The Women's Issue




One of my favorite quotes from this issue is from Lorilee Cummings, who said, "You are the average of the five people you hang out with." I want to hang out with all the women featured in this issue. Especially Jane Petrie (pictured above with her husband, Tom.) I want to hang out with Jane because I like the places Jane hangs out. Let me explain.
A few weeks ago, my husband, Jay, gathered a few of his friends to see one of his favorite bands, Colonel Ford and the Rough Riders, play at Stovall's Grove in Wildwood. Have you heard of Colonel Ford? He's played at the Greentree Festival. Have you been to Stovall's? It's the best old-school, county-western bar around. I'm talking cowboy hats, belt buckles, and line dancing on a wooden floor. Classic. And so much fun with the right group of friends - which is why I want to hang out with Jane. My husband wanted to capture the night's fun, so he asked the woman at the table next to us if she'd mind taking our group picture. She graciously said yes and snapped a picture of our rowdy friends. Jay said, "Thanks," and asked her and her husband where they were from (if you know Jay, he's never met a stranger). They said, "Kirkwood." Jay immediately asked, "Do you like Kirkwood Lifestyle magazine?" Both Jane AND Tom said, "Yes! We love it." So, Jay said, "Renee, come here. You've got to meet Jane and Tom." They were so cool to talk with. I totally want to hang out with Jane again.
I absolutely love meeting anyone who reads Kirkwood Lifestyle Magazine, but that is amplified when a great live band is playing George Strait in the background.
Should I plan a Kirkwood City Lifestyle Ladies' Night Out?
PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Elizabeth Nowakowski elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Gibbons, Heather R. Sparkman, Chef Lydia Gwin, Trisha McConkey, Lucy Rogers, Beth Glennon
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Danny Zofness, DTK Studios, Ursula Ruhl, Gwin's Tiny Kitchen, Amigos Cantina, Trisha McConkey, Carey Campbell
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Audi Kirkwood is now Audi Exchange Kirkwood. For over 40 years, the Exchange Auto Group has been synonymous with luxury cars in the Chicagoland area. We are excited to now serve the St. Louis area with our relentless desire to give customers an experience that exceeds their highest expectations.
Over the next few months, we will begin the process of building an all new, bigger and better Audi Exchange Kirkwood. Until then, we look forward to serving you and your vehicle where you will see the difference that experience, knowledge and top-level customer service make. Audi Exchange Kirkwood— Expect the Exceptional.
Trish Bordeaux was inspired by her three kids. She discovered the joy of screen printing their artwork onto lemonade stand shirts, tote bags, note cards, polymer clay, ceramics and wood. Bringing their voices alive through print was how her company, SmallDogPrints was born! Trish offers a simple, DIY screen printing solution to artists and small businesses so that their unique voice, brand, etc. can be seen through print. Got a printer? You can do this. smalldogprints.com
Photography SmallDogPrints
Want
Born from an obsession for horticulture that literally overgrew her home, Ann Lapides opened Sugar Creek Gardens in 1990 at the Kirkwood Farmers Market with a garden umbrella, cash box, and a few hundred plants. Sugar Creek moved to Woodlawn Avenue in Kirkwood, where the original greenhouses were built to grow cut flowers for the 1904 World’s Fair (and rumor has it the house was a speakeasy during Prohibition). Ann’s daughter Abby Lapides joined Sugar Creek full-time in 2008.
The KIND story begins with Jean Scholtes. “I have dealt with skin sensitivities my whole life. Finding a soap or lotion that my skin would tolerate was a constant struggle,” said Jean. Only pure essential oils and botanicals are used to give KIND all-natural products their wonderful aromas, and natural herbs, spices, clays, and naturally-mined pigments are used for color. See and SMELL everything KIND has to offer at the brand new location on 113 West Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves or online at kindsoap.com
Macarons, Tarts & Cakes, Éclairs, Napoleon, Croissants, Lavazza Euro Coffees, Iced Drinks, Gelato, Fine Chocolates, Celebrate Mother'sDay with our delicacies &treats!
Dr. Allison Winkler discusses turning a brand new house into a home filled with details honoring her past while curating a space to create beautiful moments and memories.
"My vision esoterically was to build a home where all my kids' friends come to hang out. We wanted enough room for the kids to play in the house and a big yard with a pool for them to play outside. I want to have the kind of home where people leave a swimsuit and have a code to our front door."
Allison Winkler, D.M.D. owner of Kirkwood Family Dental.
"We don't have family in St. Louis," said Allison. "I wanted to create a family-friendly home where we entertain our friends."
Allison's home is filled with little odes to cherished times in her past. Wanting to replicate the style of the 1920s English Tudor home she grew up in, she chose white brick for a modern twist on a classic Tudor. "The front door of this house is similar to my childhood home in Seattle. My kids have window seats in their bedrooms, similar to what I had growing up. The floor in my daughter's bathroom is a basket weave tile that reminds me and my husband, Rob, of our first apartment in Boston. My husband loves going to the Ritz for our anniversary and wanted that same type of Carrara Marble in our house."
When asked if Rob had a significant influence on the design of the house, Allison said, "He cares a lot more about functionality than aesthetics. He cared
a lot about automated light switches and the location of the speakers in the ceilings." Rob also chose the builder, Don Stockell of Stockell Custom Homes. "We liked that they are a small company with a great portfolio and an energy star rating. Most importantly, Don allowed us to purchase our design elements."
"We have done projects where the owner did not work with an interior designer; unfortunately, it showed. However, not so with Allison," said Don. "Allison's finish selections are what sets this home apart. She chose all the exterior finishes – stone, windows, doors, shingles, metal roofing, and paint colors. She also chose all the interior finishes – flooring, stairs, cabinets, appliances, countertops, plumbing fixtures, doors, millwork, and paint colors. She did a better job than some interior designers we have worked with."
"I don't have a knack for design. I have a knack for googling things, " said Allison. "Designers have a knack for design. I'm good at knowing what I like and making decisions." Allison describes her process for designing her dream home. "I would find pictures I liked on Instagram and then search those designers' blogs. That's how I spent most of my maternity leave." Would she recommend internet DIY design to others? "If you have the time and it's something you enjoy, you can make your home exactly what you want," said Allison. "Just make sure to have a clear vision before you start."
Allison's favorite design elements include the plaster fireplace in the great room, the double-sided fireplace in the primary bedroom, and the giant stone fireplace on the back patio. "Our bricklayer was excellent," said Allison. "He and I laid out the brick pattern to make it look like this fireplace has been
here for centuries." Additional Instagram-inspired design spaces include a balcony in the primary bedroom complete with a Nespresso coffee bar for an early morning coffee before the kids are up, a 1st-floor guest room, a 12' island, 2nd-floor laundry, Amish cabinets, one color throughout the house, beautiful wallpaper in the primary bathroom, and an enormous playroom on the second floor.
“I want to have the kind of home where people leave a swimsuit and have a code to our front door.”
"I have kept in mind, through this whole process, no matter the challenges, how grateful and privileged I am to build this in the first place," Allison noted.
As expected, there were some challenges and delays due to supply chain issues in this current builders' market. Ken Rice, Director of Field Operations for Stockell Custom Homes, said, "We keep things moving to work around supply chain issues. Our customers trust us, and we take that seriously."
Stockell Custom Homes are zero energy ready. "Geothermal ground service heat is installed, and the whole house is ready for solar panels. A third party tests the indoor air quality and energy efficiency. And the exterior is completely waterproofed," stated Don Stockell. "Aside from our quality craftsmanship, Allison's attention to detail sets this home apart. She built the exact home she wanted."
THESE FIVE WOMEN ARE HEROES FOR CREATING A BETTER TOMORROW.
ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELLI started my fire safety career late in life. I was 30 years old, working as an EMT at St. Louis University Hospital when a nurse suggested that I become a firefighter. As the oldest of two girls, my dad always told me, “You can do anything you want.” And I thought, “I could do that.” There was a two-year waitlist to get into the fire academy, during which I received my paramedic license. My advice for all women of any age is if you want to make a change in your life - go for it. You can do anything you want.
When I started with the Kirkwood Fire Department 27 years ago, I had no idea how many other women were serving. I was the only woman in my class of 24 at the fire academy. Today, as a volunteer at Camp Fury STL, I encourage young women to explore becoming firefighters or police officers. Camp Fury STL is a weeklong immersive camp for high school girls sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Camp Fury STL campers put on the gear, climb the ladder truck, repel, perform rescue operations, learn defensive tactics, and become versed in fire and police procedures.
There are so many stories about how Camp Fury STL creates life-changing experiences, but I love sharing one about a girl who didn’t know she was going to this camp. Her mom just dropped her off. The girl spent the first couple of days upset and not wanting to talk to anyone. But by the end of the week, she was the spokesperson for her team at the camp graduation. We never tell the girls they have to participate in an activity. But we are really supportive, and all the camp girls encourage each other. It’s incredible to watch their confidence change in only seven days.
“You can do anything you want.”
- Nancy Goss
Nancy Goss
Firefighter Paramedic Engineer
The woman I most admired growing up was Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. She was the first Afro-Latina to put Salsa Dancing on the map for women of color. Celia is making history nearly 20 years after her death; she will be the first Afro-Latina featured on the United States Quarter in 2024. When I think about the legacy I want to leave for the next generation of women, the words that come to mind are perseverance and persistence. I want young girls to know that when life is hard, pushing through builds endurance and character. Life literally knocked me to my knees in April of 2021. I had to accept who I am as a woman. I don’t look like a typical fitness instructor, so I had to get people to accept that I have the mentality and dedication to do the work. Spenga saved my life. As a SPENGA instructor, I encourage others to be confident in their workouts. You have to love yourself in the space that you are in and give yourself the grace to enjoy the journey of achieving your goal. I want to tell the little girls of tomorrow, “Don’t give up. It only gets better.”
“Don’t give up. It only gets better.”
- ViVi CarranzaViVi CarranzaSPENGA Instructor
Home is where you feel comfortable. I was born in Albania; then, we moved to Greece, and I moved to St. Louis with my family in 2004. Greece is beautiful, but I love my life here.
Every Sunday, my mom and I explore a local coffee shop. My parents owned a coffee shop in Albania, and my dream is to open a coffee shop with my mom to continue that legacy.
Of all the places I have traveled to, New Orleans is my home away from home. It’s the one place I find peace and clarity. My best friend and I started taking annual road trips there after reading The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden. I love that book, and it turns out the author has family roots in Albania.
I won’t say I hate flying, but I’m an overpacker, so air travel becomes an issue. Luckily, my car gets great gas mileage because I take many road trips. I’m heading to Nashville, Chattanooga, Colorado, Kansas City, and Chicago this year to follow my favorite band, All Time Low, on their concert tour. I haven’t missed a tour since seeing them perform at the Pageant in 2008.
I want to help people grow into different roles and departments within the bank. The Enterprise team has been so supportive of me. I’ve been promoted three times since I joined Enterprise Bank in 2018. Even though we are a big bank, it feels small because we create great relationships where everyone’s voice matters. I want to amplify that positive energy at our Kirkwood branch by supporting my team and the local businesses in the community. I want everyone that comes into our branch to feel at home.
“I want everyone that comes into our branch to feel at home.”
- Livia Vrapi
Livia Vrapi
Livia Vrapi
Branch Manager, Enterprise Bank & Trust - KirkwoodSheila Burkett
Early in my career, I was encouraged to think about how I wanted to make a difference in the world. I gravitated toward equity in the workplace, improving our community, and helping others continue their education. But I would not have had the confidence to identify what is important to me if I hadn’t ventured out on the journey to discover my voice.
As a young girl, my voice was quiet; I questioned myself. The risk of failing by making the wrong choice paralyzed me. I faced the challenge of wanting people to like me, hating conflict, and knowing there are many sides to any situation. I began the journey of finding my voice by clearly identifying the issues that were important to me. As I focused on my ‘why,’ I became more confident in taking steps to move forward. I discovered that self-awareness and self-management are my keys to happiness and fulfillment. I am happiest when family, friends, and work intersect and build on each other.
As I learned more about myself, my strengths, my drive, and my motivators, I grew to believe in myself and my abilities. My voice became stronger, eventually overflowing with energy, ideas, purpose, and ambition. As I have grown older, I am now the calming voice of reason, setting an example of how to go with the flow and live authentically.
My journey isn’t over. Every day I am hopeful. Growing. Stretching myself. I want to use my voice to reach out to support others. Our commonalities come from being curious, asking meaningful questions to better relate to each other, and acknowledging that our experiences and perspectives are our own. Having conversations around equity in the workplace, improving our community, and helping others continue their education helps our society and helps others find their voice.
“Sheila was recognized as a 2023 St. Louis Titan 100. Her passion is helping women succeed in technology. She is a champion at making people feel like they belong and can thrive.”
My mother. Because of her strength, I never refuse any opportunity or challenge. After college, I worked the front desk for Marriott Hotels. I wanted to work in management, but the all-male management team would not allow a woman to move on. So, I wrote a letter to Bill Marriott saying I wanted to be in management. I got the job and became Employee of the Year in 1986.
I simply ask people, “How can I help your business?” I like being a resource for people. I worked for ten years at Maritz Travel, negotiating contracts for our large hotel clients. Now, if someone has a question or needs a second opinion, I’m happy to help with anything, whether it’s related to real estate or not.
Surround yourself with positive people. You are the average of the five people you hang out with. Positive people can help you feel supported, focused, and on track.
When I started in real estate, I joined many networking groups and spread myself so thin that no one knew me. So I decided that since I live in Kirkwood, I would focus all my energy at the Kirkwood - Des Peres Chamber of Commerce. Now, almost all my business comes from the Chamber. On a personal level, I’ve met some of my best friends through the Chamber. It’s a great group of people. Some people join the Chamber because there is a solid social component within the Chamber’s groups and events. As the founder of the Chamber Women’s Entrepreneurial Group, I’ve seen how transformative it is to dig deeper into getting to know each other, genuinely care about each other, and find ways to help each other. But my favorite part of the Chamber is how our members support the community. The members set this Chamber apart from other professional or social groups. It’s worth every minute that I’m there.
“Surround yourself with positive people. You are the average of the five people you hang out with.”
- Lorilee CummingsLorilee CummingsLorilee Realty Lorilee Cummings
Mike Gibbons reflects on his wife’s enthusiasm for serving a community true to its past while envisioning a healthy future.
I didn't know Liz had decided to run for city council. I knew she was thinking about it, but I didn't know it was official until dinner with friends on New Year's Eve 2019 when she said she had decided to run. I said, "Really? I didn't know that." But I wasn't surprised. Liz began getting involved with civic and community organizations at Kirkwood High School. Liz never intended to go into public office; however, in 2020, she felt strongly about creating healthy streets, development, and community. She knew if she genuinely cared about those things, she'd have to run for city council.
I've known city council members for over 40 years, and there have been a lot of good ones. But Liz is the best I've ever seen, including myself. She has a natural and infectious enthusiasm. People enjoy being around her; they want to include her in their projects and get involved in hers. That's how we met.
When I ran for city council in January of 1986, my campaign looked for someone in every neighborhood to go with me to knock on doors and introduce me to their friends and neighbors. A friend suggested I ask Liz to help on Orchard Lane where she grew up. I didn't know who she was, but after spending one day with her, I knew I wanted to see her again. I was afraid to ask her out, so I told her I needed to return to Orchard Lane again, even though I really didn't. I wanted to figure out a way to keep seeing her. I knew she was a runner, so that summer I decided to take up running, hoping I'd cross her path. I ran all over
Kirkwood for about two weeks, and luckily one morning I "ran into her." We started running together, and a couple of months later, I got up the courage to ask her out.
In many ways, I'm still watching her run. I watched Liz work tirelessly with former State Senator David Pearce from Warrensburg and the director of Tourism and Economic Development for the City of Herman, Tammy Bruckerhoff, to restore funding from the Missouri state legislature for a second daily Amtrak train allowing people to travel from Kirkwood to Kansas City effectively. While she faced challenges, the one thing she knew for sure was that if she didn't try, nothing was going to change. On her own initiative, she sought funds through the ARPA dollars that Missouri received. The Legislature appropriated $2.5 million to match the money raised locally to fully fund the needed renovations to our historic train station.
Liz reminds me of my grandmother, who was naturally able to get people involved in projects and enjoy them even if they didn't want to do them at first. She is particularly effective because she is involved with multiple local organizations, which helps her connect people together for a better future. This gift is critical to a tight-knit small town. Liz being honored as 2022 Citizen of the Year by the Kirkwood - Des Peres Chamber of Commerce is a tribute to how much can be accomplished when conversations start with a vibrant smile.
“Liz is particularly effective because she is involved with multiple local organizations, which helps her connect people together and work toward a better future. This gift is critical to a tight-knit small town..”
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT. 2 OUT OF
Welcome to 408 Gill Street, a beautiful century home in Kirkwood.
My passion for real estate started 25 years ago and has grown tremendously since my family and I moved to the Kirkwood area a little over 15 years ago. I love that the homes of this community are unlike anywhere else, with a unique and eclectic mix of new construction and century-old homes. Our family is moving again, and I'm excited to share our journey as we remodel and restore the beautiful century home on 408 Gill Street. Everything about this house inspired us to renovate rather than build. The stunning architecture of this century home needed to be preserved, embraced, and loved for the next 100 years.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY TRISHA MCCONKEYAs a mortgage lender closely connected to the construction industry, people often ask me, "Do I renovate or build?" and "Where do I start?" The answer is different for each person and home. These questions can be challenging when it comes to older homes. The obvious issue to consider is the return on investment. Location and the lot size (let's face it, you can't make more land) are also important factors to consider. Does the cost to improve exceed the value? Beyond the home's future value, it's important to be mindful of its present value. Is this a family home? Does architecture like this still exist? Is part of history being erased? Seeking a contractor and real estate professional to help you evaluate this is essential.
As our family becomes the third owner of the 408 Gill Street house, the fun begins as we modernize the design and function of this home while respectfully giving an ode to the old. We've got some homework to do.
Instead of going out, invite the girls over to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
We’ve collaborated with Chef Lydia Gwin from Gwin’s Tiny Kitchen and Amigos Cantina to bring you the most delicious recipes for your fiesta fun. Blackened salmon tacos inspired with local Mexican flavors and the Prickly Pear Margarita from Kirkwood’s Amigos Cantina are just what you need to get the party started.
For more recipes, visit gwinstinykitchen.com
Served 4 to 6
• 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1 /4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 /4 cup Mexican crema, plus extra for serving
• 1 /4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1 /2 tsp salt
• 1 /4 tsp black pepper
• 4 - 6 oz center cut, skin-on salmon fillets about 1 1/2 inch thick
• 2 T bsp blackening seasoning
• 1 2 warmed flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, halved and sliced
• 1 g rapefruit, segmented
1. Combine cabbage, crema, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl; set aside.
2. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat broiler. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Sprinkle salmon with blackening seasoning, then place skin side down on prepared sheet tray. Broil salmon on upper rack until well browned, about 6 minutes.
3. Transfer sheet to lower rack and continue to cook until salmon registers 135 degrees, about 8 minutes longer.Using a fork, gently flake the salmon apart on a sheet; discard the skin.
4. Divide salmon evenly among tortillas. Top with reserved slaw, avocado, and grapefruit segments. Serve with extra crema.
• Kosher Salt (for the rim)
• 1 ½ oz Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur
• 1 ½ oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1 oz Prickly Pear Syrup
1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your favorite margarita glass. Sprinkle kosher salt on a small plate and dip the rim of the glass into the salt. Fill the glass ¾ of the way with ice and set aside.
2. Combine tequila, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and prickly pear syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with an orange wedge.
Prickly pear syrup is derived from the prickly pear cactus fruit and has a honey-sweet flavor and distinct pink color. For the best results we recommend fresh squeezed lime juice and a quality blanco (silver) tequila when making your margarita.
If you want someone to play pickleball with, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated and delightful doubles partner than Jacqueline Pell. Jacqueline has been playing pickleball for over 20 years. "My husband and I used to play tennis, and that was our social life for many years. After he passed away, I started playing pickleball with some friends, and I love it more than tennis," said Jacqueline. "I'm looking for someone to play with when the weather warms up."
The new pickleball court is open at Cape Albeon Lakeside Retirement Living, and Jacqueline couldn't be happier. "I never dreamed that a retirement community would have a pickleball court, and it's beautiful," said Jacqueline as she demonstrated a perfect serve across the net.
At 91 years old, Jacqueline says she's been active her entire life. "I water skied until I was 85. I sailed, windsurfed, hiked, and biked. I love the water and the outdoors," said Jacqueline, who proudly showed off her apartment at Cape Albeon, which walks out to a patio overlooking one of the two lakes at the retirement community. "There is so much to do here. I walk the nature trail, take water aerobics and ride the exercise bikes. And I'm planning a big party for my family to come and spend the day playing outside in the new sports area."
Planning parties is something Jacqueline is quite proud of. "I threw myself two big surprise birthday parties when I turned 70 and 90. I'm planning my next big surprise party, which will be a big adventure," said Jacqueline.
Where is her next big adventure?
"The final one," stated delete and replace with: Jacqueline. "They say heaven is absolutely fantastic, so that's my next big adventure. I've got a big party planned. I picked out my dress and my shiny nail polish. The only surprise will be when it happens," laughed delete and replace with: Jacqueline as she posed with her pickleball paddle. Note her shiny blue fingernail polish.
The Annual Webster Arts Fair will return on June 2, 3, and 4, 2023, on the Green at the campus of Eden Seminary, in the heart of Webster Groves. The Webster Arts Fair is one of the premier art events on the St. Louis arts scene, featuring free art activities, live music and food from local favorites, and phenomenal artists from across the country working in over a dozen mediums. Our Youth Tent in 2023 will feature art activities and opportunities for youth musicians and artists to showcase their abilities in the Sunday Youth Makers Market. Entrance to the Fair is Free. Visit websterartsfair.com for more information and a schedule of events.