Northland May 2016 by City Lifestyle

MAY 2016

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HOME IS

Where the

Heart Is A LIFE OF LUXURY AWAITS IN THE NORTHLAND THE NIBBLE NOOK WARMS UP! TAY’S BURGER SHACK TAKES BEEF TO A NEW LEVEL

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Lifestyle Letter

Where the heart is M

ay has finally come and with it, the hope of stable weather, warm nights and balmy days. The smell of fresh cut grass will perfume the air and we will finally settle in to the best time of the year--the twilight between spring and summer. It's a time when grills are utilized, back porch beers are cracked open, and we may spend a little more time at home--willingly.

Our theme this month is the home but this time around, I've taken a broader view of it. Is a home a structure? Or is it a state of mind? For writer Pete Dulin, it's more ephemeral than the studs and sheetrock that make a house. It's an idea and a place of comfort. Read his insightful take on home in our Parting Thoughts this month. If you are looking for the perfect house to make into a home, our feature on luxury living will inspire drool and mortgage searches. What does $3 million dollars buy? A standard of living that few of us will ever really experience, but for the lucky few, it's amazing! And we found three right here in the Northland. May is also the month that we celebrate our mothers. While Mother's Day can be joyful for some, it can be painful for others that have struggled with infertility. We spoke with two families that have experienced the heartache of infertility and come out on the other side. This story was hard for me to write as I identified so closely with the longing that these mothers had to hold a child and call it their own. I'm currently pregnant with my first, so maybe it's the hormones talking, but the path to motherhood is never a straight line. We celebrate the mothers that have children and the ones that don't. Whether a woman bears a child physically or not is seldom the beginning or end to her identity as a mother. Some women cherish pets as they would children. Some nurture friendships instead of parental relationships. And some choose to live a life without the pull of motherly instinct. And that's okay too. This May, we celebrate women in all their diversity, mothers or not. The sheer volume of unique stories of the women in our community is staggering and we love them all.

MAY 2016 editor

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 contributing writers

Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Jennifer Higgins, Peggy Parolin, Lisa Cooke Harrison, Tom Strongman contributing photographers

Joel Schneider, Lani Odell, Tom Strongman

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

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I hope that you cherish a woman in your life, whether she is a mother, sister, daughter, partner, wife or friend.

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Happy May!

Rachel Murphy, Editor by Community ™

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NorthlandLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Brittany and Troy Link have struggled with infertility but hope is on the horizon. Brittany is pregnant with their first child. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL SCHNEIDER 6

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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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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May 2016

18 36 Departments 18 The Nibble Nook: Turning Lessons Into Sweet Success

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Giving Back

Local Limelight

Hot Spot

Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notebook

Renovate & Refine

Lifestyle Calendar

Parting Thoughts

Kids get into the flour with baking lessons

26 A Life of Luxury

Northland homes that wow!Â

36 The Long Way Around

The path to parenthood is never a straight line

26 50

Good Times

St. Therese Annual Parish Auction Fundraiser: A Night of Mystery in The Game of CLUE

The Auction has become an annual tradition for 700+ attendees. Guests arrived dressed as their favorite CLUE characters ready to enjoy an evening of bidding, games, and fundraising for St. Therese School and Parish.

JoEllen Spini & Paula Birchmier

Pete & Tawni Wilhelm

Katie & Adam Nelson

Shannon Dickemann, Trisha Carnahan, Michelle Gwen Vacanti, Shelley Reed, Stacey Lampe, Judy Leist, Jonna McDonough, Kathy Barnett, Tricia Sharp Tim Witthar Jacobs, Terri Dwyer, Bri Peterson

Kamilla & Daniel Singler

Christine McCarthy, Rhonda McMinn, Kim Clark

Lisa Hallier & Jill Weith

Ryan & Maria VanWinkle

Brian & Pam Devling

Sara Quarrato & Colette Roberts

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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Good Times

Painting the Royals with Dentistry For Children

The Dentistry for Children staff were out and about again enjoying each other's company at Pinot's Palette Briarcliff! We are so lucky to have these opportunities to do fun group activities outside the office. We were able to express our creativity and show our excitement for our Kansas City Royals!

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

NEW DENTAL OFFICE IN LIBERTY

At 8 p.m., Associate Conductor Aram Demirjian will lead the Kansas City Symphony and special guests in a two-hour concert featuring favorites such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Armed Forces Salute” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannons. The concert culminates with a grand finale when all eyes turn skyward for KC’s largest display of choreographed fireworks, presented to the beat of patriotic music, all above the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial. For more information, visit KCSymphony.org/Celebration.

John A. Dorsch, D.D.S., M.S., P.C. recently purchased the Bluejay Professional Building at 113 Bluejay Drive, north of Liberty Senior High School. Prior to the acquisition of the Bluejay building Dr. Dorsch was seeing patients in Suite 201 of that building which he shared with other doctors. Remodeling of the office began mostly after the first of the year and has only taken them a few short months to complete. We are now seeing patients in Suite 200! Patients and parents alike are excited by the renovations that have been made, especially the more comfortable operating chairs, relaxed waiting area and open office space along with the beautiful building decor. Come by to see the many updates and changes that have been made to the building and his office suite when you schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Dorsch at 816.454.6800.

Lt. Governor Kinder (L) and Robert Eckerle (R)

LT. GOVERNOR KINDER PRESENTS VETERANS SERVICE AWARD TO 6 FROM KC AREA Robert Eckerle, was one of 35 recipients of Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder’s Veterans Service Award who were honored March 1, 2016 at a ceremony in the House Lounge of the Missouri Capitol. Eckerle, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Eckerle has been a faithful and consistent leader at the VFW Post, volunteering at least 20 hours per week as quartermaster, balancing the books and paying bills. He also visits veterans in a local nursing home and hosts a weekly fundraising breakfast to benefit area veterans.

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY UNVEILS SPECIAL GUESTS FOR 2016 BANK OF AMERICA CELEBRATION AT THE STATION CONCERT The Kansas City Symphony has just announced local jazz stars, saxophonist Bobby Watson and vocalist Kevin Mahogany, will join the Kansas City Symphony in concert on May 29 at 8 p.m. for the 14th annual Bank of America Celebration at the Station, held at Union Station. Bank of America Celebration at the Station is the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest with fun for the whole family. The site opens at 1 p.m. with opportunities to enjoy pre-concert entertainment, food trucks, and the Lee Jeans Family Zone. 14

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

“From all over our state, when our nation called, these men and women answered that call and served in the armed forces,” Kinder said. “For many of these veterans, and all of those we honor today, your service didn’t end when your military obligation was over.”

INTRODUCING BEANSTALK SEEDS! BeanstalkSeeds.com is a brand new nonprofit online seed company that specializes in seeds for children’s gardens. With so many distractions competing for kids' attention, parents are seeking new and fun ways to connect with them. At Beanstalk Seeds, we're introducing a new generation to the fun of growing your own fruits, vegetables and curiosities. Beanstalk Seeds is a product of Kansas City Community Gardens. KCCG is a nonprofit organization assisting low-income households

and community groups in the Kansas City metropolitan area with producing their own nutritious vegetables and fruit from garden plots located in backyards, vacant lots, and at community sites. Additionally, Beanstalk Seeds provides gardeners with a one-stop shopping website where you can buy seeds, utilize our gardening resources, find easy recipes, and read blogs with tips and guidelines to help you start your own family garden.

CLAY COUNTY TRAILS GROUP MAPPING CONNECTIONS A Clay County group is mapping the future of hiking and biking trails with an emphasis on connecting communities and existing routes. The Clay County Trails Committee recently examined possible routes to expand Clay County paths for walking and riding. Part of the Quality of Life Committee organized through the Clay County Economic Development Council, the group includes representatives from several county communities, as well as regional transportation and recreation officials. Stephen B. Rhoades of Vireo Landscape Architecture led the group in a comprehensive review of existing trails and where they could be extended economically and practically. Options include streamways and along existing roads and highways. EDC Executive Director Jim Hampton says trails are among the quality of life issues that impact economic development. “If communities are going to be successful, they need to attract talented workers,” he says. “That’s exactly where this kind of amenity fits in. It helps attract talented workers.” Rhoades says that by outlining likely corridors now, the county can be ready if developers present plans or other access opportunities occur. “A big part of this work is to identify corridors so the rightof-ways can be acquired before development occurs,” he explains. Several noted the need to tie trails at Smithville Lake with other routes in the county. Hodge Park was cited as a key central location that could also help connect current trails.

SHATTO BUTTER PLACED IN TOP TEN IN THE WORLD The World Championship Cheese Contest took place in March and a local favorite rose to the top. Shatto Milk Company's Honey Butter placed ninth overall in the flavored butter category. The creamery, located in Osborn, Missouri, has won multiple awards over the last few years for many of their products. Their cows are never treated with artificial growth hormones. They are also known for their wide variety of flavored milks.

WINNETONKA ALUMNA WINS STUDY ABROAD AWARD Morningside College student Allie Van Houten, daughter of Mark and Lisa Van Houten of Kansas City, Mo., recently received a $2,000 James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship from National Alpha Lambda Delta. She is a 2014 graduate of Winnetonka High School. CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Around Town

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She will study abroad in Wollongong, Australia, just south of Sydney, in the fall of 2016. Van Houten is majoring in social and behavioral science, developmental psychology, and photography at Morningside. After graduation, she would like to be a behavioral specialist, working with children and adolescents. Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence among first-year college and university students. Van Houten served this year as co-historian of the Morningside chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta. Morningside College is a small, private college in Sioux City, Iowa, that offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in a variety of disciplines, or a master’s degree in education.

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360 VODKA PLEDGES $20,000 THROUGH CLOSE THE LOOP PROGRAM 360 Vodka, an eco-friendly vodka brand of McCormick Distilling Co., has pledged to donate $20,000 to three local organizations through its Close the Loop Program. With this initiative, 360 Vodka donates one dollar to charitable organizations for every swing-top

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Kansas City Royals home game at Kauffman Stadium, 360 Vodka presented Royals Charities with a donation check of $10,000. This generous donation was the result of swing-top caps returned from the Kansas City Royals commemorative 2014 League Champions bottle. “We are excited to make this donation

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to Royals Charities,” says Mick Harris, president of McCormick Distilling Co. “We’re proud of our partnership and most importantly, what Royals Charities has done to help those in need in the Kansas City area,” Harris says. 360 Vodka has also pledged to make two additional $5,000 donations from the Close the Loop Program. One will go to the Platte County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the other to the Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE). The Platte County Soil & Water Conservation District provides administrative and technical assistance to farmers, small acreage landowners, urban residents, and various local government agencies

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Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

within Platte County. The purpose of the District is to help keep soils healthy in order to sustain economic benefits to land managers and conserve valuable soil resources for future generations. MCE is the state’s independent, citizens’ environmental organization for clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment. Its mission is to protect and restore the environment through education, public engagement, and legal action. MCE program areas include Wetlands, Floodplains and Rivers, Food and Farm Program, Clean Water Program, Climate and Energy, and West Lake Landfill. For more information about 360 Vodka, visit Vodka360.com.

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Locally Owned

The

e l b Nib k o No Turning Lessons Into Sweet Success KIDS GET INTO THE FLOUR WITH BAKING LESSONS ARTICLE LISA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

hef John Boydston is most at home in the kitchen. It’s where he had his first job, flipping eggs and washing dishes at age 13. It’s where he learned the ropes from other chefs. It’s where he honed his talent as a pastry chef and teacher. At The Nibble Nook, his bakery and pastry learning center on Green Hills Road, it’s where he’s found his passion: instilling a love of food and confidence in the kitchen in kids as young as three and adults of all ages. A Northland native, Boydston studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and worked his way up the ladder in large hotel kitchens. He relocated to Kansas City in 2009 to be closer to his father and other family, and worked as the Executive Pastry Chef at Argosy Casino. It was in that position, he said, that an idea sparked. “I know what I’m good at. I’m an effective leader and I understand how kitchens work. Food isn’t work to me; it’s a passion, and I love pulling talent from other people. I wanted to create an environment to teach and to show anyone who wants to learn that they can,” he says.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Learning goes both ways in the kitchen, and Boydston says he’s been surprised at how rewarding the transition from a corporate kitchen to opening The Nibble Nook has been for him. “There’s something special about spending time with someone and seeing the smile on their face when they walk out with something they made themselves,” he says. “That’s especially true when I work with kids with special needs or someone who’s had a bad start in life.” Boydston teaches how he learned: through repetition and constructive criticism. “There wasn’t Food Network then. We read books. We practiced. We did things over and over again until it was right. We learned about respect—in a kitchen brigade, the chef is the top dog and everyone else has their place in line. I’m still very old school,” he says. He’s also fun. “We have a good time. I put on music, we dance. I’ve whipped and nae-nae’ed, and everyone laughs,” he says. “I’m proud of that. Part of working in kitchens for so long means missing a lot of worklife balance, being in the kitchen all the time and not at home, not enjoying meals or events with family and friends, and that’s something I wanted. I want to see the sunshine and interact with different people, and I can do that now.” The work life balance is a struggle because being a chef, he says, isn’t just a job title. “I’m not a chef at work and then someone else when I go home. Being a chef is who I am, not what I do. I treat everyone with the same level of integrity and respect as I demand; it’s just who I am. I didn’t pick this career. It chose me. I fit this mold,” he says. “And CONTINUED > now it’s time for me to give back.”

““There’s’

something sp ecial about sp ending time with someone and seeing the smile on their face when th ey walk out with somethi ng they made them selves, ” ” he says. ““T hat’’s especi ally true when I work with k ids with spec ial needs or someone who’’s had a bad start in life. ” ”

The next generation of chefs starts training.

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Locally Owned

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He wants to do that by passing on what he’s learned and by making a difference in the lives of people he meets. A former adjunct at The Art Institute, Boydston now mentors high school students and has worked with the Mid-Continent Public Library. “This is giving me so much more than I anticipated. I’m happy, the people in class are happy, my team is happy. That’s huge to me,” he says. Youth classes are especially popular at The Nibble Nook. Boydston doesn’t let parents into the kitchen—it’s his rule, he says, because he doesn’t want his students to worry about “doing it right. We break eggs, we spill stuff. We don’t care; we fix it and move on. I teach the kids how to safely use the ovens and I let them work the mixer. They learn by repetition and because it's fun.” The Nibble Nook also hosts hands-on birthday parties and midday classes for those who home-school. As word has spread about the space and Boydston’s expertise, he’s taken requests to create corporate team building events and now hosts couples’ nights; Boydston teaches the couples how to make pasta and patrons can BYOB. Boydston focuses on baking and sweets at The Nibble Nook, meaning there’s no animal protein in the kitchen, but he’s always looking for ways to grow. “If something sounds fun and we can pull it off, we’ll do it,” he says. Learn more at TheNibbleNook.com.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Chef John Boydston teaches all ages with respect and killer dance moves.

Welcome home.

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#LetsBuildEquity May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Giving Back Retired Colonel Jack Shafferman is proud of his service and continues to help those struggling with stress.

“You Saved My Family...” PATRIOT OUTREACH ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDES REAL LIFE COPING STRATEGIES

ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL AND PROVIDED

ou saved my family. I was at a loss. Tempers f lared; my wife took the kids. Patriot Outreach’s Coping Strategies™ worked. My family is back together, healthier and happier than ever,” proclaimed SSG Joseph Oehring, a Smithville Veteran of the Iraq War. For Oehring, a full time technical trainer for the National Guard, and more than 70,000 other military personnel, government civilians, battlefield contractors, first responders and their families (Patriots), “Victory Over Stress” has become a mantra. It is also the mainstay of Patriot Outreach, a ten-year old non-profit Veteran Group supporting Patriots and their Families. Patriot Outreach promotes 22

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Coping Strategies ™ to provide confidential and effective help with anger, stress, pain, combat stress, and even P.T.S.D. to thousands of those that most likely would never ask for help. Oehring’s testimony is one of thousands the Patriot Outreach Organization receives annually offering gratitude for assistance in transforming lives dominated by stress and frustration into ones focused on the positive, providing an appreciation of “what is” as opposed to focusing on what “could’ve been or should’ve been”. “The Patriot Outreach program helped me sort out everyday family issues,” explains Oehring. “I do not have PSTD, but I was stressed out about a lot of everyday life issues. Stress affects everyone

in some way: soldiers, spouses of soldiers, pretty much everyone. You can either choose to control the stress or allow it to control you. I chose to control it, for the sake of my family, my self and my career.” “The Be Still and Know exercise, a core component of Coping Strategies™ provided by Patriot Outreach via a cd is ‘basic training for the mind’,” explains Oehring. “After listening to the underlying principles and participating in the exercises, I was able to think more clearly and not get so aggravated with things. You have to listen to it yourself to understand why it’s so effective,” pauses Oehring. “But really, it works.” “What you learn is that if you only focus on the negative, it can tear your family apart. The Patriot Outreach Coping Strategies ™ taught me to refocus and reframe my thoughts. Instead of dwelling on the past and things I can’t change, I refocus on the positive. It’s made a difference in how I live my daily life,” reflects Oehring, “and how I contribute to the greater good of myself and others.” “After I realized how much the Coping Strategy™ CDs helped me," Oehring shares, “I began taking stacks of them to work. I shared with others how much my family and I benefited from the program. ‘No pressure, but they’re here if you want them’, I’d say. They were all gone by the end of the day.” Chaplain (LTC) Phillip L. Pringle, US Army, a Smithville resident, lauds Patriot Outreach’s Coping Strategies CD as an effective and practical tool that enhances stress management and builds resilience within the mind. The practice of silence and solitude is at the CONTINUED > very core of the Be Still and Know Exercise.

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Giving Back

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“Learning to be still is one of the most needed, yet most difficult spiritual disciplines today. It is a helpful tool that can help military personnel become the resilient leaders we all need to be in the rapidly changing environment in which we live,” says Pringle. The VP of Patriot Outreach, Colonel Jack Shafferman, is a Parkville Army retiree who deployed three times. Shafferman also serves as the CFO of Patriot Outreach. “I really wear about 6 hats,” laughs Shafferman. “I’m CFO, VP, Supervising Engineer and more. I’ve been working with Ret. Col Tony Monaco for the past 25 years. Tony started Patriot Outreach in 2006. When I retired from the military in 2010, I became a full time volunteer assisting with the organization, and contributing however I can. It’s definitely a rewarding effort to be a part of. Our organization has provided assistance free of charge to more than 200,000 Patriots thus far; that includes Armed Forces, Retirees, Veterans, Government Civilians, Battlefield Contractors, First Responders and their Families (Patriots). “Perhaps one of the things that has helped us help so many is the fact we know soldiers don’t like to talk with others about their problems," Shafferman concludes. "Our programs offer an effective selfhelp option for these individuals and their families. For many, the CDs and self-help are safer, more secure than other types, plus they get the benefit of having accomplished something on their own.”

Patriot Outreach founder Retired Colonel Tony Monaco

For more information, visit PatriotOutreach.org.

Patriot Outreach does just that, reaches out to those struggling.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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A LIFE

LUXURY NORTHLAND HOMES THAT WOW!

uxury. We watch it on television on shows about the homes of the rich and famous and thumb through pages of it in In Style Magazine. But did you know that there are pockets of luxury right here in Kansas City? And no, not just in Mission Hills or on Ward Parkway. Some of the most luxurious homes are right in our own backyards! The Northland has come from being the fledgling community to the north to becoming a place where the discerning have the space and freedom to truly make their housing dreams come true. In our Home issue, we’ve gathered three of the crème de la crème, the homes that make us dream, that inspire us and for a lucky few, we may even call home someday. To find these oases of luxury, we turned to the experts—the team at Wolfe~Sweeney & Courntey. Among their listings, they found three houses that will kick your real estate daydreams into overdrive! In the grand tradition of House Hunters, let’s go shopping!

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

A LIFE OF LUXURY

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THE

COURT 6524 RIDGE ROAD, PARKVILLE

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Anyone up for a game of hoops? That’s right, for the athletic family, this seven bedroom, six bath home located in the Estate section of The National also features an indoor full size basketball court! If hoops aren’t your game, then grab a racket for a game of tennis doubles. This home is truly set up for the family that spends time together. In addition to the courts, there’s a full game room with plenty of room for a game of billiards or table tennis. For the family golf pro, the home is located near the #1 green and 23-acre practice facility. With panoramic views of the artfully landscaped grounds, you’ll definitely be tempted to do a little outdoor entertaining. Luckily, the home also features a full outdoor kitchen and lounge area. For a $2.7 million, you too can live like a professional athlete! CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

A LIFE OF LUXURY (CON TI N U ED)

For the erstwhile sailors out there, Riss Lake offers a bit of nautical beauty in the Midwest. This five bedroom, five bathroom stunner offers not only spectacular views of the lake, but also two concrete tiled decks and a resort like private pool. There is nothing better than sunning in your own private oasis! While the outdoor space may be what lures you to this property, the interiors are what will make you want to stay. Every window features a stunning view. For entertaining, the open concept allows your guests to ebb and flow organically around a large center island in a well-appointed gourmet kitchen. In the spring and mild summer days, the party can even go outside with a sunroom and extended deck that is perfect for hosting impromptu gatherings. All this and the most exclusive address in the Northland can be yours for $3.3 million.

CONTINUED >

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

ON THE

WATERFRONT 5909 JULIAN DRIVE, PARKVILLE

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

A LIFE OF LUXURY (CON TI N U ED)

THE

BALCONY 6924 WATSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COUNTRY LANE, PARKVILLE Oh Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou, Romeo? Maybe this scene wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be recreated but the romantic architecture may inspire some proclamations of love of its own! Each of the six bedrooms of this gorgeous home features its own private bath and balcony, overlooking the breathtaking Signature 18th green of The National Golf Course. This home truly is the height of luxury. Take your elevator down to the lower level to relax in your in-home cinema suite with custom seating, wet bar and private butler kitchen. (Butler not included!) For the more active set, this home also features an indoor sports court. Finished with impeccable landscaping, this home truly defines the idea of a home being your castle. For $2.95 million, you will feel that nothing can spoil your own slice of paradise.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

The Long Way Around The path to parenthood is never a straight line ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

arenthood. So many dream of welcoming a new bundle of joy after they have met their soulmate and settled down. When we are younger, it seems so easy-boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married and start producing the average 2.5 kids. In reality, infertility is a much more widespread disease than many believe. For people that want to be parents, it can be a crushing process full of false hope, tears and grief, grief that even when they've succeeded and have had the baby or adopted or accepted their life as is, lingers. Meet two families that have experienced the joys and sorrows of CONTINUED > having children by taking the long way around.Â

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

JOIN us Down Under Revel in creative black-tie attire and help us fundraise for our 1,700 animals. Celebrate the Koala exhibit with a “party down under” complete with cuisine from more than 75 restaurants and fabulous entertainment provided by: Stolen Winnebagos | Victory & Penny | The Anchormen | Zeros | DJ Kirby Flannigan’s Right Hook | KC Groove Therapy

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Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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The Long Way Around

(CON TI N U ED)

TheFoster Family The Foster Family Love came later in life for Janis and Shannon Foster. Janice, an educator, met Shannon, a firefighter and knew right away that it was love. After getting married, they started trying to have children right away, a prospect that they knew might be more difficult due to their ages. "I have low ovarian reserve, which is very common among women struggling with infertility. I think they say that it affects a third of women. And they don't know if it is genetic or age-related. I was sitting next to a 27-year-old with the same problem when I was 34." says Foster. Knowing that the odds were stacked against them, the Fosters immediately committed to the full regiment of infertility treatments. They attempted five IUI (artificial insemination), all of which failed. They then tried IVF. Twice. Both attempts failed. After accepting that they would not be able to conceive with their own material, they visited an egg bank to find a suitable donor. After choosing a donor, they attempted IVF again. This time, two embryos took. After their six week appointment, they discovered that one had failed. With one still viable, they attended their first full appointment and heard for the first time a heartbeat. "When we went back for the 15-week ultrasound, there was no heartbeat and no explanation. The baby was just . . . gone. That was super traumatic and hard. We had worked a year and a half just to get

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

“We were in the emergency room and my husband looked in my eyes and told me ‘I’m not letting you do this anymore. We are not putting your through this. There’s a child out there just for us and we will find him or her and it will be okay. That was a pivotal moment for us,” pregnant. I had been on so many medications, and we had been driving 48 miles round trip for treatments. It was devastating," says Foster. The doctors saw it as hopeful though and encouraged them to try again since Janis was able to get pregnant this time. They tried again. Once again Janis was able to get pregnant with a donor egg. At eight weeks, she miscarried again. "There is so little information for women that miscarry. You go to doctor's appointments and they are normal physically, but no one tells you how to deal with it emotionally. Unless you know someone that has gone through it, there's just no support there." says Foster. The grieving process for Janis was more than for just her lost babies. It was for the lost hope of one day carrying her own. They decided to try adoption. "We were in the emergency room and my husband looked in my eyes and told me 'I'm not letting you do this anymore. We are not putting your through this. There's a child out there just for us and we will find him or her and it will be okay. That was a pivotal moment for us," says Foster. Fortunately, their road to adoption was much smoother than their experience with pregnancy. The Fosters had known people that had adopted before through an agency. In May of the same year, they started preparing for the adoption process including an extensive home study with a sea of paperwork. They prepared themselves to wait. By August 1st, they were on the books and in line to wait for a child. August 20th was the anniversary of one of their miscarriages. On August 22nd, they received the phone call that would change their lives. They had been chosen for a private adoption by a birth mother. "She was amazing. She took great care of herself. She already had a child but knew that she could not have another child in her current situation and she knew how important that role was. It was nervewracking because she could have changed her mind at any moment," says Foster. Fast forward to December of 2014. Austin Foster was born via C-section and given to his family. He's now 16 months old, happy and healthy and Janis is the mother that she always knew that she would be. They maintain a relationship with his birth mother and intend to let Austin develop a relationship with her as well. CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

THE LONG WAY AROUND (CON TI N U ED)

The Link Family The Link Family The story of Brittany and Troy Link is an ongoing one. Brittany, a digital marketer, and Troy, an air traffic controller, are currently expecting their first child but the journey there has been anything but smooth. Through all of their journey, they've made the choice to be open and honest, trying to foster an atmosphere where their story may encourage others on the same path. Brittany has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) a very common condition among women. The syndrome can manifest in a variety of ways including obesity, hormone imbalances or strings of cysts on the ovaries. For Link, the extra cysts meant that when she did ovulate, there were too many folicles to choose from so they didn't pick anything. She was diagnosed after eight months of trying to conceive. They decided to try infertility treatments when she received her next period. It never came. She was pregnant. Their joy quickly turned to sadness. Brittany miscarried at eight weeks. The grief was palpable. "Troy really helped me deal with the grief and let me know it was okay. He pointed out that it wasn't just the baby that was gone but the opportunity for the memories and experiences that came with it," says Brittany. They proceeded with treatments. They tried four rounds of Clomid, a drug that forces ovulation. It was unsuccessful. They moved on to Letrozole paired with IUI. Letrozole is a new drug. On the third round of Letrozole they became pregnant and then miscarried after four and half weeks. At this point, the Links came into conflict with their doctors. Knowing that Brittany had low progesterone, her doctors refused to prescribe progesterone supplements. They started looking elsewhere and changed clinics. After finding a new doctor, they continued testing and found that Brittany had a septate uterus, which means there was a division in the center. She had surgery to correct it. After correcting that, they found that Troy had low 42

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

What people don’t understand is that infertilit y is a disease. It doesn’t have to do with stress, needing a trip, or the stars not aligning. It’s a real problem, just like any other disease. And it needs to be treated, either naturally or medically,” sperm levels. They were told that it would be nearly impossible to conceive naturally. The doctors recommended IVF. The Links wanted to give themselves one more chance and cajoled the doctors into prescribing Letrozole again. "The entire process seemed to be us talking the doctors into taking each step. It was very apparent that the fertility clinics were run as a business, not a practice," says Troy. "They didn't seem aware of our situation or concerned with taking every possible step. They just pushed us toward the most extreme option." Sometimes, intuition is the best indicator. Instead of jumping into IVF, they tried a few rounds of injectibles and Letrozole, while they checked out a clinic in Arizona. While they checked out the clinic, they found out that they were pregnant. Although there were some

rough patches so far, they are now in their second trimester. Brittany listens to her baby's heartbeat every day on a handheld monitor. "I'm really grateful that we didn't have to do IVF. The success rate for each cycle is only 50-60%. Plus there are so many moral decisions that you have to make too with the possibility of multiple embryos." says Brittany. The entire experience has really emphasized to the Links that support is essential. Brittany has participated in the Kansas City Infertility Awareness and Hope Ministries, a support group for miscarriage and infant loss. She says that through it all, she wanted to emphasize that infertility isn't a result of anything except illness, an illness that doesn't deserve the hushed tones and stigma that it currently carries. "I think one thing that was really hard for both Troy and I during our struggle was that people around us looked at our struggle like it was an easy fix. 'You're just stressed', 'You need a trip away', or 'It'll happen in its own time'. What people don't understand is that infertility is a disease. It doesn't have to do with stress, needing a trip, or the stars not aligning. It's a real problem, just like any other disease. And it needs to be treated, either naturally or medically," says Brittany. What she says is true. There are no straight lines to parenthood and support is necessary no matter what the path that a family takes to get there. Thank you to the Links and the Fosters for sharing their journeys with us. For more information about infertility, visit KCinfertility.org. May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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Local Limelight

ALL HUMOR COMES FROM TRUTH 46

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Christian comedian Kerri Pomarolli speaks May 25 at Club W event

ARTICLE JENNIFER HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

n a world full of bad language, dirty jokes and raunchy movies, Christian comedian and motivational speaker, Kerri Pomarolli, is making her mark on the comedy scene while embracing a different style. “I have been applauded as a clean comedian and speaker. It started as an actress, when I wouldn't do topless scenes. I think I’ve earned people’s respect; I’ve heard ‘you’re clean and you’re still funny!’ There’s no topic that’s off limits--I can still talk about sex, drugs and rock and roll, and can really push that envelope, but still keep my integrity intact. Comedy Central referred to me as the “ditzy Christian character” and I like that. It’s definitely been more of a positive than a negative. Some female comedians think they have to be dirty to ‘make it in a man’s world.’ Society supports raunchy movies or dirty comedians, so they continue to be produced,” Pomarolli says.

Originally from Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Pomarolli lives in Hollywood with her two daughters. Comedy wasn’t her original career goal. “I did some acting on General Hospital and Young and the Restless, mainly so the mean girls from high school would be nice to me when I went back for the reunion. I did the starving artist thing, was a terrible children’s party entertainer--I could only make snakes and swords with my balloons. I then got started with comedy at Second City in Chicago. My on stage and off stage lives were colliding and causing conflict. God said ‘you can be funny, but if you’re dirty, it’s your fault’. The minute I hit that stage, I knew I was home. You’re either addicted to it, or want to stab your CONTINUED > eyes out. I knew I was home,” Pomarolli says. May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Local Limelight

(CON TI N U ED)

Pomarolli also has a devotional book that is a companion to the movie, "Mom’s Night Out". She hosted the red carpet for the movie, and was thrilled to meet Sean Astin and do the Goonie oath with him. “The devotional is not for moms who have their lives together, but those who sometimes do snack time with tic tacs they found in their purse. The devotions are just 1 ½ pages, which is enough time for us to read in the bathroom before they knock the door down. It probably has every dysfunctional thing my kids have done. There’s been some talk for a Mom’s Night Out 2,” Pomarolli says. Pomarolli will be in Kansas City on May 25, as part of the Club W Wednesday night Live event for North Kansas City Hospital “There is no better audience than women. It’s a event for getting crazy like staying out past 9 pm, running with scissors and not getting hurt. We as women put ourselves last. We say we won’t, but we do. There are signs you need a girls night out... when you’re eating Nutella in the shower or hiding under your bed. It should be an easy night, not a hard one, and one about having fun. There’s not a message I want to send. It’s just the amazing medicine of laughter. Just a fun night to take care of ourselves for once. I give you my personal guarantee you won’t be offended. It’s a great mother/daughter night, for women from 8-88. It’s not all mom/ breastfeeding jokes, because those get old. It’s for moms of every background,” Pomarolli says. The Club W event is $15 per person for members, and $20 per person for non-members, and will be from 6-8 pm at the Improv Club at Zona Rosa.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Hot Spot

TAY’S BURGER SHACK THE PERFECT MIX OF SIN AND VIRTUE

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

s it possible to feel good about yourself and bad about yourself at the same time? If you're talking about indulging in a 100% organic grass-fed beef cheeseburger, the answer is an unequivocal 'yes'. Tay's Burger Shack presents exactly that conundrum to patrons with juicy yet not greasy burgers piled high with cheese and veggies amidst a wash of nostalgia--the way a burger shack used to be. In this case, of course, it wasn't always a burger place. The small space at 1019 Armour Road in North Kansas City most recently shouted at people to come in for discount cigarettes. With

a lot of elbow grease, Kent Harrison, owner and operator, transformed the spot into the charming place that it now is in December of 2014. Harrison also owns Jersey Boys, a perennial North Town favorite, so he is no stranger to how to run a business. This one, named for his daughter Taylor, is focused on making the best burger around. They are handily succeeding.Â I dropped into Tay's on a particularly mild spring day with my husband after we had visited the Waggin' Trails Dog Park. The interior is decorated in wood paneling and vintage metal signs. Oldies play softly in the background. A cold case full of sodas made

with real sugar stands in the corner. And at the front counter, the staff is ready to explain to any newcomers what all the fuss is about.Â The fuss, of course, is their small but cultivated menu. Instead of being just a burger joint, reveling in the level of grease they can produce, Tay's hand-crafts each burger from 100% organic, grass-fed beef from a small ranch in Missouri. They introduced the better grade of meat in January and have made it their calling card. Patrons can buy it in bulk for $7.99 a lb for an 80/20 mix.Â The menu sticks to the basics-cheeseburgers or hot dogs and fries that are hand cut and seasoned

daily. Your options for burgers include a single, double, triple or the home run which features four patties. Recently, they also introduced a kid's size burger to suit a smaller appetite. All burgers come with standard dress unless requested otherwise which includes cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato and pickle.

CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Hot Spot

(CON TI N U ED)

Additional toppings of extra cheese or bacon are available for a small upcharge. They also offer grilled onions for free upon request. Combos come with a generous portion of their fries which could be a meal in and of themselves. They are seasoned with a sweet and spicy mix that keeps you eating far past the point of wisdom. The hot dog menu is simple as well--Nathan's Kosher dogs, with or without chili. The chili is made with the same organic grass-fed beef and is available as a topping for fries. In our case, the hot dogs were a treat for our dogs, kindly offered when the gentleman at the register heard that we had them with us. The plump hot dogs were gobbled up quickly by our two canines, a seal of approval if ever there was one. Tay's also offers custard with a variety of toppings but Harrison says that they will be streamlining the custard offerings due to space. He is thinking about offering a single root beer float instead of the current panorama of choices. He also offers a

vareity of vintage sodas, such as the original Dr. Pepper in a glass bottle as well as Stewart's sodas. Tay's Burger Shack has committed to doing one thing and doing it well. Are the burgers delicious? Yes, absolutely. They are even more enjoyable knowing that they come from a regional rancher and a locally owned business. With the added bonus of the friendliest customer service that I've experienced in quite a while and you've got a combination that can't be beat.Â

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Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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rebates on qualifying purchases, Save $100* orAprilmore12 –with June 27, 2016. Ask for details. *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/12/16 – 6/27/16 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. SPG16MB3 57446

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Driver’s Notebook

JAGUA R

JAGUAR’S REDESIGNED XF KEEPS ITS SPORTS-CAR SOUL ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

he Jaguar XF has been redesigned for 2016 with a new aluminum-intensive architecture, revised exterior and the choice of two supercharged V-6 engines.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Jaguar has often used aluminum to reduce weight, and the all-wheel-drive XF is 265 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. The rear-wheel-drive version is 132 pounds lighter. Lighter weight means better fuel economy and the new car is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. In addition to the new aluminum-intensive architecture, other changes include a more vertical front end, shorter front overhang, a 2-inch longer wheelbase and new rear quarter windows. The XF still has the soul of a sports car lurking inside its svelte sedan body. Nearly ideal weight distribution enables the car to tackle turns with confidence and security. Jaguar’s press materials indicate that “aerodynamics are improved by using vents in the front bumper to channel air over the front wheels. This helps to prevent the turbulent wheel wake from disturbing the smooth laminar airflow passing around the car.” There are four trim levels, each available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $51,900 for the 340-horsepower Premium and top out at $65,700 for the 380-horsepower all-wheel-drive S. The car I drove from Jaguar’s press fleet was a rear-wheel-drive S with the 380-horsepower, supercharged V-6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. For added security in all the warmest of climates, I would opt for the all-wheel-drive version as long as the additional $3,000 is not a wallet buster.

CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Driver’s Notebook

(CON TI N U ED)

Performance and handling are balanced with comfort and enough room for four people to ride comfortably. Thanks to supercharging, the power band is wide enough so that you don’t have to work the engine hard in everyday traffic. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a perfect match for this engine. Jaguar says it shifts “in just 200 milliseconds, or four times faster than the average human resting heartbeat.” Shift paddles on the steering wheel enable the driver to take control at any time. The test car’s cabin was pleasant and serene. The instrument panel now has a curved design that is similar to that of the XJ, and it extends into the door panels. Vents in the instrument panel open when the car is started and close when it is turned off. The main instrument cluster is a thin-film-transistor LCD panel that looks like an analog speedometer but its appearance and function can be changed. The audio and navigation systems are controlled through a 10.2-inch touch screen or by knobs on the lower part of the instrument panel. Jaguar’s menu system always seems a bit complex so having redundant switches for the climate control is helpful. Wind and road noise are nicely muted and the seats are widely adjustable. The leather seats have excellent lateral and lumbar support. Keyless entry, heated front seats, split-folding rear seats and a Meridian audio system were part of the test car’s standard equipment. Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio, blind-spot monitor and a rearview camera were also included. PRICE: The test car’s base price was $62,700. Options included black metallic paint, black trim, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, electric rear sunshade, four-zone climate control, suede cloth headliner, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, park assist, head-up display and black 20-inch wheels. The sticker price was $75,145. WARRANTY: Five years or 60,000 miles. POINT: The restyled XF S bears a strong resemblance to the previous model but it is sleeker, lighter, longer and better looking. The supercharged V-6 delivers ample power at all speeds. The aluminum architecture saves more than 200 pounds and that results in improved fuel economy. COUNTERPOINT: The all-black test car needed some bright accents to give it more personality.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

2016 JAGUAR XF S

Engine: 3.0-liter, 380-horsepower V-6 Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 116.5 inches Curb weight: 3,770 pounds Base price: $62,700 As-driven: $75,145 MPG rating: 20 in the city, 30 on the highway

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IT’S EASY TO IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL ARTICLE LISA COOKE HARRISON

hether you are getting ready to put your home on the market or planning to stay where you are for another 10 years, when was the last time you stood across the street from your home and gave the front of your house an honest critique? So often we drive into our garage and don’t give the front of our house more than a second glance. It’s easy for it to start looking a little tired if we don’t give the area some attention. Consider spending an afternoon making a few improvements. ASSESS THE FRONT DOOR

• How long has it been since your front door had a fresh coat of paint? Whether you decide to give it a fresh new color or apply a new coat of the color you’ve had for seven years, you’ll notice an immediate improvement. The sun fades dark colors quickly so your once-black, glossy door might be looking rather flat and grey after just a few years. • A new wreath or floral arrangement hung with wide ribbon is a great way to accent a front door. • Consider new hardware, a fresh welcome mat or an updated lighting fixture to update your entry. • While you are improving this area, look at your house numbers. Can they be easily seen from the street or have bushes grown to obscure them? DITCH THE LOOK OF A USED CAR LOT

• Are there cars parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house more often than not? Maybe it’s time to deep clean the garage and make room for a car or two. Nothing sends the message that you don’t care about the look of your home like a driveway and curb constantly filled with cars that could be in the garage. • If your house is going on the market and your street is lined with cars owned by neighbors, consider asking them to park in their driveways for a month or two to improve the overall look of the street. 58

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

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Maybe it’s time to deep clean the garage and make room for a car or two. Nothing sends the message that you don’t care about the look of your home like a driveway and curb constantly filled with cars that could be in the garage. WHERE’S THE GREEN?

• You may not be a gifted gardener but that doesn’t mean your house need send that message. Think about adding a few containers with seasonal plantings. Be sure to vary the height of the plantings in the pots. • If there are bushes along the front of your house, is it time for a trim? Bushes that have been allowed to grow more than 5-7 feet tall are probably higher than was intended when they were planted. Are your bushes more than 20 years old? It might be time to remove them and start over. And are your overgrown bushes making it difficult for people to walk on the sidewalk leading to your front door? If so, it’s definitely time for a trim. ADD A FESTIVE FOCAL POINT

• Consider a fountain, cement sculpture or a piece of outdoor art to add a touch of whimsy to the front of your home. A birdbath, flag pole or wind sculpture can be just what your street view needs. Maybe a row of decorative landscape lights will do the trick. Not only will they add a touch of style but they’ll accent your walkway or garden at night.

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May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Lifestyle Calendar

May WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER, 6 P.M.

City children and families in crisis. CarePortal, an initiative of GO Project, is connecting the local church and state to meet the needs of

LINDEN SQUARE MIXED LEAGUE

children in the foster care system and at-risk families. After the race,

LINDEN SQUARE

stay for great prizes and a pancake breakfast.

Come straight from work, roll up your sleeves and compete against

other young professionals in some of the following sports: badminton, croquet, bocce ball, kanjam, bags, washers, etc. This league is a

MAY 10

mixture of Co-Ed, Men's and Women's all who will play each other.

TWO AND HALF TENORS

MAY 6

KC IMPROV Feed Northland Kids presents the “Two and a Half Tenors” to raise

KINDEST KANSAS CITIAN AWARDS

funds to feed children in the northland. The program features three

THE VIEW AT BRIARCLIFF

of the Northland’s best-known vocalists. Larry Harman, Bryan Taylor,

Synergy celebrates kindness and raises money for anti-bul-

and Steve Waters will entertain with music in the style of “Il Divo” and

lying programs at the 26th annual awards. The evening affair is

“The Three Tenors”. Tickets are $50. A portion is tax-deductible. For

a heartwarming tribute to individuals and organizations that make

tickets call 816.301.4483.

our community better and stronger through kindness. Tickets and sponsorships are available by phone: 816.505.4785 or email: ahaprer@synergyservices.org. SynergyServices.org

MAY 7 DOWNTOWN LIBERTY FARMERS MARKET KICKOFF CELEBRATION HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIBERTY Experience the Freshness! Saturdays, May-October 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors carry a variety of produce, flowers, meat, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods and some craft items. Historic Downtown Lib-

MAY 14

erty Farmers’ Market participates in SNAP, Beans & Greens, and also

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE FARM

accepts debit and credit cards.

THE ATKINS-JOHNSON FARM

MAY 7

Experience afternoon tea with Nancy Schneider of Headrush Roasters. Bring your hat and enjoy an afternoon learning about the history

GO PROJECT FAMILY 5K 5K RUN | 2 MILE WALK | THE BRIAN

of tea and tea culture at the beautiful and historic Atkins-Johnson

BOYD KIDS' HALF-MILE FUN RUN

Farm and Museum. Elegant refreshments provided by Laughing

ENGLISH LANDING PARK

Place Bakery. Tickets are $15 and may be reserved in advance. For

Bring your family, friends, or team and run (or walk) to help Kansas

more information or to purchase tickets call 816.423.4107.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Nominated for Small Business of the Year Greater Kansas City

MAY 14 JAMMIN' AT THE GEM CONCERT SERIES

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

GEM THEATER The Ida McBeth & McFadden Brothers | Lifetime Achievement Award Concert. Kansas City-born Ida McBeth’s repertoire includes pop-style ballads, jazz/blues, show tunes, funk, R&B, gospel and well known standards. The McFadden Brothers have been entertaining since they were in elementary school, learning tap licks and intricate rhythms from their father, Kansas City dancer and all-round entertainer Smilin’ Jimmy McFadden. AmericanJazzMuseum.org

MAY 16 KCI ROTARY 30TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC TIFFANY GREENS GOLF CLUB Join us for a lunch and a 12:30pm shotgun start with Joe's Kansas City BBQ afterwards. All proceeds go to provide college scholarships to Northland students. Register at Eventbrite.com. Sponsorship opportunities available.

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

MAY 17 PARK UNIVERSITY BALLYHOO PARK UNIVERSITY The evening will feature a celebration on the new promenade between Mackay Hall and Norrington Center, the original Carnegie Library on campus. We will CONTINUED >

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

SKILLED NURSING CARE SPECIALIZED WOUND CARE TEAM ADVANCED ILLNESS MANAGEMENT TELEHEALTH SERVICE REHABILITATION THERAPY: PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH & RESPIRATORY

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF CARING FOR KANSAS CITY

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

officially dedicate the newly renovated Norrington Center, which will once again house Park’s McAfee Memorial Library, as well as a new cafe, high-tech classrooms, meeting spaces and a state-of-the-art student lounge. Net proceeds benefit student scholarships.

MAY 21 MARC HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT PLATTE LANDING PARK Bring your unwanted chemicals to the MARC household hazardous waste (HHW) mobile event. Some HHW items accepted include: automotive products, antifreeze, batteries, CFL light bulbs, fertilizers, hazardous cleaners, household cleaners, pool chemicals, used oil and thinners. These events are open to anyone. Business waste is not accepted, including non-profits, churches, home-based businesses, and rental properties.

JUNE 3, 5 P.M. JUNE 4, 6 P.M. FESTA ITALIANA ZONA ROSA Festa Italiana, the unique celebration of Italian traditions and Italian-American culture, will kick off the summer season at Zona Rosa!

BURLINGTON MATTRESS

Enjoy an assortment of Italian food favorites, a beer garden, an Italian Car Show, food eating contests, kids' activities and much more. Novelty booths will line the streets including “Lots Of Italiana” memorabilia representing

7 Metro Locations to Serve You!

Italian heritage for the whole family.

WWW.KCBED.COM May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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

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

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

Gordon Dental (816) 505-2222 kcgordondental.com

Captured by Lani Michelle laniodell@gmail.com

EDUCATION

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

College Nannies & Tutors (816) 256-5907 collegetutors.com/parkvillemo

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

INSURANCE

Equity Bank (816) 587-4322 bankpuppet.com

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

SunSource Homes (816) 783-3863 SunSourceHomes.net

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

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

Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa (816) 640-2762 wfcmedspa.com

OTHER

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

REAL ESTATE

The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com Wolfe-Sweeney & Associates LLC (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

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

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

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

Visiting Nurse Association (816) 531-1200 vnakc.com

American Family Insurance Toby Breedlove (816) 468-1300

FINANCIAL SERVICES LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE & PLANNING

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

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

Schlitterbahn Waterpark (913) 312-3090 schlitterbahn.com

CHILD CAMPS, CARE & TUTORING

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

Complete Hardscapes LLC (816) 984-0525 completehardscapes.com

Rock And Wall Landscape (816) 392-7262 rockandwalllandscape.com

The Whole Person (816) 627-2220 thewholeperson.org

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City (816) 505-5515 budgetblindskc.com

Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

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

The Nibble Nook, LLC (816) 560-9270 thenibblenook.com

HOME SERVICES

Fairway Eye Center (913) 491-9123 fairwayeyecenter.com Liberty Orthopedics (816) 781-6066

North Kansas City Hospital (Meers) (816) 691-2000 nkch.org Pediatric Care North (816) 587-3200 pediatriccarenorth.com Saint Luke’s Health Systems (816) 932-5100

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Liberty at Shoal Creek Apartments (816) 272-5722 libertyatshoalcreek.com McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff (816) 888-7930 mccritekc.com Senior Helpers (816) 455-9300 seniorhelpers.com/kansascitynorth Stonecrest at Burlington Creek (816) 505-3030 stonecrestatburlingtoncreek.com

Now in three convenient locations! 8516 North Oak Tfwy Kansas City, MO (816) 214-6831

1270 Merriam Lane Kansas City, KS (913) 596-6597

8722 Santa Fe Overland Park, KS (913) 648-6001

LET US HELP PROTECT YOUR DREAMS. TOBY BREEDLOVE AGENCY 9570 N McGee St Ste B Kansas City, MO 64155 (816) 468-1300 tbreedlo@amfam.com

24-HOUR CLAIMS REPORTING & CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-MYAMFAM (692-6326) HOME | AUTO | LIFE | BUSINESS | FARM & RANCH

AMFAM.COM

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, American Family Life Insurance Company, American Standard Insurance Company of Ohio, American Standard Insurance Company of Wisconsin, 6000 American Parkway, Madison WI 53783 010996 7/15 ©2015 Some auto products underwritten by The General ®, 2636 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

May 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Home Resides Within Us. WORDS PETE DULIN

uch like love, home is a four-letter word deeply embedded in our culture and way of life. We expend so much time, money, and effort into finding, building, and caring for our home. It doesn’t matter if it is an apartment, condo, city dwelling, or four-bedroom, three-bath split-level dream residence in the suburbs, home is near and dear to us. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the childhood home where I grew up in the Northland. Situated near the end of a dead-end street in a quiet suburb with acres of nearby undeveloped woodland to explore, that home was an ideal place to grow up as a kid. My siblings, friends, and neighbor kids rode our bikes on the street without fear of traffic. We played hide and seek, tag, and other games in each other’s spacious backyards. My sister, brothers, and I raised puppies, climbed trees, and made snow forts. We tended to a garden, finished chores, and earned allowance. While in college, my childhood home was a safe, familiar place to visit on weekends even as I spread my wings. After college, that same home served as a place to land until I got a job and earned enough to roost elsewhere. As an adult, I’ve lived in too many apartments and dwellings with and without roommates to count in Kansas City and Boston. Yet, my childhood home has always remained the prime essence of what home meant even if I didn’t physically live there. Home is more than an address where the mail arrives. It is more than a physical place to inhabit and store belongings. Home is not merely a shelter, a place to sleep. Home is an emotional piggy bank, where memories are stored of childhood, family celebrations, and emergencies. It is a place to raise kids, perhaps run a business, a quiet retreat from the world, and a lively gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors.

Northland Lifestyle | May 2016

That activity generates sentiment, a friction of feeling that becomes imbued in walls, rooms, everyday belongings, and family heirlooms. A lifetime of feelings and experiences somehow sum up a sense of home that is intangible but solid enough to carry in the head and heart. Sometimes home doesn’t inspire, or ceases to generate, warm and fuzzy thoughts, if a family is rendered apart by divorce or tragedy. A home may be destroyed by fire or a tornado. Or a parent may age to a point where they must leave the home they bought and paid off to spend their latter years being cared for in another place. What then? The past is uprooted. Familiarity and security is frayed. This disruption means finding a way home again. Perhaps that is why “home” is embedded in our way of thinking and operating in so many facets of life. A website has a home. Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez takes his place behind home plate. We live in land of the free, home of the brave. We get our house in order. We grow homesick. Schoolwork not completed in the classroom becomes homework. Home base is that imaginary and quite real safe space not only in childhood games and sporting contests, but it is also a place in life to start and to return. Lifestyle magazines, retail stores, and television shows are devoted to improving our home. Undoubtedly, we’ll continue to spend time, money, and effort to refine, decorate, and maintain our home no matter where we live. Deep down, we know that home means more than four walls and a roof. After all, the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” We carry our hearts within us. Whenever we go to see people and places, perhaps it is important to remember that we bring our hearts along for the journey and that home truly resides within us.

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