Kirkwood, MO December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

Merry & Bright

LI F E + C U LTU R E M EE T RI C K D U PL IS SI E , G EN ER AL M ANAG ER O F T H E K I RK WO O D PERFO RM I N G AR T S C EN T ER 2020 H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

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

SHINE BRIGHT, KIRKWOOD WHAT A GIFT THE KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IS TO OUR COMMUNITY. The performances and events that will take place on both stages, in the two-

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth von Behren, Megan Greco, Samantha Waigand, Fred Ortlip, James Kauffman, Beth Glennon

story lobby, and on the lawn are sure to leave the gift of long-lasting memories

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

for years to come. And while we are eagerly waiting for the safe opening of

Brian Porter, Samantha Waigand, Megan Greco

the center, we can enjoy the massive piece of art anchoring the grand staircase. It’s a gift that glows both day and night and serves as a bright, beautiful reminder of how special our community is.

The idea for the piece came from a visionary session with Kirkwood leaders, including Rick Duplissie, GM of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. “We wanted a piece of art that represented the city of Kirkwood; the trees and the train station,” said Rick. “If you look at the piece, you will notice that the main tree branch is actually a map of the railroad that runs through Kirkwood.”

The piece was designed by Jacobs and installed by the fabrication company Arktura.

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

“Technically, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center is a park,” said Rick.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

“The artwork serves to bring the exterior of Kirkwood into this community

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

space. We’ve carried the motif throughout the building. Essentially, we’ve created an indoor park.”

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lit up by 30,000 LED lights behind perforated aluminum panels, this piece of art is a reminder of how bright we can shine when we all come together.

This art is an incredible gift to all of us. Shine bright, Kirkwood.

Renee Moore, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Rick Duplissie, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center General Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN PORTER 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Master of the Arts Meet Rick Duplissie, GM of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center

18 Live Local.

Shop Local.

The exclusive gift guide for everyone on your list

24 Holiday Hearths Marvelous mantle decorations match existing room décor for a creative Christmas flair

32 Gifts for the Wine & Spirit Enthusiast Local wine & entertainment blogger,

12 24

Megan Greco, discusses her favorite holiday gifts

32

18

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Back Stage

18

Local’s Choice

24 Renovate & Refine 30 Inspired By 32 Trend Setter

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CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

7

GOOD TIMES

Live Local. Shop Local.

As the giving season rolls around, we celebrate those who choose to shop in dozens of retail stores throughout Kirkwood and Webster. By shopping local, you will be giving more than one gift this year. Supporting community-owned businesses spreads the joy even further by assuring hope for the livelihood of so many of our friends and neighbors. #ShopLocal

8

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

AROUND TOWN

SCHOOL OF ROCK’S END-OF-SEASON PERFORMANCE

GRAND OPENING OF THE COVE MEMORY CARE HOUSEHOLD

School of Rock Kirkwood will live stream its end-

Cape Albeon continues to celebrate its 20-year

of-season performances on December 11 - 13, Check

tradition of excellent care for seniors and long-term

out their Facebook page @SORKirkwood for more

friendly staff. The new Cove Memory Care Household

details. The students have been performing around

is designed to offer residents and families a beacon

town as they get ready for their end-of-season show.

of hope in caring for dementia and Alzheimer’s res-

Recently, they played an outdoor pop-up show at

idents, including early-onset. The all-inclusive Cove

Gaslight Studios and they also performed a benefit

apartments are centered around a beautiful private

for Kids Rock Cancer. These kids rock.

outdoor oasis, offering a variety of comfortable private apartments with person-centered, individualized, compassionate care. The Cove uniquely provides short term respite stays and overnight stays for relatives. Tours are by appointment to keep everyone safe. Call 636-431-2011.

BEAUTIFUL AND 100% BIODEGRADABLE Abby Lapides, the owner of Sugar Creek Gardens has created a beautiful wreath for Missouri Botanical Garden's annual Holiday Wreath Display and Auction. Each flower is hand-carved from Shola wood, a 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly sustainable product. Abby's wreath will be on display during all Garden Glow evenings from 5:00-10:00 pm through January 2, 2021.

LIBBY’S BLOWTIQUE IS KIRKWOOD’S FIRST BLOWDRY BAR Meet Libby Meskill, Kirkwood native and owner of Libby's Blowtique. Libby's love for fashion, hair, and makeup was the driving force towards

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Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

pursuing her dream of starting her own business. The shop specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and bridal services.

The shop’s selection of shower caps and satin pillowcases make your blowout last longer. Stop in to pick up trendy

Montessori for Life

and affordable hair accessories (great gift ideas). The Blowtique is located at 545 W. Woodbine and is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. www.libbysblowtique.com

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

Would you like to get in touch with us?

We would love to hear from you! Contact us

at

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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

11

BACK STAGE

Kirkwood Performing Arts Center

MASTER OF THE ARTS 12

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE RENEE MOORE

Here’s our conversation with the center’s new boss:

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ARTS? My dad, Rick Sr., is retired military, and my mom, Liz, is a retired

THE NEW GM RICK DUPLISSIE IS READY TO DELIVER A ‘WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE’.

school nurse. My brother and sister are both in the military. I am the artist of the family. I very much remember how I felt the first time I heard an audience react to strong a performance. It felt like I was in a dream. Whether I’m performing or producing, I have been chasing that dream ever since.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? The lobby. It’s designed for people to connect and share their experience. Here, families and friends can hang around after a performer showcases their work. Patrons can take what they saw on stage and continue that experience in the lobby while enjoying a signature cocktail outside on the balcony or upstairs in the loft. KPAC’s designers have crafted unique seating areas that are picture-perfect for Instagram and Facebook to commemorate their outing. The upstairs lobby feels more like a living room; it says, “come on in, grab a drink, let’s chat.”

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? I see KPAC being a neighborhood hangout, a park with an artistic flair. We intend to have something happening here roughly 300 days a year. A typical Saturday could start with yoga on the west lawn, immediately followed by mimosas, then an afternoon matinee capped off with a concert in the evening, maybe even nightcap drinks on the Sunset Deck.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PATRON EXPERIENCE AT KPAC? Once we get fully staffed, we plan to deliver a world-class experience on stage. I want to create a dynamic venue for patrons in the center both before and after the performance. After that, I want to focus on

INSIDE

THE

KIRKWOOD

SPARKLING

NEW

the outdoor environment adjacent to the center. If we can enhance the

PERFORMING

ARTS

space surrounding KPAC, the patron’s experience will subtlety start

CENTER, THE NEW GENERAL MAN-

before they even hit the parking lot.

AGER OF THE CENTER, RICK DUPLISSIE, IS QUIETLY WAITING FOR PATRONS

DESCRIBE THE EVENT SPACE

TO FILL THE 525 SEAT ROSS FAMILY

We have 5,000 square feet of space ideal for weddings, receptions,

THEATER, THE 125 SEAT STUDIO THE-

holiday parties, galas, and cabarets. KPAC is fully equipped with two

ATER, AND SEVERAL EVENT SPACES.

bars, drink stations, a warming kitchen, and several VIP experience

The coronavirus outbreak prevented an

rooms. Outside, there is over 2,600 hundred square feet of space.

August opening and put a crimp in schedul-

On the event lawn, I’m planning outdoor movie nights, concerts, and

ing that will include film, dance, music, opera,

art festivals. I’d love to utilize the rooftop as an additional outdoor

aerial arts, and children’s programming.

event space. The rooftop is perfect for wedding photos at sunset,

Rick, a native of Waynesville, Missouri,

and perhaps a live band. The future rooftop space should be part of

about two hours west of St. Louis, brings a

the performing arts experience. But we need someone to claim the

wealth of experience in the arts with a focus

rooftop naming right to make that happen. A rooftop lounge would be

on enhancing patron experience while pro-

the perfect capstone. Whose name should be up there? Maybe your

ducing community-centric programming.

readers can give us a lead.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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BACK STAGE (CONTINUED) Rick Duplissie has a vision

IS THERE ANYTHING UNIQUE ABOUT THIS THEATER? Because Kirkwood is Tree City USA, I want to commission a tree trunk painted backstage so that it emotionally pairs with the experience of bringing Kirkwood’s outdoor environment inside, similar to our Feature Wall in the main lobby. Each performing artist, designer, and director will have the opportunity to place his or her colored handprint on the tree, forming branches and leaves - I’m thinking vibrant greens, yellows, reds, and oranges.

Eventually, we will have a forest backstage.

I see this living art as a unique opportunity and leaves a lasting impression of the performance we all had a hand in.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PUT THE ART IN PERFORMING ARTS? You cannot have a Performing Arts Center without art. My vision is to have many pieces of art and some large rotating pieces dotting the facility. We don’t have a marquee here so it would be fun to have five permanent art pieces around the center representing the core arts competencies. Essentially, this is an art gallery for artists to share their work.

The lobby loft features a gallery wall and can accommodate hundreds of people. I want people to come and experience world-class art in Kirkwood’s back yard.

Rick Duplissie loves to talk about performing art

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Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT MANAGING THE THEATER? I love watching the audience. I love to discover what they think about their entire theater experience. The best time to get that unfiltered feedback is walking with them, incognito, to their cars after the show.

I listen with intent as they talk about their experience. I find out how their drink was, if the restrooms’ lines were too long, or if the box office attendant was polite. That type of information is invaluable.

FINAL THOUGHTS? Do you know how it feels when you have a large, fun space that you want to share with people? For me, KPAC is like that. Prior to finding KPAC, I was looking for an artistic home where I could host incredible performances and large parties. KPAC is not just my home; it is Kirkwood’s home. There is something ultra-fulfilling about what we do, how we do it, and how we share it with folks.

KPAC Grand Lobby

I am loving this ride. I cannot wait for our grand opening.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

W h at s h ows a r e yo u e xc i t e d to B R I N G T O T H E T H E AT E R ?

I am excited about our relationship with On the Fly I want to bring the St. Louis Film Festival here and be the Productions, an international flight/wire performance com- extended classroom for the Shakespeare Festival, and I’m pany based in St. Louis. They will be a major part of our eyeing the St Louis Fringe Arts Fest. Outside of St. Louis, grand opening. Currently, the group is using the main stage there is an urban, hip-hop version of The Nutcracker that as a classroom, training youth programs, and program devel- I want to bring in from Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve had a opment for new shows to be performed across the country long-standing relationship with the organization and have and around the world in 2021. I’m very excited to see what watched it grow from concept to multiple, sold-out houses. they can do with our space. Soon, we’ll have STAGES St Louis It is a beautiful rendition of the classic story, and I want to and Kirkwood Theatre Guild and Kirkwood Youth Theatre, too. bring it to this stage.

On the Fly Productions practicing at KPAC 16

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

01 02 03

STAGES St. Louis is thrilled to mark its 35th Anniversary Season with the move into the organization’s new artistic home in the Ross Family Theater at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents theatrical productions for the enjoyment of its members and the community and to stimulate interest in dramatic arts.

Kirkwood Youth Theatre prides itself on being a place where young performers can develop their passion and talent for theater in a fun environment.

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13100 Manchester Rd., Suite 65 Des Peres, MO 63131 636.527.3015 CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Live Local.

SHOP LOCAL. Y HOLIDAYS PP HA P

HO

YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I 18

LIDAYS HAP HO PY

Y DA

PY

APPY HOLI DA S H YS

HA

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE JAMES KAUFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER

g i f t s fo r

CHRISTMAS (3) The Minifig Shop

(1) Blue Dahlia Designs

(4) Head to Toe Dancewear

7) Story Seven

(2) Checkered Cottage

(5) O.K. Hatchery Feed & Garden Store

8) Glow Candle Co.

6) Kind Soap Company

9) Neustaedter's Fine Jewelry

1) Blue Dahlia Designs LED snowflake luminarias, $27.75 - $39.50, bluedahliadesigns.net | 2) Checkered Cottage Winter vignette with ornaments, $10.95 - $35.95, Best Tree Ever Candles $24.95, checkeredcottage.com | 3) The Minifig Shop Lego characters and sets, $10 and up, theminifigshop.com | 4) Head to Toe Dancewear Monogram bow, $11.50, bracelet, $7, charms, $6, headtotoedancewear.com | 5) O.K. Hatchery Feed & Garden Store Holiday welcome mat, $19.99 - $23.99, 314-822-0083 | 6) Kind Soap Company Sugar Plums solid sugar scrubs, $12.50, kindsoap.com | 7) Story Seven Santa mug, snowmen marshmallows, peppermint swirl spoons, and more, $8.75 - $15.00, storysevenstl. com | 8) Glow Candle Co. This is what Christmas smells like, $30, glowcandleco.com | 9) Neustaedter’s Fine Jewelry All pieces are hand-engraved and completely customized, wowdiamonds.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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LIVE LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

01 Alpine Shop

HER

2) Nouveau Medspa

3) Finders Keepers 6) Descendant Boutique

4) Lass and Laddie

7) Mod on Trend Boutique

5) Never Enough Boutique

8) James Durbin Jewelry Design

9) Leopard Boutique

1) Alpine Shop Patagonia Radalie Jacket, $159, alpineshop.com | 2) Nouveau Medspa Medical services, massage therapy, IV wellness therapy, aesthetic services, and add-on services, $50 - $500+, nouveaumedspa.com | 3) Finders Keepers Personalization Boutique Camo tunic hoodie, $40, beanie, $20, backpack, $52, 314-966-3044 | 4) Lass and Laddie Blush shag vest, $48, lassandladdie.com | 5) Never Enough Boutique Tie-dye sweats, $54 - $59, neverenoughstl. com | 6) Descendant Boutique Camel sweater, $58, knit hat, $28, brass Mahnal Bangle, $70, milk bath by Butter Love, $18 shopdescendant.com | 7) Mod on Trend Boutique Been There Before sweater cardigan, $69.99, modontrend.com | 8) James Durbin Jewelry Design 14kt white gold diamond eternity ring, $8,250, jamesdurbinjewelry.com | 9) Leopard Boutique Faux fur slippers, $24.50, C.C. Beanie, $24.50, Gold Heart-Shaped Bag, $48.50, leopardboutique.com 20

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

g i f t s fo r

1) Clay and Cotton

HOSTESSES

2) Gus’s Place Pet Store

3) The Novel Neighbor

4) Kirkwood Pop Co.

5) Cornucopia

6) Down By The Station

7) Rusted Chandelier

8) Sammysoap

9) Naturally Inspired Gifts

1) Clay and Cotton Rainbow acrylic drinkware and bowl, $10.00+, clayandcottonkirkwood.com | 2) Gus’s Place Pet Store Puppy owner gift box, $30, 314-961-1201 | 3) The Novel Neighbor Creative cocktail recipe books, $15, thenovelneighbor.com | 4) Kirkwood Pop Co. Custom flavored popcorn, $5 - $10, kirkwoodpopco.com | 5) Cornucopia Christmas Traditions Coffee Vanilla, Cinnamon, Hazelnut, $7.95 – $14.95, cornucopia-kitchen.com | 6) Down By The Station GurglePot Fish Water Pitcher (actually gurgles as you pour), $45, downbythestation.com | 7) Rusted Chandelier Personalized fabric pouches, $40, rustedchandelier.com | 8) Sammysoap Warm Wishes gift pack, $29, sammysoap.com | 9) Naturally Inspired Gifts Custom gift baskets, $25 - $250, anaturallyinspiredgift.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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LIVE LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

1) Frame Shop of St. Louis

PEOPLE WHO LOVE LOCAL

2) Pedego St. Louis Electric Bikes

3) Massage Envy Sunset Hills

4) Union Studio

5) The Initial Design

7) Grapevine Wine and Spirits

8) Embroider the Occasion

6) Sugar Shack

9) Kirkwood Hardware

1) Frame Shop of St. Louis Kirkwood Train Station custom print by Jim Eyrich, $45, 314-822-8196 | 2) Pedego St. Louis Electric Bikes Rovr Cooler designed to be bear-proof and keeps ice up to 8 days, $369+, pedegoelectricbikes.com | 3) Massage Envy Sunset Hills Massage, facials and skin care gift card, $50 and up, 314-849-5100 | 4) Union Studio Holiday Park Print Set, $35, stlunionstudio.com | 5) The Initial Design Royal Standard fleur-de-lis serving dishes, $20+, and hand towel, $8.50, theinitialdesignstl.com | 6) Sugar Shack Decade Collections Candy 1920 – 1990 (1950 shown), $36, kirkwoodsugarshack. com | 7) Grapevine Wine and Spirits A Taste of Kirkwood Wine Box, $61 for the box or $86 including the Kirkwood cutting board, grapevinewineandspirits.com | 8) Embroider the Occasion Super soft sweatshirt with local coordinates on back, $35, embroidertheoccasion.com | 9) Kirkwood Hardware Weber Kettle in bronze, $165, 314-821-0164 22

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

23

HOLIDAY RENOVATE & REFINE

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER

HEARTHS Dining Room Hearth

MARVELOUS MANTLE DECORATIONS MATCH EXISTING ROOM DECOR FOR A CREATIVE CHRISTMAS FLAIR.

24

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

HOLIDAY HEARTHS

Tour presented by St. Louis Homes +

Looking for some inspiration to brighten

Lifestyles. Melissa turned to interior decora-

up your hearth for the holidays? These four

tor Patti Porter for ideas and inspiration. “I told

hearths are bursting with creative color.

Patti to come and sprinkle Christmas all over

Homeowner Melissa Haupt says that she

my house,” said Melissa. The award-winning,

typically decorates with the traditional green

four-year-old home designed by Mitchell Wall

and red colors for Christmas. However, this

Architecture and Design and built by R.G.

year her home is one of the four homes on the

Ross features three fireplaces that set the

Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Christmas

stage for a creative Christmas theme.

SOFT AND SNOW Y

Master Bedroom Hearth

STYLE TIP Match your holiday design to existing décor. Icy eucalyptus leaves and snowy stems match the soft color pallet of this master bedroom. White ginger jars nestled into pine stems on top of the armoire add subtle texture around the room.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

25

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Kitchen Hearth

CHRISTMA S CITRUS This see-through fireplace anchors the kitchen on one side and the great room on the other side. The back-to-back mantles have an intentional asymmetrical design; each mantle’s left side is decorated based on the existing theme of the room. However, as you walk from the great room into the kitchen, the mantle décor seems to “wrap” around the entire fireplace. So clever!

26

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

STYLE TIP Both the fireplace mantle and the kitchen pendants are adorned with lemons and oranges wrapped in cedar and eucalyptus leaves to embrace the feeling of happy holiday gatherings around the center island.

STYLE TIP This large room beckoned for a grand hearth design.

Giant green baubles draw attention to the hearth that glows with touches of gold. The single navy-blue bauble is a nod to the existing blue and white kitchen

Great Room Hearth

HOME BY THE HEARTH

around the corner.Â

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

27

Searching for the right next step?

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Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

29

INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE BETH VON BEHREN

A Conversation

George Walker talks with Friendship Village resident

Filled with Care WHEN AND HOW TO TALK ABOUT TRANSITIONING TO A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

30

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

AT SOME POINT, MOST ADULT CHILDREN OF

ADDRESSING CONCERNS

AGING PARENTS FIND THEMSELVES CON-

An aging parent who has been self-sufficient

FRONTING QUESTIONS ABOUT WHEN THEIR

may fear the loss of independence. Seniors may

PARENTS CAN NO LONGER LIVE ALONE AND

think their quality of life is over once they move

WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THEIR FAMILY. Delaying

into a community. Or worse, that they are going to

those tough conversations doesn’t shelve the con-

end up using a walker. Quite the opposite is true.

cern felt for aging seniors. And, for family members

Residents are monitored and given the assistance

who are unable to check in on their loved ones fre-

they need to avoid diminished mobility and retain

quently, the worries can mount quickly. The transi-

a strong sense of self. Seniors may also be con-

tion into a senior living community can be a difficult

cerned about leaving behind a lifetime of memories

conversation to have. George Walker, Assisted Living

during this transition. The good news is that seniors

Specialist at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills, sug-

often find they don’t spend much time in their new

gests framing the conversation around care. “Most

apartments because a calendar of activities and

of our residents have been in their homes for many

outings keeps them busy. Communal dining, reg-

years,” Walker said. “Some are a little too proud to

ular activities with others with shared interests or

admit they need assistance. I always share with the

similar backgrounds and everyday conversation

families the peace of mind that comes from knowing

benefit seniors in residential living tremendously.

their loved one is being cared for all day, every day.”

Larger communities like Friendship Village also have libraries, lounges, exercise gyms, swimming

STARTING A CONVERSATION A senior family member may be just one fall away from needing independent living, assisted living or

pools and multiple restaurant options. All compelling reasons for residents to spend more time staying active and interacting with others.

skilled nursing, which is why starting those conversations now is important. But a fall isn’t the only inci-

ASSESSING THE OPTIONS

dent that may trigger a conversation. An aging loved

It’s never too early to seek answers. It is smart

one can display other important signs to indicate

to investigate all the senior living options available

a need to investigate senior living options. Has the

before it becomes a need. Senior living communities

senior family member withdrawn from his or her reg-

differ in their options of care as well as in their costs.

ular activities? Have changes in their weight or eating

For example, Friendship Village is the only Life Care

habits occurred? Are bills unpaid or mail unopened?

community in the area, which means it offers all lev-

Are they uncertain about which medications to take

els of care, from independent living to assisted living

and when? Something like unusual clutter in the

and memory care to skilled nursing, all on one cam-

home or a lack of personal hygiene may cause con-

pus, providing the option of predictable costs for life

cern. “Mom never used to have dirty laundry on the

regardless of the level of care needed. Families have

floor or dishes in the sink,” Walker said. “A change in

multiple things to consider when thinking about

regular behavior is a red flag that families may need

senior living for a loved one, but it all starts with a

to start talking about a transition to senior living.”

conversation centered around care.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

31

TREND SETTER

G i f ts f o r t h e w i n e & s p i r i t

ENTHUSIAST LOCAL WINE & ENTERTAINMENT BLOGGER, MEGAN GRECO FROM @IFYOUPOURIT DISCUSSES HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR WINE AND SPIRIT LOVERS.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN GRECO

1

Drink Dispatch Blind Wine Tasting Kit

drinkdispatch.com

32

Kirkwood Lifestyle | December 2020

2

Red Head Barrels handmade oak barrel

redheadoakbarrels.com

3 Megan Greco loves this bartending kit from Mixology & Craft mixologyandcraft.com

OAK BARRELS ARE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR

the box, a Blind Tasting 101 Informational Guide

ANY COCKTAIL LOVER! They look adorable sitting

walks even the most novice wine drinker through

on a bar or counter, and you can turn inexpensive

how to use their senses to guess the varietal, the

ordinary spirits like rum, tequila, and bourbon into

vintage, and the region of the wine. To keep the

Top Shelf Liquor for a fraction of the price. Adding

wines a mystery, each bottle included is disguised

your own flavors like bitters and fruit to the aging

and labeled with a number.

process will take cocktails to the next level, making

Bartending kits are easy to come by, but high-qual-

anyone feel like a real mixologist. Red Head Barrels

ity, stylish ones do not seem to pop up all that often.

creates handmade oak barrels that come in a variety

This beautiful rustic bartending kit by Mixology &

of sizes and finishes. In addition to offering a variety

Craft delivers on both superior quality and rustic

of spirits, these barrels can be personalized with

sleek style. Made from stainless steel, these kits are

logos and monograms.

rustproof and leakproof. Every detail on this product

Know any wine enthusiasts? Blind Wine Tasting Kits are the perfect gift. Created for both novice

is well planned; there are even cute quotes hidden throughout that make the kit extra special.

and advanced wine drinkers, these kits are edu-

Megan Greco is a local blogger specializing in

cational and fun. Developed by local St. Louis

wine, spirits, parties, and entertainment. Find other

company, Drink Dispatch, these 3 or 6 pack kits

fun creative ideas and reviews on her Instagram or

come in a variety of price points. Upon opening

Facebook @ifyoupourit. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

33

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