Johnson County Lifestyle August 2014

Johnson County august 2014

L

i

f

JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

e

s

t

y

l

e

™

A Napa Silverado Golf Getaway Just Like You Films Inspires A Million Cups of Entrepreneurial Spirit

Have you ever wondered when might be the best time to sell your current vehicle? What if you could drive home in a brand new vehicle for the same or lower payment? At Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac you can.

Let me show you how.

Louis Faller General Manager

At Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac, our guests enjoy a VIP benefit called Vehicle Exchange—a program which allows our guests to exchange their vehicle for the same or lower monthly payments. Our Vehicle Exchange Department will monitor your contract, just like a financial advisor monitors your investments, alerting you when might be the best time to sell your current vehicle. Through the program, our guests are entitled to receive above market value for their current vehicle and special incentives towards the purchase or lease of a new Cadillac, Buick or GMC. You can rest assured knowing that we will contact you when there are inventory shortages, guests looking to purchase your specific vehicle, special programs or other incentives that make your vehicle more valuable than ever and you may be in the position to benefit. We have a constant need for vehicles like yours. So your vehicle will always be valuable to Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac’s Vehicle Exchange.

Enroll today.

Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac World Class Cars and a World Class Buying Experience!

f E At u r E D p rO p E rt i E S

Oakmont Estates

$375,000 2330 W 160th Terrace Stilwell, KS 66085 1+ Acres of private Wooded lot hardwoods throughout phenomenal Kitchen with granite and Oversized island large Deck Overlooking leveled Backyard Open floor plan with Vaulted ceilings MLS#1890509

Wellington park

MLS#1875830

Waterford

MLS#1893560

indian creek ridge

MLS#1893954

14605 Grandview St. Overland Park, KS 66221

8908 N. Bales Ave. Kansas City, MO 64156

12901 S Blackfoot Dr. Olathe, KS 66062

$475,000

$277,000

$119,900

rockhill gardens

north Brook

timber ridge

MLS#1888717

MLS#1889239

MLS#1889030

7343 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64133

7711 NE 72nd Terr.

Kansas City, MO 64158

13403 Timber Ridge Parkville, MO 64152

$225,000

$210,000

SOlD fASt! $400,000

Devonshire

clayton meadows West

Brookhighland

12923 S Raintree Dr. Olathe, KS 66062

6103 N Evans Ave. Kansas City, MO 64151

14501 Farley St. Overland Park, KS 66221

SOlD fASt!

SOlD fASt!

SOlD fASt!

Back to School means back to house shopping!

The following services are available at no extra cost when you list your home with us!

Professional Staging

Aggressive Print Marketing Sent Directly to Over 28,000 Affluent KC Homes

Professional Photography

Well-Planned Open Houses

Robust Online Presence

Featured Listing on ReeceandNichols.com, Realtor.com & Zillow.com. Listing on Multiple Real Estate Affiliate Network Sites Detailed MLS Listing

25+ Years of Expertise

ExpEriEncE thE Kim YuillE SElling DiffErEncE

913.558.9533

Editor's Letter

Home Grown A

nniversaries and milestones come and go, and I’m often a day late in acknowledging them. But this one has been staring me in the face for months and I thought it might be worth sharing. I celebrate my 150th issue with Lifestyle Publications this month. Many of you may not realize that I also oversee the editorial for two of our sister publications, Leawood Lifestyle and Lee’s Summit Lifestyle. I also provide support for our publications in other states, from Newport Beach, California to Cape Ann, Massachusetts. From North Scottsdale, Arizona to Boulder, Colorado. What started with one magazine in the fall of 2009 has grown to nearly two dozen publications across the country. And they’re all designed, printed and shipped from our little corner of the world.

august 2014 publisher Steven Schowengerdt | Steven@LifestylePubs.com editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

director of marketing | Brad Broockerd chief sales officer Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com regional director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com

Recent news reports have announced that several national publications with a long history are ceasing publication. A few of these publications have merged with others, while some have gone to a 100 percent web or digital format. What makes us different? And successful? We’re home grown. We try to focus on the best our community has to offer and we bring it right to your home every month.

advertising sales Mary Beth Stauch | MStauch@LifestylePubs.com Troy Coup | TCoup@LifestylePubs.com Mike Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com

I love having my fingers on the pulse of our community, and I love being able to share the good news of our friends and neighbors so please, keep the story ideas coming our way. But you know we couldn’t do any of it without the support of our devoted advertising partners, and so I offer special thanks to them for their continued support.

art director | Sara Minor

Have a great August, neighbors, and I’ll see you around town.

advertising director | Mike Baugher production director | Christina Sandberg

ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel executive assistant | Lori Cunningham contributing writers Lisa Allen, Heather Trent Beers, Katherine Bontrager, Ann Butenas, Lisa Gartland, Carrie Hudson, Nicole Kilian, Jessica Maldonado, Michelle Manuel, Susan Motley, Dawn North, Tom Strongman, Tracy Sullivan, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers Alexis Cook, Joann Dost, Taylor Kelly, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman, Jenny Wolff application architect | Michael O'Connell

Lisa Harrison, Editor-in-Chief Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

it director | Randy Aufderheide

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

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

on the cover Brooke Thomason and Nick Ash were married in Leawood in July. Both were student athletes at the University of Nebraska. Read more on page 48.

Photography by Taylor Kelley

| JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com |

join us

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.

Protect Your Family Choose The Healthcare Plan that’s Right for You.

THE

GROUP, INC. Health Insurance Advocates

Government Certified Agents for the Health Exchange

The Good News

If you don’t have a healthcare plan, contact Apollo today while you still have options. If you’re an employer and have a group plan with less than 100 employees, The Apollo Group can offer better alternatives for providing health benefits at a lower cost than your existing method.

Call Today to Learn More.

913.279.0077 | Apollo-Insurance.com Health | Dental | Vision | Accident | Life | Gap | Annuity Solutions

We Are Also Your Resource for Corporate Health Insurance Options!

August 2014

32

Departments 14

Around Town

20 Your Neighbor 24

Hot Spot

26

Locally Owned

38

Giving Back

40 Healthy Lifestyle 42 Home Matters 44 Financial Fitness 46 Driver’s Notebook 48 Wedding Bells

28 A Golf Weekend in Wine Country

Napa’s best is found at the Silverado Resort.

32 Turning Potential into Reality

Success builds success at Cristo Rey High School.

51

Sold Properties

52

Lifestyle Calendar

58

Parting Thoughts

36 Helping Cups Runneth Over

The Kauffman Foundation’s program helps startups percolate success.

24

28

48

Lifestyle Publications Johnson County, KS | West FW, TX | Newport Beach, CA | Paradise Valley, AZ | North Scottsdale, AZ | Chandler, AZ | Boulder, CO | Boulder County, CO Leawood, KS | Lee’s Summit, MO | Northland, MO | BuckHaven, GA | Perimeter North, GA | Fishers, IN | OneFourteen, TX | Tulsa, OK

LEASE YOuR HOME wITH CONfIDENCE Is your home still on the market?

Start earning revenue now.

The majority of our renters are:

P Career focused transfers into Kansas City

P Referrals from major

Kansas City corporations

P Renting homes valued up to $3 million

Call today for the lease value of your home!

913-469-6633 & 866-400-6633

7 DAYS is our average vacancy between old and new renters 24 MONTHS is the average time renters stay in our properties 25 YEARS is how long we have been successfully leasing homes

w w w. h o m e 4 r e n t . c o m 6900 College Blvd., Suite 990, Overland Park, KS

Good Times

Expressions of Hope Gallery Event for Veronica’s Voice The mixed media exhibit featured local artists and proceeds will help make possible housing and life changing services offered by local nonprofit, Veronica’s Voice.

Veronica’s Voice Founder Kristy Childs shares her passion for helping women and girls caught in commercial human trafficking and exploitation.

Stems: A Garden Soiree

Kansas City’s own classic garden party offered guests a lovely evening of wine, food, art and music while strolling through the beautiful surroundings of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in support of cultural education.

10

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

August 1–September 30

Earn $2,000 for Your School!

Shop and dine at Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing during Earning for Learning and help your school win a cash prize!

• Every dollar you spend between August 1-September 30 will earn your favorite school one point • The high school, middle school and elementary school with the most points will win a $2,000 cash prize • Shop Mondays for double points • You can win too! The shopper with the most points will receive a $100 Gift Card!

• Turn your receipts in to Guest Services Visit Guest Services for more information.

NW & SE Corners of 119th & Roe 913.498.1111 www.towncenterplaza.com |

Good Times

Town Center Plaza Sunset Music Fest

Thursday evenings throughout summer have been filled with music and food catered by local restaurants. Kids enjoyed bounce houses, face painting and balloon creations. JDRF receives all profits from sales of spirits during the concerts.

You can do better!

Call Today for a Free Consultation!

78-BRACE

provider of robotic - assisted orthodontics

See the robot in action on our website!

• Orthodontic specialist for Adults and Children • Initial screenings should begin at age 7 • Invisalign - braceless treatment options • Much shorter treatment time

25% OFF

our warehouse price on custom framing!

*Plus a FREE gift when you place a custom framing order!

2 Metro AreA LocAtions!

Johnson County - 9216 Metcalf Avenue 913-385-9199 South Kansas City - 1032 W 136th Street 816-941-2307

Now carrying G.Harvey and other limited edition artists!

12

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

www.afwkc.com

• Precision and top quality results measured by ABO standards

Offices serving Plaza, Leawood, Overland Park, Olathe & more!

Now scheduling New Plaza location!

913-782-7223 www.H2Orthodontics.com

KU Alumnae Association at Somerset Ridge Winery The Eastern Kansas chapter of the KU Alumnae Association recently gathered at the scenic Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery to hear from former men’s basketball coach Ted Owens, dine on Prairie Fire Oven woodgrilled pizza and enjoy great Somerset Ridge wine. Photography by Steve Rottinghaus

Custom Cabinetry

We do our own custom finish work in the shop and bring your cabinetry pre-finished to your home ready to be installed. Installation is completed by our own skilled carpenters.

www.KCWood.com kcwoodweb@gmail.com

Professional Installation Since 1989.

Call today to visit our showroom.

913.422.3320

Professional Cabinet Refacing | Trim Carpentry | Kitchen Cabinets | Countertops | Iron Spindles | and much more!

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

13

Around Town MERRIAM POLICE CHIEF RETIRES The City of Merriam and members of the Merriam Police Department recently honored Chief Tim Burnett, who has retired after more than 32 years of dedicated service with the Merriam Police Department.

Burnett joined the Merriam Police Department in 1982 as a patrol officer. He worked many years as the lead detective for the department, and was promoted to Sergeant in 1997. He became a Lieutenant in 2000, and was then promoted to Captain in 2005. Burnett was responsible for the operation and conduct of the department in the chief’s absence, and served as patrol commander responsible for the supervision of the uniformed division of the Merriam Police Department until his appointment as Chief in January 2012.

Captain Mike Daniels, having been appointed by Council in February, took over as Merriam's next Chief of Police.

Shawnee Mission Educator Honored for Excellence in Mathematics A Nieman Elementary School teacher has become the most recent Shawnee Mission School District educator to be named a finalist for the nation’s highest honor for teachers of math and science.

Anne Sobba, a fifth-grade teacher at Nieman, was named a 2014 state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Sobba is specifically honored for her work as a mathematics teacher.

The Kansas State Department of Education presents the honor to recognize educators who show a high degree of knowledge, innovation, skill, and leadership in their field. As a state finalist, Sobba now has the opportunity to be named a national finalist, to be honored by the President, and receive a $10,000 award.

Earlier this year, Lindsey Constance, a sixth-grade teacher at Bluejacket-Flint Elementary was the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

14

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

It’s Sign-Up Season for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Whether you have an elementary or middle school aged son, Scouting is as an activity worth considering. Boys who have completed fifth grade are invited to sign up for Boy Scouts with area troops this fall whether or not they have participated in Cub Scouting.

The Boy Scouts plan monthly camp outs and encourage of love of the outdoors.

Learn more about the dozens of groups in Johnson County that make up the Heart of America Council at HOAC-BSA.org or Scouting.org.

On the Road with Johnson County Lifestyle We want to know….Where do YOU read Johnson County Lifestyle? Do you read it on a train or on a plane? Or do you read it on the beach or in a cabin in the woods? The next time you hit the road, we hope you’ll pack our latest issue and snap a photo or two. Email your high resolution photos to Lisa@LifestylePubs.com and we’ll try to include them in upcoming issues. Please include your name and destination location with each submission.

District’s Bond Refunding Saves Taxpayers $3.4 million Blue Valley’s excellent bond ratings, combined with a favorable interest rate environment, will lead to a $3.4 million savings for taxpayers.

In June, the Blue Valley Board of Education issued $28,835,000 in general obligation refunding bonds in an effort to secure a lower interest rate and savings for taxpayers. Eleven institutions bid on the bonds, with the low bidder being Fifth Third Securities, Inc. at 2.105 percent. The bonds, which were issued in 2005, were originally sold at a higher interest rate.

The new lower interest rate will save district taxpayers $3.4 million in interest payments.

“We are very pleased that today’s interest rate environment allowed us to refund previously issued bonds and in turn create a savings for our taxpayers,” says Tom Trigg, superintendent. “This is an example of the commitment Blue Valley Schools has to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.”

SM East Students design book cover Before self-publishing her debut teen novel, Curse Of The Blue Flash, local author, Tina Spear, called on her good friend Jennifer Hair, Digital Design Studio teacher at Shawnee Mission East, to see if her students were interested in designing her eBook cover. The response and creativity she received from the teens was awe-inspiring. Curse Of The Blue Flash, released June 1, 2014 is now available for download online.

The book tells the story of Lacie, a seventeen-year-old girl, who makes a bad decision that changes her fate - forever. Lacie spends her summer break dealing with the haunting memory of her first love. As the summer slips away, she witnesses a rare sunset, which unbeknownst to her, is the onset of a Hawaiian legend known as The Curse of the Blue Flash. The legend puts Lacie in danger numerous times as she journeys through the summer trying to decipher the mysterious curse, and the characters that surround the legend.

Spear is a life-long resident of Kansas City.

Concussion Baseline Testing The University of Kansas Hospital’s Center for Concussion Management will offer pre-concussion baseline testing to middle

school and high school students. Students aged 11 or older are eligible for the ImPACT assessment. ImPACT stands for immediate post-concussion assessment and cognitive testing. The computerized concussion evaluation provides a reference point to help providers measure recovery and make comparisons should an injury occur.

The scientifically validated neurocognitive test lasts 20 minutes.

Testing is from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Sept.

6 at The University of Kansas Hospital Westwood Campus (east entrance) located at 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway/ Testing is recommended every two years. There is a $20 per person fee. Prepayment and registration are required.

For more information or to register, visit KUMed.com/Impact.

Comics Headline Giggle with Gilda Tickets are on sale now for Gilda’s Club Kansas City’s annual comedy fundraiser, Giggle with Gilda. Presented by Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City, the comedy-improv benefit featuring nationally recognized comedians and Whose Line Is It Anyway? stars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will be Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City.

The "two man group," Mochrie and Sherwood, have emerged as two of America’s most popular comedic personalities. In addition to the comedy-improv, the show will feature the gifted Kansas City entertainer, Missy Koonce, as emcee and legendary Kansas City musician Lonnie McFadden who will perform with his band, trumpet

Container Store Comes to Overland Park Hawthorne Plaza, located on the southwest corner of 119th Street and Roe Avenue in Overland Park, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. In conjunction with the renovation, the shopping area will be home to The Container Store, the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products - the first to open in the Kansas City metro area.

The new store will be divided into 16 lifestyle sections, including kitchen, closet, office, gift packaging, trash, shelving, bath, laundry and travel and is scheduled to open in spring of 2015.

The Hawthorne Plaza renovation will occur in phases and is anticipated that the renovation will be completed by fall of 2014.

Your Style Defined

Arlene Ladegaard Certified Interior Designer

(913) 851-8776 DesignConnectionInc.com Call today to schedule your consultation.

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

15

Around Town and signature tap dancing. Kansas City magician Todd Lamanske will provide pre-show entertainment as guests arrive.

The evening of entertainment will benefit Gilda’s Club, a Kansas City cancer support community offering support groups, educational opportunities, social events and workshops in a home-like setting. GildasClubKC.org.

Heartland Honor Flight: Mission Successful

We’re in... when your doctor is out.

Thanks to generous donations from Kansas City are residents; the Heartland chapter of Honor Flight recently charted an aircraft and took close to 100 well-deserving veterans on a day-long trip to Washington, DC. The veterans represented WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. A few of the younger veterans stepped up to be guardians for members of the "Greatest Generation." Three female veterans from WWII made the trip as well. The senior veteran was 97 years old at the time of the trip.

Guardians are area volunteers who pay their own transportation costs and accompany wheelchair bound veterans for the day. One guardian for this trip was a veteran of the Middle Eastern conflict.

He lost his leg, and still served as a guardian for a WWII vet. The veterans were given a hero's welcome both in Washington D.C. and when they returned late that night to Kansas City.

Walk-in Only

Only Board Certified Pediatricians Quick, Convenient, Quality Urgent Care

Self-Serve Slushies in the waiting room!

14300 Metcalf

913-825-4700

After-HoursPediatrics.com

Open Mon - Fri 3pm – 9pm Sat/Sun 10am – 5pm 16

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

These Marines from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and conflicts in the Middle East posed for a group photo at the Marine Corps Memorial.

Local Teens Enjoy “Hammocking” “Hammocking” involves a hammock made of modern tent-like material available through the camping world. The hammocks fold up very small and can be easily carried anywhere. It’s a joy, whether you go at it alone or with a friend.

“I was first introduced to hammocking by my friends at Kansas City Christian, but it wasn’t until a few months later that I invested in my magnificent double-nested ENO hammock,” says Lizzy Hall, a senior at Shawnee Mission East. “Once that wonderful day came, I started going to SME’s Club Hammock. Usually, the club will go to a nearby park and members will hang their hammocks in the same area and just drink Kool-Aid and talk about life. It’s a really relaxing time and a great way to meet new people.”

Halls says first-time hammockers are hesitant the two thin straps can actually hold their weight.

“But after adjusting to the perfect position, you’ll never want to leave,” she assures.

Pretty. Funny. Is Laughing Through The Heat!

Pretty. Funny. is a smart and sophisticated show that incorporates fearless physical humor, musical parodies, sketches, improve and pantomime. This all female troupe crosses gender lines because of their hilarious characters, their razor-sharp wit, and their creative takes on everyday situations.

The troupe consists of Pearl Rovaris MacDonald of Overland Park, Marian Schafer from the Northland, Anissa Gastin of Blue Springs, Megan Mercer of Lee Summit, Kelsi Smith from KCMO and Cindy Ptacek of Kansas City, Ks. Pretty. Funny. has been interacting with audiences, selling out shows, and bringing down the house with laughter for more than six years.

The respect to comedic greats Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Traci Ullman, Lily Tomlin and Gilda Radner is apparent throughout the shows.

Join Pretty. Funny. for an evening of laughter on August 9 at 5 p.m., at ComedyCity’s new location, 3600 Broadway, KCMO. Reservations ComedyCity.cc. Also follow the ladies at Facebook.com/pretty.funny.kc.

The Birthing Experience

advanced care in a comfortable, intimate setting At Menorah Medical Center’s Family Birthing Center, mothers can experience labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care in one beautifully decorated, spacious birthing suite. These specially designed rooms create the ultimate soothing, private atmosphere for life’s biggest miracle. And, along with the amenities of a home-like environment, Menorah’s team of experts delivers signature high-quality, exceptional care. It’s what you’ve come to expect from Menorah Medical Center.

Call (913) 498-6652 to schedule your personal tour.

Personalized care throughout every stage of pregnancy and childbirth Prenatal counseling and education classes • Level II NICU

A Word from our Editor We neglected to properly credit photographer David Shaughnessy for the photo he provided for chef Ryan Sneed's braised chipotle short ribs recipe that we ran in our June issue. Our apologies to David and our friends at KC Hopps.

5721 W. 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66209 MenorahMedicalCenter.com

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

17

Your Neighbor

Amazing Grace Loyal Organist Has Lived and Given All Article Jenny Wolff | Photography Jenny Wolff and Provided

W

ith amazing grace, Gloria Slagle of Prairie Village has played the organ at Old Mission United Methodist Church for nearly six decades. Gloria began serving the church as a young newlywed and today her fingers still move flawlessly across the keys and her feet tirelessly push the pedal board.

On Shawnee Mission Parkway at Mission Road, stately Old Mission Church sits at the base of a hill, a beacon of traditional architecture built in native stone with Palladian windows, surrounded by gardens. This house of worship is one of the oldest churches in Johnson County, an institution. Equally, Gloria is an institution within the church and our community. She is a steady and stable pillar, and a colorful and caring individual.

Gloria plays for the times of our lives, our preludes, interludes and recessionals. She has set the tone and the tenor at thousands of our neighbors’ baptisms, weddings and funerals. She has shepherded her flock with comforting music that resonates through all seasons. On Easter expect Christ The Lord Is Risen Today, Silent Night on Christmas Eve and Here I Am Lord at funerals.

She has accompanied choirs of all ages, soloists, stringed instruments and theatrical performances. She has improvised when wedding parties were unprepared for the processional.

“We’ve had brides’ fathers who were a bit tipsy—more than once,” says Gloria. “One time the groomsmen and the bride’s father ran down to the Plaza for a drink before the wedding, and when they didn’t return, I had to keep playing until given the sign that they were back!” Like that wedding, she has wound up many a jubilant occasion with Ode To Joy. Gloria’s mother signed her up for piano lessons at age six, organ 18

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

lessons at age 13. At 14 she played for evening services at her family’s St. Joseph, Mo., church, and when needed filled in at churches around town – a month at a time – all before she began college. In 1955, Gloria graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in organ performance and a year later received her master’s from Indiana University. After that she studied in Hamburg, Germany, under Heinz Wunderlich, and taught for eight years at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., , and offered private lessons.

Soon after, she married husband Derald, who went on to become an executive with UMB. Together they raised daughter Genelle.

“I spent countless hours at the church that I love with my mom from literally the time I was born all they way through college,” says Genelle.

“She has always been first and foremost a mom, but it was followed

only a half step back by being Old Mission’s organist.” Genelle is now a physician, married and the mother of a busy two-year-old.

Wednesday nights, Gloria arrives with allegro at the Old Mission parking lot, just in time for choir practice. She has a busy life outside of church, but that never gets in the way of her devotion to playing.

“Sometimes I even come to the church at two or three in the morning,” says Gloria. “One night I surprised a youth group that was holding an overnight. Suddenly they heard organ music and thought they were part of Phantom Of The Opera.”

Gloria has spent only part of her glorious and full life on an organ bench. “I have been around the world several times and on eight safaris,” she says with a wanderlust twinkle in her eye. “Now I have plans to visit Iceland, Cambodia and Burma.”

It is Sunday noon. Parishioners slowly make their way out of the sanctuary to greet the minister and say hello to friends. Lunch or brunch is waiting. But the music plays on. In the balcony one choir member waits, a man who is mesmerized by her music. He always stays to hear the last note. Her music settles him.

Inside the gleaming sanctuary, you can hear the lyrics of a timeless classic… “To the Old Rugged Cross, I will always be true.”

Gloria remains the dearest and best friend to our community. Each week our town leans on her to be at Old Mission, pump the organ and welcome us to worship.` August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

19

Your Neighbor

Just Like You Films Local Mom Founds Company That Fosters Acceptance through Powerful Messages Article Carrie Hudson | Photography Provided

Like You Films captures real life stories that reveal in “Just compelling ways how all of us are much more alike than we are different,” reads the mission statement of Just Like You Films.

“This helps facilitate the physical and emotional healing of exceptional children by creating an environment of acceptance.”

Johnson County supermom of three Jen Greenstreet founded Just Like You Films in 2003 after her daughter’s friend, Caroline, severely burned her leg. Greenstreet’s daughter, Whitney Wendel, and her friends wanted to make pajama bottoms for patients in the burn unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital when a hospital staff member described the hospital’s need for a video to send to schools. This video would explain to patients’ classmates their situation and how exactly the patients want to be treated in relation to their burns.

In order to raise money for a video, Greenstreet asked her friend and photographer Isaac Alongi to take photos for a fundraising campaign. At this time, Alongi wanted to expand his photography business to include film. And so began the first Just Like You film, “Burns as Told by Three Children.” Following this film, Just Like You also produced “I Care for a Child Burn Survivor,” featuring the parents of several children who have been severely burned.

Not long after the burn patient films premiered, Children’s Mercy Hospital Certified Child Life Specialist Amanda Woelk suggested a film for the oncology unit, beginning the process 20

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

for “Cancer as Told by Three Children.” This film explained to patients’ classmates that you can’t “catch” cancer, that the patients did nothing to get cancer, and how the patients wish to be treated while going through their particular treatment. Woelk worked with Just Like You to create the cancer film, which premiered in fall 2010. She later served on the company’s board of directors for a few years.

Shortly after the cancer film premiered at the AMC Mainstreet Theater in Kansas City’s Power and Light District, Just Like You Films began work on their next major film, “Down Syndrome as Told by Three Children.” The Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City sponsored this film, which features three truly inspirational individuals, Rachel, Sam and Elyssa, accompanied by some of their closest friends.

Nowadays, Greenstreet’s eldest daughter Whitney, 19, loves seeing her mom giving back and putting 100 percent of herself into something that she isn’t getting any material satisfaction back from because it is a great reminder to Whitney that life isn’t about things or stuff. Whitney has witnessed her mom’s selfless work to build Just Like You from the ground up.

“She proves that if you work hard enough and believe in something, good things will come from that,” says Whitney in admiracontinued > tion of her mother.

Lifestyle Communities Built Around a Golf Course

Falcon Village

Maintenance Provided Twin Villas | $290’s-$350’s+

Falcon Valley Single Family Homes | $300’s-$500’s+

Falcon PlaZa Retail, Dining and commercial area

Lifestyle Community Convenience

nationally-Ranked Falcon Valley Golf Course, clubhouse with event Space, large Deck and Patio, Beautiful neighborhood Pool, cabana & Sport court accredited & Highly Desirable olathe Schools, convenient to lenexa lake, Parks and Trail Systems

Shopping, Dining, grocery, Banking, Fuel, Hospitals, Walk-in clinics and Pharmacy nearby, easy access to K-10, i-435, i-35, K-7 Highways and Kansas city international airport

Lenexa is the “Best Place to Raise a Family in Kansas” ~ Bloomberg BusinessWeek

#17 out of 3,200 places evaluated nationwide, and the only city in Kansas to be Selected

913-780-9004 | FalconValleyHomes.com Commercial Space and Sites Available: 913-390-9009

Your Neighbor

FREE CARFAX REPORT!

Come Experience the King’s Difference!

MENTION THIS AD AND SAVE!

1595

$

Oil Changes

20OFF

$

any Service $100 or more

500

$

CASh bACk on any car purchase.

Restrictions apply. Offer good through August 31, 2014. See dealer for details.

(continued)

Greenstreet is currently working on “Autism as Told by Three Children,” and, having spent more than 30 hours editing this particular film, describes the process as putting together a thousand piece puzzle.

She believes this film has a completely different feel from her previous films. She says the film is reflective of the children in that it covers details of the full autism spectrum.

Sponsored by the Autism Society of the Heartland (ASH), the film features former Kansas City Chiefs football player Trent Green, a family friend of Greenstreet and a supporter of Just Like You since its inception. The film is slated to premier this fall in time for the New Jersey Golden Door Film Festival sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger, who is a parent of a child with Autism.

“Power of Film: Everybody Cut Footloose,” Just Like You’s 2014 fundraising event, will be held November 8, in the Bean Hanger of the Roasterie on 27th Street in Kansas City, Mo. With a Footloose theme, co-chairs Holly Mihalovich and Liz Orr are planning a fun night based on the 1984 film Footloose, in which teenager Ren McCormick moves to a small town after growing up in Chicago. He feels out of place in this small, dance-free town, but he and his new classmates soon find acceptance through dancing. This acceptance mirrors the mission of Just Like You to create an environment of acceptance through their films. At the event, guests will learn about the organization and have the opportunity to support its future films and endeavors.

All of Greenstreet’s films can be found on their website, JustLikeYouFilms.org or on YouTube. Visit photographer and videographer Isaac Alongi’s work at IsaacAlongi.com.

Carrie Hudson is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University.

Quality • Family Owned • Honest KingsQualityAutoSales.com 913.851.7400 At the corner of 151st & Antioch 8665 West 151st Street, Overland Park, KS 22

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Buying or Selling Your Home Should be Fun, Exciting & Productive.

Call Thesa Alsobrook at 913.636.8118 and Experience the Good Life Today!

BUYING - Listen to Your Needs | Prescreen New & Resale Homes to Maximize Your Time

Negotiate for You & Stay Within Budget | 20 Years of Working with KC’s Finest Builders & Developers

SELLING - Provide Market Analysis of Your Home | Aggressive Marketing | Staging & Decor Advice Bring Buyers to You | Negotiate to Maximize Your Return | Make the Process Exciting & Simple

Five Star Agent ~Voted "Best in Client Satisfaction" by MY CLIENTS 2013 & 2014!

10865 Grandview Drive Suite 2050, Overland Park, Kansas

|

goodlifekc.com

|

913.345.9999

Hot Spot

Blessings Abound in Downtown Olathe Meet the Sisters of Simply Reinspired Café and Treasures Article Lisa Allen | Photography Alexis Cook

Tolkien famously wrote in his J.R.R. poem All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter, ‘not all those who wander are lost.’ Sisters Janice Mann-Harris and Debbie Mann of Simply Reinspired Café and Treasures are banking that Tolkien is right.

Wander is exactly what they hope you’ll do in their downtown Olathe gift shop and restaurant. The two story space is a tribute to the sisters’ lifelong love of interior design, home-cooked food and people. It is filled with refinished furniture, framed photos, books, knick knacks and countless other treasures that are all for sale.

“What we really hope is that you feel at home when you’re here,” says Janice. “We want the food to taste like what you’d cook at home, and we want everyone to feel comfortable enough to linger. We don’t care about turning tables, like some places. We want people to settle in and stay for a bit.”

In fact, when I sat down to chat with them about the meals they offer and the goods they sell, conversation always came back to the sisters’ connections with others and their gratitude for the kindness of others. Those kind gestures, they say, are what got them to this place at this very moment.

“Blessings,” says Debbie. “All of it, it’s all blessings.”

They talk of Joe Person at JP3 Productions, who created a marketing video for the sisters when they first opened. They talk of a group of seniors at DeVry University, Debbie’s alma mater, who set up the business’ computer system. All free of charge, and all a part of what Debbie and Janice call ‘the wonderful people of our lives.’

The sisters opened in August of 2013 after years of listening to family and friends telling them they should start the business. Each had established residential cleaning businesses that kept them busy, and they both say they enjoyed that work, with just one caveat.

“When we’d go into a client’s home to work, there was usually no one there,” says Debbie. “We worked alone for the most part, sometimes listening to the news. That can be really depressing, and you forget just how good people are. And people really are good!”

Almost as if on cue, a regular customer comes through the door just as Debbie utters those words. The posted hours said the kitchen was officially closed for breakfast, but that didn’t matter. He asked if he could still get breakfast, to which both sisters enthusiastically said yes.

The setup for meals is homey and just as comfy for a quiet dinner for two as it is accommodating for a larger group. There are tables set up on the main floor and in the bedrooms

What we really hope is that you feel at home when you’re here. We want the food to taste like what you’d cook at home, and we want everyone to feel comfortable enough to linger. We don’t care about turning tables…we want people to settle in and stay for a bit.

24

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

on the second floor. Debbie usually greets guests The carrot cake comes from Bob Byrnes of Simply Reinspired at the door, and encourages visitors to sit wherever Bob the Baker and Catering.

108 West Cedar St., Olathe they like. Debbie takes care of those who are dinAs Debbie and Janice reflect on this first year in 913.768.1177 ing, regardless if the diners are upstairs or downtheir new home, their comments come back to serSimplyReinspired.com stairs, while Janice cooks. endipity and the goodness of others.

Simply Reinspired is open for breakfast and lunch “We took a leap of faith when we opened,” says Monday through Friday. The breakfast menu includes omelets, break- Debbie. “A huge leap of faith. We looked at places that weren’t in Olathe, fast sandwiches and oatmeal while the sisters serve soup, fresh salads but after living here for 30 years, Olathe is home for us, and this is where and sandwiches for lunch. I’ve been for both meals, and can honest- we want to be. It’s just blessing after blessing, and we’re grateful.” ly say that the food is just like what I’d cook at home, but better. The croissants are warm and soft, the bread is always fresh and the salads Hot Spot write-ups are based on an unannounced visit and Lifestyle Publications pays for the meal. crisp and filling.

The shop is closed on Saturdays, and Sundays are reserved for private parties.

The sisters host graduations, baby showers, birthday parties, book clubs and other gatherings. Family dinner is served on Thursday nights. As of this writing, $15 buys fried chicken, potatoes and gravy and a slice of either cheesecake or carrot cake.

The cheesecake and the carrot cake are the two menu items that Janice doesn’t cook. The cheesecake is her husband’s creation. A New York native, Stetson Harris moved to Nebraska for college and just couldn’t find cheesecake to please his East Coast palate. So he started making his own. It was so good he started selling it to other students, and then when he graduated and started working at a hospital, he sold it to his co-workers. Now he makes all of the cheesecakes served at Simply Reinspired.

Liberty Meadows Training Center has moved to a

NEW FULL SERVICE FACILITY! Johnson County’s Newest Riding Academy

• Horse-themed Birthday Parties • Horseback Riding Lessons Beginner to Advanced

• Summer Riding Camps

21000 Switzer Rd., Bucyrus, KS 66013 • Ryan Strand • Elise Worman 816.547.0602 • info@liberty-meadows.com www.Liberty-Meadows.com August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

25

Locally Owned

Business is a Mother’s Legacy Personal Touch Spells Success for Local Promotions Company Article and Photography Susan Motley

K

rista Cardell is easy to spot in a crowded room. She’s an attractive red head with a big smile and an infectious laugh.

She is the owner of Personal Greetings, a corporate gift and promotional marketing company with several big name clients across the country.

Based in Leawood, the company offers corporate gifts, trade show giveaways, promotional items, gift with purchase programs and employee incentive campaigns.

It also offers a popular candy and coffee of the month program.

“We are a small Kansas company but we work with some well-known names like Sprint, Monster Cable, Merrill Lynch and the University of Kansas Hospital,” says Krista. “We don’t do any advertising, so referrals are important.

Developing relationships with our clients and exceeding their expectations is how we are successful.”

The company is unique because everything they do is customized to the client, 26

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

to meet specific goals and objectives. “Every time a client orders from us, they order with the promise their gift is special and different,” Krista says.

The Personal Greetings staff is gearing up for their busiest time of year. “Many businesses start ordering holiday gifts for customers, and employees by the end of August,” Krista explains. “We will probably do 40 percent of our annual business over the next three or four months. It’s a crazy time but we love it!”

Clearly Krista’s energy and enthusiasm have served her well. But this was not the career path she had planned. In fact, it was her mother’s business and she only took over when her mother passed away in 2011.

Her mother, Connie Cardell, started the company 25 years ago offering personalized gifts and invitations. The initial intent was to make some extra money while still being home with her three daughters. Over the years, the company morphed into a successful corporate gift and promotional company.

During her teenage years, Krista would help out with projects here and there when needed.

“I can remember times when Sprint or Clorox did big promotions and we had thousands of units to put together,” Krista says, “Our whole family got involved. But I never planned to work in the family business.”

Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2003, Connie valiantly fought the disease through three bone marrow transplants and enjoyed several periods of healthy remission. With the help of employees, family, and friends, the company thrived throughout that period.

Krista eventually went away to college.

She returned to the area and took a position as director of elementary education at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Overland Park.

Her life took an unexpected turn in the spring of 2011.

“My mom was sick again and one day she told us she wasn’t going to get better.

Without even thinking about it, I asked

her if she wanted me to take over the business,” Krista says. “She had so much joy on her face when I asked.”

In March, at the age of 26, she became the owner of Personal Greeting. Connie died in May. “I wasn’t really prepared,” Krista explains.

“But I quickly realized I had some of the same talents as my mom. I’m good at it because she was good at it. I had watched her run the company my entire life so it seemed very natural.” And she had two long-time employees, Debbie Babb and Robin Moduno, who helped immeasurably through the transition and who continue to work for the company today. Amy Wheeler, who handles the finances, joined the staff two years ago.

Under Krista’s leadership, Personal Greetings has grown and thrived.

“I’m proud of the fact that we have grown our relationships with large, national companies and we handle many big campaigns,” Krista says.

Cancer Treatment Centers are a good example. Last year they worked with only one branch and produced a premium leath-

The Personal Greetings staff includes Amy Wheeler, Krista Cardell, Robin Moduno and Debbie Babb.

er Kenneth Cole duffle bag with the center’s logo embossed on the pocket. Krista took the initiative to send one to all the other centers with a hand-written note introducing herself and Personal Greetings.

“Now we provide almost all their gifts for the physicians and their board of directors across the country.”

According to Krista, the staff at Personal Greetings strives to do everything with excellence to help clients grow their business, impress their customers, and just

have the coolest giveaways at a tradeshow.

“It’s always our goal to put together something people are going to be wowed by!”

Krista says she loves the variety in her job, whether it’s working on a small keychain order for a local company or supplying 10,000 duffle bags for a client in California.

“There is never a dull moment around here and I am excited to see what the future has in store for Personal Greetings.”

Learn more about this company at PGreetings.com.

Sp e Ci a lt y a nd d e C o r at i v e F i ni S he S Mention this ad and Up to

Save $500 on your next project * Restrictions apply * Coupon must be presented at time of scheduling estimate * Expires 9/30/14

Stamped Concrete | Specialty and Decorative Finishes | Reseal Concrete | Standard Concrete Patios | Pool Decks | Sidewalks | Driveways | Tear-out & Replace

To schedule a FREE no-obligation consultation,

Call 913.203.8412 August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

27

Napa’s Best is found at the silverado

Article Nicole Kilian Photography Joann Dost & The Silverado

L

ocated in the Napa Valley, just 50 miles northeast of San Francisco and 60 miles southwest of Sacramento, Silverado Resort and Spa should be at the top of everyone’s list for wine country getaways. The AAA Four Diamond hotel encompasses more than 1,200 acres of land in the heart of the Valley and combines endless recreational possibilities with state-of-the-art business facilities.

Since World Golf Hall of Fame member and lead NBC analyst Johnny Miller became owner in 2010, the resort has staked its claim as one of the Golden State’s premier destinations, with recent awards including Golfweek’s 2013 “Best Resort Courses,” Tennis Resorts Online’s 2013 “Top 50 Tennis Resorts,” and About. com’s 2013 Readers’ Choice “Best Hotel Spa.” Beautiful room renovations to the 380 guest rooms and the 12,000-square-foot conference center were completed this sum28

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

mer offering a fresh, updated feeling of warmth and luxury. With room options including standard resort rooms, junior suites, or spacious one-, two- or three- bedroom suites, the resort is perfect for couples, families and group vacations.

Whether you prefer to unwind with a round of golf on one of the two award-winJohnny Miller ning, PGA championship courses, or with a soothing fireside massage in the full service spa, you’ll discover renewal and rejuvenation around every corner. Take a dip in one of 10 swimming pools, play a game of tennis on one of 13 courts, or explore the many hiking and biking trails. Of course, Silverado’s close proximity to more than 400 wineries means you’re never too far away from a spectacular Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

The picturesque, North and South Courses at Silverado Resort are legends in the golf world. Recently redesigned by Johnny Miller, both 18-hole championship courses feature dozens of water crossings, elevation changes, and routing through oak, pine and redwood trees. Included in all golf rates at Silverado are complimentary range balls for practice, golf carts, yardage cards and green fees. The stylish 10,000-square-foot Club House pro shop, a 2013 AGM Platinum Award Winner for “Top 100 Golf Shops,”

has all you need before teeing off, and the staff of professionals is eager to help with lessons, packages and more.

The long tournament history at Silverado includes 14 PGA Tour events, from 1968 through 1980, and the Champions Tour stop, from 1989 to 2002. This year, PGA golf returns to the resort in October, as Silverado plays host to the 2014 Frys.com Open on the iconic North Course. Now in its eighth year, the four-day tournament is the opening event of

the PGA Tour season and will be televised worldwide on the Golf Channel. For those avid golfers that want to be amongst all the action, limited resort rooms are still available during tournament week. Rory McIlroy, a two-time major champion and currently ranked number seven in the official world golf ranking, will be participating, along with acclaimed golfers Jimmy Walker and Patrick Reed. continued >

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

29

napa's best is Found at the Silverado

(continued)

Experience The Tide Dry Cleaners Difference.

• dry cleaning done right, without the typical dry cleaner smell on your clothes • all items hand-inspected • 24-hour drop-off • 24-hour pick-up at select locations • drive-thru at select locations

www.tidedrycleaners.com

Along with golf, guests are encouraged to renew their mind, body and spirit at Silverado Resort’s Spa. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the award-winning spa offers an extensive menu of beauty and body treatments that combine traditional techniques with modern innovations. After a busy day in the vineyard or on the green, the Spa at Silverado invites you to unwind in the eucalyptus steam room and sauna, experience a soothing fireside massage, and melt away stress in the indoor or outdoor whirlpool.

More than a destination for treatments, the full service spa offers a fitness center, many complimentary classes including Dharma Yoga and Flexibility Training, garden and

poolside cabanas, and a 25-meter outdoor heated lap pool to enhance your journey to divine relaxation. Signature treatments include the Golf Swing Therapy Menu, featuring a Silverado Golf Ball Massage, GO Golf Facial, and private instructions.

Throughout the year you can catch great packages like the current “His and Hers Escape.” Now available, the package includes a round of PGA championship golf per night, a 50-minute spa treatment per night, and a $50 food credit available for use in The Grill, Mansion Lounge, Room Service or the Spa Café.

Now, what are you waiting for?

Treat yourself!

TIDE DRY CLEANERS

20

%

off

your dry cleaning order *excludes laundered shirts

this coupon can only be redeemed for dry cleaning services sold at tide dry cleaners locations. Please present coupon at drop-off. it cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. not valid on leather, household items or wedding dresses. cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. one discount per household. offer valid through 9/30/14.

*TDCKC20D* TDCKC20D

Proudly using

83RD & MISSION • 135TH & ROE 135TH & METCALF • 150TH & NEWTON

30

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

TDC Lfstyle Johnson Ad AUG.indd 1

5/7/14 10:43 AM

Silverado Resort and Spa

1600 Atlas Peak Road Napa, CA 94558 707.257.0200 SilveradoResort.com

E N J O Y A B L E Thanks to advanced back pain treatments, you could be able to enjoy the activities you love again.

Let’s face it. At some point, almost everyone will experience chronic lower back or neck pain. But today, there’s no reason to let this pain control your life, or your lifestyle.

The Shawnee Mission Orthopedic & Spine

ShawneeMission.org/able

Center offers highly-experienced physicians and advanced technology, which means less invasive procedures, less pain and shorter recovery times. So you’ll be back in action sooner than ever.

For complete information about our back and neck pain treatments, call 913-632-2571 or visit ShawneeMission.org/able today.

Turning Potential into Reality Success builds success at Cristo Rey High School.

Luis Beltran, Rafael Sanchez and Arleth Arevala collaborate on a biology lab assignment.

Article Lisa Gartland | Photography Provided

C

risto Rey High School may be located in Kansas City, Mo., but their students are well known throughout the entire metropolitan area for the work they do.

Like other area high schools, rigorous academics and extracurricular activities are part of their culture.

Unlike other area high Math instructor Walter Bowman teaches Algebra II. schools, Cristo Rey specifically serves highly motivated, urban students who face severe economic challenges. These students are not only the first in their families to plan to go to college, but also the first in their families to even consider college a real option. At this Catholic college preparatory school that is ethnically, racially and religiously diverse, all students participate in the school’s Corporate Work Study Program.

32

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Many Johnson County businesses and nonprofit organizations partner with the school providing jobs and practical support for students. Students work one full day each week at area businesses.

To meet all academic requirements, the school day is 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., from the first week in August to the first week in June and money earned from Work Study is applied to students’ tuition.

There are 381 students enrolled in Cristo Rey, with a capacity for 425 and there are 130 eager freshmen ready to start school in August after completing a Seniors Kiva Donohue and Mackenzie Turnrequired work training er sport their “I got in!” t-shirts awarded as students are admitted to college. institute this summer.

Since students come from diverse educational backgrounds, students are tested throughout the school year. The testing identifies any educational gaps with the incoming freshmen, and then tutors are called in.

Approximately 30 retired teachers volunteer their

time to fill in any instructional holes. Transportation is often a barrier for students, so Cristo Rey provides buses. About a third of the students are transported to school every day by buses which also take students to and from Work Study sites in every corner of the Metro.

Companies who partner with Cristo Rey assess their student workers quarterly using a common rubric used throughout the nationwide Cristo Rey network of 26 schools. Students receive a grade for their work and know where they are succeeding and where they can improve.

Cristo Rey provides additional training if a student is weak in any area. Students are evaluated on their professional appearance, interaction with others, ability to follow through on tasks and their ability to identify priorities. Kathleen Hanlon, PhD, president of Cristo Rey in Kansas City, reports that 95 percent of her students regularly receive top ratings.

Along with businesses, many Johnson County nonprofit organizations support the students in their educational goals, including volunteers of Christ Community Church in Leawood. Volunteers recognize the difficulty of the next step after high school graduation. They mentor new graduates, showing them the wide variety of available resources on college campuses. They teach the new college students where to look for and how to ask for help in college. These mentors help students select classes and provide guidance throughout the college process. Volunteers provide “grad packs” with items needed for college as well as handwritten notes of encouragement.

“The connection with Christ Community Church is a real-world, hands-on relationship,” explains Rebecca Summers, director of institutional advancement at Cristo Rey. “Not only have they orchestrated the college send-off for each and every graduate, they tutor and mentor students, which is so personal.”

In 2006, after three years in development, Cristo Rey opened with a freshman class and added a class each year. Their

Cristo Rey senior Jonna Garcia received a scholarship to continue her education at Avila University.

Cristo Rey Kansas City’s 2014 Valedictorian Dallas Parker is on her way to the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism.

first graduating class was in 2010, and Cristo Rey celebrated their first class of college graduates this past spring. Two of these graduates, who earned their degrees from Rockhurst University in May, spoke at Cristo Rey’s 2014 commencement. They delivered powerful messages as real examples that college is within reach.

Cristo Rey keeps track of alumni, and based on the numbers, successful college graduates will continue for years to come.

The national average of graduation for any student who begins college in the U.S. is around 50 percent. Cristo Rey educates students with major financial and social obstacles. According to Hanlon, 62.7 percent of the class of 2012 is still in college, and the class of 2013 has 64 percent of its members still in college. The class of 2014 leaves Cristo Rey with a 100 percent college acceptance rate. Hanlon is optimistic that their college graduates who continue live in the area will return to their high school as mentors for future students.

As a new school year begins, Cristo Rey buses will again bring future businessmen and women to Johnson County for Work Study opportunities. Their education at Cristo Rey in Kansas City, mentor support and work experiences combine to unlock the limitless potential of these young minds and bright futures for these young adults.

To learn more about how you or your organization can help, visit CristoReyKC.org.

Twin Financial is a partner of Cristo Rey through the Corporate Work Study Program. At work, Rosana Dillon supervises Shayra Mata one day a week.

Shadine Douglas and Vanessa Beltran led Cristo Rey Kansas City’s 2014 Commencement procession.

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

33

Helping Cups Runneth Over The Kauffman Foundation’s 1 Million Cups program helps business startups percolate success.

Article Katherine Bontrager | Photography Provided

W

hen Stuart Ludlow and his business partner, David Hulsen, began their own software company, the duo had plenty of hurdles to clear.

But getting constructive feedback about their startup? That may have been one of the easiest problems the two encountered, thanks to 1 Million Cups, a program created by Kauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation, a subsidiary of the Kauffman Foundation.

Sporting the tagline “Caffeinate Your Community,” the program (with its clever coffee-cup logo), promises to build communities, “one cup at a time.”

And it does so in the simplest and most effective way possible: by offering local entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their startups to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurs.

“1 Million Cups began in April, 2012,” explains Nathan Kurtz, a manager in Entrepreneurship for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “It was started as a way for Kauffman associates to meet entrepreneurs in the community and find out what we can do to help them with their businesses. It was a grassroots effort to engage Kansas City-area entrepreneurs.”

Yet the local creation has spread to a much broader audience, with 1 Million Cups becoming a nationwide phenomenon.

“We’ve had more than 220 presenters in Kansas City, and over 2,200 across the country since the program launched,” Kurtz says. “We also have more than 250 Kansas City-area attendees from the community each week and over 2,000 audience members at 1 Million Cups locations each week across the U.S. We never expected it would get to this level of growth. It was, essentially, an accident that fit the need in dozens of communities across the U.S. of engaging entrepreneurs in their community.”

Entrepreneurs like Ludlow and Hulsen, for example. The two have a company called RFP365, which offers a software platform that helps issue and respond to RFPs (Request for Proposal) more effectively and collaboratively.

“We spoke at 1 Million Cups in October of 2012, right before we were about to launch with our alpha version,” Ludlow recalls. “It was the first time we’d publicly spoken about the platform. Our main goal was to solicit feedback and to find users willing to test out the software. We received tons of feedback.

Because it’s an open forum where people can ask you questions and talk about ideas, we had people bring up issues we hadn’t thought of. And through that, we were able to get a couple of early testers, who provided important feedback that went into the next version of the software. Not only was 1 Million Cups a sounding board, it provided a lot of valuable resources back to us.”

36

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

With the program’s help, RFP365 has successfully moved from startup to functioning business. And as Ludlow says, “Things are going really well right now.

We’re adding customers and staying incredibly busy.”

The program takes place every Wednesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. in locales around the country. Yet the premise remains the same: Two presenters prepare a 6-minute presentation and then engage in 20 minutes of feedback and questions. Through this candid back-and-forth scenario, entrepreneurs gain insight into how they can improve their business plans, gather helpful feedback, and also connect with important contacts within the business community. But it’s not just presenters who benefit.

“The program is educational in nature,” Kurtz says. “It’s educational for the presenters as they go through our Kauffman Founders School video series on Powerful Presentations. It’s educational for the audience as they listen to and interact with the presenters. It’s also educational for the presenters since the volunteer organizers, also entrepreneurs, are helping to build their entrepreneurial ecosystem, give specific grading feedback to the presenters on aspects of their presentation.”

The criteria to present are fairly simple, Kurtz says. “We have guidelines that the business be 3 years old or less, at least have a website and a specific customer/problem/solution set, and have a scalable growth model. It isn’t just tech companies, though: 1 Million Cups is industry-agnostic. Entrepreneurs of all types attend and present.”

The forum is free and open to the public and occurs weekly at the Kauffman Foundation.

“We invite any entrepreneurs, innovators and civic-minded individuals who want to hear the presentations to attend,” Kurtz says. “We do ask that the presenters watch the Founders School videos and answer the subsequent questions, because it is educational, and we know that better presentations yield better content, better engagement with the audience and better on-going support.”

The average presenter is in the early part of building his or her business and is struggling to find more customers and build a team around the company. While every story is unique, Kurtz says, the presentations always end with the same question, “What can we, as a community, do to help you?” The community truly ministers to the entrepreneurs.

“We have a lot of organic traffic of people who’ve heard about 1 Million Cups or attended 1 Million Cups, and then go online to apply to present,” Kurtz adds. “We’re also beginning the see the national network come together. Once a presenter has presented in, say, St. Louis or Denver or Des Moines or Tulsa, they then have the opportunity to go to other cities in the 1 Million Cups network and present there as well. It’s a powerful tool for the entrepreneurs to continue to learn and for the audience to see local and regional companies.”

Each local chapter—in cities including Denver, Chicago, Chapel Hill, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and more—is community led, funded and operated. The individual chapters find local sponsors to provide meeting space, coffee and video recording services.

What began as a way to help Kansas City entrepreneurs has since blossomed into a nationwide network of businesspeople helping business-minded people. The ingenious program truly is working to ‘caffeinate’ the local business community and is creating some serious national buzz, helping new businesses grow and succeed. That’s something surely everyone can lift their mugs to and toast with appreciation.

For more information, visit 1MillionCups.com.

I

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

37

Giving Back

Taking the Clinic to the Community The Outreach Efforts of Health Partnership of Johnson County Article Lisa Allen | Photography Alexis Cook

Q

uality dental care is about more than just teeth. Dentists can be the first to notice signs of diabetes or heart disease, and research shows that more than 90 percent of systemic diseases have oral manifestations such as swollen gums and mouth ulcers.

Still, dental care is all too often a privilege that some—especially the uninsured and underinsured—often go without. Even in Johnson County, a place not typically synonymous with the word ‘need,’ there are more than 97,000 low-income individuals who likely face barriers to accessing dental care.

Health Partnership Clinic is trying to fill that gap.

Established in 1992 to provide medical care to low-income, uninsured Johnson County residents, the clinic became a federally qualified community health center in 2012. Led by President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Wesco, Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) works with community hospitals and local health and social service organizations to continually increase the quantity and quality of services offered to the underserved residents of Johnson County.

Ellen Berry, DDS, serves as Chief Dental Officer. After graduating from UMKC School of Dentistry, Berry completed the Navy Advanced Education in General Residency Program in Norfolk, Va., and served for five years as a Navy dentist. She spent two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and two years at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam. She began working at HPC in 2008 and says it’s exactly where she wants to be.

“HPC is unique in that we level the playing ground for access to dental care. Patients here are seen by qualified dentists and hy38

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

gienists who are held to the highest of standards of care. We don’t cut corners on the care we offer to our patients,” says Berry.

Berry was the only dentist at HPC for the first four years of her tenure and now leads a team of three dentists and three full time hygienists. She credits Wesco with keeping an equal focus between dental and medical care at HPC and the expansion of staff for the opportunity engage in more community outreach.

HPC’s central theme in its outreach activities is meeting patients where they are, rather than waiting for them to make an appointment at the clinic. Every month, Berry goes to Evergreen Community of Johnson County, which serves the elderly population, to treat residents on-site, and a hygienist works at Evergreen two days every month for cleanings.

HPC also focuses on children’s health by providing dental care—both preventive and treatment—at Johnson County elementary schools. The state of Kansas mandates that all elementary school students have dental screenings, and findings and recommendations are sent home to parents. Berry says those who fall into the under- and uninsured gap often don’t know how to follow up on those recommendations.

During the school year, HPC dentist Dr. Mollie Day fills spends her weeks in local schools, providing full exams, X-rays, cleanings, extractions and fillings at the school. If the work is too much to conduct on-site, students are sent to the clinic for care.

During summer and holiday breaks, Day works alongside Berry and Dr. Melissa Kusiak in the clinic. She is also expanding HPC’s outreach efforts by caring for patients in local mental health facilities.

“Jason has been so instrumental in partnering with other organizations so that we can offer a safety net,” says Berry. Part of that strategy is having both sides of HPC—dental and medical—work together to encourage preventative health care and to offer education to parents of young children. Not only does Dr. Kelly Kreisler, Chief Medical Officer, talk with parents about preventive dental care and hygiene during office visits, but a new part-time hygienist has been hired specifically to visit with parents during each well child visit.

“All too often, a family’s mindset is that dentist appointments are only necessary when there’s a problem,” says Berry.

“We’re trying to change that, and we’re making a small dent in the overall needs of our underserved population.”

Wesco agrees, and says that HPC patients may receive two or even three of the services HPC offers during one office visit. This comprehensive, holistic and coordinated approach to patient care is unusual, even in the most specialized of care facilities.

“It’s an honor for us to serve these patients in our community,” says Berry. “We’re always looking for ways to do more.”

To learn more, visit HPCJC.org

The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park thanks our sponsors and featured restaurants!

Presenting Sponsors: Regnier Family Foundation Member FDIC

A place where YOU are known!

Sponsors: PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BKV eFinance Call Center Support, LLC Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac Don Manuel Villafañe Winery and Dos Puentes Winery 95.7 The Vibe – 94.9 KCMO – 105.1 JACK-FM

Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Charitable Trust Burns & McDonnell Corporate Woods – Stoltz Management Company DPSG / Seven-Up Snapple Rebecca Hanrahan Imperial Construction Inc. Landers’ Visions LMC Truck Menorah Medical Center Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. Shawnee Mission Health Two Angels Consulting, LLC

DIAMOND SPONSOR KCH&G

GOLD SPONSORS 435 Magazine Hoffman Family Foundation Lifestyle Publications Johnson County Lifestyle Leawood Lifestyle

PATRON PARTY SPONSOR Benefit Trust Company

GREEN SPONSOR Black & Veatch

BRONZE SPONSORS Art Lithocraft Company Bowman Bowman Novick CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. Craig Sole Designs Crawford Sales Company Dr. Marc E. Enyart and Mr. Joe Comer Georgia Erickson Excel Linen Supply Firebaugh Construction, Inc. Garmin International Garney Construction Adam and Meg Godderz Haas & Wilkerson Insurance

Henderson Engineers, Inc. HERLIFE Magazine Hiland Dairy Foods Hockenbergs Food Service Equipment & Supply Hoefer Wysocki Architecture JE Dunn Construction Company Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc. KC Automated Mail KC Studio Magazine Brooks and Vicki Lilly Merrill Companies – Prairiefire Midland Loan Services – PNC Real Estate NextPage Pepsi Beverages Company PGAV Architects Pinstripes The Rice Gallery of Fine Art Rockwood Falls Estates, LLC Sabatino Foundation Santa Marta Retirement Community Selective Site Consultants, Inc. SIMPLYkc Magazine State Street Jon and Christi Stewart Stinson Leonard Street LLP UMB Private Wealth Management VanTrust Real Estate, LLC Xpedx Xtreme Electric

Featured Restaurants: BoLing’s Chinese Restaurant Boyer’s Artisan Meatball Catering Burnt End BBQ Corner Bakery Cafe DoubleTree by Hilton Overland Park Em Chamas Brazilian Grill Firebug BBQ Frida’s Contemporary Mexican Cuisine Granite City Food & Brewery

Save the date June 27, 2015!

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Le Peep Longhorn Steakhouse McLain’s Bakery Midnight Espresso & The Roasterie Mio An Italian Trattoria Nick and Jake’s Nothing Bundt Cakes

op 1906 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel Pinstripes Plan B Event Style Catering Ritz Charles Sunset Grill Sweet Tomatoes

Healthy Lifestyle

Dispelling the Myths of Midwifery Certified Nurse Midwifes take a Natural Approach to Caring for Women at all Stages of Life Article Michelle Manuel Photography Dean Shepard

W

hen Diane Utz shares with people that she is a certified nurse midwife, the inevitable question comes next: “So you help women give birth in their living rooms?”

Utz, who has a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Kansas, spends a great deal of time dispelling the myths of midwifery. As the first full-time certified nurse midwife on staff with Saint Luke’s Medical Group–Southridge, Utz provides primary care and well-woman care for patients of all ages. She also assists with low-intervention births at Saint Luke’s South Hospital’s Maternity Center in Overland Park.

Utz explains to expecting moms that she is not a labor nurse, although she began her career as one, nor a doula, a non-medical person who assists with labor. She is specially trained to provide care before, during, and after birth and offers expectant moms a more natural experience by providing as much or as little support as the patient desires. Utz has been known to spend long hours in the hospital during a patient’s labor.

“There is a common misconception that midwives only deliver babies in the home, but only a small percentage of midwife-attended births happen at home,” says Utz. “I help women and families experience a low-intervention birth in an environment where additional resources are available. We can provide the best of both worlds, when needed.”

Meeting Women’s Birthing Needs

Low-intervention birth means that labor begins and progresses naturally. Instead of pain medication, laboring moms might use touch, music, water, aromatherapy, and other methods to minimize discomfort. If the patient wants an epidural or pain medication at any point during labor, that is available in a hospital setting.

At Saint Luke’s South Hospital, mothers labor, deliver, and remain in the same room throughout their stay, ensuring a less disruptive experience for the family. Should a woman or baby need medical intervention at any time, the hospital offers advanced medical care, including a Level IIIa NICU. “More women are looking for low-intervention birthing options than ever before,” says Jani Johnson, Saint Luke’s South Hospital 40

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Certified nurse midwife Diane Utz now provides low-intervention birthing options at Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park.

president and CEO. “By adding Diane and midwifery care, we can offer different experiences and more options to expectant moms.”

Care for a Lifetime

Utz also provides primary care and well woman care for all life stages—from teenagers beginning menstruation to women in their childbearing years to those experiencing menopause and beyond.

“It can be daunting for young women who turn 18 and suddenly must leave their pediatrician to begin well-woman care,” says Utz. “I help make the transition comfortable, and I help them understand how to make good choices about their health.”

No matter the age of her patient, Utz provides a natural approach to health care with a focus on wellness. Her goal is to build long-term relationships so she can provide care throughout a woman’s lifetime and always meet her changing needs.

“I love helping women understand how to focus on wellness, wherever in their life they might be,” says Utz. For more information about the Maternity Center at Saint Luke’s South Hospital, visit SaintLukesHealthSystem.org/SouthBaby or call 913.317.7795.

To schedule an appointment with Diane Utz, A.P.R.N., CNM, call Saint Luke’s Medical Group–Southridge at 913.317.3200.

12631 Metcalf • Overland Park, KS 66213 913-649-6900 houseofdenmarkfurniture.com

House of Denmark, the leading retailer of Contemporary, Scandinavian and European furniture in the Midwest, has been owned and operated by Danes since its opening in 1977.

We specialize in furnishings for home and office with a large in-stock program. In addition to our furniture selections for every room, we also feature area rugs, lamps and accessories.

Surround Yourself with Style.

Home Matters before

after

Space Planning A Brilliant Way to Update Your Home’s Interior Appeal Article Ann E. Butenas | Photography Provided

G

iving your home a fresh, new look does not have to be a huge undertaking, especially when you involve award-winning interior design experts. You can give new style and appeal to that outdated kitchen or add space, functionality and inviting ambiance to an outdated great room or hearth room. And if you think you have to spend a fortune, think again. To kick start your next home redesign project and maximize your investment in it, all you have to do is incorporate a bit of planning initially to ensure a breath-taking result in the end.

Arlene Ladegaard, owner and principal interior designer of Design Connection, Inc., brings to her clients her signature service: Space Planning, which is essentially a way to analyze a room and all of the elements within that space, including ceiling height, windows, furnishings and accessories, and then taking that information and creating a space that seamlessly blends with your existing home design and lifestyle. Space planning essentially provides an “after” picture before you even begin the room transformation process.

“We use space planning to get right sizing and to make sure the furniture fits in the space,” says Ladegaard. “We can take a very small room and through our unique way of planning out the space, we can fit the furnishings perfectly and give it a new look. We still maintain the integrity of the home by tailoring the updated look to match the style of the home. It is important to allow the

42

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

updated room to still blend in with the style of the home and to the tastes of the client.”

These photos of a great room in an Overland Park home reveal what the concept of space planning can amazingly do for a room.

“This was actually a very small room, but through our unique process of space planning, we were able to open it up with new furniture, such as the leather ottoman and a large colorful wool area rug,” says Ladegaard. “The outdated old tile was replaced with new textured tile and the mantel was darkened to a beautiful Java color along with new lighting fixtures and end tables. The older white wood blinds were updated with new dark woven woods and a soft, warm gray color to the walls was added while still maintaining the existing style of the home.”

Updating your home has never been easier, especially when you partner with Design Connection, Inc. “We can take an older home and update it to match its original design while still making it current,” Ladegaard emphasizes.

Design Tip: Hiring

a professional Interior Design Expert can sound expensive, but it actually saves homeowners time and expense by helping them make the best choices the very first time and avoiding mistakes. The right designer gets it right the first time!

For more information visit DesignConnectionInc.com or call 913.851.8776.

Love your body.

SLEEK &

SEXY FOR SUMMER

Staying healthy means eating well. Start today and get one month free with your enrollment in our 12 week Optimal Meal Plan.

Kansas City’s #1 Rated Gourmet Diet Delivery Service healthymealsinc.com

Call 816.587.6325 Complete - Delicious - Customizable - Convenient HealthyMeals-LifestylePub-Aug-Horz.indd 1

- Healthy!

7/15/14 12:14 PM August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle 43

Financial Fitness

The Financially Savvy Family M

any of the important decisions we make regarding our finances are made with family in mind, yet the duties for managing the finances often seem to fall on one primary family member. Perhaps it is a wife who has more patience or a husband who has more financial savvy, and seldom are the kids part of financial discussions. In fact, according to the 2013 Parent Kids And Money Survey, only 19 percent of kids say their parents strongly encourage them to talk about money. However, segregating the management of finances could leave loved ones in a precarious position and leave children lacking important financial education and foundational values to use when they begin making their own financial decisions. For a financial plan to truly support an entire family’s dreams and goals, getting buy-in and tackling decisions as a family unit is essential.

The team mentality starts with both partners in a relationship. They are often the leaders of the financial decisions and can

44

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

motivate other members of their family to participate and learn.

When both adults agree to take an active role in the management of finances, it may protect one from being left in the dark and it can also minimize arguments. In the 2012 study, Examining The Relationship Between Financial Issues And Divorce, fights about money were listed as the single biggest contributor to divorce.

Parents can also work together to give their children a solid foundation for money management. Sure, there are different strategies for discussing money with young children, teenagers, and adult children, but it’s never too late to start.

Super affluent families have found that to help their children be successful, they need to set them up early and teach them strategies along the way, often with the help of their professional financial advisory team. But, what about the rest of us? Often a third party can get through to children better than a parent, but it can’t be just any third party messenger. In fact, many wealth management firms who advise parents often agree to waive minimum investment thresholds for their adult children so they have access to the same advice and money management as the parents. Yet, if that advisor looks like a parent and acts like a parent, will the children feel any differently about what they’re hearing? Probably not.

Families could benefit from working with an advisor, but it has to be the right advisor. Firms that focus on multi-generational planning (without the hefty price tag of a traditional family office) can help bridge this gap from one generation to the next. Relating to and understanding both generations, and using the technology and communication strategies that each generation desires, as well as focusing on their immediate goals (these are different at different stages of life) are keys to success.

When you involve your whole family in financial planning, you expose them to valuable information they can use in their own lives.

Jessica Maldonado, AIFA, GFS, C(k)P, PPC, is vice president of Searcy Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisory and financial planning firm in Overland Park. For additional information, visit SearcyFinancial.com.

Driver’s Notebook

BMW’s Spirited M235i Puts a Smile on Your Face Article and Photography Tom Strongman

B

MW’s M235i is the spiritual cousin to the 1600/2002 from the late 1960s and early 1970s. I bought a white 1600 in 1969 because I couldn’t afford the more powerful 2002 and I loved it. It was small on the outside yet roomy inside, had incredible visibility thanks to the tall windows and it handled like a sports car.

The strategy behind the 2 Series is similar to that used for the 1600/2002: Make a compact coupe with sporty handling and, in the case of the M235i, blistering performance and incredible fuel economy for such a powerful car.

The M235i has 320 twin-turbo horsepower from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder and either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The car from BMW’s press fleet had the eightspeed automatic with manual shift paddles, and it was delightful. Hard-core enthusiasts may choose the manual but 46

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

frankly, the automatic is so good, and can be shifted manually when desired, that it would be my choice.

Base price for the M235i is $44,025. The 240-horsepower 228i has a four-cylinder engine and its base price is $33,025.

My 1600 had several recurring issues that eventually caused me to sell it after a couple of years but I still remember how much fun it was to drive. Those memories came flooding back when I took an M235i on a weekend trip because it was a blast.

I missed a few things on my trip, namely a navigation system, satellite radio and heated seats. Those items would bump the price by $4,450, pushing the sticker price to more than $48,000.

The M235i is fun every time you slip into the deeply

contoured sport seat that fits as if it were made for you. The chassis is tuned to deliver a taut, well-controlled ride and it loves to be tossed into a turn. Still, the ride is compliant enough to be pleasant for everyday driving. The adaptable suspension, M Sport brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are perfectly matched. continued >

Being able to select Sport Plus, Sport, Comfort or Eco Pro drive settings with a button on the console lets the driver tailor the car to suit his or her mood. Sport mode is the most fun, of course, because each gear is held a little longer, each shift of the eightspeed automatic is a little firmer and the exhaust sounds throatier. Comfort is a good everyday setting, and Eco Pro is perfect for long stretches of highway travel.

Eco Pro softens the throttle response, lets the car coast with the engine at idle when the throttle is released and cycles the air conditioning on and off to reduce the drag on the engine. The driver can select which of those functions is active.

I selected the coasting feature and disabled the others. Rolling to St. Louis with Interstate 70 traffic that was moving well past the speed limit, I averaged 29.1 miles per gallon. The return trip was interrupted with several rainstorms, but my average was 28.6 for nearly 500 miles of fast driving.

The M235i’s cabin is businesslike. The instrument panel has easyto-read analog gauges. The sport seats have a wide range of adjustability that makes them a great place to be for hours at a time.

Whereas the 1600/2002 had a surprisingly spacious back seat, due mainly to a tall, upright roof, the one in the M235i coupe would be cramped for most adults. The trunk has decent space, and folddown rear seats give some flexibility for carrying large objects.

Price The test car’s base price was $44,025. Options included keyless entry and leather seats.

KANSAS CITY

At a glance Point: The M235i is a ball of fun rolled into a fairly sedate twodoor coupe. The 320-horsepower engine is a delight, sports seats fit like a glove and fuel economy is amazing given the power output of the engine.

Counterpoint: The boy-racer front fascia is a bit overstated, the back seat is small and the price is substantial.

2014 BMW M235i engine:

3.0-liter, 320-horsepower twin-turbocharged six-cyl-

inder Eight-speed automatic Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 105.9 inches Curb weight: 3,535 pounds base price: $44,025 As driven: $45,475 MPG rating: 22 in the city, 32 on the highway Transmission:

Warranty Four years or 50,000 miles. All recommended service

is free for four years or 50,000 miles.

Contact Tom Strongman at Tom@TomStrongman.com.

Presents

Sponsored by

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

47

Wedding Bells

&

Thomason Ash

Photography by Taylor Kelley.

B

rooke Thomason and Nick Ash were married July 5, 2014 at Covenant Chapel Presbyterian Church in Leawood. Reverend Doug Karst officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Wade and Kelly Thomason of Overland Park, Kan. The groom is the son of Kent and LeAnn Ash of Keller, Tex. The bride was escorted by her father and she wore a satin and tulle Maggie Sottero gown belted with jewels. She carried a bouquet of white roses with purple calla lilies. The bouquet was wrapped with pearls from her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother.

Following a reception at The Lodge at Ironwoods Park, the couple left for Cancun. They will reside in Overland Park.

The bride is a graduate of The University of Nebraska, Lincoln where she earned her degree in Elementary Education while playing softball for the Huskers. The groom is a grad-

uate of The University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he earned his degree in Finance while playing football for the Huskers.

Bridesmaids wore plum colored David Levkoff gowns in several styles. Groomsmen wore grey tuxedos provided

by Tip Top Tux. The Maid of Honor was Madison Drake, teammate of the bride. Bridesmaids were Nikki Tate, Kelsey Horton, Amanda McKinney, and Kay Thomason, sister of the bride.

The Best Man was Benjamin Ash, brother of the groom.

Groomsmen were Jeremiah Sirles, Brandon Chapek, Cole Pensick and Mitch Hron.

The flower girl, Kayden McKinney led the couple’s Great Dane, Jersie, down the aisle.

Ushers were Husker teammates of the groom and included CJ Zimmerer, Brent Qvale and Scott Criss. The bride had two personal attendants, Kirby Wright and Mattie Fowler.

What’s your plan?

You have the financial resources, but do you have a plan? Build a long-term investment strategy with a long-time community partner.

Serving the greater Kansas City area since 1937, Waddell & Reed can lend vision to your financial future. No matter what your plan, our team is ready to help with all your comprehensive financial planning and wealth management needs!

Kevin B. Farrell

Managing Principal www.waddell.com www.kansascity.wrfa.com www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbrianfarrell

48

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

To share your engagement or wedding announcement with our readers, email XXXXX@LifestylePubs.com for details.

WHEN YOU’RE HERE,

SUMMER NEVER ENDS.

30% OFF TICKETS*

ROYALS.COM/JOHNSONCOUNTY *Some exclusions apply. Offer valid for Monday-Thursday home games. Seating and discount based on availability. Field Box, Field Plaza, Hy-Vee Box or Hy-Vee Infield seats only.

Does Your GaraGe Floor NeeD a Makeover?

Choose from hundreds of designer color finishes to look like granite, quartz or terrazzo. Our professionally installed, industrial quality system is extremely durable, resists staining, won’t peel from hot-tires, is easy to clean and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Call or email for a free estimate.

KansasCity@GraniteGarageFloors.com

913-752-9906 | GraniteGarageFloors.com

EPOXY

COATING

SYSTEMS

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

49

DISCOVER

Your Child’s PASSION

Register today for an upcoming open house www.barstowschool.org/visiting

October 16, 9am Preschool–Grade 5 October 25, 9am Grades 6–12 November 5, 9am Preschool–Grade 5

Choose the Lender Who Puts You First!

• Great Rates • Market Knowledge • Innovative Mortgage Products • Expert Advice • 97% Customer Satisfaction Rate

Did you know?

Your favorite Lifestyle Publication is on facebook!

Connect with us today and read feature articles, view special offers, enter contests and more!

facebook.com/johnsoncountylifestyle

YOUR LOCAL LENDER 913-693-7670 7500 College Blvd, Suite 500 Overland Park, KS 66210 www.CornerstoneMortgage.com A Missouri & Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company (NMLS 223109, MO 09-1652, KS MC.002513) 50

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Questions or Comments?

Info@LifestylePubs.com ~ 913.599.4300

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

Indian Hills

$2,150,000

$2,100,000

Highlands Creek

$1,399,950

Valley Brooke Estates Stone Post Ranch

dom*

bdrms

f/h ba

97%

21

4

5/2

$1,325,000

94%

147

5

5/3

$1,345,000

$1,221,625

91%

82

6

7/1

$1,200,000

$1,025,000

85%

153

5

6/2

Hallbrook

$999,000

$945,000

94%

83

5

4/2

Fairway

$899,000

$899,000

100%

6

5

3/2

Lionsgate - The Links

$950,000

$885,000

93%

8

4

4/1

Lake Quivira

$899,750

$875,400

97%

36

5

5/2

Reinhardt Estates

$839,000

$835,000

99%

75

4

1/4

Somerset Manor

$885,000

$828,500

93%

237

5

4/2

Lakeshore Estates

$885,000

$760,000

86%

114

6

5/1

Falcon Ridge

$800,000

$740,000

92%

131

5

5/1

$629,950

$690,453

109%

0

4

4/1

$620,000

$610,000

98%

1

4

4/1

Waters Edge

$567,034

$608,383

107%

0

4

1/4

Highlands of Kensington

$614,900

$599,000

97%

87

4

3/1

Royse

$600,000

$590,000

98%

0

4

3/2

Lionsgate - The Links

$595,000

$566,300

95%

34

4

4/1

Wilshire by the Lake

$539,000

$565,448

105%

0

4

4/1

Deer Creek

$550,000

$525,000

95%

78

6

5/1

Coffee Creek Crossing Waterford

%sp to lp

MLS Statistics from 6/1/2014-6/30/2014

UNLOC K I N G T H E D O O R S TO YO U R N E W H OM E

913.709.1060 www.GailDicus.com

11004 Alhambra St Leawood, KS 66211 $475,000 MLS#1894730

K E L L E R W I L L I a M S K E Y pa RT N E R S L L C 4 2 0 0 SOMERS ET D R # 101, pRa IRIE vILLaG E, KS 66208

Consistent. Client-focused. Communication.

The key to your seamless First American Title closing starts and ends with communication.

Kansas 913.981.0600 | Missouri 816.229.5960 www.firstamkcmetro.com August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

51

Lifestyle Calendar

August

August 7-24 South Pacific Crown Center

Presented by Musical Theater Heritage, this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic follows the lives of U.S. military men, nurses and residents of a Polynesian island during World War II. 816.545.6000 or MTHKC.com.

August 7-9 Wayne City Landing Days Festival Sugar Creek

You’re invited to the first annual celebration to commemorate one of the first riverboat landings west of the Mississippi. Wayne City Landing, also known as the Upper Independence Landing, is the only location in the United States where these four National Historical trails overlap: Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe, Oregon and California.

August 8-10 Great Midwest Balloon Festival The Legends

A weekend filled with fun events and activities for the whole family. Hosted this year at Kansas Speedway, watch as more than 50 balloons compete in assorted challenges to raise money benefitting 25 local charities.

MidwestBalloonFest.org

August 8 6 Degrees West & “Jaws” Crown Center Square

Cap off your work week with top local bands and favorite food trucks. Shop the wares of KC artisans and finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars. (Pets are not permitted at the event.) 816.274.8444.

August 10 Race for the Cure Union Station

Join forces with your neighbors from all over Kansas City at the 21st annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. This 5K event and kids fun 52

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

run begins at 7:30 a.m. A survivor’s parade is at 9:30. Register online at KomenKansasCity.org.

August 14-31

for late registration or day of the Run. Discounts apply for families and teams. Register at HeadForTheCure.org.

Charlie Parker Celebration

August 24

KANSAS CITY

Sprint Triathon & Quintathlon

Organizers have scheduled a series of events to honor Parker, who would turn 94 on Aug. 29. Parker is one of the most important and influential saxophonists and jazz icons. For more information on all the activities: KCJazzAlive.org or AmericanJazzMuseum.org

Longview Lake to Swope Park

August 16

August 29-31

Blondes vs. Brunettes KC

Kansas City Irish Fest

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

CROWN CENTER

To benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, this fun event is organized around a flag football game in which the two participating teams are based on the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes. Funds support Alzheimer’s Foundation research. ACT.alz.org

Commemorate Kansas City’s proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. Call 816.561.7555 or visit KCIrishFest.com for ticket information.

August 23

In the spirit of Aloha, everyone is welcome to this fun-spirited event, a fundraiser for Beans & Greens. A unique opportunity to participate in a quintathlon (swim/bike/run/bike/ run). For more information about the event and to register, visit AlohaTriSeries.com.

September 5 Union Station Centennial Celebration Kickoff

Bacon Fest KC

Union Station

Union Station

The free family evening of entertainment and Centennial Kickoff to commemorate 100 years include live music concert, “Union Station Revealed” a breathtaking outdoor digital show with spectacular fireworks finale.

Bacon Fest raises funds to support medical rehabilitation, employment placement, and disability services for the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC), so attendees can feel good about the plate-full of delicious food samples they eat. Come embrace this quirky event filled with unique bacon-themed cuisine, local beer selections, and live music. Oh and did we mention a Bacon Eating Contest?! BaconFestKC.com

August 24 Head for the Cure 5K Run & Walk Corporate Woods

One of the largest 5K runs in the city, this event raised $400,000 last year. Proceeds support the Brian Tumor Trials Collaborative in the ongoing quest to eradicate brain cancer. Cost is $30 through Aug. 21; $35

N ew Showroom

f&

Swing by and visit our Unique, Individualized Service | Complimentary Design Consultation Available

All rowe and robin bruce upholstery now on sale

6960 W 105th St, Overland Park, KS 66212

913-438-3868

www.amhomefurnishings.com

Come Visit Johnson County’s Best Kept Secret

Final Phase now oPen

Model Homes Open Wed-Sun 12-5

Estate Size Lots with Spectacular Views Blue valley Schools

enClaVe oF sUnseT hills hiGh PoinT esTaTes sUnseT hills oF RiVeR RiDGe

Homes starting in the low $300,000 to 1 Million+ 162nD anD KenneTh RoaD

|

Lettiann SOutHerLand, CSP River Ridge Communities specialist email: lettiann@lettiann.com website: www.lettiann.com Mobile: 816-898-5477

oVeRlanD PaRK, Kansas

www.riverridgekS.com August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

53

r

o

ud

sponsors

The

of

Kansas City Royals royals.com/johnsoncounty (816) 504-4159

t e k r a M

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

Fashion & Accessories

jo

y

le

p

hn

son

county

Art & Photography

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

Automotive

Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac hendrickbuickgmccadillac.com (816) 942-7100 High Performance Motorplaza automotorplexkc.com/ (913) 489-7223 Kings Quality Auto Sales kingsqualityautosales.com (913) 851-7400

lif

t es

Town Center Plaza towncenterplaza.com (913) 498-1111

Financial Services & Planning

Child Camps, Care & Tutoring

Liberty Meadows Training Center liberty-meadows.com (816) 547 0602

Dentists & Orthodontics H2O Orthodontics h2orthodontics.com (913) 782-7223

Retirement Solutions Group incomenowkc.com (855) 4RSGUSA

Dry Cleaners

Searcy Financial Services searcyfinancial.com (913) 814-3800

Education

Waddell & Reed waddell.com (913) 491-9202

Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 Park University park.edu/jclm (888) 319-9522

Health & Wellness

Santa Fe Tow Service santafetowservice.com (913) 894-5201

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

Charities & Fundraisers

Entertainment & Recreation

Stems a Garden Soiree stemssoiree.org (913) 322-6467

Cornerstone Mortgage, Inc. cornerstonemortgage.com (913) 693-7670

Boy Scouts Of America beascout.org (816) 569-4979

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

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

Home Design & Furnishings

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefurnishings.com Design Connection Inc (remodeling) designconnectioninc.com (913) 210-0511 House of Denmark houseofdenmarkfurniture.com (913) 649-6900

Home Services Deco-Crete (816) 682-8943

Granite Garage Floors granitegaragefloors.com (913) 752-9906 KC Wood kcwood.com (913) 422-3320 LuLu & Mimi's Cleaning luluandmimis.com (913) 649-6022 Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems lifetimeroofsystems.com (913) 393-3008 Tile & Stone Warehouse tileandstonewarehouse.com (913) 432-7900

Insurance

American Family Insurance - Cole Wilson (913) 681-3000

Enjoy life; let us clean. You have better things to do with your time!

Cleaning Fine Homes throughout Western KC and Johnson County • Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, occasionally or one time!

• Move-Ins and Move-outs • Remodel and Construction Clean-up

54

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES One Room to a Whole House All Work Guaranteed Carefully Screened and Trained Staff Bonded and Insured

Call us for your cleaning needs

913.649.6022 LuluandMimis.com

Have you considered how Social Security fits into your financial plan?

Don’t leave money on the table! Call us at 913.814.3800 for a free consultation.

FINANCIAL PLANNING | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | BUSINESS PLANNING 401(K) FIDUCIARY RISK MANAGEMENT | SITUATIONAL PLANNING

12980 Foster Street, Suite 160 Overland Park, Kansas 66213 | 913.814.3800 | www.SearcyFinancial.com

BETTER SERVICE. BETTER SAVINGS. BETTER VALUE.

Come to American Family Insurance and take advantage of our new lineup of discounts.

Contact me today for a competitive insurance quote.

Your dream is out there. Go get it. We’ll protect it.

Cole Wilson Agency 9157 W. 133rd St Overland Park, KS 66221 (913) 681-3000 cole.wilson@amfam.com

816.942.9333

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, American Standard Insurance Company of Ohio, American Standard Insurance Company of Wisconsin.

6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2013 007390 – 6/13 August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

55

All-New All-New VIKING VIKING VI VI EPS EPS r

o

ud

sponsors

The

of

Market jo

Real seating seating for Real for six. six. Real Real world world tough. tough.

• Introducing the world’s first true 6-person off-road capable SxS. • Built Real World Tough™ with Yamaha’s legend™ with ® Yamaha’s legend• theOur world’s rst true 6-person off-road capable • Built Real ever.

World•Tough transmission with aryIntroducing reliability. • mostfipowerful 686cc, liquid-cooled, fuelSxS. injected engine Ultramatic transmission with ary reliability.

• Our mostreverse powerful liquid-cooled, fuel braking injectedisengine Ultramatic•® Industry-exclusive dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive, and 686cc, all-wheel downhill engine world’sever. most•advanced. ® dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive, reverse and all-wheel downhill engine braking is world’s most advanced.

•4WD. Industry-exclusive 4WD system lets you dial between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked diff • Steel rear On-Command ® 4WD system lets you dial between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked diff 4WD. Steel rear On-Command cargo bed with 600 lb. capacity. • Yamaha electric power steering technology further reduces driver fatigue•and strain. cargo bed with 600 lb. capacity. • Yamaha electric power steering technology further reduces driver fatigue and strain.

RENO'S POWERSPORTS POWERSPORTS KC RENO'S KC 13611 HOLMES RD 13611 HOLMES RD KANSAS CITY CITY MO, KANSAS MO, 641451482 641451482 816-942-8900 816-942-8900

816-942-8900

13611 Holmes Road KC, MO 64145

www.renoskc.com

*Shown with optional accessories on private property. Always protect the environment and wear a seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. All reserved.

•YamahaViking.com *Shown withrights optional accessories on private property. Always protect the environment and wear a seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. All rights reserved. •YamahaViking.com

~ Established 1982 ~

y

le

p

hn

lif son county

The Apollo Group Inc. apollo-insurance.com (913) 279-0077

Medical Clinics & Facilities

After Hours Pediatrics after-hourspediatrics.com (913) 825-4700

Tobaccos, Humidors and Smokers Lounge with Plasma TVs & Wifi M-F 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sun 12pm-6pm

913-381-5597 | CigarandTabacLTD.com 6898 W. 105th St. (Metcalf 103 Center)

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE 56

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Home Rental Services home4rent.com (913) 469-6633

Mid America Rehab Hospital midamericarehabhospital.com (913) 491-2455

The Communities at River Ridge riverridgeks.com (816) 898-5477

Shawnee Mission Medical Center shawneemission.org/able (913) 632-2571

The Kim Yuille Team kimskeytokc.com (913) 558-9533

West College Dermatology & Aesthetics (913) 888-3376

Property & Real Estate

Over 700 Pipes to Choose from

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

RE MAX Heartland - 360 Partners lotawanalakehomes.com (816) 373-8400

The Amos Family Funeral Home amosfamily.com (913) 631-5566

100s of Premium Cigar Brands

t

Menorah Medical Center menorahmedicalcenter.com (913) 498-6652

Other

Johnson County's Oldest & Largest Full Line Tobacco Shop

es

Coldwell Banker Thesa Alsobrook goodlifekc.com (913) 636-8118 Falcon Valley and Ridge Real Estate Development falconvalleyhomes.com (913) 780-9004

The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors therobellermanteam.com (816) 686-2969

Restaurants, Food & Beverage EBT Restaurant ebtrestaurant.com (816) 942-8870

Specialty Shops

Cigar & Tabac, Ltd. cigarandtabacltd.com (913) 381-5597

August 2014 | Johnson County Lifestyle

57

Parting Thoughts

SUMMER IS STILL SUMMER Words Dawn M. North

T

he three most powerful words in our culture may not be, “I love you” or “Republican or Democrat?” And, quite frankly, “It’s Hump Day” probably isn’t in the running. No, I’ll be putting my money on another trio of words. If you think real hard and wander way back to your childhood self, you’ll come up with the answer in about two seconds. Mind you, no surveys have been conducted to prove my point. But the Beach Boys knew the power of the words.

So did Alice Cooper. And Gidget would have been an unknown without these big three. Together, everybody…SCHOOL IS OUT! Those three words are jam-packed with anticipated delight and carry limitless possibilities for all of us who have been kids and for those who still are. By the middle of May, hearts and minds have already turned to swimming pools and staying up late. And, unless you live under a rock, it’s clear to see that the world our children live in is a changed existence from the one we remember. Smart phones, iPads, gajillions of summer camps, theme parks and Schlitterbahns are all offering up promises of fulfilment…yes, it’s a different world alright. But some things haven’t changed. And never will.

As I time travel backwards (way, way back), I find my tiny-town summer recollections still intact and as fresh as they were 50 years ago. Traipsing up the street to Patch’s Café to buy pastel-colored candy dots stuck to a foot-long piece of white paper. Day trips to Lake Aquabi spent playing in the lake next to my mom’s nylon-webbed lawn chair. Popsicles. Drive-in movies crammed into a Love-Boat-sized station wagon. Yep, summer is still tucked safely inside of me. And I can almost smell it, hear it and taste it. If Jim Croce were to have figured out how to save time in a bottle, I’m quite sure it would have been a child’s summertime.

Headed back once more, it’s to the not-so-distant past of my children’s summers. Images of sparkling city pools, dripping little bodies wrapped up in too-big towels and trips to PDQ to buy Garbage Pail Kids dance before my smiling eyes. I can also see a little red-haired girl in a Wonder Woman suit and her blond-haired big brother riding big wheels in the driveway. Later I see neighborhood baseball games, card table lemonade stands, catching fireflies and making “diamond” rings and always basketball in the driveway.

These days as I watch my daughter’s son lick red, white and blue bomb pop popsicles on the front steps, help him build roads in the dirt with dusty Matchbox cars or rate his high-powered cannonballs into the pool, I realize not much has changed in 50 years after all. And it reassures me that summer is still summer.

Extravagant vacations to Hawaii, a cruise or a trip to the Magic Kingdom may be what we dream of, but our most-special memories come from the uncomplicated things we do day after day, summer after summer. (About 75 times, if we’re lucky) And most come free of charge.

There’s power in those three words alright. Power to make us smile. Power to keep us smiling 50 years later. Power to get teachers and students through another school year. And enough solar power to get me through another winter.

For my grandchildren, I’m glad that summer is still summer. Because there’s nothing like it. It is the divine. It is what our longest-lasting memories are made of. And it’s almost over. At least until next year.

10% OFF In-Stock Products & Free Grout to Cover Tile Purchased New orders only. Not valid with any other offer, either verbal or written. Offer ends August 31.

Open to the public 7 days a week · Locally owned and operated KC’s largest retail showroom · Huge in-stock selection ready to take home Products ranging from traditional to the latest trends Non-Commissioned Designers in house to assist with design & selections

To view our products and subscribe for coupons and product updates, please visit our website:

tileandstonewarehouse.com 58

Johnson County Lifestyle | August 2014

Hours

Mon-Fri 9 to 6, Sat 9 to 5, Sun 12 to 5 5400 Antioch Drive, Merriam, KS. 66202 (I-35 & Antioch)

913-432-7900

f&

MENTION THIS Ad &

SAvE $500

We Mean Lifetime.

STONE cOATEd STEEL ROOfS

3120 mph Wind Warranty 32 1/2" Hail Penetration Warranty 3Non Pro-rated Warranty 3Can Reduce Insurance Premiums 3Full-time Certified & Trained Installation Crew 3Locally Owned & Operated 3Fully Licensed & Insured 3Now Installing 6” Gutter Systems

Our stone-coated steel roofs come with a

2.5” HAIL PENETRATION WARRANTY! AvAILAbLE IN A vARIETY Of STYLES ANd cOLORS.

bARREL vAULT

cANYON SHAKE

cLASSIc TILE

GRANITE RIdGE PANEL

Largest installer of stone-coated steel roofs in the US!

913.393.3008

www.MWLifetimeRoofSystems.com

FOR FALL 2014

GO FOR IT. PARK.EDU/JCLM or call (888) 319-9522 USE ACTION CODE: JCLM

U university

NOW ENROLLING

PARK

online 1875 undergraduate graduate certificate programs

and on campus

excellence in education since