Issuu

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

MAY 2020

Celebrating Women

INTRODUCING LEAWOOD ARTIST, AUDREY BENSKIN

LEAWOOD WELCOMERS

READY TO RACE WITH NASCAR'S JENNIFER COBB

Silver Linings In trying times, we find comfort in family, friends and familiar places. We also search for silver linings. New beginnings. Unexpected opportunities. Reconnections. If you have plans to refresh your favorite home retreats, we invite you to consider the silver lining of Seville Home and the unprecedented savings we are passing directly to you from our finest home furnishing partners. Be strong. Be safe. And we hope you are finding many silver linings.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Jane Preuss | jane.preuss@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Letter from the Editor OUR MAY ISSUE CELEBRATING WOMEN IS ALWAYS A FAVORITE ISSUE OF MINE TO PUT TOGETHER. I have been blessed with an abundance of positive female role models in my life who I continually look up to for guidance, wisdom and truth. One of my favorite qualities in so many women in my life is the ability to be confident in oneself but at the same time recognize the beauty and talent in other women and call out greatness in them. Women

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul Versluis | paul.versluis@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

can tend to be competitive with each other, perhaps unintentionally, and at times I think we

Angela Broockerd, Riley Cowing, Alan Goforth, Lisa Moyer

can forget how great it feels to build each other up. I have always believed in encouraging and

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

empowering the people in my life, but my favorite little lady, my daughter Lilly, taught me years

Janie Jones, Paul Versluis

ago how impactful it can be to make an intentional effort to encourage strangers, too. When Lilly was four, her favorite thing was to tell every woman she came across that they were beautiful. It first started at drive-thru windows. When we would pull up to pay or get our food, without a doubt, her window in the back would immediately unroll so she could declare out the window to whoever was on the receiving side, “I think you are beautiful!” The response was always the same. Immediately the woman receiving her complement would genuinely light up with a beaming smile and shower her with gratitude. Occasionally some would get teary eyed or taken back and would let her know just how much they needed to hear that. This eventually turned into a regular occurrence wherever she went, and every female Lilly encountered got her sweet declaration, “I think you are beautiful!” At first I just thought it was cute that she was saying this to every girl she came across,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

but then I started to notice the impact it had on everyone. It was such a simple thing to

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

say, but it changed every single person’s demeanor. So many of these women needed

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

to hear that they were beautiful because no matter what the world says is beautiful,

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

there is beauty in all of us. And I know Lilly believed that. Even the women who looked like they may hear it all the time reacted with emotion. Barriers were broken down, and warmth immediately followed. This went on for years, and it gave me one of the first glimpses into her character that is still true today. In a world that thrives on competition, let’s take the time to encourage each other, appreciate the beauty in everyone and lift each other up, perhaps even a stranger. We all need each other. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

I think you are beautiful! Love, Angela

Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood ON THE COVER Painting of granddaughters by Audrey Benskin 6

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 10 Support Local! Let's help each other

16 Leawood Welcomers Enriching Women’s Lives for Six Decades

20 Ready to Race Behind the scenes with racecar driver, Jennifer Cobb

26 20

26 Behind the Brush Leawood artist, Audrey Benskin

10 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Our Town

26 Artist’s Palette 32 Open House 37 Realty Report 38 Parting Thoughts

Renew-Restore-Regenerate

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SUPPORT LOCAL! PP

ORT

LOCAL B US

SUPPORT LOCA

LOCAL BU S

IN UPPORT LOCA S S L

S ES

ORT

P UP

support local!

OUR TOWN

LET'S TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER. OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES NEED US MORE THAN EVER.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

DURING

THIS

UNPRECEDENTED

TIME? There are so many various industries affected by Covid19, and we are looking for ways to support the businesses that often support us. Our local businesses do so many things for our community and now is the time for us to give back to them. Countless times our businesses step up to sponsor our school events, area fundraisers and give to important area outreaches. Let’s find ways to show love to the businesses in our community. Here are some ways that some of our area businesses are finding ways to still offer services.

SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS WITH CURBSIDE TO- GO Support your local restaurants by ordering curbside. This isn't a comprehensive list by any means, but here are a few in our area that are offering curbside meals to go: Andrè's - Hawthorne

LEAWOOD FAMILY CARE

Plaza, Blue Chip Cookies of Leawood, Bristol Seafood Grill, Burg

We are committed to providing excellent care to our patients while

and Barrel, BURGERFI, Burnt End BBQ, Corner Bakery Cafe, Costa

also considering the health and safety of our patients, physicians,

Vida Mexican Grill, Fiorella's Jack Stack, Firebirds Wood Fired

and staff. We understand the fear and concern surrounding

Grill, Gates Bar-B-Q, Hereford House, Houlihan's, La Bodega,

COVID-19. We are here for you, and we know your concerns, so we

Louies Wine Dive, O'Neill's Restaurant and Bar, RA Sushi Bar, Red

are making life a little easier. Telehealth visit is now available. You

Door Grill, The Roasterie Café, rye, Shake Shack, Sullivan's

are able to connect with our physicians and nurse practitioners

Steakhouse, Talk of the Town Leawood, Ya Ya's Euro Bistro

from the comfort of your home by requesting an appointment.

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

PRAIRIEBROOKE ARTS We can’t wait to have art lovers back in our Downtown Overland Park gallery. In the meantime, our art consultants are working virtually with clients designing art for corporate and residential art projects across the city. See you at the gallery soon. In the meantime, stay tuned for special promotions and updates on our popular Spring Trunk Show at www.pbarts.com.

CHILDREN'S MERCY

THE KANSAS CITY ZOO

During this rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, Children’s Mercy is taking all precautions to protect our patients, families

Bringing the Zoo to You

and staff. Angela Myers, MD, MPH, Children’s Mercy Director,

You can still visit the Zoo while we're closed because we are bring-

Division of Infectious Diseases, has tips for social distancing

ing it right to your home with fun and educational online content.

during this challenging time.

Please follow us on social media (the links can be found at the

“Even if you and your family are feeling well, it is important to

bottom of this email) as we will be posting even while you are

stay home,” Dr. Myers says. “This is the time for you to catch up on

unable to visit. Catch our Facebook Lives daily and see what the

your Netflix or play board games with your kids or make brownies.

animals and our amazing staff are up to.

Do all the other fun things you can think to do while at home.” In addition to avoiding crowded areas, Dr. Myers also reminds

You can also watch our penguins and giraffes 24/7 with our animal cams! https://www.youtube.com/user/kansascityzoo

everyone they need to be washing their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol hand gel. For additional information on how to keep you and your family safe, visit childrensmercy.org.

PrairieBrooke Arts

The Kansas City Zoo

ELITE PHYSICALS Concierge care is the secret to what sets Elite Physicals apart from its competitors, and it is also what is making Elite not only survive but thrive during this troubling time. Through the executive physical, patients and their families are able to utilize concierge care for any health-related issues that arise throughout the year. After a patient receives their results, they have immediate access to specialists and to primary care through Dr. Neal Erickson and his team. The team utilizes any communication platform the patients request to get them the care they need, all while respecting the need to avoid crowds and embrace social distancing.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL PARTNERS The current coronavirus pandemic and corresponding stock market volatility creates a lot of fear for Americans. As the owner, CEO and president of Strategic Financial Partners Kansas City, I have 32 years of experience helping clients weather the storm, and I strive to make lemonade out of lemons. Proper financial management is helping our clients through this scary time, with diversified

how can you help our local businesses?

Purchase a gift card from a local store to use at a later date. This gives the local business revenue to utilize now and gives the customer something to look forward to spending at a later date.

portfolios that consist of annuities with guarantees, fixed income, and high-quality US dividend paying equities. Rebalancing at this time helps to harvest tax losses that can be used to offset gains and lower taxes. Stocks with stop loss provisions provide exceptional security. Products that provide guaranteed income for life are extremely reassuring. We have increased our personal communication with our clients because we care. We want to work

Write a positive review for your favorite local spots. So often we visit locations and don't think of writing a positive review for that company. A positive review can boost the company's ratings and may encourage someone to be a future client or customer.

with them and build lifetime relationships because to us, they are family. Call 913-322-9177 or email is beckert@sfpkc.us.

it from the rooftops! Personal referrals are one of the best ways to obtain new clients or customers. Share on your social media pages about why you love a favorite local business and make a conscious effort to refer your favorites to your friends and neighbors.

nesses. Think beyond just curbside pickup.

Sign-up for local online instructional classes from local musicians, artists and more. Now is your opportunity to learn from incredibly talented people and support them financially

IN 12

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

POR

T LOCAL BU SIN

US P P O R T LOCAL!

UPPORT LOCA S S L

S ES

SUPPORT LOCA LS

at the same time.

LOCAL B US

website to discover ways to support local busi-

ORT

Visit the Leawood Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Financial Partners

Do you love a local small business? Well shout

Neither asset allocation nor diversification guarantee against loss. They are methods used to manage risk. All guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Financial Advisors do not provide specific tax/legal advice and this information should not be considered as such. You should always consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/ legal situation. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding any funds or stocks in particular, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Bill Eckert is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Securities and investment services are offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member of FINRA/SIPC. SFP is independently owned and operated. 4000 West 114th Street, Suite 180, Leawood, KS 66211. 3015084 DOFU 032020

“The same health and wellness program developed by Dr. Neal Erickson for the Sporting KC elite athletes can be yours through a year-long, concierge wellness program that sets a new standard for what executive healthcare should be.”

Coach Vermes,

Manager and Sporting Director

Elite Physicals offers the most thorough physical exam and concierge medical service in the country!

365 Days of Elite Health Care ⚫ Exclusive medical concierge service ⚫ DNA testing and cancer screening ⚫ See up to 15 medical providers during an

8-hour physical ⚫ Full access to your own private medical team ⚫ Personalized exercise and nutrition plan ⚫ Pinnacle experience with the highest level of

medical expertise at your fingertips

Contact Us: Phone 913.293.9668 | info@elitephysical.com facebook.com/elitephysicals | instagram: @elite_physicals www.elitephysicals.com

support local by visiting

MISSION FARMS E N J OY P U R E FOOD & DRINK Order online or call! Your body will thank you!

DINING Blue Koi Enjoy Pure Food & Drink Martin City Brewery Pizza & Tavern Paros Estiatorio

F U S I O N F ITN E S S

GAL L E RY V F I N E ARTS

Call for your art consultation.

913.341.3483 • galleryvfinearts.com Special commissions, pet portraiture and custom jewelry design.

PAR O S E STIATO R I O

Greek Fare with a modern twist www.parosleawood.com

Rye Tavern at Mission Farms

R ETAI L Elite Cycling Eye Style Optics Gallery V Fine Arts VanBrock

S E RVI C E S Arvest Bank

shop local

Better Homes and Gardens CryoSalon Fusion Fitness Gymboree Play & Music New You Health Studio

XI P H I U M S A LO N

Gift Certificates for Mother’s Day! Order online @xiphium.com

Saint Luke’s Multispecialty Clinic Xiphium Salon

VAN B R O C K

Don’t forget about your graduate! Let us wrap and deliver something special! We are just a FaceTime, email, or phone call away! 913.341.7273

www.mission-farms.com

106th & Misson Road, Leawood, KS 66211

Leawood Welcomers ENRICHING WOMEN’S LIVES FOR SIX DECADES ARTICLE LISA MOYER

LEAWOOD WAS RANKED LAST YEAR AS THE

both new and long-time residents to meet and

BEST SMALL CITY IN AMERICA FOR THE

participate in social activities.

SECOND YEAR IN A ROW BY WALLETHUB,

“Our members improve and enrich the lives

SO OUR TRADE SECRETS ARE PROBABLY

of women in the Leawood area through activity

OUT IN THE OPEN NOW. But for more than 60

groups, luncheons, parties and club functions,”

years the women in the Leawood Welcomers club

says Joanne Varriano, publicity chairman. “If

have extolled Leawood’s virtues. Their love of the

you’re interested in opportunities, making new

area has caused them to share some common zip

friends and having lots of fun and laughter, then

codes, but more importantly, to share their lives.

Leawood Welcomers is for you.”

Formed in 1958 by neighborhood women

Varriano joined the club after her daughters

and local developers, Leawood Welcomers

left for college. “My neighbor had been a mem-

originally greeted new residents and provided

ber for years,” she says. “She encouraged me

information about community activities. Today,

to join Leawood Welcomers to fill the gap my

this neighborhood-sisterhood brings together

daughters had left.”

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

Varriano, a retired physical therapist, says that she moved to Leawood after her husband completed his residency, and they decided to stay. “The people in Leawood are like-minded, friendly, motivated, and happy. We liked the schools, churches, safety, size and nearness to Kansas City.” As past president and current chairman of Travels Near & Far, Varriano says she enjoys welcoming women into the club, which doesn’t require a big commitment or a big pocketbook. “It’s not a philanthropic organization, and the membership cost is just $25 per year. It’s open to women living in zip codes 66206, 66207, 66208, 66209, 66211, 66223, and 66224 or to any woman who’s previously lived in Leawood. You don’t have to live in Leawood proper—just in these zip codes.” Current president Carol Besselievre says her friends in the club have been essential to her well-being. When her husband passed in 2016, she moved to Leawood from California where she’d lived for 25 years. “I just love these wonderful women,” she says. “They’ve done so much for my livelihood.” With 133 current members (including Mayor Peggy Dunn), Leawood Welcomers meets regularly throughout the year, scheduling three luncheons, two coffees/teas, and weekly/monthly events in members’ homes, clubhouses and restaurants. The luncheons occur in October (Fall), December (Holiday) and April (Spring) and include an enlightening or entertaining program. (Interestingly, last year’s fall luncheon featured emergency management experts informing residents how to stay safe in their homes and prepare for emergencies and disasters.) The coffees are scheduled for September and May. “We have a coffee coming up on May 20,” Varriano says. “This would a great time for anyone interested to see if we’re a good fit for them. New members can indicate the groups or activities they’re interested in, and the chairperson will contact them to discuss their involvement.” Day/evening groups are available September-May. Current groups include cards/games, book reviews, crafts, movies, travels, restaurants/happy hours, and singles/couples’ outings. Varriano says the club is open to new groups and activities and “continues to evolve.” “We hope that women in the Leawood area looking for friendship and fun consider joining our group,” Varriano says. “We make it easier to get together and form friendships. Join us and get acquainted with your Leawood neighbors.” leawoodwelcomers.com CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

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READY T O R A C E

JENNIFER COBB HAS BEEN IMMERSED IN THE RACECAR DRIVING WORLD SINCE 3 YEARS OLD AND SHOWS NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN.

ARTICLE RILEY COWING

Photo by Isaac Rubio

FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE SPORT, RACECAR DRIVING APPEARS TO REQUIRE A BLEND OF COURAGE TO GO FAST WITH AN ABILITY TO KEEP HOLD OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND MASH THE GAS PEDAL. Professional racecar driver Jennifer Jo Cobb notes that there’s more to it than meets the eye. “You’re chasing tenths of seconds,” Cobb says. “So the leader could be running a 29.0 second lap, which is one time around the circuit. You’re running a 29.5 second lap, and you’re in 25th place. You’re trying to find one or two tenths more to improve. The driver has to guide the crew to find clues for what the car wants in order to go faster. You’re trying to push the car to its limits without going over the limit and wreck it. It’s actually very stressful.” She adds, “It takes a lot of focus, but it takes a lot of calculating—what you’re feeling in your hands, in the steering wheel, what you’re feeling in the seat that the car is doing—is there a slight vibration? Is there a wiggle? You’re trying to diagnose so many different things while maintaining focus, while maintaining courage and praying for that wisdom that you’re conveying the right message back to your team.” Cobb’s father was a racecar driver, so she was exposed to the racing world at 3 years old. She described it as a lifestyle—working on the racecar, friends coming over and volunteering to help her dad and going to the race track on the weekends. When she started competing herself, the experience was like her dad said—you can’t describe the feeling. “It’s like being on a rollercoaster that you control,” she says. “It’s this really amazing relationship with the racecar, with the speed, with the potential danger, with the focus, with constantly trying to improve.” 20

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

Photo by Aaron Farrier of Paradigm Racing

Photo byAaron Farrier of Paradigm Racing

Photo by Aaron Farrier of Paradigm Racing

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

READY TO RACE (CONTINUED)

Cobb grew up racing weekly at Lakeside Speedway and I-70 Speedway, which were sanctioned as NASCAR grassroots tracks. She had been racing for 10 years when the Kansas Speedway was built, and she felt Photo by Aaron Farrier of Paradigm Racing

ready to race in the big leagues. When she had the opportunity to race in the ARCA series (the next level from local racing to NASCAR, according to Cobb), it became clear racing was more than just a hobby. “That’s when it really turned into a business for me because I was able to find sponsors and then take the money to existing teams because I was now no longer racing as a hobby, for my dad, just working on racecars in the garage,” she says. “I was meeting teams and becoming involved in the national scene and ultimately realized that if I had money, I could do this both on the business side and on the driver side.” In addition to racing, she shares her story as a motivational speaker. She also created Driven 2 Honor in 2011, a charity that honors women in the military. She hopes to show young girls who might not have the means for college or career education that the military is a viable option. The most rewarding part of the sport is the people she has met throughout her career. “Being on the race track and experiencing the thrill and the adrenaline is a little bit selfish,” she says. “So when I get to do things like what I do with the motivational speaking, it just feels like such a purpose.” This year marks Cobb’s 10th season as a full-time NASCAR driver and team owner. Her career has had its ups and downs, but she finds motivation to persevere in her faith and the power of other people around her. “I’ve been knocked on my butt more than a few times, to the point where it would’ve made total sense just to give in and to give up,” she says. “But every time I made the concrete decision not to give up and to forge forward—no matter how tough the circumstances were, whether it be financially or from a defeated standpoint of not quite being where you want to be—every time I decided to forge forward, some sort of a breakthrough happened.” 22

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

Photo by Isaac Rubio

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Bill BillEckert Eckertisisa aregistered registeredrepresentative representativeand andinvestment investmentadvisor advisorrepresentative representativeofofSecurian SecurianFinancial FinancialServices, Services,Inc. Inc.Securities Securitiesand andinvestment investmentadvisory advisoryservices servicesare areoffered offered thth through throughSecurian SecurianFinancial FinancialServices, Services,Inc. Inc.Member MemberofofFINRA/SIPC. FINRA/SIPC.SFP SFPisisindependently independentlyowned ownedand andoperated. operated.4000 4000West West114 114 Street, Street,Suite Suite180, 180,Leawood, Leawood,KSKS66211 66211 3015079 3015079DOFU DOFU032020 032020

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ARTISTâ€™S PALETTE PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

MEET THE A R T I S T: AUDREY BENSKIN

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

LOCAL ARTIST, AUDREY BENSKIN, CREATES HER MASTERPIECES OF BRIGHT, BOLD COLORS ON CANVASES FROM CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND MEMORIES FROM HER TRAVELS ACROSS THE GLOBE. With a degree and background in design, she has a talent for creating works of art in a variety of media, many of which are commissioned pieces. She and her husband raised their family in the Shawnee area before moving to the Leawood area. Her artwork has been on HGTV Bargain Mansions with local designer, Tamara Day, and she is also featured with designer Jenny Manka of Manka Interiors.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

ARTISTâ€™S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

LOCALLY FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1979 Large Groups or Individual

“ART NURTURES MY CREATIVE SPIRIT AND MAKES FOR A MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN MY LIFE.” BUSINESS • LEISURE • AIRPORT • SPECIAL OCCASIONS HOLIDAYS • SPORTING EVENTS • CONCERTS

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56 Passenger Motor Coaches TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED AS AN ARTIST. I always felt that as soon as I was able to hold a crayon at a young age, I immediately enjoyed creating art. That love

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I am a contemporary abstract artist. My paintings are associated with a bold color field. I tend to paint on larger canvasses with colors giving a creative energy in which the painting can dance in every room and give movement. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS? WHO DO YOU GAIN ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FROM? Honestly, I love all artists. Some of my favorites are Henri Matisse, Helen Frankenthaler and Richard Diebenkorn. I could go on and on with famous artists. I do have pieces of artwork on display in my own home from local artists Babe Atha, Lou Marack and David Gross. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT MATTER TO PAINT? I enjoy painting mostly figurative and balanced forms outside in nature, rock formations, landscapes, seascapes, animals and everything else. HOW HAS ART ENRICHED YOUR LIFE? Art nurtures my creative spirit and makes for a more beautiful place in my life. To learn more about Audrey Benskin or to view more of her work, visit AudreyBenskin.art.

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

Pr e s e r v i n g y o u r a s s e t s , p r o t e c t i n g y o u r f u tu r e

2019 is almost over Letting dental benefits expire is a waste of perfectly good money to use towards maintaining your dental health. It is always easier and cheaper to maintain good oral health than it is to repair the damage once it has done. Since your dental health benefits expire at the end of each calendar year, all of your unused benefit dollars will be lost unless you complete your procedures before the end of the year. We know and understand that this time of the year can get hectic, but making your dental health a priority will have you looking and feeling confident heading into the season of holiday parties and seeing out of town relatives!

P L E A S E C AL L O U R O F F I C E T O DAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT B E F O R E I T I S T O O L AT E Take advantage of your health benefits. At the Dental Care Center, we are committed to the

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CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

OPEN HOUSE

“DO IT RIGHT. BUILD TRUST ONE ROOM AT A TIME. RIGHT IS RIGHT.”

CMP CONSTRUCTION IS COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE ARTICLE ALAN GOFORTH PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES 32

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

CHRIS VAN HORN RECENTLY INSPECTED A REMODELING PROJECT THAT ONE OF HIS CREWS WAS WORKING ON. Their work was OK—but OK is not up to his standards. “I walked them through, told them to redo it and showed them why it was not exceptional,” says Van Horn, owner of CMP Construction in Olathe. “I asked them, ‘Do we want to be like everyone else or do we want to be better?’” This commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is why CMP has a sterling reputation for quality and value. Richard Carrothers, president of the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park, trusted CMP with a challenging project. “Chris Van Horn isn’t the cheapest contractor you can use, but he is one of the most reliable,” Carrothers says. “I trusted Chris with a million-dollar remodeling job that had to be done in 28 days. Everyone but Chris told me it was impossible to do in that length of time. Not only did he do it, he did it with a day to spare. When Chris tells you something, you can believe it. You can trust his word and his work. He will do an excellent job for you.” Van Horn, who has more than two decades of construction experience, started the company in 2016 and later bought out his partners. Its seven full-time employees work on projects across the metropolitan area, although primarily in northern Leawood and Overland Park. Although CMP will tackle any remodeling project, Van Horn is especially proud of its bathroom and kitchen expertise. “Room additions are neat, but they are only square footage,” he says. “Our bathroom and kitchen projects are really cool. We can add a lot of pizzazz in a small space and do things to maximize utility.” Van Horn listens to his customers and then offers several options that fit their budget. “For the most part, people come with a need or desire to update or remodel and don’t really know what it costs,” he says. “If a client will just tell you the budget, the contractor is much more capable of giving the proper advice and the right kind of estimate, so everybody benefits.” As the old saying goes, customers usually get what they are willing to pay for. “There has been a lot of competition recently because the economy is good,” Van Horn says. “One guy came in at $8,000 on a project, and I said, ‘man, good luck, because you have $7,800 worth of materials.’ As a homeowner, how do you choose between me and the other guy? The only way is to be sure they are licensed and insured, check references and ask to go out and see some of the projects they have completed.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood 33

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

If CMP is not the right fit for a project, Van Horn will refer them to a company that is. He also gives back to people in need, especially military veterans. Last year, he gave a substantial discount on a project for a disabled veteran of the Korean conflict. The bottom line for homeowners is to find a remodeler they can trust who will complete a project on time and on budget. Van Horn has been successful by following three simple rules: â€œDo it right one time, build trust one room at a time, and right is right.â€? Completed projects can be seen at cmpremodel.com. For a complimentary in-home consultation, call 913-839-9234.

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

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913 - 4 3 8 -7 3 0 5 / RoyalDoor.com / 13 920 W. 10 8th Street , L enexa, KS CityLifestyle.com/Leawood 35

A Toast to Tusks August 28, 2020

7:30pmâ€“Midnight

Revel in creative black-tie attire and help us fundraise for our 1,700 animals. Enjoy cuisine from fine restaurants and the following musical acts: DJ Joe Brookes

Cory Phillips

Jazz for Good

DJ Joe Straws

Lost Wax

KC Aerial Arts

DJ Kirby

The Zeros

Fun Pianos! Dueling Pianos Show

For tickets and more information, visit JazzooKC.org

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

L E AWO OD

SOLD PRICE %SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

LEAWOOD

$1,849,000

$1,590,000

85%

101

5.2

HALLBROOK

$1,599,000

$1,499,000

93%

7.2

HALLBROOK

$1,389,500

100%

253

5.1

PAVILIONS

$975,000

$870,000

89%

251

4.2

ROYSE

$699,000

$685,000

98%

5.1

LEAWOOD LANES

$679,000

$660,000

97%

3.1

TUSCANY RESERVE

$675,000

$650,000

96%

2.1

ROYSE

$685,000

$639,300

94%

4.1

WATERFORD

$679,000

$630,000

92%

4.1

AIORMTREE MANOR

$635,000

$615,000

96%

4.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. 2020 STATISTICS from 3/1/2020 TO 3/31/2020. * DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

PARTING THOUGHTS

PACK YOUR SMALL SPACES WITH A BIG PUNCH BY STARTING YOUR OWN CONTAINER GARDEN

IT MAY BE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH SPACE TO WORK WITH; MAYBE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON-THE-MOVE; OR, MAYBE YOU JUST SIMPLY WANT SOME GREENERY TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF COLOR TO YOUR SPACE. It doesn’t matter what your reason may be. Container gardening—the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers rather than in the ground—is a great way to pack some punch into a small (or portable!) space.

Save some space by building your garden vertically instead of horizontally. If you’re running out of room indoors, try placing your pots on an old bookshelf or baker’s rack.

JALAPEÑO

CILANTRO

ONION

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN 38

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2020

THAI BASIL

BELL PEPPER

BROCCOLI

GREEN ONION

pizza garden

TOMATO

stir - fr y garden

salsa garden

Try these container garden combos: BASIL

OREGANO

GARLIC

ROMA TOMATO