Northland, MO September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

SEPTEMBER 2020

SCHOOL DAZE MEET THE HERO TEACHERS OF THE NORTHLAND DREAMING OF TRAVEL? LET THE EXPERTS HELP.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

School is in session DEAR READERS, Do you hear school bells? Whether they are happening virtually or in person, the kids are back to it, and we are all praying that this grand experiment in education and public safety pays off for our youth. For this issue, we wanted to highlight the heroes of the school year—our teachers.

Rachel Murphy | rmurphy@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rachel C. Murphy CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Elwell

We are lucky in the Northland to have three fantastic school districts, as well as the parochial system and several other private or religious schools from which to choose. In our feature story, we meet several teachers that went above and beyond when faced with the shutdown. They learned on the fly and are prepped to handle anything that comes their way.

We also meet a few artists that are working just as hard in their home studios as they are in the classroom in our Artist Palette this month. With mixed media, murals, and pottery, there's plenty of art to go around.

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

I'm a big advocate of lifelong learning, but there's something so special about

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

the years of our lives that we totally devote to the pursuit of knowlege. If you're

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

a parent during this time, I salute you. Working parents have such a tough job

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

right now, especially when our choices have such consequences. And for the

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

teachers out there—you're amazing. Thank you for being willing to go to extraordinary lengths for our kids.

Have a great school year!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Rachel Murphy, Editor

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Level up your snack or lunch game with a kid-friendly grazing platter. Learn to build your own on page 16.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ELWELL 4

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland 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 Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Invisalign® Day! September 24, 2020 • 12 PM - 4 PM FREE iTERO SCANS!

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• First 10 people to Agree to treatment on event day receive $500 OFF* treatment. *Does not include Invisalign GO or Express cases.

INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 16 Snack Attack!

Build a better lunch or afternoon snack—and feel like a superhero parent

20 Teaching from Experience Northland art instructors draw on real life experience in the field

34 Heroes on the Front Line Northland teachers go above

16 20

and beyond in the face of uncharted territory

34

12

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Travel Destination

16

Food & Wine

20 Artist’s Palette 26 Healthy Lifestyle 30 Locally Owned 38 Lifestyle Calendar 42 Parting Thoughts

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GOOD TIMES

Symphony Sundays The Kansas City Symphony has been busy all summer bringing music to the people. On July 19th, Macken Park hosted the KC Symphony's brass quintet to an enthusiastic audience seated on blankets and chairs in the open air.Â

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

AROUND TOWN

HILLCREST PLATTE COUNTY TAKES GALA ONLINE Hillcrest Platte County, like many nonprofits, is in more demand than ever. As they help financially vulnerable populations, the need for donations has never been greater. While much of their fundraising traditionally comes from events, such as their yearly gala, the ongoing COVID pandemic has shuttered in-person efforts. Instead of going without a gala, this year, they will take the gala online.

Stay at home in your comfy pants as you bid on auction items on their gala website, or donate whatever you can in denominations as small as $50.

The Gala is slated for October 3 and registration is required in order to bid on auction items. Visit the site at https://e.givesmart.com/events/h90/.

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

at

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

Start the vacation

early ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

IN AN AGE WHERE THE INTERNET IS AT OUR FINGERTIPS IN NEARLY EVERY SITUATION (I’M LOOKING AT YOU, BATHROOM GOOGLERS), IT’S EASY TO THINK TRAVEL AGENTS HAVE GONE THE WAY OF THE DODO BIRD. Quite the contrary!

When there are limitless options planning can soon overwhelm and travel agents become an essential part of any vacation.

Recently I chatted with Maralee and Abigael Striker, owners of Magic Mouse and Off to Anyland Travel and asked them the benefits of working with a professional travel agency.

+ FLEXIBILITY

A travel agent can plan your entire vacation from A to Z offering guidance on specific destinations to making payments on your behalf to vendors you choose be it a hotel, all-inclusive resort, or cruise.

+ REPRESENTATION

As we all learned this year, sometimes things go sideways. Why sit on hold for hours when your agent has a direct connection to vendors and will advocate on your behalf? Agents specialize in finding the best deals and researching amazing and memorable experiences.

And for those mid-trip disasters like a lost passport or missed connection, a good agent can help smooth the way to resolution quickly.

TRAVEL AGENTS CAN SAVE STRESS AND ALLOW YOU TO RELAX FROM THE START 12

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

+ IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE

The Striker’s have been to the Walt Disney World Resort more than

+ SAVE MONEY

300 times. THREE HUNDRED TIMES! Not only are agents travel

Think a travel agent is pricey? Think again. At Magic Mouse,

expertise. Not into Disney? No problem. Longstanding agencies have

agents are paid by a commission from the vendor, not you. Often

a large network of specialists to ensure you are paired with the best

agents can find hidden pricing promotions that are unavailable

agent for your dream vacation. As Maralee says, “It’s important each

to the public because of their connections and access to agency

family understands our responsibility is to plan the perfect vacation

exclusive rates and discounts.

to suit their wishes. Well meaning friends and family can offer advice

experts, they are also expert travelers and each has their area of

and the internet affords myriad options all of which can overwhelm anyone. We work side by side with guests to design the perfect itinerary and alleviate information overload.

+ SERVICE

Want to dine with Elsa? Done. Hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley? No problem. Agents can reserve experiences you didn’t even know existed and love exceeding client’s expectations. My takeaway as to what travel agents bring to the table – peace of mind.

When getting ready for your next adventure e-mail lifestyle@magicmousetravel.com CityLifestyle.com/Northland

13

FALL INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON Stop by and check out our selection of Fall clothing and home décor.

YOUR DONATIONS & YOUR PURCHASES SUPPORT CHILDREN & ADULTS IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

Freedom to Learn From the classroom to your home, there are untold possibilities in an Oakhill education.

Now enrolling students Pretoddler (18-months) - 8th Grade!

Our dedicated teachers have created a learning environment that addresses the needs of today's students.

It is our goal to:

- Challenge students to achieve their personal best - Inspire real-world solutions through innovation - Provide instruction tailored to students' needs - Know and value the unique traits each child brings

Tour one or both of our campuses located in the heart of Gladstone, Missouri Learn more at oakhilldayschool.org/explore | 816.436.6228 Find us on Facebook facebook.com/oakhilldayschool

Oakhill Day School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the school. Oakhill does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, se x, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its ed ucational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

Stone-Cold Stunning There is something stone-cold stunning about the millennia-old artistry of stone masonry. With today’s thinner and lighter stone veneers you can retain stone’s artistry and sense of permanence. Our showroom is your quarry. Our stonemasons are your artists. Your home’s interior or exterior is your canvas.

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CityLifestyle.com/Northland

15

FOOD & WINE

Choose fruits and veggies that can be cut up into approachable shapes and sizes. A small cookie cutter transforms kiwi to flowers or melon slices to stars for a whimsical touch.

Dips don't have to be bad for you! Trying making ranch dip with greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Sweetening natural peanut or almond butter with honey is another win.

Bring on the crunch. Chips are a hard pass but organic popcorn, whole wheat crackers, and Inner Peas are great options for a crunchy mouthfeel while still getting in whole grains.

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY ELWELL

Snack Attack!

BUILD A BETTER LUNCH OR AFTERNOON SNACK—AND FEEL LIKE A SUPERHERO PARENT

16

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

For treat items, look for healthy options like Unreal Crispy Quinoa Gems. They may taste like crispy M&Ms but they're colored using fruits and vegetable juices.

SCROLL THROUGH INSTAGRAM AND YOU’RE BOUND TO FIND GORGEOUS IMAGES OF ELABORATE CHEESE BOARDS, RIPE FOR THE PICKING. They’re works of art—full of a variety of textures and flavors, with the added benefit of feeling a touch fancier than your average cheese plate. Sarah Juenemann and her company, Grazing KC, is the mastermind behind some of Kansas City’s most beautiful spreads. And while many of those grazing boards are aimed at more sophisticated palates, there’s plenty of room to get creative for your kids’ virtual learning lunch or after school snack.

Juenemann created this board for Northland Lifestyle with kids’ tastes in mind, including healthy options like fresh organic fruit and veggies, with plenty of color and crunch. She also included some nostalgic favorites like PB&J on Farm-to-Market Pair a smart blend of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates like this blend of apples, cheese, and turkey breast. Apple slices as the bread in a sandwich? Yes, please!

Grains Galore bread, whole wheat Goldfish crackers, and real-fruit Yoyos for a tangy, fruity treat.

Adding dips gives kids the opportunity to make their own flavor combinations, she says.

Putting together a board like this can be a fun way for you to work with your kids to have fun with their food and take a break from the computer.

Thanks to Sarah for showing us how it’s done!

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

17

Home is Everything.

Experience personalized assistance throughout your mortgage loan process and local service for the life of your conventional loan.

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

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19

teaching

ARTIST’S PALETTE

from experience NORTHLAND ART INSTRUCTORS DRAW ON REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD.

WHOEVER SAID, “THOSE WHO CAN, DO. Those who can’t, teach.’ was processing some trauma. Many of the best teachers in the Northland teach from a place of realworld experience. While they still may be able to crank out a mean syllabus, these four art teachers are walking the walk and passing on lessons based in reality to their students. Meet four artists that are in the trenches of creating in the real world.

MIXED MEDIA andrea lee

Andrea Lee, Ph.D. is more than just the assistant professor of art and curator of the Campanella Gallery at Park University. She’s also a talented mixed media artist that blends textiles such as doilies or quilting squares with acrylic paint to create multilayered pieces that speak to the contributions of women through the ages. She also works in collage, which blends paper adhered to canvas.

Lee says that much of her recent work features birds, butterflies, and pollinators, as she works through creations that address environmental issues and the ongoing fight for pollinators and a healthy environment.

Lee says that she tells her students to follow their hearts but with open eyes when it comes to commercial art as a career.

“This is not a career that you walk across the stage at graduation and you hand an employer your diploma. Some of my students do want to teach, as well. So I encourage them to have a plan for their career, but to still explore. I’m biased, but I believe that we have some very talented students,” she says proudly.

She also encourages her students to create space for themselves to create art once they are in the real world.

“Even if it’s a small space where they can be creative and have their art supplies, that they can allow themselves that creativity. It’s a practice, just like anything else. It doesn’t grow without the opportunity to practice,” she says.

20

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY As an adjunct professor, Lynn RichardsonLudwigs teaches at both Park University and Maple Woods Community College. Although she teaches a variety of classes, she feels most comfortable with a pencil in her hand, creating lifelike faces and bodies.

Richardson-Ludwigs took an unconventional path to teaching, receiving her undergraduate degree in art, and then devoting the next 30 years to being an international flight attendant

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

DRAWING

lynn richardson-ludwigs

and mother. During that time, she also procured her Master’s degree in fine art, which she said was the optimal way to study.

“When you can go look at the Louvre for inspiration, it makes studying pretty easy,” she laughs. “I was able to visit most of the major galleries in the world during that time.”

While drawing is where she feels most comfortable, she says that she’s still exploring new mediums all the time.

“I went to an exhibit by William Wiley, who was a local artist who died about a year ago.

He said, ‘Before I die, I want to try it all.’ And in this exhibit were drawings, sculptures, ceramics, everything. And I thought, you know, that’s me.” she says.

What draws her to, well, drawing? She says the devil is in the details.

“I like the small details of the figure and the face. I like people with a lot of character. And some of my work borders on the surreal, such as a series called the Wedding Party, where the characters in a wedding party are all fish. But even when surreal, they are detail-oriented.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

21

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Art is personal for Laura Lenhert. She has taught students drawing, design, and ceramics at Park Hill High School by day for 28 years but by night, she creates custom ceramic platters and ornaments adorned with hand-painted images of clients’ homes, favorite cities, and pets.

She started her business in 2006 but art has always been a part of her life.

“I really like to make connections with people and to create art that is sentimental. I started making the personalized platters that have people’s homes on them in 2006. For my father’s birthday, I gave him a platter with his childhood home on it. He was so emotional when seeing his home. I realized it connected a memory of family for him that was special.

I like creating that for people. It does not matter what the house looks like it is the connection to a memory,” she says.

While Lenhert has made a go of art professionally, she really just wants to impart an appreciation of art and craft to her students.

“My goal is for my students to have an appreciation for art and for anything handmade. It is not important to make art your profession but instead to use creativity in your everyday life. My hope is that they create something that gives them joy,” she says.

POTTERY

laura lenhert

22

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

Holly Distefano loves working large. As an elementary art teacher, she may stick to 8 by 12 inches most of the time, but outside of class, she’s more comfortable doing what we all tell our kids not to do—paint on the walls.

Distefano found her calling after taking a break from teaching to raise her kids.

“I got a little bored staying home and started experimenting with the decorative arts—faux finishing, etc. I ended up going to a couple of schools to master the techniques and working with home builders. Then I started painting the walls in my kids’ rooms, challenging myself to work large since I had always worked in fine art type projects,” she says.

People started to take notice, and she quickly gained a following, painting murals of dinosaurs, sports teams, and even beer label reproductions in larger than life sizes on walls around the city.

Most recently, she completed a mural on the seventh floor of Union Station for a project open to graffiti artists and muralists. She chose an image that had a message of acceptance and unity, featuring large faces, something that she’s been working on perfecting.

When school comes back, Distefano will be moving to a new role—arts education for special education students. This new position will allow her to dip her toes into art therapy, helping kids dealing with a rapidly changing world cope in creative ways.

MURAL

holly distefano

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

23

Stone-Cold Stunning There is something stone-cold stunning about the millennia-old artistry of stone masonry. With today’s thinner and lighter stone veneers you can retain stone’s artistry and sense of permanence. Our showroom is your quarry. Our stonemasons are your artists. Your home’s interior or exterior is your canvas.

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

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E A T

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

KEEP YOUR PLATE IN STYLE WITH THESE FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU LOOK + FEEL GOOD

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

P R E T T Y

H E A LT H Y /// CARROTS

EYES

/ / / S W E E T P OTATO E S /// PUMPKIN /// BUTTERNUT SQUASH VITAMIN A IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECTING THE CORNEAS OF OUR EYES. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.

26

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

/// FLAX SEED /// WALNUTS /// CHIA SEEDS /// FISH

H E A LT H Y SKIN Did you know that vitamin A is also imperative for skin health? So while you’re caring for your corneas, you’re also boosting your outer glow. If you want to kick it up a notch, be intentional about eating plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce acne and inflammation and help your skin produce its own collagen.

For your healthy fats, go for flax seed, walnuts, chia seeds, and fish.

/// EGGS /// BROCCOLI

HAIR

/// SPINACH

H E A LT H Y

/// SALMON

For soft, flowing tresses, make sure you’re getting an equal amount of B vitamins in your diet. We naturally get plenty of B-6 because it’s in most grains, but it’s easier to end up with a biotin or B-12 deficiency if you don’t pay attention. Focus on foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and broccoli for a healthy balance of B vitamins for your hair.

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

27

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

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29

LOCALLY OWNED

T H E W E L LGROOMED POOCH ZUMA’S MOBILE GROOMING TAKES THE LEG WORK OUT OF KEEPING YOUR PETS TIDY WRESTLING A CAT OR A TRAVEL-SHY DOG INTO THE CAR IS NO ONE’S IDEA OF A GOOD TIME. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the option of being able to groom your pet at home without the hassle or mess of doing it yourself? Enter Zuma’s Mobile Grooming. This new addition to the Northland prides itself on expert care in the most convenient spot of all—your driveway.

Zuma’s Mobile Grooming is owned by Kristine Bunch, a local entrepreneur that knows talent when she sees it. When she met her head groomer, Heather Elwing, she knew she had the right fit.

Elwing says that she found her calling while strolling the base when she was in the U.S. Army.

“I was stationed at Fort Bragg and I was walking near the parade grounds where the 30

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY ELWELL higher ranked officers lived. I saw this poodle that had all the bracelets on and a show cut. And I said to myself that that was what I wanted to do when I got out,” Elwing made good on her goal, getting jobs at PetSmart bathing dogs. From there she apprenticed with a very good friend and learned all there was to know about grooming. Through several apprenticeships, she became adept at soothing and calming animals that might otherwise hate the grooming process. Twenty-six years later, after a break to go to college, a foray into journalism, and a realization of how much she loves grooming, Heather has become the master.

CONTINUED >

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LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Now, Heather spends several days each week bathing and primping the pets of the Northland. The full grooming package includes a brush out and de-shedding, a hydro massage bath with premium shampoo and conditioner, towel and blow drying, nail trimming and filing, hair trimming around feet and pads, ear cleaning, and ear plucking, light feather trim, and cologne upon request.

Additional

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shaves, flea and tick treatment, dental care, hot oil treatments, and even de-skunking.

Elwing will truly do all the work that you don’t want to. She handles dogs of all sizes, cats, and the occasional bird.

Although Elwing loves what she does, she’s excited to welcome another groomer to the team so that they can expand Zuma’s reach. She’s also planning on opening a grooming school within the next two years.

Until then, she’s happy in her luxury van, meeting the animals of the Northland six days a week. For more information about

Zuma’s

Mobile

Grooming,

Zumasmobilepetgrooming.com.

32

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

visit

Heroes on the Front Line

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

NORTHLAND TEACHERS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND IN THE FACE OF UNCHARTED TERRITORY

MARCH 2020 CAME IN LIKE A LAMB BUT WENT

OUT LIKE A WOUNDED ANIMAL. For many, the pandemic and its ensuing shutdown was a blindside—working parents were left scrambling to care for kids that should be at school. Teachers were left in the limbo of how to teach when their students were trapped in their computers. 2020 was a lesson for us all.

But among the ashes of the last semester were glimmers of hope—teachers that went the extra mile and found ways to connect with their students in unique ways. Here are four educators or educator teams that weathered the storm and are ready to tackle the fall of 2020 with the same hope and vigor that they would any other year.

NATALIE ORTIZ—GRACEMOOR ELEMENTARY, NORTH KANSAS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT When you’re a student, learning is your job. When you’re an ELL (English Language Learner) student, learning in another language is even tougher. For ELL teacher at Gracemoor Elementary Natalie Ortiz, the jump to distance learning in March was one that challenged her.

“There were a lot of students that I was concerned about. There are language barriers in a lot of these kids’ families. Not everyone has access to the internet for distance learning. It’s not like they could just go to the library to get online. So I checked in with all of them and made sure that they were all okay. A lot of their parents still had to work [outside the home], so I made sure of who they were staying with. I tried to help families get internet access because some companies were offering it for free, but I also didn’t want their parents to sign up for something they would have to cancel or jump through hoops for when there’s a language barrier. I tried not to complicate life for them any more than it was,” she says.

34

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

Natalia Ortiz

While Ortiz was working to keep kids safe and connected, she was also trying to help in other ways. She started sewing cloth masks, to sell them to raise money for a fund that will help families in need through the school. In all, she raised $1000 to be distributed to families.

And those kids that were leaving Gracemoor and the ELL program? They got doorway graduations, complete with Pomp and Circumstance, summer gift baskets of activities, and socially distanced celebrations.

ANNIE RUSTHOVEN—LINE CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, PARK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT Annie Rusthoven is an encourager at heart. That’s part of what got her into teaching in the first place.

“I like the relationship element of working with and getting to know people, so not only working just with my students but with their families and my other co-workers. I like being an encourager. That just felt very natural to me. I enjoy getting people excited. As I got more into the program, when I

“I like the re lationship element of working with and getting to know people, so not only working just with my s t u d e n t s b u t w i t h the ir familie s and my o t h e r c o - w o r k e r s .”

was in college, I just really loved like seeing things that were

Annie Rusthoven

difficult and realizing that, okay, we can work through these things that are difficult for kids,” she says.

Rusthaven acknowledges that there are benefits as well as drawbacks to distance learning. While it was hard dealing with the inconsistency of communication, many students thrived in a self-directed environment.

“One of the benefits was for learning to be a little bit more individualized in that they could go at their own pace. When they were ready for something more, they could hop on a Zoom that I had opened and they could say, ‘I’ve finished this or have been working on my writing piece, but I’m not sure what to add.’ For kids who were go-getter learners, it was a significant benefit for them to grow if they took that opportunity of seeking other benefits. If they prefer a quieter learning environment, or if they prefer doing something for a little bit and having a less structured schedule. If a student doesn’t have the stamina to read for 30 minutes, but they can read for ten and then they can work on something in math, there’s flexibility there for kids,” she says.

As much as she can see the benefits, Rusthoven is still anxious to get back in the classroom and meet her new class.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland 35

HEROES ON THE FRONT LINE (CONTINUED)

Kristin Forsen

“ M o r e t h a n e v e r, a s educators , we are c o l l a b o r a t i n g . We h a v e to share and pick up new skills quickly and be more professionall y d e v e l o p e d t h a n e v e r. “

The Math Moms

KRISTIN FORSEN—SECOND GRADE, OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL Kristin Forsen had never taught an online class before March 2020, but when thrown into it, she kept what she knows to be relevant at the center—connection.

“I knew that I wanted to keep relationships with my students at the forefront and keep our classroom running consistently the way that we would be online as best as I could. So I just wanted to keep building relationships with my kids. And I think we had an amazingly quick turnaround. More than ever, as educators, we are collaborating. We

THE MATH MOMS—ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL

have to share and pick up new skills quickly and be more profession-

Things are always stronger in threes—earth, wind, and fire. Peter,

ally developed than ever. We all just jumped in to help each other.

Paul, and Mary. Kelly Wilson, Kathy Bonadonna, and Patti Pearson—

We obviously have a lot of people who are really good at technology.

the Math Moms of St. Pius X.

Then there’s those of us that needed extra tutorials, and we just help each other with that,” she says.

This trio of math teachers has shared a hallway for years, taught each others’ kids over the years, sharing teaching ideologies,

Learning new technological ways to connect with her kids

and checking in on the best ways to communicate complex ideas

was important to Forsen. Using apps like FlipGrid, she was

with their students. When the shutdown came, they dove in headfirst

able to connect individually with her students and allow them

to teaching a subject that requires an understanding of the process

to express their creativity through videos, emojis, and conver-

through a medium that is occasionally limited by bandwidth.

sation-starting questions. She even staged virtual scavenger hunts and dance parties for her kids.

They may be skilled mathematicians, but initially, the technology was daunting. But math doesn’t bend to viruses. Math goes on.

“I feel like I really got to know my students as thinkers, even more,

“We worked more hours that first couple of weeks than we ever

because of just the way that virtual learning works with the way that

had. We had tech issues, but we figured it out. And then we decided,

they had to type their answers or come up with a different way to

we’re the math department and we’re going to teach as much as we

share their video and responses. That way, I really felt like I got to

ever did. A lesson a day, which was hard, but we did it,” says Wilson.

know them, even more than I would have done in-person learning just because we were all growing in this new way together,” she says.

36

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

Each teacher recorded videos of themselves teaching the theory, which for some students, was helpful.

“I fee l like I reall y got t o k n o w my s t u d e n t s as thinkers , even more , because of just “If you were struggling with something, you could go back and watch it over again. It was probably more beneficial for some students. We didn’t teach live, but we would have a Zoom call to answer questions, and we could work things out on the board,” says Bonadonna.

Grading, though, was more difficult. Apps that the trio had introduced their students to as aids were soon being used to do the work rather than check the work. Giving partial credit is part of grading math homework, which is made even tougher by unclear copies being turned in.

While some schools didn’t allow grades to drop after dis-

the way that v ir tual learning works with the way that they had to t ype their answers or come up with a di fferent way to share

tance learning kicked in, the Math moms were not so lenient.

All three teachers expected students to show up, participate, and learn to the best of their ability. And they did.

Now, they are ready to get back in the classroom, as all of

their video and responses .“

our teachers are. While safety measures are important, not one of the teachers spoke of the fear of going back to school.

Quite the opposite. They all expressed a strong desire to get back into the classroom and be able to connect with their students again. And that’s what makes them heroes. Thanks to all the educators out there!

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LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

10 CHRIS FOSTER

Johnnie’s Jazz Bar and Grille

Live solo guitar and voice, featuring Latin Jazz, and Jazz Standards performed in a Charlie Byrd style.

11 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Belvoir Winery and Inn

Your ticket includes a full dinner, appetizers, two drinks at the bar, and the show! Payment is required at the time of ticket reservation, and tickets are non-refundable. Dinner theater seats are chosen by the ticket purchaser at the time of purchase. The bar will be open for the duration of the event.

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Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery

Join Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery

owner-winemaker

Shriti

Plimpton and chef Pete Dulin for a night under the stars. Dine on a three-course dinner with wine pairings on Fence Stile's spacious patio.

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Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

$65 (includes tax and gratuity).

25 SAUCED AND LOST— BEER AND WINE FEST Liberty Corn Maze

Guests will have a chance to find their way through one of our corn mazes while stopping at each of the

craft/specialty beer or one of our wine varietals.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance and include your admission and a koozie to keep. Each ticket is for a specific time slot.

26 NORTHLAND MOTHER'S DAY 5K/10K

STORE CLOSING

English Landing Park

Rescheduled

from

the

spring,

this event will raise money to purchase school supplies for children in need at The Back to School Fair held in August. This certified 5K/10K course was designed by runners for runners.

26 THE GLADSTONE CAR-STRAVAGANZA Linden Square

Enjoy an all-classes car show in the heart of Gladstone. Proceeds from the event support the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

26 BEER YOGA AND LIVE MUSIC The Landing Eatery and Pub

The last Saturday of the month will be our yoga class as the Landing is partnering with Serenity on The Square here in Liberty. Class runs from 9:30-10:30. The $16 fee is payable in advance to secure your spot. Stick around for lunch or more beverages and receive an additional

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UP TO

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OFF

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CONTINUED >

8640 N Boardwalk Ave • Kansas City MO 64154 816.587.6020 • www.jewelrybymorgan.com CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

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CALL KOALA SLEEP CENTERS OF NORTH KANSAS CITY AT 816-897-0746 TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION WITH DR. WILLIAM BUSCH! 40

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you!

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41

PARTING THOUGHTS

The Shor t Trailer

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY We bought the trailer from another family, and their joy at passing it on to another young family was palpable. They had raised five kids and had upgraded to a larger mobile home, but they remembered great times at Yellowstone and in Destin, Florida, with their family squeezed into 27 feet of space and a whole world to explore. I was touched at their enthusiasm and excited to see where it would take us.

But as we started the extensive cleaning process, their memories seemed to come to me with each mismatched LEGO that I found, candy wrappers, surely smuggled into the back bed by mischievous boys, and finally, the sparkle of my latest find—a congratulations card.

The blue glittery front flap proclaimed how proud the giver was of the receiver. A high school career was complete, and they were so excited about the future. It was sweet and uncomplicated—a bit of paper heralding the gateway between exploring under the wing of their family and taking flight on their own.

And although it wasn’t meant for me, I felt its message just the same. Congratulations, it seemed to say. You’ve decided to show your girls around the world, even if it’s different than you imagined.

Now, as we plan for updates and start to

42

THE CORNER OF THE CARD CAUGHT MY EYE—A BIT OF

pin ideas for where we want to go, I thank

GLIMMER SPARKLING IN THE SHADOWS OF A HALF-

that family for passing along the next way

OPENED DRAWER. I was cleaning the new-to-us travel trailer that

our family will grow together. My eldest

we bought after months of staying at home, dreaming of flights that

daughter can’t wait to go camping, even

will never happen to countries that don’t want Americans. As a trav-

though she doesn’t understand what it

eler at heart, the last few months have been tough for me. But after

entails. She gained a sense of adventure

much looking, a perfect travel trailer fell in our laps and we leaped

from her mother, and we’ll all find out what

into the RV world.

lies down the road—together.

Northland Lifestyle | September 2020