Leawood Lifestyle November 2014 by City Lifestyle

Leawood

november 2014

LeawoodLifestyle.com

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Adventure

Awaits!

Honoring Those Who Served Our Neighbor: One of The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own A Weekend in Tulsa Eagle Days: Nature at its best

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Editor's Letter

Be Adventuresome! F

riends often comment on how adventuresome they think I am. This sort of assessment baffles me a bit because I really do think of myself as a practical, play-it-safe, stay-in-my-comfort-zone kind of gal.

But then I think back to that first summer as a junior counselor at a camp in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota. Several weeks into the summer I was asked if I’d like to co-lead a five-day canoe trip to the Boundary Waters with a veteran counselor. Sure, why not? And can someone give me a quick lesson in advanced paddling before we go? And am I correct when you say ‘portaging’ means we have to carry the canoes on our shoulders?! Looking back, I think that trip was a turning point. Once you’ve succeeded at something so far outside of your normal world, outside of your comfort zone, a tiny little part of you realizes “If I did THAT, surely I can do this OTHER THING…” Six years later I found myself looking at a brochure for the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day. A 60 mile walk over three days with two nights spent in tent cities, and a fundraising effort for the disease that was now near and dear to my heart. I called a college friend and asked if she was up for a summer adventure. After a few months of training and a new pair of running shoes, we were off. We loved every minute of our three days of non-stop chatter and memory making. Years later, I started jogging 5Ks, which eventually prompted my running partner to suggest a half marathon. This led to a dozen more half marathons, which meant I just HAD to try one full marathon, simply so I could put a check mark in THAT box. And suddenly people looked at me like I was a ‘real runner’ even though I insist that I simply jog long distances.

november 2014 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 Troy Coup | TCoup@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Lisa Allen, Katherine Bontrager, Lisa Gartland, Julie Hubble, Susan Motley, Elizabeth Rosenberger, Denise Snodell, Kimberly Winter Stern, Tom Strongman, Tracy Sullivan, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers Alexis Cook, Lisa Gartland, Jim McConnell, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman,

And now, I suppose there is a part of me that thinks, yeah, I’ve done some pretty cool stuff. And I wouldn’t change a thing. And because of my experiences, I’ve made sure my boys tried some adventuresome new things like paddling those same Boundary Waters for five days. “Because if your Mom can do it with a group of 12-year-old girls, surely you can do it with the Boy Scouts…”

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

So get out there and try something really adventuresome. You’ll inspire someone for sure, even if it’s only your future self. I’ll see you around town, neighbors! by Community ™

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com on the cover Adventuresome Ella Buckley braves the

climbing wall at the Challenge Course at Ironwoods Park. Photography Susan Motley

| LeawoodLifestyle.com |

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7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | LeawoodLifestyle.com Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Leawood’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 Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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November 2014

Departments 10

Good Times

Around Town

20 Star Student 22

Hot Spot

Hometown Heroes

Field Trip

30 Healthy Lifestyle 32

Locally Owned

48 Your Neighbor 52

Open House

36 Veteran, Pilot, Author

Page Turners

Financial Fitness

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to introduce you to your neighbor, Leonard Porter.

40 A Wild Experience Awaits in the Wetlands

Squaw Creek provides refuge for our national bird.

64 Lifestyle Calendar

44 A Weekend Getaway to Tulsa

Take time to discover this sizzling Oklahoma city designed to surprise.

60 Driver's Notebook

70 Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Annual Smoke on the Waterford

The gentlemen of the Glenfield Scotch Society held their second annual Smoke on the Waterford event as the crisp fall weather arrived in Leawood. After 9 hours manning the smokers, friends and neighbors arrived for an amazing meal.

Bill & Julie Davis

Erin, Mike & Cora Chasey

Brian Gomen, Bill Davis Randal Leimer, Tim Harrison, Shaun Miller, Dave Berson

Conner & Karen Liemer

Sheri Smith, Liz Hagen & Cindy Davidson

Teresa Gomen & Tim Harrison

Mike Hagen, Randal Leimer & Rick Kragen

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WEDDINGS ~ EVENTS ~ PORTRAITS ~ EDITORIAL 10

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

T.A.K.E. Foundation Golf Tournament

Supporters of The Ali Kemp Education (T.A.K.E.) Foundation gathered at Adams Pointe Golf Course for the annual Ali Kemp Educational Foundation Golf Classic. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit T.A.K.E. Foundation’s self-defense efforts. Photography Carly Haflich

Brian Henry, Tom Irlbeck, Steve Irwin & Chuck Robinson

Jen Glass, Nina Liebe & friends

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Good Times

Paws for Celebration

The benefit supporting the work and mission of Canine Companions for Independence helps place highly trained assistance dogs for veterans, adults and children with disabilities - free of charge. Photography April Katzenmeier

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Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

Around Town SALES TAX EXTENSION WILL IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE On November 4, the citizens of Leawood will have the opportunity to vote on a 1 /8th cent sales tax extension to provide funding for street maintenance and stormwater improvements. The sales tax was initially approved in 2000 with a 64 percent approval rate and has been extended in 2005 with a 71 percent approval rate and in 2010 with a 66 percent approval rate. Almost $6,000,000 has been spent on street improvements and almost $5,500,000 on stormwater projects since the imposition of the sales tax. If the tax is renewed through 2021, approximately $2,500,000 will be spent to overlay the surface of approximately 55 lane miles of city streets and almost $2,400,000 for various stormwater projects throughout the City. A listing of the projects that have been completed since 2000 and are anticipated to be completed from 2015-21 can be found on the City’s web page. The Governing Body of Leawood encourages you to vote on this important matter on November 4th or earlier if you participate in advance voting.

After almost a decade in business, the successful retailer is renaming its 50 locations nationwide, and its Leawood store is one of the first boutiques in the U.S. to make the name change. The company’s two other Kansas City locations will change to Evereve as well.

TURN THE PORCH LIGHTS ON Veteran’s Day is on November 11. Let’s all honor the veteran’s in our neighborhoods by turning on the porch light that night. This tradition began decades ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars reminded those of us at home that since veterans have lighted the country’s way it was our job to leave on a porch light to light their way home. It’s a simple act on one night that can help send an important message.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need — getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before. This year, the big day is Nov 29. At Lifestyle Publications, we encourage all of you to make an effort to shop at a small, locally owned business this month and to support this day. Your dollars will stay in the community and make a big difference.

LEAWOOD ROTARY ANNOUNCES NEW MEETING LOCATION WHO’S GETTING MARRIED? Is someone in your family celebrating an engagement? Did you just finish planning a wedding? If so, we’d love to share your happy news with our readers. To have your engagement or wedding announcement shared in our pages, email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com for details. There is no charge for this service.

AREA BOUTIQUE EVOLVES INTO EVEREVE Fashion-forward retailer Evereve, formerly Hot Mama, is celebrating the name change of its Leawood boutique at Town Center Crossing. 14

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

The Rotary Club of Leawood was founded 20 years ago by local civic leaders to provide community and vocational service opportunities to its membership. It has more than 50 members active in many projects in Leawood and the surrounding communities. The Club has moved its regular Thursday morning breakfast meeting location to Hallbrook Country Club, and invites you to visit them at its new venue. For more information about the club or membership please contact their Membership Chairman Rick Robinson at 913.638.7420 or RickJhawk@kc.rr.com, or President Ken Selzer at 913.777.8245 or KennethSelzer@gmail.com.

E X C LU S I V E STO R ES, E X Q U I S I T E H O L I D A Y S. Shopping & dining you won’t find anywhere else in Kansas City: MADEWELL • CRATE & BARREL • LE CREUSET DEAN & DELUCA • POTTERY BARN SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE • BROOKS BROTHERS ALLEN EDMONDS • PLUS 80 OTHERS Pop in for these Pop-Up Events! CHICK EVENTS—HOLIDAY (November 13–16 at Town Center Crossing) LEFTOVER LUXURIES (November 14–23 at Town Center Plaza)

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Around Town museums in the U.S. The Museum was one of only eight recognized on the top 25 list from the Midwest and the only museum from Missouri to receive the distinction. In the midst of the Centennial commemoration of World War I (1914-18), the museum recently experienced its highest trafficked month ever with nearly 25,000 guests in July.

DON’T MISS THE HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR

Troop 92 members Al Ba and Jake Seager assist at the collection site.

SCOUTS HONOR REAT UNDERWOOD This past April, the Corporon Family lost their son Reat Griffin Underwood (Losen) and his grandfather Dr. William Lewis Corporon as a result of a shooting at the Jewish Community Center. Reat’s scouting family also lost a fellow Boy Scout and a good friend. At the time of his death, Reat was working on the final requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout. His fellow scouts in Troop 92 decided to carry on his work in honor of his memory. In September they delivered the first phase of collections to Operation Breakthrough, which Reat had chosen as his project beneficiary. During the 75th Anniversary of the KC Order of the Arrow Lodge, attendees brought donations to benefit Operation Breakthrough. The scouts of Troops 92 organized and delivered the collection. “You averted a crisis. We received everything from staples that will feed growing children, to laundry detergent to wash their school uniforms, to candy for our Halloween festivities” says Jennifer Heinemann from Operation Breakthrough. Troop 92 held a collection in October and a third is planned for early December. Reat’s mom wrote, “We are realizing the impact that doing good (over evil) can have on our community.”

Get yourself in the holiday spirit with the 63rd annual Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 3, 4 and 5. Four homes in Mission Hills, Fairway and Kansas City will be open to the public, decorated with greenery and sparkle by area floral designers. A gourmet shop will feature “30 Years of Kappa Fudge” and other baked goodies and gift items, including a new tour ornament. This year’s tour raises money for Kansas City Community Gardens, SAFEHOME and the Kappa Foundation. Tickets are $25 in advance at Hen House, tour florists and other outlets, as well as from area Kappas. Tickets can be purchased at the homes on the days of the tour for $30. KappaHomesTour.com or follow us on Facebook at Kappa Holiday Homes Tour.

WWI MUSEUM NAMED ONE OF TOP 25 IN THE U.S. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, named the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial among the top 25 museums in the United States as part of its 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The National World War I Museum, which houses the most diverse collection of World War I objects in the world, earned a No. 23 ranking from TripAdvisor among the more than 35,000 16

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

BLUE VALLEY ENROLLMENT GROWS Blue Valley School’s enrollment continues to grow, marking more than 40 straight years of increasing enrollment for the district. Enrollment on the state’s official census day, Sept. 22, reflected 21,778 for students in all grades, which does not include early childhood students. This is an increase of 10 students from the 2013-14 school year.

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Around Town “We know one reason our parents and patrons choose to live in Blue Valley is the high quality education students receive,” says Pam Robinson, Board of Education president. “The district’s enrollment growth over the years reflects this commitment.” Schools experiencing the most growth are Timber Creek Elementary, Aubry Bend Middle and Blue Valley Southwest. “Each grade level has shown growth over the summer and we continue to grow due to a number of new homes and apartments in the district,” says Al Hanna, Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services. “We believe the growth will continue for a number of years.”

Take control of your weight, take control of your life. Weight Loss Surgery Offers So Many Benefits

Finding and maintaining your optimum weight is a great start for a healthy life. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and many other health complications, as well as enhance your overall lifestyle. Menorah Medical Center offers two laparoscopic weight loss surgery options for people who struggle with their weight: sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.

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Menorah Medical Center is among the few hospitals in the area with a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program accredited by the American College of Surgeons, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality care for our bariatric surgery patients. Santa’s Helpers Available Santa is making his list...and Mrs. Claus is checking it twice! Santa and Mrs. Claus for hire are back for their third season. They’ve been busy in the past with 23 appearances each of the previous years. They would love to add sparkle to your business, corporate holiday party, retirement community, church, school, home party, kids, grandkids, or wherever they can make the holiday super special. They are professional actors with beautiful costumes that look like the real thing. Best of all, they are real-life grandparents. References available. For more info and pricing, contact MGRogers59@msn.com.

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Star Student

Waiting on Winter Article Lisa Gartland | Photography Lisa Gartland and Provided

t may still be autumn with a few leaves yet to fall, but Janie Velghe of Leawood is eagerly waiting the arrival of snow. As each day goes by and the temperatures drop, Janie anticipates December like a tot anticipates the arrival of Santa. It’s not the upcoming holidays she is awaiting; however, it is the beginning of ski season. Janie is a certified Snow Creek Ski Patroller, and winter, her favorite season, cannot come soon enough. About 10 years ago, when Janie was eight, her family did what lots of families do. To prepare for an upcoming ski trip to Colorado, Janie’s parents, Jim and Pat, took Janie and younger brother, Patrick, to Snow Creek in Weston, Mo., for ski lessons and practice. Life has never looked quite the same to Janie. After that first ski experience, Janie was hooked and begged her mom every weekend to go to Snow Creek to ski. As any good mother does, Janie’s mom insisted that Janie continue in lessons

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

if she wanted to keep skiing. When Janie was 13, her instructor was impressed with her skiing ability and asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. She told him that she wants to be a doctor. The next thing she knew, the head of the patrollers watched her ski. He approached her and asked if she would consider becoming a volunteer Snow Creek Patroller. Janie was thrilled, but the problem was that he thought she was older than she was. The required age for Ski Patrol training is 16, so she had to wait to enter the program. The fact that she was too young at that time proved to be beneficial since it took a long time for Janie to persuade her parents to let her pursue the training to become a patroller. According to Janie, “It took my entire freshman year to convince my mom!” In August 2012, her sophomore year, Janie finally began Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) training.

Twice a week, through November, Janie attended three-hour evening classes at North Kansas City Hospital. At barely 16, Janie was the youngest in the program by at least five years. There was a rigorous midterm, and the class ended with a final that required students to handle various emergency scenarios. Janie had to prioritize and demonstrate procedures. Elements of the final included making sure a scene is safe, determining what kind of oxygen masks may be needed, CPR, taking medical history, assessing severity of injuries and stabilizing various types of injuries. Once Janie passed the challenging course, she began her volunteer shifts at Snow Creek in December 2012. Paul Kelly, an Alpine Patroller, and Noel Derr, Ski Patrol Director at Snow Creek, oversee the volunteer patrollers. Snow Creek is the furthest south and the furthest west in the Central Division, sometimes nationally overlooked as a ski hub. Kelly and Derr wanted Janie’s outstanding accomplishments over the past two years to be recognized, so Kelly nominated her for a National Ski Patrol award for the Central Division. An award ceremony was held in St. Louis last May. Janie, also a soccer player, was playing goalie in a tournament in central Missouri the day of the award ceremony. As soon as she could get away from the game, Janie and her mom drove to St. Louis. She did not know ahead of time that she would receive an award. The Velghes arrived just in time to hear the announcement that Janie had been named Outstanding Young Adult Ski Patroller, a high honor for such a young patroller. Janie is a senior at The Barstow School. Since ski season is short (December 20 to right before Spring Break, depending on weather), she has time to pursue many other activities and interests. Her resume includes many academic and athletic accomplishments as well as hundreds of service hours. Janie frequently recruits her friends to participate as “patients” for the current OEC classes at North Kansas City Hospital for new patrollers. Pat is pleased that Janie has been able to have this experience. “I don’t think many people know of this unique opportunity, especially for kids who plan to go into medicine,” she says. Janie’s options for college are many, and she is currently narrowing the possibilities. As for right now, the countdown continues. Next month Janie will head to Weston, strap on all her gear and get to work. She cannot wait to be back on the hills of Snow Creek, enjoying the best season of the year.

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Join Us for Our Next Free ACT Practice Tests! August 2nd + 9th at the Overland Park Learning Center! November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Hot Spot

North Italia Article Lisa Harrison | Photography Provided

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable with a side of attentiveness. A staff member who can make suggestions with confidence is a treat.

could eat at North every week and never tire of the experience. Sometimes I dream about the day when my nest is empty and I’ve given up feeling like I need to prepare dinner five nights a week... In these dreams I frequent the same restaurants enough that the staff knows that I like extra lemon in my iced tea and that I always prefer a seat near the windows. In this footloose and fancy-free life I’ll choose restaurants that are close enough to my home that I could walk if the mood and weather so inclines. But the reality of my life is that I only dine like a leisurely adult about once a month so I savor experiences like those I have at North. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable with a side of attentiveness. I appreciate that they aren’t flustered when I turn to them and ask which of two entrées they recommend. A staff member who can make suggestions with confidence is a treat. Since the ladies who lunch always order from the salad menu, my friend and I started there, but agreed to share one of their wood-fired pizzas. While I often opt for their fig and prosciutto pizza, we agreed on the funghi (mushroom) this time ($13) and were not at all disappointed. The crust was 22

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

browned to perfection and the toppings were light but flavor filled. Their seasonal harvest salad ($10) does as its name would suggest; it changes with the seasons. During our late summer visit, it included the perfect blend of English peas, quinoa, corn, avocado, goat cheese and marcona almonds. I’m embarrassed how quickly and how thoroughly I emptied the bowl. On a previous visit, another friend introduced me to their zucca chips ($5) and they were amazing, so in case you’ve not yet tried them, I’m happy to introduce you to them here. They are the thinnest slices of zucchini flash fried into crispy bites of delicious. Share an order with the

table while you wait for your food to arrive. Sadly, I wouldn’t recognize a great wine if it walked up and introduced itself by name, but for those who do, I’m told the wine selection is outstanding. I stick to their sangria and mixed drinks and couldn’t be happier. I’m happy to report they mix a fabulous mojito! Patio seating at North is a bonus in the right months and their happy hour (3-6 p.m.) is quite a bargain. If it’s been a while since you dined at this Leawood establishment, give them another try. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. North Italia Town Center Crossing 4579 West 119th Street 913.232.5191 913.232.5195

experience

A NEW ERA IN HEALTHCARE

Our beautifully renovated hospital offers the same high-quality care and services you’ve come to expect, plus these expanded features: • State-of-the-Art Emergency Department & Level II Trauma Unit

• 400-space Parking Garage for Hospital Visitors

• Cardiology Catheterization & In-Vitro Fertilization Labs

• Lobby Atrium with Chapel, Gift Shop & Sunflower Café

• Main & Emergency Department Entrances

• Admitting, Testing, Financial Counseling & Education

• Patient Tower with Ortho/Neuro/Trauma and Progressive Care Units

• Overland Park Heritage Walking Trail

Visit Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Experience a New Era in Health Care at 10500 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, Kan. 66215

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Hometown Heroes

Learning to shoot an M-16 is part of Army Reserve training for Teal Williams.

Citizen Warriors Johnson County Couple Is Trained for Service Article Jenny Wolff | Photography Provided

eal and Scott Williams are a traditional Johnson County couple. This two-child, two-career duo owns a home, takes their children to their local public elementary school and belongs to a local country club and church. Teal and Scott are also unconventional. They both spend one weekend a month in the Army. Yes, the Army. “Scott is a captain, and I am a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve,” says Teal. Being part of the Army Reserve is a life-long dream, a calling. They even talked about the possibility during their dating years. “We wanted to be part of something bigger.” The Army, the most powerful and sophisticated military force in the world, consists of two groups: Those who are on active duty and those in the Army Reserve. Active duty is a full-time job. The Army Reserve allows citizens to pursue civilian careers or attend college and still serve their country. The Army Reserves can mobilize rapidly and skillfully to respond to a crisis or to defend America’s interests at home and abroad. Scott joined first, in 2010 at the age of 36. “I was the guinea pig, in case I got in and it was not what we had expected,” says Scott. They went to their first meeting with recruiters as a team. “This is something that is good to do as a couple. Our combined experience makes it much richer,” says Scott. Application to the Army Reserve was an arduous 9-12 month

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

process. Scott submitted a packet of information, and he met very specific personal, physical and medical qualifications. “Pursuing a direct commission as an officer is a competitive process. In the end, it all comes down to being individually selected by the board,” says Scott. Scott accepted his commission as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps, took an oath and was assigned to a unit. Two years later, at age 38, Teal followed in the Medical Service Corps. “The stars were aligned,” says Teal. In 2010, immediate deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan was a possibility. Today being called up is always feasible. “In the event that the U.S. goes to war, we would backfill active duty, since the armed forces have been reduced,” says Scott. If both Williams were called, who would stay with their children? “We had to have a family care plan in place to be accepted. My mom, who lives in Oklahoma, would move to Kansas City to stay with our kids,” says Teal. During monthly weekend maneuvers, Scott’s parents drive from Des Moines to stay with the children. Scott reports to his unit south of Kansas City, and Teal to her unit north of the river. “We have meetings, briefings, trainings,” says Teal. “We bring our professional skills to the front lines.” Scott, who has a journalism degree and a master’s in business administration, is a pharmaceucontinued >

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“We are required to stay fit. I am in better shape now than eight years ago,” says Scott. “Sometimes our son stands on my feet while I do sit-ups. It’s a family effort.” Who takes over Teal Financial Services when she is away? “It is very much like a maternity leave,” says Teal. “I do not completely go off grid. I have strategic partnerships with industry colleagues who can step in when needed.” Re-entry is more difficult after beJohnson County residents Capt. Scott Williams and ing on active duty and living on post. 1st Lt. Teal Williams serve in the Army Reserve. Lt. Williams returns to Johnson Countical rep for Teva. Teal is a certified finanty where she is no longer a soldier, but a cial planner and owns her own financial wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. planning practice. Instead of responding to Lt. Williams or This past spring, Teal attended a simply “lieutenant”, she responds to many three-month Basic Officers Leader names—Teal, Mom, Mrs. Williams. In 2012, Army Reserve 1st Lt. Scott Williams gave Course in San Antonio. She drove to the oath of office to his wife Teal, as she accepted The couple hopes that as their two Texas in one day, checked in with her her commission as a second lieutenant. children mature, they will appreciate unit and unpacked. The next morning at 4 a.m., referred to as their parents’ decision to join the Army. Day Zero, Teal and her fellow officer trainees stood in forma“We want them to recognize the sacrifice of military sertion in the rain and cold, her body exhausted from the drive vice, and hope that they too will give to others in some capacand anticipation. ity,” says Scott. “The Cadre was yelling at us, and I just looked up at the stars and “You are never too old to follow a dream,” adds Teal. “It is an asked what I’d gotten myself into!” says Teal. Every morning after, adventure and opportunity of a lifetime to wear the uniform and Teal woke well before dawn for fitness training that included com- serve this great country.” pany runs. “It takes some gusto to keep up with the 22 year olds!”

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Field Trip

50 Feet in the Air Challenge Course Offers High Adventure Article and Photography Susan Motley

hat is it about stepping outside your comfort zone or pushing yourself just a little beyond your limit that can be so exhilarating? Whatever it is, it’s attracting people to Leawood’s state of the art Challenge Course in droves! The Challenge Course, located in Ironwoods Park at 147th and Mission Road, is open April to October and offers programs ranging from two-hour recreational climbs to day-long team building outings. This season, the parks and recreation staff hosted corporate groups, college and high school sports teams, church leadership groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, birthday parties, and various other organizations. Trained facilitators provide all necessary equipment and instruction to make sure the adventurous climbs are safe and fun. Groups can utilize one of three 50-foot tall climbing structures. The Carolina T-Wall is a rock wall with climbs ranging from beginner to advanced. The Alpine Tower is built out of utility poles, rope ladders, nets and dangling logs. Part of the challenge is devising a strategy to get to the summit because each “route” has different obstacles to overcome. With so many options, each climb is a different experience. 2nd Grade Brownies from Indian Valley The Caribbean Course is one of a kind. Elementary take on the Carolina T-Wall on a It consists of three tree houses, each seprecent field trip. arated by unique challenges to cross to complete the course. Climbers must take The teambuilding group size can range on the Burma Bridge, the Double Cat-walk from a minimum of six to more than 50. and the Multi-line Traverse to succeed. The Ironwoods Challenge Course staff According to Dennis Jones, outdoor reccan even bring the program to a group’s loreation specialist for the City of Leawood, cation in Kansas. their customized team-building programs “Our busiest months are May, June, are very popular. September and October, when we may “We ask groups to complete a needs Ella Buckley made it to the top of the climbing have three or more programs in one analysis to help us plan a program for wall & was on her way back down. day,” Jones says. them,” says Jones. “Their needs might include improving commuA recent Saturday was a perfect example. Boy Scouts had the nications, leadership, trust, diversity appreciation, cooperation, morning shift, the Brownies mastered the Carolina T-Wall at dependability, creativity, positive attitude or respect. These pro- noon, and a third organization took on the course later in the day. grams can help any group improve their productivity.” The Brownie troop was a group of second graders from IndiThe challenge course is not just about the high elements. The an Valley Elementary in Overland Park. Troop leader Amy Simteam building programs include activities that are on or low to the mons, was looking for an outdoor adventure for the girls’ first field ground. “We have a repertoire of nearly 200 different activities to trip. She came across the Ironwoods Challenge Course through help groups improve their ability to function well,” Jones explains. an online search. 28

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

The Alpine Tower offers many challenges on the way to the summit.

“I thought the rock climbing wall would be a great way to introduce a new experience and be an exciting challenge for them,” says Simmons. “It was awesome. I loved it so much,” her daughter, Riley Simmons, reports. “My favorite part was watching my friend Savannah Beaman climb to the very top,” adds Lucy Atkin. Julie Childers was one of the facilitators for the Brownie group. “I really enjoy working with people of all ages. It’s always great to see kids and adults challenge themselves and to see them overcome obstacles physically and mentally. The experience at the challenge course gives people a chance to work together, rely on each other, and it encourages teamwork,” she says. While the Challenge Course recreational climbing is set up for groups of 10 or more, there are opportunities for individuals to join in the fun through the city’s Fearless Friday and Cliffhanger Saturday program. The first Friday of the month, May-September, the thrill-filled Giant Swing is open. It’s like a backyard swing, only 35 feet off the ground. Every Saturday, one of the three structures is open to the public, on a rotating basis. Check the website for a schedule and to make reservations, which are required. There is also a fee, which varies depending on which course you want to do. Leawood res- Carolina wall idents receive a discount. Visit Leawood.org/parks/challengecourse.aspx for more information or to make reservations.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Is Your Home Poison Proof? A

ccidental poisonings in kids are common, and the prevalence has been increasing. Poison control centers receive two million calls per year. The holidays are a time of increased risk of poisonings with the change in routines and visits to and from friends and relatives. If you have children, or children visit your home, it is very important to â&#x20AC;&#x153;poison proof.â&#x20AC;? The most common substances for poisonings in kids are cleaning products, personal care products, and analgesics like aspirin or acetaminophen. These are substances that are easily available in homes. Other potential poisons found in homes are antifreeze, pesticides, gasoline, and kerosene or lamp oil. Vitamins containing iron can be dangerous if large amounts are ingested by a child. Prescription medications accidentally ingested by young children is also common and can be very dangerous. More than 9,000 hospitalizations occur in the United States each year for prescription medication poisonings in children under six. The most common accidentally ingested prescription drugs are opioid pain relievers and drugs used to treat narcotic addiction, anxiety, blood pressure and attention-deficit disorder. Foreign objects are another type of ingestion that could result in injury. Small objects can become lodged in the airway or esophagus. Strong tiny magnets have resulted in the death of some children when two or more magnets are swallowed and become stuck together with bowel wall in between. These high powered, small 30

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

magnets have now been recalled. Small button batteries are also particularly dangerous if ingested. All potentially poisonous substances in the home should be out of the sight and reach of children. Cleaning substances, paints, varnishes and pesticides must be stored in original containers and kept in locked cabinets. Prescription and non-prescription medications should be kept in original containers with child resistant caps and stored locked and out of reach. Never refer to medicine as candy, and discard unused medication right away. Be particularly vigilant if visitors have medications in easy to open containers. Small toys and objects should be monitored carefully, including musical greeting cards and books which may have button batteries. Children should not have access to small strong magnets. These simple precautions could save a life. If a child is not breathing, unconscious or having a seizure from a poisoning call 911. If you suspect poisoning because of open or empty containers, unknown stains or spills on your child or your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing, or there is a telltale odor, call the Poison Control Center immediately. Everyone, but especially caregivers of young children, should put the phone number for Poison Control Center in their phone: 1.800.222.1222. This healthful information is provided by our friends at After Hours Pediatrics, located at 143rd and Metcalf. Find them online at After-HoursPediatrics.com.

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Locally Owned

The Broderick Team is a Kansas City Tradition Venerable real-estate team has decades of experience and strong ties to the Johnson County area Article Katherine Bontrager | Photography Provided

ith 35 years of real-estate experience, Scottie Broderick understands what families want—and need— when looking for a home. An added bonus? Part of her family remains steadfastly by her side should she need a reminder. With the help of her daughter, Heather, Scottie has created one of the most formidable real-estate teams in the area. The mother-daughter dynamo is part of the six-person Scottie Broderick RE/MAX Team, which has helped some 35,000 local families find the home of their dreams. “We’re like a family,” says Scottie of the team, which consists of Heather Broderick, Brent Arnold, Kasey Bourk, Jason Willet and Lesa Simonson. “We 32

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

rely on sharing, respecting, and caring to keep us in the top.” And in the top this team remains, as the group has consistently been in the Top 10 of agent/teams since it was formed; Top 25 of all the Kansas City Agents. “Our team works very well because of all of our systems in place,” says Heather. “We’ve worked very hard to have these systems to offer the best service to our clients. We’re hands on. We’re a very well oiled team. We work well together professionally, personally, and enjoy each other.” Being a successful real-estate team means knowing people, knowing neighborhoods, and being flexible—and fast—in a quickly turning market.

“I have been in the business for 35 years and my daughter, Heather, for 17,” says Scottie. “We bring so much knowledge and experience to the table. And it shows: We’ve been in the top 1 percent of real estate agents in Johnson County since 1996.” Part of what sets the team apart is the comprehensive care they offer—on both sides of the buying and selling equation. Heather, Scottie, Brent, Kasey, Jason and Lesa are all active within the community, tuned in to homes coming onto the market—often before they even hit the MLS—and go above and beyond to help sellers move their homes. Every home-selling experience begins with a consultation to analyze a family’s continued >

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needs, establish a strong relationship, prepare the house for sale, proactively market the home, and then begin to show the property to interested buyers. Often times, the team has buyers waiting in the wings before new homes even hit the market. This upfront care is key, says Scottie, because most activity will take place in the first two to three weeks of a listing. The excitement of a new property on the market can create urgency for both buyers and agents alike to see the home. In many cases, a home will receive its highest and best offers during this time. “Don’t just ‘try’ the market,” cautions Heather. “Price your home accordingly or you’ll lose your buyer immediately. The first 30 days are the most important.” “Sellers think it’s a seller’s market and buyers think it’s a buyer’s market, and it is currently a very neutral market,” adds Scottie. “Sellers think their house is worth more than we can determine, while buyers think when they make an offer, it has to be a low offer. I constantly remind sellers your house is only worth what a buyer will pay for it. Now it is also conditioned by what it appraises for. You have to be the Cinderella in appearance not the stepsisters.” Heather agrees, saying that home sales are like a beauty contest. “If your home doesn’t have what the neighbors do, you will only help sell the competition.” Another mistake, says Heather, is that sellers want to rush into selling their home but when they become a buyer, they have a tendency to over think and risk losing the property by waiting too long to put in an offer. The key to avoid these missteps, the duo agrees, is finding realtors who are competent and trustworthy. This team firmly believes that continued dedication brings success, and the group’s track record certainly speaks to this conviction. Their favorite tag line reads, “Better Service, Better Results, Better Call!” They truly go out of their way to make their clients feel The Broderick Team difference in all that they do. And it’s for these reasons and more they are likely to continue as a Kansas City tradition. Visit ScottieBroderickTeam.com for more details. November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Veteran, Pilot, Author:

Meet Leonard Porter Article Lisa Allen | Photography Alexis Cook and Provided

ot long ago, in a hangar in Gardner, Kan., retired Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Porter climbed into the back of a PT-19 aircraft. He was at the airport by request, discussing a potential speaking engagement about his experiences in World War II. “It taxied in as we were talking,” says Porter, “and I said ‘Man, would I love to fly that baby again.’ I had a lot of helpers,” he says, to climb up and get into the back seat. They lifted his legs and helped him settle in, asking often if it was uncomfortable or if it hurt him at all, to push and prod him until he was seated. “It hurt like hell, but there was no way I was going to tell them

that!” he says. The pilot climbed into the cockpit and off they went. “Then he said to me ‘you said you can fly it, you’ve got it.’ And I flew it. You can pilot from the backseat, so I did. I flew for 45 minutes. I was overjoyed,” he says. The first time Porter climbed into a PT-19 was on March 23, 1943. He was in Muskogee, Okla., to begin Primary Flight Training. The flight lasted 25 minutes, and air sickness got the best of him on that inaugural flight. He was sick after five sub-

“I have a story to tell,” says Porter. “My story doesn’t really begin until I married Marty. From that point on, it’s the events that tell the story.” The events include Porter’s decision to take time off work from his job at North American Aviation in Fairfax—a B-25 factory— to take an exam that would establish his eligibility for Aviation Cadet Training. Of the 13 men who took the exam, Porter was one of three who passed. On December 6, 1942, Porter’s wife and her parents, his mother and several other relatives waved goodbye as Porter departed Union Station for San Antonio, Texas, to begin active duty. This was one week before the Porters’ first wedding anniversary. Porter doesn’t just have one story to tell; he has scads of stories to tell. Never a good student in school, Porter says he surprised everyone—including himself—when he exceled in ground school and then again in B24 Bomber school in Liberal, Kans.. From there he moved on to pick up his crew, nine young men who would become like another family to him during their service together. “We really got to know each other. We were a cohesive group,” says Porter. They

Then the pilot said to me “You said you can fly it, you’ve got it.” And I flew it. You can pilot from the backseat, so I did. I flew for 45 minutes. I was overjoyed. sequent flights as well, and was considered for elimination. On his seventh flight, the one that would determine if he’d ever fly a plane again, he landed the aircraft without being sick and was allowed to continue flight training. It was April Fool’s Day. “I had a natural aptitude for flying,” says Porter. “It didn’t take me long to solo, and I loved it. Absolutely loved it.” And so began Porter’s career as a B-24 bomber pilot. But before we can talk about that, we have to talk about what matters most to Porter.

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

fleet. He noticed that the strikes hadn’t been hitting the intended targets, and he attributed that to timing. He talked to his crew, and proposed changing the bomb run interval to 32 seconds instead of 30. They hit at 100 percent for the first time in almost two weeks after changing that time. Porter was 23 years old when he was in combat in Iwo Jima. He flew a total of 40 combat missions, and says part of his confidence and much of his success was due to his youth. “You have to be young, innovative and able to think on your feet,” he says. He survived dengue fever, nicknamed ‘break

were sent to the mountains of Nevada for crew training in a bomber airplane. The training was simulated, but the near misses were real. On February 20, 1944, on a training flight from Nevada to Arizona and then California, their B-24 entered a cloud and encountered heavy turbulence right before they were scheduled to turn on course for Los Angeles. No moon that night meant no visibility, and as the captain became unresponsive, Porter and his co-pilot took over. Despite being very inexperienced, Porter was able to correct the spiral, rehabilitate the plane and land safely. Of all the emergencies he faced, he says this was the most dangerous. Then he went into combat. Porter and his crew went to Oahu, then to Saipan. Unbeknownst to Porter, his crew was slated for a single plane bombing of Marcus Island three days after their scheduled arrival. Because Porter’s crew was still on Kwajalein with engine problems, another crew was sent in their place. That crew was shot down. No one survived. “Happenstance controls your life,” says Porter. “My name was still on the board, too.” Porter was a quick study in combat, and he says he had the best navigator in the

times Marty was with him. Times were hard for service wives then, he says, and he doesn’t know how she coped with travel issues, loneliness and hardships that occurred while he was gone. He shared some of his sadder memories with me: the double shot of booze he’d get from the physician prior to the frequent debriefings, the men who were lost even though no one saw them go, and how hard it was to visit his crew in the hospital. It’s the only time his voice catches in almost three hours of conversation, and he says that part of combat is something he still can’t think about. It’s too much, even with the cushion of double digit years and too many miles to count.

Porter is the last surviving member of his crew. Porter kept track of each of them and their respective families through the years, and penned a personal letter to each family when a crew member passed. bone fever’ because of its trademark excruciating aches and pains. With the permission of his crew, Porter flew even when ill, because he couldn’t leave his men when they needed him most. He shared some of his favorite stories with me: flying below sea level through Death Valley, buzzing Scotty’s Castle (don’t tell anyone, though; he never admitted it was him) and fond memories of the

Porter is the last surviving member of his crew; his bombardier, Charlie West, died a year ago last February. Porter kept track of each of them and their respective families through the years, and penned a personal letter to each family when a crew member passed. “I wrote to tell the family about their loved one’s unique talents and characteristics from my perspective,” says Porter.

November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

leonard porter

(continued)

“And I signed each one with my name and my rank. We were in something together that other people just can’t understand. There were always ties, even after we were done.” After combat, Porter continued his career in the Air Force so he and Marty moved from base to base for 22 years before retiring in 1964, after being promoted to chief pilot. He then accepted a position as a contract pilot with Trans World Airlines, where he spent 16 years navigating the dangerous skies of the Middle East. Porter and his family lived in Saudi Arabia, once for two years then again later for four. Porter retired from TWA as a pilot instructor. Now Porter is an author. He’s chronicled his life story in two books, and he gives presentations throughout the Kansas City area. He’s also taken up the task of helping residents at his retirement community get to know each other better, by taking pictures of other residents and mounting them on a board with

corresponding apartment numbers. He posts them in the common area, and jokes that he makes them big enough for everyone to see easily. He pulls silly cartoons off the internet and photocopies them, then distributes them to the center of each table at meals. He also does his best to keep other residents apprised of what’s happening in the world. “I blew up pictures I’d taken in Saudi Arabia, and set them up on tripods. I switch them out. Sometimes I’ll put up colorful pictures of foliage from last fall, and everyone likes those. I just try to show them something that they can’t get out to see, since I can still get around. I’m lucky,” says Porter. “I race around in my Mustang.” Porter’s books, Reflections of a Pilot, Part 1: Seconds to Eternity and Reflections of a Pilot, Part 2: Danger in the Desert are available on Amazon.com.

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A Wild Experience Awaits in the

Squaw Creek provides refuge for our national bird Article Elizabeth Rosenberger | Photography Jim McConnell

alling all wildlife watchers, shutterbugs and anyone else who wants a ‘wild’ experience in the wetlands. Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 34th annual Eagle Days event November 30 through December 2. Located in northern Missouri, the refuge sprawls across the lowlands offering 7,415 acres of wetlands, grasslands and forests along the eastern edge of the Missouri River flood plain – the perfect winter retreat for eagles, snow geese and other wildlife. More than 400 bald eagles will end up migrating to the refuge by late fall and early winter and on occasion, a golden eagle may be seen during the migration peak; usually by the first of December. Bald eagles migrate to Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge to seek out open water and wetlands. Both of which also attract snow geese and waterfowl that are hunted by the bald eagle. Corey Kudrna, wildlife refuge specialist at Squaw Creek says snow geese and other waterfowl continue to take refuge in the wetlands.

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

“If we’re lucky, snow provides a beautiful backdrop to all the wildlife at Squaw Creek,” says Kudrna. “Visitors can take a tour of the refuge by bus which will stop at specific sites for viewing or in hopes of spotting the eagles.” Missouri Master Naturalists and students from area universities volunteer at the specific interpretive sites that also provide spotting scopes for a better view of the various water fowl and wildlife. “We have an average of 5,000 visitors each year,” says Kudrna. “There is a 10-mile loop around the wetlands where visitors can drive by car and enjoy the surroundings.” The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is a partner in presenting this free event along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Friday’s events are reserved for school groups that have made arrangements to participate in advance. On Saturday and Sunday, Eagle Days activities will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a driving tour of the refuge wetlands.

Programs with live, captive eagles will be presented on Saturday each hour on the hour from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m on Saturday and from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m on Sunday. “Staff from Dickerson Park Zoo hosts the captive eagle exhibitions which provide our visitors to learn more about our national bird and emblem, its habitats and life cycle,” says Kudrna. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Executive Order established the refuge as a feeding and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Almost 80 years later, Squaw Creek Wildlife Refuge remains true to its roots. The refuge was officially named one of America’s top 500 Globally Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy in 2001. The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network designated Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge a “Site of Regional Importance” in 2007. In the late ‘70’s, when the eagle population was low, the refuge started a Hacking Program (process where they bred and raised captive eagles) to increase the population and create a refuge for them during the winter months. “Squaw Creek lies between the Mississippi and Central Flyways of the U.S. which brings birds from all over the North – Canada, South Dakota and Minnesota,” explains Kudrna. “Eagles switch over to eating waterfowl during this season and that is what attracts them to come back to the refuge every year.” Cassie Treymar from Lee’s Summit has attended the event for the past three years and says it’s an adventure for her three boys ranging from ages 13 to seven. Every year, they load up the minivan with packed lunches, cameras, sketch books and binoculars to head north for the day at Squaw Creek. For the Treymar family,

it’s more than a huge learning experience, but a way to capture the wonder of nature around them with a fun, family event. “We are truly ‘city people,’” says Cassie. “But this gives our family an opportunity to glimpse nature at its best. The boys love it and enjoy snapping photos and drawing pictures of the wildlife they see firsthand other than what they’ve seen on a continued > cable documentary.”

November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

wetlands

(continued)

Treymar says the programs the refuge offers are top-notch. Last year they attended one of the programs that exhibit live captive eagles – an up close and personal experience that any wildlife lover must see – and the boys talked about it for months. Visitors can reach the refuge headquarters easily. It is located on U.S. highway 159 South. The refuge headquarters and visitor contact station is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The station is also open weekends during the migration in the fall from mid-October thru early December and the spring from midMarch thru early May except on federal holidays. Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent wildlife viewing along the 12.5-mile auto tour road and nature trails. Viewing platforms and wayside exhibits give visitors vantage points for wildlife observation. From a high point on the Loess Bluff Trail, hikers can view the Missouri River floodplain. Know Before You Go The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Closing hours are posted at refuge entrances. Restrooms are available at the headquarters and comfort station in the headquarters parking lot. The MDC website recommends comfortable walking shoes and warm heavy clothing in winter. There will be one food booth set up during Eagle Days that will be selling snacks, hot dogs, hot choco42

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

late and water. Depending on the season you visit, be sure to check for ticks and know how to identify and avoid poison ivy. Bring water for protection from heat stress and sunscreen for the sun. Location: 25542 Highway 159, Forest City, Mo 64451. The refuge is 30 miles northwest of St. Joseph, near Mound City. Take Interstate 29 to Exit 79 south of Mound City, then travel south 2 ½ miles on U.S. Highway 159.

Eagle Days at Squaw Creek School groups (reservation only): November 30 Public: December 1 & 2 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Fws.Gov/Refuge/Squaw_Creek/ 660.442.3187

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next stop:

Tulsa

Take time to discover this sizzling Oklahoma city designed to surprise. Article Kimberly Winter Stern | Photography Provided

Tulsa -Tulsa Air & Space Museum

Gilcrease Museum

A sculpture at Philbrook 44

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

ropped against the Ozark Mountains’ lush foothills and situated on the Arkansas River is Tulsa—a congenial sprawl of a city that pulses with art, architecture, food, recreation, music and shopping. Tulsa is a city of surprises and a heady trifecta of old, modern and natural: Stunning art deco buildings (remember to look up for the captivating details) and elegant turn-of-the-century mansions mingle with glass-and-steel high rises in a landscape abundant with woodsy parks, biking and walking trails and water features. A cool city that takes pride in its rich oil heritage and historic claim as the “Birthplace of Route 66,” Tulsa embraces its strengths and flaunts the crop of 21st century creative entrepreneurs who are opening everything from hip bars and farm-to-table restaurants to world-class museums and boutiques. Close enough to Kansas City for a long weekend—door-to-door in about four hours—Tulsa has more than enough to see and do for a 36-hour weekend or a seven-day vacation. Tulsa’s vibe is organic and welcoming, with options tailor-made for family adventures, girls’ weekends, couples’ getaways, single travelers, foodies, art aficionados and music fans. Here are some highlights to start planning your own nonstop, fun-filled Tulsa weekend. And once you’ve dipped your toes in what T-Town has to offer, you’ll want to come back and discover everything you missed the first time around.

Explorations

Cains sign

Art abounds in Tulsa

Philbrook Museum of Art is regarded as one of American’s finest art museums. Housed in a jaw-dropping restored 72-room Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by 23 acres of well-manicured grounds, the Philbrook boasts collections of African, American, Asian, European, Native American and Modern and Contemporary Art, in addition to Antiquities, Decorative Arts and Works on Paper. The museum’s satellite location, Philbrook Downtown, feature’s highlights from the Museum’s extensive Native American art and objects. The Thomas Gilcrease Museum, in an idyllic setting in the Osage Hills on the edge of Tulsa, is renowned for its preservation and study of American art and history, including a robust collection of Native American Art and artifacts. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art has the largest collection of Judaica in the American Southwest and also features the Herman and Kate Kaiser Holocaust Exhibition. The Woody Guthrie Center is dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most famous folksingers and influential songwriters. The interactive museum, which contains Guthrie’s art, writings and handwritten lyrics, is a fascinating journey into the Oklahoma native’s complex ideas and at the center is a display devoted to his beloved song, “This Land is Your Land.” Blue Dome

A must-see is the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, a Tulsa suburb on the Arkansas River. This delightful experience for kids and adults includes 200 marine and aquatic animals plus a fishing tackle museum. The nonprofit has a half-million-gallon tank with the world’s biggest bull sharks in captivity—plus some other creatures such as a 120-year-old alligator snapping turtle and a giant eel that sets off an alarm when it feeds. Also:

Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium: Living history, including the volunteers who have stories to tell. Tulsa Children’s Museum: Great interactive exhibits. Tours of Tulsa: Get up close and personal with the city’s Art Deco wonders.

Downtown view from the BOK Center

Entertainment Listen to live music, dance the night away or attend a concert.

BOK Center, located in the heart of Tulsa’s downtown district, books major artists and hosts sporting events with the Tulsa Shock and Tulsa Oilers in its arena. Check out Winterfest through Jan. 4, 2015, one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions. Put on your dancing shoes for a night at Cain’s Ballroom under the famous neon star and disco ball. The historic, top-notch performance venue known as Tulsa’s Pioneer Ballroom, Cain’s was the home of Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys from 1935 - 1942. Catch a modern rock or country act in this popular destination. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is continued >

November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Next stop: tulsa (continued)

home to Tulsa’s most prestigious arts organizations including the Tulsa Ballet, Opera, Symphony Orchestra and Town Hall. Also:

Blue Dome District: Bars, clubs, restaurants and shopping in this eclectic area. Brady Arts District: First Friday Art Crawl, bars, clubs, restaurants and unique shops.

Recreation Walk, bike or hike.

Tulsa River Parks spans more than 800 acres of picturesque land and 26 miles of curated trails hugging the Arkansas River. Dotted Tulsa’s skyline from Centennial Park

Tulsa ‘Cue

Zip lining with Tulsa in the background

For Kansas Citians, searching out good barbecue in other cities is almost like a sport—we like to stack our familiar ribs and brisket and beans and slaw against out-of-towners’ versions. Oklahoma has a style all its own, whether you have lunch at Albert G’s original location, a refurbished gas station at 2748 S. Harvard, and order perfectly-charred ribs, cinnamon-laced beans or a surprising side of Mediterranean-style tabouli or go to Burn Co. at 1738 Boston Ave., a newcomer to Tulsa’s barbecue scene for The Fatty sandwich (bacon wrapped around ground sausage and hot links), smoked bologna or barbecue chicken drumsticks. The real reason anyone visits a barbecue joint is just as evident in Tulsa as it in Kansas City: ribs, pulled pork chicken, turkey, brisket, the United Nations of meats slapped between buns. Pump bottles with hot, mild and sweet sauces. Drips of juice wiped from chins with thin paper napkins. Savoring of a tradition, a city’s ode to barbecue, a chance to be one with the ‘cue. Amen. For more information on planning a trip to Tulsa, go to VisitTulsa.com.

with 14 bronze wildlife sculptures and fountains, the area is perfect for a stroll, pedaling tour or picnic. If you didn’t pack your own bike, check out Tom’s Rivertrail Bicycles, located across from Tulsa River Parks, for equipment rentals. Glacier

Libations Sip a cocktail or quaff a craft beer.

Mixology is alive and well at Valkyrie in the Brady Arts District, where bartenders focus on crafting classic and modern drinks made with fresh ingredients. McNellie’s is an Oklahoma born-and-bred pub which serves cold beer and bar fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Also:

Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge: Old-school bowling and bar in the Blue Dome District with great drinks and a retro-inspired menu of gourmet tater-tots. 46

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

Weber’s Superior Root Beer Restaurant: Family-owned and operated since 1933, this is a true mom-and-pop serving award-winning root beer and outrageously good onion rings, plus burgers. Mainlodge

Dine Good eats are plenty.

Dilly Deli serves three squares in a quirky atmosphere right across from the famous Blue Dome. The Tavern on Brady, in the Brady Arts District, is an urban treasure that riffs on the classic neighborhood pub, serving sophisticated interpretations of pub dishes, along with handcrafted cocktails and from-scratch bread and desserts. Mod’s Coffee & Crepes serves signature sweet and savory crepes and house-made gelato. Get your caffeine fix at Topeca Coffee Roasters, a boutique, family-owned company with roots in El Salvador, and satisfy your chocolate craving at Glacier Confection.

Stay Diverse accommodations for every need.

Winterfest

Hyatt Regency Tulsa is centrally located downtown and within walking distance of the Blue Dome District, BOK Center, bars, restaurants, shops and attractions. A perfect headquarters for your getaway, the Hyatt features the Daily Grill, which serves classic American cuisine. The PostOak Lodge and Retreat is nestled on 1,000 acres in the rolling Osage Hills just minutes from downtown Tulsa. The nature setting is perfect for a large family or a reunion, with a scenic zip line on the property. Also:

Ambassador Hotel: Located in a luxurious landmark near the BOK Center and downtown Tulsa, perfect for a girls’ weekend or couples’ retreat. The Mayo Hotel: Historic hotel in downtown Tulsa with über-chic, upscale rooms.

Inspired Chef

The Hyatt

Justin Thompson, chef owner and founder of a quartet of Tulsa’s hottest restaurants—Juniper, Prhyme, Tavalo and 624 Kitchen and Catering—loves his native city. So much that when Thompson was pondering where he wanted to establish his career, the choice was natural. “It was important to stay in my hometown and help make it a better place,” says Thompson, known as one of Tulsa’s best and top philanthropic chefs. In addition to running his acclaimed restaurants, Thompson thrives on building relationships within the community and mentoring his staff of nearly 100 employees. Giving back to Tulsa is a staple on Thompson’s menu and part of his business plan—on any given weekend, in addition to regular business and catering events, he is attending a charity function, giving away creative packages for nonprofit auctions or hosting a party. No trip to Tulsa would be complete without a meal (or two) at one of Thompson’s eateries: Juniper, a seasonal, farm-totable concept; Tavalo, an Italian bistro; Phryme, a downtown steakhouse; and 624 Kitchen and Catering that serves a sumptuous Sunday brunch in a spectacular Art Deco setting.

November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Your Neighbor

Changing the Face of the President’s Own Article Julie Hubble | Photography Provided

elzberg Hall is completely sold out. An overflow audience fills Kauffman Theatre. What performance garners this kind of devotion? It is “The President’s Own,” named so by Thomas Jefferson, and officially called The United States Marine Band. With crisp red jackets, they are a symbol of American Pride. On September 10, more than 1,800 people gathered to be in the presence of such a special group of musicians who serve our country. But there was something even more special than listening to such a prestigious band. Last year, the U.S. Marine Band celebrated its 215th anniversary. It was also the 40th anniversary of the first enlisted woman to join The Band. She was a French horn player from Saginaw, Mich., named Ruth Johnson. She was the guest of honor at the concert. And she lives in Leawood. Ruth Johnson Kline’s life must have been the source for the movie Forrest Gump, for she has had so many brushes with history. Even People Magazine recognized her importance years ago, listing her in their special article on the fight for the E.R.A bill, alongside Sally Ride, Sandra Day O’Conner and Billie Jean King. In 1973, Ruthie was a senior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She was in both the symphony band and the orchestra. She would have been in the marching band, but in the late sixties and early seventies, women were not allowed in most university marching bands. Even the cheerleaders were all male. (It would be 1974 before Michigan had its first female cheerleaders and 2001 before the Wolverines had a female drum major.) Ruthie had friends who were already playing in The U.S. Marine Band, so she decided to audi48

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

tion. She still has the audition letter, dated March 5, 1973, from Lt. Col. Harpham, typed on plain paper along with her beautiful handwritten reply. “At the time,” remarks Harpham, “there were no legal ramifications against admitting women. I wanted to see this happen because I wanted the Marine Band to be the best.” In a press release dated April 25, 1973, immediately after her audition, the U.S. Marine Corps stated: “In its quest for more job opportunities for women, the Marine Corps is about to open up bands, including the U.S. Marine Band and Drum and Bugle Corps to women Marines.” It would seem Ruthie may have prompted the admission of women to all Marine Corps bands. Upon her acceptance, she moved to Washington D.C., immediately after graduation, becoming the first woman in The U.S. Marine Band. Ruthie reflects the perfect character of a U.S. Marine. She is quiet, courteous and full of strength. She commands respect, but is never one to walk away from hard work. While Ruthie would be the last to call herself a feminist, she is proud of to have lead the way for women in non-traditional fields and longs for the time when men and women will be treated equally everywhere. A long time member of Village Presbyterian Church, she received their Woman of Faith Award in 2010 honoring her years of service to their church and to the community.

Ruthie truly gives Forest Gump a run for his money. Here are a few events she has witnessed: -On the same day, she played “Hail to the Chief” for two different presidents: as Richard Nixon left the White House for the last time as he resigned, and then for Gerald Ford as he took office a few hours later. -She walked out the same door as President Reagan 20 minutes prior to his assassination attempt by John Hinkley Jr. -She remembers when the Band’s Woodwind Quintet played for Queen Elizabeth II on the White House lawn. -During the Vietnam War, the Band would play for the funerals of officers. She would play multiple funerals a day at Arlington continued > National Cemetery.

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Your Neighbor

(continued)

-She appeared on the iconic TV show “What’s My Line” in 1973. -She saw September 11, 2001, closer than most. Upon marrying Phil Kline, Ruthie moved to Kansas in 1981. (Phil Kline would eventually become a 19-year Kansas State Representative. His death this past year marked the passing of a remarkable public servant.) Looking for another federal job, Ruthie became an Air Traffic Controller. She worked there for many years, rising in the ranks to the supervisor in charge of the air space over the Flint Hills. On September 11, 2001, she remembers getting a briefing from her supervisor at 7 a.m. “It is going to be an easy day– not a cloud in the sky!” She went to get a cup of coffee where she saw tape of the first tower being hit on CNN. First command: Stop all departures to NYC. Second command: Stop all departures. Third command: Land every airplane at the nearest usable airport. Within one hour, every plane was on the ground. She landed 727s at Garden City, Kans. Firetrucks were called to the big planes because most of the smaller airports had no jetways. She remembers CEOs who went out and purchased cars to drive home, because there were not enough rental cars. “It was the most surreal day. No one ever imagined anything like that would happen in this country,” she remembers.

Those who attended the concert in Helzberg Hall will not forget this wonderful performance. From the requisite pieces from John Philip Sousa to the beautiful Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium,” The President’s Own filled the building with pride and joy. It is such a moving moment to see soldiers stand when their anthem is played, and when “God Bless America” is sung en masse. And all of Kansas City would have been so proud to see the standing ovation from the audience and the Band members when Ruth Johnson Kline’s name was announced as the first woman in the U.S. Marine Band. Her uniforms are on display at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va. Play on, Ruthie. You are a Kansas City treasure. Ruthie Johnson Kline, center, with current members of the Marine Band.

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Open House

A Dream Home Rises From the Ground Up Prairie Village tear down showcases the marriage of fine design and detail Article Katherine Bontrager | Photography Provided

harlie and Kathleen Tholl adored the vibrant lifestyle that Prairie Village offered: family-friendly neighborhoods, charming shops within walking distance, fantastic schools and more. Yet the small ranch and Cape Cod homes that beautify the neighborhood were less than ideal for this growing family. Like many families with sights set on expansion, they were torn about taking on the challenge of finding something that would work in Prairie Village verses moving further south. In the end, Prairie Village won out—where the couple has called home since 2009. But where to go from there? The couple’s wish list included an open floor plan, tall ceilings, and a three-car garage, which is rare in the Village. “We weren’t set on tearing down and rebuilding, but as we began to look, it seemed to be the best option that allowed us the amenities we wanted, while staying in the area that we love,” says Kathleen. “We found our perfect fit after speaking with Koenig Building and driving by a house that was already being built. Everything just came together really well.” The home was being built by Koenig Building and Restoration of Fairway. The stone-and-lap siding house featured

five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, providing plenty of space to grow. “We were lucky to get involved in the process at the perfect time,” Kathleen admits. “Koenig already had everything planned for the home; we were able to come in and select the finishes we wanted. Of course, making all those decisions was a little stressful, but we were happy to be able to pick exactly how we wanted things.” “The Tholl’s home was unique because it was a three-car version of our own home,” says Scott Koenigsdorf, owner of Koenig Building and Restoration. “We strive to build a home that we would live in, or build for family and friends, and this exemplifies that. We took the floor plan from our personal home that we built a year ago, and perfected a few parts of it to make it an even better, three-car version. When we first met with Charlie and Kathleen, they told us how similar our design styles were, and they were right. We love how their home turned out.” The Tholls are also thrilled with the finished product, with their favorite parts of the home centering on the finished basement and kitchen. Accented by light hardwood floors, crisp white cabinetry and continued >

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supportive and could not get a better recommendation from us.” Another bonus was the full-fledged support the Tholls and the builders received from the neighborhood. “Our neighbors were very supportive of our efforts,” says Kathleen. “They were all very nice and extremely patient. We always received good reports about the respect and cleanliness shown by the Koenig team, so that certainly helped.” It’s a blessing that the job had no issues. “The City of Prairie Village is always great to work with, the house went up smoothly, and the neighbors were all so friendly. There’s nothing worse than a home going up next to you that has a dirty job site, takes forever, or has rude workers. We strive to keep all of our new builds under six months construction time, and have a clean, courteous jobsite,” says Scott. It’s no small endeavor to take on such a building challenge. But the end result? For this growing family, it was entirely worth it. “There’s nothing we would change,” says Kathleen. “We absolutely love it.”

Page Turners

How to Travel the World for Free Written by Michael Wigge Reviewed by Tracy Sullivan 153 Pages Skyhorse Publishing

he joy in Michael Wigge’s book How To Travel The World For Free is not derived from learning how he earns money to pursue his travels, but in the way he describes the cities and regions in the U.S. and abroad. Wigge’s 25,000-mile journey from Berlin to Antarctica is filled with people who are inspiring, sympathetic and humorous, and places that affirm and also debunk stereotypes that many people hold about particular areas around the world. The impetus of the book is that Wigge must find his way to the Antarctic without using any of his own money or credit card. Motivated by his surroundings and wits, he works at times as helping hand on a cargo ship, a porter in Machu Picchu, as a “hill helper” in San Francisco (pushing people up the streets for $1), and as a “human sofa” in Las Vegas. He was also not above dumpster diving for food, asking restaurants for handouts, or begging ticket agents for comp tickets to further him along on his journey. Wigge travels by almost every known mode of transportationby bus, train, ship, plane, bicycle, foot and even an Amish horse and buggy. His preconceived notions of places such as the U.S. Midwest, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Canada are sometimes fairly accurate. I was most pleasantly surprised when the Amish in Pennsylvania and Ohio turned Wigge’s initial perception of them around. After spending a few nights with one Amish couple, he realizes that when the Amish lifestyle is all that someone knows, they are content with what they have. 56

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

Wigge may have had things a bit easier than the non-seasoned traveler though, as he used a few connections to provide housing on various continents. He also used a website called CouchSurfing.com, a global social networking community where backpackers can find people to let them sleep on their couches for a brief time. In addition, he managed to snag a few above-and-beyond perks such as a free plane ticket from San Francisco to Hawaii, thanks in part to his ingenuity, connections and a bit of good luck. My favorite section was reading about his stay in Hawaii. He intersperses historical information amongst mesmerizing descriptions of the landscape. I appreciated the fact that Wigge didn’t sugarcoat this chapter by only detailing the positives. As with other cities and regions, amongst the beauty lie seedier aspects. In many places there is a great disparity between the wealthier population and the working class and poor residents. This disparity is particularly visible during the South American portion of Wigge’s travels. From Costa Rica to Columbia to Chile, the local populations are as diverse as the landscapes. How To Travel The World For Free cannot be used as a guidebook as it wouldn’t be helpful for the average traveler. However, taken at face value, the book is honest, often humorous, and constantly reminds us of the ingenuity latent within us all.

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Financial Fitness

Smart “End of the Year” Financial Ideas to Consider T

hough 2015 is quickly approaching, there is still time to make smart end-of-year financial moves. Here are some options to consider:

CHARITABLE GIVING- GIVE TO LOVED ONES AND THOSE IN NEED

• Donate appreciated securities to charities – You’ll get an immediate tax break and avoid capital gains taxes. • Gifting to love ones – Gift up to $14,000 per family member in federal tax-free gifts. • Personal gifts for college – If you want to help pay for your child’s or grandchild’s college education, you can contribute to some attractive funding vehicles, such as Section 529 college investment plan. Your 529 contributions will lower your taxable estate and can be used as a state income tax deduction for eligible states.

PLANNING FOR 2015

• Discuss major life events with your advisor, such as marriages or divorces, births or deaths in the family, job or employment changes, and significant elective expenses (real estate purchases, college tuition payments etc.). • Ensure your account paperwork, risk tolerance and investment objectives are up to date with your advisor. • Double check your beneficiary designations and update as necessary. There are many things you can do to improve your financial picture in the new year. These are just a few tips that can help get things started off on the right foot. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor to keep you on the right path during these tumultuous economic times.

RETIREMENT PLANNING- SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES AND AVOID MISSTEPS

This article is provided by The Dexter-Morris Wealth Management Team,

• Make extra 401(k) contributions – You’ll lower your taxable income and boost your retirement savings. • Open an IRA – Consider opening a Roth or Traditional IRA before the 2014 tax year ends. Both provide tax benefits, while allowing you to make contributions for the 2014 tax year up until April 15, 2015. • Maximize Your IRA Contributions- $5,500 for 2014, and age 55+, $6,500 for 2014. • Take Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are past the age of 70 ½.

Financial Advisors at RBC Wealth Management. The information included in

TAX OPPORTUNITIES- OFFSET CAPITAL GAINS

• Harvest your losses by selling taxable investments, keeping in mind short-term losses are most effective at offsetting capital gains. Note: wait at least 31 days before buying back a holding sold for a loss to avoid the IRS wash sale rule. • Add itemized deductions – If you have itemized deductions, consider making the payments in December so you can deduct the items on your 2014 taxes. • Make deductible payments – If you make any tax-deductible payments, do so before 2014 comes to an end. • Defer income – If you’re self-employed, defer billing until late December. If you work for a company and are scheduled to get a year-end bonus, see if you can put it off until January.

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. The Dexter-Morris Wealth Management Team can be reached at DexterMorrisWM.com or 913.451.3503. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Driver's Notebook

2015 Mustang: The Pony Car Rides Again Article Tom Strongman | Photography Tom Strongman and Ford Motor Co.

t’s only fitting that Ford used the 50th anniversary of the Mustang to unwrap the sixth generation of the car whose galloping pony logo has become an American automotive icon. The 1964 Mustang was compact, sporty and affordable. Its success gave rise to competitors –the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Pontiac Firebird – and the whole segment soon became known as pony cars. Restyling an icon is a delicate art. Designers need to move the car forward while retaining design cues that link it to the past. Ford has succeeded in creating a Mustang that is better in every way. It looks great, has three engine choices and an upgraded interior. It is notably free from wind noise and handles deftly because of the new independent rear suspension. Kemal Curic, born in Bosnia, worked at Ford of Europe when one of his designs was chosen as the basis for the new Mustang. The car looks low and purposeful. The bold grille and bulging fenders are recognizably Mustang, as are the individu-

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

al, three-dimensional taillights that blink sequentially as turn signals. Ford would only say the coupe would be on sale “soon,” with no exact date given. A convertible should be available around the end of the year. The 2015 Mustang has a starting price of $23,600 with the 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 but for $1,570 more you can get the turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates a phenomenal 310 horsepower and delivers 32 miles per gallon in highway testing. Power hungry folks will love the 5.0-liter V-8 that packs 435 galloping ponies. Auto writers were invited to drive pre-production models last week in Southern California. We could drive the EcoBoost four-cylinder or the V-8. For anyone with even a modicum of gasoline in their veins, these are the only two engines to consider. While horsepower is seductive (more is usually better) I was thoroughly charmed by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four. Equipped with the Premium package, the sticker price was $33,480.

Back in the day, pure racing engines were lauded for delivering 100 horsepower per liter, but this sparkling gem produces a prodigious 137 horsepower per liter and does so while meeting stringent emission requirements and delivering as much as 32 miles per gallon in highway driving (according to EPA figures). Think racehorse that hardly eats. Extracting this much power from such a small engine required deft engineering. The twin-scroll turbocharger is fed by individual exhaust pipes from each exhaust valve. That lets each pulse of exhaust reach the turbo without interference from neighboring cylinders, and that in turn makes the turbo respond more quickly. There is almost no discernible turbo lag. On the first segment of our drive we had to endure crowded urban streets until we reached the Angeles Crest Highway. This twisted snake of a highway is legendary throughout the automotive world for the way it tests a vehicle’s handling, and it’s an oasis of mountain driving. With less weight over the front wheels, the Eco-

Boost Mustang felt lithe and balanced. A flick of the automatic’s paddle shifters initiated quick downshifts for corners, and the engine was eager to power out with a pleasing rush. The car can be equipped with selectable drive modes — Normal, Sport +, Track and Winter. Sport + was most fun in the mountains as it tightens up the suspension and makes shifts crisper. The independent rear axle keeps the rear tires planted, especially in choppy turns. The performance pack of 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes, stiffer springs and firmer chassis tuning would have sharpened handling even more, but at the expense of a choppier ride. I had a short drive in a 5.0-liter GT with the performance pack. The buttoned-down ride was better in fast turns but less compliant, and less comfortable, in everyday driving. The GT’s throbbing V-8 and six-speed manual were exhilarating, but it is hard to safely unleash its power potential on anything less than a track. For everyday use, I would pick the EcoBoost. Electronic controls are abundant in the new Mustang, witness the four drive modes, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and backup camera. An interesting twist is the availability of a line lock. A line lock applies the front brakes but not the rear, enabling drivers to do burnouts to warm up the rear tires for maximum traction during standing starts. Using line lock at the drag strip, however, could possibly void the warranty. Inside, the Mustang’s cabin has a familiar look but the level of materials has been upgraded. The seats are deep and supportive, and the optional Recaro seats in the GT were outstanding. Various trim packages add adaptive cruise control, upgraded audio systems, navigation and MyFord Touch. Sync, or Bluetooth connectivity, is standard. Price: Base prices start at $23,600 for the V-6, $25,170 for the EcoBoost four-cylinder, $29,170 for the EcoBoost Premium, $32,100 for the V-8 GT and $36,100 for the GT Premium.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000mile powertrain warranty. You can reach Tom Strongman at TStrongman@gmail.com. At A Glance

Point: The redesigned Mustang appears to be a resounding success based on a few hours behind the wheel. The styling is a home run, performance is better than ever and the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is a powerhouse that is relatively easy on gas. Counterpoint: Back seat legroom is so tight that only small children, dogs or briefcases will fit. 2015 Ford Mustang Engine: 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 2.3-liter, 310-horsepower turbo four-cylinder 5.0-liter, 435-horsepower V-8 Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 107.1 inches Curb weight: 3,526 to 3,729 pounds Base price: $23,600 to $36,100 MPG rating: 2.3-liter four-cylinder: 22 in the city, 32 on the highway 3.7-liter V-6: 19 in the city, 28 on the highway 5.0-liter V-8: 16 in the city, 25 on the highway

November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Hallbrook

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Hallbrook

$1,400,000

$1,300,000

Tuscany Reserve

$1,785,000

$1,300,000

108

Hazelwood

$1,099,000

$949,000

$725,000 $675,000 103 of Johnson County Real Estate Pavilions $720,000 $649,000 63 Royse Royse

$740,000

$645,000

159

Bristol Place

$625,000

$600,000

Longwood Forest

$479,900

$465,000

Mission Prairie

$510,000

$447,000

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120

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November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Lifestyle Calendar

November THROUGH JANUARY 2015 THE PLAINS INDIANS: ARTISTS

chamber connections. 8 – 9:30 a.m. at Bank of Blue Valley, 13401 Mission Rd.

OF EARTH AND SKY NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

Leftover Luxuries is a pop-up consignment store, and it is coming to Town Center Plaza’s former Restoration Hardware location this month. This concept began five years ago in Charlottesville, Va., and has been successful more than 40 times around the country. They will sell furniture, antiques, rugs, art, accessories, designer handbags and designer/vintage clothing.

UNION STATION

NOVEMBER 15 12TH ANNUAL GIFT GALLERY CURE OF ARS SCHOOL

NOVEMBER 7-23 LA CAGE AUX FOLLES MISSION

The Barn Players will present “La Cage Aux Folles” the winner of six Tony Awards and later turned into the popular movie “The Birdcage.” It’s a wild and hilarious farce about nonconformity, filled with gorgeous costuming, fabulous dance numbers and great music including “I Am What I Am” and “The Best of Times”. (6219 Martway) TheBarnPlayers.org 913.432.9100

NOVEMBER 11 LEAWOOD CHAMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON & DEBUT

MORNING MINGLING LEAWOOD

Warm up from the cool autumn weather with coffee, breakfast and your favorite 64

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

More than 50 local Kansas City vendors in a new “pop-up” holiday shop featuring handmade artists, local boutiques and curated gifts. VIP Night November 13 from 5-9 p.m. is $20/ticket. November 14-16 is $5/ticket. ChickEvents.com

TOWN CENTER PLAZA

XTREME BUGS

LEAWOOD CHAMBER

TOWN CENTER PLAZA

LEFTOVER LUXURIES

THROUGH APRIL 2015

NOVEMBER 4

HOLIDAY CHICK EVENT

NOVEMBER 13-23

Artists from the Plains Indian cultures of North America create works of exceptional beauty, mystery and emotional power. This exhibition celebrates the accomplishments of these artists from before Euro-American contact in the 1500s to the present day with master works from around the globe.

Xtreme BUGS are marchin’, crawlin’ and flyin’ into Union Station! This larger-thanlife exhibition will host more than 100 giant insect and fun, hands-on activities for the whole family. Get up close and personal with these massive, moving insects and arthropods and discover their amazing talents, unique behaviors and strange survival strategies! UnionStation.org/bugs

NOVEMBER 13-16

LEAWOOD

Featured speaker will be Kurt Austin, communications and digital manager for Sporting KC. Also be debuting our newest chamber members from the previous quarter. 11:14 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park, 66221.

The annual Gift Gallery is a premier shopping event that brings together more than 40 artisans and vendors selling unique and upscale items in a festive atmosphere. This annual fundraiser is a great opportunity to start your holiday shopping early. The event offers thousands of items representing the area’s latest trends in fashion, home décor and gifts at a wide range of prices. Proceeds are donated to local non-profit children’s charities. $3 admission. GiftGalleryKC.com

TRIVIA NIGHT AND SILENT AUCTION GLOBAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Gather your smartest friends, create a themed table, bring your own snacks and have fun while supporting a worthy cause – the Paul Henson YMCA Individual tickets are $13 each, or purchase a table of 8 for $100. For more information on purchasing tickets call, or visit the Paul Henson YMCA Welcome Center. 913.642.6800.

NOVEMBER 16 COMMUNITY MESSIAH EVENT OVERLAND PARK

The community is invited to Messiah, the beloved arrangement by Handel, presented with choir, soloists and orchestra at 7 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church of Stanley (14895 Antioch Rd.). A freewill offering will be collected to benefit Grace United Community Ministries, a local, interdenominational charity that helps individuals and families in a holistic way. Plan to stay for the “Afterglow” reception. This is a free event. 913.681.8180 StanleyPres.org

NOVEMBER 18 WINE, WOMEN & WISHES OVERLAND PARK

Join your friends for a girls’ night out with wine tasting, cooking and decorating demonstrations and a silent auction plus power shop-

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ping at the Johnson County Young Matrons Boutique from 6-9 p.m. at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park. Tickets are required; cost is $25. All proceeds benefit six area philanthropies as well as the JCYM Scholarship Fund. See JCYM.net for information.

NOVEMBER 18 & 19 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS BOUTIQUE OVERLAND PARK

Johnson County Young Matrons’ Annual Home for the Holidays Boutique will be held at The Ritz Charles. More than 50 vendors will be present with unique items ranging from holiday and year-round home décor to gifts, jewelry, clothing, food items, etc. There is no admission charge. Proceeds benefit six area philanthropies. JCYM.net

NOVEMBER 21 & 22 ASCENSION MARKETPLACE OVERLAND PARK

Vendors show and sell their artistry, wares and gift ideas over two days in the Parish Hall of Church of the Ascension just in time for the holidays!

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Lifestyle Calendar

NOVEMBER 21 & 22 LAKE QUIVIRA HOLIDAY BAZAAR LAKE QUIVIRA CLUBHOUSE

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More than 50 local vendors will offer a variety of boutique home decor, handmade gifts, jewelry, gourmet foods, accessories and gifts, in addition to the annual bake sale at the charming 1930s stone clubhouse. Enjoy drinks and dining amid a winter view from the cozy clubhouse overlooking beautiful Lake Quivira. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. 1-8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

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BRIGHT LIGHT FRIDAY

Skip the craziness of Black Friday shopping and make it “Bright Light Friday.” Bring your family and friends to a free Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove concert at the Plaza library (4801 Main St.). On the day of the show, we’ll be collecting winter clothing items for Artists Helping the Homeless. This organization is in need of hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, boots, long underwear, etc. All sizes will be accepted.

Now scheduling New Plaza location!

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Did you know? Your favorite Lifestyle Publication is on facebook!

NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 6 HOLIDAY LUMINARY WALK OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS

Connect with us today and read feature articles, view special offers, enter contests and more!

facebook.com/LeawoodLifestyle

The Arboretum’s year tops off with the 15th annual Holiday Luminary Walk. This major fund-raiser features a mile of beautiful candlelit trails, holiday lights and live entertainment, Santa for the kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, a bonfire and warm refreshments. 5-9 p.m. ArtsAndRec-OP.org

DECEMBER 4 COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE STANLEY

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Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

Make an appointment to help save a life. Join neighbors and friends at the Presbyterian Church of Stanley (14895 Antioch) between noon and 6:30 p.m. for a Community Blood Center blood drive. Donors must be 17.

Come in and enjoy our classic burger or classic turkey burger for just $5! For $3 more choose from any of our signature gourmet burgers with fries. With locally sourced ingredients like fresh bread from Farm to Market Bakery and meat sourced from McGonigle’s Maret then cooked to perfection over our wood-fired grill, it may be the best burger in Kansas City!

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November 2014 | Leawood Lifestyle

Animals & Animal Care

Business Directory

Puppy’s Playpen (913) 648-DOGS puppysplaypen.com

Art & Photography

Red Couch Photography (816) 519-0929 redcouchphotos@gmail.com

Child Camps, Care & Tutoring

College Nannies & Tutors (913) 754-3633 collegenanniesandtutors.com/ overlandpark

Dentists & Orthodontics H2O Orthodontics (913) 782-7223 h2orthodontics.com

Dry Cleaners

Natures Touch (816) 942-3240 greenearthcleaning.com Ross Miller Dry Cleaning (816) 554-6656 rossmillercleaners.com Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

Education

Mathnasium of Overland Park (913) 642-6284 mathnasium.com/overlandpark The Barstow School (816) 277-0413 barstowschool.org/visiting

Entertainment & Recreation Longview Mansion (816) 761-6669 longviewmansion.com

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

Fashion & Accessories

Marilyn Arnold Designs (816) 503-9979 marilynarnolddesigns.com Shane Co. shaneco.com Tivol (800) 829-1515 tivol.com Todd Reed (303) 442-6280 toddreed.com

Town Center Plaza (913) 498-1111 towncenterplaza.com

Home Design & Furnishings

VanBrock Jewelry (913) 341-7273 vanbrockjewels.com

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

Financial Services & Planning

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

RBC Wealth Management (913) 451-3503 rbcwm-usa.com

Health & Wellness Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

Reflections Body Solutions - Body Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 reflectionsbodysolutions.com Seeking Solace Yoga (913) 302-2439 seekingsolaceyoga.com

Home Builders & Remodelers Koenig Building (816) 457-9445 koenigbuilding.com

Elegant Outlook, LLC d/b/a Budget Blinds Of Overland Park (913) 402-1600 budgetblinds.com/overlandpark Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark.tenthousandvillages.com

Home Services Granite Garage Floors (913) 752-9906 granitegaragefloors.com

LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com

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

Open to the Public 7 Days a Week | Locally Owned & Operated KC’s Largest Retail Showroom | Huge In-stock Selection Ready to Take Home Products Ranging from Traditional to the Latest Trends Non-Commissioned Designers In-house to Assist with Design & Selections

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Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

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Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

Saint Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Mid America Heart Institute (913) 317-7139 golifekc.org

Tile & Stone Warehouse (913) 432-7900 tileandstonewarehouse.com

Saint Luke's South Hospital (913) 317-7795 saintlukeshealthsystem.org/ southbaby

Yardman of Overland Park (913) 642-8252

Property & Real Estate

Medical Clinics & Facilities

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com

After Hours Pediatrics (913) 825-4700 after-hourspediatrics.com Childrens Mercy South (913) 696-8000 childrensmercy.org

Gail G. Dicus Keller Williams Realty (913) 709-1060 gaildicus.com

IVitality (913) 387-0101 instituteofvitality.com

Home Rental Services (913) 469-6633 home4rent.com

Menorah Medical Center (913) 498-6652 menorahmedicalcenter.com/weightloss

REMAX State Line (913) 312-3620 scottiebroderickteam.com

Midwest Anti-Aging (913) 244-4771 midwestanti-agingkc.com

The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com

HCA Midwest Health Overland Park Regional Medical Center (913) 544-5000 oprmc.com

The Kim Yuille Team (913) 558-9533 kimskeytokc.com

Restaurants, Food & Beverage Corner Bakery and Cafe (913) 766-0486 cornerbakerycafe.com EBT Restaurant (816) 942-8870 ebtrestaurant.com Pie Five Pizza Co (913) 897-7435 piefivepizza.com Red Door Grill (913) 222-7949 reddoorgrill.com The Kansas City Steak Company (877) 347-8325 kansascitysteaks.com

Senior Living & Services

CF Lane Management LLC (Villa Medici) (913) 649-5050

Specialty Shops

Annies Barn etsy.com/shop/AnniesBarn Quilters Station (816) 525-8955 quiltersstation.com

Travel & Leisure The Elms Resort & Spa (800) THE-ELMS elmshotelandspa.com

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Parting Thoughts

The Family Travel Agent has Heavy Baggage Words Denise Snodell

he saying goes, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” But this philosophical gem needs a prequel: “It’s also about planning the journey.” I know from experience that being the person who puts the trip together is a wild adventure in itself. There’s research turbulence. Off-the-rail surprises. Emotional road-burn. It’s a role in life where I sputter, because somehow, I wound up being the sole household travel agent. I don’t like it. It seems every family has one designated vacation planner— the sucker who has to deal with calendars, airline websites, endless travel reviews, and most of all, a generalized sense of throwing darts into a void. There was a time in history when humans who wanted to travel visited other humans who sat in offices with Neolithic computers—the kind with cathode ray tube monitors that had magical connections to airlines and tour guides and hotels. I loved that era. Travel agents were like Starbucks baristas. People needing a vacation fix could walk through glassy agency doors on almost any block. They’d see posters of palm trees, the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa soaking up the fluorescent lights. This was all so comforting—a 3-dimensional expert with a nice hair-do was going get you to faraway places. You’d just sit in a cushy chair, name a time, place and budget and say yes or no. I miss the living, breathing travel agents who knew what they were doing. I’m not sure where they took off to, but they’re gone. They have been replaced by the likes of…me. Stupid internet. Stupid progress. Every time I turn around, it seems I’m awkwardly dot-coming my way around time zones. And no matter how often I hit the “purchase” icon, when I’m on the

Leawood Lifestyle | November 2014

actual trip, something goes wrong, ranging from renting a clunker car to sleeping overnight on airport terminal carpeting. I blame most of this on Bill Gates, and some of it on “Priceline Negotiator” William Shatner. Both of whom I’m sure have private jets and personal assistants who handle their journeys. To make things worse, the past several years my family has had constant travel needs. Two sons, a year apart, went on countless college tours, scholarship interviews and second looks near and far. That overlapped with visiting my parents who live 1,000 miles away. A few actual vacations to new places were thrown in the mix, along with the boys moving to two different universities. One kid wound up kinda far, which means my fingers now reflexively type “Travelocity” while I sleep. So what have I learned as the family travel agent? Here’s the short list. 1. Aforementioned William Shatner is not really negotiating for you. 2. Hotels in college towns during football/family weekends have been fully booked since 1972. 3. Same goes for every hotel in the world during spring break week. 4. Fantastic round-trip flight deals are only to Akron. 5. You will one day find yourself sitting on a bench in Central Park, staring at your cell phone to nab an A-group boarding pass. 6. You will get a C-group boarding pass. 7. Four-star hotels are really 1 ½ star hotels. 8. After renting a “non-smoking” car, you’ll need a prescription for a nicotine patch. 9. You will read horrifying Trip Advisor reviews AFTER you book a nonrefundable vacation. 10. Wherever you go, pack aspirin. Scratch that. Pack a large flask.

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