NORTH Magazine March/April 2014

N RTH THE premier lifestyle magazine for Kansas City’s Northland

March/April 2014

A real-life fairy tale Spring 2014 wedding fashions

Snake Saturday Grand Marshal Peggy Schmitt

Brass Rail

Much more than a pool hall

Ora Reynolds

Building ties in the community $5.00 | ilivenorth.com

2014

Park University

an evening to benefit the International center for music APRIL 4, 2014 WEBSTER HOUSE | KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Photo by Cristian Fatu

You’re invited to join Park University at this newly named event (formerly known as Founders Day). Following a heavy hors d’oeuvres and hosted bar reception, plus a short program of recognition at the acclaimed Webster House, Ballyhoo sponsors and their guests are invited to join music aficionados at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Park University’s International Center for Music premieres in Helzberg Hall for a special Van Cliburn tribute concert featuring

Behzod Abduraimov and Stanislav Ioudenitch

2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist Stanislav Photo by Cristian Fatu

Ioudenitch, his protégé and 2009 London International Piano Competition first prize winner Behzod Abduraimov, and the Park Piano Trio.

This evening’s festivities will include special recognition of Edith and Benny Lee for their longtime support and advocacy of the International Center for Music.

Contact Nancy Steinacker, development director, at nancy.steinacker@park.edu or (816) 584-6200 for sponsorship information or visit www.park.edu/ballyhoo.

Park Piano Trio

Premium seating is only available through Ballyhoo sponsorships. Additional tickets may be purchased at www.kauffmancenter.org or (816) 994-7222.

Park University would like to thank ITS PREMIUM EVENT SPONSORS that have already generously sponsored this year’s Ballyhoo.

Steven and Jeannette Karbank

John and Debra Starr Family

The story of Dianne Studer brought to you by North Kansas City Hospital August 31 2012

September 6 2012

September 20 2012

Tumor discovered during routine mammogram

Biopsy to see if tumor is cancerous

Lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy

November 6 2012

November 12 2012

September 12 2013

First radiation treatment

Cancer-free mammogram

Treatment from “angels,” also known as highly trained oncology staff.

Comprehensive cancer care and so much more.

Now and for a lifetime.

Where your care is personal.

Discover a lifetime of care at nkch.org/stories ©2014 North Kansas City Hospital.

In this Issue

29 Features

Departments

14

Feature story

24 29

Edibles & Cocktails

8 | Publisher/Editor’s Note 10 | Northland Events 12 | News & Notes 16 | Spotlight on Charity: Harvest Ball 18 | People and their Pets 20 | Pet Care: Pesky pests 22 | Oral Health: Snoring 41 | Briarcliff: Gifts for bridesmaids 48 | Finance: Marriage and money 51 | Finance: Social Security and women 54 | Fitness: Setting goals 56 | Fitness: Protein snacks 57 | Live Life Well with Coach Kim 58 | Real Estate: Remodeling 60 | Art: A big deal 62 | Movie Reviews 64 | Restaurant Guide 66 | The Last Word with Phil LeVota

44 46

Snake Saturday grand marshal Brass Rail Wedding fashions

A real life fairy tale Feature Story

Ora Reynolds Health

Bariatric surgery at Saint Luke’s

6 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

24

44 41

“Confidence comescomes “Confidence from2014 knowing I haveI have from knowing March/April Volume 2, Number a 2plan afor myfor future.” plan my future.”

THE premier lifestyle magazine for Kansas City’s Northland

Allen E. Dillingham President and Publisher 816-301-7673, ext. 700 allen@ilivenorth.com

Kandie Erickson

Colleen Cooke Design Director

Theresa Connolly Copy Editor

Jane Quigley

Confidence comes ““We’ve planned carefully for from knowing I have tomorrow. a plan my future.”

And wefor know where we stand today.”

Is it time to inve with caution or 98 With new opportuniti when 95 you93

V

%

%

%

you want to 98 % 98% know you’re 95%95 93 %93 still onyou track.

With you when need clarity

Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 816-301-7673, ext. 701 kandie@ilivenorth.com

Account Executive 816-301-7673, ext. 703 jane@ilivenorth.com

OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS KNOW WHERE THEY STAND IN REACHING THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS.

OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS ARE ABLE TO LIVE THE LIFE THEY PLANNED.

OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL RETIRE ON THEIR OWN TERMS.

% % OF ENVISION® PLAN OF ENVISION® PLAN OF ENVISION® PLAN HOLDERS KNOW WHERE OF ENVISION® PLAN Dianne Lowenberg OF ENVISION® PLAN PLAN Creative Director HOLDERS KNOW WHERE HOLDERS ARE ABLEOF TOENVISION® THEY STAND IN REACHING HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL Account Executive HOLDERS ARE ABLE TO THEY HOLDERS SAY THEY WILL ON THEIR Wells Fargo Advisors offers 816-301-7673, ext.

702STAND IN REACHING LIVE THE LIFE THEY THEIR FINANCIAL816-301-7673, ext.

RETIRE 704 LIVE THE LIFE THEY THEIR FINANCIAL RETIRE ON THEIR brad@ilivenorth.com the Envision process, a unique PLANNED. GOALS. dianne@ilivenorth.com OWN TERMS. These days, it would be nice to know if you’re on course to reach your financial goals. That’s why Wells Farg PLANNED. GOALS. OWN TERMS. Read our free midyear report tohelps find planning that usyour get offers the Envision process, a unique planning tooltool that helps us get to know specific needs and goals Brad Austin

Find out what we think.

in an uncertain world

With you when you need clarity With you when you need Withclarity you when you need a Financial in an uncertain world create your tailored investment plan. more, we make it easy to monitor your progress. toWhat’s know your specific needs and Find out what having an Envision plan can do for you by visiting envisionyourgoals.com or by calling us today. goals in order to create your tai-

out more about our forecast for the

NORTH Magazine info@ilivenorth.com www.ilivenorth.com

in an uncertain world

rest of the year.lored investment plan. Monitor-

INVESTMENTS • PLANNING • RETIREMENT FA Name Jeff HollowayCompliance-Approved and Sean Harman Title Address and Suite Number Financial Advisors City Name, State Zipprofessional CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ xxx-xxx-xxxx • 800-XXX-XXXX 9 Westowne Center Web or E-mail Address Liberty, MO 64068

ing your progress is easy. You’ll

The market’s ups and downs naturally geton you thinking always know you’re course to about what t Call today to order your copy of our

Published bimonthly by RR Donnelly in Liberty, Mo. don’t have to downsize your dreams.

At Wells Fargo Advisors, we tak reach your financial goals.

Find These days, it would be nice to know if you’re on course to reach your financial goals.

That’s why Wells Fargo Advisors Advertising inquiries: info@ilivenorth.com

“2009 Midyear Outlook.” process, a unique that helps us get to know your specific needs and in order to needs.

We’ll look atour your complete financial picture, including mone what having angoals Envision plan These days, itoffers wouldthe beEnvision nice to know if you’re on planning course totool reach your financial goals.

That’s why Wells Fargo Advisors Can you show up early to your retirement party? createprocess, yourCommunications, tailored investment What’s more,us weget make ithelp easyyour to monitor your progress.

Copyright © 2014

by Dillingham Inc.plan. offers the Envision a unique planning tool that helps to know specific needs and goals in order to do for you by calling today. get you toInsured andcan through retirement.

With more than 125 years of Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Find out what having an Envision plan can do for it you by to ALL RIGHTS createRESERVED. your tailored investment plan.

What’s more, we make easy monitor your progress.

Envision® is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license. RESULTS ARE BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM JUNE-JULY 2011 AMONG more than just knowledge and insight.

We offer learn WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCEvision.

OF OTHER CLIENTS.To Investment products mor and servic orfor by you calling Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2012 Wells Fargo Adv Find out whatvisiting having envisionyourgoals.com an Envision plan can do by us today. through Network, LLC. All rights reserved. 0911-5398A [88085-v1] NORTH Magazine is published bimonthly (6 yearly issues) by Dillingham Communications, Inc. All envisionyourgoals.com orInc.byAllcalling us today. contentsvisiting copyright ©2014

by Dillingham Communications, rights reserved.

Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents, without the prior permission of• the publisher, is INVESTMENTS • written PLANNING RETIREMENT u

u

u

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0709-2174 [74039-v1]A1016

NameMagazine is distributed throughout Clay and prohibited. An annual subscription is $30.00.FA NORTH INVESTMENTS • PLANNING • Title RETIREMENT Platte counties in Kansas City’sJeff Northland.

NORTH Magazine and Dillingham Communications, Inc., Compliance-Approved Holloway and Sean Harman FA Name are not responsible for the return of anyAdvisors materials artwork submitted. Unsolicited photographs, Addressorand Suite Number Financial INVESTMENTS • PLANNING • RETIREMENT Compliance-Approved Titleof illustrations or Holloway articles are submitted at the risk the State photographer/artist/author.

NORTH Magazine and Jeff and Sean Harman City Name, Zipprofessional CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ DillinghamFinancial Communications, assume no liability for• 800-XXX-XXXX the return of unsolicited materials and may AddressInc., and Suite Number xxx-xxx-xxxx Advisors 9 Westowne Center use them at their discretion.

Articles contained magazine City Name, State Webinorthe E-mail Addressdo not constitute tax or legal advice.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Liberty, MOZipprofessional 64068 FA Name FA Name Consult your tax or legalxxx-xxx-xxxx advisor before making tax or legally related investment decisions. Articles are • 800-XXX-XXXX 9 Westowne Center Jeff HollowayTitle and Sean Harman Compliance-Approved Compliance-Approved Ti Financial Advisors published for general information purposes Web or E-mail Addressonly and are not an offer or solicitation to sell or buy any Liberty, MO 64068 Financial Address and SuiteAdvisors Number Address and Suite Numb CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional securities or commodities. Any particular investment should be analyzed based on its terms and risks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional City Name, State Zip City Name, State Zip 9 Westowne Center as they relate to your individual circumstances and objectives.

All letters, photos and manuscripts Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value 9 Westowne Center • 8xx-xxx-xxxx xxx-xxx-xxxx • 8xx-xxx-x submitted to NORTH MagazineWells or Dillingham eitherand solicited or unsolicited, Liberty, MO 64068 xxx-xxx-xxxx Fargo Advisors, LLC,Communications, Member SIPC, is a registeredInc., broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Envision® aCommunications, registered of Wells Fargo & Company andpublished used under in license.

ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BYor HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM JUNE-JULY 2011 AMONG 1,004 INVESTORS ©2009 WellsisFargo Advisors, LLC.service All rightsmark reserved.

0709-2174 [74039-v1]A1016 Liberty, MO 64068 become the sole property of Dillingham Inc., and may be used and any RESULTS ARE BASED Web E-mail Address Web or E-mail Address 816-781-0800 Investment and Insurance NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY PERFORMANCE Lose Value WITHProducts: FINANCIALuADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE OR SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS. Investment products and services are offered manner whatsoever without limit and without obligation and liability to the author, photographer, through Fargobroker-dealer Advisors Financial Network, (WFAFN), SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of 816-781-0800 Wells Fargo & Company. ©2012 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, isWells a registered and a separate non-bankLLC affiliate of WellsMember Fargo & Company. artist or owner thereof.

Articles and advertisements do&not necessarily reflect opinions of ARE NORTH Envision® isFargo a registered service mark of Wells Fargo Company and [88085-v1] used underthe license.

RESULTS BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED

BY HARRIS FROM JUNE-JULY 2011FDIC AMONG 1,004 INVESTORS ©2009 Wells Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

0709-2174 [74039-v1]A1016 Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

0911-5398A Investment andINTERACTIVE Insurance NOT Insured u NO Bank Guarantee Investment and Insurance Products:Products:  NOT FDICu Insured  NO Bank Guarantee  MAY Lose Valueu MAY Lose Valu FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR Inc., SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS. Investment products and services are offered MagazineWITH or Dillingham Communications, Inc.NOT Further, Dillingham Communications, does not through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2012 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank of Wells Member Fargo & C Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network,affiliate LLC (WFAFN), assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors, nor is it responsible ©2011 ©2011 Envision® is aFargo registered service mark Wellsreserved.

Fargo & Company and[77921-v1] used under license. RESULTS Network,and LLC.services All rights advertised. reserved. 0911-5398A [88085-v1] ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. AllofNetwork, rights 0709-0792 A1354 Wells Advisors Financial LLC. 0411-1092 [86190-v1] A1516 for the products Information in NORTH Magazine is gathered from sources ARE BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE FROM JUNE-JULY 2011 AMONG 1,004 considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. NORTH Magazine INVESTORS WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR RELATIONSHIPS. NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR SUCCESS. NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CLIENTS. Investment products and and Dillingham Communications, Inc., shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC, a registered information herein or the interpretations thereof, nor any liability for the infringement of copyright, and broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial reserve the right to edit any and all submissions before publication. All inquiries and requests may be Network, LLC. Member SIPC 1111-2026[87653-v1] A1522 sent to info@ilivenorth.com.

Jeff Holloway and Sean Harman Can you show up early to your retirement party?

Can you show up early to your retirement party?

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

7

from the Publisher and editor-in-chief

A focus on local businesses

H

ere comes the bride! We are so excited to do this issue and feature some amazing wedding gowns from Altar Bridal. We have breathtaking photographs shot in The Argosy Casino and Spa. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we have a story on the Grand Marshall for the Snake Saturday Parade Peggy Schmitt.

Peggy, the CEO and President of North Kansas City Hospital, has an impressive resumé and is a true asset to our community.

Speaking of amazing women, we also have a great story on Ora Reynolds, the President of Hunt Midwest. Ora is an impressive woman, and we know you will enjoy reading her story on how she came to run one of the most successful real estate development companies in Kansas City.

Be prepared to have your palate tempted by the Brass Rail Sports Bar and Grill. Shane Bright shares his journey with us and how he came to run this very successful bar and grill in Liberty.

The heart and soul of the Northland is driven by such individuals who choose to start businesses and contribute to the growth of the Northland.

Cathy Kline has an awe-inspiring article on Gary Staab. Gary is a natural history artist and sculptor. His barn studio is located in western Missouri. Gary has created a life-sized mummy of King Tut and dinosaurs as high as 30 feet for natural history museums across the United States.

We have a great article offering financial advice through marriage and divorce. Plus, check out our fitness and health story on the importance of setting and keeping your goals. We have an informative article from Dr. Berghoff from North Kansas City Hospital who shares with us the success of one of his bariatric patients.

Be sure to check out the last word with Phil LeVota as he shares a timely story of the making of an Olympian – a child gifted in golf and headed straight to the top! Movie reviews by Jim Kline are always a must read.

We always want to thank you our readers for your continued support. We are your magazine Northland and we consider it a privilege to tell your stories. We want to encourage you to shop local and support those independent business in the Northland. They need us and we need them!

Allen E. Dillingham

Kandie Erickson

Publisher

Associate Publish and Editor-in-Chief

8 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Allen E. Dillingham

Kandie Erickson

Are You Ready for

Your Special Day? When you’re looking for the right smile for your special day, it can be confusing.

You want to be sure that you make the right choice. After all, you’ve invested a lot of time and money preparing for your wedding.

You want to be properly cared for.

You can be sure that whatever your smile needs are, we’re qualified to handle them.

There’s a story behind every smile ... ... we’d like to be part of yours!

A good dentist is hard to find, so when you find one that is professional, friendly, thorough, gentle and flexible, you latch on and don’t let go!

Antioch Dental Group

Your perfect smile is only a phone call away!

Fred E.Bailey, YOUR SMILE DESIGNER

DDS

816-452-9700

www.FredBaileyDDS.com

5420 N.E. Antioch Road, Kansas City, MO 64119

northland events

Drink and dabble – an adult art experience

Tuesday nights, 7-9 p.m.

Armour Loft Event Space, 406 Armour Rd., NKC, Mo. Cost: $15-$30, depending on the size of the canvas Register: www.daretodabble.net, 816-287-1531 Learn how to paint your own masterpiece in acrylics. We’ll bring all the supplies (easels, canvas, paint, brushes and apron) and take you step by step through a fun painting experience.

Even if you’ve never painted before, you’ll be amazed at what you can do. Wine and other beverages available for purchase.

Kegs and Eggs, plus Amendment 21

Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.

Big Rip Brewing Company, 216 E. 9th Ave, North Kansas City, Mo. www.bigripbrewing.com Before you go to the Snake Saturday parade, get a head start on the festivities at Big Rip Brewing Company. Kegs and Eggs start at 8 a.m., and Big Rip’s Mint Chocolate Milk Stout will be tapped at 8:30 a.m. After the parade, Amendment 21 will be playing from noon until 4 p.m.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City 13th Annual Spring Gardening Seminar

Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.

Gano Chapel at William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo. Cost: $69 (registration closes March 7) www.mggkc.org This is the region’s largest annual gathering of gardeners to learn, grow and be inspired.

Choose from 11 speakers who know what works in our climate.

Contemporary Life Brunch

Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Avondale United Methodist Church Tickets: Suggested donation of $7 for adults; $3.50 for ages 3-10 More info: 816-452-3518 The annual Contemporary Life Brunch is sponsored by the Contemporary Life Class of Avondale United Methodist Church. Proceeds will help with class mission projects.

Heartland Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.

Heartland Presbyterian Center, KCMO For all ages up to 6th grade – there will be s’mores, camp activities and the chance to get your picture with the Easter Horse.

Zona Rosa’s Kansas City Easter Parade

Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Town Square and the streets of Zona Rosa This free community event features the Easter Bunny, a best-dressed contest for the whole family featuring Spring/Easter finery, a live performance by Mr. Stinky Feet, and more.

Live music at Piropos

Fridays and Saturdays Piropos in Briarcliff, 4141 N. Mulberry Dr., KCMO www.piroposkc.com Piropos Piano Bar in Briarcliff Village offers fine live music every weekend. Here’s the current lineup: Mike Ning and Sherry Brummett Fridays 5-7 p.m.; Dan Sturdevant and Shay Estays Fridays 7-11 p.m.; Mike Pagan jazz trio Saturdays 2-5 p.m.; Tiffany Miller Saturdays 6-10 p.m.

10 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Concert: Craig Morgan

Thursday, April 24, 8 p.m.

VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino, North KC Tickets: $28-$68; www.voodookc.com Country musician Craig Morgan will perform some of his well-loved songs (“Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday”) and selections from his new album, “This Ole Boy.”

11th Annual Parkville Microbrew Fest

Saturday, April 26, 1-5 p.m.

Parkville, Mo., English Landing Park Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 day of www.parkvillemicrobrewfest.com Dive into spring with live music, handcrafted ales from 50 plus breweries representing Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon and California, plus great food and live music in beautiful English Landing Park.

Miles for Meals: Walk, Run and Senior Crawl

Sunday, April 27, 8 a.m.

Zona Rosa Town Square pssi.platteseniors.org This event supports Platte Senior Services, a local non-for-profit agency that helps seniors with socialization, empowerment, nutrition and transportation services.

WOOFSTOCK: A Festival for Dogs and People

Sunday, May 4, 7:30 a.m., Zona Rosa Town Square pcnaws.com The 7th annual WOOFSTOCK 1-Mile Dog Walk/5K Run features a family festival filled with pet-related vendors, contests and prizes. All proceeds benefit the Northland Animal Welfare Society (NAWS).

Profile

Laurel Hilliker, Ph.D. Executive Director of Park University’s Center to Advance the Study of Loss and Assistant Professor of Sociology

L

aurel Hilliker, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Center to Advance the Study of Loss and assistant professor of sociology at Park University. She has worked in academia at multiple institutions and currently develops curriculum, instructs sociology courses, provides student advising and maintains an active research agenda at Park.

She is particularly interested in areas that encompass medical sociology, social psychology, altruism and caregiving. Her main research entails the sociology of dying, death and bereavement for which she has authored many well-received articles.

As the executive director of Park’s CASL, Hilliker promotes the Center’s mission to bridge academic study and practical, applied knowledge in the field of thanatology. CASL serves as a central resource that brings together professionals, students and the community in an atmosphere of academic and collaborative research to strengthen the collective knowledge surrounding dying, death and grief topics.

Through research, discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Center develops innovative curricula for students preparing to work across the spectrum of human services careers, while also generating resources to directly support practitioners. To learn more about Park University’s Center to Advance the Study of Loss, visit www.park.edu/casl.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------VOTED BEST IN THE NORTHLAND 2010 --------------------------------------{ • }--------------------------------------

The Finest Pizza North of the River

Enjoy our full fare of Italian favorites, friendly atmosphere and collection of family sports memorabilia.

-----------------{ www.kelsoskansascity.com }----------------300 Armour Rd • Kansas City, MO 64116 • (816) 221-8899 Hours: Mon-Thur 11am - 9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am - 10:30pm, Sun Noon - 6pm ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M arch /A pril 2 0 1 4

|

11

news & notes

Vignoble Food & Wine Fest Celebrity chefs will serve up an exciting event to benefit Saint Luke’s North Hospital

T

wo celebrity chefs, restaurateurs and brothers are creating an epic evening this spring with the Vignoble Food and Wine Fest.

Chef Michael Viltaggio, Top Chef season 6 winner, and his brother, Chef Bryan Voltaggio, finalist for Top Chef season 6, are headlining this festival of food and drink. It will take place on Saturday, April 12, at The National Golf Club. The event benefits Saint Luke’s North Hospital.

The main event will be an exciting evening for foodies. Stations of dishes and wine pairings designed by the Chefs Voltaggio and Guest Chef Michael Corvino. Guests will enjoy live music, delicious food and wine pairings while celebrating the Northland community.

Individual tickets begin at $75.

To learn more, contact Christie Ruhl at cruhl@saint-lukes.org or 816-880-6258.

The Vignoble Food & Wine Fest committee.

Rebuilding Together Store in Liberty seeks donations of supplies

T

he Rebuilding Together Store in Liberty is looking for more donations of building materials from suppliers, builders, remodelers, and homeowners. Anyone who has materials to donate are asked to contact Ed Kephart at rebuildingtogetherstore@ gmail.com or call 816-918-8818. All proceeds help Rebuilding Together Clay County to fulfill its mission to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need.

The store is located at 1908 Plumbers Way, #300, Liberty, Mo.

They are also seeking more volunteer help. Volunteers are needed for stocking, computer work, organization, Craigslist posting, building displays, repurposing, recycling materials, and picking up donations. The hours for volunteering are flexible every day except Sunday. Anyone interested in volunteering should also contact the Store Manager.

12 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

About Rebuilding Together Store The Rebuilding Together Store opened in May 2013 as a virtual online store that recycles, repurposes and reuses building materials. Other than fostering “green” principles, the primary goal is to support Rebuilding Together Clay County in helping low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans with essential home repairs and safety modifications. The inventory is often updated and posted at www.rebuildingtogetherclaycounty.org/ RTStore.

Snake Saturday

The leading o’ the parade Local healthcare leader Peggy Schmitt chosen as grand marshal for the 30th Snake Saturday parade

A

Today, Peggy leads the largest hospital in the Northland and one of the most wellrespected facilities in the metro area. North Kansas City Hospital is a long-time supporter of Snake Saturday activities. This year is special for the Northland and for Peggy, the Grand Marshal, as Snake Saturday celebrates 30 wonderful years.

“It is an honor to participate in an event that celebrates our community, provides support to charitable organizations, and does it with the Irish spirit of having a wee bit o’ fun in the process!” Peggy says.

©istock.com / Catherine Lane

s a young girl growing up in St. Louis, this year’s grand marshal didn’t aspire to be the leader of a major metropolitan hospital. Instead, Peggy Schmitt chose nursing as her profession and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She worked at hospitals in St. Louis and Kansas City.

A friend from nursing school started law school and suggested she do the same.

“I remember questioning how could I leave nursing – one of the most honorable of all professions,” Peggy says. To appease her friend, Peggy agreed to take the law school admissions test.

After taking the exam, Peggy thought seriously about law school and began noticing the importance of legal issues in society. When she was accepted to Yale Law School, Peggy decided to make the most of her opportunity.

“I knew I could always return to the nursing career I loved if being a lawyer wasn’t a fit,” she says.

Upon graduating from Yale, Peggy worked for a Chicago law firm but soon returned to Kansas City to work for Spencer, Fane, Britt and Browne. She worked there for four years with clients including North Kansas City Hospital.

In 1993, she was asked by the hospital’s president to become the first vice president and general counsel. She held that position for 19 years until she became president and CEO in 2012.

14 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

C E L E B R AT I N G 8 6 Y E A R S

HOME LOANS

CAR LOANS

MOTORCYCLE LOANS

CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Proud to have served our members for 86 years • Established 1928 To learn more about joining your hometown community credit union, visit www.bnccu.org or call us for more details.

1002 Swift, NKC • Phone 816-474-5610 • Fax 816-474-5606

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITY

Harvest Ball Society 27 area nonprofts receive more than $400,000 to help their causes

S

miles of gratitude presided at the Jan. 21 annual meeting of the Harvest Ball Society as 2013 President Jerri Landsberg distributed more than $427,000 to 27 area nonprofit organizations. Society members raised the funds by hosting two annual events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch in September and the Harvest Ball in November. Since 1987, nearly $7 million has been presented to organizations that primarily serve people in need in the Northland.

16 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

“We hope these gifts inspire charitable giving by creating hope that touches the heart,” Landsberg says. “As Harvest Ball Society members, our goal is for others to take notice and embrace the examples we provide in leadership, kindness and compassion toward fulfilling our community’s needs.”

Landsberg also praised Harvest Ball Society members for their volunteer service and commitment to helping their Northland neighbors.

Nonprofits that received Harvest Ball Society funding l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Angel Flight Central Assistance League of Kansas City Autism Works, Inc. Children’s Mercy Northland Clay County Clothes Closet Concerned Care, Inc. The Farmer’s House Gilda’s Club Kansas City Harvester’s – The Community Food Network Heartland Habitat for Humanity Hillcrest Transitional Housing HOPE.wrx MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) Miles of Smiles, Inc. NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care Northland Assistance Center Northland Early Education Center Northland Health Care Access Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc. Platte Senior Services, Inc. Salvation Army Northland Shepherd’s Center of the Northland Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center St. Charles Food Pantry Synergy Services, Inc. Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc. Women’s Employment Network

For descriptions of each nonprofit or to apply for a 2014 grant from The Harvest Ball Society, visit harvestballsociety.org. Beneficiaries for 2014 will be announced in April.

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

17

Pets and their people

Addie and Charlie with the Elling family

Double the fun M

By Tiffany Westphal Killoren,

writing on behalf of Addie

y name is Addie and I’m about 10 shades of adorable. I’m a Shitzu; so, of course, I am.

People can’t resist scooping me up with one arm and squishing my little face because I’m kind of irresistible. And squishable. There are many people out there, but my people – the Elling family – are the best. Mark, Joanne, and the kids, Zach and Cole, make me feel like I’m the biggest one in the house (even though the smallest). It’s been a rough few months, though. My best friend, Sammy, lived an amazing dog’s life and ran to its finish line full of love and adventure. I miss my friend. So do my people.

We were all sad when we had to say goodbye and my fluffy little ears didn’t want to perk up anymore.

Then, something wonderful happened; my people

18 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

brought home a new friend for me – Charlie. She’s the cutest little thing ever (well, present company excluded). She’s a Mini Whoodle. Yes, that’s right. A Whoodle; a whimsical mix of Wheaten Terrier and Poodle. I think she’s the best thing next to baconflavored treats. Yeah, sometimes I look at my people and plead with my eyes, “Seriously, guys, a dog needs its space. This pup is all over me.” It’s OK, though.

Even when she gets super excited and insists on tearing away the chew stick that I’m working on, I simply go get another toy. I mean, she is just a pup and I need to have patience. Some dogs may get nervous with a new, adorable puppy taking center stage, but not me. My people’s hearts are so big, there’s enough love for everyone.

There is a difference!

At NorthCare Hospice, we provide the kind of care that we’d expect for our loved ones. Our services include: • Hospice House, the only facility in the Northland for inpatient hospice care • End-of-life care • Specialized Cardiac and ALS programs • Complementary Therapies: music, pet and massage therapy • Bereavement services • Grief support systems

northcarehospice.org

NorthCare Hospice House

816-691-5119 NorthCare Hospice is affiliated with North Kansas City Hospital

Northland Physical Therapy is the most established physical therapy clinic in Kansas City with the only on-site aquatics program north of the river.

Chosen as one of 2011’s 25 under 25® Best Small Companies in Kansas City

Caring for Your pet

Pesky pet problems An ounce of prevention can keep the pests off your furry friends

By Dr. Jim Sparks

James (Jim) Sparks DVM is a lifelong Northlander working at Eagle Animal Hospital, Inc. Dr. Sparks has been in the animal health care field since the age of 15; he worked as part of the support staff at Eagle Animal Hospital through high school and during college breaks. Other than an externship in Alaska, Dr. Sparks has always practiced at Eagle. In 1995, he became the third owner of the now 67-year-old practice. Dr. Sparks and Eagle Animal Hospital have received multiple awards including multiple “Best in the Northland” and the “Pro Patria Award,” which is the highest honor given to civilian employers by the United States Department of Defense. Eagle Animal Hospital was also recently recognized as one of the “KC Smart Companies to Watch.”

Eagle Animal Hospital

816-741-2345 • eagleanimalhospital.com

20 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

©istock.com / Jarenjel

T

he darkness of winter is giving way to longer days and mother nature’s palette of colors. We and our pets are itching to get out and enjoy the spring. As the Kansas City Northland awakens, so do the pests that make life less comfortable and outright dangerous for our pets and families alike.

Many of us think spring ticks and mosquitoes just cause discomfort, when in fact those pests can harbor much more dangerous diseases: Lyme’s disease, Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever and encephalitis to name a few. These diseases can cause serious health risks to our pets and families.

Fortunately, the animal health industry has made remarkable strides to produce safe and effective products for the protection of our pets and their caretakers.

For many of us, the dozens of products and options available is enough to make our heads spin. Parasite prevention for our pets is a multi-billion dollar industry with manufacturers spending tens of millions to buy our confidence. Many of the products have variable degrees of effectiveness and safety. Beware of the generic and knock-off products that fall short in effectiveness, as well as being potentially dangerous.

Many of us are familiar with the dips, collars and powders, but they are a thing of the past. Superior, safer spot-on and oral products are now available. To give your pet and family the best protection and safety, please contact your veterinary professional. She or he can help you see through the hype of the “cute and persuasive” media campaigns.

It only takes an ounce of prevention to prevent a pound of hair ending up on the carpet and floors from your pet’s scratching at those pesky parasites.

Redeem Yourself Yourself Redeem Yourself Yourself Redeem Redeem Yourself

Accidents happen. What really matters is what you do next. Call the collisio repair shop you trust to make your car look like new, at a price that won’t wip Accidentshappen. happen.What Whatreally reallymatters mattersisisis what you do next.

Call the collision Accidents happen.

What really matters what you do next.

Call the collision Accidents happen.

What really matters what you do next.

Call the collision Accidents you do next.

Call the collision Accidents happen.

What really matters isto what you do next.

Call the collision Add us your contact list today! out your bank account. repair repair shop shop you you trust trustto tomake makeyour yourcar carlook looklike likenew, new,atata aprice pricethat thatwon’t won’twipe wipe

Enjoy a Stay on Us

Senior Star at Wexford Place would love for you to repair shopyou you trustto tomake make your aanext. price that won’t wipe repair shop you trust your car new, at that won’t wipe Accidents happen.

What really matters is like what youat do Call the collision repair shop trust to make your carlook look likenew, new, at aprice price that won’t wipe Add us to your contact list today! out your bank account.

Addus usto toyour your contact list today! outyour yourbank bankaccount. account.Add experience the Senior Star lifestyle. In fact, you can Add contact list today! out your bank account. contact list today! out Addcar uslook to your contact listthat today! your repairout shop youbank trustaccount. to make your like new, at a price won’t wipe stay up to three nights free to see if our community is out your bank account. Add us to your contact list today! right for you! While you’re here you can take part in a variety of exciting social events and activities while GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 enjoying world class service and our expertly 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 7109 N. Walnut Street 6604 Royal Street 7109 N. Walnut Street 7109 N. 6604Royal RoyalStreet Street 6604 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 7109 N.Walnut WalnutStreet Street 6604 Royal Street 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 GLADSTONE PLEASANT VALLEY designed apartment homes.

Pleasant Valley, MO 64068 Gladstone, MO 64118 Pleasant Valley, MO Pleasant Valley, MO64068 64068 Gladstone, 64118 Gladstone, MO 64118 7109 N.MO Walnut Street 6604 Valley, Royal Street Pleasant MO 64068

Call 816-787-1017 to schedule your stay.

It will be our pleasure to have you as our guest.

Gladstone, MO 64118 I-35 Hwy Pleasant Valley Rd. West 72nd N. Oak 7109 N. Walnut Street 6604 Royal Street I-35 Valley I-35Hwy Hwy&&&Pleasant Pleasant ValleyRd. Rd. 11block West ofof72nd &&N. Oak 1block block West 72nd & N. Oak Pleasant MOValley 64068 Gladstone, MO I-35 Hwy &Valley, Pleasant Rd. 1 block West of of 72nd &64118 N. Oak 816.468.4011 816.781.9630 I-35 Hwy & Pleasant Valley Rd. Pleasant Valley, MO 64068 1 block West Gladstone, of 72nd & N. Oak MO 64118 7109 N. Walnut Street 6604 Royal TOW Street TOW SERVICE Available 24/7 816.291.0497 SERVICE Available 24/7 TOWSERVICE SERVICEAvailable Available 24/7816.291.0497 816.291.0497 24/7 816.291.0497 I-35 Hwy & Pleasant Valley Rd. 1 block PrecisionCollisionKC.com Pleasant Valley,TOW MO 64068 MO West 64118 of 72nd & N. PrecisionCollisionKC.com PrecisionCollisionKC.com Gladstone,

6500 N. Cosby Ave. Kansas City, MO 64151 seniorstar.com

2 Westwoods Drive Liberty, MO 64068

TOW SERVICE Available 24/7 816.291.0497 PrecisionCollisionKC.com

I-35 Hwy & Pleasant Valley Rd.

PrecisionCollisionKC.com1 block West of 72nd & N. Oak

TOW SERVICE Available 24/7 816.291.0497 TOW SERVICE Available 24/7 816.291.0497 PrecisionCollisionKC.com PrecisionCollisionKC.com

(816) 781-1430

Our practice is committed to providing you and your family with safe, gentle, high quality dental care. We understand that you, or your child, may feel anxious about visiting the dentist. We are sensitive to your needs, and it is our goal to make you feel comfortable visiting our practice while providing you with the best care possible.

Your first visit is all about you – your comfort, your happiness, and your health.

Seaport Family Dentistry specializes in beautifying smiles, maintaining your dental health, and helping you improve your appearance. Our experienced and friendly staff takes great pride in keeping your smile beautiful.

William S. Tinsley, D.D.S. Christopher H. Shultz, D.D.S. Brook A. Derenzy, D.D.S.

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST DENTIST Dr. Brook Derenzy has travelled full-circle with his return to Missouri.

Originally from Fulton, Missouri, Dr. Derenzy graduated Cum Laude from Westminster College in 1997 with his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He then moved to Texas and attended dental school at the prestigious University of Texas-San Antonio Health Science Center (UTHSCSA), where he was Class President and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003.

He and his wife Lamar then moved from San Antonio to Bend, Oregon, where Dr. Derenzy was in private practice for nine years. While in Bend, he & his wife had two daughters, Sophia and Olivia. With the growth of his family, Dr. Derenzy decided to sell his practice and move closer to home.

Passionate about dentistry, Dr. Derenzy has been an avid proponent of technology in his years as a dentist. Down-toearth in his approach to his patients, Dr. Derenzy creates relationships that seem more akin to friendship.

Dental Health

Stop the snoring Snoring could be threatening your life and your marriage – but there is a solution

By Brenda Bailey

V

The Risks Are Real Repeated scientific studies show that, left untreated, snoring can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, event heart failure and stroke. And that’s just the beginning. Because snoring can lead to more serious conditions like Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OAS) – conditions that are linked to additional serious risks.

For example, did you know that experts believe that drivers who are exhausted from not sleeping at night because of these conditions are just as dangerous to themselves and others and drivers who are drunk? Studies estimate that as many as 200,000 auto accidents a year in our country – and 1,500 deaths – are caused by people too tired to drive safely.

22 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Stealing Your Breath Snoring is the sound of the structures in your throat partially obstructing your breathing. As the air tries to get through it makes these structures vibrate. In Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA, breathing is totally blocked until low oxygen in the brain wakes you and you gasp for air. This happens over and over all night long. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how situations like these would put huge and dangerous stresses on your body.

Surgery for Sleep Apnea If you have a deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils, or a small lower jaw with an overbite causing the throat to be too narrow, surgery may be needed to correct sleep apnea.

©istock.com / 4774344sean

alentine’s Day led up to the next step, “Love and Marriage.” It was a marriage begat by the gods. Amazingly compatible, the lovebirds married at a time when it was unthinkable for unmarrieds to live together, and so they didn’t know each other biblically until their wedding night. (Cohabiting without benefit of marriage license back in those innocent times was considered a sin, and most unthinkable of all, something the neighbors might find out about.)

He was an athletic coach, she a teacher.

The wedding was wonderful, and when it was over, they drove off as their friends and family threw rice, with the sound of old shoes and tin cans clattering behind their shiny new car. Their wedding night was unforgettable, a dream come true for both of them. They fell asleep in each other’s arms with gentle smiles upon their glowing faces.

When she heard, what she thought was gunfire, she shot up in bed and she screamed. Frantic, she looked wildly about the room, sweat spurting from every part of her.

She reached for her sleeping groom and shook him. “Wake up,” she cried. “I heard an explosion, it sounded like guns! Help! Wake up! Oh my God, it’s you.”

If the only thing your snoring did was keep your family awake, it would be bad enough. Getting shortchanged on sleep makes people irritable – and, frankly, it’s just plain hard to feel loving toward somebody whose snoring wakes you up several times a night.

As bad as all that is, though, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Because your snoring is more than a burden to your family – it’s a very real danger to your health.

Dental Health The most commonly performed types of surgery for sleep apnea include: l Nasal surgery: Correction of nasal problems such as a deviated septum. l Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A procedure that removes soft tissue on the back of the throat and palate, increasing the width of the airway at the opening of throat. l Mandibular maxillar advancement surgery: Surgery to correct certain facial problems or throat obstructions that contribute to sleep apnea.

Worry and Frustration In the past, people with snoring problems have tried a variety of treatments, including surgery, to remove excess tissue in the back of their throat, and positive air pressure machines (CPAPs).

However, many people just aren’t comfortable with the idea of surgery. And, of those who tried the highly effective CPAP air pressure machines, roughly 50 percent could not tolerate the facemask, tubing and noise or found them too difficult to use.

A Different Way Dentists can offer oral appliance therapy – a way to treat snoring that’s safe, effective and comfortable. There are FDA approved devices that help keep airways open without the inconvenience of CPAP machines. Oral appliances look like sports mouth protectors. Worn while you’re asleep, they help keep the soft tissues at the back of your throat from collapsing. So you breathe freely and quietly.

Most snoring patients find oral appliances comfortable and convenient. Unlike positive air pressure machines, they’re easy to use. In fact, most people report it only takes a week or two to get used to wearing them. Plus, patients like the fact that these appliances are small and easy to pack when traveling.

The Right Fit To provide the maximum effectiveness and comfort, these oral appliances require precision fitting. A dentist with a special interest in treating snoring and related problems, can help you to choose the right oral appliance for you from among the over 40 on the market today.

Just How Bad Is YOUR Snoring?

Chances are you don’t know. Experts recommend you ask the person who shares your bedroom to grade how bad your snoring really is. l Grade 1: Heard only

if you put your ear close to the person. l Grade 2: Heard inside the bedroom. l Grade 3: Heard just outside the bedroom if the door is open. l Grade 4: Heard outside the bedroom even though the door is closed.

Lots of people are shocked to learn just how much their loud snoring has been disturbing the people they love.

The Northland’s Newest Pool Store ✶ We service, repair, renovate and build swimming pools ✶ Featuring Proteam Pool Chemicals ✶ Showcasing many products made in the USA ✶ Proudly serving the Northland for 10 years ✶ Free water testing ✶ Pool and spa chemicals ✶ Great selection of pool toys and floats

About the author

Brenda Bailey is a retired educator. Presently, she is a board member of the American Diabetes Association and practice administrator at Antioch Dental Group in the Northland. fredbaileydds.com 816-452-9700

7711 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64118

816-436-7665 northlandpools.com

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

23

Edibles & Cocktails

More than your average pool hall The Brass Rail redefines your expectations of a sports bar and grill

24 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

PHotos by brad Austin

O

nce upon a time, you could travel to different parts of the United States and easily find restaurants that were unique to that town or that region. These days, you have to do some digging online to find something other than a national chain or a same-as-everybody-else eatery on your road trip.

For people in the Northland, however, it’s a lot easier to find great locally owned destinations that offer one-of-a-kind experiences.

The Brass Rail is one of those local sports bars where neighbors gather for the game, where families gather for a meal, where friends hang out and make memories. The Brass Rail is more than an average pool hall, and more than just a sports bar.

Owner Shane Bright has worked in the restaurant and bar industry for 25 years, and when he was ready to open a new business in the Northland, he wanted to bring an upscale pool hall to town. But his timing was off.

“In 2005, I decided it was time to initiate my plan and return to KC to start the groundwork,” Bright said. “Upon returning, I learned that someone had built a pool hall that paralleled my business plan. I visited the Brass Rail and was impressed and crushed.”

Fast forward three years: Bright was asked if he was interested in purchasing a local bar that turned out to be the Brass Rail itself. The owner, lifelong Northlander Gary

Edibles & Cocktails

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

25

Edibles & Cocktails

Mace, had passed away in late 2007, leaving his dream to languish.

To keep the Brass Rail from being turned into a strip mall, Bright bought the restaurant in 2009 and set about maintaining its marquee legacy.

A sports bar and more l The Brass Rail offers a full menu of new and old favorites all designed to be better than the normal bar fare. l Numerous HDTVs have been added for all the year round sports, including all the UFC Fight Nights. l The wide selection of 30 draft beers on tap along with a robust bottle beer selection and diverse liquor offerings makes the Brass Rail a place you can find your favorite brew or sample some exciting new choices. l For game enthusiasts, there are 20 pool tables, eight dart boards, a shuffleboard and other popular games in the vast space. l Speaking of that large space, the Brass Rail boasts ample seating that enables it to host large parties and events for just about any occasion, from private parties to local charity events and fundraisers.

Above all, the Brass Rail is proud to be a locally owned Northland business.

Brass Rail Sports Bar & Grill 4940 NE 81st Street Kansas City, MO 64119 816-468-6100 www.brassrailkc.com

Hours

Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - midnight

26 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

COMMUNITY BANK, COMMUNITY PROUD SINCE 1922 THREE NORTHLAND LOCATIONS

Proud to serve businesses like The Brass Rail throughout the Northland

LIBERTY

1178 W. Kansas • 816-781-4500

KANSAS CITY

8140 N. Brighton (next to the Brass Rail) • 816-468-4400

KEARNEY

303 S. Jefferson • 816-628-4500

FDIC Insured

www.claycountysavings.com

The Brass Rail is proud to be locally owned and operated.

the northland’s premier sports bar

● ●

●

boatload of HDTV’s for all the sporting events. menu featuring steaks, burgers, salads & our famous fried pickles!

30 draft beer taps featuring craft beers & domestic favorites

●

●

●

locally owned & operated. kc proud!

large facility perfect for any get together – birthdays, anniversaries, office parties no-cost reservations available for parties of 10 & more pool tables, dartboards, shuffleboard, digital jukebox & more

4940 NE 81st St. | Kansas City, MO 64119 | 816-468-6100

www.BrassRailKC.com

Let us eat cake

Bridal party packages available

Before your big day,

treat yourself to luxurious pampering 8504 N. Church Road | Kansas City, MO 64157 | 816-415-3733

salonoasisanddayspa.com

Where the setting

makes your occasion special.

Claire Ryser - Visionaire Studios

Wedding cakes Decorated cakes Cookie bouquets Cookie trays Cupcakes Cafe

Shipping & delivery available

309 Armour Rd. Kansas City, MO 64115 816-472-6279

auntmaryscookies.com

The Hilton President features the exquisite Congress Ballroom for your ceremony, custom menus for your wedding reception, flexible function spaces for your pre and post wedding activities and luxurious guest rooms for your out-of-town guests.

For information about how we can help you have the wedding of your dreams, visit us on Facebook, on the web at presidentkansascity. hilton.com or call 816.303.1635.

1329 Baltimore Kansas City Missouri 816.221.9490

Wedding Fashions

NORTH Magazine’s 2014 edding Fashions collection Photography by Brad Austin

A real-life fairy tale...

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

29

Wedding Fashions

30 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M arch /april 2 0 1 4

True beauty is timeless

Wedding Fashions

The rings our models are wearing were provided by Meierotto Midwest Jewelers The Marianna necklaces and earrings on our models are from LaDeDa in Zona Rosa

Dresses provided by Altar Bridal in Waldo Men’s clothes provided by Jos. A Bank in Power and Light and The Garment District in Power and Light

“I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, a church filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for; he said one that would make me his wife.”

— Unknown

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M arch /A pril 2 0 1 4

|

31

Wedding Fashions

“A happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short.”

— Andre Maurois

Before your big day, let yourself be pampered at The Argosy spa.

32 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4

We ddi n g Pa rt y Gi f ts

Great Prices.

Precious Gems Set in Precious Metals.

Gifts for the Entire Wedding Party and Parents of Bride and Groom.

engravable

4311 NE VIVION RD K ANSAS CITY, MO 816-453-1111

MJEWELRY.COM MEIEROT TOJEWELERS C LO S ED WED & SUN

Wedding Fashions

34 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Your local choice for special occasions! rehearsal dinners • bridal showers • anniversaries • birthdays graduation celebrations • baby showers • promotions

The one source for your spring celebrations

Private dining room available for special occasions

special event rental Canopies • Tents • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Flatware China • Silver • Glassware • Dance Floor • Staging Portable Bars • Booths • Backdrops • Astroturf

117 W. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 Monday-Thursday, a.m.-8:30 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Marriott Wedding Ad 9 11 x 5.438.qxp_Layout 1 2/20/14 9:31 AM 11 Page 1

816-471-2522

www.accentrents.com 1700 Iron Street | Kansas City, MO 64116

The Perfect Match for a Magical Day. Your Style. Our Expertise.

Whether your vision is elegantly traditional or wonderfully unconventional; and whether it’s a ceremony for a few family members or a few hundred of your closest friends, the Kansas City Marriott Downtown is the perfect setting for an extraordinary wedding.

With elegant spaces, custom catering and personalized service to coordinate every detail, we can make the big day uniquely yours.

Contact our Certified Wedding Planners at weddings@kcmarriott.com

200 West 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 KCMarriottWeddings.com

Wedding Fashions

“The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It’s a choice you make – not just on your wedding day, but over and over again – and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife.”

— Barbara de Angelis

36 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

The Road to ‘Happily Ever After’ Begins Here Let us be the first to say, congratulations on your engagement. Allow us to take the stress out of planning your big day with the assistance of our dedicated events staff. Whether a wedding straight out of a fairy tale, or a gathering filled with understated elegance, you deserve the premier wedding destination in Kansas City because every detail should be perfect.

For booking information, contact Alison Lalumia at (816) 746-3148 or KCM_Sales@pngaming.com

777 N.W. Argosy Casino Parkway • Riverside, MO • ArgosyKansasCity.com • 816-746-3100 Must be 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1.888.BETS.OFF or Visit 888betsoff.org

Wedding Fashions

Attention to every detail...

The chefs at The Argosy will wow your guests with gourmet dishes. If you can dream it, they can create it.

Special thanks to The Argosy for providing the stunning venue for our wedding issue as well as the samples of their menu offerings.

38 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Wedding Fashions

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

39

Bridesmaids Gifts

Always a bridesmaid Tips for choosing the perfect gifts for your wedding attendants

By Aly Bilyeu

I

t’s that time of year again – wedding season! After the mass of proposals that happen during Christmas, New Years, and Valentine’s Day, we find ourselves with an influx of brides-to-be.

Among the chaos of venue searching, cake tasting, dance lessons and bridal shows galore is a day focused on the love between two individuals. But what about all of the people that have come together to make this day special? Those people in the background with the smile from ear to ear. The people who have watched your love for another person grow from a casual encounter into commitment to share a life together. It’s your mother, father, brother, sister, friends and every other person you have chosen to recognize as a witness to your journey’s beginning.

Now, obviously it would be quite a task to purchase a gift for every attendee of your wedding to show your appreciation.

However, the select individuals you have chosen to stand with you at the altar have purchased new outfits, made travel plans and planned a bachelorette party to remember.

Just as wedding day fashions and trends change, the idea behind gifts for your wedding party evolves. Just because your mom gave her bridesmaids matching pearl earrings 25 years ago does not mean that you must do the same. Here are a few tips and ideas to follow when choosing the perfect gifts for your bridesmaids.

A luxurious lotion available at Designing in the City

Stylish boots available at Finishings For Her

A striking piece of jewelry from Amelia’s

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

41

Bridesmaids Gifts One gift does not fit all

When shopping for bridesmaid gifts, think of getting something personal that reminds you of the role the individual has played in your life. A favorite candle fragrance or perfumes and soap by Tokyo Milk from Design in the City is just what you had in mind for you spa day bestie. A wine glass with a cheeky phrase of “Wine improves with age. I improve with wine” would be a perfect personal gift for your goto Girl’s Night Out bridesmaid.

Multifunctional

It may be beneficial to give something that is useful for the actual wedding day as well as after the event. This not only helps the aesthetic of their wedding day look, but gives them a piece they can use again.

A statement necklace comes in a variety of colors to match your wedding and brings out the best in their dress, but is also a trendy piece that can be worn with their everyday wardrobe. A wedding theme with a country flare may have your girls sporting their cowboy boots for the day. Choose a gift that creates some unison among the outfits. Boot jewelry compliments and bedazzles the ankle of even the plainest boots. A trendy look for weddings this season is headbands ordained with sparkles, lace and pearls. Grab a bunch that fit the individual bridesmaid’s style so they can wear it again, but also the overall look has cohesiveness.

Practical

Available at Finishings for Her

About the author

Aly Bilyeu is the Director of Marketing and Events for Briarcliff Village. After falling in love with the view from atop the hill in 2010, she has grown from the retail side of the center to overseeing all aspects of its events and marketing. From developing event concepts to designing local advertisements, Aly enjoys having a hand in the center’s metro-wide awareness. She prides herself on the personal relationships she has with each owner and their success within the community.

42 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

With the hustle of the wedding day, a gift that has your bridesmaids organized and prepared may be in their best interest. A good bridesmaid is a prepared bridesmaid.

Prepare a Wedding Day Emergency Kit stocked with earring backs, deodorant, hairspray and more. Also, if you’re worried about the bridesmaid with the chipped nails, grab a color that compliments your wedding as a subtle hint. If your wanting a practical and personal gift, Vera Bradley from Finishings for Her offers affordable and personalizable accessories. A cosmetic case with your gal pal’s monogram in her favorite colors is sure to show your appreciation.

Bridesmaids Gifts Timeless

A good quality piece that will not only withstand the wedding, but be a remembrance of the day years down the road might be what you have in mind for your Maid of Honor. There is not a rule about giving different gifts so keep this in mind during your shopping. Often the Maid of Honor heads up the bridal shower and her time and effort should be appreciated as such. Amelia’s Boutique offers a line of necklaces by Dogeared featuring sterling silver designs with pearls, gems, and more. These handcrafted necklaces come with personal messages of love, friendship, and life. Additionally, a sterling silver Mariana necklace from Design in the City features and guardian angel on the backside and is made with natural minerals and stones designed to spiritually uplift the wearer.

In the end, although your bridesmaids may have different personalities, when choosing a gift, ask your yourself “Would I want that?” Chances are, if it is something that you would enjoy, some part of your bridesmaid would enjoy it as well.

Briarcliff Village is located just five minutes North of Downtown Kansas City at Highway 169 and Briarcliff Parkway. They feature over twenty locally owned shops, restaurants, and services and boast one of the most spectacular views in the city.

Available at Finishings for Her

Hello, baby!

Vera Bradley Lola has arrived as part of La~de~tots at La~de~da. The Vera Bradley baby selection is designed for our littlest Vera Bradley fans and is perfect for moms-to-be, relatives and friends.

La~de~da

8720 N. Stoddard Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153 815.505.5510 • www.ladeda-kc.com ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

43

Northlander Profile

Seeing the big picture Hunt Midwest President Ora Reynolds focuses on both the forest and the trees

By Tiffany Westphal Killoren

W

hen Ora Reynolds was a little girl, she wanted to be a translator. With parents and grandparents who spoke various languages, she was immersed in the sounds of other cultures and encouraged by her family to embrace them. You could say that, even at a young age, Reynolds was taught to look beyond the expected and challenge herself to reach for something more.

As President of Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development, Reynolds thinks big. It’s not only part of her job, but it’s how she approaches each project she works on and the possibilities that await. Being able to see that big picture is really what development is all about. For Reynolds, the people joining her on the journey are just as important as the destination.

“By putting together the right team with a diverse set of skill sets and personalities, we

44 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

have been able to see lots of success,” she says.

“I learned early in my career that if you can create a corporate culture that believes you can win, you’re going to win.”

Reynolds is responsible for directing the development, marketing, sales and leasing of the company’s industrial, commercial, retail, and residential properties. This is no small feat; Reynolds oversees business parks that cover over 1,000 acres, residential communities with thousands of lots, and the Hunt Midwest Business Center. One such property – appropriately named SubTropolis – is an underground commercial space carved out of a 270-year limestone deposit. Through the mining process, Hunt Midwest was able to create unique properties for tenants that, due to its unique position underground, saves on energy costs and provides highly competitive rental rates.

Northlander Profile “Being in the real estate development world is very rewarding in that you create the built environment,” Reynolds says. “The residential neighborhoods where people build their homes and create their family memories, the business parks where people work, the roads, trail systems and parks that connect people and the retail where people shop.”

Identifying residential development as the biggest growth area for real estate development in Kansas City, Hunt Midwest develops single family communities in multiple price points, luxury apartments, as well as senior housing.

“By adding the senior housing neighborhoods, we are now able to offer a community that offers housing options for all stages of life,” Reynolds says. “Grandma and grandpa can live nearby the kids and grandkids.”

Reynolds’ thoughtful and thorough approach to business expansion has earned her a reputation as community leader and role model for women in business. Included

by The Kansas City Business Journal in its “Women Who Mean Business” class of 2008, Reynolds’ career path was paved by her consistent results and dedication to Kansas City’s development.

“I believe that the best way for women to overcome obstacles in any industry is to work hard and smart, surround yourself with the right people, network, and seek out new opportunities,” Reynolds says. “Even if that means getting out of your comfort zone. Bottom line, I think hard work pays off, whether you are a woman or a man.”

A Chicago native, Reynolds started her career in corporate banking in Florida before joining Hunt Midwest in 1991 as manager of new business development. From there, her career took off. Instrumental in the company’s development efforts with an eye for identifying the next great real estate opportunity, Reynolds was repeatedly promoted, serving as vice president for overall real estate in 2007 and eventually to president in 2010.

Reynolds’ experiences have taught her things along the way. She has three pieces of advice for those in business who want to be the boss (and not simply answer to one). First,

Reynolds stresses the importance of working with people you can trust and who approach business with integrity. Next, she suggests finding mentors in people you admire; ask them the tough questions – even if you don’t want to hear the answers. Finally, Reynolds suggests making a plan for how you want to accomplish your goal and how best to get there.

“You have to have a plan to know where you’re heading and how you’re going to get there,” she says. “That is key whether you are an entrepreneur or running a Fortune 500 company.”

Reynolds’ awards and recognition in the community are impressive, although she’s not one to boast. In addition to serving on multiple boards, Reynolds was inducted into the 2010 inaugural class of the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. That same year, Gov. Jay Nixon selected her to serve on the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Strategic Initiative

“I believe that the best way for women to overcome obstacles in any industry is to work hard and smart, surround yourself with the right people, network, and seek out new opportunities.”

for Economic Growth Steering Committee, the stated goal of which is to provide a “comprehensive, research-based, data driven and holistic process to define Missouri’s future roadmap for economic success.”

Although some in her position of responsibility could lose sight of a work-life balance, Reynolds believes in the importance of balancing work and play. Engaged for 12 years to her fiancé, Reynolds describes the duo as “foodies” who love to explore local restaurants. And, when their busy schedules allow, they can be found in warm weather climates enjoying an ocean view in Barcelona, Tel Aviv, St. John and, most recently, Vieques, Puerto Rico. Although juggling priorities is sometimes difficult, Reynolds appears to have struck the perfect balance between professional demands and enjoying a life filled with family, friends, and challenges to look at the world in a different way – a life truly in development.

Join us for an

Easter Celebration Sunday, April 20, 2014 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.

We are a relatively new church passionate about inspired worship, spiritual development, and helping people win in life with Jesus.

It would be an honor to have you join us in the excitement that is happening at Briarcliff.

Vernon Armitage, Lead Pastor

– Ora Reynolds

1510 NW Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64118

briarcliffchapel.org

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

45

Health & Wellness

46 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Health & Wellness

“In the past, I felt I was identified by my size and not who I am. I am no longer the big fat lady. I feel new inside and out, and I am so much happier.”

– Michelle Comer, North Kansas City Hospital bariatric success story

A new lease on life

Bariatric surgery can help you recapture life with lifelong weight control

By Keenan Berghoff, MD

About the Author

Keenan Berghoff, MD, is the medical director for the bariatric surgery program at North Kansas City Hospital.

He is a board-certified general surgeon with specialized training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. He has performed well over 500 bariatric procedures.

M

ichelle Comer chose a petite size 8 wedding dress when she married her high school sweetheart in 1994. Years later, Michelle’s weight climbed to nearly 280 pounds. Simple outings like fitting in a theatre seat or a restaurant booth became impossible.

Her battle with the scale started when she became pregnant in 1994 and gained 60 pounds. Like most women, she struggled to lose the post-pregnancy pounds and the following years were associated with episodes of both weight gain and weight loss. This was also the time she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.

On again, off again dieting accelerated Michelle’s weight gain. During a conversation with a cousin in October 2012, Michelle became convinced that bariatric surgery was the answer for her. The relative encouraged Michelle to pursue her goal. “So often women put themselves on the back burner,” says Michelle, who is 37. “I decided it was time to take care of myself.”

I saw Michelle as a patient at our Bariatric Center located at North Kansas City Hospital. We offer the only comprehensive bariatric surgery program in the Northland.

The three laparoscopic procedures available include the gastric band procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass.

These minimally invasive procedures, and their benefits, are discussed at our monthly informational seminars.

A team of healthcare professionals works with each patient in the bariatric program.

Our team includes a dietitian who teaches healthy eating habits, a psychiatrist who discusses strategies for adjusting to the necessary lifestyle changes, as well as a full-time nurse and billing specialists.

Our scheduled support groups provide encouragement, assistance and ongoing education well after the surgery.

I am a board-certified general surgeon with specialized training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. I have performed well over 500 bariatric procedures.

Michelle has done beautifully after her surgery in January 2013 and is a wonderful example of how bariatric surgery can give people their lives back. She has lost 100 pounds and is close to her ideal body weight.

“In the past, I felt I was identified by my size and not who I am. I am no longer the big fat lady. I feel new inside and out, and I am so much happier,” says Michelle.

Obesity robs people of their quality of life. Weight-loss surgery can take that back as well as eliminate conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, blood clots and sleep disorders.

If you want to experience a new lifestyle like Michelle, attend one of our free informational seminars. To register, call 816-691-1688 or go to nkch.org/ bariatriccenter.

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

47

Finance: Marriage and money

Here comes the bride... ... and her debt, the groom’s loans and different finance personalities. Now what?

By David Enenbach

About the author

David Enenbach is president and founder of Enenbach & Associates Financial Consultants, a multiclient family office serving the wealth management needs of ultra-affluent families (investable net worth of $20-$25 million). A Registered Investment Adviser, he previously was president of another independent wealth management firm that represented high net worth individuals and professional athletes.

He spent 20 years as a CPA with Donnelly, Meiners, Jordan, Kline/ McGladrey.

R

emember a simple time, long, long ago, when parents arranged marriages for their children, dowries were paid, and young couples started their lives fresh and new?

I don’t either, but I hear that used to happen. Things were simpler, though. Roles were already defined; husbands earned the bread, wives cooked it. All assets were jointly titled and held – there were no individual retirement accounts yet. Estate planning just meant simple wills with everything left to the survivor. Divorces were rare, prenuptial agreements even rarer.

These days, people are waiting longer to get married (in 2012, the average age of the bride was 27, grooms were 29; compare that to 20 and 22 in 1960). So while hopefully, they’re more mature, more responsible, more ready to make that life decision, they’re also further down their financial path, more set in their financial habits, and further into savings or debt depending on their habits.

These days, getting married, whether it’s your first or second try, requires more financial work than it used to. So if you have a wedding in your future (whether as bride, groom, parent or friend), here’s some advice to use or share on how to keep money issues from being the unwelcome source of unhappiness in a marriage: As soon as possible, have an honest, “all the cards on the table” talk about finances.

Some things to cover: l Income l Spending / savings habits l Student loans l Credit card debt 48 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

l

Car loans / leases l Investments and savings l Bill paying responsibility l Hopes and fears I know somebody who didn’t disclose a bunch of debt before the marriage. The only thing that could be possibly worse would be not disclosing it AFTER the marriage. Look, money is one of the most popular sources of unhappiness in marriages. It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to have the same money philosophy, but you DO have to know each other’s philosophy and you may need to compromise. So talk about it.

Honestly. Openly. Non-judgmentally. Soon.

You’ve promised your spouse, your god, and all your friends and relatives that you’ll be together until death does you part. So plan for that day.

If you don’t have life insurance, NOW is the time to buy it. Burial costs at a minimum. Insure the wage earner (both if both spouses will be working) to replace the lost income. Buy enough to pay off the mortgage. Downsizing after the crisis of a lost spouse shouldn’t be necessary with a little planning, and proper life insurance.

As you have children, earn more, have more, increase the amount of insurance you have down the road.

Change your beneficiaries Look at your wills and trusts, IRAs, employer retirement accounts, POD (payable on death) provisions on bank accounts, life insurance policies – your spouse should probably be named as your beneficiary. Second-marriage couples need to think this one through more – children of prior marriages may need to remain beneficiaries, ex-spouses may need to

Šistock.com / Frentusha

Finance: Marriage and money

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

49

Finance: Marriage and money remain if there is unpaid future support with a Divorce Decree requirement to keep life insurance in force to cover it.

If one or both of you is changing your name, be sure to file a name change with the Social Security Administration. Failure to do so will make for a crazy bad day some day in your future (trying to board a plane, or open an account, or borrow money or get your tax refund). Go get a new driver’s license too!

Whether you’re 20, 30 or 50, getting married means you’re all grown up now – time to prepare wills, trusts and other end-of-life documents. You don’t have these in place for yourself; you have them in place for those you leave behind. Make an appointment soon to get them done.

After you get all that done, THEN you can get back to living happily ever after!

Congrats!

G! OVERSEEDIN

5 StEP tURF maNaG

EmEN t PROG Ram!

CORE a ERatIO N

“Service Is Our Product”

816.532.4720 50 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

www.pplcservice.com 6400 Five Corners Road Smithville, MO 64089

©istock.com / 4774344sean

S! Imat E t S E E F RE

Finance: Social Security

Social Security:

A woman’s perspective Women need to plan differently for retirement

By Jeff Holloway and Sean Harman, Wells Fargo financial advisors

R

egardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, Social Security will not – and was never designed to – provide all of the income you’ll need to live comfortably during retirement. At best, your income from Social Security will supplement that from other sources. So if you’re planning to factor Social Security into your retirement plan, you should learn all you can about how to enhance your benefits, and how much income you may need from other sources, to be financially comfortable during your retirement years.

For females, however, there are some unique factors to consider in the equation.

Because Social Security generally has annual cost-of-living adjustments, you have an inflation-protected benefit for as long as you live – and for women, those increases are vital since women generally live longer than men. In addition, Social Security provides dependent benefits to spouses, divorced spouses, elderly widows and widows with young children.

While Social Security is neutral with respect to gender (individuals with identical earnings histories are treated with the same in terms of benefits), the following 2010 numbers released by the Social Security

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

51

Finance: Social Security Administration Office of Research and Statistics highlight how certain demographic characteristics of women compare with the entire population:

Longer lifespan

Women reaching age 65 need to prepare for approximately 21 more years of living expenses compared with 18.6 years for men.

Females represented 57 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries age 62 and older and approximately 68 percent of beneficiaries age 85 and older.

Lower average income

The average annual Social Security income received by women 65 years and older was $11,794 compared to $15,231 for men.

Greater reliance on Social Security l

For unmarried women age 65 and older (including widows), Social Security comprised 49 percent of their total income. l Of all elderly unmarried women receiving Social Security benefits, 48 percent relied on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income.

Individual retirement plans

While participation in employersponsored retirement plans is increasing for women in today’s workforce, women generally received lower pension benefits than men due to their relatively lower earnings. Probably none of this comes as a surprise, considering that the statistics are directly related to the realities surrounding women earning less and spending more time *Source: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 2009 52 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Šistock.com / Peterfactors

Of the women who were employed full-time, 55.5 percent participated in an employersponsored public and private sector plan compared to 53.8 percent of men.

Finance: Social Security

©istock.com / C8501089

out of the work force than men.

On average, women spend 12 years out of the work force caring for others.* Women also are more likely to work at small companies that lack employer-sponsored benefit programs and hold part-time rather than full-time positions. Looking at the whole picture, one can see how these factors might tend to significantly affect women’s Social Security benefits and any retirement plan or pension plan benefits they may have accrued.

So how do women offset this gap? By getting retirement plans in place so that Social Security benefits are an income supplement and not a mainstay. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income.

To help you determine a retirement strategy that is the most beneficial for your personal financial situation, talk with your Financial Advisor.

This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Jeff Holloway and Sean Harman, Financial Advisors.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not render legal or tax advice. While this information is not intended to replace your discussions with your tax/legal advisor, it may help you to comprehend the tax implications of your investments and plan tax-efficiently going forward. The material is solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy.

Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

g n i r p S

s ’ n e wo m ns o i h fas

Great place to find your wedding trousseau and honeymoon outfits!

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

53

Fitness: Goals

Steps to your fitness success Setting goals is key to improving your health

About the author

NORTH Magazine’s Health and Fitness writer, Nick Bolton, is available to help answer any questions and get a plan in place for your wellness goals. Contact him at nick@ilivenorth.com or visit his Web site: firehousefitnesskc.com.

T

aking on a ‘mission’ without a defined goal or a plan is the same as walking out of your front door and not knowing where you’re going. If you have no plan, it’s only luck that will get you to where you truly want to be. Goals are important because they give us a direction to follow and a way to measure our progress along the way. If you have a goal it becomes easy to say whether you’ve achieved it or not. Goals allow us to succeed and success keeps us motivated.

Most people do have things they would like to do or achieve in fitness – or in life – but often they have not actually committed to them. People will join a gym because they “want to get in shape” or “lose weight.”

This seems like a good idea on the surface – but this sort of motivation doesn’t last and is difficult to sustain in the long run.

The people who have been shown to have sustained lifelong fitness are always those who have had very specific goals.

It takes time to reach these fitness goals and with spring and summer fast approaching, if you’re not well on your way to improving your health and fitness, now is the time to start in order to be ready for the warmer weather. It takes consistent and direct steps with both your workouts and nutrition to see the biggest impact on your physique.

Key steps to find success

l Decide on a goal. Having the support

of others around you can help keep you encouraged and focused. You need to get real with yourself and decide what you really want to accomplish. It also helps to make it something measurable and realistic. l Prepare a game plan. Here’s where seeking professional advice can be extremely beneficial. This can potentially 54 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

save a lot of time and money by doing things right, the first time. If you decide to go at it alone, just remember: imperfect action can still be better than NON-action. l Commit to what is important and make that a priority. Schedule in times for workouts, record what you’re eating, and seek accountability. l Stay focused and take the steps to reach your goal. Get up and do what you said you were going to do. l Accomplish your goal and set new, higher goals.

As I tell my clients, you need to find a goal that means more to you than possible temptations. When you find it, nothing can stand in the way of you reaching it. So whether you’re getting married or looking at finally getting that beach body you’ve always wanted, stay focused and take the steps you need to in order to reach it.

©istock.com / grafxart8888

By Nick Bolton

Northland News

Northlander of the Year Patty Garney was honored at a banquet in January

P

atty Garney was named 2013 Northlander of the Year at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce annual banquet held on Jan. 18 at the Argosy Casino and Day Spa. Patty has served the Northland in a variety of ways, including her current role as community liaison for the Briarcliff Development Co. Patty has also served on many boards and charitable organizations

in Kansas City including PEO sisterhood, Kansas City Presidents Organization and the Kansas City Symphony Guild.

Patty is also the co-founder of the Harvest Ball, which she started in 1986.

The organization has donated close to $7 million in the Kansas City community with the majority going to Clay, Platte and Ray counties.

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

55

Fitness: Protein snacks

Rethink your snack options

By Nick Bolton

About the author

NORTH Magazine’s Health and Fitness writer, Nick Bolton, is available to help answer any questions and get a plan in place for your wellness goals. Contact him at nick@ilivenorth.com or visit his Web site: firehousefitnesskc.com.

H

ealthy snacks for the family can be extremely hard to find these days. Most TV commercials and advertisements promote these unhealthy snacks, full of saturated fats, sugar and simple carbohydrates because they’re fast and easy. These things are overconsumed in America and add to the obesity problem that we face. Another problem with these options is that your body doesn’t know how to process these foods normally. Some people reach for protein bars because they think it’s a healthier option. While protein bars have higher amounts of protein, they’re still chalked full of unwanted ingredients including excess sugar and sugar alcohols. If speed and convenience is important, maybe you should consider whey protein isolate shakes (Powder form or Ready To Drink). There are several advantages to whey protein powder: l Whey protein is readily digests in the human body.

Most proteins are designed to be very quickly absorbed, allowing your body to maintain muscle more effectively. l If you lack an appetite and are not craving any

56 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

particular food, protein can be consumed to nourish the body at the needed times. It’s important to not go too long between meals so the body can continue metabolizing efficiently. l Whey protein contains many essential building blocks for muscle without the unnecessary simple carbohydrates, fats, sugar and sodium you find in many foods. l Whey protein can be extremely versatile as it can be added to many of your recipes to boost the nutritional value.* Remember, not all whey proteins are created equal.

Do you’re homework or ask a qualified professional before reaching for the first protein item you see. Also, remember fresh, whole foods are still the best option for a clean nutrition plan. Whey protein is intended to supplement your healthy diet by adding an option when you need a quick snack. It takes a consistent approach to see true longterm success and it starts with what you put in your mouth. *For whey protein recipes, check out www.firehousefitnesskc.com

©istock.com / deymos

Whey protein gives you a needed protein boost without unnecessary sugars

Live life well with Coach kim

Are you stuck?

What habit or behavior is sabotaging your life?

By Kim Specker, Life Transformation Coach ICF-PCC

Kim Specker is a member of the Life Coach Team at Mosaic Life Care. To learn more about Mosaic Life Care or locate a physician, service or office near you, visit www.

MyMosaicLifeCare.org.

Changing the way we care for you by changing the way we help you look at your life.

©istock.com / dmitrii_designer

WHAT IS LIFE COACHING?

Working with a life coach will help you create your own solutions for life’s challenges, hurts or barriers. A coach asks powerful questions and offers professional insight and support for the client as together they discover solutions for some of life’s challenging situations. Request your complimentary coaching session today, email Kimberlie.Specker@ MyMosaicLifeCare.org .

I

t’s that time of year when the reality of recurring bad habits or sabotaging behaviors is apparent. The New Year has come and gone and maybe you have still not achieved the goals and resolutions you created for yourself. Perhaps disappointment has set in and will power has lost its strength. If this is your story, take a couple of minutes to read some insights on how to overcome being stuck.

Can you answer yes to any of the following questions? l Do you want to lose weight and just can’t change the way you eat? l Do you begin a fitness class or workout regime and not continue? l Do you continually feel like you aren’t good enough? l Do you wish you could quit the repeating behavior that keeps you from being at your best? l Do you ever feel discounted no matter how hard you try? l Do you wonder why your poor spending habits never seem to change? l Do you wish your relationships were more fulfilling? l Do you wish you had a different job because this one doesn’t give you meaning or purpose? l Do you wish chaotic people or family members would leave you alone?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, continue reading to discover the next steps to being set free from being stuck. Acknowledgement of the habit is the first step to overcoming being stuck. The following coach-like questions can help you create defined awareness and then action items to move forward. l What is the habit getting in the way? l When does this habit appear and where? l How long has this habit been in place?

l

What is the impact of this habit on your personal or work life? l What would your life be like if this habit wasn’t in place? l Would life be better without this habit? l On a scale of one to ten, how willing are you to commit to changing this habit? l What action could you take to begin today to make a change?

After considering the answers to the above questions, if you don’t feel like you can move forward on your own, set up a complimentary coaching session with Kim Specker, certified Life Coach with Mosaic Life Care. Coaching is designed to help people create and navigate the journey of life. Awareness and accountability are some of the best tools to gain momentum to change unwanted habits or behaviors.

Set up your complimentary coaching session today by emailing kimberlie. specker@mymlc.com.

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

57

Northland Real Estate

Does remodeling pay off?

H

About the author

Audra Heller is a licensed broker in Kansas and Missouri, a REALTOR®, President of the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteer in her community. She has extensive real estate knowledge internationally and locally. She has worked for developers in Australia, throughout the United States and in Kansas City. Audra Heller & Associates is a leading real estate team in the Northland specializing in relocation, luxury homes and marketing the Northland as a great place to live, work and raise a family. You can reach her at 816-410-5892 or at AudraH@ KansasCityHomes.com

58 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

l Entry landscape and front door:

installing a steel door and having a professionally landscaped entry provides great curb appeal. Also, this is the location of a buyer’s first impression. Front doors average around $1,200 and will recoup 96 percent when reselling. l Windows: replacing old, leaking windows are a great investment. They will help update the look and feel of your home, plus provide great insulation and are low-E. You will see more than a 55 percent return on this investment Spring parade of homes If you are curious of the new interior design trends or about new construction, be sure to participate in the Spring Parade of Homes. For more than 50 years, this free event has been a great way to get ideas for your home and/or consider building your dream home. The new homes entered into the Parade are open daily beginning Saturday, April 26, through Sunday, May 11. For more information, visit www.kchba.org/ kc-parade-of-homes/spring.

©istock.com / zanyzeus

By Audra Heller

ave you watch HGTV’s show “Love it or List it?” Are you debating between selling your home and remodeling it?

If you decide to sell, you may not get as much from your home as you have invested into it. However you will be able to take advantage of historically low interest rates and great resale homes that are priced aggressively. We are turning into a seller’s market based on inventory levels in Kansas City, which mean buyers do not have the ability to low ball sellers as they might have two years ago. So if you find something you like, write an offer before someone else does!

As REALTORs®, we are repeatedly telling a seller that just because you spent $1,000 or $10,000 on improvements to your home, does not mean you will get 100 percent of that value when you sell your home. We strongly recommend contacting a REALTOR®, who is actively marketing and selling homes, along with their interior designer to tour your home and provide their professional recommendation before you start spending any money. Some improvements you may do to your home are purely for your personal enjoyment (i.e. faux painting, light fixtures, blinds/shutters, etc.). And some will help you obtain the most amount of money when you sell in the future (i.e. kitchen and bathroom remodels).

Do you know what improvements bring the most bang for your buck and won’t break the bank? Here are a few of the top ones: l Garage doors: installing doors with minimum R-12 ratings, foam insulation, thermal seals, and heavy duty steel tracks run around $2,000$3,300. This is considered one of the top improvements you can do to your home. It is estimated that you can recoup more than 80 percent.

Northland Real Estate

Your neighborhood market watch Neighborhood Sales Report for the past 13 months Neighborhood No. of Lowest Sale Highest Sale Average Sale Average DOM

homes sold Price Price Price

Briarcliff West Carriage Hill Estates Riss Lake Staley Farms The National Thousand Oaks Tiffany Greens Tremont Manor Green Glades at The Masters Shoal Creek Valley -Preserve Copperleaf Weatherby Lake Forest Ridge Estates

12 12 47 40 24 96 22 7 9 6 31 9 3

281,000 210,000 255,000 202,000 190,502 169,900 260,299 335,000 439,000 257,992 308,000 272,500 566,202

1,050,000 470,000 958,422 677,500 963,000 714,000 649,900 755,800 764,409 1,300,000 500,000 487,500 595,500

441,083 296,646 492,324 420,128 460,692 344,317 401,438 451,186 551,058 648,766 404,180 372,687 579,644

168 96 168 158 301 52 258 101 108 92 56 62 0

ILIVENORTH.COM

Disclaimer: Based on information from the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS速 or Heartland MLS for the period of Jan. 1, 2013, through Feb. 22, 2014.

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

59

Art: a big deal

A big deal Kearney artist creates room-sized pieces of art

By Cathy Kline

G

ary Staab – one of the world’s leading prehistoric life artists – produces ancient and modern animals for documentaries and natural history museums all over the world. Gary lives in Kearney, Mo., where he creates works of art that will eventually fill the rooms in which they are displayed, literally, not just with the millions who will come to see his creations.

The Smithsonian Institute and National Geographic keep him busy. In one project, Gary recreated the mummy of King Tut. “There are hundreds of artifacts from his tomb touring the world, but his mummy can’t leave the country (Egypt), so medical

60 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

CAT scans were taken of the mummy to create a 3-D model. My job was to sculpt the details of the mummy so it would be an exact replica,” Staab says.

Another commission project was the tombs of Pompeii – where Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. (burying the entire town under several feet of volcanic ash). Gary navigated the remnants to photograph and measure so he could more accurately recreate the horrific scene. Despite working on such a massive scale, Gary still cares about the little things.

“I’m not a scientist, I’m an artist, so I work hand in hand with scientists to make

Art: A big deal

Watch Gary Staab in action

You can watch Gary recreate by visiting his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/staabstudios Gary Staab studios: www.staabstudios.com

sure all the details are accurate,” he says.

“I look at papers, drawings and consider what’s relevant to the restoration — using skeletons and fossils to restore a life-like appearance.”

The two barns that house Staab’s studios feel like museums as well. His library, artifacts, fossils and dinosaur menagerie feed his stash of references. The size of his work space is huge, necessary to accommodate the scale of his work. It is not uncommon for

Gary, two staff and an intern to have five or six projects going on at any given time.

Gary’s art career started with a very simple realization. His college drawing class was assigned with rendering the animals and insects for a museum diorama. It was during this assignment that he realized he wanted to be the one to build the exhibits, not just draw them.

Gary had to design his own degree program which involved the two things he found most interesting: animals and art.

About the author

Cathy Kline’s murals can be seen at the Parkville Athletic Complex, Piropos, Zona Rosa, The Peach Tree and Burlington Creek’s Watercolors High Fashion. She is a charter member of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, a member of The Best Missouri Hands, and an active member of the Main Street Parkville Association.

Cathy Kline Art Gallery 713 English Landing Drive Parkville, MO 64152 913-449-4460 • www.cathyklineart.com

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

61

movie Reviews

About the author

The Monuments Men ★★★½

Endless Love ★★½

Winter’s Tale ★½

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 118 min.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 103 min.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 129 min.

During the late stages of World War II, the United States assembles a group of art historians to retrieve artistic masterpieces stolen by the Nazis. Travelling throughout Europe, and in many cases behind enemy lines, the group not only faces resistance from the enemy but from the allies focused on fighting and ending the war with little or no concern over lost art. Soon the group’s efforts become a race against time as they fear that Hitler, on the verge of losing the war, may destroy the stolen art. The result is a surprisingly suspenseful and touching story of a group of men who although inexperienced in combat, were willing to risk their lives to save the world from the destruction of a thousand years of culture. The group leader (Frank Stokes) is well played by George Clooney with entertaining performances from Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Cate Blanchett. Based on actual events, the movie is well paced mixing suspense, human relationships, the importance of artistic culture and the horrors of war.

A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, Endless Love tells the story of two recent high school graduates who fall madly in love. Jade (Gabriella Wilde) is the beautiful but sheltered daughter of upperclass parents.

David (Alex Pettyfer), meanwhile, was raised in a working-class family and has a troubled past.

Shortly after graduation David, who carried a torch for Jade, has a chance encounter with her. The two quickly fall in love despite Jade’s father’s (Bruce Greenwood) attempts to prevent their pursuit of one another. Jade, an aspiring physician, decides to decline an internship her father arranged in order to spend the summer with David. This decision angers her father who now takes dramatic steps to separate the two. The now forbidden love between the two begins to encounter significant obstacles followed by betrayal and tragedy. Familiar, predictable and at times “cheesy,” Endless Love will still appeal to those romanticists willing to overlook the film’s melodramatic manipulation of the audience.

Peter Lake (Colin Farrell), a thief, breaks into a mansion in the early 1900s. He is discovered in the act

by Beverly (Jessica Brown Findlay), a beautiful woman who is dying of consumption. The two soon fall in love. Peter, who once belonged to the forces of darkness, is now a part of the Universe, which sends miracles through humans who are destined to serve people in need.

But Peter is being pursued by Pearly (Russell Crowe), his former boss when he was part of the darkness.

Beverly succumbs to her illness and Pearly catches up to Peter, throwing him from a bridge to the waters below. The movie then goes 100 years into the future when Peter emerges from the waters (huh?).

With little memory of his past, Peter uncovers that past and his destiny with the help from a woman (Jennifer Connelly) and her daughter who (you guessed it) is dying. Pearly however, discovers that Peter is still alive and renews his pursuit of him.

Sound improbable and confusing? It is. Despite the movie’s star appeal, it never works. A major disappointment – save your time and money.

62 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

While Jim’s occupation is public accounting, his passion has always been movies. He fondly remembers special evenings set aside for his family to enjoy movies together as a young boy. He soon became an avid fan and is known in local circles for is eagerness to go to the theater as often as possible. Jim is often sought out for his opinions on which movies to see and created his own movie review blog. Jim is a lifelong Kansas City native and is looking forward to sharing his opinions of movies with Kansas City in NORTH Magazine.

Upcoming DVD releases March 4 • 12 Years a Slave • Hunger Games: Catching Fire March 11 • Inside Llewyn Davis March 18 • American Hustle • Saving Mr. Banks • Frozen March 25 • The Wolf of Wall Street April 14 • The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug • August: Osage County April 15 • Ride Along

ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

63

restaurant Guide Modern American

Asian – Japanese

Justus Drugstore Restaurant $$$$ Smithville 106 W. Main St. American, Modern American, organic

Tokyo Japanese Steak House $$$ Gladstone 7 NW Barry Rd. Japanese, steakhouse, sushi

Eighty Eight at The Elms $$$$ Excelsior Springs 401 Regent St. Mediterranean, Modern American

Kato Japanese $$$ Zona Rosa 6340 NW Barry Rd. Japanese, sushi

Piropos $$$$ Briarcliff Village 4141 N. Mulberry Dr. Latin American, Argentina, steakhouse Shields Manor Bistro $$$$ Platte City 121 Main St. American, seafood, steakhouse Bonefish Grill $$$ Burlington Creek 6334 N. Lucern Ave. American, seafood

Zara Sushi $$ Parkville 10925 45 Hwy. Japanese, sushi Wasabi Japanese Sushi Bar $$ Liberty 9763 N. Cedar Ave. Japanese, sushi Asian – Chinese Bo Lings $$ Zona Rosa 8670 NW Prairie View Rd. Chinese, Dim Sum

Trezo Mare $$$ Briarcliff Village 4105 N. Mulberry Dr. American, Italian, seafood

China Wok $ Zona Rosa 6048 NW Barry Rd.

The Grille by Piropos $$$ Parkville 1 W. 1st Street Latin American

Tasty Thai $$ Platte Woods 7104 NW Prairie View Rd. $$ Liberty 1912 Star Dr. Asian, Thai, vegetarian

Cork & Brew $$$ Liberty 8 E. Franklin St. American, pizza, seafood Pearls Oyster Bar $$$ Ameristar Casino 3200 American Dr. Seafood Houlihan’s $$ Zona Rosa Modern American 8660 N. Boardwalk Ave.

Taj Mahal $$ Liberty 917 W. Liberty Dr. Saffron Indian Restaurant $$ Zona Rosa 8140 NW Prairie View Rd. Barbecue Smokehouse Barbecue $$ Gladstone 6304 N. Oak St. $$ Zona Rosa 8451 NW Prairie View Rd. Barbecue, steakhouse Smokin’ Guns BBQ $$ North Kansas City 1218 Swift Ave. Barbecue Hawg Jaw BBQ $$ Riverside 4403 NW Gateway Ave. Barbecue

Seva Cuisine of India $$ Liberty 8674 NE Flintlock Rd. Indian, Pakistani, vegetarian Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine $$ Zona Rosa 7407 NW 87th St. Indian, Pakistani, vegetarian

Smokebox BBQ Cafe $$ Tiffany Springs 10020 NW Ambassador Dr. American, barbecue Burgers, wraps, Sandwiches Longboards Wraps & Bowls $$ Gladstone 6269 N. Oak Trafficway $$ Liberty 1173 W. Kansas St. Hawaiian, Teriyaki Jersey Boyz $ North Kansas City 315 Armour Rd. Sandwiches, subs

Little Store & Deli $ North Kansas City 2107 Knox Breakfast/brunch, burgers, sandwiches, subs Philly Time $ Briarcliff Village 4151 N. Mulberry Dr. American, burgers, sandwiches LC’s Hamburgers Etc. $ Platte Woods 7612 NW Prairie View Rd. Hayes Hamburger & Chili $ Gladstone 2502 NE Vivion Rd. The Cafe at Briarcliff $$ Briarcliff Village 4125 N. Mulberry Dr. American, burgers, sandwiches

Comfort Food Stroud’s $$ Kansas City 5410 NE Oak Ridge Rd. American, fried chicken Corner Cafe $ Riverside 4541 NW Gateway Ave. $$ Liberty 8301 NE Flintlock Rd. American, breakfast/ brunch, diner Roxanne’s Cafe $ Parkville 6264 Lewis Dr. American, breakfast/ brunch Nelle Belle’s Diner $ Claycomo 150 E. US 69 Hwy. American, breakfast/ brunch, diner

Margarita’s

Serving Breakfast 9am-1pm on Sunday’s at Select Locations!

amigos

www.MARGARITASAMIGOS.com

Asian – Thai

Asian – Indian

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque $$ Ameristar Casino 3200 Ameristar Dr. Barbecue

GOING BACK TO MARTIN CITY-APRIL 2014 DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY Chicken Hard Taco & Cheese Enchilada ON SPECIAL!

TUESDAY Ground Beef Hard Taco

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

SUPER! SUNDAY KANSAS CITY NORTH (816) 468-0337 7013 N. Oak Gladstone, MO

64 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

WEDNESDAY Ground Beef Soft Taco

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

THURSDAY A La Carte Burritos

ON SPECIAL!

All Weekly Specials!

LIBERTY (816) 781-3031 1910 Victory Drive, Suite B Liberty, MO

JOHNSON COUNTY (913) 631- 5553 7890 Quivera Lenexa, KS.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Taco Salad

Fajitas!

Fajitas!

Fajitas!

$2 OFF!

ON SPECIAL!

LOCATIONS DOWNTOWN (816) 931-4849 2829 SW Blvd.

Kansas, City, MO

MARTIN CITY

Opening April 2014 13401 Holmes Rd.

Kansas City, MO

restaurant guide French Avalon Cafe $$$ Weston 608 Main St. Cafe des Amis $$$ Parkville 112 Main St. Italian Cascone’s Italian $$$ Kansas City 3737 N. Oak Tfwy.

Italian Bravo Cucina Italiana $$ Zona Rosa 7301 NW 87th St. Italian Cafe Italia $$ Parkville 160 English Landing Drive Italian, seafood, steakhouse Mexican Ixtapa Mexican Cuisine $$ Zona Rosa 7130 NW Barry Rd. Margarita’s North $ Gladstone 7013 N. Oak Tfwy.

Rancho Grande Cantina $ Parkville 11015 NW MO-45 $$ Liberty 921 W. Liberty Dr. El Maguey $ Gladstone 7831 N. Oak Tfwy.

Tortilla Flats $$ Gladstone 3716 NE Antioch Rd. American, Mexican, Southwestern

El Chupacabra Mexican Grill $ North Kansas City 2417 Burlington St.

Van Till Farms $$ Rayville 13986 Hwy. C Wood-fired pizza, wine

Luna Azteca Mexican Grill $$ Tiffany Springs 10004 NW Ambassador Drive Mexican, Spanish

Kelso’s Pizza $$ North Kansas City 300 Armour Rd. American, pizza, sandwiches

Jose Pepper’s $ Metro North 511 NW Barry Rd. In-a-Tub $ Kansas City 4000 N. Oak Tfwy. $ Gladstone 5939 NE Antioch Rd. $ Platte Woods 8174 NW Prairie View Rd. Pizza Dish – Famous Stuffed Pizza $$ Liberty 846 S. MO-291 Pizza, sandwiches, subs Stone Canyon Pizza $$ Parkville 15 Main St. $$ Zona Rosa 8630 NW Prairie View Rd. American, pizza, sandwiches, subs Leo’s Pizza $ Gladstone 408 NW Englewood Rd. Pizza, sandwiches Minsky’s Pizza $$ Zona Rosa 7007 NW Barry Rd. $$ Gladstone 221 NE Barry Rd. $$ Liberty 205 N. State Route 291 Italian, pizza, sandwiches, subs

Pizza Shoppe $$ Liberty Pizza 8584 Church Rd. $$ Platte Woods 6640 NW Prairie View Rd. $$ Gladstone 9329 N. Oak Tfwy.

Pub Food Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum $$ North Kansas City 323 Armour Rd. American, pub food, sandwiches 54th Street Grill and Bar $$ Liberty 9251 NE Barry Rd. $$ Gladstone 303 NE Englewood Rd. $$ Zona Rosa 7200 NW 86th Terr.

Pub food

Helen’s J.A.D. Bar and Grill $ North Kansas City 2002 Armour Rd. Burgers, pizza, pub food

Conrad’s Restaurant and Bar $$ Liberty American, seafood, steakhouse 210 State Hwy. 291

Dirk’s Sports Bar and Grill $ Zona Rosa 8132 NW Prairie View Rd. American, pub food

810 Zone at Harrah’s $$ Harrah’s Casino 1 Riverboat Dr. American, pub food

Crazy Olives Bar and Grill $$ Argosy Casino 777 NW Argosy Pkwy.

American, burgers, Italian Rusty Horse Tavern $$ Parkville 6325 Lewis St. American, burgers, pub food

Brick House Cafe & Pub $$ Smithville 111 N. Bridge St. American, burgers Nick & Jake’s $$ Parkville 6325 Lewis Dr. American, pub food

Steakhouses Em Chamas Brazilian Grill $$$ Burlington Creek 6101 NW 63rd Terr.

Brazilian, steakhouse Journey Wood-Fired Steaks $$$$ Argosy Casino 777 NW Argosy Pkwy.

Steakhouse Range Steakhouse $$$ Harrah’s Casino 1 Riverboat Dr. Steakhouse Ventana Gourmet Grill $$ Excelsior Springs 117 W. Broadway St. Burgers, Italian, steakhouse

Celebrating 60 ears in the Northland

Paul & Jack’s Tavern $$ North Kansas City 1808 Clay St. American, burgers, pub food The Brass Rail $ Gladstone American, burgers, pub food 4940 NE 81st St. Tanner’s Bar and Grill $$ Gladstone 6024 N. Antioch Rd. American, burgers, pub food

Private dining room for large parties Full Servicing Catering Menu for homes and offices 3733 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64116

816-454-7977 | www.cascones.com ILIVENORTH.COM

|

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

|

65

the last Word

A future Olympian in the Northland JD Dintino is a good bet to bring home the gold in golf

By Phil LeVota

About the author

Phil LeVota is a local trial attorney who has been involved in politics for more than 25 years. As a longtime prosecuting attorney before going into private practice, Phil has been involved in the community for many years. He has held many elected positions and is a board member of a domestic violence shelter, while also being active in the metro area and nationwide as a radio talk show host and television commentator/ analyst. He recently won an Emmy Award for his work on hosting the TV program “Power of KC.”

W

e all know that being an Olympian doesn’t happen overnight and the athletes who win medals have been working for that moment all of their lives. And even though the Olympic Games are on the other side of the world, a young man in Kansas City displays the same dedication and talent necessary to become an Olympic athlete. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal Winner in Golf: 9-year old-James Aaron Dintino II or ‘JD’ for short.

When JD was 2 years old, his mother, Wendy, bought him his first real set of golf clubs.

The three club set consisted of a driver, a nine iron, and a putter.

JD’s family lived on a large lot and he started off by hitting golf balls in the yard. When JD was 3, his father, Jimmy, introduced him to other sports like football, basketball, and baseball. JD didn’t show much interest in those, but he would hit golf balls for hours.

In spring 2009, Wendy signed JD up for a summer-long golf camp at Danny Madsen’s camp at Staley Golf and Country Club. Madsen said JD took to instruction very well and JD Dintino that he had a very natural swing.

That summer, Dad decided that he ought to pick up the game of golf to keep up with his son.

One day the next spring, Wendy started to feel dizzy.

She was diagnosed with a benign meningioma, a tumor surrounding the central nervous system in the brain. The family remained positive because they were told it was operable and there was a 99 percent chance of removal and back to a normal life. But when surgeons attempted a cerebral embolization procedure to shrink the tumor by cutting off the blood supply, the unthinkable happened: Wendy suffered a massive stroke and died in the hospital.

After the tragedy of losing his young wife, Jimmy had to explain to his 5-year-old son that his mother had died. Jimmy said he leaned more on JD that summer than JD did on him. Father and son helped each other through the tragedy and Jimmy dedicated himself to spend every day over the next year with his son. Every day Jimmy would ask his son, “What do you want to do

66 | N O R T H M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 4

today?” And every day the answer was the same, “Golf, Dad!” So every day, they golfed. JD golfed and golfed and golfed; maybe to help with the pain of losing his mother or maybe as therapy to deal with the grief.

And as JD golfed, he started making a name for himself. Older child athletes were noticing his game as well as many of the members of the country club. As he progressed, JD wanted to play with the older kids for the competition. Every year in August, Staley Country Club has a Club Championship as well as a Junior Club Championship for golfers 8-17. Seven-year-old JD wanted to enter the junior event but Dad said, “You can’t, you’re too young.”

Dad actually knew JD could play with the older kids but was a little concerned that the competition might be too difficult and JD might lose his confidence. However, JD was persistent and Madsen gave JD an age exemption and let him enter. At the age of 7, he won the Junior Club Championship.

JD continued his golf game under Madsen’s tutelage and later came in won five consecutive tournaments to claim the Kansas City Region of the United States Kids Golf Player of the Year status, which gives him an automatic entrance into the European Invitational Golf Championships in East Lothian Scotland held this May and also the World Championships in Pinehurst, N.C., in August. The golfers in these tournaments are future Olympians.

While golf hasn’t been played in the Olympics since 1904, the International Olympic Committee has decided to reinstate the sport for the 2016 Summer Olympics, just in time for JD to start training.

Jimmy says he wishes he could take credit for JD’s golf skills, but he doesn’t try to because Dad knows where JD got this passion – from Wendy. JD plays for her and every time he finishes a tournament, JD talks about his mother to his dad.

You can’t be an Olympian with just physical talent. It takes the athleticism, the dedication, the willpower and courage. Our young Northland golf superstar has all of that but also the class and the heart of a champion.