INFOCUS

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

BY ATTENDING STEMS: A GARDEN SOIRÉE

WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

How would you like to attend a party that not only raises money for local attractions and art in the community, but also allows you the opportunity to network and enjoy yourself among friends? Stems: A Garden Soirée might be exactly what you’re looking for! Stems has quickly grown into one of the most popular fundraising events in the area. It offers attendees the chance to give back to the community while enjoying the fabulous environment that is the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

“Stops along the way include food and beverage stations—delicious small bites from area restaurants and a wonderful selection of local and imported wines and other beverages. There’s music, of course, and fireworks to cap off the evening,” explains Vicki Lilly, executive director of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

“The evening begins with the first pour in a hand-painted wine glass everyone receives as they enter,” says Lilly. Hundreds of these wine glasses are painted prior to the event each year, and attendees get to take their own stunning glass home at the end of the festivities.

The goal of Stems is to raise funds that allow the Arts & Recreation Foundation to make a difference in the community. The foundation has already provided many commonly enjoyed activities in the area such as Main Street at Deanna Rose, the Train Garden at the Arboretum, as well as numerous city art installations.

“Our focus this year is completing the Growing to Inspire capital campaign to raise funds for the new visitor center and surrounding gathering spaces at the Arboretum,” explains Lilly. “Funded by the City of Overland Park and the foundation, these improvements are going to be a game-changer

Pictured:

Vicki Lilly, Executive Director of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park

for the Arboretum which will become the go-to destination for family and corporate celebrations,” she adds. When planning the first Stems back in 2007, it was designed to be an enjoyable fundraiser, but no one could have anticipated just how cherished this event would become. Now it has grown into something people seek out and love to attend each year. “Stems is my most favorite event of the year. I am a foodie so it’s great to wine and dine the night away for a good cause that benefits the community,” says media personality Ivani Bing. “Stems and our other events add to the quality of life, are inclusive, and help Overland Park be recognized as one of the best places to live, work, raise a family, retire, and on and on,” says Lilly. This event is more than just a party for charity. You won’t be stuck inside sitting at a black tie dinner, but rather walking around a beautiful garden enjoying local food and beverages among friends, both old and new. The guys tend to wear aloha shirts while the ladies wear sun dresses as they explore the great scenery outdoors. They are paying special attention to ensuring the health and safety of their guests is top priority during these unusual times. You can attend this event knowing you will be in good hands! Attendance will be limited and food and drink stations will be spread out more than they have been in previous years. If you’re looking to get even more involved and might wish to volunteer, they always have their eyes open for potential helpers. “Volunteering at Stems is almost as fun as being a guest!” exclaims Lilly. You can help set up the tables and decor before the event starts or serve food and drinks throughout the evening. To volunteer, call 913.322.6467.

This year the event will be held on Saturday, June 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. You can purchase general admission tickets for $150 or patron tickets for $250. Tickets are available online and at the Arboretum. This year they suggest not waiting to buy tickets at the door as they may sell out because of the limited capacity. For more information on Stems, or to purchase tickets, visit stemssoiree. org. To volunteer, call 913.322.6467.

“It’s great to wine and dine the night away for a good cause that benefits the community.”

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY

WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

I hope you are prepared for a real page turner! After last year, we are all due for an epic summer story complete with all the parts and pieces that make it memorable. Will your story be about adventure and travel? Or will your story be like a memoir, recalling memories of summers past, joyfully remembering the last time you were able to gather with those dear to you to celebrate.

Our gatherings may feel more like reunions, and at their center will be the celebratory food that we will share. Whether a backyard barbecue or potluck, fruit desserts are always a welcome addition. And with blueberries at their peak during the month of June, I have a blueberry cobbler just for you. Baked ahead of time in a cast iron pan, you can rewarm the cobbler on your outdoor grill while enjoying the main event. Serve with vanilla ice cream, homemade if you dare, and everyone will beg for a sequel!

Blueberry Cobbler

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons allpurpose flour 3 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon crème fraiche or sour cream 6 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed, drained and laid out on paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb excess liquid 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional) Raw or coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk 1-1/2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, incorporate until only pea-size lumps remain. Gently mix in crème fraiche. Knead in bowl until a biscuit-like dough forms, 5-7 turns (be careful not to overmix—overmixing will make the dough tough). Combine remaining 1 cup sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons flour, berries, lemon juice, and lemon zest and cinnamon (if using) in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Pour into an 8 by 8 by 2-inch glass baking dish, shallow casserole dish, or medium-sized cast iron frying pan. Alternatively, divide among six 6-ounce ramekins. Sprinkle topping modestly with raw or coarse sugar. Tear biscuit topping into quarter-size crumbles and scatter over berries. Bake cobbler until juices are thick and bubbling, and topping is cooked through and deep golden brown—20-25 minutes for ramekins or 45-50 minutes for a baking dish. Let cool for at least 1 hour. SERVES 6-8

Gina Reardon, former owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC team for No Kid Hungry, culinary professionals and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 16 million low-income children with more school breakfast, lunch, and summer meals.

DearKACIE

GO AWAY, SPOTS!

My teenage daughter’s acne is horrible. She’s embarrassed by it. I know acne is a normal part of growing up, but I am embarrassed for her because I remember how acne can make you feel. We’ve tried all kinds of different acne-curing face washes and moisturizers. I’ve bought her everything from a $7 face wash to a $60 face wash. Nothing is working! Should I just make an appointment with a dermatologist?

The worst! We’ve all been there.

You are right when it comes to a “normal” part of growing up. Make sure your daughter knows acne is not her fault. It’s not from the pizza she ate or cleaning her face improperly. It’s not caused by makeup, either—at least most likely it’s not. The cause is hormonal changes during puberty. We all have hormones, and levels are changing all the time. That’s why you might even occasionally break out too.

Your pediatrician can prescribe a treatment medication. Don’t worry, it’s just a stronger version of face washes you find over the counter. Acne is not a new condition to pediatricians and dermatologists. And since your child is a girl, the FDA has approved birth control as a medication to combat acne. It’s always a good idea to let a doctor know your concern.

She won’t be a teenager forever. She’ll get through it and one day wake up to only the occasional breakout, just like Mom.

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.