Johnson County April 2015

Johnson County JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

APRIL 2015

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Vintage

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We have been honored as the “Pick of the Parade Grand Award Winner” by the KC Home Builders Association in the 2013 Fall Parade of Homes. Recently 2500 W. 91st Street, in Old Leawood, was awarded 2014 KCH&G Best Model Home over $750,000. And our project at 2615 W 83rd St, in Old Leawood also was recognized as First runner up in the HBA Spring 2014 Parade.

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Official healthcare prOvider Of yOur hOme team At the Sports Medicine & Performance Center, we provide specialized treatment and physical therapy for all injuries. We care for the serious or recreational athlete in your life – your fearless goalie, driveway hoops star, living room gymnast, 5K finisher and hole-in-one hopeful.

To receive care from the same experts who treat the pros, visit one of our four convenient locations: • Overland Park, Kansas • Kansas City, Kansas • Shawnee, Kansas • Truman Sports Complex, Kansas City, Missouri sportsmedicine.kumed.com

Blue Valley School District • De Soto School District Shawnee Mission School District • KSD • St. James Academy

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Editor's Letter

I inherited her hands, but not her green thumbs.

M

y mother was a passionate and talented gardener.

And while I see quite clearly every time I look down at my hands that I inherited her long fingers, her deep nail beds and her strong nails, I most certainly did not inherit her green thumbs.

But it was not for lack of trying on her part.

I know the names of an impressive number of annuals and perennials, and I even know the difference between annuals and perennials, so clearly I was paying attention when she talked me through dozens of garden tours and walks through the Chicago Botanical Gardens. She taught me how to garden share to save money. The daylilies and hosta that grew too thick to flourish in her garden where thinned out and shared with the church garden, my grandma and aunt, or neighbors.

I remember the summer she discovered an invasion of grubs in her daylilies. She spoke with the urgency of a 9-1-1 call as she thrust shovels into the hands of my brother and me and instructed us to dig, dig, DIG(!!) until her beautiful daylilies were out of the ground and lying on newspapers spread in the yard so she could save them with some kind of botanical haz-mat decontamination.

Year after year, more compost (what we called manure at our house) or peat was added to her flower beds and the back lawn shrank as the garden’s edges were expanded to include an area for lettuce and herbs one year and roses another. As one of two lawn mowers in the family, this was fine with me!

And while I appreciate a lovely garden as much as the next person, I just don’t have the passion (or the tolerance for worms) to give the activity the weekly attention needed for a stunning, blooming garden. I’ve learned that half a dozen pots out front, a border of hostas in the back, and a ring of daylilies around the flagpole are the extent of my gardening talents, so long as all are hit with strategically positioned sprinkler heads. I let a bed of 25-year-thick English ivy give passers by the illusion of a lush green garden.

We all have our gifts, as they say!

Enjoy the blooms and blossoms that come with the spring, and I’ll see you around town.

APRIL 2015 editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Stauch | MStauch@LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Lisa Allen, Katherine Bontrager, Debra Laizure, Kendra Mathewson, Charles Redfield, Tom Strongman, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers Alan Branhagen, Alexis Cook, Lisa Gartland, McKenna Mathewson, Tom Strongman

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

ON THE COVER Kansas City's vintage and re-purposed shopping

options have grown by leaps and bounds over the past five years.

Read more on page 34.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MCKENNA MATHEWSON

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7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Johnson County’s 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 Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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April 2015

24 38 34 Adding a Vintage Flair to Your Home

Departments

Repurposed and antique items are adding a new layer to

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Our Contributors

home decorating.

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Good Times

38 At the Water’s Edge

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Around Town

22

Star Student

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Giving Back

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History 101

28

Now Open

Small area lake makes for a spectacular walk around the neighborhood.

42 Here a Club, There a Club, Everywhere

a Book Club

Find your niche, page by page.

30 Locals Only 44 Open House

34 44

46 Field Trip 50 Worship Time 52

Driver's Notebook

56

Page Turners

59

Sold Properties

60 Lifestyle Calendar 66 Parting Thoughts

Lifestyle Publications Kansas | California | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Colorado | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Oklahoma

Nestled across a quiet wooded valley along a tranquil lake, lies one of the best new golf courses in America.

• New Clubhouse by Summer 2016 • New Golf Carts with GPS, Bluetooth Speakers, and a USB Port • Improvements to the Golf Course For course details and membership options, visit our website - www.CanyonFarmsGolfClub.com Under New Ownership & Management • 18145 W. 87th Street Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 529-2235

Our Contributors County Lifestyle is a product of the work of many passionate Johnson and dedicated freelance writers and photographers. We couldn’t do it without them. Meet a few of this month’s contributors.

LISA ALLEN

It took some time for me to claim Olathe as home. I’m a western Kansas native, moved to Chicago after high school graduation, and earned an undergraduate degree from Loyola University. I loved my big city life, but can’t imagine a better place to raise kids. I am a proud mom of three and thankful for the opportunity to work from home as a freelance writer, marketing strategist and ghost author.

In my spare time I blog about being a single mom at BacktoAllen. com, sweat out stress at hot yoga and prefer red over white.

KENDRA MATHEWSON

I have an adventurous, artistic spirit. People are like worlds we can never possibly discover everything about, but it’s fun to explore who they are and then, like a travel journalist, attempt with words to describe a glimpse of a piece of that world. To me, numbers are a foreign country but words are home. I enjoy the journey of finding the right words amidst the chaos of being a mom of two kids, attempting to run a household and enjoying a ski on Lake Lotawana when I can.

CHARLES REDFIELD

I grew up on Long Island but attended the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science in education. This is my 50th year involved in high school sports in Kansas.

I started at Wyandotte High School as a teacher and an assistant coach in cross

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country, swimming and track. I cover high school sports for a number of area newspapers and magazines. I was the associate sports editor and sports editor for Sun Publications for 27 years.

During my career, I have won several awards from the Suburban Newspapers of America and the Kansas Press Association.

In 2007, I was the recipient of the Gordon Docking Media Award and in 2014 was the sportswriters of the year for the KIAAA. TOM STRONGMAN

Almost every morning, as I walk my neighborhood with our dog Pete, I see my daughter driving her kids to school or my son or daughter-in-law hauling their children. We are blessed beyond words to have our family so close.

I work from home as a freelance writer and photographer, and I have everything that I love within a 1.5-mile circle. I snap iPhone photos of beautiful ponds or autumn leaves.

Our neighbors are friends and our friends are neighbors whose warmth and welcome provide an anchor for everyday living.

Leawood is large, but its feeling is intimate.

JENNY WOLFF

Meeting people is a joy. Everyone has a story, and I like hearing them. So, it is a great pleasure to be a contributor to Lifestyle Publications.

As a KU journalism graduate, I spent the first decade of my career in television news, the second as owner of a video company, the third decade raising a houseful of children and the fourth in corporate communications. Over the years, I’ve met many wonderful people who have given me the privilege of sharing their stories. Thanks to all my inspirational friends—present and future—and to Rick, a great husband and editor.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Good Times

American Heart Association’s 28th Heart & Stroke Ball

An unforgettable evening included fine dining, auctions and dancing to the Michael Beers Band, and appearances by opera student Micah Welch, heart transplant survivor John Muetter, Kansas City Ballet II, Bach Aria Trio and the Joe Cartwright Trio.

Mary Lynn & Kamal Mikhail, 2015 Heart & Stroke Ball Chairs

Volunteer Paola Rivera, shows Great Plains SPCA puppy to guests.

John Nobles, Micah Welch, Ginger Frost High School Honors Artist Program, Lyric Opera of Kansas City; and John Meutert, Pianist and Heart Transplant Recipient

Honorary chairs, Dr. Michael and Ginger Frost host their family and friends.

Emcees Len Jennings and Lara Moritz

The Reynolds were the honored survivor family.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

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Loving & Longing Art Show for Operation Breakthrough The benefit hosted by local artists included works that reflect thankful contentment for loving relationships and finding beauty and hope within one another and our journeys. Artists included Jenny Meyer-McCall, Kari Hebrock, Kristin Goering, Debbie Barrett-Jones, Mara Procter and Cora Jones.

THE MOST ELEGANT WAY TO SAVE NATURE GET YOUR JAZZOO TICKETS TODAY! Join us in creative black-tie attire to celebrate the new Orangutan Canopy and enjoy cuisine from these restaurants, plus live music and more.

75th Street Brewery 810 Zone Amigoni Urban Winery Argosy Casino & Spa BRGR Kitchen & Bar Barley’s Brewhaus Belfonte Ice Cream & Dairy Foods Co. Bizz and Weezy’s Confections Brancato’s Catering Carmen’s Café Charlie Hoopers Chuy’s Claridge Court Cosentino’s Catering Cooper’s Hawk Edible Arrangements El Porton Café Frida’s Contemporary Mexican Cuisine Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Gates Bar-B-Q

Gram & Dun Harrah’s 37 Steak Hiland Dairy Co. Hilton Kansas City Airport/Asado Hy-Vee Catering Ingredient True Eatery Jazz—A Louisiana Kitchen Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse Kaldi’s Coffee/Latteland Lakeview Village Les Bourgeois Vineyards Lew’s Louisburg Cider Mill Magnolia’s Contemporary Southern Bistro MeMa’s Old-Fashioned Bakery

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

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Murray’s Tables & Tap Nick & Jakes O’Dowd’s Little Dublin O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar RA Sushi Red Door Grill República Scratch Office Catering Sheridan’s Frozen Custard Snow & Company St. James Winery Sunset Grill Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant Taco Republic T-Rex Café

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Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina The Blue Moose Bar & Grill The Blue Moose Truck The Funnel Cake Truck The Melting Pot The Roasterie Café The Well Bar—Grill & Rooftop The Zebra Room at the Aladdin Hotel Urban Table Walker’s Food Products Co Westin/Sheraton Kansas City Hotels Waldo Pizza

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser

Participants raised more than $17,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation funds and awareness for childhood cancer research through the head-shaving event at KC’s premier Irish pub, The Dubliner.

Jessica Troester has shaved her head five times for St. Baldrick's. Tricia Lashley

Vicki Mori

Dubliner waitress Amy Lorenz

Dana & Tammy Mengel, in memory of their daughter, Gloria.

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Children International Housewarming Party

Eve and Mike Krahn and Whitney and Ian Davidson hosted a housewarming party at the Krahn’s home in Leawood.

The event was also an opportunity for guests to learn more about Children International and how they can get involved.

Andrew Marquardt, Eve & Mike Krahn, Robin & Jordan Ayers

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Tim & Beth Parker

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Around Town KC MARATHON CERTIFIED GOLD FOR SUSTAINABILITY The Council for Responsible Sport has certified the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon as a Gold Level green event. This is the first time the marathon has filed for certification and the first time the event has received certification. Only 20 events in the world have received gold level certification their first year filing since The Council was founded in 2008. Of those 20, only 13 were marathons and half marathons.

“Our staff and volunteers work hard to reduce our environmental footprint,” says Sarah Dee, director of events. “We are so proud that the marathon has been a zero-waste event the past two years.”

In 2014, the marathon collected more than 10,445 pounds of waste. From that, 10,265 pounds were either recycled or composted. There were 132 pounds of heat sheets recycled, and more than 245 pounds of discarded clothing and 4,468 pounds of food donated to a local homeless shelter.

DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN’S FARMSTEAD CELEBRATES EARTH DAY Deanne Rose Farmstead is celebrating Earth Day. Educational programming about recycling, composting, gardening and Kansas nature and wildlife will provide not only education but also entertainment for the entire family. The event is Saturday, April 18, and include activities such as crafts, flower planting, Planting of the Three Sisters - A Traditional Native American Ceremony, chalk walk and educational programming.

Visit the Friends of the Farmstead for more information on Earth Day and the other special events at the Farmstead. ArtsAndRec-OP.org

FARMERS MARKET REOPENS IN APRIL The Overland Park Farmers Market has been closed for the season and will reopen Saturday, April 18, and remains open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September 26. From Oct. 3-Nov. 21 it is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Market creates a vibrant public gathering place that builds community pride and spirit by bringing together residents of 18

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

all ages and interests. For more than 30 years, vendors have been providing farmto-table food at the Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market.

The vendors offer customers a wide variety of products from farm, fresh produce, local foods and unique specialty items. The market is a way to help you eat locally, support your community and learn how to eat in season.

No dogs, or any pets, are allowed at the Farmers Market, excluding service pets, per health code regulations.

second store on April 4. After almost 10 years in Liberty, they are excited to expand into Johnson County and bring you the highest quality hot tubs, barbecue grills, smokers, accessories, rubs, sauces and so much more. You’ll find top brands including Jacuzzi Brand Hot Tubs, Big Green Egg, GoodOne Smokers, Weber Grills, Saber Infra Red grills, and Traeger pellet smokers. Their highest quality merchandise will help you create the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Stop by, say hello and meet Chris Marks of Three Little Pigs BBQ and Good-One Smokers and Grills. Chris will have a Good One Pit Boss fired up so you can sample delicious barbecue fresh off the smoker.

PARK UNIVERSITY OFFERS TUITION FREEZE

OVERLAND PARK LARGE ITEM PICKUP MOVES TO FALL The dates of Overland Park’s highly popular Large Item Trash Pickup of unwanted items are moving to the fall.

The city’s program for pickup of these items usually occurs in early spring, typically during March and April. Scheduling the event to avoid holidays, school spring vacations and collections that occur in other municipalities is often difficult. In 2014, one weekend overlapped with spring break and in 2013 the collections were held during June.

Both prompted complaints from residents expressing displeasure with the scheduling.

Each year the large item program serves one-half of the city, using Antioch as the dividing line. It alternates east and west of Antioch.

In 2014, it was conducted west of Antioch.

This year it is for households east of Antioch.

Dates for 2015 are: Sept. 19, north city limits to 87th Street Sept. 26, College Boulevard to south city limits Oct. 3, 87th Street to College Boulevard

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Join our advertising partners at Hot Spot Pools, Hot Tubs & BBQ (7305 W. 151st St.) as they celebrate the grand opening of their

Park University has announced that it will offer its current students a one-year “tuition freeze” throughout the upcoming 2015-16 academic year, despite tuition rate increases for new students. Students enrolled at Park at any time during the 2014-15 academic year will be eligible for the existing rate, including any new student who enrolls between now and the summer semester.

“At Park University we provide education without boundaries, and customer satisfaction and student success are top priority,” says Rita Weighill, executive director of student marketing. “This tuition freeze is our way to give back and thank the students who have already chosen Park as their educational partner. We are honored to be a part of helping them shape their successful future by providing them with an affordable and excellent education.”

For details about the tuition freeze or to view tuition and fees for the 2015-16 academic year, visit Park’s tuition webpage.

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION CREATES NEW DYNAMIC Jump In! Architecture Workshop, the first self-generated architecture exhibition organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, converts the Project Space in the Bloch Building into an interactive studio. Visitors can experience an overview of architectural concepts

through five interactive modules highlighting landscape, community, building type, style and material. Provocative questions, project examples and activities help develop and expand an understanding of how architecture impacts almost all aspects of everyday life.

Visitors can expect an active and dynamic experience that includes more than 2,000 building blocks, touch-screen maps, and tactile walls. An original card game, 5 Card Design!, gives players a set of unusual features and instructs them to design their own structure using the provided prompts.

Jump In! Architecture Workshop will be open through July 19.

FOOD FROM THE BAR What do you call hundreds of our area’s most prominent lawyers helping our local food pantries? Food from the Bar! Join the legal community to fight hunger April 1-30. “Food from the Bar” raises donations for Cross-lines food pantry. Uniting to fight against hunger are: Berson Law Group LLP, Foulston Siefkin, LLP, Beam-Ward, Kruse, Wilson, Wright & Fletes, LLC, Walden & Pfannenstiel LLC, the Kansas and Missouri Federal courthouses, and Kansas Women Attorneys Association. Help guarantee full stomachs for our children and elderly. To donate, contact Susan Berson at sberson@banktaxlaw.com.

LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS PARTNERS WITH ANGEL HOUSE At Lifestyle Publications, we are inspired by our communities and we want to build up communities around the world. To that end, Lifestyle Publications, the parent company of Johnson County Lifestyle, recently made a significant donation to Angel House in India so that an orphanage in the

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Around Town village of Medchal, could be opened and a clean water pump installed. The mission of the Angel House organization is to bring abandoned children from the slums to safety and into the loving arms of caretakers that will educate, love and raise them to become future leaders in their generation. The home in Medchal will house a dozen children. To learn more, visit AngelHouse.me.

near the Overland Park Arboretum, is perfect for working families who are looking for wholesome, exciting and safe adventures to fill part of their children’s summer while school’s out.

Adults have been planning the camp for months already with an emphasis on fun that their children will savor for a lifetime. And it’s all built around the scouting ideals of guiding boys into responsible manhood -- working well in teams, being resourceful, showing respect, building confidence and relishing the joy in life.

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SIGN UP NOW FOR CUB SCOUT CAMP What do boys like more than fishing, archery, tromping through the woods and playing field games? Not a lot, except maybe pretending to be a knight.

All those boyhood dreams are coming together June 8-12 at the Knights in Training day camp for current Cub Scouts and boys who want to join for the new scouting year. The fun at Camp Timberlake,

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Join friends of the Truman Library on a World War II History Tour of Germany, September 3-12, 2015. Begin in historic Munich, visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, and hear the tragic story of the holocaust at Dachau Concentration Camp. Nuremberg boasts key Nazi landmarks. Motor through picturesque East Germany to Dresden, home of treasures such as the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace. The coach continues to Torgau, on the Elbe, where the American and Russian forces met.

Leipzig features the St. Nicholas Church, Art Nouveau architecture and Stasi museum. In Berlin, explore Kaiser Wilhem Church, Berlin Wall remnants, Checkpoint Charlie, monument to the famous airlift and bunkers used during allied bombing. The trip concludes in Potsdam with a tour of Cecilienhof, site of the conference between Stalin, Churchill and Truman. Land travel, including breakfasts and dinners, $2,395-2,695, based on number of travelers, air estimate $12501500. For details, contact Donna, 816.268.8239.

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Star Student

Blue Valley West Runner Strives for Repeat Title ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

B

lue Valley West senior Stuart McNutt has proven to be the best cross country runner in the state of Kansas for the last two years. Now the 5-foot, 10-inch Jaguar senior is looking to end his high school career with a bang come May 29-30 and the state track meet in Wichita.

And from his success in cross country it is a possibility. He is a two-time state champion, winning the Class 6A title in 2013 and 5A in 2014 and both by wide margins. He won the 5A title in October because BV West dropped down in classification. Classifications are based on enrollment. In both seasons, he was the Bob Timmons Award winning runner because he had the top time at the state meet.

“It was nice winning two state titles,” says McNutt. “My secret was to have fun and not be stressing all the time.”

After the high school season, he placed fourth at Nike Cross regional meet in South Dakota and Foot Locker Regional in Wisconsin. He went on to place 10th at Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon, and 21st at the Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego.

What impressed the 130-pound senior about the national competition?

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

“It was meeting all the great runners and people at nationals,” he says.

His finish at the Nike Cross National gave him All-American status. His best clocking for the 5K (5,000-meters) cross country was an impressive 14:58.

It comes as no surprise that McNutt has been the Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year for Kansas for the past two years. He started in cross country

“I would like to win three events at state,” the senior says. in the seventh grade while at Prairie Star Middle School.

“The person who started me was David Ramsey,” he says. “He had a club cross country team, the Brocaw Blazers, which runs from elementary school through high school.”

Ramsey has had a big influence on the Jaguar runner.

“He’s a real good guy,” says McNutt. “He is knowledgeable. I didn’t really appreciate it until this year. He knows just by looking at me how I’ve done. He is the same no matter how I do.”

During the winter months he has just enjoyed running. But now that spring has arrived, McNutt is looking forward to the track season.

“My goal for the track season is to win three events at state,” he says. “I want to run the 1,600 (meters) in 4:09 and the 800 in the low 1:50s.”

He has ambitious goals for the 3,200. He wanted to break nine minutes in the event, something that only three runners in the history of state have accomplished. Then he would like to set his sights on the state all-time best of 8:43.59. That record was set by Brent Steiner of Shawnee Mission South back in 1979.

Incidentally, Steiner won the first Foot Locker Nationals in 1979. And the two talked before the race in San Diego. Steiner now lives in Arizona, working in sales for a sporting goods company.

McNutt excels in the classroom with a 3.74 grade-point average. He will be heading to the University of Tulsa for his college cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

“I felt that it was the best fit for me,” he says.

“I will have my best chance to do well there.”

He has an idea of what he wants to do with his life after college.

“I’m going to major in exercise science and minor in business management,” he says.

His goal is to work in physical therapy with an eye towards opening his own clinic. But that is going to have to wait because first on the schedule is his senior track season, high school graduation, college and college cross country and track before he can embark on his life’s work.

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23

Giving Back

Everything Is Top Notch at Top Drawer THE RESALE STORE THAT GIVES BACK ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

T

op Drawer resale shop has been tucked into the same location on Mission Road for the past 14 years, but Manager Lori Feagins says the store is still an undiscovered treasure to most people in the area.

“We don’t advertise,” says Feagins. “People find us through word of mouth. Those familiar with us love us not just because of the selection and the quality of what we sell, but because of the cause we support.”

Proceeds from sales of the shop’s assortment of personal and home goods benefit Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Kansas City’s largest and most comprehensive care provider. Services provided are nuanced; hospice is provided with the goal of comfort, while palliative care occurs when it is too early for hospice care and the patient is seeking treatment. The non-profit organization, which was founded in 1980, has more than 250 employees and more than 400 volunteers, and serves more than 2,300 families each year.

Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care provides services to all in need, regardless of financial circumstances.

“Half of our volunteers have been here for eight to ten years,” says Feagins. “Many are connected with Kansas City Hospice House while others have simply come in to shop and then asked if they can volunteer.” Feagins currently manages a staff of 28 volunteers who help her run the store.

Top Drawer is filled with an upscale selection of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, footwear, jewelry, handbags, art, books, home décor and collectibles. The store accepts gently used donations from individuals and also solicits local retailers who donate new, overstock or out-of-season items for resale.

“We are really very lucky with the donations we receive,” says Feagins. “We’ve cultivated a reputation for offering high quality, upscale items. Many people will bring their best pieces here first, so our selection is different than a traditional resale shop. We are not a thrift store; we stock designer brands both in clothing and home décor.”

The local retailers that have established a relationship with Top Drawer are recognizable in their own right. Bag and Baggage, Spanglers, Stick Sisters, EJ’s, Annabelle’s, Willow Tree, J’Adore, Statements, Olathe Glass & Home Décor and

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Rosehill Gardens are a few local businesses that support Top Drawer with consistent donations.

“We work with 18 different local retailers, which is an incredibly nice partnership,” says Feagins. “Not only does this give our shoppers additional variety, but we help support each other and spread the word about each respective business.”

Feagins is proud of the atmosphere at Top Drawer. Volunteers work diligently to clean and iron clothes and organize and display merchandise and the result is a pleasant, welcoming setting. Ambient music plays and volunteers chat with and assist shoppers.

The experience, says Feagins, is part of what sets Top Drawer apart from other resale shops.

“Our shoppers and our volunteers come here deliberately to support not only us, but also to support Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care and the care they provide. Everyone has a connection to hospice care; they’ve either gone through the process as a family, or they’ve known someone who has been touched by what Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care does. Almost everyone recognizes the name Kansas City Hospice House, but so many others benefit from the various services that we offer.

People who have been touched by hospice care usually feel a desire to give back. Our volunteers do that by working here; others simply donate, either goods or monetarily. Every little bit helps. It all makes a difference,” says Feagins.

Learn more at KansasCityHospice.org.

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History 101

Blue Valley School District Celebrates 50th Anniversary

THE BLUE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BE CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE FALL ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

he district came about because the Kansas Legislature in the early 1960s passed a law forcing school unification. In June 1965, the unification of the Stilwell Consolidated District #8, Oxford District #112 and Stanley District #4 took place.

The unified district started out as Southeast Johnson County School District #229. The new district had 573 students and two high schools - Stanley and Stilwell. And the two high schools were bitter enemies.

“They hated each other,” says Rick Taylor. “If you beat the other you could say you had a good year.”

Taylor graduated from Stanley and was coaching at Stilwell.

He was a long time boy’s basketball coach and physical education teacher at Blue Valley.

The decision was made to combine the two high schools into one high school located at 159th and Lamar. But the question was what to call the new high school.

“Some people in Stanley area wanted to call the school Stanstill, people in the Stilwell area wanted to call the new school Stilstan,” Taylor says.

It was Superintendent Jim March who made the decision on the new high school. He reasoned that the Blue River ran between the two high schools and it was in a valley. Hence the new high school was Blue Valley.

Jim Thompson came over from the Shawnee Mission District to become the district’s third Superintendent in 1974 and his first day on the job was memorable.

“My secretary said that it was time to get the payroll out,” he says. “I asked her where the button was to push and crank out the paychecks.”

He was informed that he had to do the checks by hand. The district had around 100 employees, but was growing quickly. The district had 852 students in 1970 and 2,873 in 1980. There was need for another high school but it the community resisted.

“Despite growth that continued during the early years one of the most controversial issues was the splitting of the high schools

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

for the first time,” Thompson says. “When we proposed a bond issue to build a second high school, it failed because people doubted the need and did not want to split Blue Valley High.”

Thompson was eventually able to get a bond issue passed and BV North opened in 1986.

The district continued to grow in the next 15 years, adding 10 elementary schools and five middle schools between 1986 and 2001. The district opened two new high schools with Blue Valley Northwest opening in 1993 and Blue Valley West in 2001.

Russ Kokoruda was hired to be the first principal at BV Northwest.

“I remember the excitement of the community over the beautiful building and the attached District Activity Complex (DAC),” says Kokoruda. “Of course, it took us awhile to convince our community that the DAC was a district facility and not just for the (Blue Valley Northwest) Huskies.”

The opening of BV West was special for Randy Lowe. He came to the school as a physical education teacher and head wrestling coach. He is still the wrestling coach, but is a PE teacher at neighboring Pleasant Ridge Middle School.

“When West opened, I was extremely proud to be back teaching and coaching in Blue Valley, especially since it was built about a mile from where I grew up and on land that I hunted all the time,” he says. “My great grandmother had owned and lived on the land were Pleasant Ridge sits.”

The highly-regarded CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Study) started in 2008 and moved into its own building in 2010, the same year that the fifth high school, Blue Valley Southwest opened. The idea for the CAPS program came from present Superintendent Tom Trigg.

“The curriculum was written by our teachers, college professors and industry experts,” Trigg says.

The program gives young people a chance to look at the career paths they are thinking of pursuing and a chance to see what the real world job would be like.

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Blooom A PERMANENT FIX FOR YOUR 401K ARTICLE JENNY WOLFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

H

ow many of you reading this article have a 401(k)? Go ahead.

Raise your hands. I can see you. Now, how many of you are unsure whether your 401(k) is invested properly? Oooooh. Many of you still have your hands up.

Let me introduce you to Chris Costello. Costello is a certified financial planner with 20 years of experience managing retirement accounts for his clients. He and his partners, Kevin Conard and Randy Aufderheide have come up with a way to help millions of people have appropriately invested 401(k)s. The three co-founders grew up in the Kansas City area and are KU fraternity brothers.

“If you have an employer-sponsored account, a 401(k), there is a strong chance that it is not invested properly. In fact, it may be screwed up,” says Costello. “Let me give you an example. About a year ago I asked my sister Annie, who is a very smart woman, for her 401(k) credentials so that we could test out Blooom on her 401(k). I was shocked to find out that 100 percent of her investments were in money market accounts, basically earning zero.

And it had been invested like that for the last five years.”

Costello says that his sister was bewildered by the complex choices in her 401(k) plan. “She is very intelligent, was a valedictorian of her class,” says Costello. “If someone like Annie is confused, what about the rest of the 88 million people in this country that have 401(k)s or similar retirement plans?”

Costello and his business partners recognized that up until now, the investment industry has failed to get 401(k) user-friendly 401(k) help to the masses. “The difference between a healthy 401(k) and one invested unwisely can mean the difference in whether you will EVER be able to retire.”

So why do so many of us get it wrong? Costello is convinced it is because we are confused, intimidated and overwhelmed. We don’t know how to manage the accounts, so we do nothing.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

“Blooom has figured out a way to provide simple, saleable advice to fix millions of 401(k)s and keep them fixed,” says Costello.

The cost? If you have more than $20,000 in your 401(k) Blooom charges $15 per month. If you have less than $20,000, the charge is $1 a month. “Other businesses in our space may provide advice. They analyze your 401(k) and provide instructions via email on what action you should take. At Blooom, we do it for you. You’ve heard of DIY—Do It Yourself. Blooom is DIFY. We Do It For You.” So here’s how it works. You go to Blooom’s website and register for an account. The site will ask where your 401(k) is held (Fidelity, Vanguard, etc.) and ask for your sign-in information. Once that is done, a colorful animated flower will pop onto the screen. The health of the little daisy represents the health of your 401(k). If you see a sad and sagging bloom, Blooom will recommend changing how your account is invested.

It doesn’t matter where you work or where your 401(k) is held.

The Blooom patent-pending interface takes your account, extracts investment data, runs it through an algorithm and shows what the allocation should be. Then, Blooom places the trades for you. Plus, it continues to monitor the account and rebalances every 90 days. When you get nearer to retirement, Blooom adjusts the stock and bond allocation.

“Thirty years from now, people who will be retiring will have had the benefit of simple advice on a complicated topic,” says Costello. “We believe that Blooom is the solution that will affect social change and help close the wealth gap in this country.”

Just recently, Fast Magazine named Bloom one of the Top Ten Most Innovative Companies in Personal Finance in 2015.

So, those of you who raised your hand earlier might want to go to Blooom.com. Let’s check back with one another and see how our 401(k)s are flourishing this time next year.

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Locals Only

Falcon Valley by the Numbers FAMILIES, AMENITIES AND SUCCESSFUL PLANNED GROWTH

T

he communities at Falcon Valley continue to retain their value and homes sell quickly in today’s competitive Johnson County real estate market. Shelly Odom, a manager for the development, recently shared some impressive numbers with Johnson County Lifestyle that paint an impressive picture of the stunning golf-course development.

2000 Falcon Valley opened for development 2005 Commercial and retail development opens with business such as Price Chopper, Morrill & Janes Bank and Wendy’s $400,000 - $700,000 The average home sale price in 2014 410 Lots in the community 100 Homes in the development that enjoy a golf course or lakeside view 17 Miles of beautiful pedestrian and bicycle trails in the nearby Mill Creek Streamway Park 9 Hole Championship length course, the only one in the Kansas City area 3 The average number of weeks a home is on the market 1 & 1 Sport court and pool in the community 18 Lots remaining for home building To learn more about the Falcon Valley Communities, call Shelly at 913.390.9009 or visit FalconValleyHomes.com.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

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Adding a Vintage Flair to Your Home Adding Repurposed or Antique Items to Your Home in a Move that is Both Distinctively You and Friendly to the Environment

hether you call it “junking” or “antiquing,” there is a definite sense of adventure when you embark to find that perfect piece. Part of the fun is in the hunt: After all, there’s no way to know what you’ll discover when you venture out. But it’s just this excitement that draws thousands of Kansas Citians to vintage stores across the state.

The draw to vintage items is threefold: Not only are you likely to find unique, oneof-a-kind pieces—a welcome relief from recreating overdone catalog spreads—but the items are typically made of higher quality wood and craftsmanship, the likes of which you don’t find in manufacturing today. Some of these cleverly repurposed items are conversation pieces unto themselves. And the best part? You’re also being effortlessly green—giving new life to items that would otherwise fill space in a landfill, all while not incurring any more environmental costs by purchasing something new.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

ARTICLE KATHERINE BONTRAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY MCKENNA MATHEWSON

W

If you’re new to vintage shopping, a great place to start is by traveling to the West Bottoms on the first weekend of the month. Come early, as parking spaces quickly fill and desperate shoppers create their own parking spots under the 12th Street Bridge and beyond.

There, amongst what was once the sole home to fall’s haunted houses, is a burgeoning shopping extravaganza, with more than a dozen shops popping up in the old warehouses.

One early February morning I visited Good Ju Ju, Bella Patina, Bottom’s Up, Restoration Emporium and countless other unique venues nestled in the high-beamed brick warehouses of a bygone era. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in good company, with hundreds of other early-morning shoppers out to find one-of-a-kind discoveries. I eyed some beautiful steamer trunks, an antique printer’s drawer, and 19th Century French cane chairs, which, my husband informed me, were far too rich for my blood.

I’ve found that such shopping can often be hit-and-miss. This is part of the frustration—and fun—of junking. There have been weekends when I’ve come away empty handed, while other times, I’ve had to make return trips to haul home my finds. I’ve scored a gorgeous antique bed, unique French-style woman’s writing desk and pretty pottery pieces. My daughter’s bedroom is accented with the gentle lines of a 1930’s French-style dresser and side table repainted a vibrant white (found at Good Ju Ju). The excitement of the hunt is what keeps so many coming back for more, month after month.

I advise you arrive early and allow plenty of time for perusing. This is NOT a rushed shopping experience. Thankfully, dozens of food trucks are on hand—along with a few brick-and-mortar spots—to provide you with a needed break and sustenance to galvanize you to search yet some more. And do take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the buildings you’re in, as these antique structures CONTINUED > are beauties themselves.

VINTAGE (CONTINUED)

Once you’ve tackled the West Bottoms, make your way to Urban Mining, off of 39th Street in the historic Meyer Building in Midtown. There you can find vintage furniture, art décor pieces, antiques, and mid-century and industrial-era items. And don’t forget Blackwell’s Thrift Store & Collectibles on 63rd Street, which is filled with gently used china, glassware and vintage kitchen décor. If you have the need for any retro dining wares, Blackwell’s is a must.

Those in Lee’s Summit also have a fine vintage shop at their fingertips. Our own Kendra Mathewson stumbled upon Razzberry Wimzy in downtown Lee’s Summit, where she discovered a repurposed coral-colored 1970s chest of drawers.

“It’s one of the happiest pieces I own,” says Mathewson with a laugh. “Who buys a coral-colored giant piece of furniture?! I just love it, and her work is absolute perfection. The surface is so smooth and beautiful, even in all the detailing on the drawer faces.”

Such is the joy of finding the perfect piece. It makes you pause, brings a smile to your face, and helps bring out your personality in your home.

So whether you call it junking, antiquing or vintage shopping, and whether you’re interested in quality craftsmanship, oneof-a-kind items, or a bit of environmental kindness, consider giving your home some vintage style. Check out our starter list of shops, take some time, wander about and see what grabs you!

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Many of these stores sell a variety of antiques, repurposed items and mid-century items for use as is, or to refinish or paint on your own. Happy shopping!

WEST BOTTOMS ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FIRST FRIDAYS STORES

Bella Patina Bottom’s Up Foundation Architectural Reclamation Good Ju Ju Hello Sailor Hickory Dickory Le Fou Flea Lucky Dog Vintage Mulberry Antiques – 1101 Mulberry Street Nook & Cranny – 1400 W 13th Street Not 2 Shabby Pentimento – 1324 W 12th Street PNR – Pete n Repeat – 4th Floor Restoration Emporium RB Martin’s Vintage Decor & More Rustic Redoux – 3rd Floor Rustic Vintage Rose Sequel Sit On It...A Chair Gallery Studio 1404 Stuffology The Red Shed The Space The Painted Sofa Top Hat Mercantile West Bottoms Antiques & Collectibles ADDITIONAL AREA VINTAGE SHOPS Mission Road Antique Mall, Prairie Village Urban Mining, Kansas City, Mo. Blackwell’s Thrift Store & Collectibles, Kansas City, Mo. Rivermarket Antique Store, Kansas City, Mo. WestSide Storey Antiques, Kansas City, Mo. The Brass Armadillo, Kansas City, Mo. Razzberry Wimzy, Downtown Lee’s Summit Henry’s Antiques, Collectibles & Tearoom, Lee’s Summit Mary Margaret’s Home Store, Lee’s Summit Greenwood Antique Mall, Greenwood Timeless Treasures, Claycomo Jeff’s Architectural Salvage, Weston The Rumpled Nest, Weston The Hillcrest Thrift Stores in Liberty and Parkville Jesse James Antique Mall & Furniture Gallery, St. Joseph The Lucky Tiger, St. Joseph Hunterland Antique Mall, St. Joseph Kat & Company Antique And Gift Mall, St. Joseph

April 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

37

At the Water’s Edge ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

S

ometimes we are so busy that we don’t take time to notice the beauty in everyday things. One example is the private little lake tucked away near 87th Street and Mission Road. The fact that it is nearly hidden by houses with spacious back yards only heightens its sense of mystery.

On many days I pass by this lake during my daily walk without giving it a second look but during the fall and winter green gives way to brown and gold and the lake takes on a different character every day. I have several friends who live on the lake and don’t mind when I turn away from the street and trek to the water’s edge. It’s hard to resist making a few pictures with my iPhone.

Crisp fall mornings are most alluring. Mist hangs lazily over the water for a few minutes, shimmering warmly as the sun comes up. But in no time at all, the mist is burned away by the sun and the magic is gone until another day.

AT THE WATER'S EDGE (CONTINUED)

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

April 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

41

Here a Club, There a Club, Everywhere a Book Club

Finding your niche, page by page.

ARTICLE BY LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

his is a tale of four book clubs. It started because I’ve recently fallen back in love with reading for fun. After years of reading to my children and for school, I’d started to regard books as merely utilitarian. As I challenged myself to read more just for the sake of reading, I remembered the joy of getting lost in worlds other than my own.

I also longed to talk to others about what I was reading. So I took to Google and started looking for a book club. With a little digging I found that there are countless opportunities to connect with other bibliophiles. In fact, between March 1 and May 31, there are more than one hundred public library-sponsored book club meetings in the Greater Kansas City area. More than a half-dozen groups organize through Meetup.com. There are also online book clubs--some tiny and others with hundreds of members--scattered across the globe.

Clubs exist for just about every interest: the classics, stories about vampires, romance novels, mysteries, biographies and memoir, business topics and more. In the Kansas City area, there are groups that meet during lunch and after hours; a group that incorporates a love of quilting with a love of books; groups that focus only on books written by authors of color.

This is a glimpse into four groups: two in-person and two online. The beautiful thing is this: as diverse as each club is in terms of personality and structure, every club is unified by a love of reading and a deep respect for community.

THE 4TH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

Caitlin Taggart, Information Specialist with Johnson County Library, runs two clubs at the Corinth Library location: one traditional, the other called An Edible Discussion.

Taggart’s traditional club follows the typical book club blueprint: each attendee reads the monthly selection prior to the meeting. Discussion starts with observations about the book.

Taggart shares information about the author and researches backup questions and discussion topics in case conversation stalls.

Taggart opts for a mix of genres to include contemporary fiction, non-fiction, young adult and biographies.

“I had many people comment they weren’t initially excited to read a young adult title when I chose OK for Now,” she says. “But after reading it, many said they were surprised at how much they enjoyed the book. It prompted them to think about their own youth, and pushed them out of their reading comfort zone.”

AN EDIBLE DISCUSSION

“This is a book club in the loosest sense,” says Taggart.

“Instead of choosing a cookbook each month, we feature a certain cuisine, technique or theme. Attendees bring a potluck dish to share, and we have a featured speaker. Sometimes that expert is a chef, sometimes it’s a cookbook author. We’ve 42

Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

even had dieticians and managers of local restaurants.”

The theme for March was cheese and the scheduled expert was Lincoln Broadbooks with The Better Cheddar. In April, Heather McFeely, author of Metas 1942 Meal Blog, will talk about family favorites. After food, introductions, and the presentation, Taggart opens the floor to questions.

Attendance at An Edible Discussion is greater than the typical book club, says Taggart. While there are some people who attend each month, the membership ebbs and flows depending on the topic.

The group started with an off-hand remark at a meeting, says Taggart. She loves to cook, and jokingly suggested that a cooking club-cum-book club would be fun. To her surprise, her manager agreed, and Taggart set out to find interesting experts in a wide range of topics. She works with the public relations department and creative services team to plan the events, and actively seeks out presenters.

“This group is so much fun, and interesting, because it is always different," says Taggart. "We always learn something; we’ve even been privy to a trade secret for perfect hamburgers.”

PATTI DIGH’S 37 DAYS BOOK CLUB

Patti Digh, author of Life is a Verb, hosted book clubs in Asheville, North Carolina, for seven years before starting an online book club four years ago.

“In person book clubs are fabulous,” she says, “but the logistics of meeting in person can be challenging. Being online allows people from all over the world to gather together, and opens discussions that we likely wouldn’t have otherwise.”

At first, Digh contemplated using the club as an extension of her business by focusing on practical and self-help books.

She settled on fiction because it’s what she loves to read.

“I like to hear what others have to say, and it’s fascinating how diverse the

opinions can be on one subject. We have members from Europe, Australia and the United States, all sharing a unique point of view. It’s my job to give them a safe, respectful place to share those opinions,” says Digh.

She does that by having a monthly call, and by encouraging members to interact in a private Facebook group. Sometimes the discussions are very personal and involved, and members will suggest resources to each other. Sometimes the author of the selection participates in the monthly call.

TRAVELING BOOK CLUB

Freelance writer and photographer Kristen Doyle runs the popular blog Dine and Dish. Through the years, she’s shared favorite books with readers both in blog posts and through Goodreads.com. One day she offered—via Facebook—to mail anyone interested a copy of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. So many people responded, she said, that she thought of creating a traveling book club.

“I would love nothing more than to get together in person with readers all over and talk about books every month,” she says. “But that isn’t realistic. This seemed like the next best thing: a discussion from afar, but still a way to connect.”

Doyle posts information on her blog, then picks four respondents at random to participate. She mails them each a book and requires that they commit to reading within a short time span—usually a week or two—and then be ready to discuss.

Doyle chose her first book club selection It Was Me All Along because she could personally relate to the story, and she thought that the subject matter would prompt honest conversations. She plans to pick books from a different genre each month.

For more information visit JoCoLibrary.com/ Events, KCLibrary.org/book-clubs, LifeIsAVerbStore.com, DineAndDish.net.

Open House

What’s Fresh for Spring?

SEASONAL CONCEPTS SHARES SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE NEW PRODUCTS

O

ur friends at Seasonal Concepts are the experts when it comes to outdoor furnishings and accessories. Whether you are ready to add a fire pit, new furniture or an outdoor kitchen, start at the impressive showroom at Seasonal Concepts (103rd and Metcalf) to be inspired. It goes without saying that many of these items would make great gifts for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

BREEZESTA ADIRONDACK CHAIRS

Breezesta is part of the environmental solution. They offer 20 vibrant colors and every single one is green because Breezesta is made of plastic milk jugs and water bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill. And if you are so inclined, you can show your team support with collegiate colored chairs.

PINK “FOR THE GIRLS” WIND CHIMES

Pink wind chimes are the perfect gift for anyone facing or remembering the challenges of breast cancer. Show your support and a portion of all “for the girls” wind chime sales will be donated to breast cancer charities.

ART POLES

Made in Missouri of eco-friendly materials, these uniquely designed art poles showcase some of Missouri’s talented local artists. They make great gift for Mother’s Day because every garden needs a little bit of whimsy.

TORCHIÉR OUTDOOR LANTERNS

Torchiér battery-operated outdoor lanterns feature lifelike patented moving flame technology that mimics the look and movement of real candlelight. You’ll no longer need to worry about messy wax spills or forgotten candles at the end of the night.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

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Field Trip

Champion Yulan Magnolia seedling from the parent tree at Linda Hall Library at UMKC.

This young ginkgo is a descendant of a tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima, and is being nurtured by Powell Gardens for planting at the Truman Library.

Tree Stories POWELL GARDENS’ LEGACY TREE PROJECT PRESERVES HISTORY AND LIFE ARTICLE KENDRA MATHEWSON | PHOTOGRAPHY ALAN BRANHAGEN AND POWELL GARDENS

S

hel Silverstein’s famous book, The Giving Tree, tells the story of an old apple tree who gives and gives of herself for a little boy throughout his life--shade for the young boy, apples to earn money, branches a home, her trunk a boat for escape, and finally her stump provides a seat for him in old age.

The ultimate example of unconditional love, the Giving Tree also represents the significant place trees can have in our lives.

Many of these quiet giants who serve our world in countless ways—for generations—are at risk. Our hearts are already tender for animals on the endangered species lists, but they are not the only living things that can become extinct. The historic trees that are part of Kansas City’s legacy can, and are too.

Thankfully, there is a group of experts at Powell Gardens working to save these legacy trees, and to capture their amazing stories as well.

Director of Horticulture Alan Branhagen and Senior Gardener Jessie StaufferBaum comprise the team responsible for the care and feeding of the seedlings (think babies) of numerous regional tree species

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

(think parents). Their short-term aim is to find, collect and cultivate; their long-term goal is to perpetuate these time-tested, hardy legacies for future generations. They hope nurseries will see the vision, and that people who already care about eating locally-grown food will connect with the value of planting local-sourced trees, too. They are pioneering this endeavor; Powell Gardens is one of the first to attempt a project of this kind.

“This is about preserving and protecting the unique resources of our region,” explains Branhagen. “These trees are a national treasure. We selected them because they are time-tested, proven performers for this particular region.”

The great variety of these legacy trees in place today is one of the things that makes Kansas City special. Branhagen emphasizes how lucky we are that the city’s forefathers planted such a great variety of wonderful trees (not giving in to the temptation to strictly plant for instant gratification).

“Our hope is that this program will help people carry that on for future generations,”

says Branhagen. His vision for the program was sparked by an interesting request from Truman Library, who had a compelling tree story.

“Truman’s grandson, Clifton Daniel, visited Hiroshima and learned about Green Legacy Hiroshima, an initiative to safeguard and spread the seeds and saplings of Hiroshima’s A-Bomb survivor trees,” he recalls. Daniel wanted one of those seedlings to be planted at his grandfather’s library. Powell Gardens took the job of cultivating the ginkgos until they are strong enough to plant permanently as a symbol of peace.

With the care of a family genealogist, these pseudo-parents collect the stories of these trees for posterity. Branhagen says very few trees have been documented this way. One can’t help but draw inspiration from their histories. Like the story of an heirloom Indian peach tree: generations back this tree travelled the Silk Road from China to Spain. Spaniards brought it to Mexico; Native Americans to Tennessee and eventually the Kephart family brought it here to Kansas City.

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Field Trip

(CONTINUED)

Or, the story of perseverance from a monster hickory with a 2-foot long taproot from StaufferBaum’s aunt’s father’s old homestead.

There’s a slice of Kansas City history in seedlings of a Pink Bud Redbud at Linda Hall Library and of a Southern Magnolia, one of the Greater Kansas City Champion Trees, a program started by JC Nichols’ visionary landscape architect, Stanley McLane, in 1955.

A tale of potential loss: the last of the Concordia Oaks at a rest stop on I-70 are gone, but the team hasn’t given up hope and are tracking down more. Many of the trees are found in historic cemeteries like Elmwood and Mount Washington.

This historic work of national importance goes almost unnoticed in the humble circumstances of Powell Gardens’ greenhouses. Under the watchful care of their expert horticultural “nannies,” the baby seedlings from old parent trees receive daily attention.

One day, future generations will stand beneath these “giving trees,” and be thankful that their stories ended in a happily ever after. g lin ed s se nt he se f t p re t o s re re n e n pa rd al Ga ctu ell e a Pow like. th ot k at look h n oa ug d a l l y h o e re t u – T t u r ev e n re e m a w i l l ” t is nt , th ds a re d e e “ P t u re h e s pic at t wh DETAILS:

o ed gr lin ies ed ec se p is e s th th of of re c e ca te n ing xis lov d e e r ue nd in Te ont e– ec t re t h y ” re ab su “B ill en w

Tree Tours – Led by Alan Branhagen every other month from April through October. The tours are $5 or free for members of Grow Native!, Powell Gardens or the Missouri Prairie Foundation. See the full schedule at PowellGardens.org/TreeTours.

Powell Gardens’ Earth Day Celebration

ak

April 22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Includes Champion Yulan Magnolia seedlings giveaway (while supplies last)! Admission is FREE all day.

NATURE AWAITS AT POWELL GARDENS

Powell Gardens is one of the local treasures we may take for granted. It’s not a place to visit just once. When was the last time you visited? They’re constantly changing and offering worthwhile events. Here are a few ways we’ve thought of to enjoy this “green” gem.

PowellGardens.org WITH FAMILY - It’s a great place to take your family for any amount of time. With the variety of things to do, there is something for all ages. From May 2 through Sept. 7, the attractions will include 27 nature-related LEGO® brick sculptures by artist Sean Kenney.

FOR EDUCATION - The Harvest Garden is a sheer delight for beginner gardeners or experts. It’s a great resource for expanding knowledge about the farm-to-table movement. Their class offerings are always excellent on topics ranging from flowers to gardening to art.

TO DISCONNECT (FROM ELECTRONICS) - Turn off the devices and allow the beauty of nature to facilitate being fully present and engaged in the world around.

FOR SOLITUDE - The gardens provide a perfect place to find peace and quiet respite from the busyness of life. The paths and benches offer spaces to sit and be alone, surrounded by beautiful terrain.

FOR COMMUNITY - The gardens are also a great place to connect with others with shared interests, to enjoy group classes with friends or host meetings in one of their indoor meeting areas.

TO GIVE BACK - Volunteers are always needed in a variety of areas. The work of Powell Gardens is important to the planet.

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Worship Time Fr. Timothy Sawchak, Pastor Fr. Christopher Rowe, Associate Pastor Regular weekly services Saturday 5 p.m. Great Vespers and Confessions Sunday 9:15 a.m. Matins 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy followed by church school and social hour Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Akathist All services in English 11901 Pflumm Rd. Overland Park KS 66213 913.681.6948 Holy-Trinity-Church.org

Gathering to Worship at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

H

oly Trinity Orthodox Church is a community of Orthodox Christians committed to living our faith through regular worship services and activities that deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. The year 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of our church, which was originally founded in 1917

by Russian immigrants in the Kansas City, Kans., neighborhood known as Russian (or Strawberry) Hill. Today our community is primarily made up of American-born, English-speaking Orthodox Christians. We are excited about plans to host community events that will celebrate our centennial at our current location in Overland Park, where we have been since 2002.

The interior walls of our church building are adorned with large icons of Christ, the saints and Biblical stories that are meticulously hand-painted in the traditional style of Byzantine iconography.

In the near future we will install more icons, making our worship space a strikingly beautiful place to encounter God. The new icons will highlight women saints, American saints, along with Biblical stories and Pentecost.

OUR YOUTH

Our children are involved in weekly church school classes after our Sunday morning service. During the summer, we co-host two programs along with other local Orthodox Churches, including a Vacation Church School for preschool and elementary age children and Eastern Orthodox Youth Camp (EOYC), a week-long overnight camp for ages 7 to 17. EOYC will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, and has been a summer joy to generations of campers. Our youth group for teenagers, Real Orthodox Christian Kids (ROCK), meets for social activities, retreats and service projects during the year.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

MISSION PROJECTS

Church members from Holy Trinity are involved in a variety of mission projects. In 2014, the focus of our Lenten study and prayer was missions, giving us a time to highlight various opportunities for mission work for all members. Locally, we work with St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church and Reconciliation Services to serve the needy in Kansas City. We host a monthly dinner at their location on Troost Avenue, and some members are involved in their lending library and counseling services. In July, we will send 26 church members to work at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage, where they will work with young boys to build a home in the impoverished areas of Tijuana. Our community also supports an orphanage in Ethiopia founded by one of our members. Our pastor, Fr. Timothy, is involved with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and is trained as a first responder for disasters. Our members have recently been involved in building homes with IOCC in areas that have been devastated by natural disasters and also in medical mission work in Indonesia.

We always welcome visitors. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, are searching for a church home, or would just like to stop in and see our beautiful worship space, please come for a church service or call our office for more information.

In this ongoing series we hope to spotlight communities of faith around Johnson County. For details, email Lisa@LifestylePubs.com.

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Driver's Notebook

TOYOTA PRIUS

THE GRANDDADDY OF HYBRIDS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

W

henever I drive a hybrid such as the 2015 Toyota Prius I’m initially tempted to tiptoe on the throttle and creep away from stop signs in an effort to squeeze the most miles out of a gallon of gas. While it’s fun to see how little fuel I can use, driving slowly gets old and I soon resume normal driving. That resulted in an average of 41 miles per gallon during a week of cold weather. Even with gasoline at record lows, that’s still enticing.

In 14 years, with sales of more than 1.5 million, the Toyota Prius hybrid has been so successful that it is almost a brand unto itself. Today, there are four models: Prius, Prius C, Prius V and a plug-in Prius.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

The uniquely shaped Prius connotes thrift, efficiency and innovation. It is available in five trim levels, with prices starting at $24,200 and topping out at $30,005 for the Prius Five. That is the model I drove from Toyota’s press fleet, and it was equipped with dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system that can apply the brakes in certain situations, lane-keeping assist, head-up display, navigation, safety connect, and a JBL audio system. Safety connect includes automatic crash notification and an emergency assistance call button.

The Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine that has 98 horsepower. Combined with a 60kW

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Driver's Notebook

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electric motor, the total output is 134 horsepower. The car can run on the engine alone or battery alone, but it generally uses a combination of the two. There are four drive modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV. The car can be driven on electricity alone for a mile in EV mode. Eco adjusts throttle input and climate control for maximum mileage. Power is as the name suggests. I used Normal.

The use of an electric water pump and electric power steering help save fuel, and exhaust heat is used to warm the engine coolant during cold starts. Regenerative braking recaptures electrical energy during braking.

The Prius Three and Four models can be equipped with a moonroof that has solar panels over the rear seat area. The solar panels power a ventilation system that lowers the car’s interior temperature when parked.

Because of low-rolling-resistance tires, and perhaps the weight of the batteries, I note that the Prius ride feels firm and often seems to lack compliance, as if the tires are over inflated. It is not objectionable, but noticeable.

The Prius is 14 inches shorter than a Camry but, its interior volume is just 3 cubic-feet less. Rear-seat headroom is actually greater than that of a Toyota Corolla, and the rear seat folds down to expand the cargo space.

A high center console splits the front seats and contains a small, electronic gear selector. The speedometer is situated at the top center of the instrument panel.

In a nod to reducing driver distraction, the steering wheel switches are equipped with

2015 TOYOTA PRIUS FIVE ENGINE: 1.8-liter, 98-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine, with a 60kW electric motor TRANSMISSION: Continuously

Variable Transmission, front-wheel drive inches CURB WEIGHT: 3,072 pounds BASE PRICE: $30,005 AS DRIVEN: $35,150 MPG RATING: 51 in the city, 48 on the highway WHEELBASE: 106.3

touch sensors. When touched, they show a duplicate image of the control on the instrument panel in the driver’s line of sight.

PRICE The base price of the test vehicle was $30,005. The optional advanced technology package included dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system that can apply the brakes in certain situations, lane-keeping assist, head-up display, navigation, safety connect, and the JBL audio system. The sticker price was $35,150.

WARRANTY Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

POINT: The Prius has a small footprint with room for four. The hybrid system operates seamlessly and sips fuel.

COUNTERPOINT: The high center console feels a bit intrusive, the ride lacks compliance and well-equipped models cost almost as much as an Avalon XLE.

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Page Turners

Brave Transitions A WOMAN’S GUIDE FOR MAINTAINING COMPOSURE THROUGH CHANGES IN WORK AND LIFE WRITTEN BY KATIE K. SNAPP WITH ANNE POTTER RUSS & CAROL M. WIGHT 167 PAGES

K

ansas City native Katie Snapp recently returned to her Kansas City roots to help women in her home city face change more bravely. Snapp, an author, speaker and leadership expert who specializes in helping women improve their leadership skills and confidence, recently gave presentations to several groups based on her new book, Brave Transitions: A Woman’s Guide To Maintaining Composure Through Changes In Work And Life.

Snapp wrote the book because she had so many women ask her how to do just that – handle change more effectively, with more grace. It’s no easy task for anyone. But women face so much pressure – from society, from those in their lives who depend on them, and from themselves – that handling the inevitable changes life brings can be overwhelming. But Snapp’s book changes that – giving women the tools, insights and confidence they need to handle whatever comes their way with more composure. And the best part – Snapp does it in her own sassy, charming, witty way that lets the reader know they’re not alone, and they will get through change and be just fine.

Snapp was thrilled to speak to the Central Exchange and the Kansas Women’s Business Association at a joint luncheon event.

Snapp was born and raised in Kansas City and attended Mizzou.

After graduation, she spent two years working in St. Louis, then re-

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

turned home to work for the company now known as Honeywell as an engineer – an actual rocket scientist. It was during her years as a woman in a very male-dominated environment that she began to recognize the importance of women using their innate female strengths in the workplace – that they shouldn’t have to change themselves and try to be “one of the boys” to be valued for their contributions. She ultimately made that her life’s work, starting Skirt Strategies with her co-founder Carol Wight, to offer online leadership training for women.

Brave Transitions is available at Amazon.com.

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Lifestyle Calendar

April APRIL 5, 12, 19 & 26

APRIL 11

KITE FEST

STREAM CLEAN DAY

OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

OVERLAND PARK

Purchase a kite, fly a kite and enjoy watching kites in the air. The KC Kite Club will be at the Arboretum demonstrating their specialized kites on April 12. General Arboretum admission applies. 12-5 p.m.

Pick up trash and debris in parks throughout the city and the areas up to the banks of the streams that run through them. To donate two or more hours call Jim Twigg, environmental programs coordinator, at 913.895.6273.

APRIL 11 SLOW ART DAY NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM

One day each year, people all over the world visit local museums and galleries to look at art slowly. View five works in the museum’s collection for 10 minutes each and then join other Slow Art Day-goers in Rozzelle Court for lunch and conversation. Optional lunch sold separately. 10 a.m.-noon. Reservation required.

APRIL 11 DOWNTOWN DOG DAY DOWNTOWN OVERLAND PARK

APRIL 10-12 SCREENLAND AT THE SYMPHONY: “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” KAUFFMAN CENTER

Celebrate the month of April showers with this presentation of the legendary Hollywood musical starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Your Symphony performs the soundtrack live on stage as the entire film is shown on a huge screen. Tickets start at $20. KauffmanCenter.org

Last year’s inaugural event supporting the Great Plains SPCA was a huge success, and so they’re bringing it back. Plan to accompany your well-behaved pooch for some socialization and a walk around Downtown OP.

APRIL 15 SOARING INTO THE FUTURE LUNCHEON KANSAS CITY

The Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance is presenting a scholarship benefit at Kansas City Country Club, starting at 10:30 a.m. Features luncheon, a silent auction and musical performances by past and present students. $75. Reservations by April 10, contact Linda Horn at 913.677.4389.

APRIL 19 INTENTIONS, UNCERTAINTY &THE ORIGINS OF WWI KANSAS CITY

As a part of the Notre Dame Club of KC’s Hesburgh Lecture Series, Professor Sebastian Rosato will question established explanations and develop new arguments about the causes of the Great War and its importance to the U.S. and the world today. Free. The National World War 1 Museum, Liberty Memorial. 1 p.m. TheWorldWar.org

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

APRIL 22 6TH ANNUAL TASTING EVENT

APRIL 25

BLOCH CANCER CENTER PAVILION

RUN FOR 1 5K

The University of Kansas Cancer Center Head and Neck Cancer Support Group invites you to sample area chefs’ specialties at this fundraiser for research. Culinary creations from local chefs will take place from 6-8 p.m. at 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway.

SHAWNEE MISSION PARK

The 16th annual fundraiser dinner benefits the presidential library and legacy of Harry S. Truman. Enjoy a sparkling social hour, elegant dinner, and USO-style entertainment commemorating the 70th anniversary of Truman’s presidency and the end of WWII. TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

Antioch Church will be hosting its second annual Run For 1 5K at Theater in the Park to support the KC-based organization, Exodus Cry. For the past six years, Exodus Cry has been focusing on the abolition of human trafficking.

All funds raised will go to fund their efforts in rescuing, protecting and counseling women who have been trafficked both locally and internationally. RunFor1.com

APRIL 24, 25

APRIL 25

THYME FOR KIDS ANNUAL PLANT SALE

KC CULINARY BAKE SALE FOR NO KID HUNGRY

SOUTH KANSAS CITY

KANSAS CITY

The plant sale provides children in Ozanam’s program an opportunity to showcase their horticultural knowledge to the general public, and they will be on hand to answer questions and provide help.

Additional volunteer support will be provided by the KC Young Matrons. 421 E. 137th Street; Kansas City, MO. Free and open to the public. Plants typically cost $2-$4. OZANAM.org

Collaborative fundraiser featuring culinary professionals and talented independent bakers. Funds will help connect hungry kids to free or reduced price breakfast, lunch and summertime meals. At Commerce Bank, 6220 Brookside Plaza. Info on Facebook.

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Will your retirement income

Lifestyle Calendar

APRIL 25 2015 ROCK CHALK BALL GRAND BALLROOM AT BARTLE HALL

as you do?

Join us for a very special 20th Rock Chalk Ball. Enjoy an evening of wonderful food, dancing to the sounds of Atlantic Express, and bidding on one-of-a-kind KU inspired auction items. With surprises in store, you will not want to miss this year’s Rock Chalk Ball. 913.897.8445.

APRIL 26 VILLAGE IN THE CITY KAUFFMAN CENTER

For the third consecutive year, the Village Church Chamber Choir and Orchestra will perform a spring concert at Helzberg Hall. The Village Choir will collaborate with the choirs of Baker University and Benedictine College. 7 p.m.

APRIL 30

You’ve worked hard to get to retirement.

WINE TASTING ON THE TERRACE OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

Join us from 6-8 p.m. for the first wine tasting of 2015. Registration required. $25 for FOTA members, $28 for nonmembers. OPABG.org

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APRIL 30 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LUNCH AND LEARN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Alan Becker is an insurance professional with Retirement Solutions Group and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Retirement Solutions Group assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of insurance products.

Greg Garbeff is an Investment Advisor Representative with Global Financial Private Capital, LLC and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. RSG Investments assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of investment products. Investment advisory services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m. Come network with fellow young professionals and enjoy lunch while learning the steps to No Nonsense Negotiation, presented by conflict specialist Peggy Lukken, M.Ed., M.Sc. $16.50/person. LeawoodChamber.org

MAY 2 PURPLE STRIDE 5K & FAMILY WALK THEIS PARK

Registration Opens at 7 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 8:30.

The PurpleStride is the signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer

Action Network. Nationwide event is critical in raising awareness and funds that advance research and support patients and loved ones with a promise of a better tomorrow. PanCan.org

MAY 7 FASHION FORWARD FOR FLU EVENT MUSEUM AT PRAIRIE FIRE

Our mission is to provide education and build awareness of the dangers of influenza, to provide vaccinations to the under served and to help grieving parents who have lost a child. Enjoy a style show by Standard Style, silent and live auctions, a short educational presentation by a local doctor. Complimentary appetizers and beverages. $40/ person. KendrasLegacyFoundation.org.

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63

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Two Dogs And A Cat Pet Club (913) 274-3900 twodogsandacatpetclub.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Art & Frame Warehouse (Overland Park) (913) 385-9199 afwkc.com

Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928 redcouchphotos@gmail.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Kings Quality Auto Sales (913) 851-7400 kingsqualityautosales.com Santa Fe Tow Service (913) 894-5201 santafetowservice.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS Lees Summit Chamber of Commerce (816) 524-2424 lschamber.com

DRY CLEANERS Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

EDUCATION

Mathnasium (913) 642-6284 mathnasium.com/overlandpark

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

Park University (888) 319-9522 park.edu/icm

Waddell & Reed (913) 491-9202 donnatilden.wfra.com

The Barstow School (816) 277-0413 barstowschool.org/summer

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Canyon Farms Golf Club (913) 529-2235 canyonfarmsgolfclub.com CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com

Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

Reflections Body Solutions Body Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 reflectionsbodysolutions.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark.tenthousandvillages.com

HOME SERVICES Forever Lawn (913) 669-7100 kc.foreverlawn.com

Granite Garage Floors (913) 752-9906 granitegaragefloors.com KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com

Bledsoe Construction and Landscape (816) 517-5596 thekingofbackyardbling.com

Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

Carpet Direct (913) 927-1001 carpetdirectkc.com

LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com

Longview Mansion (816) 761-6669 longviewmansion.com

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com

Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com

Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

Tivol (913) 345-0200 tivol.com

Retirement Solutions Group (855) 474-7872 incomenowkc.com Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

Legacy Flooring Gallery (913) 780-6060 legacyflooring1.com

Summit Flooring and Turf (816) 886-2747 summitflooringandturf.com

INSURANCE

American Family Insurance Cole Wilson (913) 681-3000

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado (303) 738-5319 conceptionsrepro.com

Saint Luke’s Health Systems (913) 317-3200 saintlukeskc.org/south University of Kansas Hospital (913) 588-1227 kumed.com

Carpet

OTHER

Pech Limo (816) 419-4969 pechlimo.com

Tile & Stone

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker - Thesa Alsobrook (913) 636-8118 goodlifekc.com

Wood Floors

Gail G. Dicus Keller Williams Realty (913) 709-1060 gaildicus.com

Heated Tile

The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

Custom Showers

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Corner Bakery and Cafe (913) 766-0486 cornerbakerycafe.com EBT Restaurant (816) 942-8870 ebtrestaurant.com Smallcakes (913) 397-9975 smallcakescupcakery.com

CARPET SALE 0% Financing for 12 Months WAC

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Any Purchase of $1500 or More Expires 4/30/15

SALONS & SPAS Sunlight Day Spa (913) 754-0831 sunlightdayspa.com

Call today to schedule a home visit or visit our showroom (by appointment only)

605 West Dennis, Olathe, KS 66061

913.780.6060 www.LegacyFlooring1.com April 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

65

Parting Thoughts

The $70 Tomato WORDS DEBRA LAIZURE

I

come from a long line of green-thumbed people. Both sets of my grandparents had large vegetable gardens. My paternal grandmother always had multiple varieties of African Violets decorating her living room and even grew rare Lady’s-slipper orchids outside her front door. Gosh, I wish I could be like them. Unlike my talented relatives, my knack for growing things is limited to sweet potato vine and daylilies.

Regardless, I revel in this time of year. April is the month that farmers markets start sprouting up all over town, and herb festivals and home and garden shows fill our weekends. The flats of colorful flowers call to me and I simply can’t resist. In turn, my husband gets equally excited and starts sharpening the lawn mower blades and buying extra line for the grass trimmer.

One of my favorite things to do is “pretend” that I can grow things. Usually this involves throwing on a Vegan-approved cotton shirt, Birkenstocks and floppy hat, and casually walking through the streets of the afore mentioned herb festival and conversing with the farmers about their leafy goodies. I know some gardening lingo and have the most wonderful time delving into subjects on composting and natural fertilizers.

The farmers then pack up an assortment of their young, nurtured seedlings and hand them over to me, not realizing their green babies are on their way to death row. Once home, the exhaustion from the day sets in and the plants stay on my patio table rather than in the rich, f luffy potting soil resting in bags, also on the patio table. Sadly, the “I’ll plant tomorrow” thoughts run through my head as I run off to another herb festival.

If for some reason the plants make it into the soil and I actually remember to water them, I watch with anticipation for the strawberries, tomatoes and cantaloupes to emerge. Typically, the plants bloom but bear no fruit or the birds gobble up the one-and-only miniature melon.

Over the years I have learned to keep things simple and have achieved a respectable looking flower bed containing mostly perennials. But I still can’t hold myself back when it comes to buying a garden full of tomato plants and herbs. I expect to harvest a $70 tomato and $30 bunch of dill, but I am forever optimistic. My daylilies are already pushing up through the ground to give me hope that this year will be different.

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oPening Soon!

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Johnson County Lifestyle | April 2015

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