Johnson County September 2015

Johnson County JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Loving Lake

Okoboji

HEROES TO THE FURRY FRIENDS PIERPONT'S AT UNION STATION FIVE YEARS OF COMMUNITY INSPIRATION

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Editor's Letter

Happy anniversary to us!

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nniversaries tend to sneak up on me. At the Harrison house, we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in the evening, when everyone is home from work and school, giving me one more day to go out and get a gift and a card. As organized as I’d like to think I am, I was never going to be that wife or mother who had gifts wrapped and waiting next to the boxes of cereal at the breakfast table.

And so it would seem, the tradition continues. We have an anniversary to celebrate around here, and par for the course, this one snuck up on me.

I really can’t believe it was five years ago that the first issue of Johnson County Lifestyle arrived in your mailboxes. I was teaching middle school at a local Catholic school that year and it was comical to watch my students realize over those first few days of September that the lady whose picture was in the front of that magazine looked a lot like the teacher who was trying to make world geography and U.S. history fun and interesting.

Sixty issues later we’ve brought hundreds and hundreds of stories about our neighbors into your homes. We’ve made you laugh and on occasion we’ve brought tears to your eyes. We’ve introduced you to businesses and venues you might have otherwise missed and we’ve loved every single page of doing what we do.

And according to the notes you’ve sent our way, we’ve inspired you to travel, to adopt a shelter pet, and to deep clean the junk drawers. We told you about the perfect location to host your parents 50th anniversary party, and it would seem that one of my letters inspired a local daughter to opt for the more formal wedding her parents were trying to gently encourage.

SEPTEMBER 2015 editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director Lori Lapka | Lori.Lapka@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Johnston | Mary.Johnston@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com Mike Reilly | Mike.Reilly@ LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carey Welsch | Carey.Welsch@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Ann Butenas, Ashley Hawkins, Kendra Mathewson, Susan Motley, Charles Redfield, Anne Rohling, Anne Potter Russ, Tom Strongman contributing photographers Cassandra Castaneda, Alexis Cook, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman, New Friends Photography

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker, Katy James layout designer | Nicole Sylvester

We are truly honored that you choose to spend a little time with us each month and we’ll continue to do exactly what we’ve been doing. It goes without saying that we couldn’t do any of it without the businesses that put their trust in partnering with us, so please, when you visit one of our advertisers or call for that free estimate, let them know you read about them in Johnson County Lifestyle.

copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park it director | Randy Aufderheide

Stay well neighbors, and I’ll see you around town!

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ON THE COVER Learn more about what makes

Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

Iowa's Lake Okoboji so attractive to so many of our neighbors. Read more on page 20.

7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE IOWA GREAT LAKES

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AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Johnson County’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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September 2015

18 14 Departments 20 Iowa's Lake Okoboji Generations of lake lovers get away to northwestern Iowa’s Great Lakes each summer.

26 It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Getting to know Courtney Thomas at Great Plains SPCA.

20 26

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Hot Spot

16

Star Student

18

Your Neighbor

28

Hometown Hero

32

Driver's Notebook

36

Who's Blogging?

37

Sold Properties

38

Lifestyle Calendar

42 Parting Thoughts

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

Good Times

CASA Superhero 5K

“Every Child Needs a Hero, but Abused Children Need SuperHeroes.” More than 1,000 adults and kids raised $46,000 to help CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) advocate for abused/neglected children.

PHOTOGRAPHY TRACIE LANSING PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOE COULTER

Mason Masloski with Samantha McKee holding Baxter the dog

Andra Bessenbacher, Paige Sopyla and Brian Bessenbacher with KC Sporting mascot Calvin

Nina Kimbrough

Lindsy Beck, Jamie Kelley, TJ Kelley, Catelyn Cahill, and Jesse Smith

Jess Lloyd

Mike Steinmetz and Sloane Withers-Marney

Mick and Patty Matthews, honorary chairs

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Around Town AREA CHARITY TO ASSIST WITH POLICE DOG SUPPORT Most police dogs are cross-trained, so they can track people and drugs. They learn to scent on the ground, for the scent trail that a person leaves, and in the air. Air scenting is important, because that way a dog can sense if a suspect has circled back around to ambush the officer.

The K9s are expected to do all of the disciplines in which they are certified. A majority of the local K9s are certified in narcotics, obedience, aggression, building and area search, article search and tracking. All certifications are completed through the North American Police Work Dog Association.

Going to the Dogs, a new 501c3 nonprofit organization, focuses its efforts on improving the well-being of law enforcement's K9s. The Board of Directors for Going to the Dogs works with law enforcement agencies on both sides of the state line to provide assistance for the K9 units. With budgetary constraints at the federal and state level, Going to the Dogs plans to fill the gap when funding is an issue.

Going to the Dogs is hosting their first fundraising event Thursday, October 15, at the Alexander Majors House and Barn starting at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact GoingToTheDogs2015@gmail.com.

MITZVAH GARDEN KANSAS CITY The Mitzvah Garden Kansas City, a faith-based, community-supported vegetable garden located in southern Johnson County, is proud to announce that it has completed the fourth and final stage of its longterm sustainability project. On a mission to provide healthy food alternatives to those less fortunate in our community, Mitzvah Garden KC has been powered by local volunteers and has produced and provided organically-grown produce to local food pantries free of charge.

Mitzvah Garden KC is anticipating a much larger harvest in the years to come and is hopeful that more people of Kansas City will volunteer to help. For more information, visit MitzvahGardenKC.com or contact Gay Handler at 913.345.1118.

KING LOUIE REPURPOSED AS ARTS & HERITAGE CENTER Johnson County's AAA credit rating helped the county achieve a better-than-market interest rate on the $21,460,000 in bonds issued to fund the new Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. Slated for a 2017 opening, the former King Louie bowing and ice rink building will serve as the new home for the Johnson County Museum, provide an indoor theater for The Theater in the Park, include space for Johnson County Parks & Recreation District art and culture programming, and become a new advance voting site.

AMGUTTERS CELEBRATES MILESTONE AMGutters.com celebrates a milestone of repairing and replacing more than 20,000 professionally installed gutters in the Kansas City area. Known for their quality work and lifetime guaranteed solutions, and based in Olathe for over 28 years, they are the preferred dealer for the Rhino Gutter Guard and Gutter Glove guttering systems. Their goal has always been to provide a professional, quality solution and service before your gutters cause other problems to your home. As a 12

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

second-generation, family-owned company, they stake their reputation on their customers' satisfaction. For more information to solve a gutter problem or replace your gutters visit AMGutters.com or call 913.780.0381 for a free quote over the phone.

NEW SPA RETREAT IN OVERLAND PARK For seven years, Sunlight Day Spa has been the premier destination spa in the Kansas City metro. With increased demand and fully booked services, they have recently expanded their space located at I-435 and Metcalf. Renovations include additional treatment rooms to keep up with demand for aesthetic and massage services and Sunlighten™ purifying treatments, an ADA accessible treatment room and a couples retreat. The new lobby welcomes guests with a serine, earthy ambiance with a wooded area and waterfall that complements their famous beaded relaxation room. This is a must-see transformation. Get the kids back in school and transcend into relaxation at the all new Sunlight Day Spa. With the holidays around the corner, now is the time to book holiday spa parties and to buy holiday gift certificates.

PARTNERSHIP BRINGS GOLF TO STUDENTS The Shawnee Mission School District and the Midwest Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) are pleased to announce an exciting partnership to bring a new program to Shawnee Mission students.

The Midwest Section of the PGA’s Starting New at Golf (SNAG) in School program will be a part of the Shawnee Mission School District physical education curriculum, in kindergarten through eighth grade, starting in the fall of 2015. Matthew Johnson, director of student activities and athletics, reports that more than 20,000 students in elementary and middle schools have the chance to learn golfing skills through the SNAG in School program.

The program is being funded through a grant from the Midwest Section of the PGA, which will help provide equipment for schools and training for educators. Tom Aikmus, PGA professional at Lake Quivira and Matt Murdoch, PGA teaching professional at Mission Hills Country Club, will serve as task force managers of SNAG in School for the district.

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Hot Spot

Surf and turf

Moscow Mule

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

WHO WAS PIERPONT? The restaurant is named for American financier John Pierpont “JP” Morgan. In the late 1800s, Morgan was a world-famous financier, art collector and banker whose corporate dominance helped merge companies in order to form the likes of General Electric and United Steel Corporation. His reputation as a railroad baron made him the perfect namesake for an iconic restaurant located in a railway landmark such as Union Station.

PIERPONT'S at UNION STATION ARTICLE LISA HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

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ometimes the treasures around us are tucked into slightly outof-the-way corners and we forget they are there. Such is the case with Pierpont’s at Union Station. I never tire of taking in the architectural details of this amazing building and am so glad an establishment such as Pierpont’s continues to call Union Station home.

Their approachable lunch menu combined with a knowledgeable and polished wait staff make Pierpont’s the perfect destination for those who work downtown and need to entertain out-of-town clients. It is also the perfect place to share with visitors when touring area venues like the Money Museum, Liberty Memorial, Science City, Crown Center and Steamboat Arabia. The impressive marble staircase, dark wood, and soaring walls with plaster details unseen in today's modern architecture will give your guests something to remember.

Entrees include extensive seafood offerings as well as pasta dishes, salads and of course an impressive selection of mouth-watering steak.

If you’re looking for lighter fare, soups, salads and starters could be paired for those with lighter appetites.

I ordered the taleggio grilled cheese sandwich ($8) which is prepared with cherry jam, applewood smoked bacon fresh herbs, served on a sourdough roll. Just as I suspected, it was a grilled cheese classic created for the grown-ups. The flavors blended together perfectly. My husband opted for the 12-hour short rib sandwich ($10) which was dressed with honey barbeque sauce, poblano coleslaw and sliced pickles on a potato bun. A flawless Kansas City classic on a bun. Enough said.

Side dish options for sandwiches include sautéed forest mushrooms, steak or sweet potato fries, asparagus with garlic butter, sautéed green beans and garlic whipped mashed potatoes, all for just $4.

I can’t recall the last time I enjoyed such a delightful lunch for just $12 and the ambiance was certainly worth every penny.

The next time you have a special event to celebrate and want to add a Fountain City icon to the festivities, remember this Kansas City treasure.

Steak Oscar

PIERPONT'S 30 W Pershing Rd Kansas City, Mo. 816.842.8718 Pierponts.com September 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Star Student

BVW Graduate

Collin Wiles

Hits the Minor Leagues ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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lue Valley West graduate Collin Wiles was the 53rd player selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft by the Texas Rangers.

The right-handed pitcher is now in his second full season of professional baseball. He missed a great deal of the 2014 season with an arm injury, but he is making up for it this year with all-star season for the Hickory Crawdads in Class A South Atlantic League.

In his first 15 games for the Crawdads, he was 9-3 with an ERA of 2.22 in 89 innings. He has just walked 18 and struck out 56.

Thanks to this record, he was named to the league’s all-star game held in July and his team is doing well.

“Our season is going great,” says Wiles. “We won the first half of the season and by doing so have guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.”

This has been a breakout season for the former Jaguar.

What has been the key to success for the six-foot, four-inch, 212-pound right-handed pitcher?

“I’m just trying to be the pitcher I know I can be and continue to get better each outing,” he says. “I’m not trying to over think or outsmart myself on the mound, but rather just focus on each and every pitch and execute one by one.”

He has made one change.

“I added a slider to my repertoire in the off-season and that has helped pitching to lefties,” says Wiles. “But other than that just fast ball command and overall command of all pitches has been the key.

Knowing that in any given count I can execute the pitch that I want in the way that I want is very reassuring.”

Life in the minor leagues is not the same as the teams in Major League Baseball. There are no plane flights and staying in first class hotels.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

“The minor league lifestyle can be tough, let me tell you,” says Wiles. “The bus trips up and down the east coast are rough, not to mention some of the hotels you stay in aren’t the best quality and or in the best areas. It takes a little time to get used to it. I’ve been acclimated and have adjusted to it, but I know some first year guys who are getting their first taste of it.”

This makes it harder to perform well in the games.

“Long bus trips turn into early morning check-ins at motels, but then you’re expected to perform your absolute best that same night,” he says. “It can all seem like a whirlwind at times, but it is all part of the job.”

Wiles was just 17 years old when he graduated from Blue Valley West in 2012.

He was a 6A all-state pick in his senior year at West and signed a big contract with the Rangers shortly after his 18th birthday.

Recently retired BVW baseball coach Bill McDonald remembers Wiles.

“Collin has a great intensity to wanting to succeed as a pitcher,” says McDonald. “He had a focus on the mound that was as good as any pitcher I have had. His intensity carried over into our dugout. He wants to win and he expected his teammates to feel the same way.

I enjoyed my time with Collin as his coach very much.”

What is the Rangers’ farm hand’s philosophy of baseball?

“To have fun,” he says. “You have to have fun if you’re playing baseball because at the end of the day its a game and games are fun. No matter how good its going or how bad it gets, never let it get you down. The good thing about baseball is there’s always another game tomorrow.”

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Your Neighbor

BIG

OR SMALL

Dogs Quickly Become Family ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY AND PROVIDED

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ren are large size, child d Despite their an er ng Ra ated by rarely intimid to interact up ht rig e m Bella, and co with them.

ichelle Suter remembers the first time she saw a Great Pyrenees dog. Actually, she saw three.

“It was years ago in Loose Park,” Suter says. “I saw a man walking three polar bears and I stopped to talk to him because I’d never seen dogs that big. Another patron at the park said he’d seen these dogs lounging in front of their owner’s house and they’d taken up the whole yard.”

Little did she know that she’d have “polar bears” of her own some day.

Suter got her first dog from a shelter when she was three. She picked Mugs, a black and tan mix. Growing up, her family owned a Dalmatian, a yellow lab, a cairn terrier, and a cockapoo.

A long time resident of the area, Suter graduated from Shawnee Mission South, Oklahoma State University, and Washburn Law School. As an adult, she was busy starting her own law firm, Commercial Law Group in OverMichelle Suter enjoys some sunshine and warm temland Park, in 1998. peratures with her “puppy” It was Christmas 2001 Ranger, who, at 3 years old when Suter decided was weighs 160 pound. ready to get a dog. A friend called to say she had puppies With two large dogs, Sutand asked if Suter would like to er says that shedding can be come see them. There she met the a challenge. “They have a mom, Gigi, a purebred Great Pyrenees. top or guard coat and then The nine puppies were a mix of Great an undercoat that is soft Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd. fluffy fur. The undercoat is Doing some quick research, Suter what makes a mess. learned that Great Pyrenees are won- Michelle Suter takes a break from “For a few days in the suma walk with her dogs, Ranger, 3, and Bell a, 13. derful dogs. They are intelligent and mer, when I come down in sweet. She fell in love with an all white, the morning or get home from female puppy that looked like her mother. She took her home, and work in the evening, it looks like there’s been a pillow fight!” named her Bella.

According to Suter, the Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed from After having Bella for three years, Suter wanted another dog and France and named after the Pyrenees Mountains. These dogs are searched for a purebred Great Pyrenees. She added Jolie to the family. in charge of sheep and goats and live out with the herds.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

“Barking can be an issue because they tend to keep watch at your house,” Suter say. “But I found out girl dogs are bred to ‘sound the alarm’ to danger. I just had to acknowledge them and say good job and they’d stop barking. Their job was done.”

Sadly, Jolie died unexpectedly two years ago. In order to aid with the healing, especially for Bella, Suter sought another dog and found Ranger, a purebred Great Pyrenees. He is now three years old and, at 160 pounds, is her largest dog.

“I got Ranger when he was 18 months old and 100 pounds. He came from a family who could no longer keep him. He is great with kids and always excited to see them.”

Michell e cats as Suter is as com sh fo with tig e is with big d rtable with b ig ers in P ogs. He huket, a re n island she sits in Thail and.

Suter clearly considers her dogs as part of her family. She loves to take Bella, now 13, and Ranger out and about town.

“We take walks around the neighborhood and go to local dog parks. They come to the office with me on Fridays during the summer. We go to PetSmart, Three Dog Bakery and Land of Paws. They are well socialized.”

It’s impossible for Suter to go anywhere with her dogs and not get noticed! She reports kids love the dogs and come right up to them. She says it’s a good opportunity to teach them about big dogs and how to behave around them.

“Some adults are more nervous at first,” Suter says.

Clearly Suter is an animal lover. But apparently this love extends beyond Great Pyrenees and even beyond dogs.

“I have been fortunate to go humpback whale watching in Hawaii. I swam with dolphins in Key Largo, sat with tigers in Phuket, and fed baby elephants in Thailand,” she says. “I’ve pet kangaroos and wallabies, and held koalas in Australia. I guess you could say I love all animals!”

But closer to home it is her dogs that bring Suter joy on a daily basis. And, when they are away from home, the dogs bring smiles and giggles to almost everyone they meet, so she’s happy to share the joy.

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19

OKOBOJI TRUE NORTH Generations of lake lovers get away to northwestern Iowa’s Great Lakes each summer.

ARTICLE ANNE ROHLING | PHOTOGRAPHY IOWA GREAT LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

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estled among Iowa’s wide-open acres of fertile farmland and sleepy small towns, just shy of the Minnesota border, a group of six glacial lakes glisten in the sunlight as devoted visitors approach. If your trip begins in south Kansas City, as it does for my family a few times each year, you’ll travel about 350 miles of country highways leading almost straight north. We share the roads and a two-finger wave with trucks, tractors, and countless rows of corn. Then, like magic, the roads give way to sparkling blue waters and the promise of rest and merriment just beyond the fields of green.

“Okoboji” collectively refers to the chain of interconnected lakes and townships that surround them. The lakes cover 12,000 acres with nearly 70 miles of shoreline. The largest are Spirit Lake (northern most, reaching into Minnesota and spanning 5,685 acres), West Lake Okoboji (spring fed and 136 feet at its deepest, where some brave souls actually scuba dive) and East Lake Okoboji, separated by Highway 71, which you can cruise under while boating from West to East Lake on your way to the Barefoot Bar (if so inclined). The word “Okoboji” derives from Dakota Sioux language meaning “great waters, reeds or rushes.” But in my family lexicon, Okoboji means “vacation” in every sense of the word.

BLUE WATER PLAYGROUND

Opportunities to relax here are abundant, as are water activities and lakeside attractions to satisfy the most adventurous spirit. That is, if you decide to venture from the lazy spot you’ve laid claim to on the deck, beach or dock. You can enjoy boat cruises along West Lake’s many bays and coves, water skiing, swimming, sailing (complete with yacht club, sailing school and weekend regattas), canoeing, kayaking, and acclaimed fishing for walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass and more. Not to mention the shopping!

The dining! The nightlife!

No boat? No problem! Local marinas, resorts and specialty shops rent or sell all your

water sport and transportation needs. There are summer camps for children and teens, such as the YMCA’s Camp Foster, central to family traditions for generations. Arnolds Park, a lakeside landmark and amusement park, has entertained visitors since the late 1800s. The park boasts more than 30 rides and attractions, featuring a 65-foot Ferris wheel overlooking the water and one of America’s oldest wooden rollercoasters, the Legend, with its iconic apex, “The Point of no Return” – a must for every bucket list.

If dry land is more your speed, there are campgrounds and lodging for every group and budget, whether you’re looking for rustic, turn-of-the-century cabins or more modern accommodations. Any golfers in your crew? Five nearby courses beckon, as do more than 50 miles of hiking/biking trails, seven state parks, serene picnic areas and nature observation points, art and history museums, live music and even live theatre. Check out all that Okoboji has to offer at: VacationOkoboji.com.

VACATION LEGACIES

Marilyn Witt Tampke, of Leawood, has visited Okoboji her entire life, as have her five children. While growing up in Omaha, her parents would stay at The Inn, a vintage resort built more than 100 years ago. By the 1980s, the Witt family invested in their own summer home at West Lake’s Sandpiper Cove. “One of the things that makes Okoboji so special is that it doesn’t change, year after year, decade after decade,” says Tampke. “Beautiful lake houses of all shapes and sizes line the shore. No high rises, no huge resorts. Just ‘lakey’ places.” Among her dearest rituals: “I loved going to Arnolds Park as a child, my children love it and hopefully in a few years I will bring my grandchildren to the park. Okoboji is my true north.” Marilyn’s husband, Scott, bikes the trail around the lake over and over again. “He loves Okoboji almost as much as I do,” she says.

Dolly Rohling Simpson, of Omaha, is another Okoboji devotee with a wealth of lake knowledge and fond memories to share. As a little CONTINUED >

September 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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girl from Council Bluffs, Iowa in the 1930s, Dolly recalls staying in cottages on West Lake’s Manhattan Beach long before the Okoboji Yacht Club settled there. “The roads around the lake were poor in those days, so steamboats ferried passengers to and fro. The cottages where we stayed had a flag on the dock that we raised to signal the Queen to come by and pick us up,” she remembers. “It was such a thrill to ride on the Queen.” The original steam-driven boats of the era were retired as road transportation improved. But the community has kept the excursion boat tradition alive. Today the Queen II sails across West Lake a few times each day, as the captain shares maritime history with tourists and toots the boat’s distinct horn when fans wave from shore.

FRIENDLY OASIS IS NO MYTH

The word “Okoboji” derives from Dakota Sioux language meaning “great waters, reeds or rushes.”

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

A charming bit of folklore surrounds the Iowa Great Lakes and is worth exploring during your stay. Published documents and word of mouth through the years attest that West Lake Okoboji is one of only three “blue lakes” in the world.

Likely not, say experts from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. But the water quality has officially been rated “exceptional” for the region, providing bragging rights all the same.

And while you’re conducting water studies, consider obtaining a degree from that hallowed (albeit mythical) institution, the University of Okoboji. You too can join one of the most prestigious alumni clubs around, where most students “major” in goodwill and celebration.

Many U of O festivities (as well as “Campus” attire and memorabilia) sprung up nearly 40 years ago, thanks to the playful imaginations of Herman and Emil Richter. The Richter brothers proudly own and operate The Three Sons clothing store in nearby Milford, Iowa, “The place to go when it’s time to look good on Campus.” Campus spirit has inspired annual events including the U of O Winter Games, a regional Youth Soccer Tournament, the Campus Bike Ride and Homecoming Triathlon/Marathon to celebrate the camaraderie that comes from just a few pleasant hours spent at Okoboji U. From Nutty Bars along Queen’s Court to treats at The Sugar Shack in the Central Emporium, Okoboji’s friendly hosts, scenic views and proud history leave an indelible mark on visitors. Just as the glaciers did in northwestern Iowa over 14,000 years ago.

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Getting To Know Courtney Thomas at Great Plains SPCA ARTICLE ANNE POTTER RUSS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

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ourtney Thomas, president and CEO of Great Plains SPCA, feels as if she needs a huge umbrella and some rain boots… after all, it is usualwo C ly metaphorically raining cats and dogs and other domestic of SP P the G pets everywhere she turns. This energetic, smart, spunky lover tho lled a u c s ands o of animals presides over two campuses in our metro area: one in o f k i t te n s a n d ca t s w h Any four-legged furMerriam and one in Independence. Both campuses are the result of a ry friend in Kansas City merger of two life-saving organizations; Animal Haven and No More (and their owners) should be eternally Homeless Pets KC in June of 2011. With Courtney’s guidance, both locations serve the metro KC area and deliver services for pets, such as grateful for the fact that this North Carolina gal with a degree in comprehensive affordable medical care, adoption services and innova- accounting ended up relocating to our area. Courtney’s passion tive community programs. In addition to taking in lost and stray pets, is animal welfare, and her practice is proving that our animal GPSPCA also provides services for the community. Anyone can bring friends deserve the compassion and care that they now receive. in a pet for veterinary services like general wellness checks, vaccinations She is a relentless advocate for pets and strays and provides the and microchipping, heartworm diagnosis and treatment, blood work inspiration and the innovation for her staff and volunteers to impact the lives of 800 pets a day. and diagnostics, dental cleaning, and various surgical procedures.

In the last few years, Courtney has literally and figuratively been herding cats. She has taken the least desirable, yet functional, facilities and parlayed them into brand new, state of the art centers serving everyone’s needs.

Besides overcoming physical facility needs, Courtney has also breathed life into community outreach and engagement. This is just a sampling of what she and her team are up to: • Encouraging residents to shelter pets in their homes • Operating an intake process which facilitates surrendering a pet to the facility, rather than just leaving it on the streets • Providing a Behavior and Training program to help adoptive parents and pets adapt to each other • Young Heroes Camp, providing education and interaction regarding animal welfare to young children during the summer • SASSY Program (Shelter Animlas + Seniors + Supportive Youth) – helping seniors lead productive and fulfilling lives by creating and strengthening relationships with pets • Operation Furballs – a low-cost spay and neuter program • Working with PACK (Pet/Animal Coalition of Kansas) an animal advocacy group working to help animals in the metro, state and region through legislation.

As if all of that weren’t enough, the GPSPCA group makes pet care and adoption fun!

They have created a permanent and pervasive social media presence; they find themes for pet adoption events (think holidays and costumes); they appreciate and applaud kids who hold fundraisers or birthday gifting parties for animals; and they fancy themselves matchmakers for people and pets.

Despite Courtney’s incredible success with animal welfare, there are still some enormous challenges ahead. Here is what she wants us to know: • Their needs are ongoing… 800 pets per day need help • A new intake facility is needed • More education is essential in the community and neighborhood outreach efforts • And, of course donations and volunteers are always needed! People are needed to walk dogs, socialize cats, work special events, assist in the medical center, and provide administrative help to the office.

Her parting words to animal lovers everywhere are, “Come and visit and you will fall in love! It is not a sad place, it is a place of great hope for our furry friends.”

And, if you see Courtney running around in a rain coat and rain boots, just know she’s trying to keep her head above water!

WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP GREAT PLAINS SPCA AND OUR COMMUNITY AFLOAT:

• 3.5 tons of pet food distributed to the community in 2013 • 16.5 tons of pet food distributed to the community in 2014 • 5,682 pets found forever homes in 2013 • 6,656 pets found forever homes in 2014 • 15,000+ community pets seen at GPSPCA vet clinics in 2013 • 21,000 community pets seen at GPSPCA vet clinics in 2014 • 4,500 shelter pets spayed or neutered in 2014 • 1,300 lost pets reunited with families in 2014 • 96.5% live release from GPSPCA in 2014 For more information, please visit

GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

Hometown Hero

Running Toward a Challenge KELLY CANNOVA AND THE OVERRUN 5K: HOW 3.1 MILES CAN POTENTIALLY MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE ARTICLE ANN BUTENAS | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK AND PROVIDED

W

hen faced with unimaginable challenges in life, the instinct for some is to run away from them. Those who prefer to defy their fear may run directly into the challenge. And then there are those who go above and beyond and run for the challenge.

Leawood resident Kelly Cannova is one such individual.

In late 2011, her mother, now 72, was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer, a revelation that seemed unbelievable to Cannova at the time.

“My mom was always the picture of health,” says Cannova.

“She has always exercised, eaten well and does not smoke or drink. When we learned of her diagnosis, our lives were turned upside down.”

While the diagnosis may have temporarily stunned Cannova, she focused her energies on a more positive approach. First on her agenda was a visit with Dr. Andy

28

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

Godwin, deputy director, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, who leads the center’s ovarian cancer research efforts. It was then she discovered that, although there is some research being done in the study of ovarian cancer, it is somewhat limited.

“There is a lag in the research as this is a difficult disease to decipher and federal funding is low,” Cannova emphasized. “There aren’t a lot of advocates for these women who are typically too sick to advocate for themselves. I realized they needed a stronger voice.”

That voice came in the form of a race event that Cannova, an avid runner since age 13, decided would be a great means by which to not only raise funds for ovarian cancer research, but also to raise awareness. On Sunday, October 25th, the fourth annual OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Southcreek Office Park at 7200 West 132nd Street in Overland Park.

Around the time Cannova learned of her mother’s diagnosis, she also learned that a longtime friend, Kristi O’Keefe, also of CONTINUED >

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Leawood, had a sister who had been diagnosed two years earlier. Together, they organized the race and The OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation, an organization with a mission of funding the much-needed research for this insidious disease.

If caught early, the prognosis for ovarian cancer can be good, but since the symptoms tend to mimic other ailments, the disease can quickly advance to an end-stage diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, the four major symptoms of ovarian cancer are bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; feeling full quickly after eating or difficulty eating; and urinary symptoms such as increased frequency or urgency. While certainly other things can cause these symptoms, if they persist, then that is a good indicator to see a doctor.

Cannova spends countless hours throughout the year in preparation for this event, but embraces it as a true labor of love.

“Our board wants to educate women on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer (which is designated by a teal ribbon color),” states Cannova. “We have lost too many mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces and friends just because the symptoms are so subtle.”

Cannova feels blessed to have an amazing board, which also includes O’Keefe, Kelley Rast, Rae Letourneau and Jennifer Duke, all of whom have been touched by this disease in some manner.

“This is more than just another 5k Run/Walk or 1 Mile Walk,” she notes. “It’s a day of hope for family and friends touched by ovarian cancer, many of whom create teams, as well as a day of awareness for those who show up to run a 5k with a purpose.

Cannova is proud to say the race has generated $85,000 in funds to date, all of which goes directly to ovarian cancer research and patient advocacy in the Kansas City area, after event expenses.

Kelley Rast, Rae Latourneau, Jennifer Duke, Kristi O’Keefe, Kelly Cannova

“I am amazed and thankful for the outpouring of support from the community,” says Cannova.

For more information, go online at OVERRUNOvarianCancer.com.

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Driver's Notebook

The GLA is Mercedes’ Smallest CUV

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

C

ompact crossovers continue to populate the automotive landscape. These scaled-down utility vehicles are primed for urban use because they are small enough to slip easily through congestion, haul various kinds of cargo and do so while returning good gas mileage.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic is one of the newest and it’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 208 horsepower. The base price of $33,300 puts it squarely in the sight of young buyers. The all-wheel-drive GLA is related to the CLA sedan. A front-wheel-drive GLA will be available next spring for about $2,000 less.

Styling makes the new crop of compact crossovers appealing, and the little Benz is one of the best looking of its kind. It has a bold nose and a low, sleek roof that ends in a large tailgate.

The GLA, at 173 inches long, 60 inches tall and 71 inches wide, is the smallest crossover Mercedes offers. It is roughly 5 inches shorter and 8 inches lower than the larger GLK crossover whose base price is about $8,000 more.

Even though all-wheel drive is standard, and the car sits further off the ground (for that very occasional off-road trek), the GLA feels and drives like a sedan. The test car’s optional 19-inch wheels filled the fenders nicely and added a beefy look but the ride was often rather thumpy over expansion strips or sharp bumps. There was a fair amount of road or tire noise through the cabin at highway speeds as well.

When I pushed the GLA hard into a turn the tires felt a bit mushy.

The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. I only drove the car for a little more than a day, and the onboard computer read 21.4 mpg in city driving.

32

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

The twin-scroll turbo delivers decent torque, but I found that off-the-mark acceleration was a bit soft, due in part to the seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic’s tendency to shift into as high a gear as possible for optimum mileage. Mercedes says the base GLA hits 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds and has a top track speed of 130 mph. Switching from Eco to Sport mode brought noticeable life to the car although mileage would suffer some. The engine seemed a bit noisy at full throttle.

Performance buffs will be pleased to know that a GLA45 AMG is also available. Mercedes says it is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo in the world. It has 355 horsepower, and that’s a power output of 178 horsepower per liter. The base price for that jewel is $48,300.

The transmission has a mode for light off-road use. The DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) mode enables the car to control itself on steep descents. The LCD screen has an off-road display that shows percent of gradient, a compass, the roll angle and DSR activation.

The GLA’s interior reflects the youthful audience for which the car is intended. Five round air vents dominate the instrument panel. A wood grain or metallic trim panel arcs across the dash behind the vents, creating a feeling of open space and style.

Mbrace2 is an infotainment system that provides emergency notification as well as on-the-go access to the Internet. Owners are able to use their smartphone to lock or unlock the car from a distance and instantly find it in a parking lot.

A 5.8-inch LCD screen (7 inches if you choose the multimedia option) sits in the center of the instrument panel. Navigation CONTINUED >

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Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

Driver's Notebook

(CONTINUED)

has a three-dimensional map option and a rearview camera. A mouse-like knob on the console can be used for navigation, telephone and audio settings but separate controls are also located on the instrument panel. Climate-control knobs and buttons are housed near the front of the console.

Voice commands are also possible.

The front seats were nicely sculpted and comfortable for daily as well as sporty driving. Back-seat legroom was adequate, but those taller than six feet will be crowded.

The back seat folds flat and there is a central pass-through to accommodate long items such as skis without having to fold the seat. The test car had a power tailgate.

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35

O

Lori Fairchild Shares Everyday Truths

OLATHE BLOGGER IS GROWING HER ONLINE AUDIENCE

nline blogs give writers an opportunity to share their words with a world-wide audience. We enjoy introducing our readers to local bloggers we think they might enjoy following.

Johnson County Lifestyle: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Lori Fairchild: I’m a wife and mother of two daughters, ages 11 and 13. I work as a freelance writer and editor from home because I love the flexibility it gives me. I spend a lot of my time at the hockey rink and soccer field watching my girls play and practice. In my free time, I write curriculum and help lead the moms’ group at Westside Family Church.

JCL: When did you start blogging?

LF: In May of 2011.

JCL: Why did you start blogging?

LF: I had taught a Bible study about teaching your kids about God in the everyday moments of life, and I started the blog as an extension of that study.

JCL: Who is the target audience for your blog?

LF: Moms of kids of any age who are looking for e couragement to find the meaningful moments in the stress of everyday life.

JCL: How often do you blog?

LF: I used to blog every day, but in the season of life I’m in right now, I aim for a couple of times a week.

JCL: Where do you get the inspiration for your posts?

LF: Inspiration for my posts comes from our life. Raising kids is an adventure, and I like to share both the successes and the failures I have as a parent trying to raise kids who are independent, love God and who will make a difference in the world.

JCL: How many readers does your blog have?

LF: I have about 600 people on my email list and about 2000 followers on my blog Facebook page.

JCL: What's been the most popular/viewed post on your blog to date?

LF: The most viewed in a single day would be a post I wrote in February called “Refuse to Let Evil Win” about dealing with our fear in the face of a child abduction. The most-viewed ever is a post I wrote a couple years ago called “A Message to My Daughters” about all the things I want them to know even when the world is telling them something different.

JCL: What's your favorite local restaurant/ family attraction?

LF: For restaurants, our family loves Five Guys. My personal favorite local attraction is the World War I Museum. It’s a treasure trove of a period of history that is fast being forgotten. I think every family should visit it.

JCL: What else do you want us to know?

LF: I have written an e-book called Everyday Christmas, which is a devotional that includes practical ways to put the focus on Jesus during the busiest season of the year. I also have a new book, Everyday Truth, that was just published this spring. I love to write. I teach writing two days a week at a homeschool enrichment program in Gardner. Learning to write well is something that will help you no matter what profession you choose.

I think being a mom is the single most important job I will ever have in my life.

Read more at EverydayTruth.net.

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Monday - Friday: 9 to 3 Saturday: 10 to 6 Sunday: Noon to 6 36

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

Photos by Sara Marie Photography

Who's Blogging?

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

dom*

%sold/list

bdrms

baths

Leawood Lanes

$1,895,000

$1,947,500

136

97%

5

4.2

Lionsgate - The Links

$1,695,000

$1,600,000

35

94%

6

6.2

Hallbrook

$1,550,000

$1,475,000

64

95%

5

4.1

Hallbrook

$1,550,000

$1,325,000

412

85%

5

5.2

Mills Farm

$1,150,000

$1,051,000

26

91%

5

5.1

Estates of Gleneagles

$1,100,000

$1,000,000

34

91%

5

4.1

Town & Country Manor

$1,029,950

$1,000,000

83

97%

5

5.2

Apple Valley Estates

$869,000

$860,000

102

99%

4

6.1

Brookland

$850,000

$828,000

3

97%

5

3.2

Lionsgate - The Links

$799,000

$760,000

369

95%

5

4.1

Wilshire Farms

$764,950

$740,000

60

96%

7

6.1

Nottingham St. Andrews

$700,000

$697,500

1

99%

5

5.1

Deer Creek

$649,900

$621,600

54

95%

5

3.3

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 07-01-15 through 07-31-15. *DOM=Days on Market.

September 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

37

September Lifestyle Calendar

SEPTEMBER 10 - 12

SEPTEMBER 14

MTH'S A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

POWER CHECK

MUSICAL THEATER HERITAGE AT CROWN CENTER

GEZER PARK

Enjoy a fabulous 90-minute performance with table-side bar service. An original event, specially designed and crafted to highlight the individual performer, their stories, favorite songs, and anything else they'd like to share. A truly unique, upscale theatrical experience you will never forget. 816,221,6987 or MTHKC.com.

Ten- to 14-year-old boys and their families are invited to this free evening of fitness and fun hosted by Boy Scout Troop 10 featuring: Simple Science Juices – nutrition information and samples; BikeSource – how to do simple bike repairs; Midwest Aquatics – learn why swimming may be the best sport for you/scuba info and equipment available; Garmin – VivoFits available for try-ons and learn how to use one to track heart rate, BMI, etc. They will raffle off several VivoFits; StinkBoss – see special machines that take the stink out of shoes!

SEPTEMBER 10 CHEERS FOR CHALLENGER TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS, OVERLAND PARK

Beverages, live music, and a silent and live auction benefiting the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Challenger sports and recreational activities for young people with special needs and the accessible facilities at the Fred and Shirley Pryor YMCA Challenger Sports Complex. KansasCityYMCA.org/Challenger.

SEPTEMBER 11 TRICOM GOLF TOURNAMENT FALCON RIDGE GOLF CLUB

The TriCom Golf Tournament to Benefit MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) will take place at the Falcon Ridge Golf Club in Lenexa. MOCSA is the bi-state area’s only rape-crisis center, and reached more than 60,000 people last year through it’s free services. Teams of four can be purchased for $800; for more information, visit Mocsa.org.

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 KANSAS CITY CHALK AND WALK FESTIVAL CROWN CENTER SQUARE

The Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival is one of the few FREE festivals in Kansas City. This year’s theme is GAMES.

SEPTEMBER 13 CIAO BOW WOW OLATHE

We’re unLEASHing the fun when people and their pooches eat pizza to raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Pups will get human-quality pizza, breadsticks and gelato made for dogs, special gifts, and commemorative photos. SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza at 14230 W. 119th St. Reservations required. SpinPizza.com/ciaobowwow 38

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

SEPTEMBER 18 OCTOBER 4 THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE MISSION

The Barn Players will present the carefree, zany, roaring 20s musical at the Barn Players Theatre. Kansas-girl Millie goes to New York City in 1922 looking for a new life style and with hopes of finding a rich husband. Darn near perfect entertainment for the entire family.

SEPTEMBER 18 DINNER ON THE PRAIRIE

OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

Revel in an atmosphere of the 1800s with horse-drawn wagons, campfires and hay bales combined with cocktails, entertainment and fine dining. OPABG.org

SEPTEMBER 18 BLANCO Y NEGRO KANSAS CITY

Please join Guadalupe Centers, Inc at the premier awards banquet in the Latino community. Blanco y Negro acts as the formal kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month in KC. This event supports youth scholarships, in addition to all services provided by KC’s oldest nonprofit, Guadalupe Centers. With a new campus in the northeast area, GCI now supports an even wider range of the KC population. The event includes dinner, dancing, live entertainment and more.

SEPTEMBER 19 WALK & ROLL LENEXA

Join the Friends of Johnson County Development Supporters for an event at Black Hoof Park. A health and wellness endeavor in support of Friends mission-critical work. The Walk & Roll will engage the 420 JCDS clients along with their family and friends.

SEPTEMBER 19

SEPTEMBER 21

KC ENERGY & WEATHERPROOFING 101

GOLF CLASSIC FOR THE MISSION PROJECT

LEAWOOD

LAKE QUIVIRA COUNTRY CLUB

The Leawood Sustainability Council invites all residents to a presentation about energy waste prevention. Two local speakers will share important information for homeowners. The event is free but an RSVP for planning and refreshments is appreciated. 913.663.9154

A $150 ticket gets each golfer lunch and dinner, green fees, drinks and snacks delivered to the course, cart fee and use of the driving range. Players compete for prizes and can bid on golf gadgets and more in a silent auction. TheMissionProject.org

SEPTEMBER 19

SEPTEMBER 24

TASTE OF LEAWOOD

JAMMIN' ON THE GREEN

TOWN CENTER PLAZA

SHAWNEE TOWN

Don't miss the Harvest Moon Concert with the Kansas City Ukesters. The ukulele was one of THE most popular musical instruments of the 1920s. This performance features delightful tunes about the moon. Light refreshments provided.

SEPTEMBER 25 BOWTIES FOR BABIES COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA

Starting at 6 p.m. with reception, silent and live auctions and dinner benefiting Alexandra's House, offering healing and support for parents and families, free of charge, during pregnancy and after the death of a child. $150/person. BowtiesForBabies.com

SEPTEMBER 26 Taste of Leawood is an annual celebration showcasing top Leawood Chamber restaurants in a fun, food festival setting. Guest can taste 30 of the area’s best restaurants while enjoying an evening under the stars at the event’s new Town Center Plaza venue. Feast on top menu items, and an array of wine varietals, complimented by music and exciting activities. Must be 21 to attend. Event held rain or shine. Buy tickets at LeawoodChamber.org.

KC PUMPKIN PATCH’S GRAND REOPENING OLATHE

KC Pumpkin Patch is full of kid-friendly country-style entertainment. There’s something for everyone — from ages two to ninety-two! Come hungry and “pig out” in the Hog Wild Café. Shop the new Mercantile Store for gifts and goodies. There are friendly farm animals, a whopping-sized Jumping Pillow to keep you hopping, and much more. Open through Halloween.

September 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

39

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ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928

AUTOMOTIVE

Santa Fe Tow Service (913) 894-5201 santafetowservice.com Shawnee Mission Ford (913) 631-0000 shawneemissionford.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

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

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com KC Pumpkin Patch (913) 484-6251 kcpumpkinpatch.com

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

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

Retirement Solutions Group (855) 474-7872 rsgusa.net Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Advanced Aesthetics (913) 735-6335 opmedspa.com

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

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

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES HCA Midwest turn4thebetter.com

Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark.tenthousandvillages.com

HOME SERVICES Carpet Direct (913) 927-1001 carpetdirectkc.com

Granite Garage Floors (913) 717-7346 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

Saint Luke’s Health Systems (855) 663-7524 saintlukeskc.org/plan

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.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 KC Wine Co. (913) 484-6251 kcwineco.com

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

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41

Parting Thoughts

WORDS KENDRA MATHEWSON

Birds on a Wire

“I Think I’ve Got This” by Lisa Lala | Birds on a Wire Series

O

ne of my dear friends is a painter who sees the world through her amazing artist eyes. When she was the newbie in our neighborhood, her heart was sensitive to how to integrate her family into the community. Driving one day she noticed how birds perched on a telephone wire seemed to choose when to gather, and who to pause with. As she watched the birds sit, and then come and go, those birds spoke to her of how we create community, who we keep counsel with, and even the dynamic nature of the process.

She had moved in down the street, and it was my love of her work that initially drew us together. We shared a moment of connection on my front porch steps, and lingered like birds chatting on the telephone wire, before we flew off back to our hectic lives. Over the years, through working on house projects, painting together, building a club, learning new skills together, cooking meals together, playing cards as couples, we’d pause from the “flights” our lives demanded (me flying around in my minivan and she in her Mini Cooper) to sit like those birds on a wire and talk over tea. This is how we became friends.

That is community. That is how community begins and how it grows. These one-on-one connections expand and extend and become a beautiful web of interconnectedness. Through words, 42

Johnson County Lifestyle | September 2015

stories, shared experiences and common interests, we find inspiration to create our communities.

My friend’s keen observations became the main theme of a series that has become her signature. The beauty of her Birds on a Wire series, and her reflections on community, have inspired me to embrace and celebrate more the important place it has in our lives. We live in such an individualistic society that our personal empowerment sometimes overshadows the significance of our need for each other. Like the ingredients of an exceptional recipe, or the materials used to construct a quality home, a community is only as good as the people who comprise it. Because the people are who ignite an idea, imagine a future, share an event, take the bull by the horns, see a need and fill it, spread the word about a new business, open their home to new families, bring a meal when there’s an illness, invest in a neighbor or believe in a student, give witness to struggles and celebrate successes.

Our magazine is your “wire.” Let us pause to read the stories that have been inspired by our community, to drink in the beautiful photographs that paint the story of us. Email your editor and publisher, or better yet reach out and enjoy a cup of coffee together. Let us stop here in the pages of our publication each month and celebrate like birds on a wire, before we fly off back to our busy lives. You inspire us.

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