Education

A Community of Belonging

Six stories reveal how Christ Community Lutheran School makes God known through serving leadership, forming hearts and character within a community where everyone belongs. Article by Matt Hoehner | Photography by Provided At Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) nearly 700 students, from age 6 weeks through 8th grade, and their families experience a community of learning, serving, and belonging. As an association school of four churches at four campuses located in central St. Louis County...

Education

100 Reasons to Love Kirkwood Library

Honoring a century of turned pages, shared stories, and the community that makes Kirkwood Public Library home Article by Mel Lambert & Christa Van Herreweghe | Photography by Provided For 100 years, the Kirkwood Public Library has been a constant presence in the community—and so much more than a place to borrow books. It's where children discover favorite stories, entrepreneurs develop new ideas, neighbors connect, and generations of families return again and again. The story begins in 1922...

Entertainment

The Classic Nutcracker

The Dance Center's 22nd annual Nutcracker returns to KPAC's stage. Article by Katrina Wright | Photography by Jeff Feltmann & Jonathan White Backstage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, the air hums with a particular kind of quiet before the storm. Hairpins click into place. Pointe shoes are laced tight. Somewhere down the hall, a bulletin board fills with handwritten notes of encouragement. In a few hours, the house lights will dim, Tchaikovsky's score will swell, and sixty local dancers...

Education

Reading Between the Smiles

How Dougherty Orthodontics is Cultivating Community Literacy Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Ruby Collins Standing proudly and painted pink at the front entrance of Dougherty Orthodontics is a charming new addition you might not expect: a custom-built Little Free Library—a vibrant mini house of books designed to spark a love of reading. For Dr. Dougherty, the heart behind the practice, the initiative is deeply personal. Raised by parents who were both dedicated lifelong educators, she...

Education

Talk of the Neighborhood

Chili, Community, and the Kickoff to Kirkwood’s Favorite Holiday Weekend Article by Erin Kuhlmann | Photography by Provided In Kirkwood, Thanksgiving has always come with a few traditions: family, football, too much food—and, for generations of families, the Turkey Day game. But the night before the big game, there’s another tradition warming up the town. The Chili Bowl. For 30 years, the night before Thanksgiving has brought Kirkwood families, friends, local restaurants and a whole lot of...

Food + Beverage

Enjoy. Gather. Share. Bread.

Josh Allen, founder of Companion Baking, explains how bread is more than just bread. Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by Dierbergs Markets "Bread is just bread, right? But the impact we can have goes far beyond that," says Josh Allen, founder of Companion Baking. "Bob Dierberg reached out to me in 1995 and gave us an opportunity to expand the business. We tripled our business overnight, but he also gave us a lot of credibility. We've never forgotten that generosity." "More than anything...

Food + Beverage

What a chef cooks for Thanksgiving

Article by Lucy Rogers | Photography by The Block Wondering what a chef cooks for his family on Thanksgiving? “We like to give Brian the day off,” says Lea Doherty, referring to her husband, a chef (and butcher) at The Block.  “Brian is not a casserole guy, and we aren’t typically a casserole family, but this one is a hit for our family holiday.” The Block Restaurant & Butcher, located in Old Webster Groves, is a family business in every sense. Chef Brian, a graduate of the Culinary Institute...

Arts + Culture

The Fishing Santa

Article by Jay Moore | Photography by Provided Sometimes destiny chooses you for your true calling. That’s what happened to Webster Groves dad, Tad Biggs, who this year decided to don the red coat and hat and officially become Santa Claus. For years, Tad’s distinguished gray beard has drawn comparisons to the man from the North Pole. In fact, long before becoming Santa Biggs, he had already earned the affectionate nickname “The Fishing Santa” from Cub Scout Pack 314 in Webster Groves. “It was...

Home Services

Life Outdoors

Timberline Landscapes has grown from a small operation into a thriving business with a team of around 40 over the past two decades. Founded by Brian Pfotenhauer and co-owned with his wife, Katie, the company initially focused on landscaping services and has since expanded to offer more diverse services, including lawn fertilization and custom-built landscapes that enhance lives through creative outdoor living spaces. Reflecting on the past 20 years, Brian credits industry education, staying...

Home + Design

Designing a Kitchen Around the Way You Live

More than a room, this is the heart of the home. Article by Julie Rahn | Photography by The Design Source No two kitchens are ever the same, and they shouldn't be. Every family has its own routines, traditions, and way of gathering, which is why thoughtful kitchen design begins with listening before selecting finishes. The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home. It's where hurried breakfasts become meaningful conversations, holiday traditions are passed from one generation...