Kirkwood, MO November 2026 by City Lifestyle

Gratitude & Community N OV E M B E R 2 02 6

LIFESTYLE LETTER

They found me. “I was at Kaldi’s in Kirkwood, and I saw the Kirkwood City Lifestyle sticker on your computer,” said Kate when I asked her how she found me. Kate Berry was moving from Kansas City to Webster Groves when she stopped in for a coffee break and noticed me working in a booth. “I worked at a jeweler in Kansas City that advertised in Mission Hills City Lifestyle, so I was familiar with the magazine.” Kate was hoping to find a part-time job she could do from home. What Kate didn’t know was that I had been hoping to find someone like Kate. For years, I had been looking for the right person to bring on to my team. When anyone asked what type of person I wanted, or what role I needed someone to step into, my cloudy, unclear, but honest answer was, “I need someone who just knows what I need, even before I know I need it.” And that’s Kate. She is the perfect balance for me and for the magazine - and she is hilariously funny (she could create a one-person show just on her riff about Elf on a Shelf). Over the years, she has jumped into multiple roles as the social media manager, account manager, my calendar manager, my email manager, and editor - often all those roles at once. And then last year, I met Katrina. “Who’s Katrina?” asked Kate. I said, “A local mom and reader who wants to share how a group of families are bringing landlines back into their homes for their kids.” I met Katrina for coffee. Loved her instantly and thanked her for doing a great job writing the landline story and taking the photos. And then she asked, “How else can I help with the magazine?” “Umm?? I don’t know. Let’s ask Kate.” After our coffee meeting, Kate said, “Katrina should be the editor.” I said, “Congratulations, Kate. You are now my Publication Director.” Before Katrina Wright became my editor, I thought it was impossible to find another person who had the same editorial vision, style, and “pivotability.” Katrina is an incredibly talented writer and photographer and the most positive, easiest-going, I’ve-got-this person I’ve ever worked with besides Kate. They push me to be better, dream bigger and do more. I’m grateful they found me. I couldn’t do this without them… and coffee.

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Katrina Wright | katrina.wright@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ruby Collins, Matt Hoehner, Erin Kuhlmann, Mel Lambert, Lucy Rogers, Christa Van Herreweghe, Katrina Wright, Jay Moore C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Jeff Feltmann, Jonathan White

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. 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

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

inside the issue NOVE M B E R 2 0 2 6 | TH ANK F U L

14 Featured

10 14

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

The Classic Nutcracker The Dance Center’s 22nd annual Nutcracker returns to KPAC’s stage.

The Fishing Santa Webster Groves dad now appearing as Santa Biggs.

A Community of Belonging

Christ Community Lutheran School forming character within a community where everyone belongs.

Lifestyle Letter

Back Stage ENTERTAINMENT

Seasonal Setups ARTS + CULTURE

Local Limelight EDUCATION

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Our Town EDUCATION

Local’s Choice EDUCATION

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

Locals Only EDUCATION

Hosting Tips ENTERTAINMENT

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

On the Cover The Snow Queen takes center stage as the Dance Center of Kirkwood brings the enchantment of The Nutcracker to life at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Photography: Jeff Feltmann

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

THE Classic

N U T C R AC K E R

ARTICLE BY KATRINA WRIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF FELTMANN & JONATHAN WHITE

The Dance Center’s 22nd annual Nutcracker returns to KPAC’s stage. Backstage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, the air hums with a particular kind of quiet before the storm. Hairpins click into place. Pointe shoes are laced tight. Somewhere down the hall, a bulletin board fills with handwritten notes of encouragement. In a few hours, the house lights will dim, Tchaikovsky’s score will swell, and sixty local dancers will step into a story that has opened Kirkwood’s holiday season for twenty-two years running. This is The Dance Center’s Nutcracker. What began as a small production has grown into something the whole community claims as its own: sold-out houses, four performances, and a cast built almost entirely from local students. For Kathy Massot, owner of Dance Center of Kirkwood, directing the Nutcracker is more than a recital; it’s a labor of love rooted in mentorship, artistry, and gratitude.

TALENT THAT GROWS UP HERE

This season’s cast features roughly 60 dancers, from sixth-graders to graduating seniors, alongside faculty members who step into character roles like the mothers in Act I. Two St. Louis-area professionals portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, while dancers from Kirkwood, Webster, and surrounding towns fill every other role. The polished final performance looks effortless, but the journey begins long before autumn’s first chill. Preparation starts in July,

with rigorous full-day rehearsals every Sunday through summer and fall. During Thanksgiving week, when school doors close, the theater becomes a home away from home. Dancers spend hours running cues, adjusting backdrops, and perfecting lighting transitions, pausing only on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate with family. Backstage, camaraderie defines the atmosphere. Older leads in variations like the “Candy Cane” step up as mentors, offering sweet treats and handwritten notes to the younger corps de ballet dancing behind them. Between performances on double-show days, backstage dance-offs and friendly contests let dancers blow off steam before the evening curtain.

THE BEAUTY OF LIVE THEATRE

Live theater brings its own unscripted energy. Before every performance, Kathy reminds her dancers that each show brings a fresh audience deserving of their absolute focus and heart. But when things go off-script, she passes along wisdom form her own mentor: “Keep your wits about you.” That advice was put to the test when a missing prop nearly derailed a crucial scene, until a quick-thinking student playing a maid dashed backstage, found it, and saved the moment without missing a beat. “Things happen,” Kathy laughs. “But we just keep rolling.” “We practice 100 times to make one good show,” she explains. “We go in doing our absolute best, and if something doesn’t turn CONTINUED >

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

“What began as a small production has grown into something the whole community claims as its own..” NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

out the way we want, we accept it and say, ‘I did my best, I’m proud of myself, and I can’t control all the little things.’ That’s live theater.” For Kathy, that unpredictability is exactly what makes it worthwhile. In a world of screens, edits, and digital polish, there’s something irreplaceable about watching a performance unfold live. “It’s raw. It’s organic,” she says. “You’re part of something that’s happening in real time.” The spectacle itself is carefully crafted to enchant audiences from age three to one hundred. It features more than 200 vibrant costumes, dramatic lighting, hand-painted backdrops, floating fog, a stage-side sled, falling snow, and confetti cannons. The result leaves young viewers spellbound.

MORE THAN A PERFORMANCE

Beyond four mainstage performances at KPAC, the production spreads cheer across the region. Dancers take excerpted variations to area nursing homes, visiting with residents after they perform. They also carry the magic to a free annual community showcase at the Saint Louis Art Museum, a tradition now 15 years strong.

“It’s raw. It’s organic. You’re part of something that’s happening in real time.” TAKE YOUR SEAT

What Kathy has built isn’t just a show. It’s a rite of passage for young dancers and a holiday touchstone for families who return year after year to watch the season begin the same beautiful way. As she puts it: “We’re so grateful. We’re here to serve people, to create a wonderful performance for them.” This Thanksgiving weekend, KPAC’s stage will fill once more with snow, fog, and the swell of a century-old score. As it has for twenty-two years, the music will be carried by the hands and hearts of Kirkwood’s own. So settle into your seat, watch the snow fall, and let the magic of live theatre begin. For ticket information, visit dancecenterkirkwood.com/ nutcracker-ballet

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

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The Fishing Santa Tad Biggs as “Santa Biggs”

ARTICLE BY JAY MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

S EASON A L SE T U P S | ARTS + CU LT U RE

“Being Santa gives me a chance to share kindness and the Christmas spirit. Sometimes destiny chooses you for your true calling. That’s what happened to Webster Groves dad, Tad Biggs, who this year decided to don the red coat and hat and officially become Santa Claus. For years, Tad’s distinguished gray beard has drawn comparisons to the man from the North Pole. In fact, long before becoming Santa Biggs, he had already earned the affectionate nickname “The Fishing Santa” from Cub Scout Pack 314 in Webster Groves. “It was during my Angler Education Day,” Tad recalls. “Somewhere between knot tying and casting practice, one of the Scouts called me ‘Fishing Santa’, and the name stuck with me.” But it’s more than the beard. Tad’s twinkle in his eye and natural warmth seem to make people recognize Santa wherever he goes—even halfway around the world. While visiting his daughter in China, a group of local students at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an spotted Tad and immediately recognized him as Santa. And apparently, the Christmas magic crosses species, too. During a visit to Chengdu, even a baby panda seemed to sense there was something special about the bearded visitor. Eventually, Tad’s family convinced him it was time to embrace the role for real. He jumped in with both boots, completed professional Santa training, and joined the Worldwide Santa Claus Network and the Gateway Clause Family group. This holiday season, Santa Biggs is bringing families an authentic, real-bearded Santa with the warm, traditional look—and spirit—of St. Nick. “Being Santa gives me a chance to share kindness and the Christmas spirit,” Tad says. “I love

I love helping kids see the wonder of Christmas and helping adults rekindle some of the magic they may have forgotten.”

helping kids see the wonder of Christmas and helping adults rekindle some of the magic they may have forgotten.” When he’s not wearing the red suit, Tad serves as Assistant Circuit Executive for Information Technology at the 8th Circuit and as an adjunct professor at Webster University. And, of course, he’s still an avid angler—which makes it only fitting that his two worlds have come together. He will be appearing at the Bass Pro Shop in Sunset Hills this holiday season. It seems The Fishing Santa has finally found his calling. For more information or to book Santa Biggs for a holiday appearance at your home or organization, visit SantaBiggs.com.

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A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING 2626 S. BIG BEND BLVD.

ST. LOUIS, MO 63143

314-781-9000 | STLOUISCLOSETCO.COM

ARTICLE BY MATT HOEHNER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A COMMUNITY OF BELONGING SIX STORIES REVEAL HOW CHRIST COMMUNITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL MAKES GOD KNOWN THROUGH SERVING LEADERSHIP, FORMING HEARTS AND CHARACTER WITHIN A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS. At Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) nearly 700 students, from age 6 weeks through 8th grade, and their families experience a community of learning, serving, and belonging. As an association school of four churches at four campuses located in central St. Louis County (Kirkwood, Webster, Crestwood and Glendale), CCLS’ focus is both Christ-centered community and academic excellence. Through faithful teachers, leaders, pastors, and families, a vision to transform lives by God’s grace through Jesus is evidenced in examples of serving leadership.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

“The community itself inspires you to stay active in it, especially given all the incredible relationships.” — Tom Dankenbring

The Dankenbring Family

For the Dankenbring family, CCLS is more than a school—it is a family tradition and a generational community. Jim Dankenbring attended CCLS when it was known as Concordia School, followed by his son, Tom, and eventually his grandchildren. When Tom and his wife Anna welcomed their first child in 2010, they knew they wanted their children to experience the same Christ-centered education that had shaped their own experiences. Over the years, Tom and Anna have watched CCLS impact their children in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in their faith. They appreciate CCLS’ whole-person approach that instills Christian values at every level. Yet what they praise most is the people. As former CCLS Board President, Tom often heard newcomers say they never knew what an incredible community of families CCLS was, or how welcomed they would feel. That warm welcome is servant leadership in action: families, teachers, and staff giving of themselves so others feel deeply known, valued, and loved. The Dankenbrings’ favorite CCLS memory, the 50th Anniversary Gala, gathered current families, grandparents, alumni, former staff and board members in one room, bringing together generations connected by a shared mission. CONTINUED >

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Macy Hurst, CCLS Alumna

With pigtails in her hair and a CCLS jersey tucked in her shorts, Macy (Schelp) Hurst ran her first cross country race at six years old. She held an index card with her name on it as her bib number and ran the quarter-mile grass loop. In sixth grade, she dissected her first frog. Both of those experiences shaped the trajectory of her life. Hurst never stopped running. She went on to win four state championships at Lutheran High School South and then competed for the University of Alabama, winning two SEC cross country team titles. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and published a paper based on fish dissections in a scientific journal during college. And it all started at CCLS. Today, Hurst is still lacing up her sneakers and wearing a lab coat. She teaches science at a Christian school and coaches cross country and track. CCLS teachers and coaches inspired her to strive for excellence in everything she did, encouraging her to use her unique gifts to serve others.

Brody Burns, CCLS Middle School Student

Leadership doesn’t begin after graduation for CCLS students; it is ingrained in daily curriculum through the Character Formation Project, where students learn that leadership is about living out their faith through service to others. Middle schooler Brody Burns was last year’s recipient of CCLS’ Civic Character Formation Project award. Brody studied lessons of leadership through the lens of a historical figure, Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower. He then put those lessons into service by building beds for families in need with Christian Friends of New Americans. Brody also prepared and led a middle school chapel, sharing a Christ-centered expression of his faith with his peers. Lutheran Elementary School Association awarded Brody its 2026 Christian Leadership Award.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

“My hope is that students leave CCLS knowing how deeply our Lord loves them and the new life in Christ we have.” — Dee Dawson

Dee Dawson’s Drone Team

For middle school math teacher Dee Dawson, CCLS is a place where students know they belong and discover how their unique, given gifts can serve a greater purpose. Dee has seen a greater purpose unfold in her life that ultimately benefited her CCLS students. A college coding class taken merely to fulfill a degree requirement became the spark for her to launch a student coding program. Later, industry connections at Geographic Information Systems (GIS) cleared the path for her to introduce students to drone and technology competitions. The impact of the drone league goes beyond technology. Students find belonging on their teams as they solve problems, share ideas and encourage one another, learning their skills can benefit their communities. In 2025, Dee helped bring the first middle school drone competition to the St. Louis area, welcoming 22 teams from across Missouri to Kirkwood. Students have shared their ideas with the community and nation through coding competitions. Honored as the 2025 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher, a four-time Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science finalist and 2023 Esri Teacher Award recipient, Dee remains grounded in a simple truth: “God’s mercies are new each day.” CONTINUED >

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The Alsobrook Family

When Michelle and Micah Alsobrook began searching for a preschool, they wanted more than strong academics. They wanted their children to be known, loved, and encouraged to embrace their unique identities, with faith woven naturally into daily education. From their first visit, Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) stood out for its genuine warmth and joyful atmosphere. Teachers regularly share sweet updates or funny stories with Michelle and Micah. “We know our children are cared for, prayed for, and loved while they are at school, and that means everything to us.” Through chapel, Fall Fest, sports, and volunteering, CCLS has become a hub for the entire family. Above all, the Alsobrooks value that their children are learning compassion and servant leadership through everyday school life.

Lilah Halveland

Alsobrook Family

“Playing alongside the Falcons changed my perspective on life. They showed me how much inclusion matters and inspire me every single day.” — Lilah Halveland

Lilah Halveland

For CCLS Resource Teacher Lilah Halveland, living out her faith often takes place on a basketball court. Her father began volunteering with Special Olympics Missouri in college, turning it into a family calling. Twenty years later, the Halveland family still serves the St. Louis Falcons, a team promoting inclusion for athletes with unique abilities. The Falcons basketball team practices at the CCLS gym—a tradition over a decade strong. CCLS basketball coaches and players join Lilah and her family to assist the athletes, learn together, and build lasting friendships. It is servant leadership in action: CCLS students and staff ensuring these athletes feel seen, valued, and loved, one practice at a time.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

Where Life Flourishes Next

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Laclede Groves EverTrue Laclede Groves is a nonprofit, faith-based Life Plan Community serving older adults. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Support | Long-Term Care | Short-Stay Rehab

C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K

GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.

“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

SHERWOOD FOREST NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTER

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

Kirkwood Public Library 1951

100 R E A S ON S T O L O V E

K IR K WOOD L IB R A RY HONORING A CENTURY OF TURNED PAGES, SHARED STORIES, AND THE COMMUNITY THAT MAKES KIRKWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY HOME ARTICLE BY MEL LAMBERT & CHRISTA VAN HERREWEGHE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

O UR TOWN | EDUCATI O N

Kirkwood Public Library 2026

For 100 years, the Kirkwood Public Library has been a constant presence in the community—and so much more than a place to borrow books. It’s where children discover favorite stories, entrepreneurs develop new ideas, neighbors connect, and generations of families return again and again. The story begins in 1922, when the League of Women Voters explored opening a library in Kirkwood. By 1924, the Kirkwood Library Committee was established, and on December 10, 1926, the library became the first tax-supported library in St. Louis County. Over a century later, we still offer the popular voter guides the League produces for each election.

“Across three homes and a century of change, the library has evolved right along with the community it serves.” CONTINUED >

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The first library sat on the top floor of City Hall, led by head librarian Mrs. Eugenia Becker. Since then, the library has called three homes: City Hall, a temporary spot at Station Plaza during a 2009 renovation, and our current building at 140 E Jefferson Avenue, dedicated in 1940. We’ve had seven directors, including our current director, Christa Van Herreweghe, who started in 2020. The building itself has evolved right along with the community. A 1954 bond doubled our space, relocated the entrance, and removed a fireplace. In 1957 we installed air conditioning, instantly becoming the coolest place to be during Kirkwood summers. An elevator arrived in 1994, and in 2019 our cupola was restored and a time capsule installed for future generations. Newer updates reflect how community needs have changed. Teens have their own lower-level room with a gaming system and a Library of Things collection that includes a microscope, calligraphy set, and stop-motion animation kit. The New Books Room holds new releases, hot reads, technology, puzzles, and board games. Our train-themed children’s room, fully renovated in 2017, welcomes young readers to play, learn, and explore. Books & Beyond, our gift and book shop, was established in 1996 by the Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library. In 2025, we opened a renovated garden with outdoor programming space, native plants, solar-powered benches, and a bike repair station for cyclists passing through. History lives in the building, too. A mural at the entrance depicts scenes from 1915 to 1984, and near the elevators stands “Kirkwood Roots,” a sculpture by Thomas Sleet mapping the

O UR TOWN | EDUCATI O N

eleven early African American settlements in Kirkwood—originally displayed at the Missouri History Museum before being gifted to us. Even our first phone number, “Kirk 1212,” has a place in local memory; the reference desk has fielded everything from “Is a virus alive or dead?” to horoscope questions, and today we also make passport appointments. Our services now reach well beyond our walls. Home Borrowing serves those who can’t visit in person, and the Book Caboose brings stories to the community center in winter and the pool in summer. Two storywalks—at Walker Lake and the Kirkwood YMCA—let families enjoy books outdoors. We celebrate with community events like Hot Dog Dayz, with Kirkwood Police and Parks & Recreation, and Read Attack, where staff and local celebrities read to fourth graders. Our collection has grown from 2,000 books to more than 113,000 items, with 15,000 more added each year. What you can check out has changed dramatically, too. In 1965, you could borrow artwork to hang in your home; films arrived on 8mm in 1966, followed by VHS, then DVDs and Blu-rays (we even had a DVD dispenser for a while). Today you can check out a sewing machine, cake pans, VR headsets, book club kits, reminisce kits, or a bread maker. Digital offerings include streaming and eMedia through Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby, plus research tools like Ancestry for heritage research, Candid for nonprofit grants, LearningExpress Library for resumes and job skills, and access to more than 3,700 newspapers through Newsbank. Policies have loosened over time, too. We no longer charge late fines—a shift from 1965, when police went door to door retrieving

“It’s where children discover favorite stories, entrepreneurs develop new ideas, neighbors connect, and generations of families return again and again.”

overdue books. (A 1976 city ordinance making it a misdemeanor to withhold library books remains on the books today.) Sunday hours arrived in 1996, and programming now runs seven days a week: book clubs, storytimes, author fairs, memory cafes, and even a region-wide spelling bee. Since 2012, One Author, One Kirkwood has highlighted a community read, and Summer Reading remains a beloved tradition, complete with Wacky Wednesday performers and cross-age Reading Buddies. Younger patrons can join 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and read to CHAMP Assistance Dogs. We also help preserve personal history: a disc duplication machine copies family DVDs, a shot box photographs heirlooms, and a slide scanner digitizes old film. We support the Missouri Bicentennial Project and our own Oral History Project, continuing a tradition that began with our first copy machine in 1964. Some favorites endure through the years—Winnie the Pooh, published in 1926, remains beloved, while The Women topped our 2025 checkout list. Through two consortia, our reach now extends to

more than 5 million items, supported by personalized reader’s advisory, an author podcast, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and pandemic-era innovations like curbside service and Dial-A-Story. More than 12,000 people actively hold library cards, and annual program attendance tops 31,400. Kirkwood voters have supported us through six bond issues or tax increases, and reciprocal agreements let neighbors nearby use our services too. In 2007, we were named Missouri Library of the Year by the Missouri Library Association. Our growth continues through grants and community generosity—leadership courses, WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, a partnership with PCs for People for electronics recycling, and Food for Fines, which delivers roughly 150 items a year to Kirk Care. The Kirkwood Public Library’s story isn’t only a record of the past 100 years— it’s a promise for the next 100. As our community changes, we’ll keep adapting, inspiring, and bringing people together as a welcoming place where everyone can learn, connect, and belong.

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ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW

Estate Planning is an Opportunity to Care for the People You Love. Preserve your family’s legacy, and create clarity and confidence for whatever the future may bring. Many families know they should have an estate plan, yet it often gets pushed aside. Life is busy, priorities compete for our attention, and planning for the future can feel like it can wait until tomorrow. But one of the greatest benefits of estate planning is the peace of mind from knowing your family will be cared for and supported, no matter what the future holds. I recently met with a family who had spent decades creating a life they were proud of. They had raised their children, created lasting memories in their home, worked hard, and saved carefully. Like many families, they thought estate planning was simply another item on a long to-do list. As we talked, they realized what they truly wanted was assurance that their loved ones would be cared for, their wishes would be honored, and the values they had worked so hard to instill would continue for generations. As we worked through their goals, they gained something they hadn’t expected: peace of mind. They found clarity about what mattered most, confidence in the people they trusted, and a path forward for their family. They left knowing they had taken an important step toward caring for those who matter most. “The greatest benefit of estate planning isn’t paperwork. It’s peace of mind.”

Every estate plan begins with a conversation. We want to understand the people who matter most to you, the values you hope to pass on, and the future you envision for your family. We discuss what gives you peace of mind, what concerns you, and who you trust to help carry out your wishes. Once those conversations are complete, we put the plan into action. That’s when trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and other planning tools help bring the plan to life. Their purpose is simple: to communicate your wishes and empower the people you trust to carry them out when needed. At Estep Law Firm, our mission is simple: to help families protect what matters most, preserve what they’ve worked so hard to build, and move forward with confidence. Because the best estate plans are not measured by the documents they contain, but by the clarity, dignity, and peace of mind they provide for the families they are designed to serve.

SHAW N E ST E P Principal Attorney (636) 233-2017 info@esteplawfirm.com 16020 Swingley Ridge Road, Ste. 360, Chesterfield, MO 63017

N O M I N AT I O N S N OW O P E N

NOV. 1 DEC. 3 THROUGH

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of people in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign. But none of it is possible without you. If you know someone quietly struggling or facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Your nomination could make all the difference.

This season, giving starts with you. S CA N B E LOW TO N O M I N AT E

KingdomBuilding Foundation.org

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUBY COLLINS

Reading Between the Smiles HOW DOUGHERTY ORTHODONTICS IS CULTIVATING COMMUNITY LITERACY

Dr. Dougherty reading on her lunch break

Standing proudly and painted pink at the front entrance of Dougherty Orthodontics is a charming new addition you might not expect: a custom-built Little Free Library—a vibrant mini house of books designed to spark a love of reading. For Dr. Dougherty, the heart behind the practice, the initiative is deeply personal. Raised by parents who were both dedicated lifelong educators, she grew up in a home where reading was celebrated, and curiosity was constantly encouraged. To honor that family legacy, Dr. Dougherty’s father handcrafted the wooden library box himself, pouring careful craftsmanship and thoughtful detail into a project that turns a shared family passion into a lasting gift for the entire community.

“My parents were both lifelong educators, so growing up, reading was always celebrated in our house. Having my dad handcraft this library box makes it feel like a true piece of our family history shared with Kirkwood.” 34

LOCA L’S C H OICE | EDUCAT ION

Since its installation in March, the little library has quickly become a bustling hub for readers. Patients arriving for routine adjustments, families walking past on sunny afternoon strolls, and avid local bookworms frequently pause to browse the shelves. Neighborhood support has been overwhelmingly generous, with thoughtful residents even dropping off entire tote bags filled with gently loved novels, children’s picture books, and trending young adult paperbacks to keep the selection fresh and exciting. To track just how far these traveling stories go, every book circulating through the box receives a custom sticker featuring the practice’s logo and social media handles. Readers are encouraged to snap a photo and tag the practice whenever a book reaches a new desk, park bench, or vacation spot. The team is also registering the location on the official Little Free Library global app, making it easy for nearby readers to discover the neighborhood spot. Beyond the outdoor bookshelf, Dr. Dougherty leads by example. During busy clinical workdays, she makes a point to swap screen time for a good book on her lunch break to relax and recharge. While her personal reading list leans toward fastpaced, gripping thrillers by popular authors like Freida McFadden and Colleen Hoover, her broader mission is simple: encouraging patients of all ages to slow down, unplug, and enjoy the simple pleasure of getting lost in a great story. Recognizing that teachers are the true backbone of community learning, Dougherty Orthodontics extends this mission of educational support even further. To honor the heart and devotion they bring to our schools, the practice offers an ongoing 10% discount on orthodontic treatments for local educators and their immediate families. Whether you’re stopping by for a smile check-up or taking an evening walk down the block, be sure to visit the little library located at 2901 Old Dougherty Ferry Road, Suite 301, at the front door of Dougherty Orthodontics.

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Enjoy. Gather. Share. Bread. Josh Allen

JOSH ALLEN, FOUNDER OF COMPANION BAKING, EXPLAINS HOW BREAD IS MORE THAN JUST BREAD. ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIERBERGS MARKETS

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

“Bread is just bread, right? But the impact we can have goes far beyond that,” says Josh Allen, founder of Companion Baking. “Bob Dierberg reached out to me in 1995 and gave us an opportunity to expand the business. We tripled our business overnight, but he also gave us a lot of credibility. We’ve never forgotten that generosity.” “More than anything, we want to pay that forward,” Josh explains. “To me, quality means something made with intention. People use the term artisan; they use craft. We want to be intentional about what we’re doing.”

Companion Bread is community-centric. “Our community is really important to all of us. We became a 1% for the Planet company, which has been hugely impactful on our ability to help the environment and the community. We work with the St. Louis Area Food Bank and Operation Food Search,” says Josh. “The impact we can have is far greater than just baking bread.” Find Companion Bread at your local Dierbergs Markets.

“Bread is just bread, right? But the impact we can have goes far beyond that.”

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Thankful for family, friends, and the neighborhoods we call home There is nothing more rewarding than serving the community I call home. As a local Glendale resident, I am incredibly grateful whenever my friends, neighbors, and clients choose to trust me with their real estate journeys. It is that very trust that has earned me a spot as a Janet McAfee Top Agent every single year I’ve been in business! If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in Kirkwood, Webster, Des Peres, or anywhere in the St. Louis area, I have the local expertise to guide you smoothly through every step. Together, let’s design a customized plan tailored perfectly to your family’s goals.

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Chili, Community, and the Kickoff to Kirkwood’s Favorite Holiday Weekend

TALK OF THE Neighborhood

In Kirkwood, Thanksgiving has always come with a few traditions: family, football, too much food—and, for generations of families, the Turkey Day game. But the night before the big game, there’s another tradition warming up the town. The Chili Bowl. For 30 years, the night before Thanksgiving has brought Kirkwood families, friends, local restaurants and a whole lot of chili together at Kirkwood High School. What started three decades ago has become one of those traditions that feels less like an event and more like something Kirkwood simply does. And while the chili may be the star of the evening, the reason behind the event is even more meaningful. The Chili Bowl is a fundraiser for the Kirkwood School District Foundation, whose mission is to support all Kirkwood School District students—from pre-kindergarten through high school. That means every bowl served, every restaurant that participates and every family that comes through the doors helps invest in the students and schools that are such an important part of this community. The recipe is pretty simple: Local restaurants make the chili. Families and friends show up hungry. The high school becomes the gathering place. And for one evening, everyone has a reason to linger a little longer. There are serious chili enthusiasts, of course—the people who sample every pot like they’re judging the World Chili Championship. There are those who arrive with a strategy. And then there are the rest of us, who happily eat whatever is handed to us and declare, “This one is my favorite,” approximately six times. And then there’s the Turkey Day game waiting on the other side of Thanksgiving morning, another Kirkwood tradition that connects generations and reminds us how much this community loves its rituals. So before the turkey hits the table, before the rivalry takes the field and before everyone settles in for Thanksgiving, there’s one more important thing to do- Grab a bowl. And maybe save room for ice cream. Buy your tickets early to receive a discount; the ticket price will increase on 11/11. Adult - $15 ($20) Kids under 12 - $7 ($10) Kids 2 and under - FREE

LOCA LS ON LY | EDUCATION

ARTICLE BY ERIN KUHLMANN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

DATE:

• Wednesday, November 25, 2026 • Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

LOCATION:

• Kirkwood High School Cafeteria

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Chili samples from local restaurants, hot dogs, chips, drinks, ice cream, raffle and a vote for the favorite chili.

TICKETS:

• Purchase online at 30th Annual Chili Bowl Tickets, no cash sales at the door.

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Because strength is something to be thankful for. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

get ready for

Your ultimate guide to the perfect game gathering this holiday season ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE ’Tis the season for get-togethers with family and friends. Kids are home from school, friends and family are visiting for the holidays, and neighbors are especially, well, neighborly! In the whirlwind of holiday to-dos and festive planning, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. This year, take a moment to carve out some time for a little fun! With screens and social media dominating our attention, a nostalgic, simple and joyful game night sets the scene for laughter, friendly competition and making memories with those you love. Check out our guide to creating the best game night ever.

H OST IN G T IP S | ENTERTA IN ME N T

The Guest List

: Game nights might just be the perfect party; they’re great for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. And games can be the great equalizer while bringing everyone together. The sweet spot for your game night’s guest size should be manageable but large enough to be lively (somewhere between 6 to 10 people).

Setting the Scene

: Clear away the clutter to make space for games and guests. Assemble a comfortable seating area with cozy blankets, cushy poufs and floor pillows to encourage everyone to relax and stay a while. Curate a fun and upbeat playlist to have in the background - just loud enough to create the perfect party ambiance. Indie folk or smooth jazz can keep the energy up without distracting from gameplay. Set up a variety of lighting from string lights to candles to craft a magical mood, ensuring the space feels inviting.

Snack Attack: Keep the rivalry friendly by ensuring your guests are satiated. Set up a popcorn bar, a low-effort but high-impact snack station! Stock up on individual popcorn boxes so your guests can create their own snack sensations. You can rent an old-fashioned popcorn machine for a fun, nostalgic touch or simply provide a large bowl of freshly popped corn. Then, arrange your toppings. Think butter or olive oil, a variety of seasonings from traditional salt to nutritional yeast, sweet candies for that salty-sweet combination, melted chocolate and caramel sauce, and more.

The Games: The best strategy for selecting games is to have a variety at the ready. For large, loud and energetic play, think group party games like Codenames and Wavelength. For smaller, more thoughtful groups, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and other strategy games may be the way to go. You can’t go wrong with timeless staples such as Pictionary, Scrabble or a deck of cards. Or take game night outdoors and prepare for a spirited contest with classic outdoor games like ladder toss and cornhole.

No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D

What a chef cooks

for Thanksgiving Wondering what a chef cooks for his family on Thanksgiving? “We like to give Brian the day off,” says Lea Doherty, referring to her husband, a chef (and butcher) at The Block. “Brian is not a casserole guy, and we aren’t typically a casserole family, but this one is a hit for our family holiday.” The Block Restaurant & Butcher, located in Old Webster Groves, is a family business in every sense. Chef Brian, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, works the line in the kitchen. His wife Lea runs the front of the

Marc DelPietro and Brian Doherty

house and the bar program. They co-own the restaurant with Marc and Amy DelPietro. At home, Brian and Lea are raising three girls, so Brian understands what families want from a night out: good food, a relaxed room, and something on the menu for everyone. Brian likes to say, “The Block isn’t a concept restaurant - it’s a neighborhood.” And whether you sit inside or outside, you feel that immediately: a place where the burger never changes, the specials always do, and the chef still finds time to stop by your table. What makes The Block special isn’t just the food — though the Scottish salmon delivered fresh from City Seafood, the tavern‑style burger, and that famous house‑made ranch certainly have their own fan clubs. Regular guests come every weekend, happy‑hour friends treat the bar like a second living room, and families celebrate milestones there for years. That’s life in this neighborhood restaurant. Brian makes his way into the dining room at least once a night. Sometimes it’s to greet a friend. Often it’s just to ask a table how everything is. Those visits have a way of stretching out. “My wife will walk by me and go, ‘You gotta get back there. You’ve been out here talking for…’” he says with a grin. “But I think people get a kick out of that.” The Block is best known for its meats, and Brian still cuts steaks in-house. The 12-ounce Creekstone Farms ribeye is the most popular cut. Brian’s cooking philosophy is simple: keep it honest, keep it seasonal, and let the farmers do the heavy lifting. This fall, look for squash, pumpkin, butternut, late-season corn, and fresh greens. For Brian, the change of seasons is the exciting part. It means new things to play with, for example, turning house-fermented black garlic into sauces and vinaigrettes with a sweet, savory depth.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BLOCK

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Lea, Lola 15, Sofia 16, Ava 20, and Brian

“If you’re coming in to get a burger, get a burger,” he says. “The burger’s always there. But come back on the weekend, he says, and try what’s new.” Seasonal touches show up behind the bar too, like the watermelon margarita Lea made this summer from fruit trimmed in the kitchen. Whether you’re the designated driver, taking a break, or bringing the kids along, The Block offers a full non-alcoholic menu, and almost any cocktail can be made without the alcohol. In a dining landscape that’s changed dramatically — more delivery, fewer late nights, more competition — The Block remains what it has always been: a place built for the neighborhood, run by a chef who genuinely loves feeding neighbors. Discover what’s new at The Block, located at 146 W Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves.

“Brian is not a casserole guy, and we aren’t typically a casserole family,but this one is a hit for our family holiday.”

CONTINUED >

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Chef Brian’s Creamy Mushroom & Parmesan

Green Bean Casserole INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

7 cups blanched green beans 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white wine 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

STEPS

1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly butter a 9x13-inch (or 3-quart) baking dish. 2. Brown the mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add cremini mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until browned. 3. Season and add garlic: When the mushrooms are almost browned, season with salt, black pepper and garlic. Cook for 1 minute. 4. Add flour and deglaze: Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the mushrooms. Pour in wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until the pan is almost dry. 5. Build the cream sauce: Stir in vegetable or chicken stock and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

6. Finish the sauce: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme leaves. 7. Combine with green beans: Fold in the green beans until evenly coated, then spread into the prepared baking dish. 8. Bake: Bake uncovered until bubbling around the edges. 9. Add onions and finish: Scatter crispy fried onions evenly over the top and bake until the onions are golden and crisp. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

NOTES

Make ahead: Assemble through step 7, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add about 10 minutes to the first bake if starting cold, and add the onions only at the end so they stay crisp. A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing.

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