Explore
We live in a world that rewards productivity and prizes efficiency where every moment feels accounted for and perfectly planned. I’ll admit, I sometimes get caught up in that mindset too, believing that only the measurable moments matter. But lately, I’ve been reminded of something essential: the most meaningful parts of life often come when we simply give ourselves space to explore.
Exploration doesn’t always mean boarding a plane or heading off on a big trip. Sometimes it’s found right at home in a backyard transformed by a beautiful pool or a new trail just around the corner. In this issue, we feature Trinity Pools, a company creating spaces that bring joy to families and communities alike. Their custom pools do more than just cool you off they become places where memories are made, laughter flows, and connection deepens.
If you're looking for new ways to wander close to home, don’t miss our Summer Markets Bucket List. From fresh produce to one-of-a-kind artisan finds, these community gems are perfect for a spontaneous Saturday stroll.
And speaking of nature’s surprises, our feature on Rain Gardens explores how these eco-friendly installations not only beautify our neighborhoods but also manage water naturally—proof that even small changes can have a ripple effect.
We also introduce you to Dr. Beth Templin, a trailblazer in wellness who believes in helping people Regenerate. Relieve. Regenerate. Through her innovative approach, she’s changing the way we care for aging adults eliminating chronic pain and helping people return to the active, vibrant lives they deserve.
At home, I’ve found that our family’s best memories don’t come from perfectly curated moments, but from the unexpected ones getting lost on a new trail, stumbling upon a charming café, or playing a board game as the sun sets. It’s in those unscripted moments that real connection happens.
This issue is your invitation to explore, to try something new, embrace the spontaneous, and make space for joy, healing, and discovery in your everyday life.
Here’s to happy exploring,
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Kelley Lamm | kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Iris Schmidt christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mel Boban, Julie Brown Patton, Stacey Collins Bibb, Beth Templin, Tracy Bono
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mel Boban, Darla Preiss, John Lore
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Pools
The Gallery Collection sign from Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate accomplishes more than just informing buyers that your home is for sale, it lets them know that your home meets the standards of luxury that few homes can achieve.
Whether it is architectural excellence, design elements that are second to none or breathtaking views unmatched in our area, Gallery Collection homes are the homes that make you stop and take notice when searching online. They’re the homes that have the “it” that you are looking for in your next home.
Contact Susan Brewer today to discuss how your home can become part of the Gallery Collection or how you can become the next proud owner of one.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: LBB of Troy raised $50,000-plus feminine supplies necessary for schools and nonprofit organizations. 2: Maya Schmidt from Independence Elementary at Ball-Park Village for Girls On The Run StL 5K. 3-4: Police Department’s Open House with K9-demonstrations, displays from SWAT, the Bomb-Unit, Crime Lab, and more. 5: Gimme Golf Club members relished the rare opportunity to play at Glen Echo Country Club. 6: Incredible turnout and amazing community support at Mom Buns and Ruffles Boutique ribbon cutting. 7: The Saint Charles Strawberry Festival included crafts, Strawberry Shortcake, and live music by Gus Page.
Seeking To Achieve Optimal Health
Musician Mike Mesey (Head East/ Chuck Berry) Represents Products For Immune Support, Bones, Anti-Aging, Skin/Cell Renewal
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
MIKE MESEY
Drummer for Chuck Berry/Head East & REO Classics Band.
IMMUNOTEC NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS WERE DEVELOPED TO ENHANCE IMMUNE HEALTH/OVERALL WELL-BEING. HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN THEM?
"Immunotec's a world leader in patented glutathione (antioxidant) research. Main products are Immunocal and Immunocal Boosters. I got interested in them when my wife passed after heart surgery. I'd spent 38 straight days with her in ICU, and was a walking zombie. I needed to find something besides music to get involved in. I met Amy Andell, who was helping launch this 28-yearold company in the US, and I joined its "Wellness Revolution" team. I started taking Immunocal Platinum; after four to five days, I literally, physically came to life. My grief was still there, but I felt alive with energy and enthusiasm again. After four months now, it helps my endurance and recovery time when I play concerts. I’m currently taking Immunocal Sport, which has been a blessing for me ."
IN WHAT FORM DO THESE SUPPLEMENTS COME?
"The three body shots and boosters are powders that are shaken in supplied cups like a drink. There's Immunocal, Immunocal Platinum and Immunocal Sport, The Superfood Reds and Greens, Energy/ Performance Booster and Wimms Smart Chews/gummies for children."
HOW DO THEY WORK?
"These products deliver patented bonded cysteine protein that causes human bodies to create more glutathione in every cell naturally."
Immunotec.com/en-US/MichaelMesey
RAIN GARDENS
ARTICLE BY TRACY BONO, MISSOURI MASTER
NATURALIST
|
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
DARLA PREISS, MISSOURI MASTER NATURALIST
NATURALLY MANAGE WATER RUNOFF AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY
Chances are you’ve seen a native rain garden in your community already. These clever groundskeeping techniques are gaining in popularity with gardening professionals as well as landowners.
Rain gardens come in many designs and incorporate a variety of moisture-loving plants. All use a shallow depression in the ground, and are intended to temporarily capture and absorb excess rainwater, creating a natural course for the water to flow and fill. The excess water slowly filters back into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing soil erosion. These catchments are uniquely effective in areas where water overflow or drainage is an issue.
It’s important to only include native shrubs, perennials and annuals in a rain garden to control erosion by stabilizing soil and filtering runoff water, preventing contaminants from entering the groundwater. Missouri has wonderful native plants that are beautiful, adapted to the state’s soils and require little maintenance. A few suggested plants include false dragonhead, palm sedge, buttonbush, shining blue star, water canna, swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, river oats, new England aster, spicebush and sweet coneflower. Some recommended steps to create a rain garden:
1.CHOOSE A SPOT AWAY FROM HOMES AND DOWNSLOPES.
2.BEFORE DIGGING, CHECK FOR ANY UTILITY LINES AND HAVE THEM MARKED BY PROFESSIONALS.
3. DETERMINE THE SIZE AND DIG A SHALLOW DEPRESSION 6- TO 8-INCHES DEEP.
4. TEST THE WATERFLOW PATTERN AND MAKE SURE IT’S RUNNING IN THE DESIRED DIRECTION.
5. PLANT TALLER PLANTS IN THE CENTER OF THE DESIGN, AND THE SHORTER ONES AROUND THE OUTSIDE.
6. PUT A LAYER OF UNTREATED HARDWOOD MULCH ON THE BARE SOIL AROUND THE PLANTS TO CONSERVE MOISTURE.
7. WATER THE PLANTS SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE FIRST FEW WEEKS TO GET THEM ESTABLISHED.
Incorporating a rain garden into landscapes not only reduces runoff and improves water quality, but it also serves a valuable role in the environment. It provides food and shelter for important pollinators, such as butterflies, and offers protection for songbirds and other wildlife. Many enthusiastic gardeners use signs to identify plants and offer wonderful educational opportunities for observers. Whether the location is a home, school, business or community area, the benefits of a raingarden are plentiful.
Senior living at Clarendale of St. Peters is anything but traditional. Why? We encourage and celebrate the independence of residents instead of focusing solely on their limitations. All are welcome to be themselves and make the most out of life.
Discover an integrated environment between independent living and assisted living, where residents share amenities, life-enriching experiences, and many laughs. It’s the perfect balance of freedom and support.
To learn more or schedule a visit, call 636-242-6096 or visit ClarendaleOfStPeters.com.
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 10 DuBray Drive | St. Peters, MO 63376 em ClarendaleOfStPetersLIFE@ClarendaleOfStPeters.com
POOLS WITH PURPOSE
ARTICLE BY STACEY COLLINS BIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LORE
TRINITY POOLS’ CHRIS SULCHAK AND JOEY ELLIOTT BRING JOY TO COMMUNITY, BACKYARD AND BEYOND
When the team at Trinity Pools offers their take on what constitutes “success,” it would be wise to consider what they have to say. Stephanie, a master’s-degreed graduate of Washington University, and Chris, a business owner for more than 40 years, are a husband-and-wife team committed to their family, clients and community. Chris and the couple’s son-in-law, Joey Elliott, run Trinity Pools, a luxury pool company serving St. Charles and St. Louis counties. Stephanie works with them and runs Helping Hand-Me-Downs, a nonprofit whose mission is to help single mothers and their children by providing car seats, diapers, clothing and baby gear to those in need.
“Helping Hand-Me-Downs works with social workers to fill orders. We have a warehouse similar to nonprofit thrift stores, but at no cost,” Stephanie says with excitement.
Stephanie started Helping Hand-Me-Downs after working in the corporate world. She works at the nonprofit six days a week. On weekends, she and Chris do outreach in St. Louis City. “God has blessed us greatly, so we give back,” Chris says.
Giving back is a pledge the Suljaks take seriously — Helping Hand-Me-Downs has been providing necessities to St. Louis children for almost 15 years.
When she’s not at Helping Hand-Me-Downs, Stephanie can be found on job sites and behind a desk helping Chris, Joey and their family plan and install entire outdoor living scapes at Trinity Pools.
“Stephanie keeps us going; without her, we couldn’t do what we do,” Chris laughs. “When we got married, business tripled because of her. She keeps me in line.”
At Trinity Pools, the Suljaks and their son-in-law Joey are with their clients every step of the way from planning, to digging, to installation and hardscape. What sets Trinity apart from other pool companies is that clients do not need to deal with multiple sub-contractors; at Trinity, they do every step of the process themselves.
“There’s one contact, and that’s us,” Stephanie says, “we do it all.”
Chris began working in the outdoor living space at age 12, mowing the lawns of Taylor-Morley properties. As a teen, Chris built retaining walls after school until he made it a business of his own, eventually becoming the largest union retaining wall company in the Midwest. It was after that achievement, however, that Chris says he decided that he wanted to serve residential clients rather than commercial ones.
“With commercial projects, you have less control; I wanted to control my projects,” Chris explained. “When I started working in the residential space, I saw so many homeowners who were scammed by pool companies. They had a giant hole in their yard and no pool. I knew we could do better.”
Trinity Pools made one client so happy, in fact, that he now wants to sell pools for them. This client-turned-friend had a hole in his yard for more than four years. The couple had all but given up on their outdoor space; they had a yard that was ruined, they lost tens of thousands of dollars, and there was still no pool to show for it. Finally, Trinity Pools made the homeowners’ dreams a reality. They now have a beautiful swimming pool and outdoor space they love.
"We build everyone’s dream outdoor space but without making them find multiple contractors,” Chris states proudly. “We work with our kids, and we’re setting our family up for future success. We love working with our family, we know we are the best out there, and because everyone has a stake in the company, we each go the extra mile.”
Joey and the rest of the family laugh about various “Chris-isms,” as they like to call it. One such “Chris-ism” is “Build your own dream! Why build someone else’s dream?” Although the family finds humor in it, that particular “Chris-ism” seems to be exactly what Joey Elliott and the Suljaks are doing, but with the ultimate purpose of giving back.
“At the end of the day,“ Chris says, “we just want to be a light to people. It’s about faith. You can preach, but it’s actions that really show people who God is. Actions are what people remember, because it’s not about what you say. It’s about what you do.”
So how exactly does the team at Trinity Pools measure success? Chris states, “in Proverbs, it states a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. By running successful businesses, we achieve that, but that passage isn’t really about money. It’s about the relationship with God. That’s the real prosperity, the real inheritance and legacy we’re leaving behind. That’s success in my book.”
PROVIDING BI-STATE Nutritional SECURITY FOR 50 Years
Supporters of St. Louis Area Foodbank, the largest provider of food and personal care items to those in need in the St. Louis metropolitan bi-state region, are commemorating the agency's 50th year since being founded in 1975. Creating a nutritionally secure Missouri and Illinois is their mission.
Meredith Knopp, Foodbank president/CEO, says the Foodbank distributes more than 43 million pounds of product annually through distribution events and a network of community-based hunger relief organizations, reaching 1.2 million people each year.
"Everyone deserves access to food and the promise of a healthy diet, which is why we're committed to ensuring access to the foods and resources our neighbors need to thrive," adds Meredith. "Through our network of partners and programs across 26 counties in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois, we're working to revolutionize the local hunger relief system."
Foodbank statistics indicate one in every seven people in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois face hunger. Putting food on the table often creates a tough choice: A meal or electricity, a meal or medication, a meal or gas for the car.
CONTINUED >
St. Louis Area Foodbank Celebrates Five Decades Of Assistance In Hunger Relief
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
"Additionally, 18% of the people we serve are veterans," says Meredith.
To commemorate the Foodbank's 50th anniversary, the team aims to provide one month's food supply to 500 families at two late summer events, one in Missouri and one in Illinois. These events will be open to the public, and Meredith says no income verification will be required. The food distribution event in Missouri will be held Aug. 29 at Starr parking lot/ near Busch Stadium, and in Illinois, the event will be hosted Aug. 28 at World Wide Technology Raceway's parking lot.
Additional, monthly food distribution events at various locations can be found on the Foodbank's website.
Ericka Kinkead, director of marketing and communications at the Foodbank, spotlights the exponential growth of the group over these past five decades. "It started as a small operation, distributing 135,000 pounds of food that first year, with 15 pantry partners. Now we have 588-and-growing pantry partners," she explains.
The Foodbank is headquartered in Bridgeton at 70 Corporate Woods Drive. To donate financially to the cause, the group accepts checks and online donations via credit cards, Apple Pay, G Pay, Venmo and PayPal. As an example of the group's hands-on assistance, through financial donations, the Foodbank crew in May mobilized emergency food supplies to support regional residents hardest hit by the EF3 tornado. Donations went directly toward providing ready-to-eat meals and essential supplies to those affected or displaced.
Ericka says other ways to support is to donate time to pack meals at the group's Volunteer Center or to help at a distribution event. "Anyone also can host food drives in their local areas to collect nonperishable food, personal care products and household supplies. These drives are great ways for schools, businesses and organizations to combine efforts to fight hunger while making a huge difference in our community," she adds.
STLFoodbank.org
For St. Louis Area Foodbank’s 50th anniversary, staffers will feed 50,000 people in need during September/ national Hunger Action Month; Aug. 28 food distribution in Illinois at World Wide Technology Raceway’s parking lot and Aug. 29 in Missouri at Starr parking lot/near Busch Stadium.
FARMER’S MARKET
FRENZY
Local And Bucket List Markets For Summer Shopping
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL BOBAN
This market is small but mighty, just across from Galleria in Richmond Heights. Stroll The Boulevard on Sunday mornings for picks from local butchers, candle makers farmers and even basket weavers.
Rotating locations biweekly between Maypop Shop and Big Bend Boulevard on Sundays, shoppers can find everything from fresh plants to cake pops and other locally made goodies. If visiting at Maypop, stay for a bite to eat and a coffee inside.
On Saturday mornings, Wildwood pops up with local eggs, oils, meats, honeys, flowers, plants, soaps and even jewelry and handmade crafts. Plan to meet friends, family or neighbors to support local, snack on baked goods or enjoy a freshly prepared smoothie.
1. BOULEVARD FARMER’S MARKET, RICHMOND HEIGHTS
2. WEBSTER GROVES FARMER’S MARKET
3. WILDWOOD FARMER’S MARKET
5. PIKE’S PLACE MARKET, SEATTLE
For a domestic bucket list market, the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle is a must. Just across from the very first Starbucks, shoppers will find aisles of fresh seafood, flower bunches and even local lavender.
4. THE SAINT CHARLES MARKET
Spend Saturday morning on Main Street. Shop while listening to music and enjoying their rotating themed days like the special Ice Cream Market, Coffee Market and even an Apple Market. In the fall, the Chili Market and Pumpkin Market make an appearance.
6. MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS, COURS SALEYA, NICE FRANCE
For those whose international travel dream includes the beautiful blue coast of France, also known as the Côte d’Azur, add this stop to the itinerary. The fragrant flowers and delicious fresh pastries will consume your senses as you stroll for local souvenirs such as soap and oils. This iconic French market is just steps from the beautiful pebbled beach.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD-6TH
O'Fallon's Heritage & Freedom Fest
Ozzie Smith Sports Complex | 4:00 PM
Celebrate America's birthday with an explosion of fun and music; carnival/midway Friday evening. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Free parking will be available at Fort Zumwalt North High School and Christian High School on July 4 and 5, with free shuttle service provided; on July 3 and 6, only open parking at O'Fallon's CarShield Field west lot.
JULY 4TH
St. Charles Riverfest Parade
North Main Street | 10:00 AM
The parade begins at Ed Bales Park area, then continues south on 2nd Street, a left on Clark then a right on Main. Parade is presented by the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Jaycees. Call 636.946.7776 with questions.
JULY 8TH
Music In The Park Twilight Tuesdays
Cottleville Weldon Spring Rotary Amphitheatre | 6:00 PM
See a free performance by That 80's Band until 8:30 p.m. for Music & More in Legacy Park. There are various Cottleville restaurants nearby and food trucks are directly across the street from the park at Frankie Martin's Garden. Grab dinner or a snack to go and bring blankets or chairs. Shade umbrellas are welcome.
Kristy Flood Luxury Realtor®
Cool Landscapes for Hot Summers
CONTINUED
JULY 12TH
St. Charles Flea Shopping
St. Charles City Hall Parking Garage | 8:00 AM
Visit St. Charles' high-end flea market right in the heart of Old St. Charles. The market incorporates the boutique style of Old St. Charles with a vintage vibe, featuring vendors of furniture, clothing, collectible, antiques and tightly curated section of jewelry, art and crafts from local artisans and designers. Food trucks and live music also are part of the experience.
JULY 18TH
Dardenne Prairie
Summer Concert
City Hall Park | 6:30 PM
Music will be provided by the Well Hungarians. This free concert lasts until 9:30 p.m., and is hosted by the City of Dardenne Prairie Parks & Recreation Department staff. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. Phone 636.755.5308 if there are questions.
JULY 22ND-26TH
St. Charles County Fair
Rotary Park, Wentzville | 9:00 AM
Enjoy carnival rides, food and drink, music and entertainment, children's area, exhibits, tractor pulls plus more. The St. Charles County Fair Queen Contest competition/pageant held annually in conjunction. 4-H and FFA camping available. Tickets: adult season passes are $50. Child season passes (6-12 yr old) are $25. Children ages 5 & younger are free admission.
