Northland, MO February 2020

NorthlandLifestyle.com

FEBRUARY 2020

The Arts and Makers Issue

LUZICKA BALLET TURNS OUT SERIOUS DANCERS

NORTHLAND MAKERS CREATE

DIVE INTO BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2020 PUBLISHER

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

The Art-filled Life DEAR READERS,

Rachel Murphy | rmurphy@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Kaylee Mitchell LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Stout

February can be a a tough month in Kansas City. Things are still a bit dreary and

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

the newness of the year has worn off. What we need in February is a little inspira-

Ashley Elwell

tion. Et voila! Our Arts and Makers issue is here to help!

This issue was a lot of fun to produce. Our feature story is the stuff that little girl dreams are made of—I was honored to spend time with the owners of Luzicka Ballet. As a girl, I took ballet (spoiler alert: I was not very good) and as a young adult, I learned to dance the tango. Art through movement is very near and dear to my heart and watching these pros mold and shape the next generation of classically trained ballerinas was a pleasure. It was even more encouraging to hear that they have a class of nine boys as well. Someone has to partner in all those pas de deux!

I also can’t wait to go visit Driftwood Ceramics for a date night. McKenzie Stanley has created quite the atelier for those curious about clay. A day trip to Sugar Whipped Bakery in Plattsburg (page 32) for patisserie and an evening creating a

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

new coffee mug for my collection sounds pretty romantic to me.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

As this year progresses, I encourage you to find what inspires you, whether that’s

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

music, visual art, a craft project, or new hobby and explore! There are so many

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

opportunities in our own neighborhoods. I hope this Valentine’s Day finds you in love with your life.

Warm hugs,

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2020

FEATURES 16 The Potter's Wheel Driftwood Ceramics offers a way to get your hands dirty--and like it

24 A New Attitude Classical ballet evolves, drawing new audiences with blend of art and athletics

24 16

32 Make Something Great Northland artisans hone their crafts

36

32 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Locally Owned

20 Page Turners 36 Renovate & Refine 38 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES 1.

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25th Annual Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball On December 7th, co-chairs Mrs. Lisa Sirridge and Mrs. Regina Klepikow, transformed the Muehlebach Tower for the Sugar Plum Fairy Ball.

Guests enjoyed the KC Youth Ballet and a luncheon. Emcee Christa Dubill honored DeVette Ashley for her vision of this event 25 years ago.

Then, everyone enjoyed the matinee performance of The Nutcracker performed by KC Ballet. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY F. LEVENSON

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1. Regina Klepikow, Lisa Sirridge and Grace Lewis (chairs of Children’s Ball) | 2. Artistic Director Devon Carney, emcee Christa Dubill and Executive Director Jeffrey J. Bentley | 3. Grace Dubill, Meredith Dubill, Molly Dubill, Christa Dubill, (little one) Sophie Dubill | 4. Susan Bubb, Megan Bubb with daughters Rosie and Ellie (left to right) | 5. Tony and Michelle Twyman with daughters Taylor and Aubrey | 6. Megan Cameron, Marguerite McClinton, Warren Stoglin, Lillian Stoglin, Erin Andrew, Bridgette Andrew, Ivana von Hofman, Lillard Ashley…DeVette Ashley | 7. Back Jeana Stanley, Megan Thurman, Lauren Dreher, Kathleen Osbern, Katie Seymour, Kristin Osbern, Claire Brand. Fr: Lainey Thurman, Hannah Seymour, Adele Osbern | 8. Dr. Loren Whittaker, her niece Maye Whittaker, Sophie Welker and her mother Pam Welker | 9. Lewis and Harper Galloway, Chris and Elizabeth Longly, Ty and Reece Hudson

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

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GOOD TIMES

8th Annual Henson's Heroes Stuff the Bus Holiday Toy Drive Henson’s Heroes celebrated its 8th annual Henson’s Heroes Stuff the Bus Holiday Toy Drive for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Henson’s Heroes was started in October of 2012 by two neurosurgery patients of Children’s Mercy Hospital to provide toys and comfort items to kids undergoing treatment. Priority Care Pediatrics both collected toys and helped to stuff the bus this year.

1.

2.

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1. Dr. Beardman of Priority Care Pediatrics | 2. Priority Care Pediatrics staff | 3. Caleb Wolf and Raegan, co-founders of Hensen's Heroes

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

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February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

11

AROUND TOWN

FENCE STILE WINERY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF PIQUETTE CHAMBOURCIN Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery announces

The 10th Annual Expressions Art Exhibition

the release of Piquette Chambourcin on Leap Day,

showcases artists with disabilities, celebrating their

February 29, 2020. Available in 375-milliliter bottles,

abilities and unique talents. Expressions strives to

this Piquette features estate Chambourcin grapes

promote artists with disabilities by featuring their

harvested in 2019 from Fence Stile’s vineyards.

work in professionally organized art exhibitions and

Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery is the first

offering innovative educational and networking

known Missouri winery to release piquette. Piquette,

workshops that connect them to the broad regional

a centuries-old technique used by French farm-

creative community.

hands and ancient Greeks, is made from the sec-

The 2020 Expressions Art Opening and Reception

ond pressings of grape pomace. Winemakers in

will be on March 6, 2020, at Rochester Brewing &

Oregon, California, and New York’s Finger Lakes

Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., Kansas

region have begun production of piquette.

City, MO, and the exhibition will remain on display

“Piquette is young and refreshing and meant to

at multiple venues through February 2021. This

be consumed immediately rather than aged,” says

event is free and open to the public and there will

Fence Stile owner and winemaker Shriti Plimpton.

be refreshments and entertainment provided. For

“Sharable and easy-drinking, our piquette is fresh,

more information, visit TheWholePerson.org/

effervescent, and dry with hints of spice and tart

news-events/special-events/expressions/

berry from the Chambourcin grapes.”

Fence Stile winemaker Shriti Plimpton used a low-intervention natural approach to produce

SPRING YOUTH COED LEAGUES NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

piquette. No sulfites, a common preservative,

Gladstone Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts

were used in the small-batch production. Piquette

are excited to begin the registrations for Spring

Chambourcin is unfiltered to maintain its natural

Youth Coed Leagues this month. Save some money

body, color, and subtle flavors and aromas.

by registering your child during our new Early Bird

THE PEDALJETS RELEASE NEW ALBUM ON FEBRUARY 14TH Kansas City jangle-pop/rock & roll band The Pedaljets are gearing up for the release of their

registration period.

Volleyball - Boys and Girls 4th through 8th grade will learn the basic fundamentals while practicing and playing organized games. Regular Registration: now – February 21st.

new LP, Twist The Lens, out February 14th. Since

Soccer - Kids ages 5 years- 8th grade will

announcing the record, the band has been featured

love this energetic program if they are interested

at numerous media outlets including PopMatters,

in competing against one another while learning

Glide Magazine, Mystic Sons and most recently

new skills and having fun. Early Bird Registration:

American Songwriter who shared their latest single

February 3rd- February 9th. Regular: February 10th

"Uncounted Heads."

– March 6th.

Twist The Lens is only the second new release

Flag Football - Participants K-8th grade will

from the Pedaljets since their reformation in the

receive instruction in the fundamentals while also

late 2000s, arriving six years after their most

playing organized games against their peers. Early

recent LP, What’s In Between. At its core, the

Bird Registration: February 3rd- February 9th.

melodic, proto-grunge sound that characterized

Regular Registration: February 10th- March 6th.

the Pedaljets' earlier releases still reigns supreme,

Registration for all of these programs can be done

but with a deeper exploration of melody, harmony,

online or at the Gladstone Community Center. Please

and pop-rock influence, as well as a newfound

visit our website at Gladstone.mo.us/Recreation

writing ethos that allowed the members to push

or call us at 816.423.4200 for more information.

themselves into unfamiliar sonic territory.

The culmination of a long musical journey for the Pedaljets, Twist The Lens contains some of

DUCKPIN BOWLING COMES TO DRAFTCADE

their most masterful songwriting to date and rein-

DraftCade at Zona Rosa has redesigned space

forces their status as one of the Midwest’s great-

in its arcade for a classic game that’s making a

est musical exports.

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10TH ANNUAL EXPRESSIONS ART EXHIBITION OPENS MARCH 6

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

13

AROUND TOWN (CONTINUED) comeback: duckpin bowling. The craft beer bar and restaurant is the first location in the Greater Kansas City area to offer this fun variation on bowling.

"We wanted to bring something new that no one else has in town,” said Travis Leinenbach, general manager of DraftCade. “We’ve found that duckpin bowling is growing in popularity. Some of the busiest bars in big cities are offering it and we wanted to bring this experience to Kansas City.”

Duckpin’s lanes look similar to traditional bowling where players try to knock down 10 pins each turn.

Games last 10 frames. The differences are that the lanes are a third of the traditional size and players don’t need special bowling shoes.

The new lanes opened Saturday, December 14 and cost $4 a game per person, or customers can rent a lane for an hour for $30. Guests also can organize duckpin bowling parties or reserve lanes at Draftcade.com.

For more information, please visit Draftcade.com or call 816.759.3474.

ORANGE EASEL SCHOOL OF ART

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS

NOW ENROLLING CLASSES FOR K-12th Grade

We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at NorthlandLifestyle.com.

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM thewholeperson.org/sports The Whole Person’s Adaptive Sports Program is working with adaptive sports programs across the metro in order to provide diverse and inclusive play opportunities at competitive and recreational levels for people with disabilities living in the greater Kansas City area.

For more information, call 816-561-0304

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15

LOCALLY OWNED

THE POTTER'S WHEEL DRIFTWOOD CERAMICS OFFERS A WAY TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY— AND LIKE IT

“WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH A DEGREE IN CERAMICS?” It’s a question that McKenzie Stanley has heard many times over the years. A degree in the arts can be tough to put to use. Still, she and husband, Ken, are proving the naysayers wrong as they celebrate their first year in business as owner/operators of Driftwood Ceramics, located in North Kansas City.

McKenzie fell in love with ceramics in high school.

“I was always the only one that wanted to deal with slip (scrap clay and water) for other students. I loved getting messy. I loved all the steps that it took to create something. And I love how many different things you could create,” says McKenzie.

After earning her degree in ceramics from Truman State, McKenzie started making her way as an artist, moving to Kansas City, where she met her future husband, Ken, who is also a painter. The couple moved to Los Angeles for a bit, working in studios and picking up graphic design work for U.S. Soccer.

Now, they’ve come home to the Northland, where Ken is the creative director for the KC Comets, and McKenzie devotes her time to Driftwood Ceramics.

The studio is an incubator of sorts, offering classes and experiences at many levels.

For those that have never touched clay before, Driftwood has month-long classes that teach the basics of pottery. For more intensive learning, private sessions are available. They also offer date nights and pot and pint nights, which invites would-be potters to grab a drink and let their creativity flow.

16

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY AARON LEIMKUEHLER

During classes, students are taught how to work with clay, how to use the wheel, and how to glaze. McKenzie fires the pieces for the students in the kiln, which she has nicknamed Georgia. For the more seasoned potter, Driftwood also offers memberships where members have 24/7 access to the studio to work on CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

17

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

18

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

personal projects. Sculptures and greenware (clay that hasn’t been fired yet) sit on shelves awaiting their turn in the kiln. Far from dozens of identical mugs, there’s a wide range of styles and forms on display.

McKenzie and Ken have been happy with the warm reception in North Kansas City and are excited to see how the studio progresses.

They’ve just hired their first employee to teach classes.

“Hopefully, in the next few years, we can continue to expand, either in space for the studio or into another location. We love the Northland.

It’s been really nice bringing something fun and creative to people here, so they don’t have to drive south,” says McKenzie.

Driftwood Ceramics is located at 2106 Swift St. North Kansas City, Missouri, 64116. For more information, visit DriftwoodCeramics.com.

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PAGE TURNERS

Mid-Continent Public L i b ra r y ’s Fe b r u a r y P i c k s fo r K i d s !

THE YOUTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARY IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND MATERIALS TO STIMULATE CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS AND PREPARE THEM TO READ AT GRADE LEVEL BY THIRD GRADE— THE PIVOTAL MILESTONE WHEN CHILDREN TRANSITION FROM LEARNING TO READ TO READING TO LEARN. Through its unique

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

Grow A Reader program, this team provides age-appropriate children’s activities and parent education at MCPL branches (as well as other locations) throughout the Kansas City metro to encourage the necessary pre-reading, reading, and school-read-

Come our way this Valentine’s Day

JOIN US IN SHARING, CARING AND GROWING TOGETHER

iness skills for ages birth to 11. The mission of this program is to cultivate literacy skills that prepare children for lifelong success.

Visit GrowAReader.org to learn more about MCPL’s early literacy resources and to find storytimes at a branch near you.

In honor of Black History Month, the following are the MCPL Youth Services Department’s latest picks for kids!

Dream Big, Little One, Vashti Harrison This cute board book introduces readers to 18 black women in American history, including Josephine Baker, Maya Angelou, and Flo-Jo, and explores how they each harnessed their own talents to change the world.

Hair Love, Matthew Cherry, Illustrated

by Vashti Harrison Zuri wants a special hairstyle to celebrate her mom returning home! With just her dad, her cat, and her determination to get them through it, they are going to need a lot of hair, love, and patience.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Penguin Bedtime Classics), Lewis

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Carroll, Illustrated by Carly Gledhill This is a charmingly illustrated version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for the younger crowd!

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment, Parker & Jessica Curry, Illustrated by Brittany Jackson Four-year-old Parker is taking a whimsical journey through the National Portrait Museum, when she comes upon a portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. The beautiful painting shows Parker that women of color can reach their dreams too and inspires

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February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

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A NEW ATTITUDE

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

CLASSICAL BALLET EVOLVES, DRAWING NEW AUDIENCES WITH BLEND OF ART AND ATHLETICS ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY ELWELL

STIFFENED TULLE RUSTLES, ANKLES FLEX AND POINT, OCCASIONALLY DIPPING INTO A POWDER BOX. Hair pulled tight into Fibonacci spirals, doesn’t move, immobilized by layers of hairspray and bobby pins lest a strand escape during quick turns.

The hush backstage at a ballet is a collection of small, staccato sounds--point shoes scraping on wooden floors, giggles from young corps members, reminders from choreographers that their arm positions are not suggestions, but laws.

But that symphony of sounds ceases when the first strains of violins and cellos begin. Focus hones in. This is more than a dance routine. It’s a piece of art, executed by athletes at the top of their game.

While the audience only sees grace and fluidity, muscles tremble, and tendons stretch as classical ballet dancers push their bodies to the brink of their abilities in the search for a perfect performance.

For many, ballet seems elusive; the art form most frequented by the blue hairs with money. But in the Northland, there’s a new crop of dancers studying the classical techniques from professionals that have trod the boards at esteemed ballet companies. Luzicka Ballet in Liberty is one of the newest but is taking its approach to dancer training seriously, drawing on the Vaganova method, with a dash of the Royal Academy of Dance thrown in.

If those terms don’t sound immediately familiar, don’t be alarmed.

While dance in America is on the rise with studios offering classes in tap, jazz, hip hop, modern and more, new studios focusing on classical ballet are still relatively rare. Luzicka is a homegrown studio, rooted in the Northland.

Founders Hannah and Luke Luzicka have both been dancing since childhood. Luke’s mother, Laura Luzicka Reinschmidt, founded Laura Luzicka Classical Ballet in 1977, renaming it Ballet North in 1994. Ballet North continues to work to perform and tour with full-length ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker, bringing a classical art form into the lives of public school children in the area.

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

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A NE W AT TIT UDE (CONTINUED)

Luke started dancing under his mother’s tutelage at the age of 4. He excelled and found that he loved the opportunity to be athletic without being competitive.

“I’ve never been the guy that wants the trophy. I just enjoyed something collaborative rather than trying to conquer another team,” says Luke.

That commitment to collaboration served him well as he went on to excel as a dancer, teaching at Ballet North, dancing with the Boston Ballet for six years, and completing his performance career with five years as a company member at the Kansas City Ballet.

Likewise, Hannah enjoyed the ability to push her physical limits while still expressing herself artfully.

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Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

“In high school, my friends would tease me, saying that I could never hang out because I was always doing ballet. Then they came and saw a show and were blown away. I could show them that yes, I was an athlete, but I was also an artist.

It’s a unique thing to be able to say that,” says Hannah.

Now that their performing years are over, Reinschmidt encouraged her son to check out the Liberty area when he and Hannah were interested in opening a school of their own. Now in their fifth year and a permanent space off South 291 Highway, they’ve created a home for the kids (both boys and girls) that want to hone a craft.

Hannah says that collaborating is one of the essential parts of the ballet.

“There’s this energy that happens once you’re on stage and all the people that are involved, from the scenic designers to the live musicians to the dancers--there’s a high that you get from being a part of something like that. It’s a real sense of community--a camaraderie when you’re sweating it out in class and seeing it come to life on stage,” says Hannah. In addition to classical technique and choreography, Luzicka Ballet focuses on dancing safely as well.

“We are so much better informed about our bodies, nutrition, how to dance safely, and for a long time now than we used to be. Yes, a dancer’s career is relatively short, but they aren’t all ended by injury anymore. Good technique does a lot to help,” says Luke, who retired at age 31, simply because he was ready for a change of pace.

Karen Snyder, whose daughters, Dylan and Lucy, attend classes at Luzicka, says that they found ballet via Netflix. “Lucy, my youngest, really loved the movie Leap.

She wanted to try it and found she had a lot of natural ability. After watching her sister, Dylan tried a summer camp and fell in love with it, too,” says Snyder.

Snyder says that while Dylan had always been athletic, she was a tomboy.

Trying ballet became a way for her to be CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

27

A NE W AT TIT UDE (CONTINUED)

graceful and artistic as well. Plus, she’s in a very positive, collaborative environment for several hours a week.

“Giving them a chance to work on skills and techniques is great for them. They love what they are doing, and they get to express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment. As a parent, it’s an ideal situation,” she says. Snyder also says that she appreciates the end product.

“I like that they don’t do a recital. They don’t do competitions. They put on a ballet.

They are focused on an art form rather than a hobby.” says Snyder.

The school produces an original piece as well as a classical ballet each year. These pieces are preparation for advanced students that are interested in pursuing dance as a career.

Hannah says that they try not to sugarcoat the potential difficulties of a life in the dance world--low pay, intense competition, the potential for injury--but also encourage students to pursue their dreams. In the meantime, they aim to make them into the best technically trained dancers they can be.

As the dancers, Myah Gallup and Katie Drake, pose for our photographer, Hannah gently coaches the girls to correct technique while Luke gives them the lowdown on how difficult it is to create a static image of fluid motion. You can tell that he has flashbacks to media photo ops from his pro days.

It’s that perspective that gives weight to his words. As he and Hannah carry on the work that his mother started and continues in Gladstone, a new generation of dancers is flexing their muscles, ready to create new life within a dance form that saw its inception under the Sun King.

28

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

Myah Gallup performs as a the Red Queen in a performance of Alice In Wonderland with Luzicka Ballet.

BENEFITS ATHLETICS: Ballet is highly demanding on the body, combining flexibility and strength.

Luke says that ballet is low-impact when done correctly. Ballet also encourages a healthy diet to fuel activity.

ART: Ballet combines music and motion to allow dancers to express themselves, both within the framework of established pieces or in new choreography.

PERSEVERANCE:

Ballet

encourages

dancers to hone their craft, working on individual skills until they are mastered.

WORK ETHIC: Hannah says that many of

A+

their students excel academically because they know how to focus on a task and see it to completion.

Katie Drake demonstrates a front attitude in full costume.

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29

ONE DAY or DAY ONE ...You Decide

No Contract and No Enrollment 150 + Group Exercise Classes weekly 3 Swimming Pools Top of the line equipment The Northland's BEST PERSONAL TRAINERS Small Group Training and Bootcamp Medical Programs for Chronic Conditions Health and Nutrition Coaching

Call 816.463.8930 THE AURORA HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER AT NORTERRE 2551 NORTERRE CIRCLE, LIBERTY, MO 64068

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30

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

Kansas City’s Favorite Dental Team!

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Let our team show you how easy it is to accomplish all your dental goals and maintain a happy, healthy smile in 2020.

In our unique office, we utilize the latest technology to provide you with excellent care.

Always Accepting New Patients

nkcdental.com | 816.471.2911

MAKE SOMETHING GREAT

NORTHLAND ARTISANS HONE THEIR CRAFTS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A MAKER? A dream, two hands, and a lot of heart. The Northland is full of creative people, and here are four that are bringing their passion projects to the world.

MELISSA FAHLSTROM OWNER OF SUGAR WHIPPED BAKERY Plattsburg, Missouri may be a bit of a drive if you're in Parkville, but when you see the confections that are waiting for you at Sugar Whipped Bakery, you'll never mind the drive. Falstrom was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, but followed her dreams to New York City, where she planned to become an actress.

While she toiled away working and auditioning, she started baking as a hobby. That hobby quickly turned into a passion and then a business, as she learned advanced cake decorating techniques and built a client list that included Dylan's Candy Bar. Fast forward a few years, and Melissa felt the tug to come home. In 2017, she opened Sugar Whipped Bakery in historic downtown Plattsburg. Although she still designs and creates custom cakes, she also fills her pastry case with potato chip pretzel cookies, caramel pecan brownies, cupcakes, donuts, and French patisseries with a modern American twist.

Her bakery is more than just her workshop. It's home, and she's let her creativity shine while cultivating a cozy vibe with a couch and ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

comfy seating area, perfect for chatting with friends over a pain au chocolate and a shot of espresso.

Learn more at SugarWhippedNYC.com

32

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

ALLYSON LASSITER ARTIST By day, Allyson Lassiter uses her creative prowess for corporate good as she works for Hallmark Cards. By night, she lets those creative juices run wild in a variety of mediums.

This North Kansas City resident has always loved creating and dabbles in a little bit of everything, from quilting to sewing plushies to working on a graphic novel with a friend. Her doodles can be found in unusual places like the tops of cakes, as well as in frames. Her latest venture is Lassie’s Lil Toon Doods. With Toon Doods, she takes her show on the road, immortalizing people and their pets with mini cartoon portraits. She can be found at craft shows around the area or contacted for commissions through her Instagram, @allysonlassiter.

When she’s not creating, she likes gardening, sprucing up her home, and sampling local ice creams while wearing Hawaiian shirts.

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

33

MAK E SOME THING GRE AT (CONTINUED)

DUSTI LYON PREU NOUVELLE SEWING SCHOOL

Dusti Lyon Preul has plenty of experience teaching. She spent much of her career as a middle school teacher in the inner city of Philadelphia and Kansas City. After starting her family a decade ago, she learned to sew as a creative outlet. Now she passes that knowledge on to her students. She opened her studio in Parkville in October of 2019.

“Sewing is incredibly fun and I love sharing the joy of pursuing a creative hobby. It’s so gratifying to make a project from vision to finished product and I strive for my students to feel inspired, energized, and proud when they leave my class. From a consumer standpoint, it’s neat to show kids that the items we buy in stores are ones we can often make. It is empowering to realize an item we thought was complicated is actually fairly easy and infinitely more unique when we make it ourselves.

Similarly, it’s thrilling when we can make clothes that we dream up and look exactly the way we envision,” says Preul.

Nouvelle offers beginner classes, garment sewing classes, homeschooling classes, private advanced classes, and hosts Girl Scout Troops, birthday parties, and ladies nights.

In addition to teaching, Preul does custom sewing work including home decor and garments. This spring, she will be launching a line of handmade reusable gift bags and accessories.

Learn more at SewNouvelle.com.

34

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

SHANNON HUBBELL AND MJ MCNEESE NOSTALGIC LIBERTY Nostalgic Liberty is the passion project of Liberty enthusiasts MJ McNeece and Shannon Hubbell. “We love the history and the people,” explains McNeece. “Shannon and I want to encourage storytelling as a means of preserving history here.”

NostalgicLiberty.com and BygoneTees.com are both Girl Trip Productions brands. Friends since they were preteens, Shannon and MJ hope that someday, their efforts will allow them more, you guessed it, girl trips.

With Nostalgic Liberty, the pair takes vintage designs from some of Liberty’s most beloved shuttered institutions and makes them into t-shirts and other garments.

One of their more popular designs is for Massey’s Cafe. Massey’s Cafe was on the historic Liberty Square for 35 years. It was a family-owned and -operated business, with three generations lending a hand. They served everything from steak to burgers, with roast beef being very popular. They never used any flaked potatoes; their potatoes were grown in an area known as “the bottoms” in Kansas City’s oldest commercial area, by the Missouri River. Homemade pies were popular, as was the chicken pot pie. Mrs. Massey typed a new menu each day, using the hunt-n-peck method of utilizing just two fingers to type it out. Massey’s Cafe is gone, but never forgotten thanks to memories like these shared by the family. Massey’s Cafe closed in 1963, but fans can still wear shirts that ensure they can live on in their memories.

Family gifts are the trend lately, with folks wanting family gifts featuring their own vintage sign or logo. “We have learned so much from our clients and our customers,” says Hubbell, “which is the best part of this business!”

Learn more at NostalgicLiberty.com.

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

35

RENOVATE & REFINE

Don’t be afraid to do something different, and don’t take things too seriously. If the piece you’re working with doesn’t have any real value, you have so many options to liven it up, including paint, finish and hardware.

Spread the vintage love. Use antiques strategically and as accent pieces to keep your overall aesthetic from coming off as too dated.

Make your piece multi-purpose by turning the lid into a game table or by storing your cocktail accessories inside for an easy-access mini bar!

Repurpose old tins, mugs, teacups or storage containers into succulent gardens. Because succulents have shallow root systems, they can survive (and thrive!) in smaller spaces.

OUT WITH THE

NEW

Make it art. Don’t be afraid to display unique pieces as wall art. Consider creating a gallery wall that mixes vintage photographs, prints, mirrors and china.

IN WITH THE

old WE’RE SHARING TIPS, TRICKS + UNIQUE WAYS TO INCORPORATE YOUR ANTIQUE ITEMS INTO YOUR HOME

36

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

37

SATURDAYS IN FEB

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

BREAKING NED: A COMEDY ORIGINAL The Groundhog Day Theater

When everyone shares too much, meet the youth pastor hoping to impress the

ladies, the would-be rapper who found religion in a jailhouse experience, the

therapist promising to make marriage

great again, and Ned, a driver's test administrator who needs his luck to change. An original comedy by Ryan

McChesney, Trenton Wilbanks, and director Kyle Yarber. 18+. Admission $10.

12, 20, 26 TEST YOUR TICKER

The Grove at Zona Rosa, Gladstone Community Center, and NKCH Wellness Corner at NKC YMCA

Receive a full lipid profile along with a check of your height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and blood sugar level. Get your questions answered by healthcare professionals. Find us at Zona Rosa on February 12, Gladstone Community

City

on

February

20,

and at the NKC YMCA on February 26. Free;

registration

required

at

nkch.org/HeartMonth

14 SHOP OUR NEW JEWELRY FROM THE TUCSON GEM SHOW

816.587.6020

|

jewelrybymorgan.com

J E W E L RY BY M O R GA N A F U L L S E RV I C E J E W E L RY STO R E

#1 in Custom Jewelry | #1 in Rebuilding and Refurbishing Jewelry 38

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

Help the NKC Stingers get back to Parents' Night Out! Your kids will

SHOPS AT BOARDWALK

8640 N Boardwalk Ave Kansas City, MO 64154

NKC High School Norclay Bldg

Nationals while enjoying Valentine's

PANDORA IS STILL 30% OFF JEWELRY BY MORGAN

VALENTINE'S DAY PARENTS' NIGHT OUT

enjoy

3

hours

of

games,

crafts,

movies, and pizza. You get a much deserved

Valentine's

Date

Night.

Pre-registration is encouraged: https:// forms.gle/5xBG19eemA5MX7Ka9 $25 per kid total. If multiple kids from one family, $25 for the first child, $15 for the second.

CONTINUED >

Chloe

Amy

Vicki

Diana

STYLISTS TEAM

816.599.7407 8357 N. Congress Avenue | KC MO 64152 facebook.com/salonatmospherestyle February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

39

15 BE MY VALENTINE YOGA Om Prana Yoga

FEBRUARY

LIFEST Y LE CALENDAR

This playful workshop will spark your natural connection with your partner! Open

your mind and hearts by sharing energy, laughter, and stretches together. We may even get the Tibetan Singing Bowls out for relaxation! Bring your Valentine and come play! $40 Price is per couple.

Sleep. Breathe. Live Well.

SLEEP APNE A / SNORING / TMJ DISORDER SLEEP DISORDERS / CPAP ALTERNATIVE

17 PREP HEART HEALTHY MEALS Gladstone Hy-vee

Learn how to plan and prep hearthealthy meals; prep one to take home.

Meal ingredients included. Fee is $15/ person; registration required.

“One of the most rewarding things anyone can do in life is to help improve the life of someone else. Sleep Medicine allows me to do that every day, and I’m grateful to my patients for allowing me to do just that!”

FREE CONSULTATION *New Patients Only.

90 DAYS OF FOLLOW UP OFFICE VISITS, FREE with Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

20 RHEA LANA’S OF THE NORTHLAND SPRING 2020 EVENT The Grove at Zona Rosa, second floor

Rhea Lana’s of the Northland is the biggest & best Children’s Consignment Event in the Northland! With over 750

FREE FINANCING *Upon approval. Some restrictions may apply. Please check with office for details.

– BILL BUSCH, DMD, MAGD

Consignors, 80,000 items, and an entire week to shop all the goodies, you won’t be disappointed!

22 10TH ANNUAL LET'S WINE ABOUT WINTER Historic Downtown Liberty

Purchase your $25 ticket online at DowntownLiberty.org

or

at

Brant’s

Clothing, More Excuses Boutique or Whiteside Jewelry. Starting at 12:30 pm, take your ticket to the Historic Downtown

816.897.0746 / NKCSLEEP.COM 2008 Swift Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64116

Liberty Welcome Center to exchange it for a 2020 commemorative glass. The glass will serve as your ticket to sample 23 different wines at the 23 wine stops and 4 refreshment stops.

40

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

CONTINUED >

REDISCOVER YOU R STRENGTH Let a bike that goes nowhere take you where you want to be.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED CLASSES CORPORATE & CHARITY EVENTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES TOWEL SERVICE & SCHWINN BIKES FREE SPD SHOE RENTAL

8306 N Oxford St, KCMO 64158 @cycleofheart facebook.com/cycleofheart cycleofheart.com

(816) 289-7770 T

1S R U O Y S IS CLAS

!

FREE

P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

SCAN ME!

3.458”x9.875”

February 2020 | Northland Lifestyle

41

23 7TH ANNUAL ART SOUP Synergy Services

FEBRUARY

LIFEST Y LE CALENDAR

Art Soup is the perfect blend of different ingredients coming together

to form something greater than each individual ingredient. Attendees get

8642 N Boardwalk Ave, KC, MO 64154 816-584-8009

to sample soups from eight to 10

local restaurants and enjoy drinks from a well-stocked bar. Everyone takes

home

a

one-of-a-kind

ceramic bowl made by one of the kids from our Resiliency Center’s art therapy program.

29 MASQUERADE BALL AUCTION Oakhill Day School

Join us for a magical night as we raise our paddles to bid for the students of Oakhill Day School! This

We frame jerseys.

Our Clients: Sporting Kansas City NAIA Kansas City Chiefs

Custom framing prices better than craft stores.

year's Masquerade Ball will be held at Oakhill on Saturday, February 29! This night of dinner, dancing, and bidding is one you won't want to miss. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit oakhilldayschool.org/auction

29 WOOD 'N WHEELS NO. 1

Velo Tap House and Garage

Bring your pinewood derby car and come see who gets down the track fastest! We'll have classes for BSA Rules, a Vintage class, and Unlimited.

If there are enough entries, we are happy to add a youth class as well.

Stop by for a free consultation.

Serving the Northland since 2005. www.artandframekc.com 42

Northland Lifestyle | February 2020

We race for Kudos, but there will be some prizes available.

LOVE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO KEEP HER HEART BEATING.

Ziah was born with half a heart. Thanks to an at-home heart monitoring app invented by Children’s Mercy, her parents enjoy these smiles every day.

It’s another way that love drives lifesaving innovations to give families more moments just like this. See Ziah’s story at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.