlife, and art galleries. Contemporary design is infused with a dash of 1950s modernism and abundant natural light. Choose from chic resort guestrooms and twostory lofts in the luxurious wing of residences.
Photography Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale Dave Sansom Photography
When it comes to planning your Paradise Valley escape, keep an eye out for the resort’s annual summer sale, taking place May 14 to 20 and offering the best rates of summer. Celebrating something special? Make it memorable by reserving the Sip, Saber & Savor Experience, an immersive culinary experience for two with private events including a Champagne sabering, Spirited Sipping Seminar, and Food for Thought class. Treat yourself to a true boutique experience at Mountain Shadows that’s relaxing yet invigorating. The resort’s iconic views and Paradise Valley location create a true sense of retreat, while the best of the Valley is still easily accessible, from horseback riding to local dining. This sleek getaway is an ideal resting stop for the design-forward, modern traveler. MountainShadows.com 16
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
17
The Power of Being the Only
woman in the room ARTICLE BETH GLENNON
PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR HELLMAN
JEN BROOKS HAS BEEN NAMED THE 2020 ATHLETIC
to Ursuline Academy. It’s about me helping
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR FOR THE STATE OF MISSOURI. The
them find their voice and helping to create
award has been in existence for 47 years. Jen is the second woman
a space for them, making their journey far
to win this award.
easier than it was for me.”
“I work in a male-dominated industry,” stated Jen. “Often, I am the only woman in the room.”
In August of 2017, Jen founded the Global Community of Women in High School
As the athletic director at Ursuline Academy for over 25 years, Jen
Sports, an online leadership organization
described how people judge who she is because of what she does.
that develops, connects, and advances
“I am seen as too feminine and too masculine at the same time,”
women working in high school sports.
explained Jen.
Jen said, “I want to make space for other
Referencing the frequently quoted description about Ginger Rogers (Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but back-
women and the next woman who will sit in this chair after me.”
ward and in high heels), Jen talks about the challenges of being the
Today, Jen speaks passionately and pub-
only woman in the room. “I have the exact same job as my male
licly about challenging the athletic industry
counterparts, but it’s a higher degree of difficulty because of the pre-
to redefine, reimagine and change the nar-
conceived notions about being a woman athletic director.”
rative of what it looks like to be a high school
She explained, “I’ll be honest, I was intimidated. It took me years to
coach or athletic director. However, Jen’s
find my voice. I run the introvert / extrovert line, so speaking up was
message isn’t just about women in sports;
out of my comfort zone.”
it’s about all women who find themselves as
Eventually, Jen knew she had to move from feeling intimidated to feeling empowered.
the only woman in the room. “98% of girls will never play sports again
“Finding my voice wasn’t just about me,” stated Jen. “I needed to
after leaving high school,” said Jen as she
use my voice to speak for those that can’t be in the room or at the
talked about connecting with all the stu-
table.” She went on to explain, “This is also about the women who go
dents at Ursuline - not just the athletes. Jen
18
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
19
THE POWER OF BEING THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM (CONTINUED)
20
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
explained, “I sent an email to all the students saying, ‘If
While there have been many positive changes, there
you are thinking about being a coach or athletic director,
is still a long way to go. Jen’s goal is to make men aware
I’m here to help you. And if you are considering going
of what it looks and feels like to be the only woman in
into a male-dominated profession, I’ve got some tips that
the room.
I would be happy to share.’”
“If you see someone talking over a woman, say some-
The importance of Jen’s message cannot be under-
thing. If someone takes credit for something a woman
stated. “These are real-life lessons,” Jen said. “Have
has done, speak up. Make space for women at the table
confidence. Give yourself permission to be your authen-
both literally and figuratively,” Jen said. “When men invite
tic self, knowing that your authentic self will make mis-
more women to the table, that is a huge step forward.”
takes. And that is ok.” Jen emphatically added, “Never
Jen noted that many men say they are allies for gender
apologize for asking questions, voicing your opinion, or
equality, but their public words and actions don’t play
trusting your instinct. Never allow yourself to be labeled.
out as allies with women. Jen laughed and said, “Men
Stand up for the people and causes you believe in. Stand
will come up to me and say they are a ‘girl dad’ as if to
up for being you. That’s finding your voice.”
show their support for women. But simply being a dad of
“Just because you are the only woman in the room doesn’t mean you have to feel alone,” Jen stated as she
girls doesn’t make you an ally.” Jen’s gender awareness campaign continues as she speaks to new audiences.
described how men can champion their female counter-
As the mentor coordinator for the state of Missouri,
parts. “Men are the missing ingredient when it comes to
Jen works directly with new athletic directors across
gender equality. We need men. Their words have power.
the state. “I didn’t really have a mentor. And it’s neces-
Words are still associated with gender.”
sary. I fumbled around and created my own path, but I CONTINUED >
HER DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY BECAUSE OF THE PRECONCEIVED
NOT
HI G
"I H
AVE THE EXACT SAME JOB AS MY MALE COUNTERPARTS, BUT IT'S A
IONS ABOUT BEING A WOMAN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR."
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
21
THE POWER OF BEING THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM (CONTINUED)
don’t want it to be that hard for the next person.” As the first athletic director at the high school level to be on the coach’s council for WeCOACH, Jen is excited and energized about high school sports’ future culture. “I’ve had women coaches comment that it’s great to hear they are not alone. I’ve had men reach out to me and ask me how they can better coach their female athletes.” As a leader in the industry and a sought-after public speaker, Jen is acutely aware of her responsibility. “I am aware that I’m a walking billboard for the power of being the only woman in the room. I’m a walking billboard for being a high school athletics coach and athletic director. I have to be really conscious of how I present that billboard.” At the core of all of Jen’s roles and responsibilities is her love for Ursuline. “I love this place with my heart and soul. I love the girls. I love the mission of Ursuline.” Jen also loves the fact that her daughter, a 2016 graduate from Ursuline, serves as the school’s volunteer basketball coach. As Jen reflected on being a leader, a mentor, a change agent, and a mom, she commented, “I no longer think of myself as the only woman in the room, but rather the first.”
22
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
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CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
23
LOCALLY OWNED
Reflecting on Relationships ARTICLE BETH GLENNON
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ENTERPRISE BANK & TRUST
24
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
"T he only way t h at coll aboration and high teaming works is when t here are a lot of different voices and opinions around t he t able."
“WE ALL HAVE REFLECTIVE MOMENTS. Every year I ask myself, ‘Is this still the right place for me?’,” said Meg Schneithorst, President of the St. Louis Region at Enterprise Bank & Trust. Meg credits her colleagues and the corporate culture as the biggest reasons she has been with the bank for over 15 years. Enterprise is continually recognized as a top workplace for women. “That recognition is a pride point and a big part of why I’ve been here so long,” noted Meg. “I have always felt like I’ve had the same opportunity as anyone else if I work hard and do a great job. I’ve been able to continue to work on new projects that challenge me and keep me engaged over time.” With two active kids (Christopher plays for the Kirkwood Stars and Catherine attends Dance Center of Kirkwood), Meg and her husband have spent the past year reveling in the relationships that have evolved from being a part of the Kirkwood community. Meg described the parallels with building a relationship with a bank. “It’s really hard to impress on someone David Fischer, CFO at Keeley Companies, Meg Schneithorst, Dan Gould, SVP and Relationship Manager at Enterprise Bank, Rusty Keeley, CEO - Keeley Companies
what it means to have a relationship with a bank until you need the partnership,” Meg said. “You would be surprised how many people don’t know the name of their banker. And sometimes it’s not even a dedicated CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
25
LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED) person - it’s an 800-number.” When the first round of PPP came along, the Enterprise team sprang into action to show what having a relationship with a bank looks like. “We pulled people and resources from every part of the bank. We were driven to connect a local Jim Flynn, CFO at CK Power and Meg
banker with a person or a business owner and give them someone to talk with. We wanted to support people and the community even before we had absolute clarity about the PPP program.” Enterprise is intentional about building relationships. “Our approach has always been very collaborative. It helps us determine a supportive approach and a creative way to provide resources and solutions to our clients,” said Meg. “The bank has been fantastic at finding the best partner, person, and resource to fill the position. It’s very inspiring that there are a lot of women on those lists. We are always ‘high teaming.’ But the only way that collaboration and high teaming works is when there are a lot of different voices and opinions around the table.”
Meg Schneithorst building relationships
26
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
Montessori for Life Rusty Keeley, CEO of Keeley Companies and Meg
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
27
THIS IS WHY I LIVE AT FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE: I didn’t know anybody when I came here, but it’s been so easy to make friends. I love the exercise classes—especially chair yoga. I even started a group of pool players who now meet three times a week! -Mary Alice W., Sunset Hills Resident
Senior Living at Friendship Village means everything you’ll ever need in retirement is covered. Read more of our residents’ stories at FriendshipVillageSTL.com/blog. Then call us to schedule your private tour!
CHESTERFIELD (636) 224-4020 A not-for-profit Life Care community by Friendship Village Senior Services.
28
Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
SUNSET HILLS (314) 669-7071
FriendshipVillageSTL.com
We offer the finest selection of trees and shrubs, perennials, roses, Missouri native plants, annuals, ornamental grasses, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, pottery, garden supplies, and ornaments.
Free Garden Consultations At The Nursery
Exceptional plants unmatched service, and the largest selection of perennials anywhere.
1011 N. Woodlawn • Kirkwood, MO • www.sugarcreekgardens.com • 314-965-3070 CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
29
LOCAL LIMELIGHT MEET ANGELA HUTTI - KTVI 2 METEOROLOGIST AND GLENDALE RESIDENT
ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOX 2 NEWS
A LWAYS S M I L I NG W H AT E V E R T H E W E AT H E R “SOMETIMES PEOPLE THINK WE WALK IN THE BUILDING AND JUST START TALKING ABOUT
THE
WEATHER,”
SAID
KTVI
2
METEOROLOGIST ANGELA HUTTI. “There’s so much preparation that occurs before someone goes live with a weather forecast. We’re constantly working on creating the weather story of the day. We’ll make tweaks up until the time it reaches your backyard.” Angela’s own weather story began as a little girl growing up in North St. Louis County. “I’ve always been fascinated with the weather,” said Angela. She knew she wanted to be a meteorologist. What came as a surprise was the opportunity to begin her career in Anchorage, Alaska. After graduating from Western Illinois University with a degree in Geography/Meteorology, Angela took a trip to Anchorage to visit some friends. “While I was there, I discovered that the local news director was looking for a new meteorologist. She invited me to get in front of the camera to see what I could do.” Not only was it the right place at the right time, but it was also love at first sight in more ways than one. “I loved having the mountains and the ocean in my backyard. I loved running along the water. I learned to cross country ski and fish. I fell in love with Alaska.” Angela also met her husband Glen in Alaska. She laughed and said, “I like to say he’s my permanent souvenir.” During her three years in Anchorage, Angela covered everything from local weather to largescale oil spills to Sarah Palin’s run for Governor. “It seems far away, but there is so much going on. It’s a great place to start a career,” recalled Angela.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
Photo is by Lance Tilford Photography
Dave Murry and Angela
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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)
“But when you are a St. Louis-an, you always want to be a St. Louisian.” Angela returned to St. Louis in 2006 when she learned that KTVI had an opening for a meteorologist. “I spent the summer of 2002 as a college intern at FOX 2,” explained Angela. “Dave Murray was a great mentor. We kept in touch, and he encouraged me to apply for the position.” Angela is thankful to have been able to work with Dave for so long before he retired. This past year Angela and Glen welcomed their new baby girl right before the pandemic began. Angela described how their home in Glendale became “a little bit crowded” as they made their pandemic pivot. “We created a Covid bubble with my parents. I had one computer set up to collect weather data and one computer set to create weather graphics.” Now that Angela is back in the studio, she acknowledges, “As horrible as the pandemic was, it made me aware of what a blessing it was to have that extra baby time.” As Angela gears up for the spring storm season, she smiled and said, “There is a reason it’s called a forecast.”
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PARTING THOUGHTS ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY GISELA PACHECO
Living Lakeside
“WE DO THINGS WHEN WE ARE READY, AND WE ARE READY WHEN WE DO THEM.”
Mary Lou Gunther R eti red - Liv i ng La keside
THAT’S PRECISELY HOW IT WORKED FOR
two lakes. Each independent living cottage
MARY LOU GUNTHER, A RESIDENT AT
backs up to a lake and all of the natural beauty
CAPE ALBEON’S LAKESIDE RETIREMENT
that surrounds the water.”
LIVING COMMUNITY.
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Kirkwood Lifestyle | May 2021
And while the natural beauty drew Mary
While she was uncertain of when she would
Lou in, it is the welcoming community that
be ready, Mary Lou wanted to find an indepen-
blew her away. Mary Lou spends most of her
dent living community while she was still young
time walking her dog along the nature trail
enough to enjoy it. She stated matter-of-factly, “I
and chatting with neighbors. “The people here
wanted to make some new friends before I die.”
are exceptionally nice and gracious. We are a
As a former hospice volunteer, Mary Lou had
small community that really gets to know each
visited other senior living communities. “But
other,” she said. “And I sing the praises of the
none of them really rang my bell,” she said.
administration team, especially during Covid.
A friend recommended visiting Cape
They brought in all kinds of music for the res-
Albeon off Dougherty Ferry road. Mary Lou
idents. I’m a music lover, so to be surrounded
stated, “You’ll never find Cape Albeon if you
by people and music and nature is wonderful.
don’t turn on Lake Bend Drive.” It’s Cape
I don’t know if there is another place like this
Albeon’s secluded natural environment that
in St. Louis. The cottages at Cape Albeon are
immediately appealed to Mary Lou. “There are
a lovely place to live - when you are ready.”