Johnson County Lifestyle January 2014 by City Lifestyle

Johnson County january 2014

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Hot Spot: Sugos Designing on a Dime A Weekend in Jefferson City

2013 was a good year for giving back and we believe that the importance of supporting those in need is essential to the fabric of our business. We discovered several new opportunities to help more charities and recognize the needs of others. As I look to 2014 I realize that the same level of creativity will be required and extra energy will be demanded if we are going to do more. The truth is there are more opportunities than ever before to help those in need, which motivates me to find additional ways to show my support. What about you? What are you going to do in 2014 to give back? Norman Lear said “It seems to me that any full grown, mature adult would have a desire to be responsible, to help where he can in a world that needs so very much, that threatens us so very much.” We are continually talking about making this world a better place. As we reflect on 2013 and look forward to 2014 how will we accomplish this? Let’s call it a resolution to do our part. Maybe the one we help will one day do theirs. “Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.” Norman Rice. Never forget how valuable small tokens of love and help can change a life.

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Editor's Letter

How Will You Make a Difference This Year?

january 2014

f you’re reading this publication, it’s likely that you and I have several things in common. We don’t have to worry about where we’ll get our next meal. Our basic needs are being met and we’ll go to bed in a warm, safe and comfortable home tonight. What a wonderful blessing! I continue to wonder if I’ve done enough to teach my two boys about how blessed they are. How the years of hard work, careful planning and wise decision-making by two parents has not always been easy, but it is why they live the way they do and have what they have. Do they understand to whom much is given, much is to be expected? That they need to look for opportunities to give back? What about you? As the New Year begins, have you taken time recently to reassess how you’ll make a difference in the world around you this year? As an individual, and even as a family? The very best way to teach our children and grandchildren about being charitable is to lead by example. Don’t just write a check and put it in an envelope or fill a bag with cast-offs and set it out on the front porch to be collected. Instead, show your children, grandchildren, friends and family what’s important to you by rolling up your sleeves and volunteering on a regular basis. If you don’t want to do it alone, invite a friend or neighbor to join you. With volunteerism, the more the merrier is an absolute given! Most school-aged children can earn impressive service awards by volunteering a certain number of hours in a year. Encourage your children or grandchildren to choose one charity and focus their attention on it for many years. They’ll have the opportunity to build relationships and learn more about how the organization works if they visit more than just a time or two. They’ll find out what the organization really needs and may set out to complete a project to help meet that need. Before you know it, they’ll learn how to really make a difference. Pick an organization that touches your heart. Are you passionate about children or babies? Literacy initiatives? Animals or veterans? Finding a cure for a specific disease? Your volunteerism will mean more if the mission of the organization is one you believe in wholeheartedly. Before you give your support, please do the responsible thing and do your homework. There are too many organizations out there raising money and claiming to do good, when in fact they do very little to distribute the money and goods they collect. Celebrity-backed charities are a dime a dozen. Don’t assume that a famous face supporting or leading a charity means it is more legitimate than others. Ask a few questions about the percentage of money earned that goes to administrative costs and about how much has been given away in the past few years. You may find that it’s better to give directly to a national organization rather than a local, celebrity-backed offshoot that supposedly supports a national organization. You’ve got a year of giving ahead of you. Go out there and make a difference! I’ll see you around town.

publisher Steven Schowengerdt | Steven@LifestylePubs.com editor Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

advertising director | Mike Baugher production coordinator | Christina Sandberg graphic designers | Sara Minor, Cyndi Vreeland executive assistant | Lori Cunningham contributing writers Lisa Allen, Katherine Bontrager, Ann Butenas, Todd Natenburg, Colin Roohan, Tom Strongman, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers Lisa Gartland, Susan Motley, Colin Roohan, Tom Strongman, Jenny Wolff senior web developer | Lynn Owens it director | Randy Aufderheide Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com on the cover One area couple found the perfect

development for their forever home. Read more on page 30. Photography by Brandon Schultz.

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10500 Barkley, Suite 228 Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Johnson County’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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January 2014

Departments 12

Good Times

Around Town

Giving Back

Parent’s Corner

Home Matters

30 Open House 34

Locally Owned

45 Sold Properties 46 Artist's Palette 47

Animal Tracks

48 Your Neighbor 50 Worship Time 52

Financial Fitness

54 Driver’s Notebook

36 Design on a Dime in Kansas City Style

How area women decorate with flair and frugality.

Hot Spot

66 Parting Thoughts

Hit the beaches of Surf City, U.S.A.

Field Trip

60 Lifestyle Calendar

38 The Surf is Calling

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Good Times

100 Years of Hadassah

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of Hadassah recently celebrated its 100th year anniversary at Hallbrook Country Club. Hadassah is a national volunteer organization inspiring passion and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel.

Sharon Sigman & Ede Bratt

Michael & Jenifer Blum

Joyce, Leah, Dee & Flossie Pack

Rita Shapiro, Sandie Golden & Toby Robbins

Patti Friedman, Steve Chick & Rhonda Merrill

Naomi Kauffman & Barbara Hecht

KC Superstar Contest This â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americal Idolâ&#x20AC;? style competition produced by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City crowns the best high school singer in the Metro. More than 200 students represented 80 high schools at this sold-out event. Congratulations to Dylan Martin, 2013 KC SuperStar.

Dylan Martin, 2013 KC SuperStar winner

The Hunts & Chiefs & JCC 12 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

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Good Times

Rededication of Brook Beatty Park A Leawood Parks & Rec ceremony celebrated new enhancements: a playground, picnic table, bench, drinking fountain, bicycle rack, landscaping and restored sign. Many area neighbors worked with City leaders to make the project a priority.

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Around Town Whether Stroud’s South or Stroud’s in the Northland, it’s comforting to know -- from the chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy to the mouth-watering cinnamon rolls – that some things never change after all these years.

Now Open in Overland Park Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a classic American restaurant known for its authentic wood fired entrees infused with bold flavors, fresh herbs and spices. Based in Charlotte, N.C., Firebirds has a collection of 27 restaurants throughout the U.S. and is now open in Overland Park at the Corbin Park Shopping Center (6601 West 135th St.). The polished casual restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, and feature a selection of aged steaks that are hand-cut in the restaurant, fresh seafood, chicken and ribs seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood.

New Public Art is a “Prairie Evolution” There’s a new piece of public outdoor art in Johnson County worth bragging about. Commissioned by the Corinth Square shopping center, “Prairie Evolution” was built by Matthew Dehaemers, an artist who has several pieces of public art on display throughout the Metro. A father of two, Dehaemers is a resident of Shawnee and grew up near 93rd Street and Mission Road. He says the piece is intended to evoke the growth of the area from a swath of tallgrass prairie into a modern suburb. The piece is built from steel frame with colored glass and is located between SPIN! Pizza and Salty Iguana.

Stroud’s Celebrates Anniversary It’s no coincidence that the legendary Stroud’s Restaurant is celebrating its 80th birthday and that it’s also the 80th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. It was the end of prohibition in December 1933 that prompted Helen and Guy Stroud to open the old roadhouse dining spot. And in the 1930s, it certainly wasn’t known for pan fried chicken. Originally, Stroud’s was a barbeque joint. It only began regularly serving chicken during World War II because of the wartime rationing of beef and pork. Then the legend began... Long after Helen and Guy retired and Mike Donegan purchased the restaurant in 1977, Stroud’s continues to solidify its reputation as “The home of pan fried chicken,” in Kansas City and nationally. About the only thing that’s changed in recent years is the relocation of Stroud’s South from “under the bridge” at 85th and Troost to the Fairway location. 16 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Miller Named CMO of Menorah Medical Center HCA Midwest Health System has named Denise K. Miller, MD, board-certified emergency Physician, as chief medical officer (CMO) of Menorah Medical Center. Miller joins the leadership team of the award-winning, full-service, acute-care facility that is part of HCA Midwest Health System and a healthcare leader in Johnson County. She has been a member of Menorah Medical Center’s medical staff since 2000.

Toy and Miniature Museum Awarded Grant The Missouri Humanities Council has awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City in support of the creation of a plan to improve exhibition of the museum’s antique toy collection. As part of the Toy and Miniature Museum’s transition to a national level, three humanities scholars with extensive knowledge and scholarship in the area of toys will work with museum staff to plan the museum’s new exhibitions. The new plan will greatly enhance the museum visitors’ experience by highlighting individual collection objects; weaving interpretation into the exhibits; and providing context and stories to help visitors connect with the collection and the people, places, and times in which the objects were made and used. The Toy and Miniature Museum will close for renovation on January 6 and will reopen in early 2015 as The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

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Around Town TIVOL is a proud partner of Great Plains SPCA.

SM East Senior Earns Perfect ACT Shawnee Mission East senior Rob Simpson earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam. Of the 1.6 million students who take the ACT each year, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students achieves a perfect score. To achieve a perfect score on the entire ACT exam, a test taker must earn a perfect score in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science. Simpson achieved his perfect score when he took the test in late October. Simpson is enrolled in Advanced Placement classes and is also a Semifinalist in the 2014 National Merit Program. He is active in Men’s Choir and serves as Choir President at SM East. Simpson also participates in SM East Theatre and plays the cello in the SM East Symphonic Orchestra.

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Kansas City Restaurant Week presented by US Foods returns January 17 – 26 for what is anticipated to be the most successful event yet as it enters its fifth year. More than 100 restaurants have enrolled for the 10-day dining event. The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association continue to make preparations for the fifth annual Kansas City Restaurant Week and more restaurants are anticipated to enroll leading up to the event. Kansas City Restaurant Week benefits Harvesters, Kansas City Regional Destination Development Foundation and The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. More than $170,000 was raised during the 2013 event for the three charities.

KC Star Announces Printing of USA TODAY The Kansas City Star is pleased to announce it will begin printing USA TODAY for the Kansas City market. The contract includes a Monday through Friday edition of USA TODAY as well as Sports Weekly. Printing is scheduled to start at The Star’s Press Pavilion on January 20. “We are proud to partner with USA TODAY to produce their work on our state-of-the-art presses,” says president and publisher Mi-Ai Parrish. “The Kansas City Star’s Press Pavilion is a leader in regional printing, producing more newspapers daily than any other in the area.” The Star’s press plant, at 1601 McGee, opened in 2006 and houses four KBA Commander presses. The Star prints 35 different products, including The Wall Street Journal, The Lawrence Journal-World and Topeka Capital-Journal.

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12-month deferred interest ﬁnancing and 6-month interest-free layaway options available. Some exclusions apply. 18 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

January 23 is both National Handwriting Day and John Hancock’s birthday. In honor of this unique coincidence, consider taking the time to write a handwritten letter to a friend, loved one, local editor or a favorite teacher on or around the 23rd of the month.

As schools across the nation consider the value in teaching cursive handwriting to our children, do your part to keep the art of handwritten correspondence alive.

TIVOL Hosts First Ever Watch Fair A long-standing Kansas City gem, TIVOL recently hosted their first ever Watch Fair at its Hawthorne Plaza store. The event included a showcase of their expanded selection of products from most of their watch brands, free gifts with purchase, and a special trade-in offer on Swiss timepieces. The opening day party on Friday evening featured barbecue from Oklahoma Joe’s as well as drinks and music. No matter if you’re looking to find the perfect engagement ring, a new Rolex watch, or the latest David Yurman piece, you can expect top quality products as well as friendly and courteous assistance. Stop by today and a helpful associate will be glad to assist you. Tivol.com

Edward Jones Partners With National WWI Museum Financial-services firm Edward Jones announced a partnership with the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., continuing its long-standing commitment to support military veterans. Edward Jones has been awarded exclusive naming rights for the Museum’s Research Center and the Museum’s Centennial Flag Program. “We are honored to be a significant sponsor of this fine institution honoring the men and women who served in the First World War,” says Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones. “Edward Jones has a long legacy of offering military veterans fulfilling, long-term careers. In fact, our firm’s founder, Edward Jones January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 19

Around Town

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Sr., served in WWI, so a partnership with the museum and its network of military veterans was a natural fit. We look forward to working together to support and honor our country’s brave servicemen and women.” Edward Jones is nationally recognized as a leader in offering career opportunities to military veterans. The firm was named a winner for the 2013 Most Valuable Employers for Military by CivilianJobs.com, as well as received recognition from G.I. Jobs, earning a spot on the 2013 “Military Friendly Employer” list and Military Times EDGE, ranking No. 43 on the 2013 Best for Vets ranking.

Toyota Launches TeenDrive365 The first year a teenager gets their driver’s license will be one of the most dangerous of their lives and while cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. This is why Toyota launched TeenDrive365, a driving safety platform to help families navigate the critical first year of a teen’s independent driving. The initiative aims to help foster an ongoing dialogue between parents and teens through engaging online tools, expert advice and tips, local events and social media. One of TeenDrive365’s goals is to inspire parents to model safer driving behaviors for their teens. This premise of bringing parents and teens together to encourage safe driving is based on scientific research from a national study Toyota conducted with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The study found a significant correlation between how parents and their teens drive, suggesting that parents are the biggest influence on how a teen will behave behind the wheel. For more information visit TeenDrive365.com.

Equine Outreach Offers More Than Riding Lessons

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20 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

The Open Range Fellowship offers an Equine Outreach for horse-loving kids ages 5 and older to experience quality instruction in Relational Horsemanship and build confidence and character for a successful life. Year-round sessions are offered, tailored to fit each child’s needs, including: basic riding and horse handling, developing relationship-building skills, fun Bible study and scripture-based learning, guidance from a personal discipleship relationship. Schedule your session today. Private or group sessions available. As low as $30 per 90 minutes. Contact Emily at pacasnponies@yahoo.com or call at 816.560.8535. Located at Ransomed Heart Ranch, 204 E Casey Rd in Lone Jack. Weather proof with Indoor & Outdoor Arenas, weekday and Saturday sessions available.

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 21

Giving Back

A Better Place to Call Home Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Housing Initiative offers resources and support to those who have served our country. Article Lisa Allen | Photography Provided

he statistics are sobering. There are 81,000 veterans in the five-county metro area serviced by Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Nine million veterans nationwide are senior citizens, many of whom live on a fixed income but are still expected to shoulder the burden of home maintenance and repairs. Mark Naster, resource development coordinator at Heartland Habitat for Humanity, is a Marine Corps veteran. He says that veterans often don’t like to admit that they need help, but that the goal of Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Housing Initiative is to engage the community in showing veterans and their families that they are valued and that the community supports them. “Heartland Habitat for Humanity is committed to strengthening communities and peoples’ lives and to create opportunities for low income families to develop 22 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

equity and independence through home ownership,” Naster says. While home construction is the foundation of Heartland Habitat for Humanity, the Veteran Housing Initiative is one of the new opportunities created by changes in the local housing market that allows organizations such as Heartland Habitat for Humanity to expand programs that partner with families to maintain and preserve their homes. The initiative will focus on five main areas: wheelchair ramps, accessibility modifications, energy saving weatherization, painting, siding, gutters and landscaping and other critical home repairs. Because many veterans face unique housing needs due to a disability from combat injuries, the ‘A Brush With Kindness’ program is a unique opportunity for volunteers to make a difference in the life of someone who has

given so much to defend our country. The Veterans Housing Initiative is built on five key strategies: affordable housing and home preservation, volunteer mobilization, education, celebration and identification of veterans. Individuals or family members who have served on active duty for at least six months qualify for the initiative, provided they received any discharge other than dishonorable or are retired. Gold Star Families—immediate family members of fallen service members—also qualify. Along with more than 50 military related community organizations in the greater Kansas City area, the Veterans Housing Initiative provides an opportunity for veterans to serve locally not only to help those in need of housing, but also to celebrate and honor veterans in the local community. With additional special events to

pay tribute to veterans and their families and to raise awareness of the unique challenges they face once home, Heartland Habitat for Humanity plans to schedule events each year that coincide with recognized celebrations and events that focus on veterans issues. “Locating veterans that need assistance is a key priority,” says Naster. “We are reaching out to various government, civic, media and social service and business organizations to not only promote the program but also to identity applicants and volunteers.” “As a Vietnam era veteran I have a special place in my heart and soul for fellow veterans, especially wartime veterans”, says Steve Thompson, director of construction at Heartland Habitat for Humanity. “This is a program based on gratitude and is a combined effort with community support to show the veterans and their families that we care. Simple home repairs that the veteran may not be able to do can be done with Heartland Habitat acting in harmony with community partners. We ask our veteran population to give us a chance to extend a helping hand on some of those projects in their homes that may be a challenge. We would like the opportunity to serve all of them the way that they have served us.” Naster says Habitat for Humanit is very proud and honored to help more families through our Veterans Housing Initiative. ”We couldn’t do this without the support of BMO Harris Bank,” he explains. A Presenting Sponsor of the program, BMO Harris Bank shares Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building, strengthening and enhancing the lives of those who live and work in the communities they serve. BMO Harris

Bank Kansas City President Brad Smith says the bank is also pleased to back the Initiative. “We are proud to support Heartland Habitat's Veterans Housing Initiative, both financially and through employee volunteerism,” Smith says. “We are excited to roll up our sleeves and work side by side with veteran volunteers, and to be a part of program that will ensure that those vets in need have a better place to call home. We owe a great debt of gratitude to veterans for all they have done to support our country and people around the globe." For additional information about the Veterans Housing Initiative please visit HeartlandHabitat.org or call 913.342.304.

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 23

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Parent’s Corner

Have You Helped Your Child Develop Their Problem Solving Potential? Article Rebecca Murphy

enjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. As a parent and educator, I subscribe to another certainty. No matter how old you are, where you live, or what you do, life is about solving problems one at a time. Everyone can benefit from a well-developed set of problem solving skills so it’s never too early to introduce and reinforce the concept. Problem solving is required at every stage of life and is the foundation of self-reliance. When children master hurdles and obstacles, they will develop patience, perseverance, better peer relations, coping strategies for use in sports or activities, achieve greater academic success, and establish overall emotional health. It’s extremely uncomfortable to see our children in turmoil so our natural instinct is to relieve their discomfort by using our knowledge and experiences to solve their problems. We must be careful not to allow our youngsters to become dependent on us deciding how to handle their difficulties. It is easy to shut down their level of resourcefulness when they can count on us to do what must be developed within themselves. This will be especially important for those kids whose current response to problems is to avoid and fold. When your instinct is to resolve, take a deep breath and think of yourself as a coach guiding your child through the development of problem solving. It is important to respect that you child’s approach may be different than your own. Help them focus on strategies that work best for their personality. Have confidence that your child can cultivate these important skills but it will take time and patience on your part. Look at this as a lens of opportunity to make a real impact on your child’s future. Allow yourself to be surprised by the techniques your child will use to problem solve when given the chance. Steps to consider when problems arise: Identify and define the problem.

When your student states the problem in his/her own words, it will allow you to ask questions of clarification which can help generate problem solving potential. What you perceive as the problem might actually be different than their version of the issue. Gain additional information about the problem.

This might include detailed observations, collection of data, and identification of any barriers. Some people make decisions based on factual knowledge while others will defer to creativity and insight. Help your child identify potential solutions.

To maximize on the evolution of this important process, work to find three or four solutions to the current issue. Two solutions might reflect a good and bad choice where three or more ideas results in more sophisticated choices and actual problem solving. 26 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Introduce that seeking the advice of others can be beneficial as it provides different points of view and opens up the possibility of additional solutions. Making a Decision

Discuss the pros and cons of each possible solution. Don’t rush your child and allow them to fully process the potential consequences of each option. Value their analysis and support their decisions. Implementation and Feedback

Support your child in their ability to execute on their problem solving decision. Initially it may take extreme courage to follow up on a difficult choices or attack complicated situations. When the condition resolves itself, it’s important to seek feedback. What worked and what didn’t work? The best problem solving is where you learn from your mistakes and do not repeat them. Imagine your student arrives at home with a disappointing mark from school. Rather than take away privileges or impose punishments, problem solve about the difficulties. Give your student the chance to explain, without judgment, what they perceive to being the stumbling blocks to their success. Identify how they are currently approaching the subject and allow for honesty about what is working and what is not. Rather than tell them how it’s done, brainstorm a set of approaches that might help their situation. Allow yourself to see beyond the obvious and get their insight. Encourage them to problem solve and evolve in their understanding of the subject. Give them the encouragement not to repeat their usual mistakes but to try something new until they get the results they want. Life will always be chaotic without the skill of problem solving. With a little practice and the right attitude, it can be one of the biggest enablers of growth and opportunity. Rebecca Murphy is a 30-year veteran educator in the Shawnee Mission School District.

Home Matters

1997

2005

2013

Update Your Kitchen without Breaking the Bank! Article Ann E. Butenas | Photography Provided

hen you look around your home, chances are you see certain areas that could use an updated look, especially when it comes to those high-profile areas of the house where everyone congregates, such as the kitchen. Is your kitchen reflective of the design trends of last century? If a residential facelift is in order, it can be done seamlessly (and with far less stress on your wallet!) with the help of a professional design team. Change is good, but sometimes change can come at a hefty price, and if updating the look of your kitchen does not justify surrendering your bank account, consider the less expensive alternative to changing out the cabinets while still giving your kitchen a beautiful transformation: faux painting, a simple transformation process that produces beautiful and eye-catching results. When you incorporate faux painting into the design process, updating the look of your kitchen has never been easier, more cost effective and, at nearly a third of the cost than replacing the cabinets, a whole lot easier on your budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faux painting allows you to change the color, look and style of your cabinets without the hassle and expense of completely replacing them,â&#x20AC;? notes Arlene Ladegaard, IIDA, principal designer and owner at Design Connection, Inc. Styles change, and what was all the rage 10, 20 or 30 years ago definitely deserves a makeover in 2014. As these photos illustrate, this Leawood home, built in 1997, originally boasted beautiful washed ash cabinets that comple28 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

mented the black appliances and the Impala black granite tile countertops that were in style at the time. Fast-forward to 2005, and that dated washed look gave way to a darker appeal. The clients opted to simply faux paint the cabinets and replace the appliances with stainless steel. This past year beckoned yet another update. The center island was changed out to welcome a Wolf gas cooktop, along with the installation of exotic Cosmos granite, an exquisite stone with grays, blacks and bits of graphite that dance with the overhead lights. A new backsplash was also added, which successfully married pewter and warm gray mosaic accents. Additionally, the soft charcoal see-through linen window treatments add a decided touch to the overall look. These provide privacy for the homeowners while still giving them access the wonderful view outside. Other cost-effective elements of design to consider when updating your kitchen include the incorporation of new lighting, new accessories, new hardware, and new furniture. Design tip: When updating the backsplash areas of your kitchen,

consider hiding those less-than-attractive outlets underneath the cabinets. Still readily accessible, they remain hidden from view while allowing the backsplash to embrace a clean and uninterrupted look. For more information, visit DesignConnectionInc.com or call 913.851.8776.

Open House

Couple Builds Their Forever Home Lenexa’s Falcon Valley provided the perfect location for area couple Article Lisa Allen | Photography Brandon Schultz

oday is someday for Joan and Phil Cansler. Nestled in their new home in Lenexa, Joan says that even though they’d gone through the custom building process once before, there were certain features that they both agreed they’d include in a new home, someday, when and if they built again. “We are fireplace nuts,” says Joan, who explains the couple always wanted to have a see-through fireplace between the master bedroom and master bath vanity. In addition to the master bedroom fireplace, their new home has three others. It also features a neutral grey base of wall color and kitchen tiling, which Joan says accomplishes two of her main goals.

30 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

“I wanted serenity. We’ve been so busy and on the go, that I just wanted a feeling of peace. If I was doing this at another time in our lives, I might have opted for more color, but this is so perfect for us right now. I also feel like this grey is open to any other color, so it gives me freedom to decorate. It looks great with my oranges in the fall, and with my holiday decorations at Christmas.” It’s not just the color palette that makes the home a chameleon. Joan and Phil both put extensive thought into not just what they wanted in their home today, but in what they might need in the future. “We want to stay here forever,” says Joan. “We don’t want to have to worry about stairs if we’re unable to navigate steps and we want to be able to access everything even if we’re in a wheelchair.” Their planning resulted in doorways that are handicapped accessible and a separate living area and kitchen in the lower level should they ever need someone to live with them to provide care. “The downstairs can be an apartment on its own, if necessary,” says Phil. “We looked at this place in terms of 20 years down the road more so than any other place we’ve ever lived.” The couple credits their builder, Don Julian Builders, with helping them create a home that not only gives them peace of mind when thinking of the future, but also perfectly suits their lifestyle needs today.

“We were looking at places and considering different options, and Phil took a look at Julian’s Cambridge model. He came home and told me that I was going to love it,” says Joan. “I looked and it was very nice, but I’m just not a cookie cutter type of person. We took that plan and moved things around. I love that the staircase is now in front, because it gives us a little drama, and we omitted the dining room. Instead, we enlarged the eating space so that it’s worthy of guests.” “It could be a six bedroom home,” says Joan. “We’re only using it as a three bedroom home.” One of those bedrooms is what Joan jokingly calls a ‘man cave’, but Phil insists is a multi-media room. Regardless of the moniker, it’s a perfect place to watch games and settle into a recliner to relax. The couple opted to remove the shower in the guest bedroom and instead made it accessible from two sides, which added additional room to the multi-media room Pinpointing a favorite element of their new home is like asking them to name a favorite child. “There were so many great people, I felt that I was working with friends,” says Joan, speaking of the Don Julian Builder’s team and extended team of subcontractors. “Don, Jeff Horn and John Dailey ran the project. I promised John though I had a million reasons to call with questions, I would never call more than once a day so we would have a “daily” call.”

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 31

Open House

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Joan credits Dan for his touch up magic as well as staff members at Wilson Lighting, Complete Home Concepts, LandMasters Inc., Stonebridge, Teague Electric, Harrington Brothers Heating and Cooling and Lawrence Glass & Mirror with each giving their own personal touch to make their house a home. Joan lauds the team for always listening to her ideas but for also explaining why something could or could not be done. The kitchen pantry is an example of how well they worked together; Joan wanted a larger pantry and for the lighting to come on without having to flick a switch. “It’s a little thing, but so helpful when my hands are full,” says Joan. We added a foot, which went into the garage, and I compromised by having to open both doors before the light kicks on. I didn’t even realize that what I was asking was such a project, until the cabinet maker came and said ‘Oh, you’re the one!’” “When you start looking at details, one things leads to another,” says Phil. “Even though we took this off a plan it was more of a custom build. There are so many more options now than the first time we built. Whether it is lighting or plumbing, there’s much more detail now to plow through and make decisions about than there was the first time. The first time we went pretty much by the model. For this house, Joan really looked at every element and made it ours.” A perfect example of the customization process, says Phil, is the lighting throughout the home.

“I think it was the most fun part for Joan,” he says. Joan points out that right upon entering the home, you see four major lighting fixtures. Her goal was to make them ‘go together’ but not match. “Looking for lighting is like looking for candy or jewelry for the room,” says Joan. “I wanted something with a little drama,

something a little different than what you might see on other homes. Like the home, I don’t think this lighting will date itself. I think we’ll still be very happy with it 10 years down the road.” Learn more about Don Julian Builders at DonJulianBuilders.com.

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Locally Owned

Small Business Service, Big Box Pricing Art & Frame Warehouse Combines the Best of Both Worlds Article Lisa Allen | Photography Susan Motley

ome simply see a frame. Michael Kim, owner of Art & Frame Warehouse, and his staff see stories. “Custom framing is very personal,” says Kim. “Each project is unique, sentimental and of the utmost importance to our clients. That means that each project is of the utmost importance to us as well.” Open since 2001, Art & Frame Warehouse has three locations across the metro. As a locally owned and operated business, they offer one-stop shopping and complete in-house services for all types of custom framing. Their warehouse business concept ensures competitive prices with larger, national chain hobby stores and their skilled, passionate staff provides complimentary, personalized design service. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says Kim. “We understand that our customers want pieces that stand out but that they’re also sometimes on a budget. We buy moulding and framing supplies in larger quantities and pass that savings on to our clients. It’s big box pricing with small business mentality.”

34 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

With 3,200 square feet of gallery space per store, Art & Frame Warehouse also offers thousands of ready-to-purchase pieces of framed artwork, readymade frames, mirrors and original paintings. With a focus on local artists and pieces that spotlight local interests, the gallery currently features KC Panoramas and the

work of local artists J.R. Hamil, Mike Savage and Kevin Sink and limited edition pieces by G. Harvey, Andy Thomas and others. Prices start at a modest $25. “Our main focus is custom framing,” says Kim, “but as a locally owned store we’re proud to feature artists that celebrate the beauty of Kansas City.” Kim says that each employee takes a personal interest in working with clients, and that while each staff member has different talents, each works with the same goal in mind; namely, to approach each project in way that provides the client with the best design possible. “We’re lucky to have the staff we have,” says Kim. Many have been with the business for 10 years or more, and Kim says he encourages them to continue to improve their skills and even become better framers than him. “Because they are so creative and committed to making each project personal and unique, they help customers sift through a number of framing options, shadow boxes and a host of other design ideas,” says Kim. They have framed everything from sentimental pieces, like aprons passed from one generation to the next and needlework gifts to sports memorabilia to signed books and photos from World War II. In addition to the personal work done with clients, Art & Frame Warehouse offers an extensive website stocked with countless

framing options and more than 70,000 images available for purchase. Clients from anywhere in the country can browse framing options online, though Kim encourages Kansas City customers to come in to one of Art & Frame Warehouse’s four locations in order to fully experience the personal service they’ve become known for. Art & Frame Warehouse also specializes in corporate framing. Kim and his staff offer full site consultations and installations that make it possible for any business, from small startups to local hospitals, adorn their walls with art that suits that particular business’ aesthetic at prices that meet their budget. “It’s an important component of our business,” says Kim. But the philosophy is still the same: the options and prices often found in much larger, national stores with the service and expertise that can only be found in a small business with one specialty. “We are all frames, art and service,” says Kim. “We have similar prices that those big stores have, even when they have coupons and ‘special’ offers, but we don’t dilute our focus by selling anything else. Our job is solely to give the best frame design possible, and to give our clients a great experience.”

Learn more about Art & Frame Warehouse at AFWKC.com.

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Design on a Dime kansas city style Article and Photography Jenny Wolff

So that she could splurge on a couch, Martha purchased secondhand end tables, ottoman and a yellow throw.

y brother calls me a picker. I call myself a creative decorator. Either way you look at it, my friends and I are local tributes to the popular HGTV show Design on a Dime that dispels the notion that a beautiful room has to be expensive. Yep, we search and scour estate and garage sales, peruse Craigslist and EBay, shop at Savers, and we even hit a retail store now and then. We like to sift and sort through helter-skelter assortments and kooky cast-offs in hopes of finding gems and pearls to create cozy homes and fond memories. We enjoy the surprising stumble— falling into a moment in time and re-emerging into the sunlight with a tarnished treasure which was waiting to be taken home, cleaned and loved again. Take my friend Martha, for example. By searching, she totally re-furbished her son Max’s room for a little over $1,000. That included furniture, artwork, accessories, linens and wall paint. Martha’s basement is a mix of retro and re-purposing. The fun, eclectic style gives the family space a welcoming, relaxed feel. She turned an old red commercial display cabinet into a dry bar, added an over-sized bottle opener from Signals catalog as a towel rack and stocked the piece with barware others had discarded. One might expect Martha to display an “I brake for garage sales” bumper sticker on her car. But she doesn’t. She doesn’t advertise her passion. She just quietly goes about seeking sales, finding gems and brightening her home with the unusual and uncommon.

36 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Above: Martha created her son’s new room by finding an iron bed and night stand on Craigslist; lamp, fleece throw, pillows, and accessories at a garage sale. She purchased the “M” artwork at a flee market and splurged for the bedspread at Pottery Barn. Below: Martha’s desk is her old kitchen door with hairpin legs added. The file cabinet is from Craigslist and she found most of her artwork and collectibles at garage and estate sales.

“You meet the nicest people at these sales,” says Martha, who considers her tastes eclectic. “Sometimes I see something I know will be great in a particular spot.” She also travels with a list of items others are looking for. My friend Wendy experienced her first garage sale her during college days. “A friend was getting married, so we went looking for kitchen items,” says Wendy. “We found exceptional quality at inexpensive prices, and I was hooked.” That was nearly 30 years ago. Since then, she has found everything from her living room art to antique games for her basement rec room walls. Today she combs for American, English, Italian and French china and pottery. When her sons were young, she purchased stocking-stuffer toys, some clothing and of course home accessories and kitchen items. “I am always on the lookout for something a little different,” says Wendy. Her husband gets a kick out of Wendy’s low cost hobby that keeps their home beautiful and vibrant. “For her, the hunt is half the fun,” says David. So, this past year when others went out Black Friday shopping, I hit the estate sales. I scored a turkey platter, two Majolica pottery dishes for my collection and a box of recessed lights for a dollar each. It is not just the great finds—a gorgeous Lenox serve ware turkey platter! It is the stories—from a Midtown estate sale the day after Thanksgiving! Perhaps the best story occurred a few years ago. My friend Joan picked me up and we hit a sale near Prairie Elementary School. We knew it was a good one. Parked cars lined the street and traffic was thick both ways. Walking in, we could feel the heightened excitement from shoppers. Immediately I spotted a leather chair and ottoman for $250. I grabbed the price tag, told Cathy Acuff at the cash table that I was going to buy the chair, and kept shopping. I picked up a leather Buffalo Bill pillow, perfect for our Colorado cabin, a set of cantaloupe bowls, plus veggie shaped salt and pepper shakers, and I remarked to Joan at each turn about what an unusual sale this was. Most items were relatively new, giving

us a sense that the owners were younger than you would find at a typical estate sale. When I paid for my items, Cathy sighed, “Oh that was George’s favorite chair.” Joan and I giggled all the way home with our fabulous finds, as I exclaimed, “Who the hell is George?” A few nights later, at a neighborhood gathering, a friend asked during dinner, “Say, did anyone happen to go to George Brett’s estate sale this week?” I looked at my husband and back at my friend and replied. “I believe I did.” So now, George’s “favorite chair” sits in my living room with two end tables and a collection of crystal decanters from other estate sales. The room also includes a sofa, chair and iron table from Nell Hills, a sideboard from Woodson Place, a Pottery Barn rug, and inherited ink and pen sketches from my aunt and parents. So in this day of hip IKEA infatuation, this “creative decorator’s” cache provides not just an inspired, comfortable home, but also many wonderful memories and stories to share.

Wendy says she prefers garage sales to estate sales for the best bargains.

Shopping Tips from these Pros Martha - Weed out as you bring in new.

Have your own sale every year or two and make donations to thrift stores to keep items in circulation. When walking through a sale, continue to check prices on items even if you think many are over-priced. You may find a great deal or an item that's splurge-worthy. Don’t be afraid to walk out of an estate sale empty-handed. Consider it research. Read design magazines and blogs for great ideas on taking vintage items and displaying and re-purposing them in new, interesting ways. Wendy - Never pay full price for clay pots, vases, baskets, picture frames, lamps and books. These are easy to find at garage and estate sales. Jenny - You don’t have to be strategic. If you see a sign, stop.

Wendy displays the white pottery found at sales on her Woodson House corner hutch. January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 37

U.S.A.

If the beach and surf are calling, you must go! Article and Photography Colin Roohan

he pier is a long structure stretching out into the Pacific, high above the water. The crowd is a blend of all ages; hipsters and octogenarians alike. A group of fisherman roars in excitement over a missed opportunity, and then subsequently shares a hearty laugh. It seems like chaos, which it is, until everyone pauses to take notice of the surfers below. A talented surfer has met a decent sized wave and is speeding down the face; he cuts his board with masterful precision back and forth, toying with the surf. Regardless of who you are, you feel obligated to stop and honor the beauty - this is Huntington Beach, aka Surf City U.S.A. The bungalows have transformed into shopping centers and multi-million dollar beach front properties. Woodys have been replaced by BMWs, Audis, and the occasional Lamborghini, but one thing hasn’t changed: the inviting “surfer” vibe.

38 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Prehistoric artifacts have been found in the region, but recorded history for the area began around the late 1700s when the area that is now Huntington Beach was included in part of a Spanish land grant called Rancho Los Nietos. The grant took place in 1784 when Spanish governor of Las Californias, Pedro Fages, granted Manuel Nieto, a former sergeant in the Spanish army, use of all land that is between the Santa Ana River and the Los Angeles River from the Mission San Gabriel extending out to the Pacific Ocean. The original grant was roughly 300,000 acres, but the San Gabriel Mission contested that this grant was encroaching on the southernmost portion of their property. The governing body at the time sided with the mission, which drastically reduced the grants scope to 167,000 acres – still an expansive area. The city of Huntington Beach, and most of the area included in the grant, became farmland, but around 1901 a team of developers built a resort to rival Atlantic City. At this time Huntington Beach was known as Pacific City. Three years later, the first pier was constructed and the community renamed the city Huntington Beach in honor of Henry E. Huntington, a native New Yorker responsible for bringing the Pacific Electric Railway to the west coast. After a decade of steady growth the city of Huntington was able to afford a new, more opulent pier. It was at the grand opening

of this pier that surfing was introduced by George Freeth, a native Hawaiian who is also known as the “Father of Modern Surfing.” The impression Freeth made on that day must have been monumental as it is impossible to drive down the area near Huntington Beach’s Main Street and not witness someone barefooted, clad in neoprene with a surfboard under one arm, hustling to navigate through groups of tourists and shoppers hoping to catch some good swells. The city seems to be constantly adapting trying to keep the surfers happy, while at the same time continuing to develop and be a competitive tourist destination. However, some city officials weren’t always enthusiastic about Huntington becoming Surf City U.S.A., and attempts to regulate surfing on crowded beaches and regulations on surfboard sizes have come and gone. Some officials felt that surfing and surf culture were too extreme to coexist with a city trying to rebrand itself as four-season travel destination - it seems though that the two have helped one another out. During the day, the beaches are dominated by families and youngsters engaged in activities other than surfing. Beach volleyball courts are found near the pier and as soon as one game ends another one begins. A stroll down the paved trail along the beach will also provide ample opportunities for people watching—just continued >

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 39

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questions from visitors. The museum is quaint, but what it lacks in size it makes up in character. The citizens and city planners of Huntington Beach are always working to retain the relaxed, sleepy beach town feeling while attempting to grow sustainably. How will Huntington Beach adapt next? Seeing it first-hand however is always the best indicator. Whether you find yourself chatting with the seasoned beachbum, feeding the flocks of seagulls, or watching the talented surfers, Huntington Beach is the place to relax and enjoy the vibes. Remember, “no shirt, no shoes” rarely means no service here.

be sure to keep an eye peeled for cyclists and runners who also love the area. And if you’re keen to try the activity that brings life to the area there are several places along Main Street to rent surfboards and wetsuits, or that offer lessons to beginners. The shopping is a mix of independent retailers, who have been able to remain competitive with the likes of Quicksilver and Hurley. While national franchise dining options are present, homestyle Mexican restaurants and bars are very popular. One of the best ways to get a sense of the area and its ongoing changes is by making a trip to the International Surfing Museum, located on Olive Avenue. For a small fee (about $2) you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge – the museum staff. They are extremely knowledgeable about the area and all things surf and love to field

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 41

I am ... … a school board president. … a Mom and a wife. … a business owner. … an aspiring yogi. … a photographer. … a blood donor. … a Rotarian. … a gardener. … an activist. … driven. … caring. Amy is on the go! She is a small business owner, the President of the Olathe School Board and she shares her time with many community organizations. Her busy and active lifestyle doesn’t get in the way of giving back in the most basic of ways. Amy is also a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of her time every 56 days to help save a life in her community.

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With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The high-torque response of the ACE engine gives you 40% more low-end torque and now can go up to 252 miles at 62 mph on one tank of gas.* While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique HigHer torque. SmootHer ride. Fewer Fill-upS. Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts ® introducing tHeconfidence. all-new 2014 exhilaration and LearnSpyder more at rt. 2014SpyderRT.com. Dealer Imprint With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The Goes high-torque you 40% more low-end Hereresponse of the ACE engine gives torque and now can go up to 252 miles at 62 mph on one tank of gas.* While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts exhilaration and confidence. Learn more at 2014SpyderRT.com.

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Dealer Imprint

www.renospowersportskc.com Goes Here ©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. *Tested at a constant speed of 62 mph. Fuel mileage may vary depending on the following: Spyder RT models, personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition, vehicle configuration and other conditions. Up to 202 miles tested at a constant speed of 75 mph. Break-in mileage may also vary. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive. 610812

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

original list

list price

sold $$

Hallbrook

$2,895,000

$2,500,000

$2,350,000

94%

208

7.5

Leawood

Hallbrook

$1,795,000

$1,650,000

91%

112

6.2

Leawood

Mission Hills

$1,934,500

$1,795,000

$1,590,000

88%

3.2

Mission Hills

Sagamore Hills

$1,275,000

$1,175,000

92%

4.1

Mission Hills

$999,000

$985,000

$975,000

98%

134

$1,175,000

$990,000

$875,000

88%

230

5.2

Overland Park

Reinhardt Estates

$875,000

100%

4.1

Fairway

Town & Country

$895,000

$850,000

$825,000

97%

126

4.2

Prairie Village

Lionsgate-The Links

$899,000

$839,000

$820,000

97%

129

4.1

Overland Park

Sagamore Hills

$799,000

$800,000

100%

3.1

Mission Hills

Indian Hills

$875,000

$825,000

$794,115

96%

5.1

Mission Hills

Royse

$829,000

$799,000

$790,000

98%

5.1

Leawood

Lionsgate-The Links

$715,000

$739,000

$707,500

95%

6.1

Overland Park

Wilshire Place

$699,000

$689,000

$650,000

94%

6.1

Leawood

Pinecroft

$675,000

$650,000

96%

5.1

Prairie Village

Aimtree Manor

$650,000

$638,750

$624,000

97%

113

4.1

Leawood

Falcon Ridge

$750,000

$640,000

$590,000

92%

200

4.1

Lenexa

Lionsgate

$575,000

$550,000

$530,000

96%

4.2

Overland Park

Oxford Hills West

$625,000

$549,000

$525,000

95%

3.2

Leawood

Fieldston Lionsgate-The Links

%sp to lp dom* bdrms

city

Fairway

MLS Statistics from 11/1/2013-11/30/2013

January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 45

Artist's Palette

Introducing the Art of Kirstin Novak What brought you to Johnson County?

My husband had a job change so we moved to Overland Park from Colorado where I had been teaching graphic design and game art online for Westwood College. I was in my ninth month of pregnancy with our first child so this made the move pretty exciting! I grew up in Lawrence, though, so I was very happy to be moving back to Kansas. My parents were ecstatic. Their eldest daughter was moving back home and giving them a new grandchild to boot – what could be better? Describe your art.

I worked in graphic design and advertising for years, culminating in owning my own design studio. Because of my design background, bold color, high contrast and a graphic nature are almost always present in my paintings. I have dabbled in many mediums but I love pastels. Being a rather impatient person, I love their immediacy. I don’t have to wait for paint to dry to continue working. I also love pastels for their creaminess and rich, bold colors and I prefer the act of drawing over holding a paintbrush. What inspires you?

Kansas inspires me. As a child, my family would make several trips a year to Wichita from Lawrence to see my grandparents. It was on those journeys through the Flint Hills where my fascination with the Kansas landscape began. As a native Kansan, I have always appreciated the simple beauty that defines our state. The soft rolling plains, 46 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

rugged rock outcroppings, wide, meandering rivers and awe-inspiring, often turbulent skies, have all played a part in influencing me as an artist. The Kansas landscape possesses rich colors and forms waiting to be celebrated in art. As a pastelist, it is my desire to bring those colors and forms to life, hoping to instill an appreciation of the Kansas landscape in all who view my work. Where did you study art?

I have a bachelor of fine arts in visual communications from Washington University in St. Louis. I have also studied fine art and design through the University of Kansas and Pennsylvania State University in Italy, France and Belgium. I am a member of the Mid-America Pastel Society (MAPS). Where can people view your art?

I enter about five or six shows a year and my work can typically be seen at Visions of the Flint Hills, Johnson County ArtFest, Stems: A Garden Soiree, Overland Park Juried Exhibition and the MAPS Small Painting Show, among others. My work was recently published in State of the Art – Kansas and this year one of my paintings was chosen by the United Way of Topeka as their 2012 Key Donor gift. My work can also be viewed on my website: KirstinNovak.wix.com/PastelArtist.

Do you know a local artist we should spotlight? Email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com for details.

Two Buddies in Need of a Home They Can Share

Animal Tracks

Article and Photography Rachel Hodgson

alty and Jonesy have come a long way from living in a hoarding situation for most of their lives. These two Retriever/Hound Mixes are both eight years old and have been living with Great Plains SPCA since they were rescued in June. Salty and Jonesy, along with thirty cats, were surrendered by a couple who realized they needed to relinquish their pets after facing medical issues. All of the pets were spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and provided with hours upon hours of TLC by our team until they were ready for adoption. Salty and Jonesy, as well as some of the cats, are still waiting patiently for their forever home. This pair is truly bonded and needs to stay together because Jonesy is blind and Salty helps him navigate the world. While some adopters may be nervous to adopt two pets at once, the reality is that they provide twice the love and they are

great companions who can help take care of each other. Salty and Jonesy currently reside at the Independence Pet Adoption Center. If you are looking for a different furry friend, please know that we have hundreds of wonderful shelter pets to choose from – a quarter of our pets are purebreds and three-quarters are “custom” mixes. If you’re not in a place to adopt, you can volunteer. We have a multitude of ways to volunteer – walking dogs, socializing with cats, cleaning kennels, working at signature and mobile adoption events and more. If you are not in a place to volunteer, your donation could help the thousands of homeless and needy pets that will count on Great Plains SPCA in 2014. Learn more at GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

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January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 47

Your Neighbor

Creating Crafts, Crafting Change Susan Beauchaine’s crafts do more than please the eye, they also help provide clean water for those in need Article Katherine Bontrager | Photography Provided

usan Beauchaine remembers the moment clearly; moments of divine inspiration have a tendency to stick with one. Several years ago Adam Hamilton, the senior pastor at Church of the Resurrection, preached a sermon about a young boy in Africa whose entire family had died of AIDS. “He was found trying to dig his Grandma from her grave,” Beauchaine recalls. “I was heartbroken, literally. I sat sobbing in my seat. And at that moment, God clearly told me I was to make and sell cards to give to Missions in Africa. My mission quickly became about digging fresh water wells. We all deserve clean water!” Beauchaine began creating delicate cards, gorgeous gift bags, gift-card holders, wine tags, gift tags, pretty parcels containing chocolate, paper-wrapped hinged boxes for cards,

48 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

elegant envelopes with hot chocolate or cider inside, and countless other gift items. She relies on white card stock, and to that blank canvas she adds stamps, die cuts, paper, ribbon, gems, buttons and other embellishments. “I can’t begin to tell you what a blessing it is to be asked to do something that you love and in turn show obedience to God! How lucky am I?” Beauchaine sells hundreds of cards a year. “But where my sales really exploded was with the favors—the little boxes that I fill with candy. They’re the perfect way to let someone know you’re thinking about them without going overboard with a larger gift.” While most charities use revenues to first pay overhead costs before committing money to those in need, Beauchaine does not. Rather, ALL the money she makes from her

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded. Matthew 10:42 sales go to digging wells for clean water. The steep costs of paper, stamps, glue and more? Those come directly out of her pocket. “This year I probably spent $250 to $300 in just candy alone,” she says with a laugh. “My guess is I spend about $2,000 a year on supplies.” For overcoming this financial obstacle, Beauchaine thanks her husband, Al. “He supports everything I do, monetarily but mostly emotionally and spiritually. When I hesitate to buy something that I think might be overpriced he always says, ‘It’s for the kids!’ I’m so blessed to have him as my husband.” Beauchaine devotes between three and five hours a day making cards and favors, more on the weekends her husband travels for work. And she relies on the kindness of her friends and Curves in Leawood to sell her wares. “Jacque Feely and her mother Dorothy have allowed me to have boxes of my cards and seasonal favors at Curves at no cost,” she says. “Jacque’s gracious offer allowed me to donate $2,500 last year. This covers about one-fourth the costs of a bore-hole well in Malawi.” To extend her reach, Beauchaine began asking her friends if they’d consider hosting a card party on her behalf. Leawood’s Jenny Gunter did just that.

“Looking at each card is a bit like looking at a picture in a gallery,” Gunter says. “Every card is beautifully handmade and intricate or simple but handsomely well thought out and executed. They’re so beautiful! Susan has a gift and she feels like her purpose in doing this work is to be a servant of His work.” Gunter’s neighbors and friends were equally impressed; the party netted $1,300 in sales, making Beauchaine’s total for the year so far at $2,700. Christopher Hamera, a student from Mutare, Zimbabwe, is here on an internship with Corporate Network Brokerage Services (CNBS) Company in order to complete his economics degree. He attended Gunter’s card party and was clearly moved by what he saw. “Villagers in Malawi do lack the clean water for drinking, washing, cleaning the utensils and all other domestic purposes,” he says. “We get most of our water from the wells and rivers, and most of those wells are not well covered. This unclean water puts our lives in danger; we can easily be attacked by so many diseases. In Malawi, 63 percent do not have clean water. The time I met Susan, I felt so blessed and I was so amazed with the great work she is doing to improve and save a lot of lives in Malawi. When I saw how numerous and beautiful were the cards, I cried in my heart with joy and blessings.”

To see more of Susan’s work, visit ACupOfWater1.blogspot.com.

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January 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 49

Worship Time

Welcome to Lenexa Baptist Church Photography Lisa Gartland

he vision of Lenexa Baptist Church is to become “the flagship conservative evangelical church in Kansas City.” Pastor Steve Dighton is the founding pastor, and he believes that they are on task to seeing that vision fulfilled. Prior to his call to ministry, Dighton was in the men’s clothing business for 15 years. Then he was pastor at two different churches in Oklahoma before coming to Kansas. He has now been at Lenexa Baptist Church for 24 years. He and his wife, Mary, have seen exponential growth from the humble beginnings of a new church with no facilities, no property and no staff to the mega-church it is today. The church worshipped in various locations over the years until March 2001, when they finally settled in their current location on 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa. During the first five years, fewer than 100 worshipers were in regular attendance. As time passed the congregation increased, and Lenexa Baptist Church has flourished and grown. These days, an average of more than 2,600 people joins in worship each Sunday. Along with Dighton, there are now 10 other ministers on staff. The ministry has expanded to other locations with campuses in

50 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Gladstone and Greenwood, Mo. as well. In addition, an international church meets on Sunday evenings at the Lenexa campus. Lenexa Baptist Church assists many other churches around the country and the world. They support a church in Portland, Maine, and they are planting a church in Calgary, Canada this year. They also support a church and pastor in Juarez, Mexico. There are many missionaries throughout the world who call Lenexa Baptist Church home. As the church as grown, the church ministries have multiplied as well. Lenexa Baptist Church has dynamic youth and children’s programs that are staffed with tremendous and dedicated workers. They have one of the top 10 Upward Basketball leagues in America. Their youth took two mission trips this past summer, one within the United States and one to Nicaragua. Many additional programs are described on the church website. Recently, Lenexa Baptist Church was given the Helping Hands Award from the City Union Mission in Kansas City for their support toward inner city ministry. They are involved in a multitude of missionaries and ministries besides their main church in Johnson County.

The Billy Graham School of Evangelism named Lenexa Baptist Church as one of only 13 Breakout Churches in America. In addition, they were named a Standout Church by Lifeway Resources. They were one of only 19 churches in the United States to receive this honor. You can hear Lenexa Baptist Church live each Sunday at 11 a.m., on Bott Radio, 92.3 FM. Sunday morning services are live on the Internet at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. There are three Sunday morning worship services each week at their main campus. Lenexa Baptist Church continues to grow, and they are working to launch other campuses in Johnson County in 2014. More information about Lenexa Baptist Church is available on their website. 15320 W 87th Street Parkway Lenexa, KS 913.599.6447 LenexaBaptist.com Worship Time is an ongoing series in which we hope to introduce many local congregations. For information on inclusion, email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com.

Financial Fitness

New Year’s Resolutions Who Says They Can’t Be Achieved?

ome on, we all do it. We will make a New Year’s resolution to get in shape, make more time for ourselves, save more money…you get the picture. Our intentions are good, it’s the follow thru that we have a hard time with. So change it up this year. Don’t look at your resolutions as an all or nothing proposition. Break them down to baby steps. Think of things you can do today that will ultimately get you to your goal. At the top of many New Year’s resolutions there is one that deals with finances; saving more, paying down debt and improving your credit score are some examples. Again, create a plan to start making changes to the little stuff that will help you build the foundation and allow you to reach your goals. Here are some suggestions.

• Check Your Insurance Rates – Paying your auto or home insurance is a routine occurrence. You get the bill, you pay it. Often times, the rates increase and you don’t even realize it. This is the perfect time to get out your policies, so you are comparing apples to apples, and call around for new quotes. Insurance companies want your business and you might be surprised at how much you could be saving by switching insurers. Most insurance companies offer discounts for multiple policies (car, home, etc.). If this applies for you, make sure you are getting that discount and use it as leverage in negotiating with your current provider. • Check on Your Retirement Plan - If you have a company-sponsored 401(k) plan, make sure you’re enrolled and contributing enough to get the full company match. Consider increasing your deposit to this account by one percent; you will be surprised how little this would affect your paycheck but could make a significant difference when you retire. If you don’t have a company 401(k) plan or want to save more for retirement, consider an Individual Retirement Account. Also, use this time to make sure you are happy with your investment choices and if necessary, make changes. • Update your tax profile – The tax code changes yearly and you could be paying too much or too little. You can go to the IRS website (IRS.gov), and use their tax withholding calculator to get an estimated 52 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

tax for this year. It will tell you, based on the information you provided, how much you would owe or get refunded and how to adjust your withholding. If you find that you need to make changes, ask your employer for a new W-4. • Track Your Expenses – Make a commitment for the next two weeks to write down where you are spending your money. You might be surprised at how much you are nickel and diming yourself. If you find your spending is out of control, give yourself a cash allowance for eating out, entertainment and any other “extras” you might be purchasing. • Put Your Utilities on a Level Payment Plan – With the winter cold surrounding us, your heater is getting a workout and your gas bill is skyrocketing. Call your utility provider and ask about their level payment plan. They will evaluate your usage for the past year and average that out over the 12 months, providing you with the ability to better budget for these costs. The benefit is that you have the same payment every month and won’t be surprised with a large bill. May is a good time to call your electricity provider to get on their level payment plan before the heat of summer and high electric bills. • Plan for the Holidays – Time goes by quickly; look how fast last year went. This is the perfect time to plan for this year. Determine your budget based on what your spent last year. Examine who you are buying for, food, travel, entertainment, decorations, postage, etc., and start saving. If possible, start shopping now. It will give you time to look for deals as well as purchase that perfect something without all the holiday stress. Your New Year’s resolution can be achieved. Start with something simple and then build on it. Don’t give up. Whether you are trying to lose weight or build your savings, it is one step at a time, but you’re not going to get there unless you start!

This helpful information provided by Jana Castanon at Apprisen. To receive additional financial advice you can sign up for The Money Minute at Apprisen.com.

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Driver’s Notebook

AT A GLANCE Point: The RLX is a step forward, es-

Acura’s Redesigned RLX Shows Off its Technology article and photography tom strongman

he all-new Acura RLX arrives at an important time for the brand’s flagship sedan because Acura sold just 379 RL sedans in 2012. A new approach was needed, and thus the all-new model. One reason the RL did not sell well was because its backseat was not much bigger than that of a Civic sedan. I’m sure the ultra conservative styling didn’t help, either. The RLX addresses that issue of room with a wheelbase that is 2-inches longer, 59.6 inches of front seat legroom, 38.8 inches of rear seat legroom and 57 inches of shoulder room. Acura says this is the most rear seat legroom in the mid-size luxury segment that includes vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M37, Lexus GS 350, Audi A6 and BMW 535i. The cabin is attractive and nicely appointed. The front seats have excellent lumbar support, as do almost all Acura and Honda products. Acura is the luxury division of Honda. On the road, the RLX feels pretty much like the other cars in this segment. Wind and road noise are nicely moderated. Performance is sprightly but not outstanding, and it feels solid at highway speeds. Cornering is aided by precision all-wheel

54 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

steering that makes subtle changes to the toe angle of the rear wheels to help steer around corners and maintain stability under heavy braking. The RLX has a 3.5-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The base model starts at $48,450. Optional packages include Navigation, Technology, Krell Audio and Advance. The top Advance model has a base price of $60,450. Flared front fenders and LED headlights brighten up the front, although Acura’s signature beak grille remains, now in a toned-down form. Side character lines give the car a bit more visual interest, but the sagging fender line over the front wheels looks forced. The rest of the design is unremarkably conservative. Of course, it takes more than new styling and extra legroom to sell a car so Acura added a number of safety and driver-assist features such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, blind-spot monitor, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and collision mitigation brake system. Lane keeping assist and low-speed follow enable the car to almost drive itself in stop-and-go traffic.

pecially considering the technological features that are available. The V-6 is plenty strong and reasonably efficient, while the back seat gets much needed space. Counterpoint: The RLX feels a lot like a bigger Honda Accord with more standard features rather than a mid-size luxury model.

SPECIFICATIONS 2014 Acura RLX Engine: 3.5-liter, 310-horsepower V-6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic Front-wheel drive Wheelbase: 112.2 inches Curb weight: 3,981 pounds Base price: $56,950 As tested: $57,935 Krell Audio MPG rating: 20 city, 31 highway

A Sport Hybrid Super Handling AllWheel Drive model is due next year and it will combine hybrid powertrain with allwheel drive. No details are available yet. Price The base price of the test car from Acura’s press fleet was $56,950. Destination charges brought the sticker price to $57,935. Warranty Four years or 50,000 miles

with a six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. You can reach Tom Strongman at Tom@TomStrongman.com.

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Field Trip

Destination Jefferson City History Comes Alive in Missouri’s Capital

Article Lisa Allen | Photography Courtesy of the Jefferson City CVB

on’t tell my kids, but I sometimes judge a weekend away by whether or not we’ve tried something new. It could be an activity we’ve not done before or meals eaten in places other than chain restaurants; to me, taking them away from home means stepping outside our comfort zone, if even just a tiny bit. Our recent trip to Jefferson City ranked high on my approval list for many reasons. First, it’s a reasonable drive from our home in Kansas City, and the city itself is easy to navigate. Second, it’s filled with hometown treasures that are unique and just different enough to be fun, but not so eccentric that my sometimes-picky kids immediately decide they aren’t interested. After our brief time there, it’s easy to see why the city won the “most beautiful” small-town category in Rand McNally’s 2013 Best of the Road competition. As the capital city of Missouri, it seems remiss to spend any time in Jefferson City and not visit the Capitol building. We opted for the 45-minute guided tour, and the kids were thrilled that the tour focused on the art found inside the building and the history of the state of Missouri rather than actual legislative sessions. They loved how the tour guide helped them see that one painting looked like two different pieces of art depending on the angle from which it is viewed, and I was mesmerized by the collection of stained glass, murals and carvings that depict elements of Missouri history. 56 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

Our favorite part of the Capitol, however, is the four wall mural in the House Lounge. Titled “Social History of Missouri” and painted by Missouri native Thomas Hart Benton, the mural depicts vivid scenes of everyday Missouri life and angered legislators who wanted to downplay less appealing aspects of the state’s history. Using the mural as a roadmap, our tour guide brought to life the state’s rich agricultural roots, its struggles with slavery and its religious fervor. Our other favorite attraction in Jefferson City was the Missouri Penitentiary Tour. Named ‘The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America,’ by Time Magazine, the prison opened in 1836 and was once the largest prison in the United States, housing 5,200 inmates at its peak. Once “home” to such infamous characters as “Pretty Boy” Floyd, “Sonny” Liston and James Earl Ray, the penitentiary served Missouri as the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River for more than 168 years. It closed in 2004. Now, former guards lead daily tours that are filled with not just history but first-hand accounts of everything from the dire state of its cafeteria food to contraband weapons to reported ghost hauntings in various cells. My boys especially enjoyed the first hand stories our tour guide shared, of the conversations he’d had with inmates and the details he disclosed about the day-to-day life inside the penitentiary.

Keep Your Family Safe on the road.

Brand name tires and complete automotive repair Our trip was also full of good food from locally owned restaurants. Not far from the Penitentiary is Prison Brews, a kitschy, casual and unique brewpub. We enjoyed the rustic beer bread and cheese, the smoked brisket sandwich and their flatbread pizza but the real standout was dessert. Their BIG cookie, an oversized chocolate chip cookie baked in the wood fired oven and topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce, was a hit with each of my three kids. We enjoyed dinner at Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant. Lovely enough to satisfy my desire for a glass of wine but friendly enough to accommodate the kids, we shared a variety of fresh salads, creamy pastas and a divine prime rib sandwich. There was live music on the patio the night we visited; nice enough to hear indoors, but not so loud that we couldn’t hear each other talk. The place we’ll likely return to each time we pass through the area is Central Dairy. With an interior that looks like it’s frozen in time from the 1950’s and dozens of hard scoop ice cream flavors on the menu, it was a fun and tasty way to round out an afternoon of shopping in the newly revitalized Old Munichburg neighborhood. Home to historic Busch’s Florist, New Munichburg recently unveiled another landmark mural, this one unveiled earlier in 2013 and done by Jefferson City artist Jim Dyke. His work depicts buildings of the past that no longer stand, present day buildings and a veritable host of characters whose stories weave together to shed light on the rich and proud history of Jefferson City. Truth be told, there are enough attractions in Jefferson City to keep us busy for more than just a few days. Tours of the Governor’s Mansion, a stroll through Carnahan Memorial Gardens, and a day at Runge Nature Center top my list for our next trip through Missouri’s capital. More information is available at VisitJeffersonCity.com, MoCapitolTours.com, MoPennTours.com and OldMunichburg.com.

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Hot Spot

Sugo’s Spaghetteria Article Lisa Allen Photography McKenna Mathewson

here are days that demand comfort, not just in the form of food

but also in surroundings. When I studied the website of Sugo’s Spaghetteria prior to my visit, I hoped I’d find what I was looking for: namely, a relaxing evening filled with food that tastes like home but better, in a space that was just the right mix of vibrant and peaceful. I worried that, in a restaurant self-dubbed as a keeper of family recipes, I’d find instead a restaurant full of impressively oversized tables pushed together to accommodate larger-than-life groups with a noise level to match. Lucky for me, my experience was just what I’d hoped for. Situated in a strip mall on the northwest corner of 135th and Metcalf, Sugo’s is one large space filled with tables that can, indeed, be pushed together if necessary. I instantly felt comfortable and welcomed. Distressed wood lines the walls and small votives on each table provide a pleasing simple aesthetic. The waiter led me to a table towards the back, perhaps because my date hadn’t yet arrived and I was carrying a book. As someone who frequently 58 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

dines alone, I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the wait staff who didn’t specifically ask if I’d be uncomfortable if my guest failed to show, but instead steered me to a table that was both within range of other guests but not in the center of the room. Adding to the charming atmosphere is a menu handwritten on a large chalkboard on the far wall, though I was glad to also be given a menu at the table to peruse. My glass of house red ($5) was on the table before I’d decided on an appetizer and a different waiter brought bread and olive oil as I browsed the menu. The herbs are provided in a separate bowl from the oil and the bread, which is a nice touch, allowing the diner to control the amount of herbs desired in the oil before swirling bread into the dip. I settled on an appetizer of bruschetta ($4) and a Caesar salad ($5) to start. The appetizer was large enough to be a meal: a full plate of garlicky toasted bread covered with tomatoes, ribbons of fresh basil and a dusting of parmigiano cheese. It was light and fresh despite its size.

My salad arrived just as I pushed the partially eaten plate of bruschetta to the side, and I was pleasantly surprised at the nuanced balance of crispy romaine and creamy dressing. With a few twists of the black pepper mill and the crunchy croutons, it was arguably the best Caesar salad I’ve had in quite some time. I have to admit that I waffled on what to order for an entrée. I finally asked my waitress to tell me her favorite meal. Without missing a beat, she shared that she adores the chicken spedini ($15). I trusted her recommendation and ordered it with the tomato cream sauce. It was a good choice. I typically shy away from breaded chicken dishes; there’s just something about wanting the breading to stay crispy but being disappointed when it makes contact with the sauce and inevitably melts into the plate and looses its crunch which is—for me, anyway—the most appealing part of the dish. This chicken Spedini was crunchy at first bite, succulent and prepared with just the right amount of seasoning. It sat atop a bed of pasta liberally covered with the house-made tomato cream sauce. Gratefully, there was enough sauce pooled at the bottom to dip forkfuls of chicken into right before eating. My dinner date did eventually join me, but I also had a good amount of time to both read my book and chat with the wait staff. One waiter approached and shared that he recognized me from a local speaking engagement, and my guest and I discussed our

favorite sulfite-free red wines with the waitress who clued me in to the chicken. Everyone was smiling, pleasant and seemed to genuinely enjoy being there; I credit their demeanor for such an enjoyable evening. Sugo’s Spaghetteria also has locations in Frontenac, Mo., and Edwardsville, Ill., and is part of the Michael Del Pietro Restaurant Group. The Overland Park location is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Monday through Friday between 2:30 and 5 p.m.

Details Sugo’s Spaghetteria 13366 Metcalf Ave. 913.685.1667 SugosCucina.com

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Lifestyle Calendar

January

of the apple trees at Powell Gardens! Enjoy a mug of traditional wassail and feast on a country dinner of roast pig, freshly baked breads from Meadowlark Acres, assorted dishes featuring Heartland Harvest Garden produce and homemade desserts. Tickets $45/person. 5-8 p.m. PowellGardens.org

January 18 All-Star LEGO® Building Challenge Crown Center Shops

Participants, ages 8-15, will be given 30 minutes each round to build a LEGO® model based on a set theme. Amazing prizes are up for grabs. Level 1 Atrium. Visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity

January 19 Mozart’s Toy Symphony and Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs & Ham Kauffman Center

January Ice Skating Crown Center Square

Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink is open for its 41st season of great skating fun. Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday - Thursday; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Hours change monthly. 816.274.8411. Open through March 9.

January 17 Darol Rodrock Foundation Benefit Overland Park Convention Center

In honor of Darol Rodrock’s 70th birthday, join the community for “I Can and I Will: A Fundraising Benefit” for the unveiling of the Foundation to benefit foster children. Dinner, auction and live entertainment including The Blue Sky Riders and Kenny Loggins. DarolRodrockFoundation.org.

January 17-26 Shrek: The Musical Mission

Based on the Oscar™ winning DreamWorks film that started it all, this musical presented by The Barn Players brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. The Barn Players Community Theatre venue at 7:30 p.m. TheBarnPlayers.org

January 18 Wassailing the Apple Trees and Dinner Powell Gardens

Wassail! Learn about the tradition of wassailing as we sing to the health 60 Johnson County Lifestyle | January 2014

The ensemble Really Inventive Stuff joins Kansas City Symphony for two delightful storytelling classics. “Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham,” set to music by composer Rob Kapilow, follows the unstoppable SamI-Am and the Grouch, who won’t try a plate of unusual food. Then, Mozart’s Toy Symphony tickles the funny bone with squeaks, tweets, rattles and honks from the nutty professor and cockney acoustical cabinet mechanic. KCSymphony.org

January 23 Corinth TeenLit Book Club Prairie Village

At Corinth Library, this book club examines and relishes young adult literature; a book group for teens, college students, twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, teachers, parents, grandparents and everyone in between. 7 p.m. January 23rd: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

January 24 In the Looking Glass: Recent Daguerreotype Acquisitions Nelson-Atkins

This exhibition opens January 24 and highlights a commitment to the earliest form of photography, the daguerreotype. The museum’s daguerreotype holdings now range to include over 800 pieces. Continuing to build on this strength, this exhibition displays the newest pieces of this remarkable collection, expanding this vision to include European daguerreotypes and beyond. Through July 20.

January 26 BVEF Battle of the Bands Overland Park

This fundraiser for Blue Valley Educational Foundation will feature a live auction as well as teen bands like The Real State, Chasing Grace, Rock of the Aged and The Barclay Boys. From 2-5 p.m. at Wil Jenny’s at 135th and Metcalf. $10 per attendee. Reservation information will be available January 8.

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Lifestyle Calendar

January 26

February 1

Kansas City Bridal Expo

C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce

Overland Park

Kauffman Center

Every type of wedding vendor, including ceremony and reception sites, bridal fashions, florists, photographers, DJs, bakeries and more, will be on display at the International Trade Center. Be sure to check out current trends and creative wedding themes, and be let your dream wedding be inspired by all of the exquisite decor, floral arrangements, creative photography, and stunning wedding gowns. 12-5 p.m. EventBrite.com

January 31-February 1

This journey to Heaven and Hell is a provocative exploration of human nature, featuring vivid characters drawn with Lewis’ trademark wit. The Great Divorce remains one of Lewis’ most influential pieces and rightly earns its place among classics such as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity. Tickets are $29 to $59. Two shows only at 4 & 7:30 p.m. To purchase, visit GreatDivorceOnStage.com, call 816.994.7222 or visit the Kauffman Center Box Office.

Cinderella’s Ball

February 7

Shawnee

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Shawnee Parks & Recreation Department presents the 14th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night at Cinderella’s Ball. Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Calling all princesses in the land to the 2014 Cinderella’s Ball! Dads grab your best girl and treat her to a night she’ll never forget! Choose Friday or Saturday night at Prince Charming’s castle (Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Dr.). New surprises will ensure a wonderful time for all. Dinner, dancing, princesses and prizes! Each couple will have their picture taken at Cinderella’s castle for a memento of the special night. CityofShawnee.org

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February 1 Bill Cosby: Far From Finished Tour Midland Theater

One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best-selling books such as Fatherhood. His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. 8 p.m. Tickets $49-$69. MidlandKC.com

Put on your dancing shoes and dressy attire for a fun night out. Fathers and daughters love this annual event. Pre-register by Feb. 1. 913.685.6000

Through February 9 Impressionist France: Visions of Nation from LeGray to Monet Nelson Atkins

Time is running out to see this don’t-miss exhibit. Drop-in tours available Wednesday–Friday at 1 p.m. through January 17. From Paris to the countryside, the top of Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean, this exhibition features approximately 125 key paintings and photographs by wellknown Impressionists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, as well as important photographs by Gustave Le Gray and Édouard Baldus. Nelson-Atkins.org

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