Kirkwood, MO April 2026

What is the Value of Your Home?

I frequently get asked by clients, “What can we do to sell this house for top dollar?"

With a background in design, preparing homes for sale is one of my favorite parts of this business. I enjoy walking through each room and offering tailored suggestions to help your home stand out to today’s buyers. Sometimes it’s as simple as a fresh coat of paint, updating a light fixture, or rearranging furniture to make a space feel bigger. Whatever your home needs, we’ll work together to find the best approach.

As a proud Glendale resident and your trusted real estate advisor, I’d love to talk about the many ways we can enhance your home’s value. My goal is to help you prepare your home for today’s market and position it to sell for the strongest possible price. Let’s get started!

This is what investing in people looks like.

Some evenings linger a little longer than others; this one started like any other dinner with a friend. We ordered food, swapped updates, and dove into “How are you really?” Somewhere between our Mediterranean entrees and chocolate dessert (of course), the conversation shifted from small talk to soul talk, and I walked out of the restaurant feeling like I’d just been handed a masterclass in what it means to invest in yourself, in people, and in community.

L ast fall, my friend was doing what he does — showing up for others by raising money for Pedal the Cause. He had trained hard for the ride; months of early mornings, longer distances, faster times. He had set goals with intention and follow-through. And then, on the day of the ride, on a gravel part of the route, he had an accident. A serious one.

During our dinner, he talked about the accident and his recovery. It would have been easy to focus on the pain or the frustration of having that hard work disappear in a single moment. Instead, he described his recovery as a reset, not a setback—a pause button that gave him space to rethink how he wanted to move through the world. I sat there, listening, realizing I was watching someone quietly model what true personal investment looks like: choosing inner growth over grievance and personal connections over complaints.

W hat struck me most wasn’t just his resilience, but the way he lit up when he talked about the people who showed up for him. They drove him to appointments, dropped off food, and sent messages that arrived at exactly the right moment. If you know Dan Iadevito, you are not surprised. As SVP, Sales Manager of Business Banking at Enterprise Bank & Trust, Dan is masterful at creating relationships, connecting people, building deep roots in the community. I wanted to thank Dan for reminding me that investing in “who” is so much more important than investing in “what.” So, I got out my paint brushes and this is what ended up on the paper.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Sydney Taylor

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY

A MUSICIAN ON A MISSION TO MAKE-A-WISH

Local Musician Mike Mattingly Hosts The Pernikoff Brothers in Concert at a Patio Party Benefiting Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas

The arrival of April signals the longawaited return of outdoor patio season and the sound of live music at all your favorite restaurants. Musician and Kirkwood resident Mike Mattingly is known for his voice, guitar, and easygoing stage presence, making him a local favorite. This patio season, he is bringing something much deeper to the outdoor music scene at Mike Duffy’s and Billy G’s.

Mike is hosting an outdoor patio concert featuring the soulful sounds of The Pernikoff Brothers on Saturday, April 18th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Pernikoff Brothers recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, toured with The Bacon Brothers, and have opened for Rufus Wainwright, Augustana, and The Revivalists. This is a unique opportunity for you to hear The Pernikoff Brothers before they hit the road to open for Blues Traveler in May. This benefit concert is designed to celebrate community, great music, and the power of granting a wish through incredible generosity. 100% of the proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas.

As the Business Development Manager for Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas, Mike is on a mission to use his music to increase awareness and donations. While the name “MakeA-Wish” evokes images of world-renowned recognition, the local chapter is a lean, community-funded nonprofit that relies on neighbors helping neighbors to grant the wishes of critically ill children in our region.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MIKE MATTINGLY

THE PERNIKOFF BROTHERS

“People often assume we’re a huge national organization with endless resources, but that’s not the case,” Mike explained. “We rely on our community partners and individual supporters to fuel our mission. While Make-A-W ish is one of the most trusted nonprofits in the country, most people do not realize that our local chapter is its own separate 501(c)(3).”

The Missouri & Kansas chapter must raise its own funding locally to continue its mission. And with over 400 children qualifying for wishes each year, the need is far greater than most people realize.

“Currently, there are over 550 children throughout Missouri & Kansas who are on the wait list for a wish – 200 of them are right here in the St. Louis area,” Mike said. “It is my vision to find a way to grant each and every one of these incredible kids a wish.”

Most people think of a wish as a single magical day—a trip, a celebrity meeting, or a moment of joy. But Mike sees the deeper impact every day.

Mike said, “The Make-A-Wish experience has the power to transcend far beyond just a single meeting or a gift. Wishes have the power to transform the lives of everyone involved.”

That anticipation becomes a lifeline. A source of hope. A reason to keep going.

Parents feel it too, breathing a little easier. Siblings feel included — wish volunteers intentionally bring gifts for brothers and sisters, recognizing the toll a family illness takes on everyone in the home. And when the wish finally happens, families consistently call it the best day of their lives.

It’s this emotional transformation—not just the wish itself—that fuels Mike’s mission.

From April through October, Mike performs on the patio for “Make-A-Wish Wednesdays” at Mike Duffy’s and “Make-A-Wish Mondays” at Billy G’s. His signature Make-A-Wish flags will be flying, and tables will feature QR codes, making it easy to contribute directly to the cause.

His goal is simple and ambitious: raise $17,043— the average cost of granting one wish.

Whether you attend Mike’s “Music for Wishes” featuring The Pernikoff Brothers in concert benefiting Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas on Saturday, April 18th, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, or scan a code during a weeknight dinner at Duffy’s or Billy G’s, every contribution brings a local child closer to their wish.

“Someday, I’d love to be able to say that every child who has qualified for a wish received their life-changing wish,” he said. “That’s the dream we’re working toward every day.”

On April 18th, that dream gets a little closer.

To RSVP for Mike’s Music For Wishes visit https://tinyurl.com/Music-For-Wishes .

To learn more about our local Make-A-Wish chapter or to get involved with granting wishes, contact Mike Mattingly at 314-941-3941 or mmattingly@mokan.wish.org

Mike is hosting “Music for Wishes” featuring the soulful sounds of The Pernikoff Brothers in concert to benefit Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas on Saturday, April 18th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. To RSVP for Mike’s Music For Wishes visit https://tinyurl.com/ Music-For-Wishes or email Mike at mmattingly@mokan.wish.org.

For more recipes visit dierbergs.com/recipes

We look forward to seeing you in your local Dierbergs Markets located in Warson Woods, Des Peres and Crestwood.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

HISTORY AT HOME

SIMON ASHLEY DESIGN STUDIO REMODELS A WEBSTER GROVES HISTORIC HOME

This classic Queen Anne home, built in 1910 for Carrie and Havlock Simmons, stands as one of Webster Groves’ most intriguing architectural treasures. It was rumored to have been rolled on logs from its original Jefferson Road lot to its present location tucked at the northwest corner of Rock Hill Road and Halfenstein Avenue. Whether legend or fact, the home carries a story as layered as its millwork.

When the current homeowners wanted to incorporate modern conveniences with the historic charm, they turned to Simon Pataky, owner of Simon Ashley Design Studio, who is known throughout St. Louis for his thoughtful balance of artistry and function. Simon approached the renovation with reverence, studying the home’s architectural language and reimagining the interior in a way that feels both historically faithful and beautifully livable. The kitchen and upstairs renovation feels less like an update and more like a respectful conversation with the past. S peaking of having a conversation with the past, Simon opened

a wall and found an envelope containing a nickel and a Cracker Jack joke book from a 12-year-old boy named Erik Erbe.

The new second-floor primary suite features custom cabinetry with built-in modern conveniences, a serene en-suite bath, and—perhaps the most beloved upgrade—a discreet second-story washer and dryer that blends seamlessly into the design. Simon partnered with Just Around The Corner Flooring, a local hardwood specialist serving historic communities like Kirkwood and Webster Groves, to replace and refinish the original floors and staircase. They carefully replicated the intricate railing details and matched the species and tone of the existing wood so that old and new flow together seamlessly. It is this kind of painstaking craftsmanship—work you might not notice at first glance, but feel in every room—that makes the home feel both revived and revered, ready for its next chapter while honoring every chapter that came before.

For more renovation information, visit simonashleydesignstudio.com.

THE LEGACY YOU LEAVE BEHIND

WHY INVESTING IN YOUR STORY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

ARTICLE BY KATHY EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Twenty-five years ago, I started “Write for You” Life Stories with the goal of helping people preserve their own histories. In the two and a half decades since, I’ve watched a profound shift take place. The dinner table conversations that once wove our family narratives together have given way to scattered calendars and Zoom calls. Yet the hunger for connection—for knowing where we come from—has never been stronger.

That’s why more people are choosing to document their stories professionally through memoirs, family histories, and company histories. It’s not vanity. It’s wisdom. Consider the family business that’s weathered economic storms for three or four generations. The founding values, the pivotal decisions, and the lessons learned through triumph and hardship. These aren’t just memories; they’re blueprints for future success. When professionally captured, they become leadership manuals, your own voice guiding descendants you may never meet. Or think about the matriarch who remembers her grandmother’s immigration story, who carries the weight and wonder of that journey. Once she’s gone, will those details fade into “somewhere in Europe” and “sometime around 1920”? Or will her great-grandchildren know the village she came from, that someone at Ellis Island handed her a bouquet of roses, that a teacher who couldn’t pronounce her name gave her a new one?

And then of course there is your own life. There are countless stories only you can tell, countless people and places and moments in time that only you remember. An old proverb tells us that every time someone dies, a library burns. When you record those stories, you immortalize that library.

“Write for You” Life Stories takes on many kinds of ghostwriting projects, but usually our process looks like this: Our interviewers meet regularly with clients, guiding their storytelling with questions that give old stories new life. Based on the transcript, our writers shape a draft, adding photographs and historical context. The client has the chance to review the manuscript throughout the process, making sure the story sounds like them and gets the details right, and then the book goes into production.

The storytelling process is as valuable as the product. In reviewing past chapters of their lives, our clients may discover patterns they’d never noticed, see old hurts in a new light, find meaning in moments they’d dismissed, and reconnect with the values that have shaped them. One client told me that our sessions felt like “gathering the puzzle pieces of my life and finally seeing the full picture.”

The final book becomes a family treasure, yes. But it’s also a bridge. It connects the grandson in California to the great-grandfather who worked the family farm in Illinois with a team of oxen. It helps the next generation understand the legacy of resilience that is their birthright.

In our rapidly changing world, your story is a constant. Putting that story on paper creates proof that you were here, that you mattered, and that you built something worth preserving. And unlike faded photographs or fragmented memories shared at funerals, a professionally written memoir ensures that your story—in your voice, the way you remember it—lives on.

For more information, visit writeforyoustl.com .

Preserve Your Lifestyle. Protect Your Legacy. Plan With Purpose.

Over the years, I have met many individuals and families who worked hard to build the lives they enjoy today. Their homes, savings, businesses, and the opportunities they created for their children did not happen overnight. They represent years of effort, discipline, and sacrifice.

A thoughtful estate plan provides direction for your family, clarity during difficult moments, and protection for the assets you worked so hard to build. It helps ensure your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are supported when they need it most.

I once met with a family after their father had passed away. He had created a trust years earlier, which was an excellent first step, but no one had ever explained how the plan was supposed to work. His children were unfamiliar with their roles, unsure how certain assets were titled, and uncertain about how to properly carry out their father’s wishes. What should have been a time for the family to support one another quickly became stressful and confusing.

In my years of working with families through these situations, I have learned that estate planning is not just about creating a trust—it is about making sure the plan is properly funded and that the people responsible for carrying it out understand how it works.

That is why my team and I place a strong emphasis on education. We help clients properly fund their trusts and take time to guide successor trustees and beneficiaries so they understand their responsibilities and how the plan should function when it matters most.

I invite you to schedule a 30-minute no-obligation discovery call with me and my team at The Estep Law Firm. Together, we can create a plan that protects the lifestyle you built, preserves your dignity, and secures the legacy you wish to leave behind.

If you’re ready to build something that lasts, I’m here to help.

Schedule your 30-minute discovery call and start building a plan that protects what matters most.

FLOWERS bring JOY

Joy Petalers Repurposes

Leftover Flowers to Share the Love

ARTICLE BY ERIN KUHLMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

By the time you step into the new Joy Petalers workshop, the scent of fresh blooms hits you first — roses, hydrangeas, maybe a hint of eucalyptus. Then you notice the color: buckets of soft pastels and vivid jewel tones line the tables, and hands move gracefully as volunteers trim stems, tie ribbons, and chat about their day. It feels like stepping into a secret garden built entirely on kindness. There’s SUPER volunteer Julie Grimm, a master gardener, social media guru, and self-proclaimed “flower whisperer.” Her eyes light up when she talks about the nonprofit that speaks to her two passions, flowers and giving back to over 15,000 people across St. Louis.

“Everything about Joy Petalers feels special,” Julie said, smiling. “It’s such a simple idea — take flowers that would otherwise be tossed and give them a second life. But the joy it brings? That’s the real magic.”

Founded by Executive Director Colleen O’Neill Rohm and Operations Manager Patricia Morningstar, Joy Petalers began with a story as touching as its mission. When she realized there wasn’t an organization in St. Louis giving those blooms a second chance, she decided to start one herself.

Since its founding, that dream has blossomed beautifully. What began as a handful of volunteers has grown to more than 300 people who collect, sort, and rework donated flowers from weddings, grocery stores, florists, and even home gardeners. Those flowers become hundreds of new bouquets, hand-delivered to places where they’re needed most — hospice facilities, senior living facilities, homes, cancer centers, hospitals, and classrooms and other non-profits across the city.

“We’ve donated to more than 60 facilities so far,” Julie said. “This year, we started delivering bouquets to every teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools — all 72 schools. It’s amazing to see the joy spread that far.”

The new Joy Petalers workspace, which the team moved into just last year, is a cheerful whirlwind of energy. “Our new space allows for room for more volunteers, more flowers, more everything. It’s such a big step for us.”

With growth comes new challenges. “We’ve gone from free rent to paying rent, so fundraising has become a priority,” she explained. “We’re looking for sponsors and donors to offset rent, operations, and all those flower vase/food costs. Every bit helps us reach more people.”

Julie herself discovered Joy Petalers through a friend who knew it was her kind of thing. “I saw a post about a bride donating her wedding flowers,” she said. “My friend said, ‘Julie, this is so you.’ She was right — I love gardening, I love giving back, and I love the idea of turning something fleeting into something lasting.”

On any given workshop day, you’ll find her surrounded by others who feel the same — retirees, teachers, students, and even a few professional florists who volunteer their talents. “It’s incredible how people show up,” Julie said. “Some drive across town just to drop off flowers; others spend hours arranging. Everyone gives what they can.”

The impact, though, is universal. Julie keeps photos on her phone of smiling teachers and hospice patients holding their bouquets. “That’s why we do it,” she said softly. “You can see it on their faces — that moment of surprise and happiness. Flowers connect people in a way words sometimes can’t.”

As Joy Petalers celebrated its anniversary last October, Colleen, Patricia, Julie, and their team are dreaming even bigger — more partnerships, more deliveries, and always, more joy.

“Our motto is simple,” Julie said, brushing a petal from her sleeve. “No waste: only joy. Every flower deserves a second life — and every person deserves to feel seen.”

When my husband designed the flowers for our wedding, I thought it was just about making things beautiful. Looking back, I realize it was his way of saying, “this matters.” Every bloom carried a sentiment that somehow said what words couldn’t. There’s something beautifully old-fashioned about that. In a world that moves at scroll speed, Kirkwood Florist still delivers something you can feel — something personal. Arrangements are less about trends and more about the timelessness of care that comes from knowing the people you serve. Generations of families have celebrated life’s biggest milestones and leaned on each other through the hardest days. And somewhere, almost always, there’s a vase of flowers nearby.

At 30, you don’t think about getting up off the floor. At 50, you notice.

You shift your weight. You reach for furniture. You hesitate before kneeling.

That hesitation isn’t “just aging.” It’s strength and stability declining in places you’re not training.

At BODY20 Des Peres, we don’t hand you random workouts. We evaluate how you move, coach you one-on-one, and build targeted strength that supports real life — not just the gym. For golf and pickleball. For travel. For grandkids. For the long game.

SERVING KIRKWOOD/DES PERES/WEST COUNTY

PH. 314.288.0551

BODY20.COM/DES-PERES

kirkwood chooses the black tupelo

Kirkwood’s Tree of the Year Program Grows a Stronger Community

In Kirkwood, our roots run deep. That truth is reflected not only in our history and neighborhoods but also in how we invest in the landscape. The Kirkwood Tree of the Year program, now in its second year, has become a beloved tradition that celebrates the beauty, biodiversity, and health of our urban canopy.

MEET THE 2026 HONOREE

This year’s tree, Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo), embodies resilience and quiet strength. Despite heat, tough urban soil, and years of activity around them, they continue to thrive, much like Kirkwood itself.

HOW THE INITIATIVE TOOK ROOT

The Tree of the Year program began with Mayor Liz Gibbons. A passionate gardener and supporter of native trees, she saw the need to boost biodiversity in Kirkwood’s landscapes. Mayor Gibbons teamed up with urban forestry expert Bill Ruppert, and together they formed a committee, “the great tree minds of Kirkwood.” Their goal is to guide residents in choosing trees that deliver lasting value to our community.

ARTICLE BY KATRINA WRIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A LESSON IN DIVERSITY

Bill shares a memory of growing up on a street lined only with one type of tree. When disease or old age struck, the whole stretch became “almost treeless” at once. He pointed out, “When everyone plants the same tree, a neighborhood becomes vulnerable. Diversity keeps our landscapes resilient and beautiful for generations.” The committee encourages thinking beyond trends and urges residents to consider the long-term impact of their choices, avoiding overused varieties that can leave neighborhoods bare.

TREE SELECTION PROCESS

The selection committee considers native range, ecological value, resilience, and a tree’s ability to thrive in urban environments. The Black Tupelo stood out for many reasons: its glossy green leaves turning brilliant yellow, orange, and red each autumn; the nectar it provides for bees and butterflies; and its deep-blue fruits, a favorite of birds and wildlife.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Planting the right tree can benefit neighbors, wildlife, and future generations. “Trees are so valuable for so many reasons,” Mayor Gibbons said. “They cool our neighborhoods, support wildlife, and help make Kirkwood a beautiful place to live.” As you pass a Black Tupelo in Downtown Kirkwood, pause to reflect on what it represents: a welcoming street, investing in a healthier community, and the shared goal of growing a stronger Kirkwood, one leaf at a time.

SHERWOOD FOREST HAS TREES

Sherwood Forest Nursery and Garden Center’s General Manager, Sarah Olmstead, is ready to help find your perfect tree. “We have a huge selection of trees, including the Black Tupelo,” Sarah said. “Sherwood Forest Nursery has everything you need to successfully plant and grow your new tree: mulch, tree diapers, and fertilizers. Tree diapers are available and highly recommended for the first years of growth.” Sherwood Forest Nursery is located at 2651 Barrett Station Road, just off Dougherty Ferry Road.

For more information, visit stlnursery.com

“Trees are so valuable for so many reasons. They cool our neighborhoods, support wildlife, and help make Kirkwood a beautiful place to live.”

The Strength of Investing In Yourself

When we think about investing, it’s often in terms of portfolios and retirement plans. But one of the most meaningful investments you can make is in your own health. At Body20 in Des Peres, studio manager Joshua Carter, PhD, FMS, SFMA, helps clients do exactly that. Located at 12115 Manchester Road, the studio’s EMS training combines Electro Muscle Stimulation technology with expert coaching to deliver efficient, personalized workouts designed to improve strength, balance, and mobility. The best part? Each session takes just 20 minutes. By building strength today, Body20 Des Peres empowers clients to protect their independence, enhance their resilience, and invest in a healthier tomorrow. That kind of return is truly priceless.

Dr. Joshua shares his tips and tricks for fall prevention and practical ways to begin strengthening your foundation for a fit future, helping you invest wisely in longterm health, stability, and independence.

1. Falls Are a Leading Cause of Injury

Falls are the #1 cause of injury-related hospitalization in adults 65 years old or older. Prevention is not optional; it’s foundational to longevity and independence.

2. Strength Is the #1 Protective Factor

Lower-body strength (glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves) significantly reduces fall risk. Sit-to-stand ability is a powerful predictor of independence.

3. B alance Is Trainable at Any Age

Even into the 80s and 90s, the nervous system continues to adapt. Static balance (single-leg stance) and dynamic balance (weight shifting and stepping patterns) can both improve with practice.

4. Reaction Time Matters More Than We Think

Most falls happen because someone cannot react quickly enough to a trip or slip. Agility drills and reactive training (unexpected direction changes or visual cues) are critical.

5. A nkle Mobility Is Often Overlooked

Limited ankle flexion reduces walking efficiency and increases trip risk. Maintaining ankle mobility directly improves gait mechanics and stability.

6. G ait Speed Predicts Health Outcomes

A slower walking speed is strongly associated with higher mortality and increased fall risk. Improving gait speed safely can reflect better strength, confidence, and coordination.

KATIE ELIZABETH

7. Core Stability Supports Upright Posture

Weak trunk muscles lead to forward leaning posture, shifting the center of gravity and increasing fall risk. Stability core work-outs here are key.

8. Vision & Vestibular (Inner-Ear) Systems Play a Major Role

Balance is not just muscular; it’s sensory. Challenging visual input (eyes closed and head turns) and uneven surfaces helps train the body’s balance systems.

9. Fear of Falling Increases Fall Risk

Psychological factors matter. When seniors limit movement due to fear, strength and coordination decline, creating a negative cycle. Confidence-building progression is essential.

10. Consistency Beats Intensity

2–3 structured sessions per week focused on strength, balance, and mobility produce measurable improvements within 8–12 weeks without high-impact training.

Dr. Joshua suggests incorporating these simple exercises into your routine a few times a week to begin investing in a healthier, more confident future. When performed consistently, these intentional movements become a powerful return on your investment. The exercises strengthen the muscles that support balance, improving joint mobility, and sharpening reaction time, so your body is better prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Lower Body Strength (in 3 sets of 10)

• Sit-to-stand exercises build functional strength for everyday activities like getting out of a chair or car.

• Step-ups strengthen muscles and improve stability when navigating stairs or curbs.

Static Balance

• P ractice standing on one leg for as long as you can, working up to 30 seconds per side.

• Heel-to-toe walks about 10 feet long challenge coordination and body awareness, helping improve stability during walking.

Join Katie Elizabeth, owner of Strong By Intention, Dr. Josh, General Manager at Body20, and Cindy Roeser, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, for a free “Well Balanced Lifestyle” workshop focused on creating healthy habits, movements, and living spaces as we age. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 11, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Kirkwood Community Center on the 3rd floor. Bring your family and friends! No need to RSVP - we’ll see you there.

To learn more about BODY20 Des Peres, visit body20.com/ or call 314-288-0551. You can also follow them on Instagram @body20desperes or check out their Facebook page.

Talk of the Neighborhood

SUCH A FUN NIGHT CELEBRATING KIRKWOOD CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WITH MATT JORDAN

| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED