Johnson County May 2015

Johnson County JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

MAY 2015

L

I

F

E

S

T

Y

L

E

™

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER INSPIRATIONAL WEDDINGS PADDLING THE BOUNDARY WATERS

D i s t i n g u i s h e d

A r c h i t e c t u r e

Redefining The Standard Of Excellence With An Award Winning Reputation

2014 KCH&G - Gold - Best Model Home - Over $750,000 2015 KC at HOME - Silver - Best Custom Home $750,000 to $1.5 million

I n d u s t r y

L e a d i n g

E n e r g y

E f f i c i e n c y

(913) 221-0880 | LarsonBC.com

Editor's Letter

Wedding memories.

A

s I sit around living rooms and kitchen tables with friends who have children of marrying age, I’m learning that there are two kinds of weddings. There are the ones that meet the wants and desires of the parents who are footing the bill and then there are the kinds of weddings where the bride and groom make all of the decisions.

It’s an interesting conversation, and I’ve observed that opinions are strong.

I suppose I had the former kind of wedding. My parents graciously offered to pay for a lovely, somewhat formal occasion with a sit-down dinner in a country club atmosphere. There were no Pinterest-inspired bedazzled sneakers to wear under the wedding dress for comfortable dancing and there was no denim or DIY in sight. And it all worked perfectly for me because it was important to me that my parents loved everything about that special day. They were throwing a celebration in our honor and we were oh-so-grateful.

And 24 years later, as I look at the photo album from that day, I love everything about the venue, the meal, the flowers and the formal-ness of it all. Well, I do have some regrets about the bridesmaid dresses, but who doesn’t?

What I remember most is the gathering of the people who made it a priority to be there. In the summer of 1991 when we gathered in my hometown for the ceremony, my parents had lived in that same suburb where I was raised for 20 years. Two decades worth of friends, neighbors and co-workers were there to congratulate the boy from Kansas who had won the heart of this girl they all seemed to know. (A note to brides and grooms everywhere—if the groom is from out of state, it will feel like HER party from start to finish. There’s no avoiding it when you only know 27 people at the reception.)

People joke about saving ‘all of that money’ and eloping in Las Vegas, or planning a destination wedding for a group of only a dozen on a beach. But I wouldn’t change a thing about that (very hot) July day. Planning that day was something my parents loved being able to do for my groom and me. And these were the same friends and neighbors who gathered in that same church sanctuary years later at the memorial services of my mom and then later my brother. These special friends and neighbors are the memory makers of our lives, so for me, at least, no amount of whimsy in Las Vegas or on a Hawaiian beach could replace the memories of that day.

Enjoy this season of weddings and I’ll see you around town!

MAY 2015 editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Stauch | MStauch@LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Lisa Allen, Mary Bush, Ann Butenas, Chris Clark, Andrea Grist, Charles Redfield, Densie Snodell, Kimberly Winter Stern, Tom Strongman contributing photographers Mike Freeland, Parker Harrison, Jeni Lewis, Tom Strongman, Chris Wilborn

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

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

ON THE COVER Who doesn't love wedding season? And we love it when our readers allow us to share their wedding news. Read more about the wedding of Andrea and Spencer on page 14.

join us

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENI LEWIS

JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

7373 West 107th Street 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.

Tabernacle Homes

For A Home That’s More Than Just A House.

Model Homes in River Ridge at 16218 Canterbury, 10422 W 168th Terrace in Coffee Creek Crossing, 3701 W. 158th in Waters Edge, 11681 S. Carbondale in Cedar Creek and 11903 W. 155th Terrace in Overland Park.

PLUS

Looking to build new, or rebuilding your current home?

Let us show you how our value based build program can help you have the custom home of your dreams for less.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A CONSULTATION CALL BRANDI (913)709-8698 OR CHRIS (913)706-4500

TABERNACLEHOMES.COM

May 2015

36 32 Departments 28 Boundary Waters Bound

A wilderness adventure will create a lifetime of memories.

32 Seaside Splendor in the Midwest

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Wedding Bells

16

Star Students

Area lake offers a picturesque nautical wedding setting.

36 A Labor of Love

Handmade wedding straight from the Old West delights

family and friends.

28

20 Home Matters 22

Terrific Teachers

24

Page Turners

40 Giving Back 44 Tech Today 46 Driver's Notebook 49 Sold Properties 50 Lifestyle Calendar 58

Parting Thoughts

Lifestyle Publications Kansas | California | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Colorado | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Oklahoma | Montana

Ah. Aah. Choo.

It’s easier than ever to get Saint Luke’s care in Johnson County

• Welcoming patients of all ages • Skilled, experienced teams • Extended and walk-in hours • Same-day or next-day appointments

Find a doctor saintlukeskc.org/south

New location Saint Luke’s Medical Group–Blue Valley 151st and Nall 913-323-8830 Saint Luke’s Medical Group–Southridge 125th and Foster 913-317-3200 Saint Luke’s South Primary Care 123rd and Metcalf 913-317-7990

Good Times

Lyric Opera Circle Champagne Ball

The KC Convention Center was transformed into a setting of old world elegance and entertainment highlighting arias of toasting and celebration from some of the world's most beloved operas performed by the Lyric Opera Chorus with featured guest artist Liam Bonner.

Anna Price (left) and Rachel Peterson, Young Carolyn Price, Ball Co-Chairman; Ann Dickinson, Honorary Chairman; Friends of Opera, with Liam Bonner, Julia Irene Kauffman, Mary Leonida, featured performer Ball Co-Chairman

Pat McCown, Beth McCown, Suzanne Shank, John Middelkamp, Ginger Frost, Michael Frost Jackie Middelkamp, Lyric Opera Circle President

Elvin Knight, Judi Knight, Anne Elsberry and The Lyric Opera Chorus and Apprentices raised Mayor Peggy Dunn with one of the many items their voices and glasses singing an aria of toasting Howard Elsberry from the auction that raised substantial funds. to the evening.

Discover The Barstow Difference Barstow kindergartners are readers, writers, inventors, mathematicians and performers.

• Full-day kindergarten • Daily PE • 1:1 iPad program • Music, Art and Spanish • Average class size — 14

www.barstowschool.org/visiting

COLLEGE PREP EDUCATION FOCUSING ON MIND, BODY AND CHARACTER PRESCHOOL–GRADE 12

8

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

9th Annual Wabash CannonBall

Nearly 800 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center to celebrate purple pride at the black-tie event hosted by the K-State Alumni Association to raise money for scholarships for future K-Staters from the Kansas City area.Â

Willie Wildcat, Doug, Caryn, James, Betty, Brad & Kathrine Firebaugh

Anna Freeman and Co-Chairs Bruce & Lisa Freeman

Jon & Christi Stewart, Wanda Wilkinson, Kevin & Dianne Honomichl

Kent & Karen Zernickow, Barb & Lee Harris

Lindsay Moss & Chris Gerlach

Gina & Shane Kaberline

GGF_BasementAd_1-2PgHoriz_Final.indd 1

12/4/14 12:05 PM May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle 9

Good Times

Notre Dame de Sion Annual Gala Auction

More than 460 guests enjoyed an evening at the InterContinental ballroom for a “Sion Around the World” soiree featuring silent and live auctions, a car raffle, dinner and dancing to raise funds for Kansas City’s only pre-K through 12th grade independent Catholic school.

Heidi Whitehill, Tammy Garrison, Kelly & Kenon Qamar, Ellen Pantaenius

Errick & Kathy Arroyo, Julie Walker Browne & Pete Browne

Joseph & Heidi Hebert

Dan Cranshaw & LaDonna Goodness

Frank & Ann Uryasz

David & Karen Lewing

Gino & Paetra Serra

Junior Abbey Valentine shows off some robotics projects funded by the 2014 Gala’s fund-a-need

Leah Gale, Christina Sternberg, Hilary & Matthew O’Brien, Michael Lawhead

• Daycare • Boarding • grooming • Pet NutritioN • Boutique Large Indoor/Outdoor Play Areas.

VIP-Themed Suites.

Cat Boarding with Kitty-Condo Play Space.

Personalized Attention for Your Pet.

7801 W. 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213

913-274-3900 10

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

oPeNiNG SooN!

LSmeansbusiness.net

Partnership...

Partnership...

Because BecauseLee’s Lee’sSummit Summitmeans meansbusiness, business,we’ve we’veenthusiastically enthusiastically created created a one a one stop stop shop shop forfor our our customers customers toto quickly quickly navigate navigate each each step stepofofthe thebusiness businessand anddevelopment developmentprocess processfrom fromstart starttotofinish. finish.

Our Our development development center center staff staff is is passionate passionate and and dedicated dedicated toto making making good goodthings thingshappen happenforforallallthose thosewho whochoose choosetotododobusiness businessinin Lee’s Lee’sSummit.

Summit.See Seewhat whatgood goodthings thingsawait awaityour yourbusiness businesstoday. today.

Yours YoursTruly, Truly, LSmeansbusiness.net LSmeansbusiness.net||816.969.1220 816.969.1220

Around Town OPFD BRINGS INNOVATION TO ITS SERVICE Fire Chief Bryan Dehner recently released his department's annual report which highlighted the opening of a two-person squad house in a residential neighborhood, merging operations with the Merriam Fire Department, improving service for both cities while saving each money, and being recognized as a fully-accredited department.

inclusion for individuals with special needs.

Miss Amazing is currently in 27 states.

Each participant earns a trophy and is crowned Princess for her skills in interviewing and eveningwear poise. There is also an optional talent portion. The six queens, representing different age divisions, go on to represent their state for the following year at local and state events.

The 2015 state queens will represent their states at the National Miss Amazing Pageant in Los Angeles in July. They will also be part of the Opening Ceremonies for the World Special Olympics being held in Los Angeles and will volunteer at the games as well. Caroline is the daughter of Bill and Shelly McVay.

NEW PROGRAM OFFERED AT BARSTOW SCHOOL

The Overland Park Fire Department moved into a new squad house, partnered with its neighbors in Merriam for improved and fiscally responsible service, and more.

The Overland Park Fire Department covers more than 75 square miles of the city, with a population exceeding 184,700 residents.

The Barstow School launched the Certificate of Emphasis (COE) program in the 2014-15 school year. COE provides students an advantage in the increasingly competitive college admissions process by allow students to pursue their individual passions through a combination of on campus and online courses and a capstone project at the end of their program. We are also well aware that students who are passionate learners are happier, healthier and more successful in and out of school. Students are paired with a mentor in the community to execute their capstone project in their selected "strand" or "area of emphasis." These strands include; 21st century communications, engineering, architecture, environmental sustainability, globalization, social justice, international politics and mind, body and health. If you are interested in learning about the mentor process, contact Suzanne Slepitza at suzanne.slepitza@barstowschool.org.

CHURCH OFFERS SUMMER MUSIC CAMP What is summer music camp at the Presbyterian Church of Stanley? It is an opportunity for students (ages four through sixth grade) to explore music through singing, handbells, instruments, movement and much more while learning how to use their gifts to serve God. No previous musical experience is necessary.

The camp runs from June 24-26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church, which is located at 148th and Antioch. The cost is $20 per child, and $15 per additional sibling (maximum of $50 per family). Register online at StanleyPres.org.

LOCAL STUDENT CROWNED Caroline McVay, of Leawood, was recently crowned the first Miss Kansas Teen Amazing at the state pageant held at the University of Central Missouri. She also earned their inaugural Spirit Award. Miss Amazing, a national pageant mirroring the Miss America pageant system for girls and women with disabilities, age 10-35, focuses on allowing the participants to reach their full potential and encouraging further 12

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

GET OUT THERE AND RIDE May is national bicycle riding month so dust off that two-wheeler, buy yourself a new bell (vintage is IN!) and enjoy some of the dozens and dozens of miles of paved bicycle paths that we are so very fortunate to have surrounding our communities.

Did you know that the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department has created four different trail guides for area fitness enthusiasts? You can view the regional guides at Jcprd.com/Parks_ Facilities/TrailGuide.cfm. If you would rather pick up a copy of the guides, visit the JCPRD office in Antioch Park, Ernie Miller Nature Center or the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park.

SCHEELS OPENING SOON Scheels, opening in Overland Park in late June, is a 220,000-square-foot sporting goods destination store with a Ferris wheel and salt water aquarium inside the building.

This state-of-the-art store specializes in the largest variety of

sports, fashion and footwear under one roof. Currently, Scheels is in the process of hiring a number of part-time positions throughout the store, including sales associates and cashiers. Scheels is an employee-owned company and provides the best training in retail for its career associates. Our people make us special and Scheels associates are experts in their field. Scheels also actively looks for ways to give back to the local communities they serve.

SHAWNEE MISSION ANIMATION STUDENTS EXCEL Several students who are enrolled in Shawnee Mission’s Animation Signature Program earned top honors at the recent eMagine media festival, a statewide digital media competition. Logan Jenkins took first place in the 3D Organic category and first place in the 3D Mechanical category.

Griffen LaTessa and Darius Reasco earned second and third place in the 3D Organic category. Justus Kasunic earned second-place honors in the 3D Mechanical category and Sophia Minnena earned third place in the Character Animation category.

STEMS: SAVE THE DATE Tickets are now available for Stems: A Garden Soiree, the annual fundraiser for the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park held at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Save the date for an evening of ourdoor fun, music and great food on June 27. Early Bird pricing is $95 per ticket. Details are available at StemsSoiree.org.

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

13

Wedding Bells

&

Reinhard Mahurin

PHOTOGRAPHY JENI LEWIS AT AOH PHOTOGRAPHY

A

ndrea Brooke Reinhard and Spencer Agee Mahurin were united in marriage in March at Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Claire McClun.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents, Mr. Larry Reinhard and Ms. Vivian Reinhard. She is a first grade teacher at Indian Valley Elementary school and recently received her master’s degree from Baker University. The groom graduated from Kansas State University and was employed by Knighton Business Solutions. His parents are Craig and Julia Mahurin of Prairie Village.

The groom and groomsmen wore gray suits accented with blue ties; ring bearer, Parker Mahurin, nephew of the groom, was attired similarly. Bridesmaids wore long strapless navy chiffon gowns and carried bright colored floral bouquets. The two flower girls, Madelyn and Emma Mahurin, nieces of the groom, wore dresses of white tulle accented with navy sashes.

The bride wore a Stella York design in ivory, a fit and flare gown with a sweetheart neckline; the veil was a fingertip length mantilla with lace edging. Her necklace was a gift from her mother, her mother’s engagement diamond solitaire. She carried a stunning bouquet of a variety of white flowers.

Friends and relatives from across the country, including South Carolina, Indiana and Washington, attended. The reception was held at The Urban Event in downtown Kansas City where DJ Amanda MacNeal provided the entertainment and the bride’s brother, Jason Reinhard, sang for the couple’s first dance.

The couple plans a summer honeymoon in Hawaii.

To share your wedding or engagement news, email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com. There is no charge for this service.

14

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Show some love for your community!

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

15

Star Students

Three Local Girls Realize Success at the Tip of Their Fingers ARTICLE ANN E. BUTENAS PHOTOGRAPHY PARKER HARRISON

T

hree area students have proven that, despite the challenges of visual impairment, they can clearly see a bright future for themselves, as evidenced by their recent standout performances in a high-profile competition designed specifically for the visually impaired.

The Braille Challenge® is an annual event conducted in multiple sites nationwide and is open to visually impaired students throughout the U.S. and Canada. The preliminary round is open to students of all skill levels, with the top scoring 60 contestants progressing to the final round in Los Angeles in June.

This competition is not for the faint of heart, either. It involves an entire day of intense competition in various categories, including reading comprehension, braille speed and accuracy, proof reading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs.

This past February, Briarwood Elementary fourth grader, Audrey Bethay; Shawnee Mission South sophomore Ashley Thao; and Nativity Parish School second grader Brooke Petro all earned a first place ranking in their respective age groups and are positioned to potentially compete at the national level in June.

Even though these young girls may have certain limitations, they remain unafraid to defy those limitations and are proving daily that just because one cannot see does not mean they cannot achieve amazing things in life.

“Braille is the only way that kids who are visually impaired are going to be able to do that,” notes Brooke’s mom, Lyn Petro of Leawood.

Brooke originally participated by special invitation in the challenge while in kindergarten for the experience only and by the following year, proved her academic prowess. In 2014, she earned the highest score in the reading comprehension part of the Challenge among all 60 contestants at the 2014 National Braille Challenge,

Audrey Bethay, Ashley Thao and Brooke Petro.

for which she was awarded the Braille Superstar Award. Additionally, she stood in the spotlight the last two years by winning first place in her age division at the Regional Braille Challenge.

Working just as diligently, Audrey has received the highest score out of all of the students competing at the Kansas Regional Challenge the last two years, something truly noteworthy considering she is only in the fourth grade.

And to understand how impressive these accomplishments are, an elementary lesson in Braille is important. Created in 1824 by 15-yearold Louis Braille, this particular style of reading and writing is less of a language than it is a code, which consists of characters represented by patterns of raised dots felt with the fingertips. There are 189 letter contractions and 76 short-form words that are used to reduce the amount of paper needed to reproduce books in Braille.

“Each page of regular print is the equivalent of three pages of Braille,” explains Petro. “It is almost like a secret code that the child has to contextually figure out.”

Petro went on to explain that speed is the most important aspect of The Braille Challenge and that Brooke currently reads approximately 112 words per minute.

“Ninety percent of what a sighted child learns is visual,” says Petro. “However, learning to spell is different for kids who are visually impaired. A sighted child can see words used in every day situations which help to reinforce the proper spelling of a word, whereas a visually impaired child cannot.”

CONTINUED >

16

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Every Detail, Every Time Space planS | new BuildS | RemodelS | RedeSignS | FuRniShingS and more!

After

BefOre

(913) 851-8776 | DesignConnectionInc.com

Call today to schedule your consultation.

Arlene Ladegaard

Certified Interior Designer

Nestled across a quiet wooded valley along a tranquil lake, lies one of the best new golf courses in America.

• New Clubhouse by Summer 2016 • New Golf Carts with GPS, Bluetooth Speakers, and a USB Port • Improvements to the Golf Course For course details and membership options, visit our website - www.CanyonFarmsGolfClub.com Under New Ownership & Management • 18145 W. 87th Street Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 529-2235

Your Neighbor

(CONTINUED)

It definitely requires a certain level of determination and perseverance to excel as a visually-impaired individual, not only in this competition, but also in every day activities.

“What is fantastic is that the girls work so hard to accomplish their goals,” says Petro. “However, what is most important to shed light on is the importance of Braille literacy, not just the competition. In fact, only 10 percent of people who are visually impaired are literate in Braille.”

Brooke, Ashley and Audrey may have certain stumbling blocks in their lives, but they do not allow themselves to trip over them. Instead, the simply turn them over into stepping stones to greater opportunities.

If any or all of the girls adoringly referred to by Petro as “The Triple Threat from Kansas,” advance to the nationals early this summer, they have their work cut out for them, but Petro emphasizes that the best part of it all has less to do with the work and more to do with the fun these young ladies have in the process and the friendships that are forged along the way.

“Brooke has had a great time these past couple of years,” adds Petro. “She has met some amazing kids and has made new friends.

It also provides a great support system for us with other families of visually impaired children.”

Additionally, this challenge gives the students an extra confidence boost and the knowledge that they can succeed in life.

“These kids work so hard and really have to learn to adapt to all situations in ways that are completely different for sighted kids,” explains Petro.

Will your retirement income as you do?

You’ve worked hard to get to retirement.

To learn if your current retirement income strategy will provide enough income to last your lifetime, call us at 1-855-4RSGUSA to schedule a no-obligation review today.

110 S Cherry St. 3rd Floor Olathe, KS 66061

Toll Free: 855.4RSGUSA

Alan Becker is an insurance professional with Retirement Solutions Group and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Retirement Solutions Group assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of insurance products.

Greg Garbeff is an Investment Advisor Representative with Global Financial Private Capital, LLC and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. RSG Investments assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of investment products. Investment advisory services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

19

Home Matters

FROM NEGLECT TO RESPECT YOUR GARAGE FLOOR’S PLEA FOR TLC ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Y

our garage is calling….and it is tired of its appearance and how it has been neglected over the years. As a space that represents up to 20 percent of your home’s total size, the garage is often overlooked as a home improvement candidate. Yet, the garage is used and visited or used by homeowners nearly every day and often serves as the primary entry point for visitors entering the home. For this reason, many discriminating homeowners are looking for solutions to upgrade their garage. √It is the belief of Greg Slicker, owner of the Prairie Village-based Granite Garage Floors, that if today’s homeowners were aware of an alternative to the normal deteriorated concrete, oil-stained surface, or peeling gray paint – that they would jump on the opportunity to upgrade their garage floor surface.

“If you think about it, there isn’t another surface inside or outside of the house that takes the abuse of a garage floor. From the constant weight of cars on the floor to hot tires, to snow and road salt, the garage floor takes a beating,” say Slicker.

The days of allowing a garage floor to deteriorate and reflect poorly on the remainder of a home have now made way to industrial-quality, epoxy-based flooring systems that provide a durable, long-lasting, and cosmetically appealing coating alternative to the dreary garages of the past.

Choosing the appropriate means to install an industrial-quality, garage flooring system is crucial to the floor’s longevity, 20

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

durability and aesthetics. Slicker explains the unique aspect of a professionally installed approach. “We specifically focus on the preparation of the garage floor using an industrial diamond grinding process to remove all previous coatings and stains in order to get the floor porous and mechanically clean, which maximizes the adhesion of the coating system to the concrete. The floor preparation is paramount as we guarantee against hot-tire peeling, which is the number one failure that most people experience when attempting to have a coating applied to their garage floor. After extensive preparation, our proprietary system utilizes commercial grade product and we then add decorative polymer flakes at varying rates to create the look of granite or quartz depending on the homeowner’s chosen finish.”

Once completed, the new flooring system installed in a garage will provide the homeowner with an “interior feel” in an area that has traditionally been treated like an exterior space. The durability of an Epoxy Flooring System should last customer decades while also protecting the concrete. The garage can now serve as a beautiful entrance that a home owner will promote when welcoming visitors while increasing the value and perception of the entire home.

For more information, visit GraniteGarageFloors.com.

Terrific Teachers

Luke, Ed, Vince, Ann & Jordan Fritz

Basketball is in Their Blood ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

he Fritz family of Overland Park knows the game of basketball.

Husband Ed is the boys’ basketball coach at Blue Valley Northwest and wife Ann is the girls’ basketball coach at Blue Valley North.

And both come from sports families.

Ann’s dad, Vince Costello, played for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants in the NFL and is in the Browns’ Hall of Fame. He was on the Browns’ 1965 championship team.

Ed’s dad, Dr. Harry Fritz, was a college football coach and executive director of the NAIA here in Kansas City. His brother Willie is the head football coach at Georgia Southern.

“All seven children in my family attended college on some type of athletic scholarships in a variety of sports,” says Ed. Ann played at Shawnee Mission East. Her Lancers won the state basketball title in 1983 and she was a member of two state championship volleyball teams. Her Lancer girls’ basketball team won the state title by 40 points and became the first Shawnee Mission school to win a state title in girls basketball.

She played basketball at Nebraska following her high school career at SM East.

Ann has done well in her 20 years at BVN. There was a stretch where the Mustangs made it to the state tournament 13 consecutive years. The Mustangs have won three state titles in her tenure and been second once and several third-place finishes.

Ed had a big run at BV Northwest. The Huskies placed second at the Class 6A state boys’ basketball tournament three years in a row from 2010-2012. And the Huskies captured the state title in 2013 and 2014. His 2013 team was undefeated.

“We were 94-6 in a four-year span (2011-2014),” Ed says.

And three of their five kids are involved in the sport.

Vince was a freshman basketball player at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, sophomore Jordan played for Ann at 22

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

BVN and Luke played eighth grade basketball at Oxford Middle School. He will attend BVNW next school year.

“Basketball runs in our family. Vince’s first word was ball. We have a lot of basketball on the TV because we just enjoy it,” says Ann. And what is it like to coach at schools that are bitter rivals?

“Ed and I ended up at rival schools, but it has been fun,” says Ann. “When Vince played against BV North at BV North, the student section chanted, ‘Daddy’s boy.’”

“We just always enjoyed the experience of our kids’ activities as any other parent and never took anything personal. We try to support our kids in whatever they do and do not push basketball on them.”

The couple has been married for 19 years.

They are often asked what is it like to coach your own kid.

“I watched the NCAA basketball tourney (March 20-23) with Georgia State and listened to that coach talk about coaching his son,” says Ann. “I think I feel the same way about coaching Jordan and Ed felt the same about coaching Vince.

“You coach them as a coach and as a regular player as much as possible, but sometimes you have to step back and enjoy coaching as a parent.”

“I have five kids, two from my first marriage,” Ed says. “Ann is my wife and my best friend.”

Ed just finished his 13th year as the Huskies boy’s basketball coach. Before that he was the head coach at Center High School for 15 years. He was the head coach at Baker and an assistant at Nebraska-Kearney before that.

Ann’s only coaching job has been at BV North. She was on staff as a Physical Education teacher at Center.

It should come as no surprise that the basketball community brought them together. Both were teaching at Center High School in Kansas City when they met and the rest, as they say, is history.

Page Turners

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER WHAT SHE SAID THEN, WHAT WE’RE SAYING NOW EDITED BY ANN IMIG

I

FREE CARFAX REPORT!

Come Experience the King’s Difference!

MENTION THIS AD AND SAVE!

1595

$

Oil Changes

20OFF

$

any Service $100 or more

500

$

CaSh baCk

on any car purchase.

Restrictions apply. Offer good through May 31, 2015. See dealer for details.

Quality • Family Owned • Honest KingsQualityAutoSales.com 913.851.7400 At the corner of 151st & Antioch 8665 West 151st Street, Overland Park, KS 24

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

n 2010, Ann Imig organized a livestaged reading event in Madison, WI, to bring together her community—mothers and non-mothers alike—and provide a forum for a diversity of voices to share their personal stories. These readers spoke honestly and openly about motherhood, family, childhood, and parenting.

And so, the Listen to Your Mother movement was born. This one event quickly grew into an annual national performance sensation, with nearly 40 nationwide events scheduled for May 2015.

Now, in Listen To Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now Imig brings to the page what she helped bring to the stage five years ago with this collection of 56 candid, funny, poignant, unexpected and soul-bearing essays.

The contributors to this powerful anthology bravely share their stories, ranging from hilarious to heartbreaking, showcasing the experiences of ordinary people from a broad spectrum of racial, gender, and age backgrounds. With a roster of writers that includes first time essayists and New York Times-bestselling authors, Listen To Your Mother reflects our diverse contemporary lifestyles and rapidly changing definitions of motherhood.

While some are paeans to the mother we might not have appreciated as children, unaware then of how hard a task motherhood can be, others fully embrace the power of their family matriarchs. A woman faces the painful truth that there is nothing she can do to save her mentally ill, homeless mother from the streets.

A military mom raises her baby alone

WOOL WOOL

Luxurious. Beautiful. Affordable.

L u x u r i o u s . B e a u t i f u l . A ff o r d a b l e .

NATIONAL KARASTAN MONTH NATIONAL KARASTAN MONTH

Buy Karastan carpet for 59 a month

* $ when her husband is deployed to the Luxurious. Beautiful. Karastan. Nothing creates a more elegant setting than Middle East. A mom tries to hold it toa room with New Zealand Wool carpet on the floor. The natural beauty and * $ Luxurious. Beautiful. Karastan. Nothing creates a more elegant setting than gether while battling cancer. One mother a room with New Zealand distinctive designs Karastan Wool carpet on the of floor.

The naturalwool beautystyles and allow even the most discerning to distinctive designs ofcreate Karastanthe woolperfect styles allow even There the mosthas discerning create a better time to buy. room. nevertobeen recounts the elation and ultimate heartLuxurious. Beautiful. Karastan. Nothing creates a more elegant setting than the perfect room. There has never been a better time to buy. You can now own break of an unplanned pregnancy in mida room with New Zealand Wool carpetfinancing on the floor.available.

The natural beauty and Special Karastan carpet for only $59 a month.

Visit XXXDEALERNAMEXXX for details. designs Karastan stylesfinancing allow even the most discerning to create Sale of ends Octoberwool 3. Special available. dle age, while another shares the years distinctive of Hurry! the perfect room. There has never been a better time to buy. You can now own w w w. k a r a s t a n . c o m *Based on 40 yards – financed for 36 months. sadness that accompanied her decision Karastan carpet for only $59 a month. Visit XXXDEALERNAMEXXX for details. to give her baby up for adoption.

Hurry! Sale ends October 3. Special Dealer financing available.

Name l Address l City l ZIP l Website w w w. k a r a s t a n . c o m Listen To Your Mother delivers the collec*Based on 40 yards – financed for 36 months. tive voice of mothers among us and celeDealer Name l Address l City l ZIP l Website brates less conventional arrangements.

Mothers write of their personal struggles w w w. k a r a s t a n . c o m in the day-to-day job of mothering, of trying to raise a child who is not spoiled, of navigating single motherhood after divorce or death, and of dreading the body image issues that will one day inevitably undermine a young daughter’s confidence.

“Listen to Your Mother. It’s a cliché, it’s the sixth commandment, and it’s an imperative for curbing children young and 1051 SE Century Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 old from poor life choices like jaywalking SummitFlooringAndTurf.com · 816-886-2747 and sixty-four ounce sodas,” Imig writes.

Buy Karastan carpet for 59 a month

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

25

S T H M A B R O K EN W R I S T S H O R T N E S S O F B R E AT H E A R AC H E A L L ER

WIS TED ANKLE CHE

N AU S E A

E Y E I N F EC T I O N

COUGH

JA MMED FINGER

CHEST PRESSURE

COUGH

S TO M AC H AC H E

T

EYE

A R AC H E A L L E R G I C R E AC T I O N J A M M E D F I N G E R S H O R T N E S S O

O F B R E AT H E A R AC H E A L L E R G I C R E AC T I O N D E E P C U T L I G H T H E A

A MMED FINGER

COUGH

T WIS TED ANKLE

FE VER

DEEP CUT

NOW OPEN: YOUR NEW DESTINATION

ER Care for Kids and Adults Our community’s first free-standing ER is now open. This means you can rest assured that faster, more specialized emergency care is nearby. We offer all the same capabilities of an ER inside a hospital, but closer to you.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s new ER of Olathe provides access to lifesaving expertise backed by the largest physician network in the area, along with an accessible, friendly environment. With short wait times, an array of amenities and the comfort of one-on-one attention, we provide a unique emergency room experience. Should you require hospitalization, Overland Park Regional is nearby.

0949 A

R G I C R E AC T I O N D EE P C U T L I G H T H E A D E D J O I N T PA I N H E A DAC H

T WIS TED ANKLE

E I N F EC T I O N

FE VER

ASTHMA

DEEP CUT

CHEST PRESSURE

J O I N T PA I N

H E A DAC H E

S TO M AC

N AU S E A

PA I

O F B R E AT H B R O K E N W R I S T A S T H M A B R O K E N W R I S T S H O R T N E S

A D E D J O I N T PA I N H E A DAC H E T W I S T E D A N K L E N AU S E A C O U G CHEST PRESSURE

w E t R eat that.

O F B R E AT H E A R AC H E ALLERGI

S TO M AC H AC H E

FOR ER CARE

E Y E I N F EC T I O N

ASTHM

A S T H M A B R O K EN W R I S T S H O R T N E S

R E AC T I O N D E E P C U T L I G H T H E A D E J O I N T PA I N ANKLE

H E A DAC H E

N AU S E A

T WISTE

COUGH

JA MME

broken breathing F I N G EFrom R C O U Garms H to TW IS TED ANKL

toHseniors— F E V E Rissues—from D E E P C Ukids T C EST PRESSUR

our full-service ER can treat E Y E I N F EC T I O your emergency. We treat:

S TO M AC H AC H E

CHEST PRESSURE E Y E I N F EC T I O N PA I N

• Deep cuts

H E A DAC H E

S TO M AC H AC H

ASTHMA N AU S E A

• Fractures and sprains

E A R AC H E

• Bleeding

ALLERGIC

JA MMED FINGER

KCfastER.com

PA I

R E AC T I O

SHORTNESS O

B R E AT•H Concussion BROKEN WRIS T 13505 S Alden St., Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 397-1000 One block East of Black Bob Rd. on 135th St.

JOIN

ASTHM

ofI consciousness B R O K E• NLoss WR ST SHORTNESS O

B R E AT•H Trouble EA R AC H E breathing

ALLERGI

R E AC T•I OAllergic N D Ereaction EP CUT LIGHTHE ADE J O I N T • PA IN H Epain A DAC H E Abdominal ANKLE

N AU S E A

COUGH

• Other uncontrolled pain

FINGER

JA MME

COUGH

T WIS TED ANKL

DEEP CUT

CHEST PRESSUR

• And more

FE VER

T WISTE

S TO M AC H AC H E

E Y E I N F EC T I O

A S T H M A B R O K EN W R I S T S H O R T N E S O F B R E AT H

E A R AC H E

ALLERGI

R E AC T I O N D E E P C U T L I G H T H E A D E

Photo courtesy of Ely Outfitters

Boundary Waters Bound Get out of the grind with a wilderness adventure sure to create a lifetime of memories.

ARTICLE KIMBERLY WINTER STERN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

S

ummer in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area—the pristine expanse of wilderness that hugs and spills over the Canadian border in northern Minnesota—is a sharp departure from the long, raw winter season where color is stripped from the landscape

28

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

and snow-shoers dominate the frozen tundra. Pine, fir and spruce co-mingle with leafed-out birches, aspens and maples and brilliant wildflowers. Mosquitoes and the mournful call of the loon are plentiful; cornflower-blue skies stretch across the horizon.

What seems like an infinite number of meandering island-studded lakes, bogs, rugged trails and primitive back roads attracts families, couples, groups of women, gaggles of men, and Boy Scouts from all points of the globe. The adventurers, regardless of

Photo courtesy of Ely Outfitters

age or gender, are anxious to dip their toes, fishing rods and paddles in the waters where motors aren’t allowed, the gentle wind is a welcome friend and unparalleled beauty is around every bend.

Ely, Minnesota, the departure point to the great 1,090,000-acre strand of wilderness and resorts, bustles with warm-weather activity and mini traffic jams as cars and trucks loaded with Kevlar canoes and oodles of camping gear inch along Sheridan Street.

Shoppers stocking up on maps, food, drinking water, and other backwoods’ necessities congregate in the outfitters that line the street. People decked out in thick socks and hiking boots, anxious for one last homecooked meal and a slice of state fair-worthy pie before setting off for a rendezvous with nature, jockey for tables at the Chocolate Moose and quaff pints of craft beer at the Rockwood Restaurant and Lounge.

The Boundary Waters is an experience unlike any other in the lower 48 states—a place where you can unplug, unwind, and untangle

The Boundary Waters is an experience unlike any other in the lower 48 states—a place where you can unplug, unwind, and untangle yourself from daily obligations and deadlines.

yourself from daily obligations and deadlines.

And whether you’re packing the SUV with the family or embarking on a couples-only road trip, the destination rewards with lifetime memories—and a bug bite or two that will disappear by the time you get back home.

GETTING THERE

Ely is about a 10-hour drive from Kansas City—a chance to stop off in the Twin Cities for an overnight to break up the long car ride.

If you’re traveling with the kids, book a stay at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America, conveniently located in the same building as Water Park of America. There’s plenty to do besides splashing in exhilarating water rides or playing arcade games—mom can choose from a myriad of treatments at the on-site Trillium Spa or opt for a shopping excursion at the world-famous Mall of America, just a short trip from the hotel. The dining options are diverse to suit every taste, ranging from the Sleepy Eye Café for a hearty breakfast or the Split Rock Grille for a casual dinner.

CONTINUED >

BOUNDARY WATERS (CONTINUED)

If it’s just you and your sweetheart, check into the Aloft Minneapolis in the trendy riverfront Mill District. Stroll through the adjacent Gold Medal Park for stunning views of the Mississippi River, hop on a bike to explore the trails running along the river, or take the nearby light rail to enjoy a museum, theatre, or sports experience.

Walk across the street to Wasabi Fusion Restaurant for a sushi experience and end the night in the hotel bar with a glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail.

Next morning, on the way out of town, seek out some of the city’s best homemade buttermilk and cornbread pancakes and migas at The Neighborhood Café in St. Paul.

Situated in a quaint enclave off the main 30

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

drag of Snelling Ave., you’ll mix comfortably with the locals who tuck into generous portions of comfort food and engage in lively conversation while sipping local Dunn Bros Coffee from thick, white mugs.

Fortified for the nearly four-hour drive up north, do a bit of sightseeing along the way.

Pull off I-35 Exit 237 in Cloquet, Minnesota, for a priceless picture opportunity—the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed service station built in 1958, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and still in operation.

STAY

The Ely area has traditional hotel-lodging accommodations, but when you’re up north, choose from one of the old-fash-

ioned resorts or cabins that are throwbacks to a different era.

Fenske Lake Cabins is a picturesque, quiet collection of private cabins nestled among towering pines at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the 105acre spring-fed Fenske Lake. Family-owned and operated, the boutique resort boasts nine one- to three-bedroom cabins are perched along one-half mile of the beautiful Fenske Lake shoreline. Enjoy modern kitchens, a private dock and charcoal grill; a communal authentic Northwoods sauna; and a canoe that comes along with the rental. The grounds also have a fish cleaning house (fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and perch on

the lake) and a modern shower house (cabins have cold running water only).

has built its success on helping scores appreciate the solitude and beauty of the area.

OUTFIT

EAT

Outfitting companies and guide services, where you can rent superlight canoes, sleeping bags, fishing rods and reels, private guides and much more, abound in the Ely area.

Ely Outfitting Company, operated by owner and guide Jason Zabokrtsky and located on Sheridan St., is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s splendors.

Offering everything from complete and partial outfitting packages to shuttles and transportation and canoe and gear rentals to specially designed menus, the business is also a fly-in trip expert. Zabokrtsky’s company is dedicated to no-trace ethics, wilderness stewardship and protection of the wild.

Piragis Northwood Company, which opened in 1979, is located off the beaten path of Sheridan St. Part retail, part rental, part outfitter, part guide service, this iconic business

When in Ely, a meal at The Chocolate Moose is a must. The Northwoods décor and ambience enhance the food, which is served seasonally. Don’t miss a slice of the homemade pie a la mode. Down the street is the Rockwood Restaurant and Lounge, known for cold beer and plates of freshly prepared walleye, juicy burgers, and stuffed meatloaf. If it’s purely imbibing and chatting with local residents you want, pull up a stool to the bar at the Kwazy Wabbit.

VISIT

After a full day of fishing, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, hiking or snapping wildlife pictures, take in Ely’s fascinating museums and sites. The Dorothy Molter Museum recounts the life and legacy of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s last non-indigenous resident. Exhibits and

tours preserve and interpret the region’s heritage as inspired by Molter, alternately nicknamed the Root Beer Lady or Nightingale of the Wilderness, who lived for 56 years on Knife Lake and made homemade root beer to sell to thousands of canoeists passing through the are.

The 20,000-square-foot International Wolf Center provides a captivating glimpse into the survival of wolf populations through exhibits and education and maintains a live wolf population.

Immerse yourself in the bear’s world at the North American Bear Center whose mission is to champion the long-term survival of bears through educational myth busting. Bears live in 2.5 acres of national forest that include manmade dens and a pond.

For more information on planning your Boundary Waters Canoe Area vacation, visit Ely.org.

seaside

wedding splendor

midwest ARTICLE ANDREA K. GRIST | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE FREELAND

D

id you know there is a place right here, on the edge of Kansas City, that can give you the look and feel of being at your favorite seaside eatery? The Marina Grog and Galley at Lake Lotawana boasts of world-class cuisine and a scenic atmosphere year round at the water’s edge.

Our photo feature of a nautical-inspired wedding features the backdrop of Marina Grog and Galley. Rich tones of red, blue, and yellow are featured, along with design elements on the cake inspired by a day sailing at sea.

The lovely f lower arrangements include beautiful local dahlias, calla lilies, roses, snapdragons and delphinium with touches of rope to add a nautical touch.

We worked with a great team of wedding professionals, all of whom are listed on the next page. The perfect images are courtesy of Freeland Photography. I thank them all for helping me create this beautiful feature as they each added amazing personal touches and details. Â

32

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Floral Art: Andrea K. Grist AndreaKGristFloralArt.com Styling: Above & Beyond Weddings & Events AboveBeyondWeddings.com Hair Styling: Lisa Wallace Makeup: Kathy Phelps B-Envied Salon BEnviedSalon.com Cake: Baked Expressions BakedExpressions.com Photography: Mike Freeland FreelandPhotography.com Gater &Custom Embroidery: The Garter Maker TheGarterMaker.net Wedding Dress: Laura’s Couture LaurasCouture.com Location: The Marina Grog & Galley MarinaGrogAndGalley.com Jewelry: Mease-Tique Measetique.com Model: Tiffany Marie Buckley

YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT TO PREVENT STROKE Stroke is the No. 1 cause of long-term disability and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. But did you know 80 percent of strokes can be prevented? Knowing your risks could save your life: • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Unhealthy diet and inactivity • Smoking Are you in danger of a stroke? Find out today and learn more at kumed.com/stroke.

The University of Kansas Hospital – the first Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in Kansas City and one of the first in the nation.

Handmade Wedding Straight from the Old West Delights Family and Friends ARTICLE MARY BUSH | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS WILBORN

W

hen Overland Park residents and artistic craftsmen Jacqueline Greene and David Buell decided to marry, they envisioned a different sort of celebration.

“We wanted it to be casual so our guests would have lots of fun, yet elegant and in keeping with my favorite mantra, ‘It has to be pretty’," says Greene. "We also wanted it to come from us.”

Greene, a floral and event designer, and Buell, an engineer with Burns & McDonnell, are both artistic, creative and swing a mean hammer.

Not surprising since each grew up with very artistic mothers and inventive fathers who could build anything the artists dreamed up.

"I learned a lot of carpentry skills from my father and had just completed a remodeling project on my home when I met David,” explains Greene. “We were a perfect match. He was the first man I met that had as many tools as I did!”

Their wedding inspiration sparked when Greene noticed how well a piece of weathered wood went with some china and silver pieces that were sitting on her counter.

“Looking at those things together, the light bulb went off,” says Greene.

“I envisioned rustic tables with elegant place settings in a casual, fun atmosphere. Our

36

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Kansas roots run deep so the idea of an old-fashioned western wedding sounded meaningful and fun.”

The couple looked at several possible wedding sites, but connected to the Alexander Majors Barn on State Line Road in Kansas City.

“It just felt right," says Greene. "The Majors Barn with its Conestoga wagon, saddles and history fit what we had in mind beautifully.”

What the couple had in mind was greeting their New Year’s Eve guests with a sparkling, wintry scene straight out of the old west. Guests walked into the lively, old-fashioned setting that included snow-covered trees covered with twinkling lights surrounding the Conestoga wagon.

“David went to recycling centers after Christmas and gathered up lots of used trees,” says Greene. “We added some split rail fences and a crescent moon and the effect was magical.”

The barn was further transformed into the colorful Red Dog Saloon with its handmade, rustic nine-foot bar and player piano that pounded out honky-tonk tunes all evening.

"I saw it at an estate sale and it just made me smile. I put a low bid in and couldn’t believe I got it," says Greene. "I soon found out why. The cost of moving the piano more than made up for its low price!”

The Red Dog’s sign bears the names of both the bride and groom’s late fathers as "proprietors" and hearkens back to David’s hometown of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, which transforms into a frontier town every five years when it hosts an American Indian Peace Treaty re-enactment. David’s grandfather and father drove wagons in the pageant for many years and were the bartenders at the festival's Red Dog Saloon.

Adjoining the saloon was an intimate dining area the couple created by building weathered, wall sections. Guests dined on rustic dinner tables built from reclaimed wood set with china plates on oversized chargers, etched, crystal stemware and vintage, silver-plate flatware. Centerpieces were collections of silver candlesticks along with a sea of white hydrangeas, ranunculus, roses and snowflake mums flowing out of vintage engraved silver ice buckets and vases, some which were family heirlooms.

The menu included grilled steaks branded with a “Rockin-B,” chicken grillers, jalapeno corn-bread baked in vintage pans and other chuck-wagon fare. Wedding cake, macaroons, rock candy and other sweets were served at “P.M. Johnson’s Cakes and Pies,” an area made to resemble the window of an old-time confectionery. Buell hand painted the sign which was a nod to Greene’s late grandmother, a wonderful pastry maker. The confectionery also offered a stack of powdered sugar donuts in honor of Buell’s late father who always had a stash of them in his truck.

The couple said their vows in the barn’s loft adorned with twinkling lights, trees and a stained glass window added by Greene’s CONTINUED >

A LABOR OF LOVE (CONTINUED)

mother. The bride, dressed in a tiered and ruffled skirt, lace top and bustle was escorted by her two daughters, Ashley Rettenmaier of New York City, and Chelsea Dean from Brookside, Missouri. The groom, dressed as a western gentleman in a long, frock coat stood with his brother Jack Buell, who traveled from California to attend. Buell’s daughter Madeline was also in attendance.

“The greatest fun of the evening was that all our guests dressed in western garb,” says Greene. “Our invitation specified the evening's dress as 'Old West Casual to Stagecoach Couture.' There were can-can girls, cowboys in spurs, rowdy gamblers and even Zorro.”

Guests marveled throughout the evening at the couple’s ingenuity and creativity but for the newly married Buells, it was business as usual.

“One of the many things David and I love about each other is that we work so well together,” says Greene. “We wanted a fun, memorable wedding and with the combination of our talents, it came together beautifully encompassing many things we love. Our dads would have been delighted.”

38

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Your First Choice In Quality Home Health Care

Save 30-60% off Big Box Retail Prices

Of Kansas City

Ask About Blinds too!

Kansas City's

Best Deal in Flooring

Serving All Your Flooring Needs Carpet • Tile • Vinyl Hardwood • Laminate

Skilled Nursing Care Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Tele-Health Home Monitoring

Brand Name Flooring Masland • Fabrica • Shaw StainMaster Royalty • Moda •Tuftex

Call Chuck At

(913) 927-1001 save@carpetdirectkc.com

vnakc.com • 816-531-1200

carpetdirectkc.com May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

39

Giving Back

Planting Trees and Forging Bonds with The Giving Grove ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

thought of countless ways to start this article. The old ‘teach a man to fish’ saying seemed plausible if I swapped ‘plant a tree’ for fishing. So did the tired ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ adage.

Problem is, those words are trite. They don’t do justice to the work that’s happening every day, right here in our own communities, to provide fresh fruit to those who are hungry and worried about their next meal and at the same time empowering them to change their circumstances by investing their time in a little orchard.

Though The Giving Grove, an affiliate of the Kansas City Community Garden, is a non-profit organization that focuses on self-help and educational assistance to low-income residents to grow their own food—specifically apples, nuts and berries--this article isn’t just about apples.

It’s about what the apples mean not only to the people who can pluck them from the branch and eat them, but for those who help clear the trash, prime the soil, dig the holes and nurture the plants from seedling to tree. This is about the primal connection that food creates for families and about how, when communities come together in the pursuit of a common goal, the landscape can change in more ways than one.

Executive Director Robert Reiman has an arsenal of statistics at his disposal. One in five children in the state of Kansas lives in a food insecure home. The numbers are higher in Missouri: the state has the fifth highest rate of child food insecurity. For the quarter of a million people affected in the Kansas City metro area, food insecurity means a marked decline in economic opportunity, productivity and academic achievement and studies have shown that proper nutrition in the first three years of life makes a profound impact in the lives of children and their families.

Reiman had retired after a 27-year career as a principal at Deloitte Consulting and was focused on an environmental ministry at his church when he was approached by former Kansas State Representative Jill Quigley, who connected him to Kevin Birzer, Greg Finkle and Ray Makalous of the Church of the Resurrection. Reiman has grown fruit in his own backyard for more than 10 years, and the men shared a desire to create a sustainable, organic option to help the food insecure population of Kansas City.

“We know there are backpack programs and other initiatives to help,” says Reiman. “But we saw a need for non-processed foods and wanted to fill that gap with an option that would be available even if backpacks were no longer being sent home with students. We started with a ‘kick the tires’ workshop because we needed to test the idea before we got too far into the process.

The strong support we found inspired me to better understand food insecurity, and I got really jazzed about the idea of not just providing food, but of coaching people in neighborhoods that CONTINUED >

40

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

9 WEEKS ‘til Summer Are you ready?

It’s

Get ready for everything summer has to offer with an Optimal Meal Plan from Healthy Meals, Inc. Look great. Feel great. Jump into summer with fresh, chef-prepared meals delivered right to your door each morning.

Enroll in our

Kansas City’s #1 Rated Gourmet Diet Delivery Service

12 Week Optimal meal plan, get 6 more weeks FREE!

Can be used by one person or by two, each getting 9 weeks.

healthymealsinc.com

Call 816.587.6325 Complete - Delicious - Customizable - Convenient

- Healthy!

HealthyMeals-LifestylePub-May2015.indd 1

4/9/15 1:29 PM

Dick Hawk’s

GasliGht Grill & Back room

Exceptional Nightly Dining Featuring Kansas’ Finest Dry-aged Steaks and Seafood Lynn Zimmer & the Jazz Band Wednesday – Sunday 6:30pm Book Your Private Event Now for 10-200 Guests

Open Daily 4pm Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

World-Class Dining & Entertainment in Casual Elegance

5020 West 137th Street | Leawood, KS 66224 | (913) 897-3540 | GaslightGrill.com May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

41

Giving Back

(CONTINUED)

are most affected how to grow their own food, and in teaching kids where their food is coming from.”

The Giving Grove’s model is an inclusive one. Though it grew from connections of faith, the organization is ecumenical and strives to complement, rather than compete with, other organizations. The difference is that The Giving Grove focuses on little orchards both for fresh produce and to strengthen the bonds between residents in each community.

“It seems simple enough, to plant a tree,” says Reiman, “but it can be dicey.

Not all trees are created equal, and there are issues like disease resistance and ease of maintenance to consider. Education is an important component in the success of each little orchard.”

The organization requires that at least two people commit to each project. These people must be from different families, and must learn to care for the newly planted trees not only by scouting regularly for disease but also by maintaining the area in which the trees are planted.

“There was another time we were out around Tenth and Newton,” says Reiman. “The neighborhood didn’t know that we’d be there planting, as it was a faith-based food pantry that procured the rights to a piece of property and started the project. We show up and start planting, and about an hour into it I look across the street and see a door open just a crack, with a woman watching us. So I walked over and I introduced myself. She asked what we were doing, and I said ‘We’re planting this for you. This is your orchard.’

“Thing is, when it’s their orchard it’s more than just food. It’s also a chance for them to work together to make their neighborhood stronger,” says Reiman.

The Giving Grove is three planting seasons old. The original goal was to have planted five little orchards in 2013. They did 21.

By the end of this spring’s planting season, they had 38 edible tree gardens sprinkled across the Kansas City metro area.

“We can plant twice a year,” he says, “in April and fall. Spring planting needs to be done by about May 10, but we get a little bit more time in the fall, sometimes through November, depending on the weather.”

The organization is committed to digging holes and planting by hand whenever possible, so as to minimize the negative effects of heavy machinery on the land. Extra hands are always welcome, says Reiman, especially when The Giving Grove is serving a more senior neighborhood.

“We’re trying to make as great an impact as rapidly as possible” says Reiman. The focus in the off-season is to queue up the next season’s projects, continue to improve operations and to educate stewards about maintaining a healthy orchard and the importance of patience.

“Trees need three to five years in the ground to produce fruit,” he says. “For berry bushes, however, we see fruit in year two. As we move forward, we’ll be thinking through the stewards’ role in distributing the food, how to preserve the fruit post-season and how we can continue to create community through the little orchards.”

It seems simple enough, to plant a tree, but it can be dicey. Not all trees are created equal, and there are issues like disease resistance and ease of maintenance to consider. Education is an important component in the success of each little orchard.

“I have so many stories,” says Reiman, as he talks about how various Kansas City communities have embraced The Giving Grove’s mission.

There was one steward at the Wyandotte Countians Against Crime neighborhood who told Reiman ‘I can’t grow dirt, but I think we can do better’ as they discussed the crime rate and how the area looked more like a dumping ground than a place in which to raise a family.

42

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

To learn more about or volunteer with The Giving Grove, visit GivingGrove.org.

Great moms deserve

great treatment.

Pamper the special mom in your life with one of our treatments, sure to leave her feeling refreshed and beautiful —inside and out!

$99 HydraFacial $130 value. Offer expires May 31, 2015.

13453 Switzer Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66213 • 913-681-6200

To learn more about our services, visit our website:

www.refreshhealthspa.com

How Do You Define Financial Success?

We are passionate about viewing wealth from your perspective, to help you achieve success on your terms,

Where you stand.

Find out if Searcy Financial is the right choice for you at

www.SearcyFinancial.com | 913.814.3800

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

43

Tech Today

Organizing Your Digital Cabinet INNOVATIVE NOTE AND TO-DO APPS BRIDGE DESKTOP, TABLETS, SMARTPHONES ARTICLE CHRISTOPHER CLARK

Y

ou're several months into your New Year's resolution (ahem, "goal") of organizing your digital life. The first month of 2015 saw you blazing through task lists, organizing projects and consolidating those important meeting notes into one tidy place, right?

Me neither.

Fear not. There's enough time and plenty of tools to turn this around. The productivity space is bulging with powerful apps that put your digital scraps and sticky notes wherever you are: smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop. Three apps in particular --Evernote, Wunderlist and Workflowy -- are winning raves because they're easy to use and work across multiple computing platforms.

Regardless of whether you rock an iPhone or Android smartphone, Mac or PC, these apps and your notes are ready when you are.

list before heading to the store. You can add time-based reminders and notes to items for setting deadlines or extra reference, both of which can turn Wunderlist into a powerful personal project management system.

COST: Like Evernote, Wunderlist starts free with features that will

EVERNOTE: As a digital filing cabinet, Evernote (Evernote.com) has huge name recognition because of its ubiquity and intuitive interface. With apps on nearly every conceivable platform, notes can be created and stored in subject-specific notebooks. Notebooks created around the same topic can be put in a "stack" for even more topical hierarchy. But Evernote's real power may lie with tagging.

Rather than organizing notes in a notebook metaphor, you can add label-like "tags" that act as searchable keywords. Once you've created and regularly use tags (tip: start with a handful of tags and add more once you're comfortable with searching for them) you may find it quicker to tag notes versus filing them in a proper notebook.

The Web is full of Evernote tagging strategies, so a little searching will reveal a system you can customize. Whatever system you use, its success depends on actually using it. What are you waiting for?

satisfy most users. A $4.99/month premium tier adds things like unlimited subtasks and collaboration features for sharing lists with friends or co-workers.

COST: Evernote has a $5/month premium that adds a lot of power-user functionality, but the free tier has more than enough features for most users.

WORKFLOWY: This web-based app is brilliant because it's so simple. Workflowy (Workflowy.com) looks like an outlining service that does nothing but make lists. When you open the website you're confronted with a canvas of white space. No notebooks, extra windows or superfluous options to distract you.

Simply type a task and hit "return." You've just created a list that's ready for your next item. All lists can have sub-lists, and each of those can have their own sub-lists. It's a dead-simple and highly navigable hierarchical approach to managing almost anything containing multiple steps or items. Clicking on the "+" or "-" symbol to expand or collapse a list is Workflowy's lone graphical flourish, a simplicity that has earned it cult status. A Google search for "Workflowy" reveals countless ways people are using it to fit their, uh, workflows.

WUNDERLIST: As a straightforward list-maker, Wunderlist (Wunderlist.com) has earned a huge user base with an intuitive and gorgeous interface, along with speedy syncing across devices. Grocery lists made using Wunderlist's desktop application sync in near-real time with your smartphone app, handy when you're banging out a

COST: Workflowy has a free tier that allows for 250 items per month. That may be enough for some, though the app's get-inand-get-out functionality makes the $4.99 monthly charge for unlimited lists and items, Dropbox support and formatting options more than worth it.

44

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

You can do better!

Elegant

|

Historical

|

Newly Restored

30% OFF on custom framing!

our warehouse price

*Plus a FREE gift when you place a custom framing order!

2 Metro AreA LocAtions!

Johnson County - 9216 Metcalf Avenue 913-385-9199 South Kansas City - 1032 W 136th Street 816-941-2307

Now carrying G.Harvey and other limited edition artists!

www.afwkc.com

Weddings | Conventions | Restaurant Couples Retreat | Spa & Grotto Experience Fitness Room | European Lap Pool Private Setting with Manicured Grounds CafĂŠ | Tavern

Located in Excelsior Springs, Missouri

1-800-the-elms

ElmsHotelAndSpa.com

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

45

Driver's Notebook

2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Platinum

Mid-Year Changes Enhance Volvo’s S60

ENGINE: 2.0-liter, 302-horsepower four-cylinder TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic

Front-wheel drive WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches CURB WEIGHT: 3,472 pounds BASE PRICE: $39,000 AS DRIVEN: $46,525 MPG RATING: 24 city, 35 highway

ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

A

fter last year’s styling tweaks to the S60, Volvo has given the car a midyear update that includes more technology and in-car connectivity.

One example is Volvo On Call, a smartphone app that lets you lock and unlock the car, read the fuel level, odometer, average speed and average fuel consumption remotely. It was most handy on a recent cold morning because I could start the car in my driveway so it could warm up but still keep the doors locked.

Volvo calls their system Sensus Connect, and it is a subscription service that comes with six months free. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car for passengers to connect smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The 7-inch color monitor in the center of the dash can display navigation information as well as on-screen owner’s manual. Several cloud-based apps such as Pandora, Stitcher and Yelp are also available.

S60 prices begin at $33,750 for the T-5 and top out at $46,950 for the T6 all-wheeldrive R-Design Platinum. I drove a T6 Platinum from Volvo’s press fleet and its sticker price was $46,525.

The S60 is available with one of four engines. The front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower; the all-wheel-drive T5 has a turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 250 horsepower; the T6 Drive-E has a su46

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

percharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder with 302 horsepower; and the allwheel-drive R-Design has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 325 horsepower.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.

I drove the T6 that manages to pump 302 horsepower from just 2.0-liters, a number that would have been an impressive number for a racing engine not many years ago. Volvo is able to achieve this level of performance by utilizing both a supercharger and a turbocharger. The supercharger provides extra power at very low speeds while the turbo kicks in extra zip at high speeds. The result is an engine that feels twice its size. It delivers excellent power from idle to top end and is rated at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway.

Fuel economy is aided by a start/stop function that shuts off the engine when the car stops. The driver can select the Eco + mode that activates coasting when the throttle is released and disconnects the air conditioning compressor from time to time.

I don’t like the jerkiness of the start/stop feature and I always turned it off.

The S60 can be equipped with a suite of safety technology features, several of which take control if the driver is not paying attention. A pedestrian/cyclist detection system alerts the driver to a person or cyclist in the

road and, below 22 miles per hour, will automatically apply the brakes. City Safety will automatically brake the car to a stop below 31 miles per hour to avoid a collision. Lane keeping will tug the car back into the lane if it wanders. Other features such as blind-spot detection system, cross-traffic alert for the rearview camera, stability control, anti-lock brakes and corner traction control are useful driver aids.

The suspension is tight but not harsh and the handling is responsive and athletic. I was impressed with the lack of noise on the highway.

The S60’s cabin is spare but elegant in a Scandinavian style. The test car’s two-tone color scheme was bright without being gaudy. The seats were excellent.

PRICE: The base price of the test car was $39,000. Options included Sensus Connect, 19-inch wheels, metallic paint, heated front seats, blind-spot detection and the Platinum package. The Platinum package includes a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with full auto brake, pedestrian/ cyclist detection with auto brake, driver alert, lane keeping aid, rear park assist and retractable side mirrors. The sticker price was $46,525.

WARRANTY: Four years or 50,000 miles. Service is free at 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 miles.

Treat your clothing investment to an

Impeccable Clean

Carpet Tile & Stone Wood Floors

The difference is we use

Heated Tile

• Environmentally non-toxic and safe on all fabrics • Gentle, silicone-based solvent, not a harsh petrochemical

Custom Showers

• Rejuvenates the fibers in clothes, making them bright and clean without shrinking

20

%

CARPET SALE

OFF

your dry cleaning order

0% Financing for 12 Months WAC

- EXCLUDES LAUNDERED SHIRTS Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off.

This coupon can only be redeemed for cleaning services sold at Tide Dry Cleaners locations. It cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Not valid on laundered shirts, leather, household items or wedding dresses. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for one-time use through 6/30/15.

$200 OFF

Any Purchase of $1500 or More Expires 5/31/15

Call today to schedule a home visit or visit our showroom (by appointment only)

*TDCKC20D* TDCKC20D

*When cleaned using the GreenEarth Cleaning process compared to the solvent most traditionally used by dry cleaners.

83RD & MISSION • 135TH & ROE 135TH & METCALF • 150TH & NEWTON

www.tidedrycleaners.com

619 West Dennis, Olathe, KS 66061

913.780.6060 www.LegacyFlooring1.com May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

KC Magazine Ads_JohnsonCountyLifestyle.indd 5

12/3/14 9:58 AM

47

Men’s/Coed/Women’s Divisions 3-on-3 half court 6 weeks/$160 per team

Age

s 18

and

up

Basketball League

lu e

ec

valley r

b

b

lu e

ec

Season starts June 3 913-685-6030 bluevalleyrec.org

valley r

What you plan now, you will harvest later.

Shawn Sheperd Client Relationship Specialist

Jeb Graham, CFP®

Managing Partner/ Wealth Manager

913-214-3728

Eric Wymore, CRPS® Kayla Moore Partner/ Wealth Manager

Administrative/ Marketing Professional

metcalfpartners.com

Give us a call for a complimentary, no obligations, investment analysis and retirement income forecast.

As heard on MONEYLINE on KMBZ 98.1 FM.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through V Wealth Management, LLC a registered investment advisor. V Wealth Management and V Wealth Management-Metcalf Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.

48

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

Mills Farm

$1,305,231

$1,305,231

Sagamore Hills

$800,000

Wilderness Ridge

%sp to lp

dom*

bdrms

f/h ba

100

0

5

5.1

$810,000

101

0

4

3.2

$675,000

$675,000

100

9

5

4.2

Nottingham St. Andrews

$525,000

$510,000

97

15

5

4.1

Reinhardt Estates

$400,000

$396,000

99

0

3

2.1

Timbers Edge

$345,000

$348,000

101

2

4

3.1

Brookridge Estates

$325,000

$319,000

98

12

4

3

Country Side East

$235,000

$230,000

98

24

3

2

Brittany Pointe

$225,000

$203,000

90

11

4

2.1

Indian Fields

$185,000

$185,000

100

6

3

1.1

MLS Statistics from 2/1/2015-2/28/2015

UNLOC K I N G T H E D OO R S TO YOU R N E W H OM E

913.709.1060 www.GailDicus.com

800 W. 53rd Street Kansas City, MO 64112 $849,950 MLS#1922148

K E L L E R W I L L I a M S K E Y pa RT N E R S L L C 4 2 0 0 S OM ERS ET D R # 101, pRaIRIE v ILLaG E, KS 66208

Consistent. Client-focused. Communication.

The key to your seamless First American Title closing starts and ends with communication.

Kansas 913.981.0600 | Missouri 816.229.5960 www.firstamkcmetro.com May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

49

Lifestyle Calendar

May MAY 1-24

MAY 9 ARTIST EXPO KC “FLASH GALLERY” ROSANNA SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER

Artist Expo KC will host a “FLASH GALLERY” from 10 a.m-6 p.m courtesy of Kanza Hall. This is an indoor and outdoor

voted his music career to the uniquely American sound and stories captured in the "Golden Age" of American popular music. Inspired by Frank Sinatra, the infamous Rat Pack, and the cool, mod big band sound of the 1960s. JCCC.edu

CONTAINER GARDENING EXHIBIT OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS

Displays from garden organizations and volunteers will inspire and motivate you to build creative container plantings for your own patio, window boxes, entryway and back yard. OPKansas.org event featuring local artists from around the metro. Food, drinks and televised sporting events will be available. Events are free and open to the public. For more information or if you are an artist and wish to participate, please contact, Della Smith at della@arkartistry.com.

MAY 9-JUNE 7 46TH SYMPHONY DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE HYDE PARK

Step inside the historic Hyde Park home (96 Janssen Place) transformed by the area’s top designers. The KC Symphony Alliance will host the 46th Symphony Designers’ Showhouse Spring Tour, which is the longest running fundraising Showhouse in the country. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information visit HowHouse.org.

MAY 8 MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER WITH THE KC SYMPHONY KAUFFMAN CENTER

Mary Chapin Carpenter joins the KC Symphony for a very special evening of music from her debut orchestral record "Songs from the Movie." This winner of multiple Grammy Awards is still breaking new ground, promising a unique and memorable evening. KCSymphony.org 50

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Photo Bill Mathews

MAY 9 MICHAEL FEINSTEIN - THE SINATRA LEGACY JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Michael Feinstein, a multi-platinum selling, award-winning entertainer, has de-

MAY 10 MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

The 9th annual Mother’s Day for Mother Earth Celebration includes a giant puppet show on the south lawn of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Additionally, enjoy Brunch at Rozzelle Court Restaurant - Seatings every 30 minutes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Last seating is at 2:30 p.m. Brunch cost is $33 for members/$37 for non-member/$16 for children 12 and under.

MAY 11-25 COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER PARADISE PARK

5-4-3-2-1...the Countdown to Summer has begun at Paradise Park in Lee’s Summit.

We know you’re ready to get out and play.

We’ve partnered with the Lee’s Summit Visitor’s Council to provide fun packages and give-aways highlighting the laser tag arena, go karts, mini golf, and other major attractions at Paradise Park. Paradise-Park.com

Enjoy life; let US clean. You have better things to do with your time!

Cleaning Fine Homes throughout Western KC and Johnson County • Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, occasionally or one time!

• Move-Ins and Move-outs

PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES One Room to a Whole House All Work Guaranteed Carefully Screened and Trained Staff Insured for Your Protection

• Remodel and Construction Clean-up

Visit

Hot Spot

Pools, Hot Tubs & BBQ for the perfect Wedding or Anniversary Gift to help your loved ones create their very own “Backyard Oasis”!

Call us for your cleaning needs!

913.649.6022 LuluandMimis.com

now open 7305 W. 151st street overland Park, ks 913-681-2641 Hours: mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, sat. 9am-5pm

The Good-One Smokers, Big Green Egg, Saber Infra Red Grills, Traeger Pellet Smokers, Rubs & Sauces, Lump Charcoal, Pellets and much more!

816-781-8884 • 2101 Kara Court, Liberty, MO 64068

LibertyHottub.com • kcbbqsource.com

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

51

Lifestyle Calendar

MAY 15 & 16

MAY 23

DISNEY FANTASIA LIVE IN CONCERT

GRIDIRON GLORY OPENS

KAUFFMAN CENTER

UNION STATION

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation. Magnificent music from the original 1940 version will be performed while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. KCSymphony.org

Gridiron Glory is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on America’s favorite sport and will include more than 10,000 square feet of the most iconic pro football artifacts of all time. In total, more than 200 football artifacts, photos and rare documents from the Pro Football Hall of Fame collection will be on display, some for the very first time. UnionStation.org

JUNE 1 LADIES OF CHARITY DESIGNERS SHOWHOUSE TOUR KANSAS CITY

MAY 16 SCOUT STRONG CHALLENGE 5K & HALF MARATHON SPORTING PARK & KANSAS SPEEDWAY

All are invited to participate in this family-friendly 5K and chip timed half marathon. Enjoy an impressive view of Village West's Sporting Park and the Kansas Speedway. Races start at 7:30. Details and registration at ScoutStrongChallenge.com.

Join Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City at the 46th Symphony Designers Showhouse for a tour of the home, box lunch, boutique and raffle a.m. from 10:30 to 1:00 p.m. Make it a special day, invite your friends

THE MOST ELEGANT WAY TO SAVE NATURE GET YOUR JAZZOO TICKETS TODAY!

Revel in creative black-tie attire and help us fundraise for our 1,100 animals.

Celebrate the opening of our new orangutan exhibit with a “party under the canopy” complete with ape-mazing cuisine and fabulous entertainment from:

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

Barclay Martin Ensemble

Big Time Grain Company

DJ Kirby

KC All Stars

Right On Red

Katie Guillen & the Girls

JUNE 5, 2015 816.595.1234 | JAZZOOKC.ORG

52

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

REFACE! Don’t Replace!

Save 50-60%

off the cost of replacing your cabinets with Professional Cabinet Refacing

BEFORE

www.KCWood.com

Professional Installation Since 1989.

kcwoodweb@gmail.com

Call today to visit our showroom.

913.422.3320

Trim Carpentry | Kitchen Cabinets | Countertops | Casework | and much more!

Personalized Care

for Mother & Baby

HCA Midwest Health is pleased to welcome our newest midife, Amy Mendus, CNM, to our team.

Our CNMs provide the women of Greater Kansas City with focused, personal attention and the highest quality care in an advanced setting to help welcome your miracle into the world. We provide...

• • • • •

A family focused approach to the entire birth experience Low intervention labor alternatives Close collaboration with physicians as needed Comprehensive prenatal care and childbirth education Access to the area’s most advanced Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units • Services of our certified nurse midwives at two of our Women’s Care hospitals; Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center

MyMidwestMidwife.com May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

53

Lifestyle Calendar or family and help support their beneficiaries Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. Mail your $30 p/p reservation to Christy Towle, 11415 Manor Road, Leawood, KS 66211 (Reservations due by May 25) More information, Marnie Robinette 913.451.2484.

JUNE 7 TOUR DE CURE FOR DIABETES PARKVILLE

Help stop diabetes by participating in the cycling event for riders of all levels. The fundraiser helps fund research to find a cure for diabetes. To register call 1.888.DIABETES or visit Diabetes.org/KCTour.

JUNE 6 NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IRONWOODS PARK

Join the Leawood Parks & Rec department as they celebrate national trails day with this free event. Stop by the Nature Center, pick up a trail map, a light snack and then explore the trails at Ironwoods Park.

A great event for young scouts. 913.681.0902

spring sale now in progress

6060 W. 105th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 Conveniently located one block east of Metcalf on 105th Street

913.438.3868 www.AMHomeFurnishings.com 54

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

Corks, Community, Culture Sip, snack, and socialize at Stems: A Garden Soireé, hosted by The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This annual summer celebration features fine wine, good food, and live music – all topped off by a fireworks show you won’t want to miss.

Choose your tickets: Patron – $250

Includes: • Exclusive Patron Party on June 18 at the DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel • Early entry to the Stems event • Exclusive patron-only experiences • VIP parking pass • Patron listing in the Stems program

General Admission – $120 Enjoy the wonderful selection of wines from Dos Puentes Winery.

Presenting Sponsors:

JUNE 27, 2015

7-11 P M

Regnier Family Foundation Member FDIC

A place where YOU are known!

Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information.

a garden soirée

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

55

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Two Dogs And A Cat Pet Club (913) 274-3900 twodogsandacatpetclub.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Art & Frame Warehouse (913) 385-9199 afwkc.com

Canyon Farms Golf Club (913) 529-2235 canyonfarmsgolfclub.com

Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928 redcouchphotos@gmail.com

CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com

Kings Quality Auto Sales (913) 851-7400 kingsqualityautosales.com Santa Fe Tow Service (913) 894-5201 santafetowservice.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Kansas City Chiefs (816) 920-4833 goarrowhead.com/tours Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com

Overland Park Regional Medical Center (913) 397-1000 kcfaster.com

Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

Refresh Medical Day Spa and Hormonal Health (913)681-6200

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Saint Luke’s Medical Group (913) 317-7990 saintlukeskc.org/south

Carpet Direct (816) 474-7283 carpetdirectkc.com

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore

Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com

Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

Stems a Garden Soiree (913) 322-6467 stemssoiree.org

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark (913) 312-3110 schlitterbahn.com

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS FINANCIAL SERVICES & ORGANIZATIONS & PLANNING Lees Summit Chamber of Commerce (816) 969-1220 lsmeansbusiness.net

Metcalf Partners (913) 214-3728 metcalfpartners.com

DRY CLEANERS

Retirement Solutions Group (855) 474-7872 rsgusa.net

Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

EDUCATION Park University (888) 319-9522 park.edu

The Barstow School (816) 277-0413 barstowschool.org/visiting

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Blue Valley Recreation Commission (913) 685-6000 bluevalleyrec.org 56

Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com Waddell & Reed (913) 491-9202 donnatilden.wfra.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

Reflections Body Solutions - Body Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 reflectionsbodysolutions.com

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

HOME SERVICES

Granite Garage Floors (913) 752-9906 granitegaragefloors.com KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com Legacy Flooring Gallery (913) 780-6060 legacyflooring1.com LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com Summit Flooring and Turf (816) 886-2747 summitflooringandturf.com

HCA Midwest Health mymidwestmidwife.com

University of Kansas Hospital (913) 588-1227 kumed.com Visiting Nurse Association (816) 531-1200 vnakc.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Gail G. Dicus Keller Williams Realty (913) 709-1060 gaildicus.com The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Gaslight Grill (913) 897-3540 gaslightgrill.com

TRAVEL/LEISURE The Elms Hotel & Spa (800) 843-3567 elmshotelandspa.com

DONNA TILDEN, MBA, CHFC Financial Advisor • Personal & Business Financial Planning • Retirement Planning • Mutual Funds

• Education Funding • Insurance Planning • Estate Planning

Insurance products are offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements.

4000 W. 114th St., Suite 310 Leawood, KS 66211 913-491-9202 www.donnatilden.wrfa.com Waddell & Reed, Inc.

Member SIPC

19436 (01/14)

- past issues - blazing hot deals - business directory - contest registration - get your news in our publications

May 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

57

Parting Thoughts

Of Monkeys & Marriage WORDS MOLLY WILLIAMS

T

hey say in space no one can hear you scream.

I hope the same is true for 300 feet up in a Mexican jungle, flying between the mountain tops, tethered by a seat harness and hanging on for dear life. If not, I left some terrified monkeys in my wake.

After 20 years of Mexican beach trips, I thought I knew what to expect: beachy days with my family under the palapa, foo-foo drinks in carved-out fruit topped with umbrellas, haggling in the flea market if we really wanted to step out. But last year a friend with whom we frequently travel, an otherwise very predictable and fairly proper woman, suggested we go zip-lining. After more than a bit of persuading, my husband and I, our 14-year-old daughter, and my friend and her husband booked a day trip for the mysterious sounding “canopy tour.”

Although the tour company guaranteed our safety, it was considerably out of our comfort zone. The canopy in question is that of the jungle rooftop. We climbed straight up the sides of trees, on skinny slat steps, rounding through the jungle on stepping stones that took us ever higher. We were helmeted, harnessed and wrapped in safety gear, with heavy duty leather gloves for gripping the hooks, cables and pulleys that were the only things between us and the river winding through the rocks nearly 100 meters below.

The activity leaders were expert, patient and took every precaution. When I was finally pushed out from the safety of my tree perch, the jungle fell away behind me, the lush valley opened out before me, and my heart leapt into my throat.

58

Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2015

It was gorgeous, wild, insanely exhilarating, and at least for me, very loud, as I didn’t even try to keep the shrieks in. Fourteen incredible swings from station to station later, we finally descended near the ground, and the adrenaline hadn’t even started to cool. My husband, behind me, was equally pumped by our adventure. He described it well, though. He said that if he had known what it entailed, he probably wouldn’t have gone, but he was thrilled that he had.

That, to me, sums up so much. I realized that afternoon that the wildest adventure of all isn’t the excursion we sought out for vacation diversion, but the one he and I embarked upon more than 20 years ago, having no idea what it would entail. When we set out on our future together, we looked forward to champagne and tuxedos, followed by setting up a merry home filled with family and friends. If someone had told us then that we would occasionally have to hold on for dear life, cursing our impetuousness and screaming into a jungle that couldn’t answer, we probably would’ve stopped in our tracks down the aisle. But we would have missed the excitement and fulfillment of saying yes to things unpredictable and out of our comfort zone.

Life together often feels like swinging free-style through the canopy. Sometimes the monkeys get terrified. But I wouldn’t have missed this adventure for the world. And even now knowing what it would entail, I would have gone.

MENTION THIS Ad &

SAvE $500

We Mean Lifetime.

STONE cOATEd STEEL ROOfS

3120 mph Wind Warranty 32 1/2" Hail Penetration Warranty 3Non Pro-rated Warranty 3Can Reduce Insurance Premiums 3Full-time Certified & Trained Installation Crew 3Locally Owned & Operated 3Fully Licensed & Insured 3Now Installing 6” Gutter Systems

Our stone-coated steel roofs come with a

2.5” HAIL PENETRATION WARRANTY! AvAILAbLE IN A vARIETY Of STYLES ANd cOLORS.

bARREL vAULT

cANYON SHAKE

cLASSIc TILE

GRANITE RIdGE PANEL

Largest installer of stone-coated steel roofs in the US!

913.393.3008

www.MWLifetimeRoofSystems.com

SPONSORED BY

TICKETS STARTING AT $25.

Limited VIP tickets also available with premium seating and post-concert reception with the artist.

A PART OF THE MOLLE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

What’s better than a Pirate?

FRIDAY | 05.15.2015 | 8 P.M. A Pirate with a Degree from Pa FOLLY THEATER University.

Park University’s With the right degree, youInternational can better provide for you Center for Music Artist-inand others. You’ll have access to better opportunitie Residence Behzod Abduraimov brighter future. get it. awaited That’s whyKansas we’ve worked h makes hisWeeagerly removeCity barriers. all youinhave to do is get out of yo recitalSodebut a program that showcases his remarkable talents. He will perform Chopin’s “Ballades No. 1-4,” Schubert’s “Impromptu” Op. 142 and the “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2” by Liszt/Horowitz.