Northland April 2016

Northland

APRIL 2016

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Green!

All the World is

Find new ways to conserve!

360 VODKA KEEPS IT GREEN AND LOCAL SAVERS: MORE THAN A THRIFT A NEW WAY OF THINKING 1ST ANNUAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS!

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Construction

Development

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Donate your good taste.

One’s trash is another’s treasure.

Donating is life changing for everyone!

...So take those clothes you never wear, that china you never use, the garage packed with stuff you don’t need, and transform your stuff into a hero! From timeless treasures you don’t have space for to gently worn fashions you don’t have a need for, consider our arms right here in The Northland open and paying it forward! Your items will find more than a good home, they’ll create a source of revenue to support the nonprofits right here in our Northland community as well as people in need abroad.

SDAY E U T S Y MBER EVER D ME AR TER) T LUB C ALL C(55 OR BE

FF 0%urO se 3 h c T E G entire p a on

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300 South Street-Rt. 291, Liberty, Missouri 64068

“I work with my patients to personalize treatment to their symptoms, goals and individual situations.”

Scott Shorten, MD Neurology and Sleep Medicine Meritas Health Neurology

Meritas Health network specialty clinics: Meritas Health Briarcliff (Gynecology) Meritas Health Cardiology Meritas Health Comprehensive Surgical Specialists Meritas Health Endocrinology Meritas Health ENT Meritas Health Neurology Meritas Health Neurosurgery Meritas Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Meritas Health Pavilion for Women (Obstetrics & Gynecology) Meritas Health Psychiatry Meritas Health Pulmonary Medicine Meritas Health Surgery & Trauma Specialists

Our specialists, your Northland neighborhood When you or your loved one needs a specialist, look no further than Meritas Health, the largest network of physician practices in the Northland. We offer more than 60 board-certified and trusted specialty care physicians – including neurologist and sleep medicine physician Scott Shorten, MD. Experience the Meritas Health difference: •

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a part of North Kansas City Hospital

Lifestyle Letter

Feeling Green!

APRIL 2016

Dear Readers,

editor

Despite the mild winter and early spring, I can't think of a year when I've been more excited to garden! After a long summer last year of remodeling the back of our house, our yard is looking a bit worse for wear and now the season is upon us to make it beautiful again. What's your inspiration this spring?

Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com sales director

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales

Carey Welsch | Carey.Welsch@LifestylePubs.com Andrew Unrein | Andrew.Unrein@ LifestylePubs.com

The Green issue is always a fun one. The conservation and recycling revolution is continuing with more and more options for responsible ways to deal with our trash. And for some, that trash truly is treasure. Savers is a great example. Did you know that the largest recycler of fabric in the world has locations in the Northland? That's right. When you shop at Savers, you're not only finding a good deal, you're supporting local non-profits and people in need in other countries. That's something to feel good about.

Kenneth Kieser shows us how to hunt the elusive morel mushroom. Not many mushroom hunters will reveal their secret stashes but if you find a good spot, then you're in luck!

These wrinkly beauties are a culinary goldmine, the truffles of North America.

contributing writers

Pete Dulin, Lisa Allen, Melissa Myers, Jennifer Higgins, Peggy Parolin, Kenneth Kieser, Diana Lambdin-Meyer contributing photographers

Lani Odell, Myla Tosatto, Janie Jones, Joel Schneider, Pete Dulin, Kenneth Kieser and Diana Lambdin-Meyer

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

For a good beverage to go along with your dinner of mushrooms, you can have a cocktail mixed with 360 Vodka, made locally in Weston, Mo. This spirit company has made a nearly closed circuit of production with recycled glass bottles and most materials coming from less than 95 miles away. How's that for green?

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

AD COORDINATORS

| Brad Broockerd

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER DESIGN SPECIALIST

Happy Earth Day!

| DeLand Shore

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

No matter how you do it, I hope that you are thinking about the footprints that we leave behind on this earth. The planet is a precious gift and it has been entrusted to us. To whom much is given, much is expected. So let's do our part and take care of our home!

| Matthew Perry

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland’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 Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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April 2016

28 50 28 Savers--Finding new life for old things

Thrift store proves that recycling isn't just for cans and bottles

34 In the Spirit: McCormick Distilling's

Eco-Friendly 360 VodkaÂ

Weston distillery operates as green company from bottled

spirits to buildings.

50 Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company

Road Trip to a Previous Century of Gardening

34 38

Departments 12

Good Times

16

Around Town

20

Inspired By

24

Giving Back

38

Water & Woods

46

Renovate & Refine

50

Road Trip

56

Locals Only

59

Sold Properties

60

Lifestyle Calendar

66

Parting Thoughts

xx

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

Good Times

Blood Drive at Stonecrest at Burlington Creek

Stonecrest at Burlington Creek held a blood drive on February 11. Donors received a complimentary lunch and helped to save six lives for every donation! Donations were received by the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City.Â

12

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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Good Times

Challenge Your Fashion Event for the YMCA

This year's Challenge Your Fashion event was a huge success. The fashion show and fundraiser featuring KC sports stars raised $213,000 for the YMCA's Challenger Program for diversely abled athletes and the Fred and Shirley Prior Challenger Field.Â

Michel and Mike Kaiser

Jeremy Gaskill, Regional Vice President of Market Development for presenting sponsor Humana; Bree Gaskill; Cathy Allin; David Byrd, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Cynthia Wheeler, David Westbrook, Jami and Ben Evans; Claire Burns; Lisa and Jordan Swanson, Market Vice President for presenting sponsor Fred Pryor Humana; Steve Moody

Challenger Buddy Victoria Guerra Challenger athlete Raef Meinhardt

and

Ed, Andrew and Matt Hubbard. Ed and Matt Challenger athlete Max Frazier and his brother, are Challenger volunteers. Andrew is a Challenger Buddy Jack Frazier Challenger athlete.

Michelle Ford and emcees Steven St. John of Dr. Jim Sparks, Piper Sparks, Dr. Margie Silvius, Sports Radio WHB 810 AM; and Rex Hudler, Royals White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche and Dr. Matt Silvius commentator and former MLB player Challenger athlete Jadyn Biermann 14

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

local non-profits with health and wellness initiatives, and purchase a 3G Simulation Manikin to provide state-of-the-art training to Liberty Hospital staff and physicians.

Sponsorships start at $150, and tickets are just $50 each. The event will feature delicious street eats, craft beer pairings, raffles, games, and updates on the Hospital's exciting plans for 2016!

For more information on Twilight at the TreeHouse, visit LibertyHospitalFoundation.org or call 816.792.7014.

PATRIOT'S OUTREACH INVITES PEOPLE TO PUTT FOR OUR VETERANS

Assistance League of Kansas City (ALKC) recognizes that there

On Monday, May 9th, Patriot's Outreach will host their first annual

is a need and has stepped up to fulfill that need. In February of 1997,

Patriot Outreach Golf Tournament. The organization is dedicated to

the ASSAULT SURVIVOR KITS® program was adopted to provide

supporting the men and women of the armed forces and their fam-

personal care items for sexual assault victims that were being seen

ilies by helping them cope in healthy ways with the extreme stress

in local hospital emergency rooms. In 2014-2015 the kits were able

and strain of battlefield situations and advocating for increased

to provide comfort to 890 assault victims. The contents of the Assault

awareness of the needs of our soldiers, veterans and first responders.

Survivor Kits are purchased and assembled by member volunteers

The tournament will be held at the Deuce at the National Golf Club

of ALKC and delivered to MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to

and feature a fun-filled day of golf, music, food and family fun. In addition

Counter Sexual Assault), whose own volunteers then provided them

to the gameplay, 2014 Indie Music Channel Album of the Year award

to individuals that are identified at area hospitals. The Assault Survivor

winning musician Ryan Daniel will perform, the ladies from the Tilted Kilt

Kits contain new clothing, (a pair of fleece pants, a comfortable shirt,

will appear with the Patriot Outreach Dragster and National SpokesLady

sports bra and underwear), personal hygiene items and an infor-

Christi Edelbrock will be on hand to meet with fans. Sponsorships are

mational book Recovering from Rape by Linda Ledrey, to help these

available. For more information or to register, visit PatriotOutreach.org.

individuals, whose garments are retained by police for evidence, to leave the hospital comfortably and with dignity.

Recently Assistance League of Kansas City was fortunate

GLOBAL RETAILER COSTCO WHOLESALER IS COMING TO CLAY COUNTY

to meet and become community partners with MADI (Make a

The announcement was made recently by the City of Kansas City,

Difference Intimate) Apparel. For every pair of underwear sold by

Mo., MD Management, Clay County, Platte County and the Platte

MADI, they donate a pair to a woman in need. The addition of a

County R-3 School District.

pair of their high quality underwear has been a welcome addition

Costco will build a new warehouse club at the northeast corner

to our ASSAULT SURVIVOR KITS. To date 150 pair have been

of North Platte Purchase Drive and Northwest 88th Street in Kansas

donated to the organization.

City, Missouri. The site is just southeast of Highway 152, approxi-

“The staff at MOCSA is always grateful for all Assistance League

mately one half mile west of Highway 169.

of Kansas City and their Assault Survivor Kits program do to help

"This morning, I was honored to speak at the announcement of

our clients. There is no other agency that fulfills this need,” MOCSA

the new Costco location at 152 and Platte Purchase Road, sched-

says. “Thank you so much for all you do in helping us provide the best

uled to open this November," Clay County Presiding Commissioner

service we can to survivors of sexual violence."

Jerry Nolte says. "Many Northlanders have been anticipating this for

LIBERTY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 8TH ANNUAL TWILIGHT AT THE TREEHOUSE EVENT

some time. Hats off to Kansas City Council members Dan Fowler and Teresa Loar who worked to bring Costco here. This illustrates the positive growth and welcoming atmosphere for job creating businesses in Clay County and the Northland."

For over 30 years, the Liberty Hospital Foundation has made a positive

Developed by MD Management, the retail area encompasses all

impact on the patients, employees, and community of Liberty Hospital.

four corners of the intersection of 152 Highway and N. Platte Purchase

The Twilight at the TreeHouse event on June 10 at the TreeHouse at Liberty

Drive. MD Management is gifting approximately 80 acres of land to

Hospital is an opportunity to share this mission with the community, and

the R-3 School District for two future schools.

raise funds for vital programs and services.

In 2015, a record 325 attendees raised over $62,000. These funds helped in part to help patients afford their life-sustaining medica-

COUNCILWOMAN HEATHER HALL BEGINS NORTHLAND OFFICE HOURS

tions and improve their health through the Medication Assistance

“City Hall can seem like a long drive, so I will bring City Hall to the

Program, launch the LiveWell Community Grant program, supporting

Northland,” says Councilwoman Heather Hall. “On the 3rd Monday

16

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

of each month from 11 am-1 pm, I will hold office hours at Barista Café located inside the Woodneath Library located at 8900 Flintlock Ave, KCMO 64157. I look forward to meeting with you.”

For

more

information,

please

con-

tact Legislative Aide, Markus Smith at 816.513.6505 or Markus.Smith@kcmo.org.

SLEEP SOUNDLY.

LIVE HEALTHY.

NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER YOUTH VOLUNTEERS North Kansas City Hospital is now accepting applications for its Summer Youth Volunteer Program. Students ages 14-18 who are interested in volunteering with the hospital should submit an online application by April 29. The summer program runs June–August and requires a minimum of 25 volunteer hours.

Shifts are available Monday–Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Volunteer opportunities Services,

are

available

Children’s

in

Central

Learning

Center,

Emergency Department, Nursing Units, Print Shop, Pharmacy and other areas. Placement is based on interest, age and availability.

Apply online at nkch.org/Youth.

RAIN + COMFORTABLE BED = IMPOSSIBLE TO WAKE UP.

SEVERAL NEW PHASES SET TO BEGIN FOR THE I-35 AND PLEASANT VALLEY INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Several

new

phases

regarding

APRIL GOAL

the

Pleasant Valley Interchange Improvement Project will soon get underway. See below for work schedule and locations.

Crews will shift two lanes of traffic to the inside shoulder on northbound and southbound I-35 between I-435 to south of Pleasant Valley Rd. beginning now through June 30 for reconstruction of the Shoal Creek Bridges.

Crews will shift two lanes of northbound I-35 between Bryant St. to north of Vivion

BURLINGTON MATTRESS 7 Metro Locations to Serve You!

Rd. to the inside shoulder of southbound I-35 from now through June 30 for reconstruction of the northbound bridge over Poe St.

WWW.KCBED.COM April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

17

Around Town

(CON TI N UED)

Crews will also shift two lanes of southbound I-35 between Bryant St. to north of Vivion Rd. to the outside shoulder, closing

Nominated for Small Business of the Year Greater Kansas City

Poe St. from now through June 30 for bridge reconstruction. Motorists should observe all posted signs and detours.

This is all part of an effort to improve Interstate 35 from Vivion Rd. to Pleasant Valley Rd., including the Pleasant Valley Interchange,

Church

Rd.,

Sobbie

Rd.,

Pleasant Valley Rd. and US 69. All work is weather dependent.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at

Kansas City’s premier residential and corporate picture framing source.

modot.mo.gov/kansascity.

GLADSTONE THEATRE IN THE PARK OPEN AUDITIONS Have you ever wanted to be on stage in a live performance? Ever wanted to be a star?

Prices better than craft stores.

Come in today and save.

Residential Corporate Bulk orders Installation On site Consultation Custom Image Printing

8642 N. Boardwalk Avenue Kansas City, MO 64154

Located in the Shops of Boardwalk since 2005

816-584-8009 www.afwkc.com

Well, here’s your chance! Gladstone Parks and Recreation will begin its 29th season of Theatre in the Park and we need performers.

“Damn Yankees” will be presented on July 8, 9, &10. “Shrek” will be presented August 5, 6 & 7.

We invite you to come and be part of the excitement of a production! This free community theatre annually

draws

over

15,000

audience members.

Casting audition dates are April 3rd and April 9th with callbacks on April 10th.

No experience is necessary and no prepared material is needed. Those auditioning will be asked to sing and dance. Dance clothes and dance shoes are recommended.

Parents must sign audition forms for participants under 16 years of age. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to audition time. Auditions will be held at Antioch Middle School-2100 NE 65th St, Gladstone, MO 64118.

For

more

information,

please

con-

tact Gladstone Parks and Recreation at 816.423.4088 or go to the official website for Gladstone Theatre in the Park auditions GladstonetTIP.com.

18

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City 4149 Mulberry Dr Kansas City, MO M-F: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation today!

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Inspired By ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

Going Back to School While Balancing Two Careers and A Family Requires Planning COLLEGE NANNIES AND TUTORS ARE THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM

S

tacy and Chad Johnson have two priorities in life: Lucy, age 6, and Alice, age 2.

Stacy, a Park University graduate, works in online operations at her alma mater. Chad is a director at a consulting firm that implements SAP software for companies across the country; his hours can be long and irregular.

The Johnsons have always figured out a way to balance their careers and their family without feeling they were compromising either. When Stacy decided to return to school, the balancing act became a little more tenuous.

It was two events of a very singular and personal nature that encouraged Stacy to go back to school and pursue a degree in healthcare.

20

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

“After my husband and I both lost our fathers to pancreatic cancer within the span of one year, I decided I wanted to help people in a different way,” explains Stacy. “For the past couple of semesters, I’ve attended classes to complete prerequisites and other coursework to prepare for the Radiologic Technology program at Penn Valley Community College.”

Stacy’s course of study includes both day and night classes. Despite the change in their schedules, Stacy and Chad remain determined to keep life as normal as possible for their daughters.

“When I began taking classes this past year, we reached out to College Nannies and Tutors for help. Parents of the girls’ friends had recommended them as being highly reliable and, most importantly

to me, they always felt safe leaving their kids in the nannies’ care. It was really a perfect fit because we needed someone who could help us through just a couple hours a day.”

“We've worked with a few nannies on a regular basis and in those cases the girls grew close to them and trusted them. I depended on them to pick the girls up from school and bring them home. Our nannies were very creative and some days I would come home to the kids in the backyard playing in the sprinkler, or playing dress up and going to a coffee house for ‘tea’. Whatever they were doing I knew they were having fun and in good hands.”

Though her studies may require more of her personal time, Stacy is determined not to let them take time away from Lucy and Alice. Much of

“Our nannies were very creative and some days I would come home to the kids in the backyard play ing in the sprinkler, or play ing dress up and going to a coffee house for ‘tea’. Whatever they were doing I knew they were having fun and in good hands.””

her schoolwork is done after the girls’ bedtime, or on the weekends while Chad and the girls are doing things together. Stacy knows pursuing this new career is as important to her family as it is to her.

“I expect to be in school for at least the next two to three years. I feel it is important - not only for my own success - but to show my girls that no matter where they are in life it's never too late to learn more, and pursue their passion.”

Though life is a little different than what the Johnsons imagined it would be when they first started their family, they’ve worked through tough times as many do while figuring out how to balance their daily routines, supporting one another in their careers, while making sure the girls and their family remain a priority.

“There are a lot of times we can’t all be together, so we plan and try to make the most of our time together as a family. We are so blessed to have a strong support system of grandparents, aunts, and uncles that all love the girls so much and do more than anyone could ask to help. We absolutely could not have gotten by over the last several years without our families.”

Former nanny Aleah Hensley enjoys time with the girls.

Stacy and Chad are hopeful all the decisions they’ve made will guide their daughters toward a responsible, happy, and healthy life.

“Ten years from now I hope to be helping patients in some capacity,” adds Stacy, “whether it's through happy experiences or sad ones. ” April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

21

N E W! E M A N

New Northland Location...

GENESIS Medical Spa

SAM GRE E S E RVAT ICE

!

of Kansas City

(816) 452-2200

6410 NORTH COSBY AVENUE • KANSAS CITY, MO 64151 www.genesismedicalspa.com

Aesthetician Services • Cosmetic Injections • Laser Spa Services Therapeutic Botox Migraine Injections • Weight Loss Program

Specials!

• Buy 1 Laser Hair Removal Package of $500 or greater and get 1 package 1/2 off • $50 OFF Dysport (50 Unit Minimum) • $75 OFF Restylane Offers Expire 4/30/16

Debra C. Keith, D.O. Family Practice

• HCG Weight Loss Program

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Weston Family Clinic and Medical Spa 18215 State Route 45 N. Weston, MO 64098

816.640.2762

10% MILITARY DISCOUNT FOR SPA SERVICES • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

TIME TO

PARTY! Customer Appreciation Event April 16th, 10am to 4pm

Take 10% Off of All In-Stock Merchandise!* (*With the exception of Hot Tubs)

Come Celebrate Our

10th Anniversary At Our Liberty Store!

• Feast on BBQ, Cotton Candy and Cake!

• Register to win a Big Green Egg®!

• Help Us Launch a Delicious NEW BBQ Sauce!

NOTE: Our Overland Park store will be closed on Saturday, April 16th so we can staff for the Anniversary Celebration.

2101 Kara Court, Liberty, Missouri 64068 816-781-8884 Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm Closed Sunday The Good-One Smokers, Big Green Egg, Saber Infra Red Grills, Traeger Pellet Smokers, Rubs & Sauces, Lump Charcoal, Pellets and much more!

913-681-2641 • 7305 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, KS

LIBERTYHOTTUB.COM • KCBBQSOURCE.COM

Giving Back

NO NAMES FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, A VOLUNTEER GROUP HAS OPERATED VIRTUALLY ANONYMOUSLY

ARTICLE JENNIFER HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

T

he Northland is home to many different volunteer groups. One you might not have heard of is aptly called “The No Names.” The group started with Joe Swartz in 1976, when a small group of guys visited a nursing home in Riverside. The name of the group was the "no names,” and that name came about because the residents they visited always wanted to know what church they were from, and Swartz would say they did not represent a church and they had no name. The group has grown considerably since in the last 40 years, but has stayed true to the name and the mission.

24

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

“We presently go to Maple Wood Care Center, Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Hillview Nursing and Rehab in Platte City. We have a little over ninety members. It is a mixture of males and females, and most of our members are over 50 and many are 60+,” member Al Babich says.

Kathie Hopper and her husband have been a member of the group since 1981.

“I feel I benefit most by seeing the happiness on each of the faces of the people we see, especially those who do not have any other visitors. It makes me thankful that I can brighten someone's life even if for only a short time.”

Ali Babich, center, gathers with the No Names to visit the elderly.

CONTINUED >

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

25

Giving Back

KC’S NEWEST HOME COMMUNITY

A niche subdivision for homeowners who have a heartbeat for contemporary style and appreciate energy efficiency.

R E S E R V E YO U R L O T T O D AY

8 1 6 -72 1 - 9 4 0 0 U R B A N N O RT H L I V I N G .CO M

26

(CON TI N UED)

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

“On our visits, we offer magazines and sugar-free candy to any who want them. When visiting, we spend about five minutes in each room, and there are usually four to six people visiting at a time. We are organized in groups for each of the nursing homes, mostly by alphabet. Typically, we visit each about four to five times a year. We would really like to have younger people join us. The residents really love to see children and pets,” Hopper says.

Volunteering can have a great benefit to those volunteering.

“I feel I benefit most by seeing the happiness on each of the faces of the people we see, especially those who do not have any other visitors. It makes me thankful that I can brighten someone's life even if for only a short time. All are welcome who have a heart for lifting the spirits of those not able to get out,” Hopper says.

Babich has a slightly different take on the benefits of volunteering.

Join us for the

Long time members Jim Karasiewicz and Kathy Hopper work on a puzzle with a resident.

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“I feel I need to act and think beyond what just ‘benefits’ me. We can say it is a Christian mantra or a spiritual mantra, but I believe it is what makes us human. Matthew 25: 40 ‘…whatever you did for one these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Joe Swartz who founded No Names was a very spiritual man and I think people of like beliefs joined No Names because they shared his values of service to his fellow human,” Babich says.

The No Names do not do any advertising but with over 90 members, that doesn’t appear to be holding them back.

“Traditionally our new members have come from solicitations and recommendations of active members. We pretty much have kept a low profile because we are the ‘No Names’. Many of our members have come from church memberships or the Rotary or other organizations,” Babich says.

The group is reaching out to hopefully attract new members and to pay tribute to all members who have quietly served this community since 1976.

“I think the bottom line is we go and have fun with the residents. Sometimes you get a blank stare and no signs of acknowledgement, but I think the fact we acknowledge them as a fellow human is registered somewhere with the residents,” Babich says.

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April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

27

SAVERS-Finding new life for old things

Thrift store proves that recycling isn't just for cans and bottles

STORY LISA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

S

avers wants to save the world.

That might sound like a bold statement; unrealistic, even, given the odds. But Savers has the stats to back it up: every day, each store sorts through approximately two tons of donated products and puts between five and six thousand new items on store shelves. Every year, it recycles 650 million tons of products and is the largest recycler of fabric in the world. And each Savers store employs approximately 50 people, many of them full-time and with benefits.

Not bad for a “thrift store.”

Let’s clear up some misconceptions first. At the top of the list: there’s nothing good at thrift stores. Not true, says District Manager Shawn Adams; there are designer labels priced at half or less than half of retail and a website brimming with design inspiration to turn treasures into unique outfits.

Another fallacy: the shopping experience isn’t enjoyable. Wrong again. Not only does the inventory turn over every two and a half weeks—which means it’s an entirely new store twice a month—but employees take painstaking measures to make sure the store is clean, well lit, and organized. Hit the clothing racks and that’s

clear: not only are clothes separated by gender and categories, but by size and color.

And perhaps the most important myth: everything in the store is just a bunch of junk that was given to the store for free. While it’s true that the products are donated, Savers actually pays for everything in its stores because it pays its local charity partner for every single donation, whether it can sell it or not.

Furthermore, Savers doesn’t try to sell everything that’s donated. In fact, only about a quarter of all items donated make it to the cash register.

“Only the best of the best goes to the sales floor,” says Adams. “That’s approximately half of what we receive as donations. Approximately half of that sells.”

It works like this: Savers weighs all donated products and pays its charity partners based on total weight and without regard to quality or salability.

“Savers does so many great things,” says Adams, “but what we’re not great at is telling our own story. We have more than 350 stores globally and we work with more than 150 charity partners. There are some similarities to the traditional thrift store, but we’re much more that that. The most important thing we do is support our communities, and the first way we do that is by supporting our charity partners. In Kansas City, we specifically support two: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City and Epilepsy Foundation.” Savers has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City since 1998 and with Epilepsy Foundation since 2013.

The product that doesn’t sell is further recycled, reused, or reimagined. Clothing and shoes are sent to developing countries to help build economies. Other products are recycled. Savers partners with waste management companies whose practices align with its corporate philosophy of reusing and reimagining rather than filling landfills.

“We’re building a better world through reuse,” says Adams.

“As a society we’ve turned a corner and we understand that it’s up to all of us to make a difference. By repurposing things we become good stewards of the world.”

CONTINUED >

One of the Savers' team loads the cloth compactor.

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

29

SAVERS

(CON TI N UED)

“We take resources that people don’t want—or don’t see—and turn them into stable funding sources for nonprofit organizations and employment for people with an opportunity to grow and advance.

We were green before it was cool to be green, and we’re still growing.”

Darren, One of the leads for the community donation center drop off area.

Compacted cloth for recycling awaits its next use.

Some other products are used in new ways.

Savers calls this reimagining, which requires creative thinking. Products that don’t sell and those that don’t meet quality requirements to be placed on the sales floor—sheets that are too worn, for example—can be donated to animal shelters instead. Kitchenware that doesn’t sell might be donated to a shelter.

“We’re building a better world through reuse,” says Adams. “As a society we’ve turned a corner and we understand that it’s up to all of us to make a difference. By repurposing things we become good stewards of the world.”

There are five Savers stores in Kansas City: one in Olathe, one in Overland Park, one in Shawnee, one in the Northland off of Barry Road, and one in Liberty. The store on Barry Road partners with Epilepsy Foundation; the other four with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City.

“We can’t be successful unless we really care, and that happens at every level here.

Some of our employees make a difference by going through donations—someone else’s former belongings—and finding products CONTINUED >

Savers offers a clean, organized shopping experience.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

SAVERS-- (CON TI N UED) SAVERS

that might make another person’s life better in some way. Some of our employees make a difference by keeping our stores organized and stocked, so that when shoppers come in they are not only impressed and can’t imagine going anywhere else, but they are able to buy clothes for their kids even on a tight budget. And people who donate their gently used goods make a difference because every time someone donates, we pay our charity partners.

Donating is a civil enterprise,” says Adams. “The work done by Epilepsy Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters changes lives. Our employees and those who donate goods to Savers are a part of that in an ancillary way.”

In an effort to help even more people in the community—and to help fulfill needs of organizations smaller that its charity partners—Savers has started to offer donation drives as fund raising events.

“Any non-profit organization can sponsor a donation drive,” says Adams. “A soccer team that needs to buy new uniforms, for example, can collect donated products instead of selling trash bags or cookie dough. We pay the organization based on weight: .20 per pound of clothing and .05 per pound of housewares.

Sometimes it’s tough to raise funds traditionally. This gives organizations another option; some people may not have money to spare to buy chocolate bars or wrapping paper, but almost everyone has stuff they no longer need. We know that people have choices about where to donate.

We hope, first and foremost, that they don’t choose to throw things away, though the average North American throws away 70 pounds of textiles every day. Instead, we want to encourage them to donate their stuff to us.”

That stuff, when donated to Savers, makes a difference, both in Kansas City and throughout the world.

“We take resources that people don’t want—or don’t see—and turn them into stable funding sources for nonprofit organizations and employment for people with an opportunity to grow and advance. We were green before it was cool to be green, and we’re still growing.”

To learn more visit Savers.com.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

“Any non-profit organization can sponsor a donation drive,” says Adams. “A soccer team that needs to buy new uniforms, for example, can collect donated products instead of selling trash bags or cookie dough. We pay the organization based on weight: .20 per pound of clothing and .05 per pound of housewares."

IN THE SPIRIT: McCormick Distilling's Eco-Friendly 360 Vodka

Weston distillery operates as green company from bottled spirits to buildings.

One-column still used for bourbon. courtesy of McCormick Distillery

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

The bottling line at McCormick Distillery. Photo credit: Pete Dulin.

ARTICLE PETE DULIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PETE DULIN AND PROVIDED

W

hile exploring land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase, explorers Lewis and Clark discovered a natural limestone spring in 1804 near what would become the town of Weston. The town, established in 1837 and incorporated in 1842, attracted residents, businessmen, and travelers as the westernmost town of its day in the U.S. Sometime in the 1850s, Kentucky businessman Ben Holladay was drawn to the area and took interest in the limestone spring discovered decades earlier. Holladay knew that the spring’s mineral-laden waters were ideal to produce high-quality whiskey similar to the spirits in his home state. Holladay and his brother, Major David Holladay, opened Holladay Distilling in 1856 near the spring amongst the hilly landscape in the years preceding the Civil War. The distillery changed names and ownership several times over subsequent decades until it became known as McCormick Distilling Company. Today, McCormick remains the country’s oldest distillery west of the Mississippi still operating in its original location.

Now, McCormick is known for more than its whiskey and namesake vodka. In 2006, the distillery introduced 360 Vodka, a line of ecologically-friendly vodka unlike any other in the marketplace.

“Vodka is a crowded category with lots of offerings,” says Mick Harris, president and managing director of McCormick Distilling Co.

“No one was promoting eco-friendly aspects of their product,” Harris says. “We looked at our vodka production and our facility that was already operating in an energy-efficient manner.

That piece of the puzzle fell into place.”

The company, which produces many other lines of spirits including Tequila Rose and Triple Crown Whiskey, searched for an edge to make its premium vodka stand out among competitors.

McCormick also sought a compelling hook to entice consumers to pick up a bottle of its vodka. Harris explained that former Vice-President Al Gore brought significant attention to the environment and eco-friendly issues in the 2000s with his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.”

That emphasis sparked thought within the distillery about how they operated the business.

“No one was promoting eco-friendly aspects of their product,” Harris says. “We looked at our vodka production and our facility that was already operating in an energy-efficient manner. That piece CONTINUED > of the puzzle fell into place.”

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

35

IN THE SPIRIT

(CON TI N U ED)

The distillery upgraded its operations to make its manufacturing facility and its brand, 360 Vodka, as environmentally-friendly as possible. The vodka is produced using corn sourced from farms 95 miles or less away from the distillery The bottle is made of 50-percent recycled glass. Leftover grains from the distilling process are dried and sent out as feed to local farms. With its unique swingtop closure, the bottle is designed for infinite reuse for water, cooking, or other household purposes. The closures may be returned to McCormick Distilling for reuse. The company donates $1 to an eco-friendly organization for each swing top returned.

“Initially, we included a postage-paid envelope with each bottle so customers could send an individual closure back,” Harris says. “We found that we were wasting material with the mailings. Now when customers collect a few closures, they can contact us and we’ll mail them an envelope. Hundreds of thousands of closures each year are returned.”

Further, 360 Vodka labels are printed on recycled paper using eco-friendly inks and are produced in a facility that uses wind power. The eco-friendly efforts don’t stop at the bottle but extend to the company. The premium vodka is distilled six times for optimal purity in an efficient distillery. McCormick’s company-wide green initiatives include its Forest 360 Project.

McCormick worked the Missouri Department of Conservation and launched Forest 360, an effort to plant indigenous trees on 40 acres of the land around the distillery. To date, 226 trees have been planted to absorb carbon dioxide emissions and aid with erosion control. The company also purchases renewable energy credits to offset electricity and natural gas consumption for three years at the Weston facility. In addition, biodiesel fuel is purchased for on-site maintenance equipment and shuttle truck operations.

The distillery also established an on-site employee recycling center that includes 36

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

McCormick Distilling's 360 Vodka in exclusive KC Royals-branded package. Photo credit: Pete Dulin.

The one-column, 17-plate copper still used to produce small-batch bourbon. Photo credit: Pete Dulin.

The Ancient Cave once used for yearround storage of spirits in a natural climate-controlled space. Photo credit: Pete Dulin.

McCormick keeps its history in mind just as much as its future.

Mash cooking in tank. courtesy of McCormick Distillery

Ripple glass recycling. McCormick purchases eco-friendly cleaning products, paper supplies, shipping supplies, and biodegradable tasting cups. Exterior motion sensor lights were installed on buildings to reduce electricity use. The company even provides on-site air compressors for employees to check the air pressure in their tires to improve fuel efficiency. Annually, the company recycles an average of 170 tons of material.

The eco-friendly aspect of 360 Vodka has appealed to consumers.

According to Harris, the company sells approximately 200,000 bottles of the brand annually.

“It’s high-quality vodka produced in Missouri by a privately-owned American company,” Harris says of McCormick. “There’s long-standing equity in the name.”

With production of 360 Vodka and its green initiatives, McCormick Distilling has actively delivered eco-friendly results that will benefit future generations while honoring its roots.

McCormick has revived the proud name of the Holladay Distillery and is distilling bourbon on site for the first time in 30 years. Tour visitors will be able to visit the Ancient Cave, a building with a cool climate year-round used by Holladay for aging spirits before shipment by wagon train or stagecoach. The tour includes sights such as the limestone building used in 1839 as a meat-packing facility before conversion to a stillhouse, the original limestone spring, barrel room, and one-column, 17-plate copper still used to produce bourbon.

Visit McCormickdistilling.com or call 816.640.3056 to learn more about 360 Vodka, McCormick Distilling Company, and upcoming tours. The company also operates McCormick Country Store on Main St. in Weston, Missouri. Store hours are TuesdayFriday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.. Closed on Mondays.

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

37

Water & Woods

t n e i c i f i n g a M s l e r o M

Hunting The

FORAGING HAS NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY KENNETH L. KIESER

M

orels will soon be popping up, especially with a combination of wet ground mixed with sunshine.

Hunting morel mushrooms is a tradition in the Midwest and across America. Every state has a version of this popular mushroom including Hawaii, so check on your state’s variety at your local Conservation agency.

Hunting morel mushrooms has been a lifetime experience for my brother and me. My first morel mushroom hunt happened May 7, 1953, 63 years ago with my mother. I was born the next day. She has never missed a mushroom season since. My brother and I go with her now. Mom does not handle creek banks or hills as easily these days at age 85, yet still manages to hunt through creek bottoms. Morel CONTINUED > mushroom hunting is her only addiction.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

39

Water & Woods

(CON TI N U ED)

“I guess you learn a few tricks after over 60 years of hunting morels,” Mom says. “I always carry a heavy walking stick to move vegetation out of the way and to hit stinking snakes. You never know when one of the slimy things will just suddenly be there. But I have spots that have to be checked. I have several old red oak stumps and trees I look around every year. Some years they produce and some years they don’t. But I always have to go back and look.”

Hunters should start looking for Midwestern morel mushrooms in late March or early April when the ground temperature is 57 to 60 degrees. Plenty of moisture mixed with temperatures in the high 60s to low 80s are the perfect conditions for good mushroom growth. April and early May provides warm rain and good overnight temperatures. Morel mushrooms are temperature sensitive.

Dying elm trees are said to produce a rotting root system that feeds morels. You may not find morels in the same spot after the roots are rotted away. Don’t limit your search to only elms; check unlikely areas. Morels could pop up anywhere. Apple trees are possibilities because constantly rotting fruit can help produce morel mushrooms.

Early-season hunters should start by checking southern hillsides and creek bottoms open to sunlight that quickly warms the soil. Warming trends make eastern areas productive. Morels do not grow by the sun, lacking chlorophyll the chemical that absorbs sunlight as energy to reproduce. Morels start popping up at dusk and grow through the night.

MAKE SURE IT’S A MOREL MUSHROOM: There are

poison mushrooms in the woods. Most notably, a false morel looks similar to a good morel. One of the easiest ways of determining the false morel is by slicing it long ways. False morels are not hollow.

The false morel is heavier than a good morel and almost solid in the stem and meaty. The insides of a false morel may resemble brains while the good morel is smooth inside. Avoid parasol-shaped mushrooms, or mushrooms that look like wide-open umbrellas with white rings around the stem and white, milky gills. When in doubt, take your find to a local game and fish commission to CONTINUED > make sure your mushrooms are edible.

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April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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Water & Woods

(CON TI N U ED)

WHERE TO GO: The Missouri Department of Conservation

has unlimited public access. Note that permission from the MDC area manager must be obtained before hunting morels on public grounds. Check the Conservation Atlas for the names and contact information for each area.

EQUIPMENT: You will need a good pair of walking

boots, light colored clothing in case early ticks make an appearance, a mesh bag, a good walking stick and your best pair of eyes.

DISABLED HUNTERS: Wheelchair or disabled morel hunters are limited to paved paths at wildlife areas. Morels can occasionally be spotted from these trails, sometimes with binoculars. You may need a helper for picking outCONTINUED > of-reach mushrooms.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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43

Water & Woods

(CON TI N U ED)

COOKING MORELS: Soaking in salt water is

good for fish, but not morel mushrooms. This does not kill or remove the bugs and the mushroom’s texture will become slimly and salty.

Instead, only soak morels in cold water.

Most wild mushrooms are difficult to digest when raw. If you do find wild mushrooms that you trust, make sure to cook them well. You only want whole, firm, and fresh mushrooms with thick stems and no damage to the body from insects or other animals.

Mushroom hunters cut each morel in half and dip them in eggs. Each “shroom” is fried in cornmeal, flour or crushed crackers. Either way, fry until golden brown and don’t invite company that night.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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Renovate & Refine

LOW MAINTENANCE VEGETABLE GARDENING FOR A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD WORK! ARTICLE MELINDA MYERS

I

ncrease your harvest without increasing the size of your garden or workload. All you need is a bit of intensive planting, along with some low maintenance techniques.

Invest some time upfront to prepare the garden soil.

This will save you time throughout the growing season.

Add several inches of organic matter and a slow release fertilizer into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. The organic matter improves drainage in clay soils and increases moisture retention in sandy soils. The slow release fertilizer feeds the plants for several months, reducing the number of applications needed. You’ll have healthier plants that are better able to fend off pests and outcomCONTINUED > pete the weeds.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

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Renovate & Refine

(CON TI N U ED)

Match the plants with the right growing conditions. Tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables that produce fruit need full sun.

Leafy crops like lettuce are more tolerant of shade. Check plant tags and seed packets for planting details or download a free gardening app, like Homegrown with Bonnie Plants, for plant information, maintenance tips, weather reports, and more.

Plant seeds and transplants in blocks with fewer pathways. Give each plant enough room to grow to its full size. Your rows will be closer together with just enough paths for weeding, watering, and harvesting. You will be growing more plants and pulling fewer weeds with this strategy.

Interplant to further maximize your planting space. Plant short-season vegetables like lettuce and radishes in between properly spaced longer-season vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes. By the time the longer-season plants start f illing the space, the shorter season plantings will be ready to harvest. You’ll be pulling

radishes or cutting lettuce instead of weeds. Plus, you’ll harvest two crops from one row.

Plant successive crops throughout the growing season. Plant cool weather vegetables like spinach, radishes, and lettuce in spring. Once these are harvested, replace with warm weather vegetables like beans, tomatoes, or cucumbers. Finish off the

“Plant seeds and transplants in blocks with fewer pathways. Give each plant enough room to grow to its full size.”

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

season by filling any voids with a fall crop of cool weather vegetables.

Go vertical to save space, reduce disease, and make harvesting easier. Growing vine crops on supports lifts the fruit off the ground and increases the amount of light and airflow the plants receive, reducing the risk of disease. Plus, you’ll do less bending when it’s time to harvest.

Mulch the garden with pine straw/evergreen needles, shredded leaves, or other organic matter. These materials suppress the weeds, conserve moisture and add organic matter to the soil as they decompose. You’ll have fewer weeds to pull and not have to water as often.

Save time and water with the help of soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These systems apply the water directly to the soil where it is needed.

Less water is lost to overspray, evaporation, and runoff. They also reduce the risk and spread of disease by preventing water from settling on the leaves of the plants.

Try a few or all of these strategies this season for an abundant harvest without a lot of extra work.

Melinda Myers has over 30 years of garden-

ing experience has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Bonnie Plants for her expertise to write this article.

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April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

49

Road Trip

Baker Creek Seeds features an entire village, including a gardening museum and apothecary shop that sells medicinal herbs. Photo

by Diana Lambdin Meyer

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company ROAD TRIP TO A PREVIOUS CENTURY OF GARDENING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY DIANA LAMBDIN-MEYER of Baker Creek Seed entrance Comp rustic any.

The

CONTINUED >

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

T

his time of year, Planter's Seed and Spice Store in Kansas City's River Market is a busy, exciting place, making even those with concrete thumbs itch to dig in the dirt. With more than 40,000 varieties of seeds and other gardening aparatus filling the old wooden shelves and creaky wood floor of the historic building, everyone who enters the doors wants to leave with something very special.

Geoff Myer, manager for more than 28 years, does his best to keep in stock just the right seeds for whatever his customers want, but he knows one thing for sure: No matter how many varieties of fruits and vegetables he carries from Baker Creek Seeds, an heirloom seed company in southern Missouri, someone will come in asking for something that he doesn't stock.

"We carry about 200 varieties from their catalogue, but the catalogue is so beautiful and their collection so extensive, it's just not possible for us to keep everything they offer in stock," said Myer.

Therefore, a spring road trip to southern Missouri is in order.

Baker Creek Seeds is located in the small community of Mansfield, about 30 miles east of Springfield. The area is best known for its most famous resident - author Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose home and museum here is another reason to head to southern

Raised garden beds showcase a variety of botanics and fruits and vegetables.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

Ju s

Raised garden beds showcase a variety of botanics and fruits and vegetables.

ta

few

of t

he s eed c

hoice s av

ailable at B ake r See

ds .

Missouri any time of year. Baker Creek is indeed a little water source that flows through the 180-acre property owned by Jere and Emilee Gettle, but the name is known better around the world as an heirloom seed company, indeed the largest heirloom seed company in the United States.

Jere Gettle is just as captivated with the preservation of seeds with a variety of flavors, uses and nutritional values as he is with the cultural story behind each seed. Reading through the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s massive color catalogue is like stepping into the pages of world history with stories of plants that survived world wars, floods and all of the history of man.

CONTINUED >

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Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

Raised garden beds showcase a variety of botanics and fruits and vegetables.

When the Iraq war broke out, there were many concerns about the protection of people, property and animals. But others gathered seeds and, as a result, we can still enjoy the pleasures of an Ali Baba watermelon, just like centuries of human beings before us have.

Here’s an example with a more local angle: The Missouri Pink Love Apple. It’s not an apple at all, but a tomato, big and pink and very rich in flavor. It’s been grown in the Show Me State since the 1850s by the Barnes family who used it as an ornamental bush around their home. They believed, as did many people of the time, that tomatoes were poisonous, but it was still such a pretty plant. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the misconception was eradicated and tomatoes became a common staple on our tables. The Missouri Pink Love Apple can grow to weigh as much as a pound each.

Planters Seeds and Spice carries the Missouri Pink Love Apple from Baker Creek, as well as the Pusa Asita Carrot, a black carrot from India. The second most popular seed is an Atomic Red Carrot. Gardeners and nutritionists know that the darker the color of the vegetable, the richer it is in vitamins and other nutrients.

The Baker Creek Restaurant, open again after a winter renovation, serves up fabulous meals using ingredients fresh from the garden.

However, it’s not your typical restaurant offering pages of menu options.

Each day, there are only two or three dishes to choose from. Depending on the day, you might be able to actually eat one of those black Indian carrots or a cabbage grown from seeds original to Tuscany.

The little village also includes an apothecary that carries medicinal and culinary herbs, teas and more. There’s a garden museum, a bakery that uses a native rock oven, and a blacksmith shop among other authentic experiences. It’s supposed to represent a time when all communities had a mercantile that carried heirloom seeds.

The grounds here swell to overflowing with people during the Spring Planting Festival, this year scheduled for May 1 – 2, when musicians, food enthusiasts, Ozark crafters and passionate gardeners fill the grounds. Other good times to visit Baker Creek are the first Sunday of each month from March until October. Gatherings on these days focus on seasonal issues and activities.

Baker Creek is open Sunday through Friday. Note that the business is closed on Saturdays. For more information, visit RareSeeds.com or call 417.924.8917.

Jere Gettle, owner of Baker Creek Seeds, dresses in early 20th century attire, the time when most of his seeds were most popular.

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

Farm Fresh Produce • Local Foods Live Music • Seasonal Recipies

Saturdays April 9 - Dec. 3 wednesdays may 18 - sept. 28 2016 Presenting Sponsor

#DowntownDifferentOP April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

55

Locals Only

From the Junior League of Kansas City, Celeste Greenlee

From Meyers Funeral Chapel, Todd DeMint

Dr. Michael Byars, DDS

First Annual

Readers Choice Awards YOU VOTED. WE LISTENED. ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

T

From North Kansas City Hospital, Matt Heintz

here is nothing more important to us here at Northland Lifestyle Magazine than our readers' voices. That's why we started our first annual Readers' Choice Awards last year. After the votes were tallied, we found the winners in 16 categories based on your votes and were thrilled to present them with their awards at Piropos at Briarcliff on March 2. The event was guided by Kansas City's favorite morning show host, Mark Alford, with presentations

by Northland Lifestyle Editor Rachel Murphy. We can't wait to see who next year's favorites are but in the meantime, congratulations to all of our winners! You deserve it!Â

From Precision Collision, Mallory Stanley and Chris Jones

From St. Therese Catholic School, Jonathan Rhodes, Theresa Roth, Carol Lenz, Amanda Galaske and Liz Sharp

From The Nibble Nook, John Boydston and Maddy Sanchez

56

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

The Eye Center of Parkville,Scott Stantz OD, Stephanie Stanz OD, Kendy Wallace, Kimber Baker, Donna McCoy, Jill Brand, Kristin Ham OD, Nichole Verachtert OD

BEST AUTOMOTIVE

Karen Owings, Mindy Anderson, Steve Anderson from Heavenly Olive Oils

BEST VISION CENTER

Precision Collision

The Eye Center of Parkville

PrecisionCollisionKC.com

TheEyecenter-Parkville.com

BEST PRIVATE EDUCATION

BEST NOT FOR PROFIT

St. Therese Catholic School

Junior League of Kansas City

StThereseNorth.org

JLKC.org

BEST ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION

BEST PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE GROUP

The Nibble Nook

Tradition Home Group

TheNibbleNook.com

THGSold.com

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES AND PLANNING

BEST CASUAL DINING

Community America Credit Union

The Rim

CommunityAmerica.com

BEST HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The-Rim.com BEST SENIOR CARE AND LIVING

Healthy Meals Inc.

McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff

HealthyMealsInc.com

McCriteRetirement.com/Briarcliff/

BEST HOME DESIGN AND FURNISHINGS

BEST SPECIALTY SHOP

Seasonal Concepts

Heavenly Olive Oils

SeasonalConceptsOnline.com BEST DENTIST

HeavenlyOliveOils.com BEST SPECIALTY SERVICES

Dr. Michael Byars, DDS

Meyers Funeral Chapel

ByarsDental.com

MeyersFuneralChapel.com

BEST HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL PRACTICES

BEST ANIMAL CARE, PRODUCT OR SERVICE

North Kansas City Hospital

Barry Road Animal Hospital

NCKH.org

BarryRoadAnimalHospital.com

From Traditional Home Group, Shannon Stumpenhaus and Abby Kane

From Community America Credit Union, Missy Agee, Laura Jones, Vanessa Vanderford

Bonnie Smith and Patrice Pitts from McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

57

What’s Cookin’ Down Under

Eat at more than 80 restaurants in one evening! Join us in black tie attire for a party down under.

Enjoy savory dishes from these fine restaurants, live music and more!

75th Street Brewery

Cooper’s Hawk

Louisburg Cider Mill

Sunset Grill

801 Fish

Edible Arrangements El Porton Café

Magnolia’s Modern Southern Cuisine

Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant

810 Zone

Espirito Do Sul

BRGR Kitchen + Bar

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Baked In Kansas City

Gates Bar-B-Q

Barley’s Brewhaus

Garozzo’s

Noodles & Company

Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Belfonte Ice Cream & Dairy Foods Co.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

North

The Blue Moose Bar & Grill

O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

The Blue Moose Truck

Bizz & Weezy

Gram & Dun

O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar

The Funnel Cake Truck

blanc burgers + bottles

Hiland Dairy Co.

Pinstripes

Brancato’s Catering

Hilton Kansas City Airport / Asado

Pita Blu

The Roasterie Café

Brasserie at the Westin Crown Center

Hy-Vee Catering

RA Sushi

The Well Bar – Grill & Rooftop

Isle of Capri / Calypso’s Buffet

Relish

Jazz – A Louisiana Kitchen

República

The Zebra Room at the Aladdin Hotel

Jon Russell’s BBQ of Kansas City

St. James Winery

Kaldi’s Coffee

Scratch Office Catering & Bakery

Walker’s Food Products Co.

Sheridan’s Frozen Custard

Waldo Pizza

Sheridan’s Unforked

Zocalo

Carmen’s (Food Truck) Charlie Hooper’s Chuy’s Claridge Court Cleaver & Cork Coco Bolo’s Wood Fired Grill & Cantina Cosentino’s Catering

The 27th annual Jazzoo

June 3, 2016

FairwayEyeCenter.com

fairway

liberty

1528 NE 96th St Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-5444

58

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

MeMa’s Old-Fashioned Bakery

Amigoni Urban Winery

Carmen’s Café

3414 Shawnee Mission Pkwy Fairway, KS 66205 913-362-2323

Taco Republic

leawood

11707 Roe Ave Leawood, KS 66211 913-491-9123

raytown

10215 Missouri 350, Suite E Raytown, MO 64068 816-313-5060

The Kansas City Steak Company Kingswood Senior Living Lakeview Village Les Bourgeois Vineyards Lew’s

T-Rex Café

Murray’s Tables & Tap

Ted’s Cafe Escondido

Nick & Jakes

The Melting Pot

Urban Table Waffle House

Spectators at the Sheraton Crown Center Stroud’s

Get Your Jazzoo Tickets Today!

Tickets on sale now at JazzooKC.org

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Northland Properties SUBDIVISION

AVERAGE LIST PRICE

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE

%LIST TO SOLD

AVE DOM*

The National

850,000

790,000

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910

Shoal Creek Valley

685,000

650,000

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198

Forest Ridge Estates

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540,248

102%

NC

Green Glades At The Masters

538,983

530,333

98%

12

Riss Lake

477,400

467,500

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Staley Farms

386,360

384,150

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133

Copperleaf

463,333

457,500

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230

Thousand Oaks

434,925

424,500

98%

40

Woodneath Farms

406,662

414,117

101%

NC

Weatherby Highlands

420,000

360,500

86%

101

Bella Ridge

399,950

382,000

95%

NC

Brentwood Circle

364,662

372,272

102%

NC

Aggregate Subdivision Sales per Heartland MLS 2/1/2016 - 3/1/2016 NC - New Construction *Average Days on Market

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Russ Wolfe 816.564.4100 Candi Sweeney Kristine Courtney 816.591.5590 816.590.1664 Ashley Sweeney 816.728.2253 April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

59

April Lifestyle Calendar

APRIL 16 A TOUCH OF JAZZ! ARGOSY CASINO Reserve your place at Northland Shepherd Center’s gala fundraiser to support enrichment programs and vital services for senior adults living in the northland. Enjoy dinner, silent and vocal auctions, dancing, and entertainment by the James Rojas Band. Tickets are $80. To purchase tickets, call 816.452.4536 or visit NorthlandSC.org.

APRIL 23 DIRTY DOG MUD RUN 5K AND PET EXPO STOCKSDALE PARK Presented by Liberty Parks and Recreation, the Dirty Dog Mud Run and Pet Expo is for canines and their humans. The 5K course weaves through the trees at Stocksdale Park on a combination of asphalt and natural trail surfaces and will include muddy obstacles with pet-oriented vendors and activities around the park. Experienced runners and casual walkers are welcome.

EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH MAY 7

APRIL 23 4TH ANNUAL 1940S USO-STYLE HANGAR DANCE

WORKOUT WITH YOUR TODDLER

SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT HANGAR AT THE

NKCH AEROBICS ROOM

DOWNTOWN AIRPORT

When you have little ones, it’s hard to find time to exercise. Why

Support the TWA Museum with music and dancing! This fundraiser

not workout with your toddler? In our 6-week program, you’ll try

harkens back to the 1940s with a dance lesson, performances by the

different types of workouts and discover what you and your toddler

Swingsters by Allegro Ballroom and Students from 'One Step at a

enjoy most. This class is free; to register, go online at ClubWkc.com.

Time', and music by the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. Tickets are

APRIL 14

available by calling 816.234.1011.

9TH ANNUAL A DOWNTOWN AFFAIR DOWN AND DERBY

APRIL 24

HERITAGE HALL

MILES FOR MEALS: WALK, RUN AND SENIOR CRAWL

It’s the Ladies’ Night in Liberty! Enjoy great food, drinks, and a picca-

ZONA ROSA

dilly-style auction. Tickets are first come, first served and typically sell

Platte Senior Services is a local non-for-profit agency that encourag-

out at the presale event! HistoricDowntownLiberty.org

es the independence of seniors through socialization, empowerment, CONTINUED >

60

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

precise total hip and partial knee replacements

April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

61

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

nutrition, and transportation services. Help us support Platte Senior

plied with a commemorative logo tasting glass, a custom tasting

Services and their Meals on Wheels campaign by participating in the

note sheet, and live music.

2016 Walk, Run and Senior Crawl at Zona Rosa. PlatteSeniors.org

APRIL 25

Come to Historic Downtown Parkville and further your beer education, enjoy outdoor grilled foods, live music, and a great spring day.

ParkvilleMicrobrewFest.com

DESIGNERS' SHOWHOUSE SPECIAL EVENT KANSAS CITY, MO The Ladies of Charity host a private showing of this year’s Designers’ Showhouse, a stunning 3-story, 1925 English Tudor (444 Westover Rd., KC, MO) Enjoy a boxed lunch, raffle and shop in the KCSA boutique. $30/person. Register: mail a check before April 15 to Jean Asbury, 516 W. 119th Terr., KC, MO 64145. Contact Marnie Robinett 913.451.2484.

APRIL 28 LET'S GET JAZZED

MAY 1

NORTH CLUB, ARROWHEAD STADIUM

WOOFSTOCK: A FESTIVAL FOR DOGS AND PEOPLE

Celebrate Kansas City with live jazz music performed by renowned sax-

ZONA ROSA

ophonist, Richard Studd and KC favorite, Lonnie McFadden! Award-win-

Mark your calendars for the 9th annual WOOFSTOCK 1Mile Dog

ning barbecue, silent and live auctions round out the evening. Proceeds

Walk/5K Run featuring a family festival filled with pet-related vendors,

benefit Newhouse, a women's domestic violence shelter. Individual

contests, prizes and fun galore! All proceeds benefit the Northland

tickets-$100, available online Bit.Ly/LetsGetJazzed. Contact stepha-

Animal Welfare Society (NAWS).

nien@newhouseshelter.org or 816.462.0502.

Sponsorship opportunities available, include

MAY 10

VIP pre-party with Neil Smith, KC Wolf and KC

2ND ANNUAL TWO AND A HALF

Chiefs' Cheerleaders.

TENORS CONCERT

APRIL 30

THE IMPROV AT ZONA ROSA Enjoy an evening of musical entertain-

13TH ANNUAL PARKVILLE

ment paired with appetizers and drinks. Ben-

MICROBREW FEST

efits Feed Northland Kids, a northland non-

ENGLISH LANDING PARK

profit working to feed the 1 in 5 hungry kids

Kick off the summer with live music, hand-

in the northland. Tickets are $50 and can

crafted ales, and great food in Historic Down-

be purchased at FeedNorthlandKids.org/

town Parkville, Missouri. Guests will be sup-

get-involved/

Discover the Difference in Personalized Women’s Care

Michael Barnthouse, MD B O A R D C E R T I F I E D G Y N E C O LO G I S T

BIO IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPIES

CERTIFIED SOTTOPELLE® PHYSICIAN ALL NATURAL HORMONE PELLET THERAPY WO M E N S W E L L N E S S & H O R M O N E C E N T E R 1010 CARONDELET DR SUITE 105 KANSAS CITY MO 64114

816-941-0700 I WWW.DRBARNTHOUSEGYN.COM

62

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

Are you ready to make the rest of your life

the best of your life?

Come see what great living is all about.

Retirement at its best.

1201 NW Tullison Rd. Kansas City, MO

816.888.7930 McCriteKC.com April 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

63

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY DENTISTS & Art & Frame WarehouseORTHODONTICS Northland (816) 584-8009 afwkc.com

Dentistry for Children (816) 548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com

Captured by Lani Michelle Laniodell@gmail.com Facebook.com/capturedbylanimichelle

Dr Michael Byars DDS (816) 781-8222 byarsdental.com/northland

J. Schneider Photography (816) 738-6085 JSchneiderphotography.com

BANKING

Bank Liberty (816) 407-9200 banklibertykc.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS Assistance League of Kansas City (816) 455-4485 ALKC.org

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore Patriot Outreach (866) 967-8766 patriotoutreach.org Savers in Liberty (816) 792-4477 savers.com

CHILD CAMPS, CARE & TUTORING The Nibble Nook, LLC (816) 560-9270 thenibblenook.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS Post 7356 Parkville VFW (816) 968-2752 myvfw.org/mo/post7356

64

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

Gordon Dental (816) 505-2222 kcgordondental.com

EDUCATION

College Nannies & Tutors (816) 256-5907 collegetutors.com/parkvillemo Northland Catholic Schools (816) 453-3450 stpiusxhs-kc.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Downtown Overland Park Merchants Association (913) 642-2222

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Equity Bank (816) 587-4322 bankpuppet.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Epic Vision Eye Centers (816) 749-7755 epicvisioneyecenters.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS SunSource Homes (816) 783-3863 SunSourceHomes.net

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Burlington Mattress Company (816) 885-3512 kcbed.com

HOME SERVICES

Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City (816) 505-5515 budgetblindskc.com Complete Hardscapes LLC (816) 984-0525 completehardscapes.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com Rock And Wall Landscape (816) 392-7262 rockandwalllandscape.com

Mosaic Life Care (800) 447-6820 mymosaiclifecare.org Pediatric Care North (816) 587-3200 pediatriccarenorth.com Saint Luke’s Health Systems (816) 932-5100 Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa (816) 640-2762 wfcmedspa.com

OTHER

Meyers Funeral Chapel (816) 741-0251 meyersfuneralchapel.com

REAL ESTATE

Geiger Elite Real Estate Group (816) 721-9400 geigerelitehomes.com The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

INSURANCE

Wolfe-Sweeney & Associates LLC (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Precision Collision Center (816) 781-9630 precisioncollisionkc.com

Woodneath Farms A Hunt Midwest Community (816) 781-7925 huntmidwestkc.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Liberty Orthopedics (816) 781-6066

Senior Helpers (816) 455-9300 seniorhelpers.com/kansascitynorth

American Family Insurance Toby Breedlove (816) 468-1300

Fairway Eye Center (913) 491-9123 fairwayeyecenter.com

Meritas Health Michael Barnthouse, MD. Gynecology & Women’s Wellness (816) 691-2021 meritashealth.com (816) 941-0700 drbarnthousegyn.com/

McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff (816) 888-7930 mccritekc.com

Stonecrest at Burlington Creek (816) 505-3030 stonecrestatburlingtoncreek.com

Investing IN

YOUR CHILD’S

FUTURE

the advantages of an education at st. pius x: . 98% of our students advance to college . Effective discipline that promotes an atmosphere for learning . Community atmosphere and a high level of parent involvement . Over 90% of our students are involved in one or more extracurricular activities . SPX’s average ACT scores are higher when compared to the participation rates of other Northland high schools and among the highest in the metropolitan area st. pius x high school 816.435.3450 | stpiusxhs-kc.com

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65

Parting Thoughts

Foolproof Gardening Tips FROM A NOT-SO-PRO WORDS RACHEL C. MURPHY

I

am a writer by trade. My forte is words but much of my job involves interviewing experts and learning all that I can about a subject. Sometimes that means increased mastery in a particular area. Sometimes it means better informed delusions of grandeur. As a gardening writer, I’ve had examples of both. So here are my tips and tricks that I’ve learned after years of interviewing, researching and writing about how to grow things successfully. I failed so you don’t have to.

• Join a CSA or find a favorite farmer’s market. I say this because in the first few years of gardening, things are tough. It’s a steep learning curve and nearly everyone makes an amateur mistake or two. If you are depending on your fledgling garden for sustenance, hedge your bets a little. Heck, you can even take those gorgeous heirloom tomatoes and go drop them in the dirt under your struggling plants. Just make sure that you ‘pick’ them before the squirrels get them.

• Be realistic about where you are gardening. I dream of overflowing beds of zucchini and tomatoes. I’ve searched out beautiful heirloom varieties of French melons. You know what grows in my garden? Kale and green beans. There is one type of cherry tomato so tenacious that it will thrive but the rest of the $80 in heirloom plants that I try to coax to life in my shady patch of yard are merely suggestions before they whither. If you don’t have full sun, plan accordingly.

• Realize that you have entered into a full-scale war with squirrels, rabbits, and a world of insects. I don’t have a gun, but I have contemplated getting one, just to target the squirrels that, if fate should smile on me, pick the one good tomato I have going, take

66

Northland Lifestyle | April 2016

one bite and then leave on the other side of the yard.

Rabbits, once cute and cuddly, will be seen as tiny salad usurpers. Caterpillars that we used to play with as kids will become the scourge of your existence.

• Buy some herbs. This is the gardening equivalent of buying shoes when you don’t feel good in your clothes. Herbs tend to thrive in a variety of environments. If you want a really easy base hit, buy mint. You can’t KILL mint once you’ve planted it, and for heaven’s sake, keep it contained or you’ll think you’re living in a giant mojito.

At the end of the summer, when you’ve killed everything else that you spent time, effort and money on, those two basil plants that just kept producing will make you feel good about yourself. Plus, there’s nothing like throwing together a caprese salad with herbs you’ve grown yourself. The tomatoes, of course, will come from the farmer's market.

• Realize that it takes many, many years to become a proficient gardener. Maybe this is just my experience but the people that can grow anything, anywhere tend to be older than 50. Why? Because they’ve learned after season upon season of trial and error. They know what to plant where and what to plant just because they like watching it grow. Plant some flowers along with the kale. Beauty for the eyes is just as nourishing as a tasty veggie.

But really—find a farmer’s market. There’s too much garden goodness to miss out on until you find your knack. Happy eating!

Join a CSA or find a favorite farmer’s market.

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