Northland August 2016

Northland

AUGUST 2016

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Home

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IS WHERE THE

Heart Is

CODIE LEA AND MOXIE MUSE DESIGNS SHOWS HER HEART IN PAINT THE MIDDLE MAKES PARKVILLE THE CENTER OF KANSAS CITY GOT BREW? THE BREWKERY WHIPS UP KOMBUCHA IN NKC

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Lifestyle Letter

Home is where the heart is H

AUGUST 2016 publisher

Carey Welsch | Carey.Welsch@LifestylePubs.com

ome grown. The theme for this month's issue is also the theme for the magazine in general--it is the people and businesses that make the fabric of the Northland. But this month we hone in on a few that are even more close to home--artists that paint heartbeats, artists that paint landmarks, retailers that sell hometown pride and more.

I want to tell you a story this month of an interaction that I had because of the magazine. I come into contact with so many small business people in my line of work and if I can, I try to support them.

In this case, a locally owned business cleaned up a mess that a national retail chain created.

My husband and I had purchased an original painting in Peru when we visited on vacation a few years back. After finally getting around to thinking about framing it, we took it to the place where we had had framing work done before--Michael's. The arts and crafts mega-retailer is where many people turn to due to coupons and massive advertising campaigns. Normally, they would have probably done a great job.

But in this case, working with a piece of original art, they damaged it. When we went to pick up our framed painting, a llama in watercolor, large creases appeared on either side of the painting. They had damaged it. While the framing manager was very apologetic and did everything she could to correct the situation, the damage was done. I had no idea what to do.

Because of this month's feature on Vanessa Lacy, though, Art and Frame Warehouse had come across my radar. I decided to contact them to see if they could shed any light on the situation. What I found was a staff of incredibly helpful and knowledgeable people (Thank you, Alex and Juliet!) that went above and beyond to educate me and provide me with resources to get my painting appraised and possibly repaired. I haven't spent a dime with them yet but when I'm ready to frame the painting after it has been repaired, I know where I will go.

The difference, of course, was the care that they took with my issue. They saw me as a person, not an order number and took time and care to make sure that they could truly help me. That's something that I find consistently among small business owners. Art and Frame Warehouse may be a franchise, but it's a franchise owned by someone that cares enough to train their staff and treat them well.

That's what 'home grown' means and I'm proud to bring you stories of home grown businesses each month. Enjoy!

Rachel

editor

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

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales

Andrew Unrein | Andrew.Unrein@ LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Pete Dulin, Jennifer Higgins, Peggy Parolin, Katherine Bontrager contributing photographers

Larry F. Levenson, Lani Odell, Pete Dulin, Joel Schneider

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

| Nicolette Martin, Cyndi King

DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

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.

Local nonprofit.

Global impact.

Headquartered in Kansas City, we’re working to end child poverty around the world. Together, we’re more than a nonprofit. We’re a powerful force for change.

Join the movement to end poverty.

Visit children.org to learn more.

children.org

August 2016

30 24 30 Codie Lea--Getting straight to the heart

Departments 10

Good Times

14

Around Town

20

Giving Back

24

Local Limelight

46 The Middle KC Brings the Best of the

Midwest to the Northland

42

Hot Spot

46

Locally Owned

52

Lifestyle Calendar

58

Parting Thoughts

Artist finds joy in giving back

38 The Brewkery Brews a Hit With Lucky

Elixir Kombucha

The fermented tea known as the elixir of life

Mediocre products need not apply

38 46

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Good Times

Twilight at the Treehouse for Liberty Hospital Foundation

The event on June 10th featured activities, raffle baskets, a Live Auction and Raise the Paddle auction benefitting the Student Assistance Program at Liberty Public Schools. The Foundation provides vouchers for under/uninsured students at Liberty schools to receive medical care. $87,000 was raised for the Foundation. PHOTOS LARRY F. LEVENSON.

Tommie Chernicki, Leigh Ann O’Brien

Curry Real Estate

Twilight at the TreeHouse committee members: Lori Tritz, Jody Magera, Angela Castle, Laurel Haley; Liberty Hospital Foundation Board President, Jen Huyser; Twilight at the TreeHouse Event Chair, Kari Anson

Ashleigh-Rush Bertrand, Sara Hoenshell, Nathan Hoenshell

Leisha Barry, Liberty Hospital Foundation Board Secretary; Ken Barry

Linda Yameen, Camille Yameen

Corporate Sponsor, Shane Fleshman of Fleshman Construction Co.; Kristi Soligo Fleshman, Liberty Hospital Foundation Board President-Elect Erin Steffen, Bob Evans, Tamera Evans

Leann Weller, Rodger Weller

Mark Mathes, Karen Mathes – 2016 O’Dell Award for Philanthropy Recipient and Liberty Hospital Commerce Bank, Presenting Foundation Honorary Board member Twilight at the TreeHouse

10

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Sponsors

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“I tailor care for each patient according to his or her unique situation.”

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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 general surgeon Gregory A. Eason, MD Experience the Meritas Health difference: • Advanced specialization • Collaborative physician relationships • Coordinated health records across our clinics • Diagnostic expertise • Backed by North Kansas City Hospital, the Northland’s first choice for more than 50 years Ask your primary care doctor to recommend a Meritas Health specialist or find one at MeritasHealth.com.

a subsidiary of North Kansas City Hospital

Good Times

Assistance League Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Member volunteers of the Assistance League of Kansas City kicked off their 30th Anniversary year at the June chapter meeting sporting their celebration pearls and T-shirts. The organization spearheads multiple programs that aid the needy in Kansas City. Celebrating 30 years together . . . making our community better. ALKC.org.

Member volunteers in their pearls and 30th Anniversary T-shirts

Past Presidents of Assistance League of Kansas City

Libby Blair, THE ReSALE SHOP Chairman Liz Haynes, Carolyn Shandroswski, Robin James, Faye Smith

Diane Harter, Nancy Blecha

Penny Merrill, Barbara Elling, Ann Whittaker, Sara Hoecker, Cindy 2016-2017 Board of Directors Back Row: Sherry Sweat, Shelley Knight, Suzanne McGinnis, Karen Mollohan, Suzanne Locke Locke, Ann Whittaker, Karen Mollohan, Libby Blair, Judi Farrell Front Row: Penny Merrill, Cindy McGinnis, Karen Moreno, Margie Thomas, Terry Besser 12

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Vibrant Lifestyle, World Class Community

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

WESTON FAMILY CLINIC AND MED SPA EXPANDS TO PARKVILLE AS GENESIS MEDICAL SPA

CHILDREN’S MERCY RANKED IN ALL 10 SPECIALTIES AS ONE OF NATION’S TOP PEDIATRIC HOSPITALS For the fourth year, Children’s Mercy is once again recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2016-17 “Best Children’s Hospitals” report.

Children’s Mercy is listed among the best in the nation in all 10 pediatric specialties included in the nationwide survey.

Those pediatric specialties include: cancer, cardiology, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, and urology.

Overall health and beauty is a focus of Debra C. Keith, D.O. at

This year, U.S. News surveyed more than 180 pediatric centers to

Genesis Medical Spa. Those interested in affordable cosmetic treat-

gather clinical and operational data. This data was then combined

ments from a board-certified and highly experienced doctor should

with results from a reputational survey in which board-certified pedi-

see Dr. Keith at her new Parkville location in Picture Hills. Everything

atric specialists representing the 10 specialties were asked where

from weight loss, cosmetic injections, laser-spa services, and aesthe-

they would send the sickest children in their specialty.

tician services are now housed in one convenient central location.

Dr. Keith also is a certified injector for Therapeutic Botox for migraine headaches.

“Being listed again this year among the nation’s best - in all 10 specialties – clearly affirms that the Kansas City region has one of the best children’s hospitals,” says Dr. Randall O’Donnell,

Family Practice, cosmetic injections and weight loss services are

President and CEO of Children’s Mercy. “ The whole hospital and

offered at our second location at Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa

all its employees are a part of what makes us outstanding. And

in Weston, Missouri, a scenic drive 20 minutes from Kansas City.

we aren’t done yet. Much more can and will be accomplished as

For more information, visit WFCMedSpa.com or call 816.452.2200.

THE “BEST SMALL TOWN IN MISSOURI” NOW AT YOUR FINGERTIPS The new Weston, Missouri mobile app is now available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The Weston app is

we practice, teach and research the best ways to deliver quality pediatric care and provide the best outcomes for our patients and families, today and in the future.”

NORTHLAND AGENCIES MERGE TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

a result of collaboration between the Weston Chamber of Commerce

Concerned Care, Inc. and Immacolata Manor have announced

and Mojo Mobile Media. The app has the tools to plan a getaway to

a merger effective July 1. As Life Unlimited, Inc., its more than 250

remember, featuring the best of Weston’s shops, restaurants, accom-

employees will provide residential, day habilitation and employment

modations, attractions, and events. To download the app, search the

services to more than 200 individuals and therapeutic recreation ser-

app store or Google Play for “WestonMO.”

vices to over 500 people. Executive offices will remain in both Liberty

These are a just a few of the features of the Weston Missouri app:

and North Kansas City.

search for shopping, restaurants, accommodations, events, and more

Barbara M. Griggs and Julie Edlund (former Executive Directors)

with easy-to-navigate categories. Browse the best of what Weston

will continue to lead the new organization as Co-Chief Executive

has to offer. Throw away the maps! Turn-by-turn directions are incor-

Officers. Both agree that joining the two organizations will result in

porated to help you travel to Weston easily. Check out the events

increased and enhanced opportunities for the individuals served. For

calendar to stay updated on everything Weston.

further information contact Connie Chambers at 816.781.4332 x228 or

The Weston App allows users to subscribe to specific categories of interest that they would like to receive regarding promotions and events.

While the app is designed to supplement the traditional visitors’ guide, it is also perfectly suitable for local residents to stay up-to-date with Weston information.

Lori O’Donnell at 816.474.3028.

CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL HOSTS FIRST FRIDAY EVENT Headquartered in Kansas City, Children International is working

Downtown Weston’s historic Main Street with structures built in

to end child poverty around the world. Together, with people like

the 1840’s are home to specialty shops, museums, galleries, a variety

you, they are more than a nonprofit. They are a powerful force for

of restaurants, quaint B&Bs and a historic hotel. Camp, hike, and bike

change. Join Children International at First Fridays in the Crossroads

in the rolling hills of the state park, visit educational farms, or tour the

on August 5th from 5-10 p.m. to catch glimpses of the beauty of

brewery and distillery. Enjoy live music and special events. Download

life around the world where children are given a place, a team, and

the app and plan your trip today!

a path out of poverty. The event will be held at the Clubhouse by CONTINUED >

14

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Around Town

(CON TI N UED)

Freshcassette at 512 E 18th St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Email Brittany Gelbach at bgelbach@children.org for information.

NORTHLAND MUSICIAN OPENS FOR WILLIE NELSON Northlander Jimmie Bratcher gets the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open up for the legendary Willie Nelson on August 5 in Sturgis, South Dakota. Bratcher, most commonly known as "The Electric Rev" has performed before at The Legendary

Buffalo Chip but never on the main stage and never before Willie Nelson. Bratcher's lightning-strike performances crackle with high-voltage guitar playing and emotionally charged vocals. Bratcher makes the hairs rise on the arms of the crowds he entertains in the map of clubs, festivals, bike rallies, churches and prisons that he calls “the road.”

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

For more information on his upcoming concerts, visit JimmieBratcher.com.

SWIFT MILE SEEKS VENDORS

WE’RE GROWING!

This fall will bring a new festival to North Kansas City with the Swift Mile taking place on September 13-15th. Swift Mile features a local maker/artist market and performance artists providing entertainment throughout the event. They will have food trucks and musicians placed strategically in the market enticing you to venture down Swift. Tour the tucked away hidden gem that is historic downtown North Kansas City with a day of sampling NKC food and drink establishments– ranging from classic neighborhood pubs, to new craft brew powerhouses that are putting us on the map! Music, art, and local specials to be announced.

For more information about the festival, visit TheSwiftMile.com.

GRANTS AWARDED TO INNOVATIVELY PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING

Oakhill Day School is excited to embark on a 22,000 square foot expansion for Grades 4 - 8 scheduled to open in August of the 2016 - 2017 school year!

The Middle School program at Oakhill Day School provides a learning environment that reflects the needs of its students!

Five recipient organizations of Healthy Partnerships grants in a combined total of $36,875 were announced at Heartland Foundation’s Board of Trustees meeting.

Heartland Foundation, along with Mosaic Life Care and North Kansas City Hospital, encourage and fund outcomes-based, collaborative

initiatives

designed

to

improve health in a 19-county northwest Missouri region. Combining resources

By offering STEAM based electives, advisory groups, student government, honors programs, service learning, and increased responsibilities like daily recycling and composting, this challenging environment encourages students to explore, be well rounded, and embrace new life experiences.

We invite you to come see how Oakhill Day School prepares Middle School students for success in high school and beyond.

allows for greater impact, and through this multi-decade collaboration called Healthy Partnerships, matching grants are awarded annually.

Area nonprofit organizations were encour-

For more information or to RSVP for one of our Admissions events, please contact:

LEAH GIPE

Director of Admissions leah.gipe@oakhilldayschool.org

aged to develop innovative ideas that posi-

EARLY CHILDHOOD EVENTS

tively impact health issues. The focus of the projects for 2016 awards was developing solutions that promote Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL).

Learn more about Heartland Foundation’s initiatives, programs, grants, and scholarships by calling call 816.271.7200 (800.447.1083) or visiting HeartlandFoundation.org.

CONTINUED >

The Oakhill Day School Admissions Office is hosting Panther Playdates for children ages 2 to 5 (Prekindergarten)! These fun free gatherings are for new families, current families, and prospective families to attend. Panther Playdates are an easy and fun way for early childhood age children to connect with peers throughout the summer months and are a great way to learn more about Oakhill and the excellent education that we offer to even our youngest students!

Popsicles and Park Play!

Thursday, June 16

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Oakhill Day School South Playground

Obstacle Course and Cookies! w/ Special Guest - Coach Ziggy

Saturday, July 9

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Oakhill Day School Gymnasium

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

17

Around Town

GALLERY QUALITY FRAMING AT WAREHOUSE PRICES.

(CON TI N UED)

NORTHLAND EXPOSURE ARTISTS GALLERY MOVES TO NEW LOCATION The Northland Exposure Artists' Gallery will move to its new home at 519 Main Street in Weston, Missouri in mid-August. The gallery is a cooperative of artists and has anchored Main Street Parkville for many years. For more information about the move and grand reopening, visit NorthlandArtists.com.

LEARNING TO SMILE AT LIFE’S LAST LAUGHS Although there’s nothing funny about

CUSTOM FRAMING PRICES LOWER THAN CRAFT STORES.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,

We print your images for your framing.

organization that seeks to enrich the lives of

members of the Aging and Mental Health Coalition of Kansas City North recently took a bittersweet view of this widespread illnesses with Arts & AGEing KC, a non-profit older adults through artful aging.

Deb Campbell and her team of performers, including some who are dealing with the illnesses in loved ones or themselves, presented a dialog of coping based on their experiences and fact, including a stark reminder that every 67 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while one of every nine people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of dementia.

A big problem involves lack of awareness.

One performer recounted how his wife was arrested for stealing by fraud after she used theater money at several local stores. “I told her it was just play money, but she insisted it was real and I didn’t know she had kept it,” he recalls, explaining how police arrested her at their home. “It took months to straighten everything out, but the charges were finally dropped. People just don’t know about this.”

The coalition meets quarterly at Tri-County

8642 N. Boardwalk Avenue Kansas City, MO 64154

816-584-8009 www.afwkc.com

Mental Health Services, which sponsors the group. Open to older adults, caregivers and professionals, the meeting features a lunch hour schedule and participants are invited to bring refreshments. The next meeting is Sept. 15 with Elder Law Attorney Glen Smith who will discuss Planning and Paying for Long-Term Care.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Tonya Rother at 816.877.0481 or tonyar@ tri-countymhs.org.

18

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Same-Day Appointments | eVisits Extended Hours | Urgent Care | Imaging Seven Northland Clinics Most Insurance Providers Accepted

When he finally admits defeat against a cold …

Extended Hours That’s the convenience of Mosaic Life Care.

Mosaic Life Care offers convenient care on your schedule. With extended hours, same-day appointments and seven locations in the Northland, we’re here when you need us!

Mosaic Life Care is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which gives our doctors access to world-class expertise when you need it most.

For an appointment, call 800.447.6820 or visit myMosaicLifeCare.org/convenience.

Giving Back

SYNERGY SERVICES CHILDREN’S EXPANDS CENTER NEW FACILITY ADDS CAPACITY TO AID YOUTH AND FAMILIES.

ARTICLE PETE DULIN PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

The farmhouse

he Children’s Center of Synergy Services, a Parkville-based non-profit shelter for women and children, has experienced growing pains for years.

“The Center typically serves 125 children annually, nearly 2,000 children since the program began in 2000,” says Dennis Meier, associate executive director at Synergy. “Unfortunately, the program turns away more than 300 each year due to limited capacity.”

Synergy’s new 13,500-square-foot Children’s Center, located at 46th St. and NE Antioch Rd., doubles its size and increases capacity. The Center will house up to 16 children per night. Building is scheduled to be completed in August with a planned mid-September grand opening. Built with financial support from the community, the complex will benefit individuals and families in need throughout Kansas City.

Robin Winner, executive director of Synergy, says, “We can help the trajectory of kids’ lives if we can help them overcome trauma early on.”

an activity center

T

NEW CHAPTER

The new Center was constructed on donated farmland that belonged to a succession of Northland residents.

Jack and Marge Borden, parents of Northlander Joyce Berry, once owned the property. The Borden family had a farmhouse built in 1925 that included a barn, horses, carriage house, garage, plum orchard, and garden on the six-acre property.

“My parents bought the property from a judge,” says Berry. “My father later sold the land to Judge Pratt.”

Former Clay County judge Stephen Pratt donated the land to Synergy in 2008.

Berry’s family annually hosted two orphan children. “A girl named Margie and a boy named Charlie came to stay with us each summer and during Christmas,” says Berry. “My parents went to the Mennonite orphanage in the Argentine neighborhood in Kansas to pick them up.”

Now the property’s history begins a new chapter also tied to the welfare of children.

20

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

transforms into and safe space for kids.

HEALING FROM TRAUMA

Workers

complete the new kitchen area.

In 2014 alone, 102,100 children were involved in child abuse or neglect investigations by the Children’s Division of Missouri; an increase of 10% over 2013, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services Annual Report.

Some families and children in crisis lack a safe support system among family and friends. Synergy Services and its Children’s Center provides a refuge, programs, and services to those that face disruption and separation to state custody of children.

“We take self-referrals and referrals from churches, schools, and other groups like Head Start,” says Winner. “We act as a safety valve in the community.”

Often, these individuals cope with poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, intergenerational child abuse or neglect. These experiences are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in a study by the Center for Disease Control.

“ACE’s cause high levels of toxic stress to anyone’s brain, but particularly to a child’s developing mind,” says Meier. “Attachment, learning, psychosocial development, and emotional regulation is impaired when toxic stress is chronic and becomes overwhelming. The study also links increased risk of heart disease, obesity, addictions, and mental illness later in life when a child has an ACE score of 4 or higher.”

According to Meier, if a child is in a chronic “fight/flight/freeze” state as a result of stress-inducing ACE, normal play and social interaction activity is curtailed. Children are hypervigilant and defensive, so developing an inner sense of trust and safety becomes more difficult.

The Children’s Center engages children and families in therapeutic activities like art and play therapy, parent education, and case CONTINUED >

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

21

Giving Back

(CON TI N U ED)

management support to access primary, mental, and dental health.

Children may stay in the shelter and receive crisis care services while parents regain safe relationships, stable housing, and food security.

Staff members focus on building secure attachments to parents and emotional resiliency for each child in an integrative treatment approach.

“When successful, fewer children go into state custody,” says Meier. “More importantly, families will be able to fully heal from trauma and prevent another generation of ACE’s altogether.”

“Providing support for kids and families pays back with positive returns,” adds Winner, referring to health benefits, prevention of additional trauma, and breaking ACE cycles. “We know how to help. We just need the capacity to help.”

Designed by Blackbird Design Studio LLC and built by JE Dunn Construction,

Robin Winner & Dennis Meyer are thrilled to welcome any children who need shelter to

the Children's Center

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

the farmhouse was completely renovated. The complex includes bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, playground, and creative art center for art therapy. Additional rooms are designated for counseling, training, reception, and a lounge.

Meier says, “At the Children's Center, our goal is to create a state of safety and trust that invites children to explore, heal, play, and engage in an environment that builds resiliency.”

For more information, visit SynergyServices.org.

Local Limelight

Kansas City CONNECTING

THROUGH ART

ARTIST VANESSA LACY FINDS PEACE PAINTING LANDMARKS

ARTICLE JENNIFER HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

A

rtist Vanessa Lacy has two things that bring her the most joy: running outside and painting. This is ref lected in some of the artwork she produces: her grandparents' lake at sunset, a campfire at night, fountains at Loose Park, or the Crossroads district of Kansas City.

“Running outside and painting bring me the closest to my Creator.

They bring me bliss and allow me to reflect and connect with spirituality. I see painting as an outlet. I grew up in a small rural town, and spent lots of time outside. I was always playing in the forest, around the pond, fishing. This is how I started landscape painting,” Lacy says.

From this small town beginning, Lacy attended Missouri State University, where she got her first art job at Bass Pro Shops, painting fish on outdoor domes and other projects.

From there, she was an art teacher in the Belton school district for nine years, resigning in May to concentrate on art full time.

“I never thought I’d miss having a boss. Now, I’m the decision maker, the worker, the marketer, the one in charge of branding.

It forces me to be disciplined.

Time management and staying balanced can be a challenge. But now I can concentrate on my art full-time, with art lessons, art fairs, and commissions. I’m always working to be a better artist, how to improve my skills and how to connect with more people,” Lacy says.

Lacy does oil paintings on a wood panel and likes the sturdiness of the wood. It’s easy to transport, CONTINUED >

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Vanessa Lacy connects to her city through paint.

Art and Frame Warehouse features Lacy's work in one of their alcoves of art.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

25

YOUR BARRY ROAD SAVERS - 816.436.0411 2251 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64154

YOUR LIBERTY SAVERS - 816.792.4477

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

Local Limelight

(CON TI N U ED)

doesn’t get damaged easily, and is easy to keep in storage. Lacy paints either on site or in her studio in the West Bottoms and has her work shown in galleries. One of the places Lacy shows her work is the Art and Frame Warehouse, in the Shops at Boardwalk at 8648 N. Boardwalk Avenue.

“Sean found me at an art fair a couple years ago, when he was scouting for local artists. I’ve learned a lot there, and it’s been a great opportunity. My art might look cool, but when they put it in the frame, it really looks great. They have a great eye for color and what frame will be best, “ Lacy says.

Lacy loves to paint landmarks of Kansas City and create something meaningful for the buyer.

“People emotionally connect with landmarks, so hopefully they also make an emotional connection with my art. I’ve also started doing maps of cities. They have so much meaning, so personalized. Where someone got 28

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

engaged, or an aerial satellite of a farm, it’s a way to give something super meaningful. I can do a commission of any landmark or place to give as great gift,” Lacy says.

While Lacy loves connecting with her city, July found her in Colorado, as a way to relax and create some art with a different landscape than Kansas City.

“I hope to make people connect to their natural landmarks. I will be at art fairs in Vail and Lake Dillon, and hope to paint national parks and outdoor scenes while camping, like campfires. I love painting with color, so I’m looking forward to seeing the sunsets, sunrises over the mountain ranges,” Lacy says.

Connecting with people is important to Lacy, and social media is a way she hopes to do that.

She is on Instagram at Vanessa_Lacy_, and her Facebook page is Art by Vanessa Jade Lacy. Email her at VanessaJadeLacy@gmail.com and ask to be added to her mailing list to be informed of upcoming shows.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

29

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

Codie Lea GETTING STRAIGHT TO THE HEART

S

Owner and artist at Moxie Muse Designs finds a way to give back and have fun

ometimes a person's life unfolds in a predictable manner--the cheerleader marries the star quarterback.

But sometimes, life takes a more circuitous route.

Codie Lea is a fan of finding the path not taken and making something memorable along the way. That's how she came up with the idea for her art studio, Moxie Muse Designs and the paintings that give solace to those that need it.

Lea has always enjoyed working with her hands.

She attended art school for sculpture and honed her craft with a year spent in Italy studying the masters.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico, she came home to Kansas City, wondering what the next step in the life of a working artist was.

"I didn't do art for a couple of years after moving back. I had to figure out how to live a stable life so that I could actually afford the art supplies that I used and wanted!" she laughs.

30

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

After stints in the restaurant industry, she decided to f ind her base working with her hands but not in clay, in f lesh. Her massage therapy business, Body work Bliss and Wellness, has gained a loyal following. She has been practicing massage since 2009 and holds the distinction of being a certif ied level two Reiki practitioner. She continues to pursue alternative therapies and recently became certif ied in meridian therapy and ref lexology.

This is just one aspect of a busy life, though. Lea's partner, Mike Pierce, owns Slaps BBQ so she spends some of her time helping him with the business. She also teaches and studies at the School of Metaphysics.

She teaches classes in meditation, visualization and deeper knowing of one's self. These studies seep into her massage therapy as well.

"I have a very holistic approach. I integrate a lot of those same practices--it's not just a massage. It's how

can I help you heal your life so that I see you when you're fruitful and happy not just miserable and in pain," she says.

Although her first passion is sculpture, she has found a new outlet--painting. Space for sculpting, especially large scale projects as Lea is drawn to, is limited. She turned to painting to have an outlet for her creativity.

"I gave myself permission to play. I feel like sometimes when you go to school for something and then get away from it, you're hard on yourself about everything. Nothing you do is good enough. I had been beating myself up about going to school and then not creating art. I had to stop doing that if I ever wanted to experience joy in creating art again. I had to allow myself to play," says Lea. Her mother provided the inspiration to start painting.

"She is really into Native American jewelry and in that art form, even in a completed piece, there is one stone that doesn't make sense. They purposefully put it there to represent the chaos of life--there is no perfection. There is beauty in the chaos. For me, I saw it as putting something in that seemed like a 'mistake'.

If I approached art from that standpoint, that there was nothing perfect, how freeing would that be? And from that point, I gave myself free reign and that's when ideas started coming to me," she says.

And come they did. She sketched. She painted.

And then one day, she decided to play with another sense--sound. Trying to capture the vibration of the phrase, 'I love you' led her to trying to represent those vibrations as a sound wave.

After reading about a musician that took the heartbeats of children that were diagnosed with terminal illnesses and mixing them with their favorite songs she was struck with her latest project idea. He created a soundtrack for parents to cherish. She could create the visual representation of heartbeats in paint and canvas.

She started simply--she asked for five people that would want a heartbeat painted for them at no cost. She honed her style and knew that she had found an incredibly special way to connect parents and their children.

"More than anything, I wanted to be able to give them to people who had lost a child or may lose a child. Of course, I would like to sell them as well but to me, that's a great gift to be able to give someone.

It seems ridiculous to charge for something so personal. Having never experienced pregnancy, I had no way of understanding the impact of doing something like this for a parent that had had a stillborn child.

You change your whole life in anticipation of these miracles and then they don't come to you--it's heartbreaking," says Lea.

Thus Moxie Muse Designs was born. Lea takes a sonogram image of a heartbeat and sketches it out, creating the peaks and valleys that define that life and making them glow in color. For regular soundwaves, she records a phrase, such as 'I love you' or 'Be brave, little one' and then analyzes it on a computer, printing it out and using it as a roadmap for the painting. Her work is now available for order on Etsy and on MoxieMuseDesign.com.

While she still donates the heartbeat paintings for those that have lost a child, she also creates them for clients as gifts, nursery art or just a piece based on a favorite CONTINUED > phrase or song.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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CODIE LEA--GETTING STRAIGHT TO THE HEART (CON TI N UED)

The heartbeat and soundwave paintings were the door through which Lea allowed herself to dance and find creative freedom on the other side. Since then, she has been asked to create large scale paintings for the Village Square in Kansas City, Ks as well as showing her heartbeat and soundwaves on KC Live! and having featured work at The Wellness Wheel. For a Gladstone resident that once thought she had lost the joy of creation, she is now in her element, healing bodies and mending hearts through her natural talents and determination to make a difference. Â For more information on Moxie Muse and Codie Lea, visit MoxieMuseDesign.com or BodyworkBlissAndWellness.com.

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PETE DULIN

The Brewkery Brews a hit WITH LUCKY ELIXIR KOMBUCHA The Fermented Tea Known as the Elixir of Life

Amy Goldman fills bottles by hand before capping and labeling them.

38

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

ombucha, a Russian word that means “tea mushroom,” refers to a drink of fermented tea that dates back to the late 19th century. While sharing the same name, Russian fermented tea is entirely different from Japanese kombucha, a rich, salty black tea that uses kombu, or kelp.

Kombu is also used to make dashi, a soup broth and cooking stock made from edible kelp. As owners of The Brewkery, Amy Goldman and Sean Galloway have transformed their Lucky Elixir brand of locally-made kombucha – a modern, mushroom-free version of the Russian fermented tea – into a thriving business.

The Brewkery’s initial business concept was headed in a different direction.

Galloway, who lived in the Northland for 20 years, homebrews beer on a hand-built system and Goldman bakes artisan sourdough bread. The couple conceived of a combination brewery and bakery which spawned the name The Brewkery. They discovered that opening a brewery required substantial capital and navigation through paperwork and local, state, and federal regulations.

K

Meanwhile, they spent weekends during summer 2015 baking and selling bread at the Merriam farmers market. Goldman often used brewer’s yeast and spent grain in her breads from Galloway’s homebrewing batches. Ultimately, the couple decided that operating a full-time retail bakery wasn’t their path forward at a time when other neighborhood bakeries were opening.

“Baking sourdough bread is also labor-intensive,” says Goldman, “It is physically demanding.”

Since they couldn’t legally sell Galloway’s homebrewed beers at the market, they turned to another beverage. Goldman also made kombucha at home. They decided to sell flavored versions of the effervescent fermented tea at the farmers market. Soon, Goldman and Galloway realized that they had a potential hit on their hands.

Long before they delved into the original brewery-bakery concept for The Brewkery, Goldman took a FastTrac course at the Kauffman Foundation to test their business idea.

“We learned to start small. So we started selling bread at the farmers market,” says Goldman.

The SCOBY culture caps the fermenting kombucha.

Another FastTrac lesson came into play.

Galloway and Goldman also remembered to remain flexible with their business plan.

They shifted from beer and bread to kombucha as their primary product and focus.

“We wanted to find something that sells,” says Galloway. “I asked a friend to teach me how to make kombucha. Two weeks later, we began selling it at the market. It’s not as regulated as beer and is easier than baking.”

Fermentation is a natural process where bacteria and yeast convert sugar to acid, gas, CONTINUED >

Amy Goldman and Sean Galloway fill, cap, and label bottles by hand at Flavor Trade.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

39

THE BREWKERY BREWS A HIT WITH LUCKY ELIXIR KOMBUCHA (CON TI N UED)

or alcohol. Brewers and vintners rely on fermentation to produce beer and wine. Similarly, kombucha’s fermentation process begins with a SCOBY, or symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. The Brewkery produces Lucky Elixir kombucha using sweetened black tea from Hugo Tea Company, based in North Kansas City. Postfermentation and bottling, Lucky Elixir has an alcohol level of less than one-half of one-percent, essentially making it non-alcoholic.

Bringing the product to a retail market presented challenges.

“We had to determine the nutritional value, have the product tested, source ingredients, and reduce the alcohol level to make the kombucha viable,” says Goldman.

“Instead of natural carbonation through a secondary fermentation, we used forced carbonation.”

Sourcing glass bottles for packaging also proved vexing.

“It’s hard to find a source that’s willing to help the small guy,” says Galloway, “and to find the right bottle

40

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

design, size, and price. We had to figure out how to ship a palette of 4,000 bottles and where to store them.”

After spending months on product development, The Brewkery began production and hand-bottling at Flavor Trade, a food manufacturer and commercial kitchen in Midtown Kansas City.

“We work around other clients and schedules in a shared kitchen,” says Galloway. “It’s hard to grow a business in a shared environment in an efficient manner.”

The Brewkery launched all-natural Lucky Elixir kombucha in late April 2016 as a bottled line of 12-oz. beverages sold in area health food shops and retail stores. The four f lavors include Aroniaberry, Ginger Lime made with fresh ginger root, pumpkin pie-inspired Spiced, and Citrus Hop which uses Citra hops to yield a hint of grapefruit. They introduced a raspberry f lavor at the Merriam farmers market this summer.

Three of the four flavors available from Lucky Elixir.

Goldman and Galloway enjoy the many aspects involved when growing a business from production to sales and distribution.

“The chemistry of kombucha is fun and very scientific,” says Goldman. “It’s also creative.”

At this stage of bottling and sales, Galloway views the business as a “proof of concept.” He adds, “We’re testing the market as we grow.”

Lucky Elixir’s flavored kombucha is sold at 17 area stores, including Grain to Glass and Colony Espresso and Beer in North Kansas City, and on tap at the Merriam farmers market on Saturdays through October 8.

Visit Brewkery.com for locations.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

41

Hot Spot

ROMA

ITALIAN RESTAURANT PROVING THE SECRET IS IN THE RECIPES, NOT THE BUILDING ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

D

on't judge a restaurant by its building.

That's what I learned after eating at the Northland's newest Italian eatery, Roma, located on Barry Road. While the Pizza Hut shaped building may look the same, the kitchen is pumping out family recipes from Sicily, not stuffed crust grease bombs. Owner Jimmy Fetahu opened Roma Italian Restaurant in March. It's his fifth restaurant; most are in Arkansas but this is his first outing in the Northland. Restaurants

run in his blood--his parents have been in the industry for as long as he can remember.

While there is no shortage of Italian food in the Northland, and in fact, Roma sits just down the street from the perpetually busy Olive Garden, but Fetahu says that he saw a need for some authentic recipes for the foods that he grew up loving.

Much of what sets Roma Italian Restaurant apart is their dedication to quality. They produce most of their products in house daily--fresh bread dough, pizza dough, lasagna, manicotti, you name it. If it isn't made in house, Fetahu says that he works directly with a distributor that sources products such as desserts, olive oil and dried pastas from Italy, so an emphasis on authenticity is clear.

On my first visit for dinner, you could taste that quality. After being seated in a booth, we were greeted with warm yeast rolls. Roma doesn't have a liquor license at the time of this writing but they are awaiting approval. The menu features a little bit of

everything from expected Italian American appetizers like mozzarella sticks to the much more authentic sliced Italian sausage appetizer for $7.99.

The sausage itself was tasty, as I believe most sausage is, but the sauce that it came in was what made it stand out--a light sauce of olive oil, shallots, garlic, white wine and red peppers was fantastic. And with more homemade bread appearing all the time, there was plenty to sop up the sauce with. I had to pace myself though.

Dinner was coming.

I ordered the Roma Special--grilled chicken and sausage mingled with roasted red bell peppers, ham, and black olives in alla panna sauce. It was served over spaghetti cooked al dente, just like ma would have made. The cream sauce was light and rosy with a tinge of tomato f lavor as well. It was a large plate but not an embarrassing amount of food for $13.99.

I still had lunch the next day without feeling like I had stuffed myself.

ROMA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Find them on Facebook at RomaOfKC

My husband chose the chicken piccata.

Summer in Kansas City can prove daunting to the appetite and the lightly pounded chicken in a lemon and white wine sauce with capers over spaghetti hit the spot. His portion was similarly generous. Had we not devoured the sausage appetizer, it would have been a perfect amount for a single meal but with an appetizer, there was plenty for leftovers.

I returned for a solo lunch a week later.

Their lunch menu includes many options CONTINUED >

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

43

Hot Spot

(CON TI N U ED)

from the dinner menu with a slightly reduced price. I chose the Pasta Sampler for $8.99.

What I received was a bubbling, cheese covered celebration of baked pasta with portions of their manicotti, lasagna, and a tortellini.

While the dish was satisfying, it could have used more space to breathe in a larger dish so that I could more accurately tell what was what under the comforting layer of cheese. Â

While there is no denying that you are eating in a former Pizza Hut, Fetahu and staff have done all they can to elevate the experience. Service is quick and kind and judging by the steady stream of customers during the dinner hour, the wait at Olive Garden may not be as long in the future. Roma is bound to pull some people away with reasonable prices and a friendly local staff.

There were so many items that I would like to go back and try--they make a selection of pizzas, as well as strombolis and a chicken roll that sounded like a grinder, something I haven't seen on a menu since Mario's in Westport closed so many years ago. And of course, Fetahu says I must come back for the tiramisu. I may just take him up on that.Â

44

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

45

Locally Owned

The Middle KC Brings the Best of the Midwest to the Northland

Mediocre Products Need Not Apply ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

N

orthland shoppers looking for a Crossroads or Westport selection of local artisan products now need go no further than Main Street in Historic Downtown Parkville. The Middle KC put an end to that.

Owner Michael Hollaway and his family live in Parkville.

They, along with their neighbors and friends, were tired of having to drive South of the River to find the type of product they like to buy. The remedy was the inspiration: Hollaway opened his own store, The Middle KC. “My intent at the Middle is to celebrate goods created in Kansas City and the Midwest. I’m proud of where I live and am consistently in awe of the creative culture here. It’s a great way to showcase the talent and provide a service to my community.”

Once inside this carefully crafted space, you’ll find a well-edited assortment of local products. Every item has a story. Every t-shirt, every candle, every local coaster and leather good comes from Midwestern artists and small batch vendors. Each unique, 46

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

eye-catching piece of merchandise has earned its space on the cut away shelves that can easily be moved to make way for an event.

“When a vendor comes in wanting us to carry their merchandise, we sit down and listen to the story behind its creation. What was the maker’s inspiration? The story brings to life the reason for the item’s being. If it feels right, we welcome it to our selection.”

“Much of the inspiration for the merchandise selection comes directly from the community, “ adds Hollaway. “I partner with local businesses like S.D. Strong Distilling and Park University.”

Park University has been around for 140 years; yet merchandise featuring the Pirate mascot had never been sold off site until The Middle moved in. Now, Park Pirate fans can buy the burgundy and gold collegiate wear on Main Street. It’s one more first for the Middle.

“We are the first, the originals,” confirms Hollaway. "It just seemed like a natural fit.”

The Middle KC is located at 109 Main Street, Parkville, MO. Hours are: Mondays - Closed.

Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m..

Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m..

Visit them online at TheMiddleKC.com/

M

ich

ae

l

Ho l lo wa

yc re a

te d

th e

In addition to Pirate wear, cuddly soft t-shirts giving a nod to the World Champion KC Royals and the KC Chiefs hang among designs shoppers won’t find just anywhere. Simple, iconic figures come to life on clothing ranging from newborn size to adult. Memory provoking images on coasters entice visitors to pick up some for a friend or family member, and of course, a few for themselves. Part of the magic is in the personal connection created by the enchanting product mix.

What sells best? “Anything with local beer on it sells well," says Hollaway. "Our local foodie area has also really taken off: Kansas City Canning Co., Wood + Salt, and Meat Mitch BBQ ; the local favorite is our Boys Grow. Our Pickwick and Co. candles are always in high demand, also. We’ve had a hard time keeping them in stock since people discovered we carry them.”

The eclectic mix at The Middle also includes Coasters to Coasters, Basement Soap Co., Carly Rae Studios, Locally Grown Clothing Co., and Leather Works Minnesota.

While The Middle is primarily known for its merchandise, Hollaway created the interior to be flexible and conducive to hosting events. So far, he’s hosted a Park University alumni social and a joint event with Kansas City Canning Co and S.D. Strong Distilling that featured the infamous "Blood Orange Ginger Moscow mule" using S.D. Strong vodka and KSCS Shrub mix.

Most recently, The Middle partnered with Park University to host a 96.5 The Buzz Beach Ball 2016 ticket giveaway.

Upcoming event dates include Aug 20, during Parkville Days.

S.D. Strong Distilling and Boulevard Brewery will be in the store from

s to r

e he w

a n te d t s h o p a t r i g

ht h e re in t

he

N

or t hl an d.

CONTINUED >

The 2016 World Champion Kansas City Royals make many appearances in the store.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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Locally Owned

(CON TI N U ED)

The Middle is the only off site store to feature Park University Pirates apparel.

50

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

Artisanal products run the gamut from grooming to gourmet at The Middle.

“

My intent at the Middle is to celebrate goods created in Kansas City and the Midwest. I’m proud of where I live and am consistently in awe of the creative culture here. It’s a great way to showcase the talent and provide a service to my community.”

11am to 3pm serving their "Radler Moscow Mule" signature drink. S.D. Strong vodka, gin, and whiskey will also be available at The Middle that day.

Open since October of 2015, The Middle is really just beginning. Hollaway says he’s grateful for how generous, supportive and overall loving the Parkville community and surrounding areas have been to his family and him. By all measures, this business is a huge success.

“One of the best things about owning my store is being able to spend more time with my wife and son,” beams Hollaway. He points to a picture of his four-year-old son, a mini-version of himself. “This is one of the main reasons I did this. Need I say more?”

His smile says it all.

August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

51

Lifestyle Calendar

August AUGUST 6 KIDSFEST AND SPORTSFEST ZONA ROSA Join us for the annual KIDFEST! Mark your calendars for a fun-filled afternoon at Town Square including free kid-friendly games and giveaways, crafts, bubbles, balloons, coupons, treats and more! The goal of the SPORTSFEST is to provide children and their parents with information on a variety of sports available in Platte County.

AUGUST 13 FILL THE BUS

AUGUST 16

GARY CROSSLEY FORD, LIBERTY

UNDER THE BIG OAK TREE

Join Gary Crossley Ford of Liberty and T-Mobile as they “fill the

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY-NORTH OAK BRANCH

bus” to aid Assistance League® of Kansas City's Operation Child

Under the Big Oak Tree combines vintage folk, acoustic country, and

In Need program. Face painting, games, door prizes and more for

traditional bluegrass to create a wholesome, wistful, and welcoming

those who bring in new school supplies to help fill backpacks for

blend of original music. Enjoy memorable songs and stories from the

at-risk school children.

group's latest project, "Local Honey."

AUGUST 13

AUGUST 18

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

THIRD THURSDAY

BRIARCLIFF VILLAGE

BRIARCLIFF VILLAGE

Come out for a day of fun for you and your best furry friends! Enjoy

Please join us for our firstThird Thursday. Come shop at Lillians of

$25 Microchipping, photos with your pup, a doggie grooming station,

Kansas City, Made in KC, Design In The City KC, and The Foot

vendors, our hilarious doggie contest, and so much more! Mark your

Spot. Afterwards, dine at Jose Peppers Briarcliff! Mention “conquer

calendars now as we support and raise awareness for Northland

Arthritis” or show this fb invite on your phone to have 10% of sales go

Animal Welfare Society (NAWS) and Great Plains SPCA.

directly to the Arthritis Foundation that night.

CONTINUED >

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Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

FUN IN THE SUN KIDS FEST

2015 HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR

Saturday, July 18th We are sponsoring Sister Act face painting

Thursday, July 23rd | 8:30 a.m. - Noon Gladstone Community Center 6901 N Holmes, Gladstone, MO

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or contact COL (R) Jack Shafferman at (913) 240-1261 August 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

53

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

Chris Cakes will provide all-you-can eat

AUGUST 27

pancakes, sausage and Tang--free for run-

THE DRIVE IN TO LINDEN SQUARE

ners. Non-runners—$5.

LINDEN SQUARE--GLADSTONE Come enjoy the classic, "Raiders of the

AUGUST 22

Lost Ark" on the big screen under the stars

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 5TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

THROUGH 21

at Linden Square!

THE DEUCE AT THE NATIONAL

THROUGH SEPT. 4

GOLF CLUB

KANSAS CITY IRISH FEST

Join us at The “Deuce” at the National Golf

CROWN CENTER

Club to honor our veterans with some fun

Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic

PARKVILLE DAYS

in the sun! Single entry is a $125 dona-

heritage with three days of music, dancing

ENGLISH LANDING PARK

tion or a team of four is a $400 donation.

and exhibits. The festival will feature more

Browse and enjoy dozens of art, craft, food

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and specialty booths. The Evans Midland

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bands, playing traditional music and Celtic

Empire Carnival is here all weekend start-

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rock. Irish comics perform at Musical Theater

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jazz and blues on the main stage Friday

AUGUST 27

night and Saturday at 4 p.m. The down-

MAGIC OF PATRICK JONES

town shops and restaurants will host their

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC

end-of-summer sales Friday and Saturday.

LIBRARY-CLAYCOMO

Free admission.

Prepare to be amazed. Join illusionist Patrick Jones as he performs close-up card tricks,

AUGUST 21

stage illusions, and more.

5TH ANNUAL PARKVILLE DAYS 5K/10K RIVER RUN ENGLISH LANDING PARK Come be a part of the 5th Annual Parkville Days “Run by the River” 5k/10k Run. Plus it’s a fundraiser for Christmas on the River! Bring the whole family out to enjoy tons of great food, drinks, vendor tents, parade and a carnival afterward!

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55

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art & Frame WarehouseNorthland (816) 584-8009 afwkc.com

BANKING

BankLiberty (816) 407-9200 banklibertykc.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Assistance League of Kansas City (816) 455-4485 ALKC.org Children International (816) 942-2000 children.org

EDUCATION

Oakhill Day School (816) 436-6228 oakhilldayschool.org

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

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

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Downtown Overland Park Merchants Association (913) 642-2222

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

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

Pinnacle Plus Financial (913) 254-3030 pplusadvisors.com

Patriot Outreach (866) 967-8766 patriotoutreach.org

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

Savers in Liberty (816) 792-4477 savers.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

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

Pure Barre Zona Rosa (816) 912-0864 PureBarre.com/ZonaRosa

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Gordon Dental (816) 505-2222 kcgordondental.com

SunSource Homes (816) 783-3863 SunSourceHomes.net

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Heritage Landscape (816) 741-0000 myheritagelandscape.com 56

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

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

HOSPITALS

New Liberty Hospital District (816) 792-7190 libertyhospital.org

INSURANCE

North Kansas City Hospital (816) 691-2000 nkch.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

American Family Insurance Toby Breedlove (816) 468-1300

The Missing Link KC (816) 599-8577 TheMissingLinkKC.com

LANDSCAPING

REAL ESTATE

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

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE

Wolfe~Sweeney & Courtney (Reece & Nichols) (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

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

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

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

Meritas Health (816) 691-2021 meritashealth.com Mosaic Life Care (800) 447-6820 mymosaiclifecare.org

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

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57

Parting Thoughts

THE HALLOWEEN SEASON ISN'T THE ONLY TIME FOR PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS WORDS KATHERINE BONTRAGER

F

all’s ever-earlier darkening skies and the crunch of leaves underfoot may bring forth favorite ghost stories for most, but it was in the midst of the stifling summer heat that I found myself trapped in the most frightening of tales.

Long before the addition of children made such adventures a thing of the past, my husband and I would occasionally take off for a weekend to stay at a bed-and-breakfast and explore some charming nearby town.

One such weekend, we took off for Weston, Mo. It was the ideal place to explore: antique shops, a winery, and one of the nation’s oldest underground pubs. Having been a center for steamboat travel in the late 1800’s, Weston offers a quaint, historical downtown area that beckons for a leisurely stroll and window-shopping.

We checked into our captivating bed-and-breakfast, one of a handful of vintage Victorians that sat outside the downtown area.

The wrap-around porch, spindle accents, antique furniture, and pastel-hued walls were the epitome of charm.

What was less than enchanting was the warm, tepid air inside. The plentiful windows were open to invite a breeze, while above our bedroom door sat a transom window, as close to air-conditioning as to be found in the 19th Century. Still, it was muggy, and there was no escaping it.

But we hadn’t come to Weston to sit in an oppressively warm—albeit cute—room. The city was filled with funny knick-knacks, delightful boutiques, and a winery, where we enjoyed a picnic. We had dinner at a fabulous restaurant before venturing to the underground pub, which was pleasantly chilly in comparison to the humid air outside.

By the time we made it back above ground it was close to midnight.

We were agreeably full, a bit buzzed, and exhausted. We walked back to the bed-and-breakfast, tiptoed upstairs, and fell asleep as the ceiling fan droned on above us, sluggishly stirring the lukewarm air. ……

Typically when you awake suddenly in the night, your eyes open and your mind scrambles to catch up. Was that the dog? Did a car alarm go off? What was it that roused me?

In stark contrast, when I was jolted awake a handful of hours later, it was an entirely different experience.

58

Northland Lifestyle | August 2016

The first thing I became conscious of was my mind repeating over and over again, “Don’t open your eyes until it’s over. Don’t open your eyes until it’s over. Don’t open your eyes until it’s over.”

The second sensation was one of absolute and complete cold, as if I’d been plunged into an ice bath. Confusion gave way to terror at the realization that this was not a dream.

As quickly as the sensation began, it departed, and once again I was in the muggy stillness of the guestroom. I jerked open my eyes and in horror peered into the darkness while grabbing my husband’s arm, shaking him awake. He groggily tried to make sense of the words tumbling out of my mouth.

Typically the steady, hard-to-panic sort, my terrified state left him unsettled. He checked the room but was helpless to offer an explanation or calm the sheer panic that left me shaking.

I was unable to sleep the few remaining hours of that early morn and showered, dressed, and packed before 6 a.m. I paced the picturesque porch while the complimentary breakfast was readied.

The hostess was incredibly friendly, and as my husband and I sat down to delicious fare, we made small talk. I wanted to ask her about my experience but didn’t know where to begin. Trying to gently push for information without appearing daft, I mentioned seeing t-shirts the day before emblazoned with “The Weston Ghost Tour.”

“Oh, yes!” our proprietor responded. “We’re such an old town and have our fair share of hauntings. Actually, there’s a room in this very house that’s well known for ghost activity. We have paranormal investigators come in often. The room is booked during the Halloween season months in advance…but I won’t tell you which one!” she added, winking.

We were on the highway within a handful of minutes. I couldn’t wait to distance myself from that charming house with its wraparound porch, antique furnishings, and whatever the hell remained in the room to the left at the top of the stairs.

All these years later, I still fancy myself as the relatively unshakable sort. But when I hear people claim they could bravely handle a ghostly encounter, I numbly nod. Because I remember thinking that same thing, once.

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