Leawood, KS August 2020

AUGUST 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Jane Preuss | jane.preuss@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com

Letter from the Editor AUGUST IS TRADITIONALLY OUR ISSUE THAT WE DEDICATE TO KIDS AND PETS. It signifies the end of summer and kids getting ready to go back to school. This year is different for many reasons, but the unknown of what this coming school year will look like for our local youth is looming over many of us with kids ready to return to their routine. I can’t

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Janie Jones | janie.jones@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

help but think of some of the big milestones and experiences that may be lost this year.

Angela Broockerd, Riley Cowing, Lisa Moyer, Riley Cowing, Allison Gibeson

I am internally struggling the most with my high school senior who doesn’t have time

Janie Jones, Paul Versluis, Lauren Pusateri

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

to make up the things that will be lost. The list of experiences and opportunities that were supposed to occur this year for him that no longer will is extensive—and the list of unknowns is probably just as long. All of our kids are missing things that are important to them or that could impact their future. They are going through something that none of us have ever had to experience in our lifetime, and yet I am impressed with how I see them handling it.

Not only do I recognize a strong resilience in them, but also I am witnessing kids in our community get innovative and step up to make a difference to those in need at this time.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Whether it is helping create face shields for healthcare workers or masks for the public,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

visiting outside windows of senior living communities to brighten someone’s day or

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

collecting and delivering food for underprivileged children in our area, there are so many helpers out there making a big impact.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Let’s remember to show some additional love and patience to the kids in our lives and community this fall as things are far from what they are used to, and they have all lost valuable and important experiences. Some kids are easy to shower with attention, love, and praise or extend grace to because they know how to receive it well, but the ones who push you away or struggle with receiving it are often the ones that need it the most.

As summer comes to a close, take this time to give a little extra support to our youth.

Love, Angela

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA 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

Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood ON THE COVER Playful Portraits PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN PUSATERI 6

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 18 Meeting community needs with technology Local students support health care workers through 3D printing

24 Playful Portraits Lauren Pusateri creates portraits that capture pets’ personalities.

30 The You Matter Festival Local Teens use music to make an impact

36 18

36 DIY at home theater Transform your backyard for the perfect end of summer celebration

30

24

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Around Town

12

Healthy Lifestyle

18

Giving Back

30 Local Limelight 36 Inspired By 41

Realty Report

42 DIY

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AROUND TOWN The tour, originally scheduled for June 2020, was postponed in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Presented by Ferguson Enterprises, this tour will feature eight unique and luxurious homes built by some of Kansas City’s finest custom home builders. The Artisan Home Tour of Greater Kansas City is a ticketed event designed to benefit the work of JDRF, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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CHILDREN’S MERCY DREAM BIG DAY Join your neighbors and friends on Saturday,

The Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB), a com-

September 26 for Children’s Dream Big Day, a

mittee established by the City of Leawood, recently

family-friendly celebration and walk to help find

presented a $500 grant to Nativity Parish School

answers and hope for kids. With your help, any

to assist in the efforts to install more water bottle

dream – big or small – can become a reality.

filling fountains in the school.

Create a team with your friends and family and

The SAB is chaired by Councilman Chuck Sipple

register for a fun-filled day. Stay tuned for details

and helps support sustainable efforts and activities

about live and virtual activities to rally for the

throughout the city.

patients and families at Children’s Mercy. Register online at DreamBigDay.org.

ARTISAN HOME TOUR RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) is pleased to announce the Artisan Home Tour has been rescheduled for three weekends in August (Aug. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30).

10

NATIVITY PARISH SCHOOL RECEIVES SUSTAINABILITY GRANT

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

Principal David Kearney explained that the new water bottle filling fountain would support the schools’ project based learning unit on sustainability. A counter on the fountain shows students how many reusable containers have been filled at the fountain, thus reiterating the reduction of plastic bottle consumption.

Leawood schools interested in similar grants should reach out to the City for details.

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11

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Stimulate the Healing from Within AT REGENERATIVE TREATMENT CENTERS OF LEAWOOD

ARTICLE LISA MOYER PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

IF YOU’RE NEW TO THE TERM “REGENERATIVE MEDICINE,” YOU WON’T BE FOR LONG. Regenerative Medicine (RM) treatments (with stem cell therapy as perhaps the most wellknown) are used to regenerate or replace injured, diseased, or defective cells, tissues or organs.

Using the body’s own self-repair to heal from within, RM offers exciting promise for positive outcomes on a wide range of conditions, from birth defects to degenerative diseases.

Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) established its Center for Regenerative Medicine in 2011, believing that RM will be vital in the coming years to create new models of healthcare and transform medicine.

At Regenerative Treatment Centers of Leawood, stimulating the healing from within has been the goal since the clinic opened at Town Center in 2019.

“Regenerative treatments work on a cellular level, optimizing the potential of your body to heal, correct injuries, replenish deficiencies, and regain vitality,” says Co-founder Adam Boender, Doctor of Chiropractic.

12

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

Boender’s vision and passion for RM stems from a per-

“We were in desperate need, so I’m grateful for those nat-

sonal journey with his wife, Jennifer, and her near-fatal

ural forms and medical care that saved her life. Each step

battle with Lyme Disease. [Watch the remarkable video at

kept her going to the next step, but the high-dosage antibi-

regenerativetreatmentcenters.com.]

otics were destroying her gut from the inside.”

When their first son, Ryder, was 5, he started having inter-

That’s when Boender started daily researching stem cell

mittent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. After seeking medical

therapy for Lyme Disease. He found only two research arti-

answers, the Boenders were finally tested for Lyme Disease

cles online with no clinical trials and only a faint promise of

and were surprised that all three had tested positive. During

success. It was enough.

this time, Jennifer also became pregnant with their second

“Even though I’m a huge optimist at heart, I had no idea

child, India. As a precaution, Jennifer delayed antibiotic treat-

if it would work,” he says, “but we just went for it. No med-

ment throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding and then

ical procedure is ever guaranteed, but there are moments

through another pregnancy with their third child, Tristan.

It was a joyful time of welcoming children, but Jennifer’s body was going through chronic stress. In 2015, three months after Tristan was born, Jennifer’s health took a sudden downturn.

“I’ll never forget the day she collapsed in front of me,” Boender recalls. “I picked her up and drove her to the doctor.

“It ’s time to have hope, bre ak through the bonds of pain and inf lamma tion, and st ar t living the life you de serve.”— Dr. A dam Boender, D.C., R egenera tive Tre a tment Centers of Le awood

We aggressively started treatment, expecting her to improve in a few weeks. But a few weeks later, she still couldn’t walk

we have to put our faith in that step. After one month of

and now was having seizures literally all day long. The doc-

high-dosage stem cells, Jenn went from bedridden seizures

tor said to give it another two weeks, so we did, but nothing

to rollerblading down the hill with our kids.”

was changing. We were praying for any answer and any hope

Boender calls this his AHA moment when he knew he

during what was the darkest and scariest moment of our lives.”

needed to provide this hope for others. As a chiropractor,

During that difficult time, they discovered they were

he understood he couldn’t legally administer treatment, so

pregnant with their fourth child, a son, Blaise. For the

he built a medical team who could. Together with Medical

next three years, they sought treatment and answers,

Director Cristyn Watkins, MD; Nurse Practitioner Michaela

researching, and praying.

Kolarik, APRN; and Clinic Manager and Practice Administrator CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

13

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

Dr. Boender and his wife, Jennifer

14

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

Summer Wenger; Regenerative Treatment Centers of Leawood

for our bodies that works with little to no side effects? RM is also

became the first of what is hoped to be several centers in a network.

preventative and helps build stronger immune systems in healthy

“I’m extremely proud of our team, and I consider our patients part of it. We do proprietary combinations of different modalities and therapies to bring lasting results for the patient.”

individuals because let’s face it, health is a never-ending journey.”

Boender believes RM is changing lives, with many patients professing that their health was regained, including Jennifer.

Boender says every patient receives a complete medical history

“Lyme disease nearly killed me...several times,” Jenn says. “After

evaluation, but many have already been diagnosed. “They often

trying every treatment under the sun with little or no success, it was

bring in their labs, X-Rays, and MRIs but aren’t getting results they

Regenerative Medicine that changed everything. Finally, all I had

want or they’re backsliding.”

fought for for so many years was worth it. I could be a mom, wife,

All procedures at the clinic are non-surgical, varying from plasma

friend and myself again. I can’t credit any other form of treatment we

and ozone injections to vitamin infusions, immune-boosting pack-

tried—not western medicine, alternative medicine, or natural medi-

ages and even aesthetics such as microneedling for scarring or

cine—with results this life changing, this life giving.”

other cosmetic procedures. The most common procedure is stem

Boender adds that in a world of chronic illness, people often mask

cell injections for osteoarthritis, especially knees, hips and shoulders. their suffering for those around them. “At first glance you wouldn’t “The safety of regenerative procedures in clinical trials is extraordinary,” he adds.

Boender would like to see a paradigm shift in the term “alternative”

know there is pain, but many are suffering and hurting, knowing their answer is only the next pill or surgery. I hope those people will take that first step to meet with us. It can bring them back to their life.”

medicine. “It sounds against mainstream, but I consider drugs and surgery alternative. Why wouldn’t we want to do something natural

www.regenerativetreatmentcenters.com CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

15

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GIVING BACK

LOCAL STUDENTS SUPPORT HEALTH CARE WORKERS THROUGH 3D PRINTING

meeting community needs with technology

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

18

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

THIS SPRING WAS A CHALLENGING AND DISAPPOINTING SEASON FOR MANY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS LOOKING FORWARD TO GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS AND FUN LIFE EVENTS, YET A TEAM OF LOCAL STUDENTS USED THE SITUATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EQUIP LOCAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS ON THE FRONTLINES DURING THE PANDEMIC. Aaditya Pore, a senior at Olathe East High School, and Ethan Jagoda, a senior at Blue Valley North High School, started FreePPEKC to manufacture 3D-printed face shields and other personal protective equipment for health care workers.

Aaditya says when school closed in March, they saw the situation getting worse and heard about the shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers.

The idea for FreePPEKC came to them as both students are involved in the Technology Student Association and have made science, math, technology and engineering the emphasis of their educational pursuits.

With Ethan planning to go the University of California at Berkley to study engineering physics, and Aaditya set to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and major in aerospace engineering and astrophysics, 3D printing is a technology that naturally interests them, and they saw it as the perfect way to produce more PPE. It was also an opportunity to use their skills to help fight the pandemic.

“Being involved with FreePPEKC has given me a lot of insight on how almost any skill can be utilized in outreach and for the betterment of others,” Aaditya says. “With our PPE being entirely 3D-printed, I relied on the Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing skills I learned in school, which, before now, were just used to design and make small trinkets. While I understood the capacity of those skills on an industrial level, I never truly even thought I could take my expertise in that area and be able to help healthcare workers in the manner that we have today. It has also shown me that there’s always an opportunity out there to help those that need it, and aiding others can come in unexpected forms.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

19

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

They set up a GoFundMe and have been able to raise more than $3,200 and produce 3,000 face shields. Their largest single donation to date has been providing 1,000 face shields to Children’s Mercy. The rest have been donated to nursing homes and Truman Medical Center as well as some out-of-state facilities. They are also producing touchless door openers and ear savers.

Ethan and Aaditya said the most impactful experience they had was delivering to Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo. Because of the facility’s more rural location and poor funding compared with surrounding health systems, the hospital was struggling to find reliable PPE for its staff. The staff was extremely grateful and told them how much it helped prepare them for maintaining a high level of safety. That experience encouraged them to complete more orders from outside the Kansas City metro.

Three other students have joined their team to help with public relations, logistics and finance, and they also have a team of printers who help in the effort. Over the months, they have increased their rate of production and added a laser cutter. They say they will continue to keep running the printers, depending on how the situation unfolds.

Aaditya said they are fortunate that all four seniors involved in the effort are attending colleges in different places around the country, and one other team member will remain in Kansas City. He said they will take advantage of their national reach and use it in whatever way possible to benefit communities around the country.

Aaditya says in the future he plans to use the lessons he has learned from the experience to further his passion for outreach and engineering to bolster the community.

Both students expressed an interest in being involved with Engineers without Borders, which completes projects in foreign countries for community development.

“It’s fair to say that this pandemic has taught us a lot about what our community needs in terms of improvements in the health sector, and I believe that that knowledge will bring plenty of unsatiated needs worldwide, many of which I would love to be involved with,” Aaditya says.

20

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

21

KITCHENSTUDIO:KC kitchenstudiokc.com

play ful por trait s LAUREN PUSATERI CREATES PORTRAITS THAT CAPTURE PETS’ PERSONALITIES. ARTICLE RILEY COWING PHOTOGRAPHY LAUREN PUSATERI

24

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

LAUREN PUSATERI, PHOTOGRAPHER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, HAS A PORTFOLIO CHOCK FULL OF COLORFUL PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY ALONGSIDE DYNAMIC PORTRAITS OF HUMANS AS WELL AS CATS AND DOGS. She describes her photography as playful, colorful and precise.

“Color is a fun way to amplify any message,” she says.

“Got something to say? Say it louder with color!”

Her approach for portraits remains consistent among different subjects—considering different variables to highlight what makes them unique.

“Portraiture is all about using different lighting setups based on your subject—think hair color, skin tone, and even age of the subject,” she says. “I focus my lighting techniques with animals to bring out their unique traits and characteristics. I consider the length of coat, stature, their eyes...how I can light the subject to bring out the unique characteristics of the animal.”

When considering colors for the background of a personal photoshoot, she will select one based on what she’s feeling that day or pick a color she hasn’t used in a while to spice things up. Ultimately, she doesn’t want her work to be tied to any specific color family, so she will throw in neutral colors or an unexpected bold color into the mix. She mentions that her portfolio showcases a lot of pinks and pastel blues, primarily because she likes the way dogs pop off of pastel colors.

“I’m endlessly fascinated by creating and shaping light,” she says. “You can change the [message] of an image with the placement, shape and angle of light. This also affects the mood of the image. Just a slight change of light modifier can take the image from flat to dramatic.”

During a photoshoot, Pusateri says she is always moving and will typically hit her step goal on shoot days well before lunch.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

25

PLAYFUL PORTRAITS (CONTINUED)

“The style of my shooting is really animated,” she says. “I’m laying down, tummy-first stretched out on the floor, or I’m pretzeled into some other position to get that shot. I’m not sure how other photographers work, but for as long as my body is able to do so, I will 110 percent sacrifice any of my own personal comfort to get that shot.”

She adds that anticipation, composition and timing contribute to a successful photoshoot.

“Animals don’t have the same patience that humans do to sit still for a session, so it’s anticipating movement and being quick to capture those magical moments when you have their attention and they’re hitting their mark,” she says.

Working with animals presents its own challenges, such as the communication barrier or short attention spans, but she has found many benefits in her work, like the joy dogs bring to set.

“My family didn’t have pets growing up, so for a girl who asked Santa for a puppy every year—I’ve got the dream job!” she says.

26

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

The You Matter Festival

THE YOU MATTER FESTIVAL, AN EVENT PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION, WAS FOUNDED BY LOCAL TEEN AND MUSICIAN WILL GURLEY. Gurley has struggled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation himself and relied heavily on music in his times of need.

“When I was struggling, the most important things for me were counseling, my family and friends, and writing music,” Gurley says. “Logic performed his song “1-800273-8255” (which is the national suicide prevention hotline

India Jane Photo: Paul Versluis

30

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

Quite Frankly Photo: Paul Versluis

“THE MAIN GOAL IS TO BRING AS MUCH AWARENESS TO THIS EPIDEMIC THAT WE ARE FACING THROUGH MUSIC, TEENS SHARING THEIR STORIES, AND A MENTAL HEALTH FAIR WITH MANY PROVIDERS AND ORGANIZATIONS .”

phone number) at the 2018 Grammy Awards, and something

“The main goal is to bring as much awareness to this epidemic

sparked inside of me. I knew that I had to use music to help spread

that we are facing through music and teens sharing their stories,”

a message of hope to our suffering community.”

Gurley explains.

This year’s festival is August 15 from 6-9 p.m. and will be

The bands performing in this year’s festival are local musicians of

online due to the current health crisis. You can tune in by visiting

teens and young adults from around our city. Here is a breakdown of

youmatterfestival.net.

the performances to enjoy at this year’s festival.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

31

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Will Gurley and LIVAGAIN Photo: Paul Versluis

India Jane Photo: Paul Versluis

THE WHIPS The Whips are a party music collective born in the spirit of the Jackson 5, The E Street Band, and other historically great ensembles of rock and soul.

Rooted in its core members: Multi-instrumentalist Max Indiveri, Vocalist Aidan Connelly, Bassist Quinn Cosgrove, Drummer Miles Patterson, and Guitarist Vincent Lee, this group is also no stranger to guest features from some of the best local musicians in Kansas City. Featuring a mix of classic covers, and their own brand of high powered soul, The Whip’s high flying dance fest is a one-way trip to getting lost in the groove.

Will Gurley and LIVAGAIN Photo: Paul Versluis

WILL GURLEY Will Gurley, the founder and president of the You Matter Festival, is back for his third year on the festival stage. Will has been playing music for as long as he can remember, being raised on the classic rock artists of the ’70s and ’80s. Will began writing his own music at age 14, using it as an outlet for his emotions. Blending genres of classic rock, contemporary pop, and metal, Will Gurley’s music is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other streaming services. Joining Will is LIVAGAIN, including Jeff Gurley on lead guitar, Olivia Gurley on lead and backup vocals, and Luke Nolkemper on drums. The band delivers an electric performance of old classics, new hits and original music by Will Gurley. Expect an alternative metal album from LIVAGAIN soon.

32

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

Quite Frankly Photo: Paul Versluis Photo: Paul Versluis

QUITE FRANKLY With a lot of hard work, supportive family, and help from the local music community, Quite Frankly the Band was launched. Quickly crossing the line from imagination into reality, these young musicians began performing live on stage, playing multiple genres of music from rock to pop, and even a little blues and country. Two short years later, Quite Frankly is no longer an emerging band, but a professional band with seasoned musicians. A band you need to hear.

Since conception, Quite Frankly has opened for national touring acts and began recording their own music—and hearing it on the radio. They gigged Nashville, won the Nelson-Atkins Battle of the Bands and even helped with Big Slick. The band is forever grateful for the incredible support

India Jane Photo: Paul Versluis

from fans and local venues in Kansas City that took a chance on a bunch of high school kids.

INDIA JANE

2020 was looking to be the biggest year yet,

India Jane is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. In the

with a gig in LA at the infamous Whisky a GoGo

fall she will be an incoming film major at Northwestern University, but she spends

and a spot for Boulevardia. Unfortunately, both

her free time writing songs in the indie-rock style she grew up listening to. She

events were rescheduled due to COVID, but a

considers herself more of a poet than a musician, but still pretends to know a lot

few events have remained on the calendar. Catch

about guitars, mostly out of spite. She has long been an advocate for LGBT+ youth

Quite Frankly at the Sunset Music Fest and You

and mental health awareness, and often explores those aspects of her own identity

Matter Festival.

through her poetry and songwriting in lyrically focused folk ballads. She started

Find our current schedule on the website at quitefranklytheband.com/seeus.

writing songs at the age of 5 and never stopped. Some of her biggest musical inspirations are Declan McKenna, Xenia Rubinos, and The Greeting Committee. You can

Facebook and Instagram

find her on Instagram at @ndiajane, or on Twitter at @indiiajane, and she hopes to

@QuiteFranklyTheBand

have a debut single on streaming platforms very soon.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood 33

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED) Holes in Socks Photo: George Lahood

HOLES IN SOCKS Holes in Socks is a cover band specializing in classic rock, and alternative music of today. The group consists of Jack Hancock (piano), Josh Robinson (drums), Scott Wyatt (guitar), Patrick Schmidt (saxophone, guitar), and Will Hancock (bass/vocals). Holes in Socks is a relatively new band but quickly found their stride as a premier mom's basement, free park concert type of band. Holes in Socks has played everywhere from that one park with that old dude walking to Josh’s basement.

When asked, Josh’s mother said, “I like Joshie’s other band, but they seem nice.” While they might be newer as a group their playing experience and musical knowledge is vast and extremely experienced for their age. Josh Robinson is an All-State percussionist and center snare at BVNW. Patrick Schmidt will be attending Wichita State University for music education and has been trained in a plethora of different instruments. Jack Hancock got paid like 100 bucks to play at Nebraska Furniture Mart and was asked to music direct his middle school musical next year. Scott Wyatt made Wind Symphony his freshman year and is an avid athlete. Will Hancock is a three-year All State Choir member, and has played and recorded with different bands around the KC area.

For more information on the You Matter Festival, visit YouMatterFestival.net.

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Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/Leawood 35

INSPIRED BY

DIY AT HOME THEATER WITH LEANN PARKER

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKER

LEANN PARKER OF @SILVERTOOTHHOMES SHARES HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD INTO A MOVIE THEATER FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY OR FRIENDS. Our family had so much fun creating this At-Home Movie Theater party for our son Ezra’s 8th birthday. All you need is a projector and an outdoor space, but I wanted to jazz it up just a little bit more. I created a ticket booth and concession stand for a full movie theater experience to ensure that our movie night felt like our guests were actually going to a movie theater and not just our house. In attempt to achieve that, we set up a ticket booth at the front door using our kids old puppet theater.

My daughter handed out tickets for guests to 36

Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

CONTINUED >

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37

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

use to “purchase” their popcorn, candy and drinks at the concession stand. I cut out red stars (from foam sheets) and stuck them to the floor (with adhesive putty) to lead guest through the house to the concession stand and back outside to where our movie was going to take place. Before entering our theater (aka our backyard), I set up a shadow box for guests to place their entry ticket. Finally, our guests could choose their seating on chairs or blankets around our yard. I also set up a little bug-spray table for people to grab as needed. Dramatic play, even as an adult, is so much fun! Who says staying home can’t be just as entertaining?

I love displaying food in a creative way at our parties. I made this simple DIY Popcorn Display Wall as a statement piece in our concession stand. We have also used it in many other ways for other parties such as a donut wall, bagel wall, pretzel wall and more. You can easily recreate your own for your next party.

PEGBOARD DISPLAY WALL + Pegboard (I chose the 4ft square size at Lowes for $10 and spray painted it white) + Optional frame (I bought two 1x4’s for $5 each, cut 2 pieces 4ft long and 2 pieces 3.5ft long, stained minwax walnut, attached to pegboard with screws through the back). + Twine to string popcorn bags (or if you’re using the pegboard display for donuts, bagels or pretzels then use golf tees hot glued into holes from behind!) + Clothes pins to hang popcorn bags + Popcorn bags TICKET BOOTH + Tickets + Ticket Booth (optional) CONCESSION STAND + Popcorn Machine (optional) + Popcorn + Popcorn flavors (for guests to get creative!) + Candy (boxes rather than bags for movie theater vibes!) + Soda (bottles rather than cans) + Napkins + Cupcake toppers & Plates (if its a birthday celebration) + Reused boxes and spray painted them white for guests to easily carry their snacks I hope you have as much fun at your party as we did! I’d love if you tagged me @silvertoothfarmhome so I can see your At-Home Movie Theater too!! In reflecting on the party, Ezra said that “the best part of the night was eating candy with my friends.” After all, people are what matter most!

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Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL $50 off a complete pair of glasses and/or $50 off an eye exam, contact lens fitting and year supply of contacts.

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Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020

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1528 NE 96th St., Liberty, MO 64068 • 816-781-5444

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10215 Missouri 350 - Suite E, Raytown, MO 64138 • 816-313-5060

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

L E AWO OD

SOLD PRICE %SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

HIGHLANDS CREEK

$1,325,000

$1,270,000

95%

68

5

5.1

LEAWOOD

$1,124,950

$1,100,326

97%

31

6

6.1

PAVILIONS

$1,145,000

$1,060,000

92%

0

5

4.2

HALLBROOK

$1,090,000

$950,000

87%

8

4

4.1

LEAWOOD

$824,950

$859,950

104%

2

5

4.1

ROYSE

$795,000

$780,000

98%

3

4

3.3

HIGHLANDS CREEK

$799,000

$765,000

95%

9

5

5.1

THE CLOISTERS

$719,000

$751,000

104%

35

5

3.1

LEAWOOD ESTATES

$769,000

$735,000

95%

229

4

5.2

ROYSE

$749,950

$720,000

96%

7

4

4.2

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers.STATISTICS from 6/1/2020 TO 6/30/2020. * DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

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DIY

+HANDCRAFTED+

FUN PAPER CRAFT ACTIVITY FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata.

2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side.

(Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

PIÑLLAMA

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look.

4. Cover all remaining sides of the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design.

5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama!

Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

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Leawood Lifestyle | August 2020