North Magazine January/February 2015 by NORTH Magazine

N RTH THE premier lifestyle magazine for Kansas Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northland

January / February 2015

The Noticed Network Empowering women

Rock & Run Brewery and Pub New restaurant in Liberty

Chic fashion

Perfect Style Boutique

$5.00 | ilivenorth.com

ALL THE BEST. As the holiday season approaches, Park University would like to wish you

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an undergraduate or graduate degree, Park University has your back. All you have to do is GO FOR IT!

PARK.EDU/NORTH or call (888) 319-9522 USE ACTION CODE: NORTH

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t w ant to make you look se. l e e n o e m like so n. i a g a lf e s r u yo e k i l Just

as sociated pl astic

S U RG EO N S Surgeons you can trust. Results you can see.

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DR. E. PHILIP GUTEK

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DR. SHERYL L. YOUNG

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Breathe. World-class cancer care is closer than you think.

A cancer diagnosis can take your breath away. We’re here to give it back. At North Kansas City Hospital, you’ll find a state-of-the-art treatment center combined with compassionate, personal care. And now, we’ve partnered with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. So breathe. A new day of hope for cancer patients is here.

IN THIS ISSUE

34 Features

EDIBLES & COCKTAILS

FASHION FORWARD

41 50 58

Rock & Run Brewery and Pub Perfect Style Boutique fashions FEATURE STORY

Noticed Network HEALTH

Retail-based medical clinics DIVA OF DIY

The 5 stages of disorganization

Departments

6 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

“Confidence comes knowing I City’s have THE premierfrom lifestyle magazine for Kansas Northland “Confidence comes a plan for my future.” January/February from2015 knowing I have Volume 3, Number 1 a plan for Colleen my future.” Kandie Erickson Cooke Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 816-301-7673, ext. 701 kandie@ilivenorth.com

Brad Austin

Is it time to inve Planning your with caution or 2015 investment new opportuniti Planning your 2015

Design Director

Jane Quigley

strategy? investment strategy?

98% 95 93 98% Find 95 93out what we think.

Director of Photography 816-301-7673, ext. 702 OF ENVISION® PLAN brad@ilivenorth.com

Account Executive 816-301-7673, ext. 703 jane@ilivenorth.com

Find Findout outwhat whatour our strategists are say OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS KNOW WHERE OF ENVISION® PLAN strategists are saying. HOLDERS ARE ABLE TO THEY STAND IN REACHING HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL Read our free report to get our strategists % % OF ENVISION® PLAN LIVE THE LIFE THEY NORTH Magazine , FINANCIAL THEIR RETIRE ON THEIR Read our free report on the markets and economy in the new y HOLDERS KNOW WHERE OF ENVISION® a publication of Dillingham Communications, Inc. PLANNED.OF ENVISION® PLAN OWN TERMS. GOALS. Read ourPLAN free midyear report to find to get our strategists’ HOLDERS ARE ABLE TO THEY STAND IN REACHING HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL info@ilivenorth.com Call today to request your complimentary take on the LIVE THE LIFE THEY THEIR FINANCIAL RETIREmore ON THEIRabout our forecast out formarkets the and www.ilivenorth.com of our 2015 outlook report. PLANNED. GOALS. OWN TERMS. economy in the new year. Printed bimonthly by rest of the year. Call today to request your RR Donnelly in Liberty, Missouri complimentary copy of Advertising inquiries: jane@ilivenorth.com The market’s ups and downs naturally get you thinking about what t Call today to order your copy of our our 2015 outlook report. don’t have to downsize your dreams. At Wells Fargo Advisors, we tak Copyright © 2015 by Dillingham Allen E. Dillingham “2009 Midyear Outlook.” needs. We’ll at your financial picture, including mone These days,Inc. it would be nice to know ifPresident you’re on to reach your financial goals.look That’s whycomplete Wells Fargo Advisors Communications, andcourse Publisher offersRESERVED. the Envision process, a unique planning tool that helps us get to know your specific needs and goals in order ALL RIGHTS allen@ilivenorth.com help get you to and through retirement. Withto more than 125 years o create your tailored investment plan. What’s more, we make it easy to monitor your progress. These days, it would be nice to know if you’re on course to reach your financial goals. That’s why Wells Fargo Advisors more than just knowledge and insight. We offer vision. To learn mor North (Kansas City, Mo.) ISSN 2375-5199 Joseph specific Sample, CPWASM, CRPC , AWMA Find out what having Envision plan can do forplanning you offers the Envision process, aCommunications, unique tool that helps us get to know your needs and goals in order to NORTH Magazine is published bimonthly (6 an yearly issues) by Dillingham Inc.by All contents Financial Advisor FINANCIAL PLANNER copyrightvisiting ©2015 by Dillingham Communications, Inc. All rights Reproduction or use in whole envisionyourgoals.com or reserved. by calling us today. create your tailored investment plan. What’s more, we make it easy to monitorCERTIFIED your progress.

With you when you need Withclarity you when you need a Financial in anWith uncertain youworld when you need clarity in an uncertain world

One Jefferson Street, Suite 300 or in part of the contents, without theout priorwhat written having permissionan of the publisher, isplan prohibited. Saint Louis, MO 63376 Find Envision can An doannual for you by subscription is $30.00. NORTH Magazine is distributed throughout Clay and Platte counties in Kansas City’s Phone visiting envisionyourgoals.com or by calling us today. joseph.sample@wellsfargoadvisors.com Northland. NORTH Magazine and Dillingham Communications, Inc., are not responsible for the return of INVESTMENTS • PLANNING • RETIREMENT wellsfargoadvisors.com/josephsample any materials or artwork submitted. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations or articles are submitted at the FA Name risk of the photographer/artist/author. 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Holloway and Harman Capital Management

Can you show up early to your retirement party? Can you show up early to your retirement party?

©2014 Envision® is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license. RESULTS ARE BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM JUNE-JULY 2011 AMONG 1,004 INVESTORS WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. Member SIPC 1111-2026[87653-v1] A1522

ILIVENORTH.COM

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

New voices for a new year

appy New Year! I want to share one of my favorite T.S. Elliott quotes and it is so very appropriate for the beginning of a new year: “For last years’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” As we start 2015, I’m sure some of you have made your New Year’s resolutions, and I will share mine with you. Mine is simply to be more present in the everyday, to see the wonder in the ordinary and look for the good in others and to be thankful for the people I am blessed to have in my life. In this issue we have an inspirational story on The Noticed Network – northlander Amy Johnson took on the admirable task of empowering other women by simply noticing them. Be sure to check out the mouthwatering article on Rock and Run, the new microbrewery in downtown Liberty. I spent an afternoon enjoying the spoils of the photo shoot, and I was very full and very impressed! We have a great fashion spread from boutique owner Anna McNair. She has a beautiful and unique store for both women and men located on Main in Kansas City, Mo. We also have your favorite writers to inspire you going into this new year. As always, Nick Bolton will keep us in shape with fitness, and Kim Spector, a life coach from Mosaic, will keep our mind/body and spirt intact moving forward. We have a new contributing writer in Scott Keithly. Scott is a CPA and tax resolution consultant. Cathy Kline always inspires us with local artists and Jim Kline has his take on the latest movies. You know we love our furry friends at NORTH! KC Pet Project has some pets in need of homes, so please check them out. Be sure to read the Pets and Their People story told by Zola and Roscoe. Dr. Jim Sparks our resident veterinarian helps us become better pet parents. I’m thrilled to have Dr. Duane Myer, a former professor of marketing at KU and a residing professor of marketing at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Dr. Myer educates us on the basic principles of marketing 101 with a series that you can follow through 2015. This series will help us if we are a small business, a home-based business, a non-profit or simply marketing our kids sports teams. We have The Kansas City Bean Baron Danny O’Neill, founder of Roasterie, sharing his wisdom on life with us. Let Phil LeVota finish with his The Last Word. I never want to forget to thank you, our readers, for supporting NORTH. We are here because of you and our loyal advertisers – thank you for believing in us and supporting this venue to highlight the best of the Northland.

8 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Kandie Erickson

Kandie Erickson Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

We Know What Women Want Time. Convenience. Quality.

The Saint Luke’s North Center for Women’s Care is health care designed by women for women. We offer a complete range of well-woman services in one location, with longer appointments so you get the attention you need and deserve.

Schedule an appointment

816-891-CARE (2273) saintlukeshealthsystem.org/CFWC

Ask us about Mammogram and Massage, with evening appointments to suit your busy life. Saint Luke’s North Center for Women’s Care is on Facebook.

NORTHLAND EVENTS

January 11 – February 16 Park University Campanella Gallery in McAfee Memorial Library www.park.edu The artwork of painter Laura Nugent will be on display in Park University’s Campanella Gallery. A reception will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., in the Gallery.

HARRIMAN-JEWELL SERIES 50TH SEASON GALA CONCERT

Sunday, February 1, 2 p.m. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts www.kauffmancenter.org William Jewell alum and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato returns to her hometown to perform with another opera singer, tenor Juan Diego Florez.

WARDING OFF THE WINTER BLUES

FIRST ANNUAL BOOGIE BALL

Saturday, February 14, 7 p.m. TWA Hanger and Museum, Downtown Airport Tickets: $30 at the door; $25 before Feb. 6 www.culturalballroomdance.com This event benefits Culture through Ballroom Dance, which aims to bring dance to children throughout Kansas City. Performance by the Abel Ramirez big band, featuring Russ Simmons.

WORLD WAR I MOVIE TALK – “GRAND ILLUSION”

Wednesday, February 18, 7 p.m. Park University – McCoy Meetin’ House Admission: free Movies related to the 100th anniversary of World War I will be featured as part of a Movie Talk series at Park University. Following the movie, Park students majoring in history and English will lead a discussion of the film.

Monday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7 p.m. Medical Plaza, North Kansas City (across from North Kansas City Hospital) Registration is required: 913-383-8700 There are many reasons why depression increases in the winter: sunlight exposure decreases, financial pressures from holiday expenses and vitamin D deficiency. Stephen Ilardi six-step program helps develop a plan to keep depression at bay this winter season.

SKIN CANCER 101: LUNCH AND LEARN

WINE & CHOCOLATE TASTING

Saturday, February 21, 8-10:30 a.m. Zona Rosa Celebration Station in The Grove Admission: free; register at nkch.org or 816-691-1690 North Kansas City Hospital will host a Heart Health Fair, which will include a fasting lipid profile. Results will be available within five minutes and you will have the opportunity to speak with a nurse about your numbers.

Saturday, February 14, 6-9 p.m. Jowler Creek Winery, Platte City, Mo. Cost: $5; no reservations required www.jowlercreek.com Pair each of Jowler Creek’s eight wines with a piece of chocolate or small bite of chocolate dessert designed to pair perfectly for each wine.

Friday, February 20, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. North Kansas City Community Center Admission: free; register at 816-691-1690 or nkch.org One in five Americans will develop skin cancer. Crystal LaGalle, DO, shares her knowledge on the different types of skin cancer, warning signs and prevention methods. Dr. LaGalle is a physician with Meritas Health North Oak.

HEART HEALTH FAIR

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FROM THE OPERA PIT CONCERT

Saturday, February 21, 7:30 p.m. Liberty Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: $5-18; www.libertysymphony.org The Liberty Symphony Orchestra presents its winter concert – “From the Opera Pit” featuring the winners of the William Jewell College Artist Competition.

AARON LEWIS CONCERT AT VOODOO LOUNGE

Wednesday, February 25, 8 p.m. VooDoo Lounge, Harrah’s Casino, North Kansas City Tickets: $40-$75; www.ticketmaster.com Aaron Lewis, founder of the group Staind, has turned his focus toward country music, and he brings his talents to the VooDoo Lounge.

VISION BOARD CLASS

Saturday, February 28, 10-11:30 a.m. North Kansas City Hospital; 1st Floor Pavilion Register at guildasclubkc.org or 816-531-5444 You may have heard of vision boards, but have you ever completed one? This workshop will teach you how to use visualization to bring your goals and dreams to life. All you need is an open mind and willingness to join in.

PARK PIANO TRIO CONCERT

Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel, Park University www.park.edu Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door Park University’s International Center for Music: Park Piano Trio, Featuring violinist Ben Sayevich, cellist Daniel Veis and pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch. The trio will perform Beethoven’s “Archduke Trio” and Anton Arensky’s lyrical “Piano Trio in D Minor.”

©ISTOCK.COM / CCLICKCLICK

NUGENT ART EXHIBIT AT CAMPANELLA GALLERY

The 31st Annual Snake Saturday Parade and Festival March 14, 2015 11 AM Grand Marshal Celebration- March 5, 2015 Lad and Lassie Contest- March 7, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twinning Cityâ&#x20AC;? Meet & Greet- March 12, 2015 Charity Cook-off- March 13, 2015

Sponsored by: www.snakesaturday.com

NEWS & NOTES

Habitat opens Northland ReStore

urrounded by employees, customers and supporters, Heartland Habitat for Humanity celebrated the recent opening of its Northland ReStore with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 4. Located at 8516 North Oak Trafficway, Heartland Habitat christened its new building with fellow Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce members. The ReStore is a discount home improvement store that receives donations from the public and then sells the new or used products to help support its charitable needs. Items range from building materials to appliances to furniture. For more information, contact Brent Lager at 816-4559911 or brent@northlandchamber.com.

Saint Luke’s opens neuroscience institute

eginning December 2014, Northland patients in need of consultation with a neurosurgeon may do so closer to home. Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute (SLMBNI) will open Saint Luke’s Neurosurgery Clinic–North on the campus of Saint Luke’s North Hospital – Barry Road. Neurosurgeons will consult with patients for a wide range of issues related to tumors, meningiomas, back pain, spine and more. Patients will be able to receive conservative treatments and most diagnostic testing onsite at Saint Luke’s North Hospital, including MRI, CT, EMG, therapy and pain injections. “Saint Luke’s has a long-standing commitment to partnering with communities to provide excellent care for patients close to home. Ninety percent of patients who visit with a neurosurgeon do not require surgery, so providing patients with easier access to a clinic in their own community makes sense,” said Darren S. Lovick, M.D., surgical director at Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute. “With the opening of the Neurosurgery Clinic at Saint Luke’s North Hospital, we hope to make it easier for patients to receive neurosurgical expertise closer to home.” Saint Luke’s Neurosurgery Clinic is a comprehensive practice utilizing advanced surgical techniques and treating some of the

most complex neurosurgical problems. The team of neurosurgeons offers a variety of specialties ranging from the treatment of skull based tumors, to spine surgery, to trigeminal neuralgia to deep brain tumors. Darren S. Lovick, The clinic also offers M.D., neurosurgeon the premier neurosurand surgical director at Saint Luke’s Marion gical vascular center Bloch Neuroscience in the region, treatInstitute ing more aneurysms than any other Kansas City area hospital. As part of SLMBNI, the Neurosurgery Clinic provides patients with access to the most advanced diagnostics, research, and treatment options available to ensure the best possible outcomes. The clinic is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 816-9322700. Saint Luke’s Neurosurgery Clinic – North is located at 5820 N.W. Barry Road, Suite 400, in Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Lovick’s areas of specialty include neuro-oncology, spinal surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and neurovascular surgery including aneurysm and carotid stenosis.

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Dr. Engelman joins Meritas Health OBGYN

rom preventive healthcare and childbirth to gynecologic surgery and menopause, obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Peter Engelman provides a lifetime of care to women. He has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery. When not helping patients, Dr. Engelman spends time with his wife, son and infant daughter. He grew up in North Dakota and enjoys golfing, landscaping and cooking for his family and guests. His artistic abilities include playing the piano, marimba and drums.

MERITAS HEALTH OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY 2790 Clay Edwards Dr., Suite 1200 North Kansas City, MO 64116 816-468-7800 www.MeritasHealth.com

NEWS & NOTES

Wayne and Shirley Elam Award Winners: L to R front: Carmen Sherman, Michelle Tietz (daughter of Shirley A. Elam), Nick Bennett. L to R back: Greg Douglas, Christine McElroy, Ramona Martin, Jodi Crabtree, Angie Schreck, Cathy Wisor.

Angel for an Angel Award Recipients L to R: Karen Kendall, Stephan Senne, Michael Senne, Rita White. Not pictured: Karen Flanery.

Arch E. Spelman Scholarship Award L to R: Robert Fulmer (awardee) with supervisor Jason Hough.

Saint Luke’s North recognizes scholarship and award recipients

aint Luke’s North Hospital honored its employees for outstanding achievement in education and clinical and nonclinical practice in November. Recipients of the 2014 Angel for an Angel Award, Wayne and Shirley A. Elam Award for Clinical and Nonclinical Excellence, and Arch E. Spelman Scholarship award were announced. Each year the Angel for an Angel Award celebrates the spiritual foundation of Saint Luke’s Health System by recognizing employees who demonstrate the virtues of

spirituality and compassion in healing ministry. The award recipients are nominated by their peers. The 2014 Angel Award recipients included: Karen Kendall, Stephan Senne, Michael Senne, Karen Flanery, and Rita White. The Wayne and Shirley A. Elam Award for Clinical and Nonclinical Excellence was established in 2000 in memory of Shirley A. Elam, who was a compassionate patient advocate and nurse on the oncology unit at Saint Luke’s North Hospital. Employees selected as recipients of this award exemplify the same

qualities. The 2014 Elam Award for Clinical Excellence was presented to pharmacist Nick Bennett. The 2014 Elam Award for Nonclinical Excellence was presented to Carmen Sherman for her work in Environmental Services. The Arch E. Spelman Scholarship award was presented to two hospital employees, who currently are students continuing their education in the field of health care. Robert Fullmer and Henedine Figueroa each received a $1,000 scholarship to support their continuing formal education.

28th season of Gladstone Theatre in the Park

he Gladstone Parks & Recreation Department, Ibsen Dance Theatre and North Star Community Band have announced the 28th season of Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park summer 2015 productions. l “Mary Poppins” – July 10-12 l “Seussical” – August 7-9 They are seeking all interested director candidates for both shows. Contact Gladstone Parks & Recreation at 816-423-4090 or visit www.gladstonetip.com Auditions for both presentations will be held at Antioch Middle School, 2100 N.E. 65th St., on Sunday, March 22, and Saturday, March 28. Times vary depending on age as of June 1, 2015.

1 p.m. – ages 10 - 12 2 p.m. – ages 13 - 15 l 3 p.m. – ages 16 - 18 l 4 p.m. – ages 19 & up For more information, contact Gladstone Parks and Recreation at 816-423-4091. l

ILIVENORTH.COM

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

NEWS & NOTES

The Y to operate NKC Community Center

he YMCA of Greater Kansas City and the City of North Kansas City approved a partnership agreement in which the Y will operate North Kansas City Community Center beginning Jan. 1. North Kansas City Hospital has expressed support for the partnership and interest in collaborating to be the medical wellness partner on site. “We’re excited to work with the City of North Kansas City and North Kansas City Hospital to serve more people and provide more programs to improve quality of life for people of all ages,” said John Mikos, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “The Y has been part of successful partnerships like this one in other communities, and we look forward to this new opportunity to work together to better serve our community.” The City of North Kansas City will continue to own the community center, located at 1999 Iron Street. When the Y begins operations, it will be known as North Kansas City YMCA and become the largest YMCA in the region. Amenities include a swimming pool, indoor water park, three basketball courts, 5,500 square feet of fitness equipment space, a 25-foot rock wall, indoor walking track, fitness classes and meeting/event spaces. Members of the Vivion Road Family YMCA will transition their memberships to the North Kansas City YMCA. Members of the Vivion Road Family YMCA will transition their memberships to the North Kansas City YMCA. The 18,000-square-foot Vivion Road Family YMCA currently has 1,000 family and individual memberships, serving 2,700 people. “The Vivion Road Family YMCA has served the community well, and we hope the community can join us to pay tribute to the legacy of the Vivion Road Family YMCA as we look forward to continuing to serve our members and bringing them more services and programs in a newer and larger facility,”

Wellness events from Meritas Health BANISH MIGRAINES WITH BOTOX

Friday, January 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. North Kansas City Community Center Admission: free; registration is required (lunch included) Register at nkch.org or call 816-691-1690 Botox is well-known for its ability to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It’s also an effective method for treating chronic migraines. Steven Kosa, MD, discusses the benefits and side effects of using Botox to control migraines. Dr. Kosa is a neurologist with Meritas Health Neurology.

BARIATRIC SEMINARS Mikos said. Vivion Road Family YMCA staff also will transition to the North Kansas City location. Current North Kansas City Community Center staff can apply for positions with the Y at the North Kansas City location and other YMCA of Greater Kansas City locations. In addition to expanding current Y programs and services at the North Kansas City location, the partnership between the Y and the city creates the opportunity for new programs such as medical wellness programs in collaboration with North Kansas City Hospital. The hospital has expressed interest in providing medically focused wellness programs; health screenings and risk assessments; programs to address lifestyle health risks including obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease; and clinically supervised programs and exercise regimens to address health issues. “North Kansas City Hospital is very committed to the health and wellness of our community, and we look forward to collaborating with the Y and North Kansas City for the benefit of the community,” said Peggy Schmitt, president and chief executive officer of North Kansas City Hospital. For information about existing Y memberships or joining the Y, contact the Vivion Road Family YMCA at 816-453-6600. For information about existing North Kansas City Community Center memberships, call 816-300-0531.

14 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Tuesday, Feb. 3 or Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. North Kansas City Hospital Pavilion, 1st floor, 2790 Clay Edwards Dr. North Kansas City Admission: free; registration required Register at nkch.org or 816-691-1690 Keenan Berghoff, MD, who has performed more than 500 bariatric procedures, helps you determine if bariatric surgery is right for you.

ADULT/CHILD/INFANT CPR

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. North Kansas City Hospital Pavilion, 1st floor, 2790 Clay Edwards Dr. North Kansas City Cost: $40/person/session Register at nkch.org or 816-691-1690 Recommended for child care providers, foster parents or individuals seeking pediatric CPR training. Includes adult, child and infant CPR, choking management and AED training.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Kansas City Hospital Pavilion, 1st floor, 2790 Clay Edwards Dr. North Kansas City, Cost: $50/person/session Register at nkch.org or 816-691-1690 For healthcare students or professional healthcare providers who work in a medical setting. Course covers CPR for all ages, choking management and AED use.

KC PET PROJECT

Finding forever homes for pets C Pet Project is the non-profit, 501(c)3 organization the city of Kansas City, Missouri selected to operate the city’s municipal animal shelter in 2012. KC Pet Project is the largest No Kill animal shelter and pet adoption center in the entire

KC PET PROJECT: PET ADOPTION CENTER metropolitan area, and the third largest open IN ZONA ROSA 7351 NW 87th Terrace admission, no-kill shelter in the U.S. KC Pet Kansas City, MO 64153 Project opened their Pet Adoption Center (across from Dillard’s) in the Zona Rosa shopping center in 2012. 816-587-0224 www.kcpetproject.org This is the only pet adoption center in the www.kcpetproject.org Northland area.

Cleopatra

Mizzou

Here’s a laid-back girl waiting for a forever home. She does a happy dance whenever she meets new people and loves to cuddle and take walks. She’s house trained and kennel trained, and loves kids.

Mizzou is a 6-year-old male cat who meets all the customers at the Zona Rosa location with long, warm purrs. He would make a good companion to other cats and children but he’s a little unsure about dogs.

Tyler

Tyler is a spunky 10-month-old male pit bull mix puppy. He’s doing great with his kennel training and is good with kids and other dogs and cats. He needs a family ready to help teach him some manners!

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SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITY

Miles of Smiles relieves pain and suffering

riella is 8 and recently moved in with her aunt. As soon as Briella moved in, her aunt noticed that Briella suffered from severe dental pain. It turns out all of Briella’s baby teeth were rotten, and she needed an oral surgeon. Unfortunately, Briella lost Medicaid eligibility in the transfer of guardianship, so no oral surgeon in the Northland would treat her. But Miles of Smiles did. One of their dentists skipped lunch for several days to fit Briella into the schedule. The dentist pulled the teeth that were causing her the most pain and started her on a hygiene

plan. Briella’s aunt wrote Miles of Smiles a letter that shared her gratefulness for easing Briella’s pain. “Words cannot express the blessing you have given her and our family.” Miles of Smiles is the dental home to 3,000 low-income children in the Northland – those who have Medicaid or no insurance at all. They partner with every Northland school district to treat patients (at no cost to them) in their schools so services are accessible and parents have no need to miss work. Miles of Smiles’ annual fundraiser is Brush Up on Fashion, which will be April 10. Tickets are $50 each. More information at www.milesofsmilesinc.org.

VALENTINE'S DAY BOOGIE BALL Culture through Ballroom Dance Presents the Boogie Ball on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the TWA Hanger and Museum at the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport. The museum opens at 5:30 p.m., and starting at 7 p.m. everyone will dance to the music of the Abel Remirez Big Band featuring Russ Simmons. Tickets are $30 per person at the door ($25 before Feb. 6) and available at www.culturalballroomdance.com. The event benefits Culture through Ballroom Dance, which aims to bring dance to children of all ages throughout school districts in the Kansas City area. Their mission is to develop a positive foundation in children by building confidence, self-esteem and interactive social skills through the artistic expression of ballroom dance.

Snake Saturday Parade and Festival returns to the Northland

he 31st Annual Snake Saturday Parade and Festival is just around the corner. Snake Saturday Parade is held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, which this year is March 14. The parade begins at 11 a.m., and it is expected nearly 100,000 people will attend the parade and go to the festival, which will include the carnival, free kids area and Charity Cook-off.

Other activities include a race car show and children’s activities, including tricycle obstacle course, petting zoo, pony rides and much more. Theater Tech Productions will provide entertainment for the children’s stage. In the first 30 years, more than $1 million has been given to local charities. Events leading up to Snake Saturday include the Grand Marshal Celebration on March 5

with the announcement of the Grand Marshal and Shamrock Award winner, the Lad and Lassie Contest on March 7 and the Charity Cook-off on March 13. There will also be a VIP Meet & Greet event on March 12 at Paul & Jack’s Tavern in North Kansas City to welcome visitors from our “twinning city,” Bushmills, Northern Ireland. For more information, visit www.SnakeSaturday.com.

VIGNOBLE CO-CHAIRS From left: Drs. William Gilbirds and wife Julie Hartung, Tom and Jane Brown, Allen and Sandi Dillingham invite you to attend the 10th annual “Vignoble: Food and Wine Event” benefitting Saint Luke’s North Hospital on April 18 at the National Golf Club. For more information contact Jan Kauk, Saint Luke’s Foundation at jkauk@saint-lukes.org or 816-880-6258.

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SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITY

Embrace the Manor Ball and Couples Celebration

2014 Harvest Ball: Seeds of Service

he 2014 Harvest Ball on Nov. 15 surpassed its reputation as the Northland’s most anticipated night of philanthropy and pageantry. It was truly an unforgettable, beautiful and historic event. Lara Mortiz, KMBC 9 News anchor and Northland resident, emceed the program and welcomed more than 700 guests. Amidst a ballroom bathed in black, white and silver, nine young adults were presented as future Northland philanthropic leaders. The 2014 VICTORY Honorees, which stands for Volunteerism In The Community

Through Organized Recognition of Youth, were celebrated for their community service, leadership and scholarship. Three 2014 Harvest Ball Pages helped present the Honorees. Harvest Ball Society President Michel Ann Kaiser recognized HBS members for their tireless work throughout the year. Their extraordinary efforts paid off – with proceeds from the Harvest Ball exceeding their goal by more than 25 percent. Michel Ann noted that in its 28th year, the Harvest Ball Society will benefit 30 charities.

mmacolata Manor, a non-profit service provider to individuals with developmental disabilities, has announced the selection of four couples to receive the 2015 “Embracing Hearts” Award at the third annual Embrace the Manor Ball and Couples Celebration. Recipients to be honored are Bob and Jodi Capps of Liberty, Dan and Wanda O’Dell of Liberty, Scott and Robin Page of Liberty, and Walter and Jeri White of Kansas City. Hosted by Dick Wilson of 94.9FM, the black-tie optional Embrace the Manor Ball will be at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2015, at The View at Briarcliff Courtyard by Marriott. Tickets are $80 each or $600 for a table of eight. Visit imanor.org or call Stacie Bratcher at 816-781-4332 ext. 226. In its history, the Manor Ball has generated more than $20,000 to serve the most vulnerable of our society through a sustained endowment. Immacolata Manor is a non-sectarian not-for-profit agency celebrating more than 30 years of providing life-changing habilitation services to persons with developmental disabilities. Immacolata Manor’s CARF-accredited Residential and My Day Community Integration programs focus on the values and principles of community membership, self-determination, human rights and basic needs. Each individual is supported and empowered to achieve their highest potential and to live their lives with dignity and respect.

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COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTHLAND

Gladstone shines in Linden Square

ave you been to Linden Square in Downtown Gladstone? For many that question only leads to more questions. Downtown Gladstone? Is there a Downtown Gladstone? Exactly where is Downtown Gladstone, located? Why would I want to go to Downtown Gladstone? And, just what is Linden Square? Gladstone has long been a town missing a “Main Street” or “Downtown” area. However, over the last five years, the area around city hall, east of N. Oak between NE 69 Street and NE 72 Street has been targeted for development into Gladstone’s expanding Downtown with Linden Square serving as the central gathering place for people of all ages, ethnicities and walks of life to come together organically to interact and share enjoyable and memorable experiences throughout the year. Linden Square is a lovely outdoor venue located in the very heart of Gladstone’s Downtown area. It features a handsome outdoor covered stage, a spacious lawn tucked into a gently rising terraced lawn, a full concession stand and sizable court area, along with ample public restrooms and parking. During the spring, summer and fall months, Linden Square plays host to a variety of citysponsored events and activities including the Armed Forces and Memorial Day Celebration, the Sounds on the Square Concert Series, Fun in the Sun Kids Fest, the Kids Triathlon and Gladfest. The city is also actively seeking to cultivate partnerships with other organizations and groups in order to expand programming to further enhance the vitality and character of Gladstone’s evolving downtown. And, the space is also available to rent for weddings, family reunions or other activities and events. Linden Square’s winter activities get underway with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a long standing tradition that occurs on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving every year. Following the ceremony, the Linden Square Ice Rink opens its gates for winter skating fun each Friday, Saturday

Linden Square Ice Rink

Above: Snow and Company Gladstone Top right: 2014 Fun in the Sun Kids Fest Right: 2014 Sounds on the Square Concert

and Sunday through February. The Ice Rink offers skating lessons at different times throughout the season, features special rates for groups, and is available for private rental throughout the week. More details on hours and rates can be found at www.lindensquare. info or its Facebook page, www.facebook. com/LindenSquare. Adding a young, fresh vibe to the Down-

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town area, Snow and Company, an artful frozen cocktail bar recently opened a second location just a short walk from Linden Square. And, further bolstering Downtown Gladstone’s expansion, phase one of The Heights, a luxury apartment complex offering studio, one and two bedroom, and townhome options, is scheduled for completion in early 2015.

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WINE & LIQUOR: MEZCAL

Mystical mezcal of Mexico ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roy Ervin is a Midwest native with over 35 years experience in the restaurant, retail, distribution, and supplier parts of the alcohol industry. He is currently a consultant to Gomer’s Northland Fine Wines & Spirits.

GOMER’S NORTHLAND

Tom Stacey is the owner and manager of Gomer’s Northland Fine Wines & Spirits 6298 NW Hwy. 9, Parkville, Mo., 816-746-0400, www.gomers.com

f you haven’t visited one of the trendier Kansas City bars this last year you may have missed the appearance of a sexy, smoky new seductress of mixologists worming her way onto cocktail menus from Lenexa to Parkville and beyond. The mystical mezcal of Mexico is not really anything new. In fact, it is an ancient elixir predating many of our most popular liquors on the shelf. If you’ve tried Tequila, you actually have sampled a type of mezcal, which is the original term for the liquor made from the distilled agave plant. From the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, metl (for maguey or agave) and ixcalli (for cooked), thusly, cooked agave, mezcal. But whereas tequila might be emblematic of Mexico’s industrial revolution, producing millions of gallons yearly of one of the most popular liquors on the planet, mezcal is the true beating heart and throbbing soul of Mexico. Mezcal is an artisanal product almost always handmade in small batches, primarily in Oaxaca, from a plant that takes nearly a decade to replenish, crafted and coaxed over a painstaking period of days resulting in absolutely unique liquor. And there seems to be a newfound availability of good mezcals here in the U.S. So why is this mysterious milk of Mexico suddenly an ingredient in a wave of new cocktail creations and not the main event? First let’s look briefly at how mezcal is made. The agave (or maguey in Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico) takes between eight and 12 years to mature, becoming optimum for harvest. Unlike grapes and grain which provide a constant yearly sugar source for distilled spirits, agaves, either wild or cultivated, must be managed appropriately to assure the juice needed. Harvesting the plant itself is annoyingly difficult if not dangerous; a heavy, unwieldy, thorny adversary for the cortador, or harvester, armed with a seemingly lackluster stick-like implement for gouging the vegetal armament from rocky soil. The harvested agave hearts (corazons) or heads (cabezas), as they are called, are transported (often by donkey) to the palenque (think moonshine still). The starches in the agaves are converted to sugar by a slow, multi day roasting process, done in a rock lined fire pit (or horno) then covered with dirt, tarps and recycled crushed agave debris. The pit cools, agaves emptied and stacked, then crushed by hand with large wooden mallets or a large wheel of stone pulled by a donkey, indicating a truly large operation. That mash (bagaso) is then loaded into tanks with water where it ferments into a wine-like liquid to then be distilled at least twice, and in some cases, using traditional black pottery as it

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has been done for hundreds of years, in a process passed down from father to son. Consequently, there is a tiny amount of good mezcal available versus the Tequila vacuum. And with the interest of large corporate liquor businesses perking up, even poaching agaves from other regions, the future of the true artisanal craft could be on unsteady ground. This is a much abbreviated picture of the transformation of earth to spirit in a manner that transcends the notion of simply making an alcoholic beverage. Tequila was most likely made in a similar fashion long ago but in the 1800s above ground ovens were one of the first improvements of many to follow in Tequila’s so called progress. Keeping in mind, the best Tequilas boast being made from 100% blue agave, that is to say there is one agave type with which to make Tequila (when it has not been blended with neutral spirit to stretch the volume). But there are dozens of agaves from which mezcal can be made in Oaxaca, which begs the question: Do you like your vegetable soup to be from only celery all the time, or would you like some onion and carrot or tomato in it as well? The flavor of mezcal has been likened simply to a

©ISTOCK.COM / ALEAIMAGE

By Roy Ervin

WINE & LIQUOR: MEZCAL smokier tequila. That is close. But in fact, mezcal’s heady richness and feral viscosity, layered details of minerality and dried mountain herbal perfume along with wisps of that elusive, ghostly smoke makes tequila seem an anemic cross eyed cousin forever banished to the children’s table for every holiday get-together yet to come. The entire process is steeped in an inspired science and history and mythology and poetry of rural indigenous peoples. The smell and taste of good mezcal will at once transport the drinker to another vantage of experience and seems to rewire DNA to a more grounded conduit not to be found in any other distilled spirit. A romantic notion, perhaps, and one that no doubt crossed the minds of those who moved to label mescal for the non-Mexican markets as Mezcal (with a z) so as not to be confused with mescaline, the hallucinatory peyote derivative incorrectly rumored to be at the source of the liquor’s production in the 1960s. The fact that the agave (now nearly 50

are suggested as possible sources for distillation out of the 120 subspecies) was the plant kingdom’s “buffalo” for the indigenous people suggests its place in a hierarchy of daily importance. Even before simple fermentation gave birth to the lightly alcoholic drink pulque, Indians were using agave spines as nails, leaves for fabric and rope, and cooked agave for food. There is evidence agave was prescribed as medicine by the Mayans for headaches and was even used during childbirth. At one time a sacred drink appropriate only for priests and certain holidays, “unofficial” use and drunkenness could be met with stern disciple and even death. My, how the times have changed. So, the question before you may be more complicated than it seems. A well-known spokesperson for the new cocktail renaissance recently said, “there is no excuse for there not being a mezcal cocktail on a bar menu.” That could be half right. Any decent bar should have more than one good mezcal on the shelf. But does it need to be spun into a gateway

pacifier for cocktail fashionistas? Maybe not. With all best intentions considered, it is possible Oaxaca does not need any help depleting its already meager supply of mezcal? Is a cocktail the best way to pay tribute to the true nature of the ingredient? Perhaps no more than a connoisseur of fine brandy needs to see two ounces of Germain-Robin Cask 17 flushed away in a Sidecar. Or knowing the last slab of blue fin tuna on Earth is being shipped to Long John Silver’s for a Blue is the New Orange (Roughy) promotion. There seems to be plenty enough tequila in Mexico to continue fueling our need for cocktails. Yet not all margarita drinkers are compelled to drink the tequila straight. Does the consumer need yet another version of processed cheese to disguise the ear medicine? Instead of being introduced to mezcal in a thrilling cocktail, maybe you should just know the secret handshake. Or just know this– it belongs in a glass, nothing more. If you don’t like it, that’s OK. Just don’t drink the camouflage.

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PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE

Meet Zola and Roscoe By Tiffany Westphal Killoren, writing on behalf of Zola and Roscoe

–O–L-A spells…a whole lot of awesomeness. I’m a force to be reckoned with, just ask anyone who jumps to conclusions regarding my petite nature. What I lack for in size, I make up for in personality (sure, some might say “attitude,” but I prefer to keep it positive). I may be a Miniature Pinscher, but there’s nothing mini about my zest for life (again, some might call me “feisty,” but that’s why I’m in control of this interview) or my giant-sized love for my family. Robert and Valerie love me unconditionally and talk so sweetly about when I was small enough to fit in their hands. They understand that I don’t mean to cause a ruckus (no need to confirm that with them), but I just happen to have a strong interest in what’s going on both inside the house, as well as everything that goes on outside that is visible from any window at any time. It’s my doggie duty to keep informed and I take it seriously. I really love Robert, but Valerie’s my BFF in life. If you ever need to find me, I’ll be curled up on her lap looking adorable or nestled on top of my favorite couch cushion. I won’t say that I’m Queen Bee of the house, but if the shoe fits… [Sigh…] Now that Zola has had her time in the spotlight, let me introduce myself. I’m Roscoe. Sure, I’m a few years younger than Zola, but I weigh about a thousand pounds more than her and think that’s enough to qualify me as “big bro.” I’m a Doberman Pinscher and, if I do say so myself, I’m quite stunning. Everyone tells me so. I don’t like a lot of drama; I just want to have a good time and hang out with Robert and Valerie. I love sweet Valerie, but I would follow Robert to the end of time. We’re dudes who truly

Zola and Roscoe

understand each other. He’ll play tug o’ war with me (it’s adorable when he thinks he stands a chance) and he knows exactly when I need my ears rubbed and a treat or two. Or three. I might be big, but I have a gentle spirit and love people. I’m a bit confused as to why Robert and Valerie won’t let me sleep with them anymore; I was perfectly comfortable in their bed, so there was really no need for them to give me my own bed on the floor. I know they love me because, well, it hasn’t

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always been an easy road. Listen up, people – nothing good can come from putting a cone collar on a dog. The cone around my neck after a medical procedure was so big that I barely made it through doorways. Navigating stairs was particularly frustrating and I lost my cool one day. Hey, I was just as surprised as anyone at how easily carpet rips off stairs. Oops. As for Zola, don’t let her proper Queen Bee persona fool you. The girl snores like you wouldn’t believe.

TRAVEL: WALES

The wonder of Wales By Toni Cracraft

ales is a small country that is part of the United Kingdom, bordered by England to its east, the Irish Sea to its north and west and the Bristol Channel to its south. It is a lovely, welcoming country with English widely spoken, though the Welsh strive to retain their native language and customs. This small country is rich in history, heritage and adventure with more than 600 castles, beautiful mountains, and waterfalls galore. There are many unique sights to see during your visit; one would be Devil’s Bridge. The adventure starts when you board the narrow gauge railway that takes you to the bridges. Devil’s Bridge was built in 1756, consisting of three bridges built stacked on top of each other. According to legend the

original bridge was built by the Devil, as it was too difficult for mortals to build. Magnificent waterfalls will entertain you as you traverse this area. Another point of interest is Harlech Castle built in 1283. Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a medieval fortification, constructed atop a spur of rock close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Take a stroll around this ancient building and you will be amazed by the views of Llyn Peninsula and the surrounding mountains. Harlech Castle is located in Snowdonia National Park. With wild landscapes and villages steeped in history, Snowdonia National Park is a breathtaking destination. It’s best known for

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TRAVEL: WALES hiking, but there’s plenty to enjoy, from waterfalls, lakes and world-class mountain biking to a vintage steam railway that climbs the highest peak in Wales. Mountains give way to ancient woodland. Brooks burble under mossy bridges. Folded into these lovely landscapes are lovely stone cottages and welcoming market towns. When you visit Wales, you can shop ‘til you drop in the city one day and discover a farmers market bursting with local produce the next. Spend a day in Welshpool and lucky you if it is Monday as that’s market day. Welshpool has held a weekly market charter since 1263. From good-natured banter to top-notch bargains, you can’t beat a traditional Welsh market. They’re great places to sample local produce and hunt down treasurers you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll love exploring the wonders of Wales. It’s crammed full of history and creativity – art, design, fashion and food. Searching it out is just part of the fun. Perhaps while travelling in the United Kingdom this year you can take a few days to visit Wales – it’s worth every minute.

Fall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Toni Cracraft is a Certified Travel Professional and Accredited River Cruise Agent with over 14 years of experience as owner of Voyages Plus Travel Shoppe. Her specialty is Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, with extensive small group travel experience. You can reach her at 816471-3900, at voyagesplus travelshoppe@aol.com or at RiverCruiseWorld.net.

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J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

BEAN BARON: ACHIEVEMENT

Words of wisdom: Go your best By Danny O’Neill

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danny O’Neill is the “Bean Baron” of The Roasterie, Inc., a specialty coffee roaster that services espresso bars and coffee houses, fine restaurants, high-end grocers and all coffee lovers.

o your best. These would always be the last words my dad said to us as we stepped onto the field, set off on any adventure or simply when he was saying goodbye. Growing up, I really didn’t appreciate the significance, depth or wisdom of this simple statement. But once I had children of my own, I had an epiphany and totally got it with respect to what my dad was trying to teach us. For most of us, if you “go your best” or “do your best,” there is nothing else that we could ask or expect, either as a parent, coach, or employer. There is certainly the possibility where your best simply isn’t good enough, in terms of performance on the field or in the workplace. But from the standpoint of effort, no one can expect more than that. I believe that every one of us has a conscious and an internal voice that ‘speaks to us’, if we choose to listen. When asked, “At night, when your head hits the pillow and you reflect on your day, do you intuitively know whether you did your best or not?” I’ve never heard someone say “no.” They’ve always responded affirmatively. And when we do our best, it shows in our smile, stride, selfconfidence and our attitude. Folks who “go their

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best” are fun to be around. They get things done, they focus on results (versus activity), and they’re curious and always seem to have a bounce in their step. You’ll find that they don’t quit; they don’t make lists of excuses and they “bring back the bird.” This is also an old expression that refers to hunting dogs. Regardless of how high the weeds or how thick the brush; how cold or how deep the snow and ice, the best dogs would always stick to it until they found the fallen bird and only then return to their owner; with the bird. If I reflect on my favorite people in the world, on my best friends, on the top performers on our team and any other team that I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of, these traits are always present: they hold themselves to a much higher standard then anyone else and are way harder on themselves than anyone else; they focus on results versus reasons or excuses; they do what they say they’ll do (bring back the bird); and they always, always go their best. And whether it’s one of my blessed children or one of our awesome teammates, as a father or mentor, I could never ask any more than that. I’m grateful to my dad for baking that into us. Make 2015 the most rewarding year of your life. It’s your decision.

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CARING FOR YOUR PET

Pets’ No. 1 disease: Obesity

any of us have made New Year’s resolutions, and I am willing to bet that most of them have to do with improving our health and/or quality of life. Why not make similar commitments to improving the health of our pets. Let’s look at the No. 1 disease affecting our pets (and we have full control of the prevention) – obesity. The statistics are eerily similar to those of adult humans in the U.S. In fact more than 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Obesity of pets, like in humans, has been linked to so many health risks we can only touch on a couple of the major issues. The most common weight associated problem is expressed in the breakdown joint stability and function. Arthritis, hip dysplasia,

ruptured tendons and ligaments are a few of the more common, painful and debilitating, diseases on the rise. Veterinary practices are also seeing escalating numbers of diabetic patients that looks to mirror the jump in body mass. Dogs and cats that become diabetic are almost always insulin dependent. Meaning the owners must give injections of insulin daily, as well as close regulation of food and frequent visits to the veterinarian. The disease mentioned are not curable but must be managed with often expensive prescription medications, supplements and/or surgery. In the U.S. alone we spend over a hundred billion dollars a year on pet foods and treats. As pet owners nothing makes us happier than to see our furry family members eyes light up and tails spin as we dangle a treat or food bowl above their head. And we all like

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to brag to friends about how we spoil our furry children. But, if you want to impress me – show me an energetic, happy, 16-yearold Labrador Retriever at its ideal weight – that takes real love and resolution! Jim Sparks, DVM, is a lifelong Northlander working at Eagle Animal Hospital, Inc. Other than an externship in Alaska, Dr. Sparks has always practiced at Eagle. In 1995, he became the third owner of the now 67-year-old practice. Dr. Sparks and Eagle Animal Hospital have received multiple awards including multiple “Best in the Northland” and the “Pro Patria Award,” which is the highest honor given to civilian employers by the United States Department of Defense. Eagle Animal Hospital was also recently recognized as one of the “KC Smart Companies to Watch.”

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By Jim Sparks

Melissa Works two jobs and cares for her elderly mom. Her nicknames for her two college sons are pride and joy. She’s a die-hard Chiefs’ fan and master tailgate chef. For medical care, she loves same-day appointments at Mosaic Life Care.

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EDIBLES & COCKTAILS

ROCK & RUN BREWERY AND PUB | LIBERTY, MO

A blend of passions By Dan Hatcher ROCK & RUN BREWERY AND PUB 110 E. Kansas St. Liberty, MO 64068 816-415-BEER (2337) rockandrunbrewery. com

HOURS: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. –1 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

rockandrunbrewery @yahoo.com 816-415-BEER (2337)

ock & Run Brewery and Pub, Liberty, Missouri’s first brewpub, celebrated its one-year anniversary in December. Tired of having to drive into downtown Kansas City for a good selection of craft beer, the brewpub’s owners, Dan Hatcher and Gene DeClue, created Rock & Run Brewery in order to bring the craft beer revolution to the Northland. The brewpub’s name, Rock & Run Brewery and Pub, comes from the passions of the two owners. Gene DeClue has been a full-time musician for twenty years and is currently the bass player in the band Cherry Bomb. Dan Hatcher is a long distance runner with a passion for trail and ultra-marathon running. DeClue started brewing beer in his kitchen 18 years ago and slowly graduated to larger systems (and larger sections of his house). Hatcher discovered craft beer as he traveled the country competing in races. The two live one block away from each other in Liberty. Hatcher was walking his dog one day when DeClue was brewing in his driveway and they quickly Dan Hatcher, co-owner formed a friendship. A year later that friendship turned into a business partnership as they decided it was time to bring locally brewed beer back to Liberty. Rock & Run Brewery is located at 110 E. Kansas St. in Liberty, Missouri in a 100-plus year old building just off the historic Liberty Square. The east side of the building used to house a bar known as Shelby’s. The west side has been everything from an alley to, more recently, a garage. The owners of Rock and Run Brewery have embraced sustainability in their architectural design. Most of the wood

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EDIBLES & COCKTAILS

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EDIBLES & COCKTAILS trim and furnishings are made from wood that was either salvaged from the building during construction or sourced from other buildings set to be demolished. The bar itself is constructed of various architectural elements salvaged from the remodeling of the old building (including a flight of stairs turned on its side). The bar top and tables have been crafted from old bowling lanes purchased from a bowling alley in Harrisonville. The brewpub houses a fully functional brewhouse and offers approximately 10 beers that are made in-house as well as 30 taps of craft beer from around the United States. The beers brewed in-house run the gamut from light to dark, mild to hoppy. Liberty Squared (named for the Liberty Square, of course) is a light ale and their best selling beer. Saminator (named for DeClue’s youngest daughter), a seasonal double IPA, is their most popular beer among hop enthusiasts. Ryely Porter (named for Hatcher’s dog/best friend) is very popular among those who love dark beers. DeClue tries to use locally produced ingredients in his beers when he can. He uses coffee from Barista de Casa, fresh hops from Royal Hop Farms, and fruit from Prairie Birthday Farm. The spent grain from the brewing process is even recycled. A local farmer picks up the grain twice a week and uses it to feed his livestock. The beer offerings at Rock & Run rotate often, sometimes hourly, so customers never quite know what will be on tap at any given time. But with 40 taps to choose from, they are bound to find something that satisfies their thirst. One of the things that sets Rock & Run apart from other Northland breweries is the food. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a wood-fired pizza oven. In addition to pizza, the brewpub offers options such as locallyproduced sausage and bratwurst from Local Pig, sandwiches, pastas, salads, desserts and a kids’ menu. The bar also serves wine and a full selection of cocktails for those who haven’t yet caught the craft beer bug. In keeping with supporting local, Rock & Run features live music on Friday nights from Kansas City singer/songwriters, giving them a platform to perform their compositions. They also participate in beer festivals and events

throughout Kansas City, helping to raise awareness of the rich variety of local craft beer in the metro area. In October, they sponsored their own craft beer festival, the Rot & Ruin Fall Ale and Spirits Festival, offering over 35 craft beers and spirits from Missouri and the surrounding area. They even partnered with local theater Screenland Armour to show the World Series on a giant inflatable movie screen at the end of the festival.

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Not content to rest on their success of the past year, DeClue and Hatcher have already turned their attention to growing their business even more in the coming years. They are in negotiations with the city of Liberty to expand the upstairs of the restaurant to offer private party accommodations. In addition, they have been navigating the paperwork necessary to begin distribution of their beers to other bars in the metro.

a sense of

discovery

FASHION FORWARD

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FASHION FORWARD EGGPLANT DRESS by Stop Staring $279 TURQUOISE NECKLACE $189 BLUE SATIN DRESS by Stop Staring $259 SILVER NECKLACE $98 BLACK JUMPSUIT by Nikibiki $98 GOLD BELT $48

RED ONE SHOULDER DRESS by Stop Staring $249 JEWELED NECKLACE $149 BLACK TURTLENECK by YA $48 BLACK LEGGINGS by Lumiere $65 LEOPARD FUR by Michael Kors $579 GOLD NECKLACE $179

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FASHION FORWARD

About Perfect Style Boutique

e believe style should be about discovery. We use our platform of personalized services to help you recapture that experience and inspiring a sense of discovery. At Perfect Style Boutique our Stylists carefully select different brands, taking into consideration their stories, uniqueness, quality and professionalism. Our marketplace model allows you to interact with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best designers, buy products directly from them and even customize pieces, ensuring that your experience is a personal and meaningful one. With our curated selection and an array of engaging stories, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found an innovative way for you to travel the globe through commerce, meeting creative, fascinating designers and brands along the way. PERFECT STYLE BOUTIQUE

4540 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111 816-859-5670 perfectstyleboutique.com

Fashion contributors Photography by Brad Austin Location provided by Hotel Sorella on the Country Club Plaza Fashions provided by Perfect Style Boutique, perfectstyleboutique.com

JACKET by Shoreditch $279 SHIRT by Civil Society $99

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MEN’S KHAKI SHIRT by JACHS $99 OLIVE PANT by Standard Denim $103 BOWTIE by Keefe Cravat $85 PRINT DRESS by Lumiere $89 RED PEARLS $48 ILIVENORTH.COM

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FASHION FORWARD

CREME TURTLENECK by YA $48 JEANS by Flying Monkey $123 VEST by Flying Monkey $78

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FASHION FORWARD

BLACK STUDDED SHIRT by Fame $98 RED SKIRT by WOW $85 GOLD NECKLACE $49 MEN’S RED/WHITE CHECK SHIRT by ENZO $89 PANTS by ENZO $85 BLACK TURTLENECK by YA $48 BLACK LEGGINGS by Lumiere $65 WHITE DRESS by Lumiere $98 LONG NECKLACE $149 RED ONE SHOULDER DRESS by Stop Staring $249 JEWELED NECKLACE $149 ILIVENORTH.COM

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FASHION FORWARD

BLUE ALL OCCASIONS DRESS by Stop Staring $259 PEARLS $58 MEN’S JACKET by Shoreditch $279 MEN’S BUTTON DOWN SHIRT by Civil Society $85 RED TIE $85 PANTS by ENZO $85 RED ONE SHOULDER DRESS by Stop Staring $249 JEWELED NECKLACE $149 EGGPLANT DRESS by Stop Staring $279 TURQUOISE NECKLACE $189

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FEATURE: THE NOTICED NETWORK

The Noticed Network Northland woman helps women get noticed for being themselves By Tiffany Westphal Killoren

e all want to be seen. We want our actions and efforts, if not acknowledged, to be recognized. One kind word of encouragement during times of struggle can shift our outlook, and one gesture can be the difference between feeling alone and feeling inspired. At the end of the day, we all want to know that our lives are making a difference. Once we shed our tough exteriors and strip ourselves of the egos that do nothing but weigh us down, we are all united in one simple fact. We want to be noticed. And, that’s how it all started. A thought

crossed Amy Johnson’s mind one day that was both beautiful and profound in its simplicity. This Kansas City mom, who spent her days multitasking and struggling in the way that we all do with day-to-day life challenges, stopped for a moment and lost herself in a single thought: Wouldn’t it be great if women could get noticed just for being ourselves? What some might have considered a fleeting idea, Johnson took to be much more. Armed with a healthy dose of determination, faith and belief in the power of communication, Johnson took her idea and decided to change the world one person at ILIVENORTH.COM

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FEATURE: THE NOTICED NETWORK

a time. Founder of The Noticed Network, Johnson’s efforts to create change has had a ripple effect, touching lives in the Northland as it spreads throughout the world by the smallest of gestures that carry the largest of impacts. “There always seemed to be strings attached to being recognized,” Johnson says. “I thought, ‘what if we just saw women for who they are?’” The idea, although intriguing, was simply that – an idea, and a thought, and a wish. In the spring of 2011, Johnson set her mind to figuring out a way to turn the concept into something more concrete. “I needed something tangible,” she says. She realized that, to truly notice someone,

“All you need is a heartfelt compliment and tangible reminder.” So, that summer Johnson went to work on the details. With four young kids at the time, the transition from stay-at-home mom to business owner wasn’t exactly easy, but she credits her supportive husband and family as helping her to keep focused on turning her vision into reality. And, within a short time, her vision of something tangible turned into something that she could actually hold – a keychain. Designed in turquoise blue and silver, the keychain’s one-word Noticed motif has become the beautiful token that Johnson envisioned to remind recipients that they have made an impact in

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this world. “During the launch party for the Noticed Network, I told each person what I noticed about them,” Johnson says. And, what happened next, surprised even her. Once noticed, recipients began noticing back, taking the open door as an opportunity to share their feelings about the person who gave them the keychain. It was at that moment that Johnson realized that she was onto something bigger than a simple gesture. “I realized that this isn’t just an act of kindness,” Johnson says. “This is powerful.” What Johnson did next started a ripple of kindness that continues to grow. She made a list of 250 women who have impacted her

FEATURE: THE NOTICED NETWORK

life and, over the course of months, presented each one with a keychain and heartfelt explanation as to why. “I’m the luckiest woman in the world and these women needed to know this,” Johnson recalls. No small feat, her efforts to notice others was an emotional, physical, and mental journey that opened her eyes, and others’, to the difference that a simple gesture can make. Johnson’s relationships with each of the recipients changed, increasing in intensity as they opened their hearts and let one another know that they are seen by others as something more than what they may realize. One woman may see herself as struggling in life, but another sees her as strong and determined. One woman might may see only her failures, while another sees her resilience. Another might see an ordinary life, but those around her see unending generosity and love for others. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply know that we’ve been seen. And, Johnson found unexpected beauty in the timing of her efforts. “Call it you want you want,” she said. “But, I seemed to notice on days when women needed it the most.” Stories about the impact of the Noticed Network are inspiring on their own. Its website includes messages from women around the world who have been noticed by someone in their lives. A woman from Japan writes, “Since I seldom think of myself and have positive images about myself, being told that I was Noticed is surprising for me. I feel so happy to know that I AM Noticed.” Another woman comments, “Who knew that a keychain could mean so much to me?” The website also includes a short video from Johnson who describes one of her favorite “noticed” moments. After watching a cashier at a local gas station busily tend to customers with kindness and a smile, despite a few customers who were giving the cashier a hard time, Johnson decided she needed to say something. She presented the woman with a Noticed motif keychain and explained its meaning. Although the woman initially responded, “I don’t get it,” Johnson simply smiled and told her to keep it with her as a reminder. Two weeks later, Johnson went

“Start a ripple of goodness. When people know they matter, the world becomes a better place.” – AMY JOHNSON, founder of The Noticed Network

back to the gas station and was greeted enthusiastically by the cashier who had become convinced that the keychain was made of something special because her life had changed for the better. Johnson recalls smiling and explaining, “It’s not what’s in the Noticed Motif that matters.” She made the woman realize that she was the one responsible for her life changes. “I told her, ‘I gave you the Noticed Motif because of what I saw in you. It’s what’s inside of you that’s so amazing.’” Since its inception in 2011, the Noticed Network has grown organically. As word spread, people started asking Johnson for tangible items that would be appropriate to give to coaches, dads, brothers and other men in their lives, eager to notice them as well. Although excited that the scope of recipients for the Noticed Network was expanding, Johnson’s product line didn’t offer such items and she wasn’t sure how to incorporate additional tangibles that would

still convey the original message. Unwilling to limit the reach of the Network’s message, however, Johnson set to work and created cable keychains, lapel pins, and wristbands designs that were added to the product line in 2014. Throughout the process, Johnson realized something else. Not only did her product line have to expand, but so did her venue. “You act differently when you feel you matter,” Johnson says. That message, although personal in nature, can be equally applied to an individual’s contributions at work and in other professional settings. Now a sought-after speaker for corporate training seminars, women’s retreats, school groups, and church gatherings, Johnson enjoys presenting her message to a live audience and watching their perspectives instantly change. “Start a ripple of goodness,” Johnson says. “When people know they matter, the world becomes a better place.”

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FINANCE: MARKETING

The importance of marketing

he goal of this series is to provide some concise marketing insight and information that a large or small firm, or even a high school booster club may find useful when trying to make their marketing efforts more efficient and effective. In order to tailor this to the needs of you the reader, I encourage you to share the marketing questions and/or challenges facing your business or organization as we progress through the various marketing topics. Imagine you’re in a room full of people and you ask, “Who can tell me what is marketing?” I expect most if not all would raise their hands. As we start calling on them to define “marketing,” you will likely end up with several very similar, and several very different, answers. And, they all may be correct. I have seen this happen over and over in

classrooms as well as seminars with trade associations and business organizations and the list goes on. It is not because marketing is terribly complicated, but it is quite broad. The process we call “marketing” can at times be sequential, and other times it can be iterative. In nearly every instance it has many interconnected moving parts and pieces. “Marketing” can be used as a noun or a verb. For example, the Marketing Department (noun) performs the activities and processes necessary to market (verb) a firm’s product or service. Or, in conversation, marketing is often used interchangeably with selling or advertising. While selling and advertising are both components of marketing, there are several more activities that are also a part of the firm’s marketing function. To ensure we begin from a common perspective, let’s start with the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) definition of marketing:

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“Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.” I highly doubt THAT definition of marketing would have been given when we asked our room full of people the question what is marketing. But I am willing to bet if you have taken an introductory course in marketing you may remember the 4 P’s, which are Product, Price, Promotion, and Place (distribution). If we integrate these familiar 4 P’s with the AMA’s definition, in most manner and form it would look something like this. Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for l creating (Product), l communicating (Promotion),

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By Dr. Duane Myer

FINANCE: MARKETING

delivering (Place), and exchanging offerings (Price) that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. This last phrase “that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large” can be thought of as the satisfaction of the customer’s need, which in turn provide manufacturing/wholesaling/retailing jobs, and a general climate of economic growth that results in increasing our overall standard of living. The phrase “Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for” is precisely what I was referring to earlier when I stated that the subject of marketing is quite broad and has many interconnected and moving parts and pieces. Space limitations preclude the listing of each one of those parts and pieces here. Some you may already know something about – market segmentation, branding, marketing research, customer relationship management, customer lifetime value, sustainable competitive advantage, sales force management – and some, like social media, continue to evolve as new forms emerge and others fade into the backl

ground. But, I promise in the months ahead we will address all of the activities and processes of Marketing as we proceed through this series. In this first installment I have attempted to establish a basis for the discussion of marketing, and have tried to begin mapping out the connection between these interconnected parts and pieces. However, there is one last point I would like to make before we conclude. Because marketing encompasses many varied concepts, I will be very selective in the use of the term “marketing” and promise to do so only in those instances when the meaning or context is unambiguous. In all other instances I will use the specific term, phrase, or concept to avoid any confusion. With that being said, the discussion in the March/ April edition will be dedicated entirely to the embodiment of all the concepts – the Marketing Plan – and the prominent role it should play in the management of any firm or organization’s marketing effort. A dynamic, up-to-date Marketing Plan can help keep a business relevant in changing times, and help keep that competitive edge.

Dr. Duane Myer is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He is also a consultant who works with firms on the creation of marketing plans, as well as the development, execution, and measurement of an effective marketing strategy. He has earned a B.B.A. with a concentration in small business management from Iowa State University, and an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Kansas. If you have a question or a comment, he can be reached at duane.myer@ pepperdine.edu.

Helping you find the property of your dreams

Back with ReMax Innovations for 5 years!

Sandi Schmude, (that’s Schmoody) Realtor ABR, CRS, GRI, CIPS Cell: 816-729-5500 Office: 816-777-3111 sandi@homeinkc.com www.HomeInKC.com ILIVENORTH.COM

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FINANCE: TAX RESOLUTIONS

New year’s tax resolutions Plan ahead and work with professionals to keep your finances in order

t the start of this New Year, you’ve probably taken a look or two at a mirror (proverbial or otherwise) and made a promise to change some things about yourself. As a CPA who specializes in solving tax problems, allow me to suggest some changes you can make in 2015 to rest a little easier about your taxes. If you’re like most people, you either have a tax problem or you’re much closer to having one than you’d like. And of course if you happen to be a high income earner, you have to deal with a tax crisis every April no matter how responsible you’ve been. To help you out, here are some suggested New Year’s tax resolutions:

Resolve to plan

Our office gets lots of calls in December (or even January!) from clients wanting advice before year end. I help these people the best I can, but effective tax planning is an all-year undertaking. Lots of my advice ends up starting with something like “It’s too late to do it this year, but next year you should consider . . .” To be sure, end of year tax planning is worthwhile, and November and early December are great times to do tax planning, but think of it more as an opportunity to plan for the following year.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott S. Keithly, CPA, is the founder and President of Kansas City Tax Mediation, LLC. He specializes in helping taxpayers solve tax problems, and he also has regular seasonal tax clients. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University Fullerton and a master’s in Accountancy and Information Systems from Arizona State University.

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By Scott Keithly

FINANCE: TAX RESOLUTIONS

NorthCare Hospice & Hospice House offers comfort to Northlanders Withhold enough

The No. 1 way clients end up in trouble is by not withholding enough money from their paychecks. If you’re self-employed it should not come as news that you must make estimated quarterly tax payments. Since you are responsible for paying both portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, this can make up a third or more of even a modest income. Even so, many (otherwise intelligent) people who are employees do an incredibly stupid thing by changing their withholding amounts in months where money is tight. At one-fourth to one-third of your income, taxes are your single biggest expense. Pull out last year’s tax return and see: you paid less for the roof over your head than you did to Uncle Sam. Now imagine calling your landlord or bank. “Things are tight so I won’t be paying our rent or mortgage for a few months,” you tell them. “But don’t worry, I’ll square up with you sometime early next year.” I don’t have to tell you what they would say and where you soon would not be sleeping if you tried this. Banks and landlords understand that if you can’t afford to make a payment now, you probably can’t afford to pay even more later.

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Hire a CPA

But then of course I would say that, now wouldn’t I? You simply need more expertise than you’re likely to get from a national tax preparation chain (not naming any names). The employees at those places are oftentimes seasonal employees and don’t typically do tax planning. The fact is, if everybody listened to what their CPA advised, the IRS would be a lot less busy making lives miserable. A good CPA can save you the amount of their fee many times over. If you’re already doing all three of these things, well done. If not, I can say without reservation that if you do only these three things this year, your tax bill will be lower, you will avoid problems with the IRS and you will find yourself happier. So bring it on, 2015!

NorthCare Hospice, an aﬃliate of NKC Hospital, has served the Northland for almost 20 years. We are committed to caring for terminally ill patients and their families. NorthCare Hospice takes care of patients in their homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. For those patients needing short-term symptom management of their disease, we can also take care of them in our 16-bed state-of-the-art hospice house located on the NKC Hospital campus. Rooms include sleeper chairs so family members can stay with their loved ones. There is a family kitchen and laundry as well as a garden with walking paths, plus play areas for children, a library and a spiritual center. A separate entrance allows families and friends to come and go any time of the day and night. While NorthCare Hospice House oﬀers a needed option to hospice patients, most of the patients receiving care from NorthCare Hospice live in their homes and long-term care facilities. The hospice teams provide regularly scheduled visits and clinical services. Dr. Clay Anderson leads the team at NorthCare Hospice.

NorthCare Hospice is an affiliate of North Kansas City Hospital Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Missouri Medicaid and most private insurance. 2800 Clay Edwards Drive | North Kansas City, MO 64116

www.NorthCareHospice.org | 816-691-5119 ILIVENORTH.COM

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SPOTLIGHT ON FITNESS

4 daily choices

that make a big difference

CONTACT THE AUTHOR

For more information and videos, subscribe to www.youtube.com/ firehousefitnesskc and facebook. com/NickBolton FitnessModel. Contact him at nick@ ilivenorth.com or visit firehousefitnesskc.com. Keep your eye out for Nick’s new book this spring called “10 Minutes to Fit” – www.10minutestofit. com.

efore you even step foot in the gym, a lot can be done to improve your health and fitness. Look around – opportunities to burn calories surround nearly every decision you make. These simple steps are critical in achieving real progress toward your goals. Most of these are common sense but often overlooked because people aren’t thinking about the benefits to their health but rather, whatever’s convenient. But you need to actually exert some energy in order to burn calories. Here are four simple things that you can do every day to help reach your goal faster.

1. Stand instead of sit. This is probably the simplest. When given the option to relax and sit or to stand up, choose the latter. Your body burns more calories when you’re standing and moving around. If you’re sitting for long periods at a desk or in a car, it will do you good to stand up and move around to get the blood moving. These moments add up in the long haul so get up. CHALLENGE TIP: Complete repetitions of squats, standing up and sitting down, for 10 minutes. Rest as you need to for the duration of 10 minutes. Just moving around can increase your calorie burn and possibly even increase your metabolism.

2. Park far away. I know a lot of people search for a perfect parking space close to the entrance, but this is a great opportunity to move your legs and take a walk, from the car to the doors. 48 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

3. Take the stairs. Instead of riding the escalator or waiting for the elevator, try stepping your way upstairs. It’s amazing that most people ignore the fat-burning secret that these stairs hold. CHALLENGE TIP: If you want a quick 10-minute workout, try walking up and down some stairs. To mix things up, try walking each stair, skipping a step, walking up sideways, or even backwards.

4. Go for a walk after work. Taking 10 minutes when you get home to stroll around the neighborhood is great for clearing your head and burning calories in a mini-workout. CHALLENGE TIP: If you want a bit more of a challenge, try walking hills, or walking into the wind. A 10-minute brisk walk can burn around 50 calories, helpful when trying to lose unwanted pounds. Even if you think you’re fit, give these steps a shot. You might be surprised how often we opt for the easy choice instead of exerting a little effort. These are the choices that make fitness a “lifestyle” instead of simply a new year’s resolution.

HOW TO CHEAT

If I know I’m going to be eating some unhealthy foods, I sneak a killer workout in just before – preferable within 45 minutes. Studies show that a post-workout meal is essential to replenishing the muscle’s lost glycogen. After an intense weight workout, the body is craving nutrients. There’s a better chance that these post workout nutrients will end up feeding the muscle rather than stacking up in the fat stores. The better the workout, the more I can afford to eat. This allows you to minimize the damage or even possibly aid in lean muscle building.

©DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM /SCOTT BLONDEAU

By Nick Bolton

Life Coaching May be the Answer You’re Looking For When life throws you a curveball or you’re simply feeling stuck or unfulfilled, where do you turn for help? Friends, family, clergy? These are all certainly appropriate and useful options, but there’s one you may not have considered: life coaching. Mosaic Life Care offers life-coaching services to clients looking for a little direction, clarity and help through life’s tough transitions. With certified life coaches who can work with you either virtually or at several Northland locations, Mosaic Life Care is leading the way in providing patients with much more than health care. Each life coach at Mosaic Life Care has in-depth training in transformational coaching and is certified by the International Coaching Federation.

We partner with you in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires change and provides direction. Whether you’re facing personal or professional challenges or simply want to invest in self-discovery, a life coach at Mosaic Life Care can help you define your strengths, clarify your values and discover the insight and perspective needed to reach your goals and aspirations.

“My life coach was so kind and supportive. We connected immediately and it made me feel hopeful. They guided me through my grief and helped me put balance in my life. I believe I would not be where I am now without my life coach’s wise guidance.” - Mosaic Life Care Life Coaching Client

aspirations for every area of your life: myHealth, myLifestyle, myCareer, myFinances, myRelationships, myInnerPeace and myCreativity. If you’re ready to take the next step toward personal and professional growth, Mosaic Life Care offers a complimentary consultation with a certified life coach.

The Mosaic Life Care life coaching vision statement reads: Partnering with you to imagine, invent and design your best life. Life coaches use this vision to guide a process in which you create an individual life plan for yourself that consists of goals and

Set up your consultation via email: mylife@myMosaicLifeCare.org, or by phone: 816.437.8122. Learn more at myMosaicLifeCare.org

“Working with a coach has helped me to get a handle on all aspects of my life. I can now evaluate things clearly and have a solid game plan to move forward.” - Mosaic Life Care Life Coaching Client

more than health care … life care

HEALTH: RETAIL-BASED CLINICS

Retail-based medical clinics This growing trend addresses a gap in medical care By Kirsten Weltmer, MD, and Keith Mann, MD

ith drive-thru banking, fast food restaurants, Twitter, and one-hour photo, is it any wonder that we would come to expect our health care in a similar manner? It is estimated that there are more than 1,600 retail-based clinics operating at this time, and those numbers are growing in response to healthcare consumers seeking convenient, quick, accessible and affordable care. Retail-based clinics appeal to healthcare consumers because they do not require appointments, have extended clinic hours on evenings and weekends and are more affordable than a trip to the local emergency room. Initially designed to provide care for a limited number of pressing but non-emergency conditions, some retailbased clinics are now marketing on their websites preventative care, physicals, health screening services, vaccines and chronic disease monitoring.

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AAP AND PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME The American Academy of Pediatrics continued to question the role of retail-based clinics in the care of children in a recent policy statement. The AAP concluded that retail-based clinics are not an appropriate source of primary care for children due to the fragmented, episodic nature of the care they provide. Fragmented care often lacks the necessary follow up and lacks connection with the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary care provider. Coordinated, long-term care associated with an established primary care provider and a medical home has been associated with improved outcomes and, at least in adults, at a lower cost of care. With this in mind, the standard of medical care for children should be a medical home where the primary care provider has received specialty training in the care of children and their specific health care issues. The primary care provider

HEALTH: RETAIL-BASED CLINICS

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should have an ongoing relationship with the patient and family. ADDRESSING THE GAP While the principles of the patient-centered medical home are hard to argue, retailbased clinics that provide episodic, acute care outside the traditional medical home clearly have found a place in the pediatric healthcare market. Patients are consumers of healthcare, and in their use of retail-based clinics they are sending a clear message that convenience, efficiency, extended hours, and cost are important, especially in the context of acute care such as sore throats or cold symptoms. This should not be surprising. When asked what factors most influence the choice of primary care physicians, patients most commonly state convenience and proximity to the home or workplace followed by quick relief from acute illness. Pediatricians are thus stuck with what appears to be competing patient demands: the need to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and holistic care while being flexible enough to allow for walk-in or same-day appointments with extended hours. This is increasingly difficult to

achieve, especially in smaller practices, while also maintaining a small amount of work-life balance. PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME MERGES CONTINUITY AND CONVENIENCE A patient in a medical home ideally has a single primary care provider who is responsible for all aspects of health care, including preventative and wellness care, chronic disease management and acute care. A number of studies demonstrate that when a patient is cared for by a single primary care provider, the patient experiences improved outcome measures and improved patient satisfaction with the healthcare they receive. In the medical home, patients should have the reasonable expectation to see their primary care provider who best understands their medical history and future health care needs for both preventative care and acute care needs. To match patient demands, scheduling processes should allow for same-day access to the primary care provider for acute visits. If healthcare consumers use these occasions to seek care from retail-based clinics, the opportunity for the

primary care provider to address chronic disease management and preventative care is missed. Adding value to each patient visit by addressing preventative care needs or chronic disease management may provide the incentive to the consumer to return to the primary care office. In order to compete with the convenience factor, primary care offices should be willing to work to add increased value at every patient encounter offering preventative care and chronic disease management when applicable. The AAP’s policy statement advocates that the standard of medical care for children is the medical home with a primary care provider specifically trained in children’s health care issues. The AAP further states that retail-based clinics are inappropriate source for primary care for children. In order to meet the demands of the pediatric healthcare consumers, the primary care medical home must provide quality, organized and evidence-based care that also is accessible and convenient. That’s what patients expect.

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HEALTH: CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract and intraocular lens surgery The most common and successful surgery for vision issues By John C. Hagan III, MD ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John C. Hagan III, MD, is a Northland ophthalmologist with Discover Vision Centers. He also is the Editor of Missouri Medicine medical journal.

f you are blessed with a normal lifespan (82.2 years for women; 77.4 years for men) the surgery you are most likely to have is removal of a cataract and insertion of an intraocular lens (cataract/IOL). In 2013 more than 3.5 million of these procedures were performed on Americans by their ophthalmologists. Moreover cataract/IOL surgery has become the most successful of all major operations done in the U.S. More than 99 percent of patients experience no severe or permanent reduction of vision from surgery. In an otherwise healthy eye, normal age-adjusted vision is restored 98 percent of the time. Cataracts are the most common cause of reversible blindness in the world. A cataract is a clouding of the human lens of the eye. The lens focuses light entering the pupil onto the sight forming retina on the back of the eye. Cataracts are an inevitable part of the aging process because of the structure and function of the lens. When we are very young our lens are crystal clear and, like the rest of our childhood bodies, extremely flexible. This enables extremely sharp vision, vivid color perception and the ability to focus on objects and reading material as close as three inches from our young eyes. The eye grows like a tree trunk; new cells form around the old cells and the diameter of the lens increases. This results in rigidity that interferes with the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. This is called presbyopia and is the reason we start to need reading glasses or bifocals as we enter middle age. We all know that as we grow up and then grow old that the appearance of our bodies change. As the old cells of the lens are pushed towards its center they eventually die, their cell membranes dissolve and the clear protein within them becomes discolored. These aging processes are called nuclear sclerosis. We also know that diseases, stress, poor nutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle can cause us to age faster, look older and die sooner. So it is that these same factors can make our lens turn cloudy and cataractous much sooner than they should. Cataracts, like many other eye and systemic diseases, are more common in users of any form of nicotine, with excessive use of alcohol, in obesity and obesity caused diseases especially diabetes, with years of prolonged sun exposure without protecting the eyes from its ultraviolet radiation, after eye injuries and in those chronically taking steroid medications. There is almost universal agreement among physicians that a diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, fiber, nuts and berries, low in fat, low in high-calorie processed carbohydrates; a lifestyle of regu-

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lar exercise; no use of nicotine; avoidance of obesity and no more than two alcoholic drinks/day, regular socialization and having a religious/spiritual belief system will dramatically reduce many diseases including cataracts. For most people the earliest symptom of cataract formation is increasing difficulty driving at night due to glare disability; this is especially true for driving at night in the rain, driving on blacktop and unfamiliar roads. Headlights develop starburst appearance and flaring, taillights may appear partially double (ghosting). Other symptoms can include difficulty reading street signs, recognizing people’s faces, frequent or unusual changes in glasses prescription and a feeling that one’s glasses are always dirty and everyone seems to see better than you. The diagnosis of a cataract can be difficult in the earliest stages and sometimes depends less on what the lens looks like and more on the problems a person may be having with their vision. The lens often has more than one type of cataract; the two most common types are called nuclear and cortical cataracts. In a person who adheres to a healthy lifestyle, as we’ve just discussed, cataracts can take 10-20 years to become a problem; with an unhealthy lifestyle and multiple risk factors a cataract can require surgery within several years of its appearance. There is no uniform time in a cataract’s development when surgery is universally recommended. Waiting until

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HEALTH: CATARACT SURGERY

a cataract is “ripe” is what was done prior to the 1960s when cataract surgery was a high risk-low reward procedure. Surgery is now done when a person is unable to do things that they need to do or enjoy doing and a cataract is the primary cause. A commercial airline pilot may need a very small cataract removed while a 90-year-old person with Alzheimer’s disease may not need a large cataract removed. In some instances an ophthalmologist may recommend surgery when a cataract is becoming rock hard which makes the surgery more technically difficult; other people may need cataract surgery in order to maintain a driver’s license. People that need to drive at night often have cataract surgery years before the infrequent night driver. People with failing health such as progressive heart, lung, neoplastic or neurodegenerative disease may opt for cataract surgery sooner rather than later to minimize the effect of their failing health on cataract surgery. Once cataracts develop it is not possible for the optometrist or ophthalmologist to write a prescription for glasses that makes vision as good as it was before the cataracts developed. As the cataract grows it can also cause frequent changes of glasses and glare increases. Nevertheless there is often a period of years in which the visual reduction caused by the cataract is not bad enough to justify cataract surgery.

When cataract surgery is decided upon together by the patient and their eye surgeon the worst eye is usually done first. The generally pain-free procedure is done under local anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center. The incision is so small that stitches are often not needed and the cataract is removed with ultrasound (phacoemulsification). An intra-ocular lens is always put in the eye. Before IOLs became the standard of care in the 1970s thick, heavy vision limiting glasses had to be worn. In most instances the surgical procedure is complete within 15 minutes after the surgeon begins the incision. The small size of the incision and the local anesthesia are the primary reason that most people are back in their usual routines within a day or two. Drops are used for several weeks to speed the healing process. About three to four weeks after surgery, the drops are stopped and a final glasses prescription given. At this time many people opt to have the second eye operated on. There are a number of intraocular lens that can be chosen to reduce the dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. These include toric, multifocal and accommodating IOLs. Other state-of-the-art extra modifications to standard cataract surgery can include femto-second laser assist and intraoperative abberrometry. For those interested in a more detailed discussion of different

ways to try and leave the eye with the least dependence on glasses please see my discussion on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Forum at MedHelp.org. Once cataracts are removed they will not come back. However in about 20 percent of people having cataract surgery the human membrane that holds the IOL in position will become filmy and the symptoms such as glare and blurred vision will re-occur. If this happens a yag laser capsulotomy can be done. This laser procedure takes about two minutes to complete and is painless and involves no incision into the eye and there are no restrictions of activities. When cataract/IOL surgery is done the eye has a new lens but the remainder of the eye is not new. The most common cause of an eye failing to achieve normal vision after cataract/IOL surgery is the presence of other eye diseases especially age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, amblyopia or diabetic eye disease. While cataract surgery is “low risk” there is no surgery that is “no risk.” Complications can include infection, bleeding, persistent swelling or inflammation, retinal detachment, cornea clouding or dislocation of the IOL. Innovative surgical techniques and constantly improving surgical instrumentation have accounted for a steady decrease in the already low complication rate.

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ART: CHRISTMAS IN WESTON

Christmas Past in Weston By Cathy Kline

eston has brought crowds ever since the old pioneer days. Founded in 1837, Ben Holiday laid the foundation for the Pony Express and initiated the Overland Mail Line of Stage Coaches between the Missouri River and California. Weston has only improved with time. “Father Christmas” comes to visit Weston each Christmas season. “Father Christmas” is an earlier version of Santa Claus who is more of a magician delighting small children and brightening the day for many adults. He draws a crowd wherever he goes. Most everyone wants a photo taken. You know he is near by the jingling of his baubles and bells. For the last 27 years, Tom Hooper has added a little something extra for those who wish to remember Christmas past. When asked what motivates him to do this kind of work, the jolly old elf confided, “Some have wept, as if they needed to be reminded of a simpler time, some giggle and others smile. The children are happy to see me and not afraid.” “Mostly, I do it for the adults,” he says. “They seem to enjoy me a little bit more.” Originally from British beginnings the holly crown and matching green robe was lined in brown fur. He brought no presents but food and drink to the adults. Unfortunately, he does still carry a pouch of coal.

In comes I, old Father Christmas, Be I welcome or be I not? I hope old Father Christmas Will never be forgot. Father Christmas recited “Christmas Present, Christmas Past…Catch the Glow & Make it last.” Weston residents caught the “glow” as they tasted wine, visited Lilli’s, tied up their horse at Cactus Creek or bought yarn at Florigieum. Each shop showed the evidence of an artist behind the scenes. I have been remembering the artists who

I have written about so far; artists living in Kearney, Liberty, Parkville, Smithville and Weston. It is amazing that so much talent is right here in our own backyard. Please email me with artists you would like to learn more about. I look forward to exploring the next two towns – Excelsior Springs and Platte City. Although each artist has his own special style, we live close enough to discover which ones speak to us. No one should ever be bored living up North; it is like living at the North Pole; there is a very long list of things to do.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Kline’s murals can be seen at the Parkville Athletic Complex, Piropos, Zona Rosa, The Peach Tree and Burlington Creek’s Watercolors High Fashion. She is a charter member of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, a member of The Best Missouri Hands, and an active member of the Main Street Parkville Association. Cathy Kline Art Gallery 8701 N. River Park Dr. Parkville, MO 64152 913-449-4460 www.cathyklineart.com

ART: CHRISTMAS IN WESTON

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LIVE LIFE WELL WITH COACH KIM

Finding inner peace Don’t let others’ negativity keep you from your own serenity By Kim Specker, Life Transformation Coach ICF-PCC

Kim Specker is a member of the Life Coach Team at Mosaic Life Care. To learn more about Mosaic Life Care or locate a physician, service or office near you, visit www. MyMosaicLifeCare.org. Changing the way we care for you by changing the way we help you look at your life.

WHAT IS LIFE COACHING?

Working with a life coach will help you create your own solutions for life’s challenges, hurts or barriers. A coach asks powerful questions and offers professional insight and support for the client as together they discover solutions for some of life’s challenging situations. Request your complimentary coaching session today. Email Kimberlie.Specker@ MyMosaicLifeCare.org .

ow can I feel a constant inner peace in my heart and life when my emotions see-saw up and down according to what is happening in and around me? What is inner peace? How do I get inner peace? The thoughts in my head never shut off. I am continually comparing myself to others and never feel like enough.” “I wish I could calm down on the inside.” Does this sound familiar? Inner peace is one of the most pursued topics of discussion in a life coaching session. A lack of inner peace seems to limit one’s satisfaction with life. Many people have never stopped to realize that to live a life with inner peace, one has to go on an intentional journey of creating a peace-filled life. I have had my own battle to find inner peace and a satisfied state of being. Behaviors, environments, experiences, people and substances (specifically wheat and sugar) kept me in a place of turmoil and restlessness. I could never relax and live in the present moment. My life seemed unsettled and I knew it wasn’t meant to be lived in such tension and dissatisfaction. I made an intentional choice to pursue discovering and reclaiming inner peace in my life. The freedom to rest my soul brings me great inner peace. I would like to share with you some of the discoveries I have made along the way. It has been several years now – I can’t pinpoint exactly when my inner peace came but I finally feel the peace that wasn’t there when I let my thoughts run rampant and I allowed other people’s behaviors to rattle me to my core. SO WHAT IS INNER PEACE? Wikipedia says inner peace refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. Being “at peace” is considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and the opposite of being stressed or anxious. Peace of mind is generally associated with bliss, happiness and contentment. In some cultures, inner peace is considered a state of consciousness or enlightenment that may be cultivated by various forms of training, such as prayer, meditation, T’ai Chi Ch’uan or yoga, for example. Many spiritual practices refer to this peace as an experience of knowing oneself. Maybe you agree with this description or perhaps

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you have your own. Either way here are some ideas that could help you create more inner peace and find greater satisfaction in your current circumstances.

1. Acknowledge that inner peace has to be pursued – live with intentionality. The negativity and complacency in our world keeps us from living the life we were created to live. We have to intentionally seek to build a life of peace by making time in your day to live in the present moment. Create margin in your calendar so you can respond to opportunities that present themselves rather than living reactively to circumstances. Figure out what matters most to you.

2. Build a personal relationship with God. Step two of the Alcoholics Anonymous Creed says that to overcome a destructive behavior like alcoholism, a person must “Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Making a spiritual connection can help you find strength beyond yourself. Can you relate to the insanity of an addiction? Could you be addicted to the need to control circumstances and people in your life? Chaos runs rampant in many people’s minds and lives. Talk to God by praying. Begin a daily routine of surrendering your need to control to God and ask Him to help you find peace beyond your circumstances and to appreciate the plans He has for you.

3. Surrender the need to be in control. Let go of things you can’t control – like your spouse’s unwillingness to change, the recent diagnosis of a medical illness, the child who didn’t turn out like you dreamed, or possibly the career that continues to take your time away from family. When you feel the peace diminishing, intentionally take time to determine what is creating the loss. STOP and ASSESS. Can you feel the release of the negativity? Elements like your dominant thoughts, attitude, behavior, values, and how you live your life – your daily lifestyle, exercise, food, career, finances, passions, selfeducation, friends, fun and leisure time will greatly impact your inner peace.

LIVE LIFE WELL WITH COACH KIM

“Peace of mind is not the absence of conflict from life, but the ability to cope with it.”

–Unknown

4. Choose to live in optimism.

5. Fight to forgive.

Western culture and our life experiences teach us to focus on problems, fears, and to protect ourselves from all the things that could go wrong. One who lives in peace intentionally takes control of their thoughts. Lack of inner peace is a reflection of dominant thoughts, so if you have an overly pessimistic outlook, problems and misfortunes is what you will see. How often do you see all the beauty, blessings, kindness, love, abundance and opportunity surrounding you in every moment? It could be you’re not looking for it. Perhaps you have trapped yourself in a self-fulfilling prophecy with negative stories of how your life will turn out. Choose optimism. Wake up and anticipate an amazing day. Feel excited about the infinite possibilities for your life. Notice the good surrounding you. Write it down in a gratitude journal. Spend time focusing on the positive, and then all of a sudden, you will see positive outcomes everywhere.

Just because you forgive doesn’t mean you let the violator off the hook. Forgiveness frees you from the bondage of unforgiveness. Buddha once said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” This is one of the hardest habits to adopt, but it is also one of the most liberating. And don’t forget to extend your new forgiveness practice to yourself. You deserve your own compassion and love.

6. Determine your values and life purpose. Spend time doing deep soul work to determine your values, life vision and higher purpose. It’s so easy to get trapped by inertia and fear, to procrastinate and to make poor choices when we’re so “busy” with life that we’ve forgotten what we love, what lights us up and what we’re on Earth for. Create daily reminders of your values and purpose as handy reminders of what you are

living for. You will find greater inner peace and satisfaction when the decisions you make get you closer to your personal aspirations. Stephen Covey writes about 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and he advises individuals to spend time discovering their “Five Big Rocks.” What’s most important to you? What are your five big rocks?

7. Be your own person – stop comparing and overthinking. It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks. Worrying about how other people view you and your life choices is like handing your power over to someone to control how you behave. The more you operate from your gut, or intuition, and allow your values and desires to be your guide, the faster you can step into your greatest good and start living in alignment with your true self. Unless you have mind-reading abilities, you can’t possibly know what others are thinking. When your inner critic begins to fill you with doubt and anxiety, learn to decipher what is the truth and what is a lie.

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DIVA OF DIY

The 5 stages of disorganization The first step is admitting you have a problem

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ello, my name is Leanne Lee, and I am disorganized. I don’t think anyone who knows me would disagree. It’s odd… I hate clutter, yet I am not very good at de-cluttering. If I open a cabinet door and plastic bowls topple over me, I just might shove those bowls back in until I open it the next day and start the process all over again. I have decided that the year 2015 will be my year to…GET ORGANIZED or die trying. I started my quest by scouring the internet for the best tips and tricks for organization. I made a list of areas I wanted to focus on and then set out on my adventure. Where did I go, you ask? IKEA. Can you think of a better place to find a plethora of products to organize all aspects of your home than IKEA? Have you ever been to IKEA? I might have bitten off more than I can chew. They have it all: Closet organizers, paper organizers, media organizers, desk organizers, shoe organizers, pot lid organizers, six-compartment organizers, nine-compartment organizers, and on and on and on. Did you know they make organizers for the organizers? And if picking the size and purpose wasn’t enough…you have to choose a color. I left IKEA with a toilet bowl brush, some uber-cute fabric and a towel bar. See an issue here? This experience made me realize that there are five stages to disorganization. I would like to share them with you so you don’t feel so alone. Or so you can feel awesome about yourself if you’ve already mastered the art of organization.

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By Leanne Lee

DIVA OF DIY

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Stage 1 - Denial

Hey, those laundry baskets full of stuff I don’t know what to do with aren’t so bad. Everyone throws stuff in a catch-all basket when company is coming over right? I will go through them eventually. At least the stuff is confined in one space.

Stage 2 - Anger

“I just cleaned that room!”; “I don’t even know why I bother folding these blankets”; “The kitchen island is not the catch-all for everything!” ; “How is it possible that we have twenty socks without a match?”; “Why am I washing your baseball pants in December… Do you guys think we have a laundry fairy?”

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Stage 3 - Bargaining

If only I had organized this office sooner, I wouldn’t be trapped under piles of unopened mail, mounds of unread magazines and hours of important documents to be filed.

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Stage 4 - Depression

I broke down and looked at the internet again. Then I went in a downward spiral and clicked on Real Simple, Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping . It all looks so easy. Sigh. I will never be that person.

Stage 5 - Acceptance

Yes, I’m disorganized, but I can still do something about it. If I can give birth to three children, raise three teenage boys, start and run a successful business and host a live DIY segment on a NBC-affiliate TV station then I can organize a sock drawer! This house is getting organized one step at a time. I will be donating, upcycling, repurposing, cleaning and decluttering my way to organizational euphoria. To see how my journey toward organization is progressing throughout the year, follow my blog at www.divaofdiy.com.

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NORTHLAND REAL ESTATE

By Audra Heller ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Will home values rise in 2015?

ccording to the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR), there has been a 4 to 5 percent appreciation in home values this past year for the metro area. Will we see home prices increase in 2015? Yes. However, it will depend on the supply influx and mortgage rates. Over the past few years, builders have been extremely conservative in the number of model homes they have built. This past year the confidence of builders has increased by the surge of buyers purchasing new construction. So more and more new homes were being built. In fact, inventory levels decreased by 13 percent for existing homes, but it increased by 20 percent for new homes. So with this increased confidence, builders will continue to build more homes creating an increase in supply which might exceed demand. When this occurs, prices go down. With regards to the Northland, we have seen Clay County’s average sales price

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increase by approximately 8 percent and Platte County by 9 percent over the past 12 months. Both counties are experiencing a decrease in inventory in comparison to a year ago. What does this mean to you as a seller? It means buyers have fewer homes to choose from and less negotiating power. We are seeing homes selling for about 97 percent of their asking price. So if you home is priced right, you will sell it for close to asking price. The other factor that comes into play are mortgage rates. We hear the threat of rates increasing in 2015. If this occurs, buyers will have less buying power. According to Meggan McDonald with Supreme Lending, “Financial experts are predicting a strengthening economy as we move into 2015 which has a direct effect on interest rates, as well as many other economic factors both domestically and internationally. Provided we don’t see another financial and

HOME SALE ACTIVITY

Multiple Listing Service Statistics compare sales activity in November 2014 with the same time last year. Heartland MLS: Sales (YTD): +.7% Average Home Sale Price (YTD): +5.2% to $191,931 Clay County: Sales (YTD): +4.7% Average Home Sale Price (YTD): +7.6% to $171,417 New Listings (YTD): -5.1% to 319 homes Platte County: Sales (YTD): +4.8% Average Home Sale Price (YTD): +7.6% to $219,082 New Listings (YTD): -12.8% to 138 homes

Audra Heller is a licensed broker in Kansas and Missouri, a REALTOR®, President of the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteer in her community. She has extensive real estate knowledge internationally and locally. She has worked for developers in Australia, throughout the United States and in Kansas City. Audra Heller & Associates is a leading real estate team in the Northland specializing in relocation, luxury homes and marketing the Northland as a great place to live, work and raise a family. You can reach her at 816-268-6028 or at AudraHeller@KW.com

NORTHLAND REAL ESTATE housing market collapse like we saw in 2008, rates are expected to rise in the latter half of 2015.” Freddie Mac started tracking interest rates in 1971. The 30-year average for fixed rate mortgages is 8.5 percent, so we are still far below those rates. McDonald indicated that “market analysts are expecting to see rates rise to 5-6 percent by the end of the year.” This makes buying a home even more advantageous for consumers on the fence and they will still have a rate lower than most people received in the past 40 years. In conclusion, we have a bright future in the real estate market for the Northland. If you are considering buying or selling a home in 2015, contact a licensed Realtor for a consultation and market analysis focusing on your specific neighborhood.

Your neighborhood market watch NEIGHBORHOOD

NO. OF HOMES SOLD

LOWEST SALE PRICE

HIGHEST SALE PRICE

AVERAGE SALE PRICE

AVERAGE DOM

Bent Oaks 5 355,000 660,000 522,500 254 Briarcliff 1 440,000 440,000 440,000 49 Briarcliff West 13 294,000 1,200,000 541,300 121 Carriage Hill Estates 22 218,000 343,000 287,536 129 Claymont 17 89,250 305,000 172,562 86 Copperleaf 35 319,900 588,701 442,494 162 Embassy Park 22 215,000 386,000 302,259 115 Hills of Monticello 11 260,000 380,000 320,991 88 Hills of Oakmont 20 121,200 248,000 186,795 52 Riss Lake 55 320,000 1,750,000 513,206 108 River Hills 4 335,000 420,000 388,750 120 Riverchase 1 410,000 410,000 410,000 247 Shoal Creek Valley 17 135,101 1,239,700 484,867 89 Staley Farms 37 220,500 722,744 418,743 139 The National 25 315,000 1,270,000 511,816 136 Thousand Oaks 80 239,250 670,000 383,118 126 Tiffany Greens 18 283,750 733,900 455,318 161 Tremont Manor 7 378,000 755,800 525,857 104 Weatherby Lake 13 180,000 625,000 440,160 52 Woodneath Farms 41 253,232 520,800 353,630 129 Disclaimer: Based on information from the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® or Heartland MLS for the period of Jan. 1, 2014, through Oct. 16, 2014.

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MOVIE REVIEWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ST. VINCENT ★★★★½ Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 103 min.

Vincent (Bill Murray) is an unpleasant and grumpy old retiree who loves to drink and gamble. He is also broke and running from loan sharks. Vincent lives in impoverished conditions and frequents the company of Daka (Naomi Watts) a prostitute, to whom he is also indebted. When single mom Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) moves in next door,Vincent is not a welcoming neighbor but seizes an opportunity to make some additional money and agrees to care for Maggie’s son Oliver (Jaden Lieberher) when she is away at work. With Murray giving his best performance to date, Lieberher’s solid performance and McCarthy equally as good in a rare dramatic role, “St. Vincent” gives the audience an acting feast. “St. Vincent” is a story about human relationships, particularly that of Vincent and Oliver. It addresses the common mistake of judging people before getting to understand them. While packed with humor and fun, “St. Vincent” goes much deeper with its examination of its characters’ lives. St. Vincent was a wonderful surprise and is one of the best movies of the year.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (3D) ★★★½ Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 144 min.

“The Hobbit” is a visual feast with spectacular special effects. It opens with a bang as Smaug (the firebreathing dragon) seeks his revenge on Laketown. Soon after, men, dwarfs, elves and the lone Hobbit, Bilbo (Martin Freeman), journey to Erebor to claim the fortune there. Joined later by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan), recently freed from captivity, they band together to battle the Orcs, led by Azog. At 2½ hours long, the movie dragged a little between the opening and the climatic battle between the armies. During this time Bilbo deals with Thorin (Richard Armitage), the dwarf leader, who is obsessed with the treasure they have uncovered. Additionally, the movie is a little difficult to follow for those who are not up to speed on the Hobbit trilogy. But the battle scenes and peoples of middle earth are exciting and interesting. Add to that a love story between elf and dwarf and the story of devotion of friends, family and comrades in arms to one another and you end up with a worthy evening of entertainment. Overall this is a most satisfying conclusion to a popular trilogy.

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THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING ★★★★ Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 123 min.

Directed by James Marsh, “The Theory of Everything” is a biopic of the world-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne). As a graduate student at Cambridge, young Hawking establishes himself as one of the world’s greatest scientific minds. And there he falls in love with the woman he later marries, Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). Shortly after one of his important scientific discoveries, he is diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and given a couple of years to live. The movie chronicles Hawkings battle to survive the disease, his continued work and contribution to science and his personal life. Over time, the journey takes its toll on Jane and she and Hawking begin to drift apart with each finding feelings for someone different. This is a compelling story that is well crafted in the movie. Redmayne gives an Oscar-worthy performance with Jones not far behind. The movie is well paced and provides the audience with fascinating insight into the lives of these two individuals. Whether a Hawking fan or not, this is a movie that most should find an interesting experience.

While Jim’s occupation is public accounting, his passion has always been movies. He fondly remembers special evenings set aside for his family to enjoy movies together as a young boy. He soon became an avid fan and is known in local circles for his eagerness to go to the theater as often as possible. Jim is often sought out for his opinions on which movies to see and created his own movie review blog. Jim is a lifelong Kansas City native and is looking forward to sharing his opinions of movies with Kansas City in NORTH Magazine.

UPCOMING DVD RELEASES January 6 • Boyhood January 13 • Gone Girl January 27 • Fury • The Judge February 10 • Rosewater February 17 • Dumb and Dumber To • The Theory of Everything • Life Itself February 24 • Horrible Bosses 2

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A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR Physical therapy can help you make the most of the new year! Northland Physical Therapy has the most established physical therapy clinics in Kansas City with the only on-site aquatics program north of the river.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE MODERN AMERICAN

ASIAN – JAPANESE

Justus Drugstore Restaurant $$$$ Smithville 106 W. Main St. American, Modern American, organic

Tokyo Japanese Steak House $$$ Gladstone 7 NW Barry Rd. Japanese, steakhouse, sushi

Eighty Eight at The Elms $$$$ Excelsior Springs 401 Regent St. Mediterranean, Modern American

Kato Japanese $$$ Zona Rosa 6340 NW Barry Rd. Japanese, sushi

Piropos $$$$ Briarcliff Village 4141 N. Mulberry Dr. Latin American, Argentina, steakhouse Shields Manor Bistro $$$$ Platte City 121 Main St. American, seafood, steakhouse Bonefish Grill $$$ Burlington Creek 6334 N. Lucern Ave. American, seafood

Zara Sushi $$ Parkville 10925 45 Hwy. Japanese, sushi Wasabi Japanese Sushi Bar $$ Liberty 9763 N. Cedar Ave. Japanese, sushi ASIAN – CHINESE Bo Lings $$ Zona Rosa 8670 NW Prairie View Rd. Chinese, Dim Sum

Trezo Mare $$$ Briarcliff Village 4105 N. Mulberry Dr. American, Italian, seafood

China Wok $ Zona Rosa 6048 NW Barry Rd.

The Grille by Piropos $$$ Parkville 1 W. 1st Street Latin American

Tasty Thai $$ Platte Woods 7104 NW Prairie View Rd. $$ Liberty 1912 Star Dr. Asian, Thai, vegetarian

Cork & Brew $$$ Liberty 8 E. Franklin St. American, pizza, seafood Pearls Oyster Bar $$$ Ameristar Casino 3200 American Dr. Seafood Houlihan’s $$ Zona Rosa Modern American 8660 N. Boardwalk Ave.

Hawg Jaw BBQ $$ Riverside 4403 NW Gateway Ave. Barbecue

Taj Mahal $$ Liberty 917 W. Liberty Dr. Saffron Indian Restaurant $$ Zona Rosa 8140 NW Prairie View Rd. BARBECUE Smokehouse Barbecue $$ Gladstone 6304 N. Oak St. $$ Zona Rosa 8451 NW Prairie View Rd. Barbecue, steakhouse Smokin’ Guns BBQ $$ North Kansas City 1218 Swift Ave. Barbecue Dickey’s Barbeque Pit $$ Liberty 66 S. 291 Hwy. Barbecue

Smokebox BBQ Cafe $$ Tiffany Springs 10020 NW Ambassador Dr. American, barbecue BURGERS, WRAPS, SANDWICHES Longboards Wraps & Bowls $$ Gladstone 6269 N. Oak Trafficway $$ Liberty 1173 W. Kansas St. Hawaiian, Teriyaki Jersey Boyz $ North Kansas City 315 Armour Rd. Sandwiches, subs

Little Store & Deli $ North Kansas City 2107 Knox Breakfast/brunch, burgers, sandwiches, subs Philly Time $ Briarcliff Village 4151 N. Mulberry Dr. American, burgers, sandwiches LC’s Hamburgers Etc. $ Platte Woods 7612 NW Prairie View Rd. Hayes Hamburger & Chili $ Gladstone 2502 NE Vivion Rd.

COMFORT FOOD Stroud’s $$ Kansas City 5410 NE Oak Ridge Rd. American, fried chicken Corner Cafe $ Riverside 4541 NW Gateway Ave. $$ Liberty 8301 NE Flintlock Rd. American, breakfast/ brunch, diner Roxanne’s Cafe $ Parkville 6264 Lewis Dr. American, breakfast/ brunch Nelle Belle’s Diner $ Claycomo 150 E. US 69 Hwy. American, breakfast/ brunch, diner

Margarita’s

ASIAN – THAI

ASIAN – INDIAN Seva Cuisine of India $$ Liberty 8674 NE Flintlock Rd. Indian, Pakistani, vegetarian Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine $$ Zona Rosa 7407 NW 87th St. Indian, Pakistani, vegetarian

DAILY SPECIALS: Monday: Chicken hard taco and cheese enchilada Tuesday: Buy one get one ground beef hard taco Wednesday: Buy one get one ground beef soft taco

DAILY SPECIALS: Thursday: Ala carte burritos Friday: $2 off taco salad Saturday: Fajitas!

www.MARGARITASAMIGOS.com

JOHNSON COUNTY (913) 631- 5553 7890 Quivera Lenexa, KS

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KANSAS CITY NORTH (816) 468-0337 7013 N. Oak Gladstone, MO

LOCATIONS LIBERTY (816) 781-3031 1910 Victory Drive, Suite B Liberty, MO

DOWNTOWN (816) 931-4849 2829 SW Blvd. Kansas, City, MO

MARTIN CITY (816) 26-7421 13401 Holmes Rd. Kansas, City, MO

RESTAURANT GUIDE FRENCH Avalon Cafe $$$ Weston 608 Main St. Cafe des Amis $$$ Parkville 112 Main St. ITALIAN Cascone’s Italian $$$ Kansas City 3737 N. Oak Tfwy. Italian Bravo Cucina Italiana $$ Zona Rosa 7301 NW 87th St. Italian Cafe Italia $$ Parkville 160 English Landing Drive Italian, seafood, steakhouse MEXICAN Ixtapa Mexican Cuisine $$ Zona Rosa 7130 NW Barry Rd. Margarita’s North $ Gladstone 7013 N. Oak Tfwy. Rancho Grande Cantina $ Parkville 11015 NW MO-45 $$ Liberty 921 W. Liberty Dr. El Maguey $ Gladstone 7831 N. Oak Tfwy. Tortilla Flats $$ Gladstone 3716 NE Antioch Rd. American, Mexican, Southwestern

El Chupacabra Mexican Grill $ North Kansas City 2417 Burlington St. Luna Azteca Mexican Grill $$ Tiffany Springs 10004 NW Ambassador Drive Mexican, Spanish Jose Pepper’s $ Briarcliff Village 4125 N. Mulberry Dr. In-a-Tub $ Kansas City 4000 N. Oak Tfwy. $ Gladstone 5939 NE Antioch Rd. $ Platte Woods 8174 NW Prairie View Rd. PIZZA Stone Canyon Pizza $$ Parkville 15 Main St. $$ Zona Rosa 8630 NW Prairie View Rd. American, pizza, sandwiches, subs Leo’s Pizza $ Gladstone 408 NW Englewood Rd. Pizza, sandwiches Minsky’s Pizza $$ Zona Rosa 7007 NW Barry Rd. $$ Gladstone 221 NE Barry Rd. $$ Liberty 205 N. State Route 291 Italian, pizza, sandwiches, subs Van Till Farms $$ Rayville 13986 Hwy. C Wood-fired pizza, wine

Kelso’s Pizza $$ North Kansas City 300 Armour Rd. American, pizza, sandwiches Pizza Shoppe $$ Liberty Pizza 8584 Church Rd. $$ Platte Woods 6640 NW Prairie View Rd. $$ Gladstone 9329 N. Oak Tfwy. PUB FOOD Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum $$ North Kansas City 323 Armour Rd. American, pub food, sandwiches 54th Street Grill and Bar $$ Liberty 9251 NE Barry Rd. $$ Gladstone 303 NE Englewood Rd. $$ Zona Rosa 7200 NW 86th Terr. Pub food

Helen’s J.A.D. Bar and Grill $ North Kansas City 2002 Armour Rd. Burgers, pizza, pub food

Conrad’s Restaurant and Bar $$ Liberty American, seafood, steakhouse 210 State Hwy. 291

Dirk’s Sports Bar and Grill $ Zona Rosa 8132 NW Prairie View Rd. American, pub food

810 Zone at Harrah’s $$ Harrah’s Casino 1 Riverboat Dr. American, pub food

Crazy Olives Bar and Grill $$ Argosy Casino 777 NW Argosy Pkwy. American, burgers, Italian Rusty Horse Tavern $$ Parkville 6325 Lewis St. American, burgers, pub food

Brick House Cafe & Pub $$ Smithville 111 N. Bridge St. American, burgers Nick & Jake’s $$ Parkville 6325 Lewis Dr. American, pub food

STEAKHOUSES Em Chamas Brazilian Grill $$$ Burlington Creek 6101 NW 63rd Terr. Brazilian, steakhouse Journey Wood-Fired Steaks $$$$ Argosy Casino 777 NW Argosy Pkwy. Steakhouse Range Steakhouse $$$ Harrah’s Casino 1 Riverboat Dr. Steakhouse Ventana Gourmet Grill $$ Excelsior Springs 117 W. Broadway St. Burgers, Italian, steakhouse

The perfect spot for romance! Great food, great service in a beautiful historical building

Paul & Jack’s Tavern $$ North Kansas City 1808 Clay St. American, burgers, pub food The Brass Rail $ Gladstone American, burgers, pub food 4940 NE 81st St. Tanner’s Bar and Grill $$ Gladstone 6024 N. Antioch Rd. American, burgers, pub food

Local dining in the Northland! 117 W. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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THE LAST WORD WITH PHIL LEVOTA

Kansas City pride in the new year You’ve got lots to smile about in 2015

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phil LeVota is a local trial attorney who has been involved in politics for more than 25 years. As a longtime prosecuting attorney before going into private practice, Phil has been involved in the community for many years. He has held many elected positions and is a board member of a domestic violence shelter, while also being active in the metro area and nationwide as a radio talk show host and television commentator/ analyst. He recently won an Emmy Award for his work on hosting the TV program, “Power of KC.”

o you’ve started this new year with positive thoughts of the great new year ahead of you. Right? And then it happens to all of us, February comes and we get into the same routine and that fresh, positive “new year” attitude turns into the same, humdrum routine and we lose that “new year feeling.” Well when you lose that lovin’ feeling about 2015, remember this reminder of hometown pride because you couldn’t have picked a better place to be living in this new year! When you think of the best places to live, the short list of cities must include San Diego, Miami and New York. We all know that those cities are all great places to visit but we also know that we have the best place to come home. And don’t just take my word for it. According to the Huffington Post, Kansas City is the most upand-coming city in the country, ranking the Kansas City metro area as the most exciting “it” city in the United States. The food, Midwestern hospitality and music were all highlighted as reasons to visit the metro area. And boy oh boy do we have a lot of reasons to be proud. First off, three words: Kansas City Royals. Second, great companies such as Hallmark, Sprint, DST, Cerner, H&R Block, Garmin and Russell Stover Candies all call Kansas City home, but now a true renaissance in entrepreneurship and a renewed sense of a vibrant startup community has skyrocketed. A recent paper from the Kauffman Foundation shows that Kansas City ranked first for the highest increase among the largest metropolitan areas in high-tech startup density in the United States when based on information and communications technology. Kansas City’s growing tech density and its burgeoning startup activity demonstrates that our city has viability as a technology destination. Third, our area has top-rated public schools with excellent universities in and close to Kansas City. Park University, UMKC and the Metropolitan Community Colleges are first-rate academic institutions. You can send your child to college for the cost of a private high school on the coast. The University of Missouri, UCM, Northwest, and KU are just around an hour drive away with nationally ranked programs and beautiful campuses. And finally, probably the largest reason is the people from our area. We are truly nice folks, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Kansas Citians have a good sense of humor and like to have fun. Like when native son Paul Rudd invited everyone back to his mom’s house

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after a Royals postseason victory. Rudd said (jokingly) “Party at my mom’s house, man! She’s out of town, I’ve got a keg. It’s going to be sweet.” Then there was this note from billionaire John Pritzker: “I am a San Franciscan and a Giants fan who attended game six of the World Series in Kansas City. Let me just say that never in my life have I enjoyed being so terribly outnumbered and by evening’s end clubbed into submission. From the moment I hit the parking lot at Kauffman Stadium in my Giants gear, folks made a point to walk over, introduce themselves, welcome us to Kansas City and wish us good luck. People offered to buy us beer and brats. Most mind-bending was the woman who apologized for the lopsided score. My wife and our friends spent the better part of our flight home marveling at the generosity and warmth of the Royals fans and wondering whether we’d dropped into a parallel universe. At some point, I recall announcing to my wife that I was prepared to move to Kansas City as soon as possible. They refer to your part of the country as ‘flyover states.’ Folks should make a point to actually drop in to Kansas City for a heaping helping of an America most people only dream about.” Let me close with some fun statistics: Home sales and construction in the Northland are up to a record high. Unemployment was 8.5 percent just two years ago and it is now 5.8 percent. We have several school districts that are producing amazing scholars and top-notch student athletes being recognized across the country. Crime statistics are down at an all-time low. I don’t have enough room in this column to list all of the amazing new community projects being built and created in our area that are going to be great assets to our neighborhoods. Yep, 2015 is going to be a great year and you have lots of reason to be proud of where you live and to look forward to a positive and productive year here in our little neck of the woods. Happy New Year!

By Phil LeVota

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