Enjoying Life: The Gatesworth

Friday night happy hour at The Gatesworth might as well be the holidays. “There’s a countdown,” says resident George Eberle, who attends what he calls the retirement community’s ‘social event of the week.’ Considering the myriad opportunities for mixing that The Gatesworth offers, that is high praise, indeed. Eberle, a widower, has lived there for two years and says it’s a “wonderfully friendly place. That’s so important when you’re getting older because loneliness can be a real issue. And at times, it is for me.”

Although Eberle, 89, says he’s far too old to remarry, he has found a companion in fellow resident Marilyn Lord. The two were set up on a ‘blind dinner’ by mutual friends shortly before Lord moved in last March. They attend happy hour together, and usually are joined by other residents as well. “It’s such a nice occasion and a great way to welcome newcomers,” Eberle says. During the evening, piano music is provided by Marion Miller, who tickled the ivories for decades at The Cheshire Inn’s Fox & Hounds from 4:30 to 6 p.m. drinks are half-price: “That means a glass of wine costs a mere $2!” Eberle notes.

“Yes, it’s a highlight of the week,” Lord says. “Mr. Miller plays beautiful music. He always asks for requests, and I always ask for St. Louis Woman, because I am one!” She adds that she takes advantage of many of The Gatesworth’s social and enrichment opportunities—movie screenings and exercise classes are part of her routine, as are the day trips and lectures put on by the retirement community. A recent outing to Hermann was particularly enjoyable. “I have a packed social calendar!” she says, adding that she can’t say enough about the outstanding gourmet meals provided in The Gatesworth’s dining rooms. She says that Eberle isn’t quite as sociable as she is (“I think movies and exercise are more a woman’s thing.”), but they do have breakfast together almost every morning. And often, lunch and dinner, too. “It’s nothing serious,” she laughs. “Just a fun, fun companionship.”

Eberle, meanwhile, says cocktail hours these days are not necessarily the fancy affairs they once were. “No one really wears coats and ties anymore,” he says. “And, frankly, I miss it.” Lord, however, says George always looks very smart, and adds that she likes to dress nicely, too.

In addition to the West Wing happy hour that Eberle and Lord attend, another similar event takes place downstairs in the Lakeview Lounge, where music is provided by artists like Vincent Golomski and Jan Ammerman. The important thing, both residents note, is that they have so many opportunities to enjoy themselves day in and day out.

The Gatesworth, a residential community located at One McKnight Place, is known for outstanding service and enrichment activities. Pictured on the cover: Marilyn Lord and George Eberle with pianist Marion Miller during The Gatesworth hapy hour. For mroe information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.

Cover courtesy of The Gatesworth | Cover photo by Geoff Story