Travel

Meet Me in the Keys

Chef and travel agent, Lydia Gwin, brings the best of Key West to Kirkwood. Article by Chef Lydia Gwin | Photography by Adventures By Lydia Key West is home to historic houses with fascinating stories, from charming grand mansions once owned by wealthy cigar barons to quaint, tropical pastel-trimmed gingerbread "Conch" homes. Homeowners customize their gingerbread trim to personalize their homes. Theodore "Fats" Navarro's family home has trumpets carved into his home's banister as a tribute...

Life + Culture

Van Life

This is the story of Henry Lange, a 2022 Kirkwood High School graduate who traded dorm life for van life. Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Trenna Travis Henry's story unfolds through his honest perspective and his parents, Trenna Travis and Trey Lange. What we learn from this loving family is that sometimes pursuing happiness requires charting your own course.  "The first time Henry brought up van life was over Christmas break during his freshman year," said Trenna. "Henry said, 'I...

Home + Design

Homework with Trisha

My friend, Kim Hibbs, President of Hibbs Homes, is celebrating 20 years in business. Article by Trisha McConkey | Photography by Hibbs Homes Trisha: We met after I joined the Home Builders Association (HBA) in St. Louis 16 years ago. Congratulations to Hibbs Homes celebrating 20 years in business. What did you do to successfully build your business?  Kim: Nothing happens overnight. You have to put in the time, have a goal, and stay the course because success takes longer than you think...

Home + Design

Lorilee's Top 5 Tips

Lorilee Realty advice to get top dollar for your home Article by Lorilee Cummings | Photography by Provided 1.     Repaint with a natural color palette: Allison Williams, of The Cheerier Interior will have you smiling @thecheerierinterior 2.    Have an experienced team of people to help: Lorilee has a solid network @LorileeRealty 3.    Organize Your Home: Kelly Johnson, of Organized Interior STL can help @organizedinteriorsstl 4.    Deep Clean Inside and Out: Shack Shine has a...

Home + Design

Warming floors are worth it

How one Kirkwood homeowner went from being reluctant to remodel to a raving fan. Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Ron Klein Photography Mike Lawson does not like change. And when it comes to fancy things, he describes himself as frugal. And yet, this hardcore, yet humorous, homeowner transformed from being "reluctant to remodel" to "raving fan." The house on Par Lane in Kirkwood was perfect for Mike and his then-wife when they bought it in 1982. But the one-bathroom home with a tiny...

Wellness

The Helping Hands of HavenHouse

The comfort of home. A community of support. Article by Oliva Roberds | Photography by HavenHouse Kirkwood resident Brad Burns, owner of Burns Holdings has an ownership interest in Meramec Hardscapes, Meramec Pools, Wayne Contracting, Vizex, Arch City Group, and City Seafood, faced a family medical crisis when his son required specialized medical care only available in Maryland. The logistics of planning extended housing in a new city while dealing with doctors and medical decisions was more...

Arts + Culture

Black History Celebration 2024

Saturday, February 17 at Mudd's Grove 9:00 - 4:00 pm. Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by D'Anne Weber "My family has lived in Kirkwood for four generations, and I want my grandchildren to have a place where they can see the impact that Black families have had on this community," said Fonda Fantroy Richards, Event Chair of the Black Heritage Celebration 2024. "This event is for people of all races and ages to come and learn about our roots. This is where my heart is." Black Heritage...

Life + Culture

Commitment to Community

Friendship Village receives the 2023 Commitment to Community Award Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Provided Friendship Village is well known for its commitment to the seniors living throughout its communities. But did you know Friendship Village is a beacon of philanthropy and local community involvement? The Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor the staff of this dynamic organization with the 2023 Commitment to Community Award for the positive impact that its...

Life + Culture

Citizen of the Year

Scott Barthelmass is Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Carey Campbell Scott Barthelmass, President of Barthelmass Painting, is the Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Citizen of the Year. Scott's journey has been one of entrepreneurship and community integration, influenced by the values of generations before him. "Barthelmass Painting is a family business, but it's also located in the city where we live...

Life + Culture

Lifetime Achievement Honoree Joseph Godi

Joseph E. Godi Receives the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Article by Iris Colyer | Photography by Carey Campbell The Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Joseph E. Godi as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, recognizing his exceptional commitment and service to the community. A true patriarch and inspiration to his family, Joe's ethos of unity and service has shaped the Godi household. Greg Godi...