Kirkwood, MO September 2023

Three French Hens was founded by Jeanie Hood in 2003, with the help of her husband, Alan, and their family + friends, she turned the old Hill Behan Lumber Yard into a beautiful furniture store. Continuing with Jeanie’s vision, granddaughter, Rae Sutton and the rest of the Three French Hens team have adopted a business model that puts our clients first. At our showroom, you’ll find premium pieces for your home that will stand the test of time. With its third generation of ownership, the 10,000 sq ft showroom is always changing and evolving! Custom furniture, rugs, lighting, decor, fabrics, art, and more can be found at Three French Hens with our fun and experienced designers ready to pull it all together - in-store or with our in-home design services.

*Exclusions Apply

*

We are so grateful for our loyal customers & the continued opportunities to help you make your house a home for 20 years. TUESDAY

12TH

13TH Girls Day Out

15TH Food

WEDNESDAY JOIN US AT ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS. 636.458.8033 threefrenchhenswildwood.com 16935 Manchester Road Wildwood, Missouri 63040 V @tfhstl B Three French Hens - Wildwood

Truck Friday

Festival

We Like Your Style.

Here's something ironic. I love Ralph Lauren, but I've never worn anything adorned with a polo pony. I love everything about Ralph Lauren's style - the colors, the fabrics, and the timeless classiness of it all. And while I love his style, I don't wear it because it's not my style.

Same with Bruce Springsteen. I love to watch or listen to Bruce give interviews. And  Letter to You is one of the best music movies I've seen. But, oh man…I cannot listen to him sing. I saw him in concert and… ugh - not for me. My Apple Music is filled with my favorite singers covering Springsteen songs, so, while I appreciate this American icon, his singing just isn't my style.

I'll walk into a house or a home decor store and absolutely love all the unique design pieces. A beautiful pink Cyan Palermo glass bowl will catch my eye in the same way as an antique, hand-carved wooden chest. I love to look at them, but neither is my style.

I will say this about my style. I bought a Coach handbag when I was in college. It's really the only handbag/purse I've ever owned because it's all I've ever needed. Recently, someone asked me where I got my "vintage" bag. Vintage? I got this in college. Wasn't that just yesterday?

That's the thing about style - it's timeless and trendy. I love it all, but I tend to become much more invested in the story behind the style.

Here's the thing about this STYLE issue - I love how every person featured this month has their style so deeply connected to their story. Thinking about that makes me smile. And smiling never goes out of style.

Follow Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine on Facebook and Instagram @KirkwoodCityLifestyle. And if you'd like to receive Kirkwood City Lifestyle magazine at your home or office, email your name and address to elizabeth. nowoakowski@citylifestyle.com, and we'll add you to our mailing list.

Smile Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Warson Woods, Glendale, and Des Peres. We like your style.

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Elizabeth Nowakowski elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elizabeth Nowakowski, Lucy Rogers, Carly Larson, Trisha McConkey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carey Campbell, Fox and Hound Antiques, Trisha McConkey

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whiteney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

"What I do is about living. It's about living the best life you can and enjoying the fullness of the life around you - from what you wear, to the way you live, to the way you love."

- Ralph Lauren

Style

The leadership style of Michael Von Gerichten on and off the racquetball court.

Byron Rogers is geared up to head back to the classroom. The Kirkwood High School art teacher is outfitted from head to toe in cool, casual gear from Gearhead Outfitters in West County Mall.

Photography: Carey Campbell

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @kirkwoodcitylifestyle

1: Krissy Stroup "styling" kindergarten teacher at Tillman Elementary School. 2: Officer Gary is ready to play a little soccer at Hot Dog Days of Summer. 3: Can Officer Johnson protect the goal as he protects our community? 4: Taylor and Bob from the Kirkwood Library handing out free books at Fillmore Park. 5: Jeannie Lawson, Location Safety Manager for First Student getting the children safely to school. 6: Tina Milford teaches kindergarten in style at North Glendale Elementary School. 7: Sarah Garner of Webster Groves sets the style at the lower school at MICDS teaching art.

PATRICK GARNER

SPENCER MILFORD

Winter Opera St. Louis presents the annual Fall Gala on October 20th, 2023 at Old Warson Country Club. Join us for an enchanting evening with world-class performers, exquisite dining, and a chance to support opera. The gala unites patrons, music enthusiasts, and artists, celebrating culture and community. Enjoy a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, entertainment, silent and live auctions. Proceeds support Winter Opera's 17th season. Our mission is to bring opera to St. Louis in the winter months.

Want

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

KIRKWOOD CITY

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Party in the Park Festival Kick-Off

September 9th | 6:00 p.m.

LION'S PAVILION

Rotary Ramble

5k | 10k | Fun Run

September 9th | 7:30 a.m.

KIRKWOOD AQUATIC CENTER

Sponsored by MONACO www.rotaryramble.org

SEPTEMBER 15TH - 17TH

for your best local life. Exclusive giveaways. Hidden gem alert! Good news in your neighborhood.

content by local creators. Inside scoop on all things local. Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

GREENTREE PARADE ROUTE

The parade route is changing! The new route will start on the North side of KHS along Dougherty Ferry. From there it will continue on Peeke, head South on Kirkwood, and finally West on Argonne, concluding at Kirkwood Park. The new route will be in effect this year and again in 2024.

Parade Route change is due to street construction on Essex Avenue. Parade Route change is due to street construction on Essex Avenue. Please NO Dogs, Bikes, or Rollerblades Please NO Dogs, Bikes, or Rollerblades

For accessible parking, the police in the parking lot

For accessible parking, the police the parking lot next to the tennis courts can direct you to the next to the tennis courts can direct you to the designated area. designated area.

Gearing up for back-to-school

Kirkwood School District teachers Byron Rogers and Kristin Davis have a style all their own that they share with students.

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH NOWAKOWSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

Imagine if you had a gearbox and could fill it with everything you need. Would you equip your gearbox with an amazing teacher? As we gear up to go back to school, we sat down at Gearhead Outfitters in West County Mall with two of Kirkwood School District's most influential teachers to discover who and what inspires them. Incredibly, the team at Gearhead was so inspired by these teachers' stories that store manager Matt Miller gifted each teacher with an entire outfit from head to toe. Teachers are equipping our students for their future, and Gearhead Outfitters is equipping our teachers with fresh new styles for the new year. That's how you create a community that is geared up for success.

Byron Rogers

Art Teacher, Kirkwood High School

Byron has been with Kirkwood Schools for six years.

WHAT IS THE BEST FIELD TRIP THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN WITH YOUR CLASS?

Our annual AP field trip. We visit several cathedrals in St. Louis and the St. Louis Art Museum. St. Francis Cathedral at SLU is one of my favorite stops. On a sunny day, the light filters in to create an array of beautiful colors. It's like a glimpse of heaven. All the students are in awe and take photos.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BE A TEACHER?

Sister Kathleen. She was my seventh-grade teacher at St Peter Claver Catholic School. She introduced me to art and its power to change the mindset and perspective of your circumstances. I was an angry kid, and she taught me patience through art by establishing mental focus, attention to detail, and opening my eyes to the beauty around us that we ignore every day. Art brought peace and calmness to my soul. Sister Kathleen taught me that art has a voice; through

Kirkwood School District Teachers Kristin Davis and Byron Rogers at Gearhead Outfitters in West County Mall

it, I can express my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I told her I wanted to be an art teacher and give back because I owe it to her and other youths who felt the same imprisoned emotions I experienced. I continue to make Sister Kathleen proud.

IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT YOU LIVE BY?

Yes. "Be art." That is the name of the non-profit I founded. It means "be a unique creation." We all have gifts and a purpose for our lives, and we are designed to make an impact on others' lives. We must seek our divine destiny/ authenticity. For me, that's where true happiness resides.

WHAT HAVE YOUR STUDENTS TAUGHT YOU?

Besides Twitter and Tik Tok, my students have taught me to have confidence in myself. My students help give me wings to explore exhibition opportunities, post my work on social media, and embrace my style of creation. Their confidence inspired me to form my non-profit organization that seeks ways to create art experiences for underserved communities. Be Art empowers youth to use their gift to impact their world.

WHAT IS THE MOST REMARKABLE THING ABOUT KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL?

The friendliness. During my first year, everyone was friendly, open, and supportive. Kirkwood has helped me seek opportunities to enhance my knowledge and find opportunities to learn new skills. I have received encouragement and confidence to push past my comfort zone by exploring teaching techniques and tools that positively impact our students.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF TEACHING?

Seeing the impact you made in your students' lives. I had a student dealing with anxiety, and she told me that the projects we did in class helped her into adulthood to deal with her stress. After teaching for over 20 years, seeing students come and support my art at venues and events is rewarding; Seeing past students bring their children and spouses to my art programs and talk about my impact on their lives. It's unbelievable to get commissions to do artwork for past students. It is truly a blessing to teach and have the opportunity to see the fruits of your labor. That's the motivation that keeps me going and inspires me to continue to do what I love.

Byron in Kuhl Response shirt

Byron with a Dryden Briefcase by Filson, Vuori Tee and climber pants, Raen sunglasses

WHAT IS THE BEST FIELD TRIP THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN WITH YOUR CLASS?

Battle of the Books by far. We practice for three-quarters of the year, and the kids work so hard. They read their books 3 to 5 times over the year to prepare; they know more about the books than I do! The team work is good to see. It also lets me have that closeness with a group of students that classroom teachers have.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BE A TEACHER?

I'm the oldest of four kids, so I've always been around kids. I was a film major, and education was not my first thought. But when it came down to thinking about what I would be most happy doing, there were always kids there every time.

WHAT HAVE YOUR STUDENTS TAUGHT YOU?

Acceptance and curiosity. They want to know everything, and they are open to everything. I learn from them to go in a different direction. If I veer off a little bit, it's okay. Some days they want to learn about mermaids, so let's learn about mermaids.

IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT YOU LIVE BY?

Yes. My mom instilled it in me. "Your priorities are what you make them." Focus on what you need to be focusing on at that moment. You have the choice of what you prioritize in your life.

WHAT IS THE MOST REMARKABLE THING ABOUT ROBINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?

I love the community. One thing about Kirkwood is that each school has its own culture and community, and they all work well together. I love the diversity of our students, family, and staff.

Kristin Davis

Library Media Specialist, Robinson Elementary School  2023-24 Robinson Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Kristin has been with Kirkwood Schools for seven years.

Kristin in a Railay Wide Leg Pant and Foundation Slouch Top with a Surge Backpack

“Besides Twitter and Tik Tok, my students have taught me to have confidence in myself. My students help give me wings to explore exhibition opportunities, post my work on social media, and embrace my style of creation. Their confidence inspired me to form my non-profit organization that seeks ways to create art experiences for underserved communities. Be Art empowers youth to use their gift to impact their world.”

—Byron Rogers

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE THAT YOU HAVE VISITED?

My family visits Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. We love it. We know what to do and where to eat. It's our happy place. It's not a touristy beach with crowds.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF TEACHING?

Many people say it's a thankless job, not in Kirkwood but in general. I don't think that it is. Sometimes, it's a lot, but you get what you put into it. There are weeks when you might think, "Can I do this?" But then a kid says something, or you get an email from a parent. And you say, "I can do this." The rewards are right there in front of you.

Cozy Up T-Shirt with Toad & Co. Earthwork High Rise Pants

OLD WORLD STYLE INTERSECTS WITH MODERN TRENDS AT THE FOX AND HOUND

ANTIQUES IN KIRKWOOD.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS

VINTAGE, GRANDMILLENNIAL, AND HOLLYWOOD REGENCY

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR PIECES?

Kelly: We look for items from all over the country. Dan has been in the antique business for over 12 years and delivers pieces nationwide. He'll look for auctions and online dealers while he's traveling. I've been collecting and selling antiques online since I retired from my corporate job. That's how I met Dan. I have been his customer for years.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE WIDE VARIETY OF ANTIQUES OFFERED IN THIS STORE.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOX AND HOUND ANTIQUES

Walking into the Fox and the Hound feels museum-esqe. I'm not saying you need a docent to explain the nuanced history and intricate detail that the untrained eye may miss. Still, if a woven piece of art on the wall piques your interest, owners Kelly Layton and Dan Hobbs are more than happy to share their knowledge of the form, function, and ceremony surrounding the thousands of antique items found in their fascinating gallery located at 110 Argonne Alley in Downtown Kirkwood.

BEFORE YOU OPENED THIS SHOP, WHERE DID YOU STORE ALL OF THESE ITEMS?

Kelly: We filled both floors of this space and still have more to bring in. Dan has owned an antique shop on Main Street in St. Charles for over ten years and has galleries in Warson Woods Antique Gallery, so some items are from those locations. But we source items every week, and new pieces keep coming in. Stuff sells so quickly. Dan brought in a complete volume of 56 books, styled them in the bookcase up stairs and within five minutes they sold and he had to carry all the books back downstairs.

Kelly: We offer antiques from as far back as the late 1700s, vintage, mid-century modern, and newer items. Dan loves antiques from the pre1900s. I don't stick to a particular period or style. I buy what I like from an interior design and styling perspective. Our styles blend well together.

IS THERE A DESIGN STYLE THAT IS TRENDING RIGHT NOW?

Kelly: The younger generation is looking for older items their grandparents may have had. This style is referred to as the Grand-Millennial style. It's a term that encompasses old portraits and Victorian pieces like porcelain. The other popular style is Hollywood Regency. Think marble, stone, and glass tables with gilded legs. Dan and I love showing how clients can incorporate these styles in their homes.

HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU LAND ON THIS LOCATION?

Kelly: Finding a place with the right ambiance and vibe was essential to us. We wanted a space that would lend itself to our style. Dan saw this building at the beginning of May, and we signed the lease by the middle of May. We loved the outdoor area and the tall ceilings - it felt like a gallery.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIECES IN THE STORE?

Kelly: Dan collects Victorian mourning items that I love. The intricate hair wreath hanging on the wall is a beautiful piece, and it's a sweet piece of ceremony that family members would create to remember loved ones who passed away. I also love oyster plates. I've collected them for a long time, and it's wonderful to see people come into the store and discover the beauty of hand-painted oyster plates for the first time. Our pieces are pre-1900s, and they can be beautifully displayed on a wall.

Dan: I like things with form and function. My favorite pieces are beautiful and have a purpose, like clocks and book presses.

With thousands of items for your home, the Fox and the Hound offers more than just timeless design style; Kelly and Dan can help you find that perfect piece that has everyone asking, "Where did you get this?"

instagram.com/foxandhoundantiqueskirkwood facebook.com/foxandhoundantiques625 instagram.com/klayton.creative

Celtic Style

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

THERE IS AN UNDENIABLE THREAD THAT WEAVES TOGETHER THE FABRIC OF IRISH TRADITION AND FAMILY.

A timeless style surrounds the Celtic languages and cultures, specifically from ancient Ireland. There is an undeniable thread that weaves together the fabric of tradition and family.

The Kerry Cottage in Downtown Kirkwood is the place to discover the newest Celtic styles in apparel, gifts, and accessories imported from across the pond and chat with owners Diane Jorgenson and her daughter Karin about all things Irish.

Wanting to dive deeper into your Irish heritage? The Kerry Cottage has an incredibly detailed ancestral map of Ireland. Consider a Galway Crystal Renmore whiskey set, or a Belleek Connemara Jug as beautiful gifts for anyone that is even a wee bit Irish. But the Kerry Cottage offers much more than just Irish-themed styles. Think gorgeous cashmere wool scarves, soft hats, warm gloves and thick socks, timeless sweaters, classic cardigans, and whimsical bags and totes. You don't have to be Irish to shop at the Kerry Cottage. There is something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.

The words "Cead mile failte" are painted across the top of the Kerry Cottage. It is Gaelic for "a hundred thousand welcomes." Although these words have been spoken for centuries, they are timeless reminders of creating a life well-lived.

We asked Tom Murphy to pull the thread from two ancient Gaelic phrases and relate it to business, family, and Irish traditions in the modern world. As a mentor, business advisor, and the CEO of Sonus Benefits for over 30 years, he leads a team of industry specialists to provide custom benefits solutions for business owners, CFOs, and HR

Tom's grandson Henry is in a handknit sweater

Kerry Cottage owners Karin and Diane Jorgenson

Tom is wearing a linen blend grandfather shirt with an Emerald Isle Waistcoat. The kilt is all his.

directors. And, true to his deep Irish heritage, he feels strongly about faith, family, tradition, and love of a Irish whiskey drink with a good yarn. Tom knows how to create solutions for a happy life with an authentic Irish style.

"Cead mile failte can translate to both one's personal life and professional life. You can accomplish much more if you have a welcoming heart and are open to others," said Tom. "The purpose statement for our firm, which I live by, is… 'Solutions for a Happy Life.' This means we always seek the best outcome, no matter the stakeholder. Treat others with respect and compassion, as you never know what trials they may be going through."

"Trí na chéile a thógtar na cáisléain" means "In our togetherness, castles are built," said Tom. "I have been to Ireland and seen many beautiful castles. I was even lucky enough to stay in a few. I always marvel at the generations of people it had to take to build the castles. No one person could have built any of them alone."

"If I think about my personal and professional life, any success I may have did not come in a silo. I was fortunate to have many others who were there for me along the way," Tom said. "Life is about constantly learning and teaching. Know when you need to lean on others and when you need to be there for someone to lean on you."

"Réitigh do shaol sona" means "solutions for a happy life" in Gaelic. That is a timeless way of living that will never go out of style.

sonusbenefits.com

msmf.com

thekerrycottage.square.site

"Cead mile failte translates to accomplishing much more if you have a welcoming heart and are open to others," said Tom Murphy.

Dee Dee and Tom Murphy and their grandson Henry

Dee Dee Murphy is wearing a 100% Merino Wool Scarf with a Sheep & Daisy bag.

Henry, Tom and Dee Dee wearing authentic Irish apparel from Kerry Cottage

LEADERSHIP STYLE

"It's cool to think about all the ways Kirkwood has become a part of Missouri racquetball," said Michael Von Gerichten as he reflected on his accomplished 27-year career as the founder and head coach of the Kirkwood High School Racquetball Club.

Michael retired from coaching last year. And while winning national championships in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2022 is impressive, even more remarkable is that Michael founded and grew the Kirkwood High School Racquetball Club to become the largest high school racquetball club in the United States.

Michael started the racquetball club to spend time with his son Andrew between Andrew's high school cross country and track seasons. "The first year we had six boys," said Michael. "The second year, we had 17 boys; the third year, we added a girls' team. This year over 160 kids will play for Kirkwood."

The club now has seven coaches and offers high school and middle school teams; there is a team for everyone at any skill level. More importantly, the teams are inclusive and the players are encouraged to participate in other school activities. "We want our kids to be involved in other things besides racquetball," said Michael. "Do theater, play another sport, play an instrument. We want them to discover all different things because it makes them more well-rounded."

"I am so proud of the seven coaches at Kirkwood now. They spend countless volunteer hours coaching and even use some of their vacation time to travel with the team to Portland, Oregon, for nationals. I'm also proud of all the current and former players that have brought the program the past three years to this next level of growth and to winning nationals again this year," said Michael. His eyes light up when he talks about running into one of his former players and recalling a game or a tournament. If you really want to see Michael smile, ask him about some of his former players who went on to coach racquetball or form racquetball clubs at other schools around St. Louis.

"I had no idea how this racquetball team would expand beyond Kirkwood," said Michael. "One of our players became a teacher at Lindbergh and started their racquetball program. One of our coaches married the racquetball coach from Cor Jesu Academy. Another one of our former players now coaches at Nerinx." One of Michael's favorite stories is how a quick locker room conversation with Dan Whitley led to Dan not only joining Michael's coaching team but also to Dan becoming the Racquet Sports GM at Vetta Sports.

ARTICLE BY CARLY LARSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

THE LEADERSHIP STYLE OF MICHAEL VON GERICHTEN ON AND OFF THE RACQUETBALL COURT.

Michael Von Gerichten

“I HAD NO GAME PLAN, NO FIVE OR TEN-YEAR PLAN FOR BUSINESS OR COACHING. I DID EVERYTHING BY THE SEAT OF MY PANTS.”

While it could easily seem that racquetball is Michael's "Kirkwood claim to fame," he will be the first to give that honor to his wife, Debbie. "Debbie is a graduate of Kirkwood High School. She and I met while I was getting my degree in social work at St. Louis University," said Michael. He and Debbie moved to Kirkwood so their two children, Andrew and Megan, could attend Kirkwood schools. "I thought it was weird that Debbie and I would go to PTA meetings at Keysor and run into people she went to grade school with," said Michael. "It bodes well for the community that people want to stay and raise their kids here. And as a coach, I can see how easy it is to form lifelong relationships with players and their families. I am so fortunate that Debbie allowed me the opportunity for these memories."

CONTINUED >

First Kirkwood High School Racquetball team

“DO THEATER, PLAY ANOTHER SPORT, PLAY AN INSTRUMENT. WE WANT THEM TO DISCOVER ALL DIFFERENT THINGS BECAUSE IT MAKES THEM MORE WELL-ROUNDED.”

Michael values building relationships not just on the court but also in business. He founded MVG Painting and Decorating in 1976, and some kids he coached worked for him in the summers. "I know they are not going to be painters," said Michael. "But their parents appreciate the opportunity for their kid to learn life skills on the job." Skills like practical thinking, time management, and communicating with people who are 40 years older are things that Michael coaches off the court.

Coach Von Gerichten's retirement team picture

“EVERY PERSON I HAVE HIRED HAS HELPED ME, AND I’VE LEARNED FROM THEM AS MUCH AS THEY’VE LEARNED FROM ME. IT’S A RELATIONSHIP THAT GOES BOTH WAYS. EVERY DAY THERE IS A LIFE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE SOMEWHERE. THAT’S THE ATTITUDE I TAKE IN LIFE.”

"Owning a painting company is one thing, but what I try to do is use it as a way for people to learn life skills," said Michael. "Every person I have hired has helped me, and I've learned from them as much as they've learned from me. It's a relationship that goes both ways. Every day there is a life-learning experience somewhere. That's the attitude I take in life."

Michael's natural penchant for coaching allows him to help people discover their best selves and feel like they are a part of something special.

Michael explained, "Painting is rewarding because you can look back and say, 'Our company was responsible for that. We did that.' We'll be in some homes for two days, and sometimes will be there for a year painting the entire interior and exterior of a home. I want everyone on our team to appreciate the result of their talent and hard work."

Besides being a talented painter, Michael has created a successful and highly referred business, including his son Andrew, Andrew's son Will, and Andrew's stepson Chase. "I'm very fortunate. I wanted my kids and grandkids to find their own path. I'm thrilled they are a part of MVG Painting and Decorating, but I never expected it." Much like he can look back on his coaching career, Michael can look back on his business career with the same sense of accomplishment.

"I had no game plan, no five or ten-year plan for business or coaching. I did everything by the seat of my pants. I just tried to make a living painting and have fun coaching," laughed Michael as he wondered, "Who would have thought that coaching those six boys all those years ago would lead to all these different Kirkwood connections?"

Michael Von Gerichten

Seating

Everything Old Becomes New Again

Homework with Trisha

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRISHA MCCONKEY

When you find an old home you love but your style is more modern, it can be challenging to combine the two.

Our home at 408 Gill was built in 1915. My style is much more modern. The goal is to find ways to highlight the old architectural features while incorporating modern pieces of mid-century, art deco, and Hollywood Regency styles.

Original features such as wood doors, trim, and salvaged hardwood floors have been incorporated into the renovation of 408 Gill wherever possible. Old registers were reused, and I'm searching for an antique fire surround for our formal living room to make the fireplace stand out.

I'm most excited about repurposing a set of lockers built for the old Price Elementary School. These massive 100" x 55" solid wood lockers have the original hardware, stain, and even holes where the pencil sharpener used to be. Note, I'm also on the hunt for a wall-mounted pencil sharpener.

Michelle Birkla put these lockers for sale on Facebook Marketplace when she and her husband prepared to downsize their home in Kirkwood. Fun fact: Price Elementary School was built in 1825. The building now houses Churchill School, a private school for children with learning disabilities. Michelle's husband works for Churchill and was allowed to salvage things from the building that were not being used by the Churchill School. The Birklas have had these lockers in their home for years, and now they are perfectly fitted for 408 Gill.

The transformation project at 408 Gill promises to merge the old and the new, and it will be exciting to see the final results. For anyone with a home renovation project that requires tips and tricks or salvage yard recommendations, follow @408GillAve for inspiration.

Trisha McConkey

Trisha McConkey features stories about people, places and things related to the home. Follow Trisha on Facebook and Instagram at @HomeWorkWithTrisha and @408GillAve.