F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E
Geﬕ to Know Ter ...
Teri has called Kirkwood home for nearly 25 years which has given her a very clear advantage when it comes to buying and selling here. This insider edge has earned her a reputation as the “Kirkwood Real Estate Expert” and she takes great pride and personal investment in her hometown, and in knowing market trends. In addition to working with stagers and contractors to ensure homes show well and appeal to buyers, she also employs an expert pricing strategy that helps homes sell quickly and near or over list price. Teri, through years of teaching and practicing yoga, has cultivated a calm and confident demeanor which helps to guide her clients through the stress of buying and selling so they can remain relaxed and make clearer decisions.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Love Local
February 2022 PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Kate Baxendale | kate.baxendale@citylifestyle.com
This may be my favorite issue. I mean, for starters: chocolate. And not just chocolate; chocolate elevated to an art form. I could share so many stories about how much I love chocolate. But, here is my favorite thing about this issue: It’s the second anniversary issue. I launched this magazine in February 2020 with a vision of creating a connected community through storytelling. That’s it. All I had was a hope that people might believe and share my vision. This magazine would not be possible without those people. I dedicate this issue to Tom Murphy, managing partner at Sonus Benefits. He is spark that helped me launch this magazine. There’s a whole story about how that happened, and the headline for that story reads: TOM REALLY DOES FIND SOLUTIONS FOR A HAPPY LIFE. Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine is the culmination of people who LOVE LOCAL. People like Filomena Dean, Vonda Riskovsky, Jennifer Bardot, and the entire Enterprise Bank & Trust team. They are not just a bank; they are incredible partners who care about creating a connected community. People like Jeff Daniels, the president of Audi Kirkwood who serves on the Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and launched Secret Families, a Christmas charity in partnership with the Kirkwood School District. And, of course, all the people who have not only sponsored Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine from the very beginning, but also truly sponsor our community. People like Carol Anderson, Katie Mackenzie, Dr. Allison Winkler, Mike Swaleh, Debbie and Kris Kinsinger, Teri Nicely, Abby and Ann Lapides, Carol DiSanza, Leland Cagle, Bruce Connor, Antione Lawrence, Angie and Alyssa Magan, Dr. Russ Pickett, Donna and Eric Moss, and Cindy and Joe Roeser. These people are not just advertisers; these are people who absolutely LOVE LOCAL. I absolutely love every one of these people. ...almost as much as I love chocolate.
EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR
Christy Ridenhour AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Sara Minor CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Beth Glennon, Kate Baxendale CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Carey Campbell, Anna Carr
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODLIFEST YLEMAGAZINE
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/KIRK WOOD |
Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood City 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 City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2
inside the issue The Local Love Issue
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12
F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
12 Meet the Creators
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
10
Business Monthly
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Local Limelight
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Maker’s Studio
24
Locals Only
26
Giving Back
30
Our Town
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Culinary Creations
34
Events
Five Local People Creating Really Cool Things
16 Délicieux Little Jewels of Chocolate Edible Works of Art
26 Setting a Positive Example
The Kirkwood Optimist Club Serves Kids in Our Community
30 A Pocket Full of Love
Bill Carr Loves Spending Time in Downtown Kirkwood, Cracking Jokes, and Meeting New People.
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Carey Campbell Bijoux Handcrafted Chocolates locally made in Des Peres, MO
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LI FE + C U LT U R E FO O D + B EV ER AG E
LI FE + C U LT U R E LI FE + C U LT U R E
LI FE + C U LT U R E FO O D + B EV E R AG E
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1
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@ELIOTCHAPELNURSERY
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@THEMAGICHOUSE @BRIDGETRKILLIAN
2 @WEBSTERU
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@STAGESSTLOUIS @MERMAIDMOMBOSS
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HONEY BEE'S
1: Bring the kids to Splash and Bubbles, the Magic House's newest exhibit. 2: Kirkwood resident Bridget Killian and her family are thinking about starting a hockey team. 3: The kids at Eliot Chapel Nursery in Kirkwood are rollin' into 2022 ready to play. 4: Broadway's Liz Callaway performed in the Ross Family Theatre at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. 5: Tanna Marie (@mermaidmomboss) is feeling blessed while enjoying Teleo coffee and gooey butter cake. 6: Webster University Chess Team qualifies for “Final Four” President’s Cup 10 years in a row. 7: Coming Soon! Mike and Meredith Shadwick launch Honey Bee's restaurant at Kirkwood Road and Jefferson.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your social media photos with @kirkwoodlifestylemagazine
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C I T Y SC E N E
F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Adoptable Cats at Whisker Station Cat Café and Lounge Owner Sara McGinnis' passion for fostering rescue cats blossomed into Kirkwood’s newest attraction. Partnered with Heartland Humane Society, Whisker Station provides a fun, unique space for guests to lounge with adoptable cats. Guests can enjoy snacks, drinks and a relaxing atmosphere while they play with cats. Not looking to adopt? From story time for kids to Sweet Peace Yoga’s Wednesday cat yoga class, Whisker Station has an event for you and your family!
Whisker Station Cat Café and Lounge
Scan to read more.
A Wee Bit of Ireland Has Arrived in Downtown Kirkwood The Kerry Cottage is a retail store specializing in Irish made or designed clothing, accessories, hats, jewelry, home decor and foods. Whether shopping for yourself or needing a gift for a special someone or occasion, you are sure to find it at The Kerry Cottage. Stop in and say, "Dia duit" to owner Karin Jorgenson and her mom, Diane. Don’t forget St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner.
Scan to read more. Diane Jorgenson pictured
Your Ally in Making Dreams Come True Julie Koenigsfeld, new Sales Manager at Fairway Mortgage, wants to see you in your dream home. Julie is a passionate, experienced Loan Officer with 10+ years of real estate and mortgage experience with a reputation for her work ethic and knowledge of the mortgage industry. As a mom of three, you can find her courtside at her kids’ sporting events or savoring a freshly brewed java at a local coffee shop. Contact her at julie.koenigsfeld@fairwaymc.com.
Scan to read more. Fairway Independent Mortgage - Kirkwood
If you want to be included, send us a message! Visit CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood to get in touch.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
"THEY ARE A BANK THAT IS INTEGRAL IN BRINGING SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS TOGETHER."
MORE THAN A TRAIN. AN ICON REIMAGINED. How tax credits turned a train station into a destination. Bob O’Loughlin had a vision for St. Louis’ Union Station. He was determined to transform the abandoned local landmark into a source of pride for the city. With the help of Enterprise, LHM was able to secure tax credits and funding to make his dream a reality. Now, the one time largest train station in the world has become a hotel, exhibit hall, meeting place and soon to be aquarium.
(314) 965-8686 | enterpisebank.com
Member FDIC
- BOB O'LOUGHLIN, CHAIRMAN & CEO, LHM
MEET
the
C R E AT O R S
ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROVIDED
Five Local People Creating Really Cool Things
ann schulte
CERTIFIED PREMIER COACH WITH FA ST E R WAY T O FAT L O S S Busy moms who want to get their health on track but are feeling overwhelmed by all the things should check out Ann. Ann works with women wanting to improve their health for themselves so they can show up for their kids and family in a meaningful way. Focusing on progress not perfection, Ann emphasizes three important things: 1. Grocery shopping on Friday is vital. 2. The best workout is the one you will do. 3. Go into each week with a refreshed mindset and commit to crushing the week ahead. Follow Ann’s creative, hilarious, zany and inspiring Instagram account, @annbschulte.
TOP-LEFT: Photo by Heidi Drexler TOP-RIGHT: Photo by Heidi Drexler
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
anonymous kirkwood resident OWNER AND FOUNDER OF ST. L OU IS STA RT ER PACK
AUTHOR OF MIK E’S UNFORGET TA BLE ST. L OU IS H ISTORY VOLUM E 1
Starter packs are a bunch of pictures that represent a demographic, social
For most of his adult life, Mike has collected interesting facts and stories
group, or geographical area. “Starter Packs capture the essence of a group
about St. Louis. “I want this book to serve as a quick reference, easy reading
of people,” said the founder of the popular Instagram account. “I honestly
and fun St. Louis history book,” states the Kirkwood resident. The content is
believe that if you can make fun of yourself and acknowledge that these starter
a collage of stories that cover everything from architecture to Zebulon Pike,
packs are stereotypes for a reason, people can come together for a funny and
Missouri’s first steamboat. “The book is filled with strange, serious, silly and
enjoyable experience.” More than 75 different starter packs can be found on
stupefying stories about St. Louis that you won’t be able to forget,” said Mike.
Instagram @stlouisstarterpacks. “My two favorite starter packs are Kirkwood
And, of course, there are plenty of Kirkwood-area snippets to read. Mike’s
Hockey Moms and Only Cross 270 to Go to Cardinal Games,” said the founder,
book can be found at Left Bank Books, Barnes & Noble, on Amazon and online
who has a penchant for humor and a passion for all things STL.
at MikesUnforgettableStLouis.com
mike kleckner
CONTINUED >
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john yacovelli
dave fey
BUILDER OF STL RINK OF DREAMS
PRODUCER AND HOST OF THE PODCAST FRETS WITH DJ FEY
Over the past two years, John and his group of friends who call themselves The
Out of sheer boredom during the lockdown of 2020, Dave started research-
Icemen have been designing the details for building a refrigerated backyard ice
ing interesting guitarists. He posted his favorite findings weekly to his
rink. “We are all dads who love to play hockey with our kids,” said John. Today, John
Facebook page. Fans of Dave’s posts petitioned for a podcast. Dave said, “I
says The Icemen have discovered the secret recipe to build a refrigerated rink in
saw an opportunity to create a podcast that talks to guitarists about their
any backyard. “This particular rink is 25 feet by 50 feet and is built on the tennis
backgrounds, careers, and lives.” Guests include guitarists from around the
court in the backyard of fellow Iceman Matt Garavaglia,” said John. “But I’m capa-
city and across the country. “I was thrilled when Eric Ambel called in from
ble of building up to a 40-by-80 rink on any lawn.” John envisions partnering with
New York. I’ve followed him since he was the first lead guitarist in Joan Jett
the local tennis clubs and city park departments to build refrigerated rinks on the
and the Blackhearts.” Frets with DJ Fey is a podcast for people who are fans
municipal tennis courts during the months of January and February. “We have an
of guitarists and music. “No lessons, no technique info. I just talk to people
incredible opportunity to expand winter sports in St. Louis,” John said. “Families
who play guitar,” stated Dave. “Many of my listeners don’t even play an instru-
with elementary and middle school-aged kids would be able to participate in a
ment.” An accomplished guitar player himself, Dave creates the podcast in
City Park Winter Classic. Fathers and sons could play pickup hockey, and our rinks
his very eclectic man cave, featuring his antique soda bottle collection, band
could be used for open skates and parties.” John is a new home builder and says
posters he’s designed, and albums. “I did not start this to make money, but
the same principles apply when building refrigerated backyard ice rinks. “It all
as it has started to grow and I’m booking more guitarists, I have a few adver-
starts with a level subfloor, some walls and mechanicals,” stated John, who now
tisers, like my friend Peter Cohen, owner of Stringbean Coffee” he said. Of
dreams of building an entirely new winter experience for families—whether it’s in
course, Dave would love to find a sponsor. “Maybe Chicago Music Exchange,
their city park or in their own backyard. To learn more about John’s refrigerated
or Fender or Gibson. Now that would be groovy.”
ice rinks, give him a call at 636-699-0396 or email him at jyacovelli8@gmail.com.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
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D é l i c i e u x Little Jewels of Chocolate EDIBLE WORKS OF ART
ARTICLE BY KATE BAXENDALE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL Meggie Mobley, owner of Bijoux Handcrafted Chocolates, originally thought she wanted to open a bakery because she always liked baking as a child. However, her experience at Veruca Chocolates—as well as her education at The French Pastry School, both located in Chicago—led her down a different path. Meggie attended Mizzou originally for a computer science degree, but soon switched over to hospitality management. After college, she entered a 24-week pastry program at The French Pastry School in Chicago, which included a variety of modules focused on different skills such as bread baking, cake decorating, chocolate sculpting and more.
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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
Students are required to stage (intern) during their coursework, so for six months, Meggie worked at Veruca Chocolates, which is known for its handpainted chocolates. “I walked in and was like, ‘I’ve never seen this before!’” Meggie says. “I hadn’t even done the module for chocolate at school yet, but the more I was at Veruca, the more I thought, ‘This is kind of interesting,’” Meggie says. “It’s such a cool combination of being very artistic and creative but also being very science-forward. Making chocolate does have a very heavy chemistry component.” After completing the chocolate module in school, Meggie discovered Rick Jordan Chocolatier in Chesterfield, which has since permanently closed. He was the only chocolatier making handpainted chocolates in the St. Louis area.
Meggie worked with Rick Jordan for about two years, where she continued to hone her craft. Meggie wasn’t even thinking about owing her own business when Rick decided to close the shop and retire. Meggie was at a crossroads because she was only beginning her career in chocolate. “This is really where I want to be, and it’s [handpainted chocolates] not offered in St. Louis,” says Meggie. So she decided to start offering smallbatch hand-painted chocolates on her own. Meggie kickstarted her business in a 150-squarefoot room in the basement of her home that she shared with her now-husband and began selling her chocolates at the Lake St. Louis Farmers and Artists Market. “It has been very fruitful. I go back to the Lake St. Louis Farmers Market every year,” Meggie says. “It kind of exploded way faster than I ever thought it would.” CONTINUED >
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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
CONTINUED >
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As she continued to grow her brand at the farmers market and various pop-up events, Meggie realized she was ready to open a brick-and-mortar store. She discovered a space in Des Peres—a chic 750-square-foot storefront—and opened in July 2020. The bonbons take about two days from start to finish. The process for the bonbons is as follows: polish the mold; paint the mold; fill the mold with chocolate; make the shell; fill it with filling, which crystallizes overnight; cap them off and pop them out. Seems simple enough, right? “I wish I could tell you there was more thought to it. It’s very trial-and-error,” Meggie says of her craft. “It depends on what I think looks good and what I have on hand.” “Chocolate is extremely temperamental with the exact temperature and the exact crystal structure. And I have to know for each recipe how much water is in every single ingredient. … It’s very specific, which appeals to my very analytical mind but there is also a very artistic and creative side, which appeals to me.” The chocolate surface will reflect any sort of imperfections, such as water stains or smudges, from the mold. The molds are smooth and clean, which is what gives the bonbons the shiny surface. Meggie then paints the bonbons at a specific temperature to ensure there’s enough of a certain type of fat crystal in the cocoa butter colorant. The fillings need to be cold enough that they won’t melt the chocolate but warm enough that they are pipe-able and will level themselves evenly inside the bonbons.
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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
“At any point, something can go wrong,” she says. “At the very end, I can pop them out and see that there was a smudge that I didn’t notice when I was polishing.” Meggie uses Valrhona Chocolate, a French chocolate manufacturer founded in 1922. She likes this brand because of its high fat content and its offerings of single-origin chocolates. Meggie equates the single-origin chocolates to that of single-origin red wine as opposed to red blends. Single-origin chocolate has a unique, signature taste. “There aren’t a lot of notes or specificity of the flavor profile [in chocolate blends].” Essentially, Meggie is a sommelier—but for chocolate! Meggie sources her chocolate from cocoa beans grown in the Caribbean. However, for her raspberry
bonbons, she uses a single-origin chocolate from Madagascar because that bean has red fruit notes. “Would it taste bad with the other chocolate? No, of course not. It’s still raspberry and chocolate, which is delicious, but it’s just a little bit extra that it’s made with a bean that already pairs well.” When asked what making handcrafted chocolates means to her, Meggie says: “There’s something about the level of pride of looking at something that turns out really well and knowing that I made every part of that. I created the recipe, sourced the ingredients, painted it, came up with the design, and it looks really nice.”
Bijoux Handcrafted Chocolates is located at 13014 Manchester Road, in Des Peres. BijouxChocolates.com
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LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE
High School Sweethearts THE LOVE STORY OF PHYLLIS AND BILL RAVENSBERG PLAYS OUT LIKE A CLASSIC HALLMARK MOVIE.
ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHYLLIS RAVENSBERG
“Marriage is a partnership as much as anything. Kids come and go, and you get busy but then when they are gone, you still have to be with someone you want to hang out with,” said Phyllis Ravensberg. That’s sage advice from someone who married her high school sweetheart. “I was the cheerleader, and he was a football player,” mused Phyllis. “You can’t make this stuff up.” Phyllis oversaw the Backwards Dance her sophomore year. “Of course, I had to go to the dance, but I didn’t want to go by myself. Our best friends were dating, so I asked Bill if he’d go with me.” Phyllis promised to take Bill out to eat at Jacks or Better (raise your hand if you’ve ever thrown peanut shells on the floor at that restaurant) after the dance as long as they stayed long enough for her to pay the band. “And he had to drive,” added Phyllis. “Because I was only 15.” Phyllis and Bill dated all through high school. “I lived on a street in Webster Groves that dead-ended practically right in his front yard,” recalled Phyllis. “When he wasn’t home at night, his mom and dad could look out their bedroom window to see if his car was in my driveway.” And, of course, their parents knew each other because everyone in Webster knows everyone. The Ravensbergs briefly dated other people in college because they attended different universities. “But we dated each other whenever we came home.” After college, they both moved back home and resumed dating. “We got married when I was 24 and I had my first child at 25,” said Phyllis. The couple will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in May. “The key to a successful marriage is to marry your best friend,” Phyllis stated. “As a side note,” Phyllis added, “My oldest son married his high school sweetheart. They both went to Kirkwood High School, and now they have four kids and live in Kirkwood.” Queue the Hallmark movie script. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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Setting a Positive
Example
The Kirkwood Optimist Club serves kids in our community. 26
G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
The Kirkwood Optimist Club was founded in 1946 as the Kirkwood Thursday Evening Optimist Club. The civic organization, which is affiliated with Optimist International, focuses its philanthropic efforts on the needs of youth in the community. “You don’t join expecting to get back; you get involved, and good things come back to you naturally,” says Jim Baxendale, who has been a member for 33 years. “The mission is what really appealed to me. We help kids. We always have.” The Optimist Club consists of people from all walks of life: doctors, attorneys, car salesmen, plumbers and funeral directors. “We’ve got guys like me who joined when we were in our 30s. We’ve worked with men who have shown us the way and encouraged us to get involved,” Jim says. “We’ve worked alongside each other, and we’ve become friends.” “A lot of those guys are gone now, but I like to say that those who came before us set a great example. We stand on their shoulders, and that’s true in life: You stand on the shoulders of the people who came before you.” Jim says the club is a nice diversion from what the members do every day as professionals. “When we get together, there’s a fraternity; there’s a bond. Fun and fellowship are what sustains the whole organization,” he says. Each meeting concludes with the reciting of the Optimist Club creed, which Jim says is a credo for how to live life. Promoting optimism (of course) by expecting the best, greeting everyone with a smile, and being too noble for anger, among other promises, the creed includes solid advice for living a positive life. The Kirkwood Optimist Club has about 40 active members ranging in age from 30s to 90 years old. The members primarily live in the immediate area, but others come from surrounding suburbs as well. The club’s largest fundraiser is the annual Christmas tree lot, which takes place at North Kirkwood Middle School in the parking lot. Over the last 60 years, the club has donated more than $300,000 to various youth organizations.
ARTICLE BY KATE BAXENDALE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
CONTINUED >
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“You don’t join expecting to get back; you get involved, and good things come back to you naturally.” -JIM BAXENDALE
“What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to buy a live Christmas tree? People want what you’re selling. How nice is that? It puts everyone in the [Christmas] spirit.” Jim recalls an evening at the tree lot many years ago when the weather was less than ideal. The sleet and cold kept many customers away that night, but a family arrived to look at trees. Member Gregg Hilleren pulled his harmonica out of his pocket and began to play Christmas carols. The family knew at that moment that they were buying a tree from the lot. Like many civic organizations, the Kirkwood Optimist Club has seen its share of a decline in membership. However, in more recent years, Jim says the club has continued to attract new people. “People don’t place the emphasis on what used to hold communities together,” he says. “Society has become
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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
so fast-paced. … People are busy. We are a mobile society.” Jim says the appeal of the Optimist Club is providing its members a way to give back to the community in an informal way. All the work the club does is on a voluntary basis. One organization the club supports is the Kirkwood High School racquetball club. Racquetball Club moderator Michael Von Gerichten and his student-athletes help unload the Christmas trees each year when they arrive at the lot. In return, the Optimist Club makes a donation to the racquetball club to help cover expenses associated with the club sport. The club hosts an annual Respect for Law event to honor first responders with a barbecue. The purpose is to thank firefighters, police officers and EMS for their service. The event is co-hosted with the American Legion Post in Kirkwood.
The club sponsors an Oratorical Contest during which junior high school students speak about a selected topic from Optimist International. The students have a chance to win a scholarship. The purpose of the contest is to teach the kids to be confident and poised while speaking in public. The Kirkwood Optimist Club has contributed to the community by installing gas grills at all the fire stations in Kirkwood and an irrigation system at an area school’s sports field, and building a playground with a gazebo in Kirkwood. “It sets an example. When your kids see Dad giving up his time—there’s the example that you want your kids to see.” Jim says the club is always looking for new members and new ideas for helping the community. If you are interested in joining the Kirkwood Optimist Club, contact President Tim Medlock at 314-8353501 or tmedlock@innovativeroofs.com.
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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE
A POCKET F U L L OF L OV E AT THE AGE OF 90, BILL LOVES SPENDING TIME IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD, CRACKING JOKES, AND MEETING NEW PEOPLE.
“The neat thing about Kirkwood is that people will talk to you,” said Bill Carr, who has lived all over the country and couldn’t be happier to call Kirkwood his home. “I have eight children, four boys and four girls. And they all excelled … just not in their studies,” laughed Bill. You have never met a prouder father, grandfather and husband. Bill met his wife, Karen, while he was in the Air Force in Sacramento in 1954. Bill was stationed with a pilot who invited him to come to dinner to meet his niece. “You know what happened after that? I married her,” smiled Bill. He recalled his proposal and laughed. “We were having lunch in a bar, and I got down on one knee. Karen stopped me and said, ‘Shut up! You are not going to propose to me in a bar.’ She made me go to Coit Tower in San Francisco to propose.” Karen passed away in 2018. “I used to go to St. Peter Cemetery every day and say a Hail Mary at her grave site. Then I met a man from church whose wife was also buried there. I told him I’d say a prayer at his wife’s grave site while I was there.” Being one of the friendliest and most gregarious people you’ll ever meet, Bill naturally ended up praying for many people. “I’d forget where I left off from the day before, so I started bringing pennies with me to mark the people that I prayed for,” stated Bill. “People would ask me how my day was going, and I’d say, “Pretty good. Today I went through about 80 pennies.’” A friend of Bill’s suggested that he visit another cemetery in town, and he said, “Oh boy. Don’t get me going to another cemetery. I barely make it around this one and it costs me $5.” If you happen to pass Bill walking around downtown Kirkwood and hear a jingle as he walks by, it’s either from the joy in his step or the pennies in his pocket.
ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA CARR FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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A Romanti c Dessert T HI S CHOC OL AT E R A SP BER RY CHEE SEC A K E I S A DEC A DEN T VA L EN T INE T R E AT
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
C H O C O L AT E R A S P B E R R Y C HE E S E C A K E INGREDIENTS • 1 cup chocolate wafer cookies, ground into crumbs • 3 Tbsp butter, melted • 4 bricks of cream cheese (8 oz. each), softened • ¾ cup sugar • ½ cup sour cream • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract • 4 eggs • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted • 3 Tbsp Chambord (raspberry liqueur) • Fresh raspberries and cocoa powder DIRECTIONS 1. Mix crushed chocolate wafer cookies with butter and press into bottom of a springform pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. 2. Mix sugar and softened cream cheese on medium until well blended. Add in sour cream and vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well. 3. Remove 3 cups batter and mix with melted, but slightly cooled, chocolate chips. Pour chocolate cheesecake mixture over crust and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees. 4. Add Chambord to remaining cheesecake batter and mix well. Pour over chocolate layer and bake another 30 minutes. 5. Let cool well and refrigerate several hours before serving. Lightly dust top with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh raspberries.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
The Cove
The Cove Memory Care Household offers residents and families a beacon of hope in caring for residents with Dementia and Alzheimer's. In addition to providing a caring and secure community, Our all-inclusive Memory Care Household strives to maintain dignity and independence for all of our residents. Come explore what our Memory Care Household has to offer your loved one.
(636)-861-3200
3300 Lake Bend Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63088
F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city. F EB RUA RY 1 6T H
Coffee and Conversation with Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine
PIONEER BAKERY (UPSTAIRS LOFT), 210 N. KIRKWOOD ROAD, KIRKWOOD, MO 63122 | 10:00 AM What's your favorite restaurant? Got a local gift shop that you love? What's the one thing that makes your heart happy? Join us for coffee and conversation as we talk about our favorite local people, places and things we love. The thought of having coffee with you makes our hearts happy. The first 25 people will receive some sweet swag. F E B R UA RY 2 5T H
Superhero Night at the Magic House
T HE MAG IC HOUS E, 516 S . KIRKWO O D R OA D, ST. LO UI S , MO 6 31 22 | 6 :0 0 P M Dress up like your favorite superhero, play throughout the entire Magic House, enjoy a pizza dinner, create your own superhero masks and meet your favorite superheroes Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Shuri, Batman and Super Girl! Cost: $25 per Ticket or $15 per Member Ticket. Visit magichouse.org/superheronight for more information or call (314) 822-8900 F E B R UA RY 2 5T H
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Presents: "Lift Every Voice"
ST. LOUIS SYMPHON Y OR CHEST R A , 7 1 8 N. G R A ND B LV D., ST. LO UI S , MO 6 31 0 3 | 7 :30 P M Lift Every Voice: A Black History Month Celebration is a SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus performance of African American and African traditions, and their influence on St. Louis and the world. This annual evening of reflective and soulful music is one to remember featuring Kevin McBeth, conductor, Capathia Jenkins, vocals and St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus.
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KIRKWOOD CITY LIFESTYLE 34
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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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