Johnson County June 2016

Johnson County JUNE 2016

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WELCOME TO TOM’S TOWN A DRONE’S EYE VIEW SCOTLAND’S SHEEPDOGS & WHISKY JUGGLING WITH THE GAMMON MEN

STYLE FITS. LOVE FITS. THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU’RE WEARING PROBABLY DOESN’T FIT.

Our family invites yours to TRUST in Scott’s Diamond Designs.

We buy gold.

10510 W. 103rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66214 | www.scottsdiamonddesigns.com | 913-492-0011 12 Months No Interest Financing with Approved Credit

Ways to Help Increase your retIrement Income...

you are cordIally Y

InvIted!

ou are cordially invited to attend this NO-OBLIGATION DINNER AND INSURANCE SALES PRESENTATION. Seating is limited and we “fill up” very quickly, so be sure to reserve your seats promptly. With record low interest rates and continued stock market volatility, where are the opportunities and strategies to protect your retirement savings and increase your retirement income without exposing yourself to more risk than you like?

AvA I L A B L E D AT E S A N D L O C AT I O N S : 4501 West 119th Street Leawood, KS 66209

DINNER Wednesday, June 8th 6:00 PM

or

DINNER Thursday, June 16th 6:00 PM

or

Menu

DINNER Monday, June 20th 6:00 PM

or

DINNER Tuesday, June 28th 6:00 PM

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to seminar start time.

EntréE

Your Choice Of Filet Mignon, Bay of Fundy Salmon or Roasted Chicken with Market Fresh Greens

Topics: • What are the financial challenges facing today’s retirees?

• Is your retirement fund protected from stock market volatility?

• What financial vehicles are available to protect your funds?

• Strategies that may help increase your retirement income.

To RSVP now, PleaSe call:

877-633-5869

11225 College Blvd.

Suite 150 Overland Park, KS 66210

Due to limited seating, we ask that all prospective attendees and their guests consider the following guidelines before calling our reservation line: 1. These events are designed for individuals ages 45 and above. all attendees should be nearing retirement or currently in retirement.

2. These events are designed solely for individuals looking to obtain financial information and/or advice.

3. If you have attended twice in the last 12 months we ask that you wait until our next invite is published or request to be put on the wait list. our policy is to give preferential seating to first time attendees.

4. If you are an insurance agent or financial advisor, or if you are in the financial services industry, we ask that you kindly extend a professional courtesy and not attend.

This is an informational workshop, where insurance products will be discussed but no products will be sold. Not intended to provide individual tax advice; for ways these strategies might impact you, see a tax professional. While attendees are welcome to schedule one-on-one meeting with a financial professional, there is no obligation to do so. Insurance Licenses held in KS, MO and CO. *Pinnacle Plus Wealth Management is not affiliated with nor endorsed by any government agency, including the Social Security Administration.

1600045

Lifestyle Letter

Letter From the Publisher

I

grew up in a large family here in Kansas City, and am one of 10 children. As you can imagine, we were constantly on the move as we were all in many different activities. My father made it a point to never miss a single one of our activities. No matter where it was, he was always there.

From a young age I was impressed with my dad’s work ethic and integrity in everything he did. Even now he continues to impress me on a daily basis. He has always treated my mom with the utmost respect. He honors God with his whole heart and he guides our family with patience, wisdom, unconditional love and humility. He is the man I strive to be, and there is no other person that I look up to more than him.

As I start my own family with my wife and two beautiful daughters, my biggest accomplishment in life would be to become the father and husband that my dad taught me to be through his example. This being Father’s Day and the men’s issue, I want to honor my father. He truly is an example of how a man should be.

At Lifestyle Publications we are constantly growing. In the past seven years, we have gone from our first ever publication right here in Kansas City, to 40 publications nationwide. Our four magazines in Kansas City make it the largest distributed magazine in the Kansas City area. We have been listed as one of the fastest growing companies on the Inc. 5000 list, which is exciting milestone. During those years, I have had the privilege to work with Lisa Harrison, my Editor in Chief. We are going to miss her and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

When one chapter closes, another one opens, so I am pleased to introduce you to two of our newest members of the Lifestyle family. Angela Broockerd will be the Creative Director for the publication, and Paul Versluis is our Director of Photography. Both Angela and Paul are assets to the company and their creativity and love of the city will be evident to you in our future publications. We are excited to welcome them to our team.

JUNE 2016 editor

Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor

Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales

Randy Metzler | Randy.Metzler@LifestylePubs.com Mike Reilly | Mike.Reilly@LifestylePubs.com Frank Flores | Frank.Flores@LifestylePubs.com Louis Faller | Louis.Faller@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Katherine Bontrager, Kendra Mathewson, Susan Motley, Charles Redfield, Denise Snodell, Tom Strongman contributing photographers

Alexis Cook, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman, Paul Versluis

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

AD COORDINATORS

Thank You to the Men in My Life!

This year’s manly man issue was such fun to put together because like my family, our community is filled with unique and accomplished men with great stories. And after seven story-filled years, it will be my last issue with Lifestyle Publications. Thank you for helping me bring a glimpse of our great community into your homes each month. I’ve appreciated the monthly feedback and the story suggestions you’ve sent my way in a steady stream over the years. We’re “Inspired by Community” here at Lifestyle Publications, but I have to admit, more often than not I’ve been inspired by you!

Thanks for the memories, and I’ll see you around town!

| Brad Broockerd

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER

CEO

| DeLand Shore

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Steven Schowengerdt

| Matthew Perry

DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

by Community ™

Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

Lisa Harrison, Editor JOIN US

ON THE COVER Thanks to two Johnson County native sons, Tom’s Town has added a new flavor to downtown Kansas City that we can all enjoy. Read more on page 20.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN MOTLEY 6

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

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.

Your Imagination, Our Inspiration SPACE PLAN | NEW BUILDS | REMODELS | REDESIGNS | FURNISHINGS and more!

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CertiямБed Interior Designer | NARI Member

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR IN-STUDIO CONSULTATION

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Before

June 2016

26 34 Departments

20 Welcome to Tom's Town!

Pendergast’s spirits live on at this new downtown distillery.

34 Sheepdogs and Whisky

Good Times

16

Around Town

20

Locally Owned

26

Inspired By

30

Road Trip

46

Tech Savvy

51

Sold Properties

52

Open House

58

Locals Only

60

Hot Spot

62

Lifestyle Calendar

66

Parting Thoughts

A tasty, memorable and photo-filled week in Scotland.

42 Batter Up! 90 Years and Counting

10

The Ban Johnson League celebrates its 90th season.

42 52 Lifestyle Publications

Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

xx

Congratulations to Jessica Searcy-Maldonado For 15 years, Jessica has helped grow our firm in terms of operations, people and processes. As an advisor, she assists plan sponsors in managing efficient retirement plans and helps employees retire with dignity. She recently earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor credential to evidence her ongoing commitment to excellence. 

Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor



Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst®



Certified 401(k) Professional®



Professional Plan Consultant™



Global Financial Steward™

www.SearcyFinancial.com | 913.814.3800 June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

9

Good Times

Affair of the Heart Auction

Guests enjoyed a "Red Carpet Affair" at Lutheran High School of Kansas City's 27th annual event, which included dinner provided by Bravo!, live music and auction. Proceeds help provide scholarships to students and for school needs outside of the traditional budget including the opening of a new wing for 2016-17.

Heidi & Steve Tanner

Kendra Mathewson, Shannon Cambiano, Lori Richardson, Tammy Bearden, Shelby Burris

Corrie & Dan Klatt, Pastor Joe Rodriguez

Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz, Principal, & family

Angie and Jeff Mundt

Margaret and Doug Hick

Alumnus Collin Koenig ('06) & Kara Jacquin

Calvary Lutheran School Principal Michelle Fischer Student hosts Josiah Schultz, Zac Breitkreutz, & husband Paul Sam Fritz & Drew Burris

CUSTOM METAL SIGNAGE, ART AND GIFTS UNIQUE HAND FINISHED DESIGNS UNPARALLELED QUALITY Find us on Facebook

and kcmetalworx.com 10

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Newhouse Hosts Let’s Get Jazzed Event

Cramer Capital Management and Mid-America Contractors hosted the benefit for Newhouse, a domestic violence shelter. KC Jazz favorites Lonnie McFadden Richard Studd performed at The Arrowhead Club venue. VIP guests included Neil Smith, Larry Marshall, Willie Wilson and Chiefs' cheerleaders. A SHAFER PHOTOGRAPHY

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11

Good Times

Hillcrest’s Bubble Soccer Tournament

This 2nd annual fundraising event was held at Shawnee Mission East in April and was a fundraiser for Hillcrest Transitional Housing, where they offer “A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out” for homeless families and youth in the Kansas City Metro area.

Now in three convenient locations!

8516 North Oak Tfwy Kansas City, MO (816) 214-6831

12

1270 Merriam Lane Kansas City, KS (913) 596-6597

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

8722 Santa Fe Overland Park, KS (913) 648-6001

Go Red For Women Luncheon

More than 1,000 individuals recently gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center for this annual luncheon. The 2016 corporate co-chairs were Lisa Ginter, of CommunityAmerica Credit Union and Angela Hurt, of Veracity Consulting.

Guests enjoyed a heart healthy lunch and entertainment from The Company Men.

Chef Celina Tio & Dr. Stephanie Lawhorn

Marcia McCoy, Jenna Bell, Major Dan Bell, Mary Ann Bell, Lisa Ginter, Dr. Tracy Stevens, Angela Hurt Hillary Stamper, Kiersten Firquain, & Angela Hurt & Pam Berneking

Melissa Eggelston, Essie Eisenfeld-Davis, Erica Brune & Paola Rivera

The Company Men

Special Events ~Wedding Receptions ~ Conference Facility

Adjacent Hotel Now Open 913.685.2600 137th & Antioch Road www.RitzCharlesKC.com June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

13

Good Times

Village Church Annual Art & Hors D'oeuvres

This Mission Road church welcomed a huge crowd at their Art & Hors D'oeuvres event featuring the artwork of 40 artists of all ages. Village Church Chef Emily Berns provided a beautiful spread of delicious hors d'oeuvres. Attendees enjoyed live jazz music performed by the Elder Statesmen of Jazz.Â

Artist Jan Fellers

Artist Kim Kiggins & Marsha Hansen

Artist Krista Rogers

Artist Laura Hewitt

Artist Richard Lumpkin

Julie Foster & Vicki Graham

Village Chef Emiliy Berns

14

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

WWII Warplanes Artist Kermit Dyer

CLASSIC CARS & CIGARS Saturday June 25th, 10 am-2 pm C E N T E R F I R E S H O OT I N G S P O R T S

Admission Free

Check out all the amazing Classic Cars!

(Vintage 1972 and older) Presented by the Thrasher Car Club

Enjoy a smoke from our Mobile Cigar Lounge And of course the Shooting Range will be open for your enjoyment.

For more information or to enter your own classic car in the show go to:

www.CenterfireShootingSports.com

875 N. Jan-Mar Court, Olathe, KS 66061 | 913-782-4900

Hold on to what is most important The number one fear of retiree’s is running out of money!

Find out why Alan and his team, at Retirement Solutions Group, might be the perfect fit for you.

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VET ER AN OWN E D B US IN E SS AS SEEN AND HEARD ON

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

15

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

Sunflower House and the Rotary Youth Leadership Institute will receive proceeds from the event.

For the past several years, the Overland Park Rotary has hosted several hundred veterans and their families at the event. They are looking forward to honoring a record number of veteran and families this year as well.

The event includes free live concerts, food, beverages and fun for kids including inflatable game stations. The event takes place on July 4th, at Corporate Woods in Overland Park. Many local businesses and individuals contribute to the event. Details and a schedule are at StarSpangledSpectacular.org.

10TH ANNUAL ART OF THE CAR CONCOURS Kansas City's annual vintage car show will not only be celebrating its

10th

anniver-

sary, but the feature exhibit this year will be Total Performance — Powered by Ford. Art of the Car Concours is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ford’s 1966, 1-2-3 victory at the Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race. This summer, Ford will return to Le Mans June 15-19 with a

VILLAGE CHURCH CELEBRATES NEW PIPE ORGAN

competition version of its 2017 Ford GT. Art of the Car Concours is a presentation of 200-plus historically significant vehicles, including vintage, classic, antique and special

Tennessee pipe organ builders Richards, Fowkes & Co. are near-

interest cars from throughout the country. Trucks, motorcycles, sports

ing completion of a new pipe organ for Village Presbyterian Church

and luxury cars, hot rods and pedal cars also will be exhibited. It is

in Prairie Village. The 59-stop organ, referred to as Opus 22, is the

noteworthy that this year's Art of the Car Concours will again benefit

company’s biggest instrument to date. Everything is monumental—a

the KC Art Institute scholarship fund.

choir division with 17 stops, two 32’ stops in the pedal, and more 8’ and color stops than the company has ever done.

The pipe organ case has been thoughtfully designed to harmo-

Admission is $20 at the gate or online. Children age 16 and younger are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: ArtOfTheCarconcours.com.

nize with the classical architecture of the church’s newly-renovated

The event will take place on Sunday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 4

Sanctuary. “The organ case will also feature sunflowers and sheaves

p.m. at the Kansas City Art Institute campus. Photo Credit: The

of wheat to reflect our Kansas heritage,” shares Dr. Elisa Bickers, prin-

Shelby American Collection.

cipal organist for Village Church.

The organ is expected to be delivered later this summer. Once fully

PAGE TURNERS: WOLVES CAN’T FLY

voiced in the new space, approximately nine months after installation,

What was supposed to be the most

Village Church will host a series of special concerts introducing the

exciting pregame entrance ever for KC

new instrument to the Kansas City community.

Wolf almost cost Dan Meers his life.

ROTARY'S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION BENEFITS LOCAL CHARITIES

On a wintry November afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium, he gazed out over the empty field as he prepared to prac-

Overland Park Rotary is continuing its July 4th fireworks tradition

tice the bungee jump and zip line stunt

with the 25th annual Star Spangled Spectacular event in Corporate

that would have the KC Chiefs crowd

Woods – the largest fireworks display in the area.

going crazy the next afternoon. As he

First National Bank joins Rotary, Corporate Woods, the City of

launched himself from the lights 260

Overland Park and many local businesses to raise funds for deserving

feet above the football field, the stunt

local charities in the Metro area. This year, Make-A-Wish Missouri,

went terribly wrong.

16

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Don’t forget to join us for WRINKLE FREE FRIDAY! In his book, Wolves Can't Fly, Missouri native Meers, who has been the KC Wolf mascot for more than 25 years, writes candidly about how his faith, his family and his friends got him through

by

the recovery period from this horrific accident.

His story will inspire you and encourage you to live each day so that it deserves an exclamation point at the end of it, rather than a period or, dare we say, a question mark. $16.99 Available at Amazon.com or CharacterThatCounts.org.

Before

After

Before

After

SAVE THE DATE FOR NOSH NOCTE KC Nosh

Nocte

KC, a fundraising dinner event, will be a sophisticated adventure through five tasting courses of food, wine and coffee, and will take place at the chic and trendy Plexpod event space (10000 Marshall Rd., Lenexa) on July 30 from 7-10 p.m. Live music and an auction, a wine wall and a “Local KC” themed raffle will be a part of this special event. Expose your palate to the finest Kansas City cuisine while impacting the lives of at-risk, homeless youth ages 16-20, who enter Hillcrest’s intensive, life-changing 21 month program. Tickets can be purchased at NoshNocteKC.eventbrite.com.

NANNIES OF KC UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Nannies of Kansas City has been providing families throughout our area with the finest childcare professionals since 1983. Under new ownership, Manon Doll-McGhee continues the traditions that have made Nannies of KC a

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success for 33 years. They take pride in offering a personal approach and they work with only the best childcare professionals who will provide the security and love families expect.

With an unmatched reputation and impeccable credentials, they specialize in nanny placement and babysitting services. Nannies of KC professionals can be found at business and corporate events, as well as churches, hotels and at Hallbrook Country Club, where they staff the

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913-322-3433 | 7824 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

17

Around Town

(CON TI N UED)

ALL BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLS NAMED AMONG NATION'S BEST All five Blue Valley high schools were recently named to a list of best high schools compiled by U.S. News & World Report. Blue Valley North, Blue Valley High, Blue Valley Southwest, Blue Valley Northwest and Blue Valley West topped the Kansas high school list, ranking in five of the top six spots. All schools were also awarded a silver medal.

The school ranking system is based on the key principles that a great high school must serve all of its students well, not just those who are college bound, and that it must be able to produce measurable academic outcomes to show it is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators. The four-step ranking process introduced new measures that reward schools for exceptionally high performance on state assessment tests, regardless of their poverty level, and introduced a new step to the methodology that requires schools to meet or surpass a basic benchmark for their graduation rate.

SHAWNEE MISSION STUDENTS EARN BUSINESS PLAN AWARDS For the second consecutive year, Kimberly Tran, a senior at SM North, has been named the first-place winner in the First National Bank business plan competition. She was recently surprised in class with a $2,500 scholarship for a business plan for an alternative therapy practice called “Melodic Touch.” Matt Owens, a sophomore at SM Northwest, was awarded the second-place prize and $1,500 for his business plan called “Matt & Cheese.” Leslie Escareno, a senior at SM South, was presented with a $1,000 scholarship and the thirdplace prize for her business plan “Capture Hope,” which would assist individuals who are homeless by providing them opportunities to take photographs and earn money from the sale of the photographs.

DON’T MISS THE ARTIST EXPO KC Artist Expo KC presents the 2nd annual Johnson County Art Fair being held in the heart of Johnson County. Join the experience, interact with the artists, refresh at the beer garden with their signature sangria slushies, and then just kick back and enjoy the music and a sunny day. What a wonderful opportunity to support our hometown artists. Great Father’s Day gifts will be available. The event takes place at Rosanna Square (119th & Metcalf) on June 11 and 12. (Saturday from 10-7; Sunday from 10-5.)

JCDHE AND HY-VEE TEAM UP TO OFFER HEALTHY MEAL KITS In an effort to combat the rising rates of chronic disease, Hy-Vee and Live Well Johnson County (an initiative of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment) partnered to develop healthy, nutritious Take and 18

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Make Meal Kits. The meal kits are available at the 119th and Ridgeview Hy-Vee location and the adjacent Hy-Vee convenience store. The kits are pre-assembled and meet the American Heart Association Guidelines for calories, saturated fats and sodium content. The meals include all the ingredients needed to take home and put it in the oven or crock pot or in the freezer for later.

AVOIDING SCAMS AGAINST SENIORS WORKSHOP Estate Planning Kansas City, Waddell & Reed and Reece Nichols are co-sponsoring an event designed to educate senior citizens on current schemes and scams against seniors and how to protect themselves. The guest speaker is Jason Novotny, Investigator from the Johnson County District Attorney’s office. The presentation will be held at 6300 Lamar, Overland Park, on June 8 at 11 a.m. with a light lunch provided. Space is limited so please RSVP to 913.766.7188.

UNCERTAINTY • • • • •

What if we run out of money before we run out of time?

We’re worried about stock market volatility!

We’ve heard the market is set for another downturn?

We’ve worked too hard and too long to lose again!

Can we guarantee our income in retirement?

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JCCC ANNOUNCES 2016-17 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES SEASON

RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN

that will provide the CERTAINTY you desire and help you Sleep Well At Night.

Foreigner, The Official Blues Brothers Revue, Bobby McFerrin and the Broadway tour of “Annie” lead the parade of stellar shows that will be part of the 2016-17 Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College.

The eclectic season, which will present more

Call Mike “Cy” the Investment Guy 913.322.3500

than 30 performances in the Carlsen Center’s

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called “Everybody’s Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story;” from “Jazz 100,” which celebrates

Monk, to chamber ensemble Akademie für Alte

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED to attend our next monthly dinner-seminars at Sullivan’s Steakhouse on June 21st or 23rd.

Musik Berlin, a co-presentation with Friends of

CALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS:

the 100th birthdays of Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mongo Santamaria and Thelonious

Chamber Music Kansas City.

Visit the website for more information or

913.322.3500

call 913.469.4445. JCCC.edu/TheSeries.

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

19

Locally Owned

Owners David Epstein (left) and Steve Revare say it's an incredible time to be in business in downtown KC.

PENDERGAST’S SPIRITS LIVE ON AT

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

20

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

’

G

ood friends don’t always make great business partners. But Steve Revare and David Epstein have broken that code.

The owners of Tom’s Town, a craft distillery in the Crossroads District, grew up in Prairie Village, met in kindergarten and remained friends through high school at Shawnee Mission East and beyond. Early in their careers, they built a successful media company together.

Business took Epstein to New York, where he spent 18 years before returning to Kansas City to start Tom’s Town with Revare.

“The idea germinated more than two years ago when we attended Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky,” Epstein explains.

Walking into Tom’s Town is like going back in time. Its art deco inspired “tasting room” has leather couches, pressed tin ceilings and a long walnut bar reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy.

And that’s just what the owners intended.

Billed as the first legal, downtown distillery in Kansas City since prohibition, the look and feel of Tom’s Town harkens back to an era when its namesake, corrupt political boss Tom Pendergast, was in control.

“Kansas City went through a Renaissance during Prohibition when he ran the town,” says Revare.

“Many of the themes of this awakening are present in the city today: streetcars, the growing local music scene and a great baseball team. It only made sense to revive the Pendergast name and the booze that flowed so freely then.”

Tom’s Town, which opened in January, is located at 17th and Main. Its historic brick building houses the distillery, an event space, and a cocktail room—which serves drinks and small plates.

Gin and vodka are made on site and get their names from some of the most colorful characters of Prohibition-era Kansas City.

McElroy Corruption Gin, named after Pendergast’s corrupt city manager, is a New Western-style gin that balances traditional juniper with more than a dozen botanicals for its unique flavor. Eli’s StrongArm Vodka is named after Pendergast’s bodyguard and is distilled from wheat and locally grown rye.

Tom’s Town also curates a series of whiskeys sold under Tom Pendergast’s original trademark, “Royal Gold.”

Although Revare and Epstein had lots of business experience between them, they didn’t know much about running a still. Enter Rob Vossmeyer, head CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

21

Locally Owned

(CON TI N U ED)

Tom’s Town whiskey is sold under Tom Pendergast’s original trademark, Royal Gold.

Tom’s Town gin and vodka have already won top awards from the international spirits community.

distiller, who spent the last four years honing his craft at various domestic and international distillery institutes and some on-the-job training.

It took some trial and error to come up with recipes worthy of the Tom’s Town brand.

“The most challenging part of the process was tasting all the gin and vodka recipes Rob made for us,” says Epstein. “It’s exhausting spending everyday trying all of the world’s greatest gins, vodkas and bourbons!”

The hard work paid off. Tom’s Town recently entered its vodka and gin in three of the largest international spirits competitions. The vodka earned two gold medals and a silver, while the gin won a silver and a bronze.

“The reaction from the spirits industry has been overwhelming,” Epstein explains. “Pendergast couldn’t have bribed anyone for these sort of accolades.”

According to the owners, the city has embraced Tom’s Town and it is a busy place most nights.

“Creating Tom’s Town was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever attempted,” says Revare. “I recall freaking out waiting for our liquor license to be delivered, which we received two hours before we opened. Once we saw people enjoying the space and spirits we had created, we knew it CONTINUED > was worth it.”

22

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

P S Sa re- umm v B Lim ing oo er ki ite S dtim ev ng eo e ffe nt r

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www.nannieskc.com June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

23

Locally Owned

(CON TI N U ED)

Head distiller Rob Vossmeyer created the craft gin and vodka for Tom’s Town. The distillery's 660-gallon hybrid copper still is a sight to see.

Legend has it that Pendergast said he didn’t enforce Prohibition in Kansas City because, “The people are thirsty.”

It has become Tom’s Town’s motto.

Adds Epstein, “The growth in Kansas City is mind-blowing.

This is an incredible time to be in business here.”

Both men love living in the area. Revare says that, except for college, he’s been here all his life. He and his wife live with their five children in Prairie Village. His children go to the same schools he attended. Epstein lives on the Plaza.

So how does this lifelong friendship and business partnership work so well?

“Steve would say that our friendship has lasted because he spends most The Tasting Room offers views of the of his days laughing at 660-gallon hybrid copper still in the distillery my jokes and admiring on one side and Main Street on the other. You my Oprah-like pearls of can watch the street cars go by while enjoying an interesting cocktail and a small plate treat. wisdom," Epstein says.

“Each of us approaches things differently. But by working together, we come up with something better than either could have alone,” adds Revare.

“And I laugh at his jokes!”

Tom’s Town spirits are only available at their downtown location, but Revare and Epstein are working with distributors to get their vodka, gin and bourbon out to bars, restaurants and stores throughout Kansas and Missouri this summer.

24

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Sip, savor, and socialize under the stars.

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25

Inspired By

An Eye on

JOCO SPORTS HISTORY

Editor’s Note: Charles Redfield has been a valued member of our writing team for several years. Thanks to his efforts we’ve been able to spotlight dozens of students, coaches, administrators and professional athletes who add so much to our community. Because most journalists are reluctant to have their personal story told by others, we asked Charles to share highlights of his more than 50 years of writing about the sports scene of Johnson County.

G

rowing up in Suffolk County on Long Island, I never dreamed I would spend most of my life in Johnson County, Kansas.

REDFIELD HAS SPENT MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF COVERING LOCAL SPORTS ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

Sometimes things happen that are difficult to figure out 57 years later.

I decided to attend the University of Kansas because--since my dad was an airline pilot--I only had to pay 10 percent of the fare, a long-since discontinued perk.

After college, I got a job teaching at Wyandotte High School, where I also helped coach track and swimming. The basketball coach at the time was Walt Shublom, a legend even before he left to coach at MU. He had a record of 296-26 in 14 years at the helm with 10 state titles and three second-place finishes. Two athletes from that era stick in my memory. Alonzo “Skip” Thomas excelled at football and basketball and played for many years in the secondary for the Oakland Raiders. Pierre Russell had an outstanding career with the

(Above) Redfield has spent more hours than we can count watching Johnson County athletes from the bleachers.

26

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

University of Kansas in basketball.

CONTINUED >

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June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

27

Inspired By

(CON TI N U ED)

After four years at Wyandotte, I moved to Johnson County to work in Shawnee Mission schools. In 1969, I transitioned from teaching to journalism at Sun Publications. I have many great memories from my time with the Sun, and after it closed I continued to freelance in teaching, newspapers and magazines.

During these past 50 years, I have seen a lot of sports history. Here are just some of the highlights:

1969

-In 1969, SM North and SM South met in a

football game at SMN to decide the Sunflower League title and the league’s representative in the first state playoff game. Neither team scored and because someone had to win, SMN was declared the winner because the Indians penetrated farther into SMS territory. The score was 1-0. SMS Football Coach John Davis and Athletic Director Bill Tiegreen didn’t want to see this happen again and came up with the system that is still used today. Both teams get the ball on the 10 and have four downs to score.

1971

-On Dec. 25, 1971, I witnessed the longest game in

NFL history, played here at Municipal Stadium. I sat through more than 82 minutes of football with both teams missing field goal attempts, until finally Miami connected on a field goal beating the Chiefs 27-24.

1979

-In the summer of 1979, I was in Lincoln, Neb.,

for the National Junior Olympics and watched Kansas track history made. SM West’s Cathy Saxon raced to a 10:14.83 (adjusted to 3200 meters) and then Brent Steiner of SM South clocked in at 8:43.59

School Activities Association. And each year, Gurley remembers that

for the same event. Those two marks set back-to-back in 1979 are

shot being about a foot farther back from the previous year. Gurley

still the fastest ever by Kansas high school runners.

can now be heard as the color analyst for KU men’s basketball games.

1985

The point guard on that team was senior Kevin Rabbitt, now the

-In 1985, I covered the World Series championship over the

CEO of an international video production company in Pittsburgh.

St. Louis Cardinals. Little did we know that it would be 30 years

He and BV Northwest point guard Clayton Custer have been the

before we would celebrate another World Series victory. It was a

best I’ve seen in Johnson County at the position. Custer led the

great being in the locker room after the home games and, espe-

Huskies to the state championship game four times, winning the

cially after the seventh game victory.

last two. He is now playing at Loyola-Chicago.

1989-90

-The 1989-90 basketball season was big for the SM South boys’

60s & 70s

-I remember watching Carl Gerlach played at SM South and

basketball team. The Raiders went through the season undefeated, but

then at K-State in the late 60s and early 70s. He is now the mayor

needed a miracle to beat Wichita South in the Class 6A title game in

of Overland Park.

Emporia. The Raiders trailed by one, but with about two seconds left on the clock, junior Greg Gurley hit a 25-foot three-pointer from the

It has been a great ride, sitting on the bleachers all over the county.

left wing to give the Raiders the victory. After the buzzer, SMS students

We are lucky to have so many great coaches who do a great job mold-

stormed the court much to the unhappiness of the Kansas State High

ing our young people for the world beyond their sports participation.

28

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

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June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

29

Road Trip

DO YOU NEED A KANSAS CITY

STAY-CATION? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN HOTEL SORELLA ON THE COUNTY CLUB PLAZA ARTICLE LISA HARRISON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

30

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Hotel lobby with a European flair

M

aybe you’ve laughed at the idea of a "stay-cation" when you’ve heard mention of the concept in the past, but allow me to present to you a few scenarios as to why a stay-cation just might be the most logical option for getting away…

-As a member of the Sandwich Generation, you might be on-call as a caregiver to an aging or ailing parent. The idea of planning a week-long cruise or a trip over a sea is just not practical at this time.

-You have a house full of busy teens, and all of the expenses that go along with having a house full of busy teens, so a family vacation just isn’t in the budget this year.

-You are soon celebrating your 25th anniversary, and you realize it’s been 25 years since you and your spouse spent time away alone.

-You never take the time to enjoy the best that Kansas City has to offer because it is, after all, in your own backyard. What’s special about that?

Now, please allow me to take a few paragraphs to entice you to book a Kansas City staycation before the year is up.

Start with a night—or two if you can swing it, but one will work just fine.

Once you find a weekend that works for you and your sweetie, pick a hotel and the go

to the VisitKC website to see what’s going on downtown that evening.

Buy tickets to a show or plan to see an exhibit, and make reservations to dine at a restaurant you’ve not yet tried. (On this point, I must hold firm. If you dine at your favorite go-to Plaza or Downtown KC restaurant, this isn’t going to feel like the vacation I am suggesting.)

And I must highly recommend the Hotel Sorella. It’s new, posh, hip and doesn’t feel like a dozen other downtown Kansas City hotels. It’s a quick walk to all that loveliness the Plaza has to offer, and the rooftop view dining at Rosso is divine! (Generous CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

31

Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

portions, top-notch service, and really great food.) And if awards are something you Google for regularly, you’ll quickly learn that Hotel Sorella was named, for the second year in a row, as a top hotel in Kansas City and Missouri by U.S. News and World Report.

If you decide to sneak away during the summer, you will love their rooftop pool. No matter the season, guests enjoy a complementary European breakfast.

Spend the afternoon walking around and window shopping the Plaza and schedule a test-drive at the Plaza’s Tesla dealership.

Whether you strive to own one of these battery powered cars of the future or not, taking a self-driving car down 71 Highway will definitely give you a great cocktail party conversation for months to come.

Enjoy your stay-cation—I sure did!

(Above) Hotel Sorello guest room (Left) Dining with a view at Rosso

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Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

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33

+ WHISKY A picturesque week taking in the glories of Scotland ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

34

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

35

SHEEPDOGS + WHISKY

(CON TI N U ED)

I

’ve long wished to visit Scotland, to experience the culture and to see up close the

ruggedly beautiful countryside and volca-

nic mountains such as Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Oh yes, and to sample the whisky.

Last fall my wife and I took a weeklong group tour of Scotland, and it was a lowstress, easy way to get acquainted with the country. Bus tours have their drawbacks — you can’t deviate far from the tour itinerary and schedule — but they are also appealing because everything is pre-arranged. Luggage is picked up and delivered to your room each day, many meals are included and there is very little time spent waiting in line at attractions because tours get preference.

36

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Our tour started in Edinburgh, and we arrived

of golf. Despite a soft rain, being able to stand

sheepdog exhibition by Neil Ross of Leault

a day early so we would have time to adjust to

at the fabled 18th green and visualize Kansas

Working Sheepdogs. Scotland has more

the time change. After a day spent touring this

City’s Tom Watson waving goodbye from

sheep than people and raising sheep is

ancient city, we hopped on the bus and headed

Swilcan Bridge for the final time in 2015 sent a

one of the predominant types of farming.

for the mountainous Scottish highlands and

chill up my spine.

Sheepdogs are a crucial part of tending

our overnight stay at the Laggan Country Hotel

We arrived at our Highlands hotel by

flocks. Ross has more than a dozen dogs, as

near the tiny hamlet of Laggan. On the way we

mid-afternoon and after a brief rest we

well as a few pups, on his beautiful farm near

made a quick stop at St. Andrews, the home

drove to nearby Aviemore for a 45-minute

the heart of the Cairngorms National

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

37

SHEEPDOGS + WHISKY

(CON TI N U ED)

TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT)

Neil Ross of Leault Working Sheepdogs, put on a spectacular exhibition.

The St. Mary’s is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh.

Glengoyne sells its 35-year-old whisky for £2,850 pounds, or about $4,097 a bottle.

BOTTOM

(Middle) Scotland has more sheep than people.

(Far Right) These bottles in the Glengoyne distillery show how whisky evaporates and gets darker as it ages.

38

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Park and he frequently hosts tour groups.

With the virtuosity of an orchestra conductor, Ross commanded his dogs with whistles, hand gestures and occasional shouts. The precision with which the dogs rounded up and moved a small herd of sheep was startling. At one point in the demonstration, Ross had four dogs lie down about 20 yards apart while a single dog drove the herd back and forth between the dogs as if they were weaving through gates. Young pups were just learning and often took their lead from the older dogs. Our visit culminated with Ross shearing a sheep by hand.

As the afternoon turned to twilight it was back to the inn for a wee dram of whisky to ward off the late fall chill before dinner. Like sheep, whisky (no e in Scottish whisky) is a staple of Scottish life and has been for centuries. Scotland’s earliest documented distilling of whisky dates to tax records of 1494, when Friar John Cor bought “eight bolls of malt to make aqua vitae (water of life).” The Scotch Whisky Regulations define “Scotch Whisky” as that produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley, processed, fermented and matured in Scotland for at least three years.

Throughout our stay in Scotland I marveled at the vast array of whiskies that come from the more than 100 distilleries in five main whisky-producing regions. A small whisky shop in the mountain town of Pitlochry had an entire wall stacked floor-to-ceiling with boutique brands.

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

39

SHEEPDOGS + WHISKY

(CON TI N U ED)

Dawn on the Isle of Skye

The Glengoyne distillery north of Glasgow was founded in 1833. Our tour included a “wee dram” at 10 in the morning. The Glengoyne visitor center had several displays that demonstrated how whisky changes as it ages. It takes on a darker color from the sherry oak cask in which it is aged, and over time evaporation causes the volume to decrease.

That explains why really some really old vintages are so expensive. Glengoyne sells its 35-year-old whisky for £2,850 pounds, or about $4,097 a bottle.

There are as many sides to Scotland as there are brands of whisky and that means that a weeklong tour is just a “wee dram.” There are many more places to explore the next time, and I especially want to visit some of the smaller villages in places such as the Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides islands. Oh yes, and sample a few more whiskies.

40

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

There are as many sides to Scotland as there are brands of whisky and that means that a weeklong tour is just a “wee dram.�

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

41

BATTER UP!

Members of the 2014 Ban Johnson All-Star Team are ready to play.

Luke Lucchetti, Coleman Waheed, David Reese and Anthony Miller

The Ban Johnson League gives KC Amateurs a place to play ball ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

n May, the Ban Johnson League opened its 90th season

at a Major League Baseball stadium. The Royals have

of baseball in Kansas City for amateur baseball players

hosted the game every year since the team started

under the age of 23.

The league was named after the organizer and first

The oldest franchise in the league is Milgram.

president of the American League, Ban Johnson, and plays

Originally, it was named for the grocery store chain

games all over the greater Kansas City area, including the

and since the end of the chain in 1984 it has been the

Mid-America Sports Complex in western Shawnee.

Milgram Mustangs. The franchise started in 1936 and

It might surprise you to learn that the league has produced a number of Major League Baseball players including David Cone, Steve Mingori, Steve Renko, Ray Sadecki, Rick Sutcliffe and Frank White.

42

play in 1969.

the Milgram family has been involved with Ban Johnson League baseball since that time.

Three Milgram siblings are heavily involved in the league and all three are Johnson County residents.

The league started this season’s play May 31 and will

Nancy is the president of the league, Nat is the treasurer

have everything wrapped up by August 1 when the cham-

and Sally is involved with marketing, advertising sales,

pion is decided in a tournament. The defending champion

special events and media relations. The three also have

is Natural Baseball Academy out of Olathe.

full time jobs in addition to working with the league.

On July 24, there will be an all-star game at Kauffman

It was grandfather Nat who originally joined the

Stadium where the players have the opportunity to play

league in 1936. It was father, Les, who was heavily

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Four graduates of BV West prior to the 2015 Ban Johnson All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium last July. Left to right: Jackson Layton, Natural Baseball Academy; Tyler Cox, BJ Raiders; Luke Viestenz, KC Sports Club Blaze; Daniel Reilly, KC Sports Club Blaze

involved with professional sports in Kansas City and the Ban Three of Ban Johnson’s most accomplished alums Frank White, David Cone and Rick Sutcliffe grace the cover of a book published in connection with KC 150

Johnson League.

Les was involved in 1954 with the committee that brought the Kansas City A’s to city for the 1955 season. He grew up on the same block as Ewing Kauffman, the original owner of the Kansas City Royals.

Les was asked by Kauffman to be on the board of directors for the Royals and was also active with the Chiefs. Early in the Chiefs tenure, Milgrams sponsored what was called the Grocery Bowl during the pre-season. Fans could get cheap tickets to the game at the stores.

Les served as president of the Ban Johnson League from 1953 until his passing in 1976.

“I grew up with the league,” says Nancy. “I was always going to games and I became active after his death. The Board asked me to become president in 1976.”

She has been leading the league ever since along with brother Nat and sister Sally.

“I have fond memories of attending games with my family ever since I can remember,” says Sally. “My father’s strong passion for the game, the players and community service influenced my desire to get involved.

“My brother (Nat) and I launched the first league newsletter when we were teenagers.”

Sally has served on the board of directors for a number of years.

Nancy has her own company Milco in addition to working with the league.

Ban Johnson alum and Royals Hall of Fame member Frank White presents the Frank White Award for Fielding Excellence to Taylor Sibala (Blue Valley NW graduate) of the BJ Raiders

“It takes a lot of people to run the league,” she says. “We have the administrators led by Executive Director Bob McFarlane, the sponsor reps and managers.”

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

43

BATTER UP!

(CON TI N U ED)

(Above) Luke Knight (Olathe NW grad) of Natural Baseball Academy, 2015 Ban Johnson champion, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in a Ban Johnson game played in June 2015 at Mid-America Sports Complex

Sally serves as the director of special events while Nat is the treasurer.

When not helping out with the league, Sally works in advertising sales while Nat is in the banking industry.

Nancy spends a great deal of time working with the league.

“I’m involved with all the activities of the league,” she says.

“I work on something about the league almost every day.”

Teammates from the Milgram team that captured the 1980 Ban Johnson championship flank their manager Don Motley at an event held in 2013 honoring Motley’s 60 years of service to Ban Johnson and the KC baseball community. Mitch Lubin, Tom Harvey, Don Motley, Neil Harwell and Gary Burns.

44

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

She is involved with coordinating with the Royals about the all-star game and works with the alumni through the BJ Backers program.

The 10-team league is underway and interested fans can find more information about the league at BJBaseball.com.

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45

Tech Savvy

A drone gives a different look to a threatening sky.

46

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

I

think of my drone as a flying tripod because I use it to get a camera up high and see things from a new perspective.

I’ve had my drone, a DJI Phantom 2, for more than a year and while it is technically outdated now, it still yields decent still images with a little Photoshop work. The built-in camera can shoot video or still images and it is operated by a smartphone attached to the flight controller. I can see what the camera sees on the face of my iPhone, and a take a photo by touching the screen.

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

47

Tech Savvy

48

(CON TI N U ED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

A small lake near 143rd and Kenneth Road.

Drones fit loosely into three categories:

DJI, a Chinese company, is the big daddy

camera drones, toy drones and racing

of consumer drones. The Phantom series

drones. Toy drones are generally priced less

has been extremely popular because it is

than $50. Racing drones are usually less

relatively affordable and easy to fly. DJI has

than $500 and camera drones generally

two versions of the Phantom, each with an

range from $400 to $1,500.

improved camera, longer flight time and

Consumer drones use input from GPS

more sophisticated controls. The standard

satellites to maintain their stability and make

Phantom 3, now reduced to $499, is excellent.

them easy for a novice to fly. Many have

The professional Phantom 3 is $999. The

features such as the ability to return “home�

Phantom 4 is $1,399 and has a camera that

to where it took off or the ability to follow a

can shoot 4K video or 12-megapixel still

set course mapped out by the pilot on his

images. It can fly for about 28 minutes and

phone or tablet. Some of the newest drones

has a maximum control range of 3.1 miles.

can be programmed to follow the user or fly a

Yuneec is another brand of camera drone

circle around a given point. Flight times vary

that offers interesting features such as retract-

by model but many camera drones can fly

able landing gear and six rotors instead of four.

for 15-20 minutes on a battery charge. Most people buy more than one battery.

Drones are a trendy toy and U.S. officials estimate that nearly one million consumer CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

49

Tech Savvy

(CON TI N U ED)

drones were sold last holiday season.

That’s a staggering number and one of the reasons why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now requires all drones between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds to be registered.

Online registration is a snap and the fee is $5. I printed my permit and taped it to the top of the aircraft.

The FAA regulations state that an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), more commonly known as a drone, shall fly

Sunrise over old Leawood.

below 400 feet, shall not be flown near people or stadiums, must be kept within visual line of sight and can’t be flown within five miles of an airport without notifying the airport or control tower before flying. National Parks have banned the use of drones within their confines. A smartphone app, B4UFLY, is available so drone operators will know of restrictions in the area in which you want to fly.

Unfortunately, some drone owners ignore the regulations and have flown over crowds or near airports, endangering aircraft. Irresponsible piloting may well result in tighter restrictions.

The city of Mission Hills was the first in northeast Johnson County to pass an ordinance that restricts the use of a drone to the space over the owner’s private property or the private property of someone who has given consent to the drone pilot. The ordinance does not allow use of drones over public property and limits flights to a height of 400 feet.

The website MyFirstDrone.com is full of information, buying guides and how-to videos.

50

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

The Volland Store in Volland, Kan., about 10 miles west of Alma.

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties Neighborhood

List Price

Sold Price

DOM*

%Sold/List

Beds

Baths

Mission Hills

$2,200,000

$2,100,000

18

95%

5

5.1

Cedar Creek-The Estates

$1,450,000

$1,350,000

43

93%

5

5.1

Siena Of Leawood

$1,399,000

$1,325,000

330

94%

5

4.1

Indian Hills

$1,195,000

$1,225,000

1

102%

4

3.2

Mission Hills

$1,225,000

$1,080,000

273

88%

3

2.1

Hills Of Ironhorse

$1,150,000

$1,010,000

1

87%

5

6.1

Summerwood

$1,000,000

$998,000

75

99%

4

4.2

Mills Crossing Estates

$930,000

$905,000

137

97%

4

3.2

Mission Hills

$995,000

$900,000

1

90%

4

3.2

Calvin Crest

$830,000

$830,000

0

100%

6

5.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers.

Statistics from 4/1/2016 - 4/30/2016. DOM = Days on Market

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

51

Open House

Custom Dreams BUILDING

ONE HOME AT A TIME

LARSON BUILDING COMPANY IS CREATING ONE-OF-AKIND HOMES THAT ARE THE TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD ARTICLE KATHERINE BONTRAGER PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

52

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

CONTINUED >

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

53

Open House

(CON TI N U ED)

W

hen a client found the ideal location to set down new roots, but the existing home on the property left much to be desired, a call was put in to Larson Building Company with hopes to remodel the abode.

The desired changes were significant, however, and beyond the bones of the existing structure. So Lance Larson and his crew found themselves with an exciting challenge on their hands—a total tear down off of Mission Road in Old Leawood. The end result? A stunning home with 12,000 square feet of finished space in an equestrian-like setting and curb appeal that causes many a driver to slow down in appreciation.

The project, which took a little over a year from footings to finish, is a one-of-a-kind

custom design by Gerald Janssen at Elswood Smith Carlson with a High Plains Transitional Equestrian Estate-styled theme, featuring seven bedrooms, nine full baths, and two half baths. The front of the home is distinctively adorned with authentic stone, brick wainscot, HardiePlank lap siding, and board and batten siding on the second floor exterior. A turret on the rear of the home carries from the lower level through the second floor, creating the feel of an early 1900s railroad water tower.

The interior is just as fantastically attired, with rift-and-quarter-sawn white oak flooring (random widths with flush-mount wood vents), custom wood cabinets, GE Monogram professional-grade appliances, and custom marble countertops and granite throughout. An

awe-inspiring theatre seats 24, while a basement bar boasts rounded walls for a unique look.

As you enter, the home’s breathtaking views beckon, drawing you through the Great Room into the spacious outdoor living area overlooking the infinity-edge pool and picturesque lake beyond. After a little more than a year, the elated homeowner is honored to call it home and can’t wait to enjoy this amazing abode with family and friends.

This home authenticates the Larson Building Company catchphrase “Industry Leading Energy Efficiency” with a HERS Rating of 38, one of the best ever in the city.

Building since 2013, Larson Building Company focuses on truly one-of-a-kind custom homes of the highest quality, with a focus CONTINUED >

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Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

55

Open House

(CON TI N U ED)

on distinguished architecture and industry-leading energy efficiency. As this spectacular home attests, Larson is adept at both.

“When you build a custom home with Larson Building Company, you are able to get exactly what you want, eliminating the things that you don’t,” says Lance Larson, President and CEO. “This allows for nicer spaces in the areas that you live in the most. Eliminating the spaces that you don’t need also helps greatly when trying to meet a client’s budget. Each home that Larson Building Company constructs is a home that is built for the very first time. Our homes are designed by us with the expertise of a professional architect, which gives our clients the distinguished architecture they expect to receive when building the home of their dreams.”

56

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

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Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

THE FAMILY THAT JUGGLES TOGETHER

the field very often, but one mistake can easily cost a team the game.

So why would a 6-4, 250-pound NFL long snapper get into juggling?

“My cousins started juggling and I decided to learn myself,” says Kendall. “ That was in the eighth grade. The positives (for juggling) are hand eye coordination and it is a lifetime hobby. I don’t see any negatives.”

Gammon, who grew up in Rose Hill, Kansas, and attended Pittsburg State, played in the NFL for Pittsburgh, New Orleans and our hometown Chiefs. He was very active in high school participating in not only football, but also basketball, baseball, track, spring musicals, show choir and band.

These days Kendall is the sideline voice for the Chiefs Radio Network and the Special Assistant to the President at Pittsburg State.

And he’s still juggling.

“I have juggled center ring for Ringling Bros. Barnum Bailey Circus and I juggle when I give speeches. I use it to illustrate different points I’m making.”

To keep the tradition going, Kendall has taught juggling to both his sons.

“The boys started juggling in the first grade,” he says. “It really helps in handeye coordination.”

Blaise just finished his sophomore year at Kansas State and is playing tight end for the football team. He is considered a red-shirt freshman on the football squad. At the end of spring football practice he was second on the depth chart at tight end.

The 6' 8" Blaise played four years of

KENDALL GAMMON AND SONS ARE READY TO ENTERTAIN ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

W

hen you think about a professional football player,

basketball at Blue Valley West where he helped lead the Jaguars to a third-place finish at the 2015 Class 5A state boys basketball tournament. Additionally, he played football his senior year for the Jaguars “I would say juggling helps you with hand eye coordination and the ability to focus on multiple things at a time, which can be related to sports,” says Blaise.

the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t jug-

Younger son Drake just finished his sophomore year at Blue

gling. But that is the unique hobby former Kansas City Chief

Valley West where the 6' 4" sophomore played on the sub-var-

Kendall Gammon picked up as a child, and has passed along

sity teams in football and basketball.

to his sons Blaise and Drake.

Kendall was a long snapper for the Chiefs for six years and he was the first long snapper selected to the Pro Bowl in 2005.

What is a long snapper? He is the person who snap the ball to the punters and place kickers. It’s not a job that sees

“My dad had always juggled when he was younger and taught me and my brother Blaise,” says Drake. “That’s what originally got me interested in it.”

And juggling has helped in his athletic career.

“I think it helps with your coordination and it’s just a cool thing to be able to do,” he adds.

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

59

Hot Spot

Indoor vs. I Outdoor Skydiving DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE AND QUELL YOUR CURIOSITY AT KANSAS CITY'S NEW IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING FACILITY ARTICLE KENDRA MATHEWSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

IFLY KANSAS CITY

10975 Metcalf Avenue 913.305.4359 Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

60

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

t is not the same to talk or read about something as to experience it. So even as you are perusing this article about the experiences this writer has had with actual and re-created skydiving, I’d tell you to put the magazine down and go book your own. But if you want a little more information first, by all means read on.

Full disclosure: I am no skydiving expert. The fact that I have done it once in my lifetime allowed me to offer a comparison, but it is one from the perspective of a novice.

I’ll begin with actual jumping-out-of-an airplane-with-a-parachute.

One of my sorority sisters in college was an instructor and it was she who encouraged me to do it back then. After a day of safety/ground instruction,we ventured up in a single engine, overwing airplane with a propeller. I did a “static line” jump alone, not a tandem jump with an instructor. “Jump” is a misnomer—what I did was actually lean out of the door, grab on to the wing, hang there until the instructor said, “Let go.” In my book, anyone who does it this way is a stud. So I am a self-qualified stud who could not let go when my instructor told me to and that extra 3 seconds of flight took me a mile off course; I had to be retrieved from a cornfield, but that’s not really relevant to the indoor-outdoor comparison. Except to assure you’re guaranteed not to land in any fields in an indoor experience.

With a static line, a cord is attached to the plane and the parachute.

There is 6 seconds of “freefall” and we’d been told to count “one-onethousand,” to six and then the ‘chute was supposed to be pulled open as the cord reached its end. I experienced such sheer terror that I could not remember how to count to six. I don’t remember much about those six seconds except the roar of the wind in my ears and my life expectancy was entirely uncertain. Thankfully my parachute did open

and I have lived a long, full life. The feeling of exhilaration at the moment the parachute pops open is unforgettable. It suddenly becomes the most quiet you’ll ever experience. You gently float down to earth, enjoying the incredible view of the world around as you guide your parachute to the ground.

The part of that experience that gets duplicated in indoor skydiving is the freefall, without the terror. The indoor experience includes a brief classroom instruction where they walk you step-by-step through the process. Afterword you put on a jumpsuit, earplugs and goggles, then sit with your group and wait your turn in the glass-encased wind tunnel. At your turn, you stand at the entry and lean into the wind. The instructor stands inside with you and helps get your body position correct. You’re only allowed about 10 feet in the air, and though you’ve paid for just a few minutes, it feels long enough.

I have always had dreams of flying like Superman, and this feels close. Except, the name “iFly” is a little bit of a misnomer because it can be challenging to find your balance and maintain control of your body with the air blowing up

at 160 miles per hour. That takes practice, so for those looking to really get the feeling of flying themselves, book more than one experience. Indoor skydiving is actually a sport that you can master. Going once for the thrill is totally optional and the professionals at iFly told me that many of their guests are people coming to check off a Bucket List item. But like all things, if you want to master it, you’ll have to return.

Or, you can ask for the “High Fly” experience and pay a little extra for one of their professionals to help you, which is what I did. The expert who helped me was David, and his knowledge and experience instilled such confidence, I felt totally comfortable. After everyone else in my group completed their turn, I went back in and David held one of my arms and one of my legs and flew us up to the top of the tunnel, spun us around as we went back down. This repeated several times and was absolutely one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.

For packages and pricing, visit IFlyWorld.com.

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

61

Lifestyle Calendar

June JUNE

JUNE 14 - AUGUST 7 MADAGASCAR, A MUSICAL ADVENTURE THE COTERIE THEATRE It's the musical premiere of the madcap journey from New York's Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar for Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and hilarious, plotting penguins. 816.474,6552 or TheCoterie.org

BODY WORLDS & THE CYCLE OF LIFE UNION STATION Check out the new world-class, educational exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. View more than 100 human specimens preserved through the remarkable process of Plastination, and see firsthand how the choices we make each day impact our incredible bodies – at work, at play, in health and in illness.

JUNE 2 - 26 BIG RIVER CROWN CENTER Musical Theater Heritage presents the musical version of The

JUNE 16

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a forgotten masterpiece that's

THIRD THURSDAY: #PICTURETHIS

a dazzling, heartwarming slice of musical Americana. Thurs-

NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

days through Sundays. MTHKC.com

Your not-so-quiet night at the museum! Join the revelry every third

JUNE 8

Thursday of the month for live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talents…all just for adults! Designed for

AVOIDING SCAMS AGAINST SENIORS WORKSHOP

college-age to 45, but all adults are welcome. This month's theme is

OVERLAND PARK

photography. Details at Nelson-Atkins.org.

Estate Planning Kansas City is co-sponsoring an event designed to educate senior citizens on current schemes and scams against se-

JUNE 18

niors and how to protect themselves. Our guest speaker is Jason No-

CAMPOUT WITH DAD

votny, investigator from the Johnson County District Attorney’s office.

IRONWOODS PARK

The presentation will be held at 6300 Lamar in Overland Park. Space

A great way to spend the Father's Day weekend with your family.

is limited so please RSVP to 913.766.7188.

Enjoy a night under the stars. Bring your tent and sleeping bags and

JUNE 10 & 11 SUGAR CREEK SLAVIC FESTIVAL

come ready to enjoy an evening of fun activities. Call 913.696.7771 for information or questions.

SUGAR CREEK, MO

JUNE 25

Come see a living display of various Slavic traditions and customs.

15TH ANNUAL TOUR DE LAKES

Grammy-nominated musician Alex Meixner returns to headline the

LONGVIEW RECREATION CENTER

event along with traditional song and dance by local performers. The

A premier bike ride around five area

festival also includes the sausage eating contest, giving visitors the

lakes, dedicated to Tom Logan, a long-

chance to compete for the title of "Kielbasa King." SlavicFest.com

time athlete, husband, father and friend

JUNE 10

who never passed up a chance to go on a nice bike ride. Riders can choose

CONCUSSION CONFERENCE

from four great rides - 10 miles, 32 miles,

KU EDWARDS BEST CONFERENCE CENTER

55 miles, or 63 miles with five fully supported SAGS along the routes;

The HeadsUp Foundation for PCS hosts, “Teamwork Makes the Dream

and a Tour De Picnic at the finish. LSParks.net or TourDeLakes.org

Work: Athletes, parents, coaches and doctors discuss concussion.” $10 Register: HeadsUpKC.org. Keynote speaker Anthony Davis, former

JUNE 25 & 26

Chiefs linebacker and Super Bowl XXXV winner with the Baltimore Ra-

23RD ANNUAL WATER GARDENS TOUR

vens. Conference includes panel discussions featuring experts on the

KANSAS CITY

high school, college and professional level: Teamwork Panel (Coach/

The Water Garden Society of Greater KC proudly presents its annual driv-

Parent/Athletic Trainer/Official), Medical Panel, and Athlete Panel.

ing tour. Tickets purchase include a tour book with maps, directions and

62

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

NOW OPEN

garden descriptions. Residential gardens dominate the tour and feature lovely ponds, water falls and more. This self-guided tour of 50+ water gardens will take place rain or shine. Tickets are good for both days. KCWaterGardens.com

JUNE 25 STEMS: A GARDEN SOIREE OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is thrilled to celebrate its signature event. The gardens will blossom as a perfect setting for you

The Coworking Movement Comes to Overland Park Say goodbye to the windowless box, the colorless cubicle farm, the clutter that arises from combining home and office. The GRID offers coworking space designed to catalyze connection, engagement and collaboration in a vibrant, creative community.

to enjoy two bands, dancers, artists, featured

FLEXIBLE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

restaurants, fine wines and beers, fireworks and a photo booth experience to entertain everyone

Private Offices Reserved Desks ■ Coworking Space ■ Virtual Office

Photography Studio Conference Rooms ■ Event Space ■ Commercial Kitchen

at this fun summer party (rain or shine). General

■

■

Admission: $120. StemsSoiree.org

■

■

FREE DAY PASS

JUNE 28

Work for a day on us. For use on Monday, Wednesday or Friday when you schedule a tour. Sign up today!

LEAWOOD GARDEN CLUB CURE OF ARS CATHOLIC CHURCH Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. At about noon,

Photography Studio

Stadium Seating

Commercial Kitchen

Conference Rooms

Sandy Wessling, horticultural therapist at Crittenton Children’s Center, will present “Horticultural Therapy – What it is and Where it is Used.” Open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Potluck luncheon provided. LeawoodGardenClub.org, leawoodgardenclub@gmail.com or 913.642.3317

JULY 30

Event Space

Team Space

Coworking

Reserved Desks

Private Offices

NOSH NOCTE KC LENEXA Nosh Nocte KC, a fundraising dinner event, will be a sophisticated adventure through five tasting courses of food, wine and coffee.

Live music and an auction, a wine wall and a “Local KC” themed raffle. To benefit Hillcrest's intensive, life-changing 21 month program. NoshNocteKC.eventbrite.com

Contain costs, minimize overhead and grow at your own pace. Contact us to get started today!

913-754-4743 | jennifer@ConnectAtGrid.com | www.ConnectAtGrid.com 12022 BLUE VALLEY PARKWAY | OVERLAND PARK, KS June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

63

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY KC Metalworx (913) 908-1687 kcmetalworx.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore Savers (913) 649-4381 savers.com Stems a Garden Soiree (913) 322-6467 stemssoiree.org

CHILD CAMPS, CARE & TUTORING Nannies of Kansas City, LTD (913) 341-6447 nannieskc.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

Quivira Park Family Dentistry (913) 955-2300 quiviraparkdental.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com

Gameroom Concepts (913) 322-4263 gameroom-concepts.com Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com

64

iFly Kansas City (913) 645-4037 iflyworld.com/Kansas-City Overland Park Ballroom and Social Club (913) 815-6790 overlandparkballroom.com Parties by Rose (913) 963-4241 partiesbyrose.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

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

OTHER

HOME SERVICES

The Grid (913) 754-4743 connectatgrid.com

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

Carpet Direct (913) 927-1001 carpetdirectkc.com

Cy Financial (913) 322-3500 cyfinancial.com

Complete Hardscapes LLC (816) 984-0525 completehardscapes.com

Pinnacle Plus Financial (913) 254-3030 pplusadvisors.com

Granite Garage Floors (913) 717-7346 granitegaragefloors.com

Retirement Solutions Group (913) 685-9422 rsgusa.net

Snowbird Maintenance (816) 723-7439 snowbirdmaintenance.com

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

JEWELERY

WM LAW (913) 422-0909 kansascitybankruptcy.com

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

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

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

Scott’s Diamond Designs (913) 492-0011 scottsdiamonddesigns.com

LEGAL

Estate Planning LLC (913) 735-5115 estateplanningkansascity.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Olathe Subaru (913) 780-0400

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

Visiting Nurse Association (816) 531-1200 vnakc.com Pech Limo (816) 419-4969

The Ritz Charles (913) 685-2600 mykcevent.com

REAL ESTATE The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettiann.com

The Goldstein Team, Better Homes & Gardens KC (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Gaslight Grill (913) 897-3540 gaslightgrill.com

Rock & Brews (913) 499-6495 rockandbrews.com Rosati’s Pizza (913) 696-0400

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES The Welstone at Mission Crossing (913) 305-4407

SKILLED NURSING CARE SPECIALIZED WOUND CARE TEAM ADVANCED ILLNESS MANAGEMENT TELEHEALTH SERVICE REHABILITATION THERAPY: PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH & RESPIRATORY

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF CARING FOR KANSAS CITY

June 2016 | Johnson County Lifestyle

65

Parting Thoughts

Stuff Happens ON DAD’S WATCH WORDS DENISE SNODELL

C

all me either sexist or a keen observer, but I have a notion to blurt: When men are solo supervisors of kids, dust is more

likely fly off the first aid kit.

THE 3 A.M. CALL.

“He broke his leg.”

No mother wants to hear this about her teen, especially crackling

This is neither good nor bad. There isn’t enough room here to

through a phone line in the middle of the night. My husband took

share all evidence of this Fiasco Theory. But here’s an anecdotal

our boys on a little ski trip--their first one. The disaster happened

glimpse, from my life, of what tends to happen when manhood

on a more “advanced” slope of a rather bunny-ish place. It seemed

goes eye to eye with childhood.

the weather had turned the “snow” into an ice-coated crash course.

Long story short, it was a bad break. Mom wasn’t there. Dad was.

THE HISTORY

My grandparents raised six children during the Great

MISCELLANEOUS

Depression. Grandma was full of pep. I always gathered, from

My sons have had blisters, tick bites, bad sunburns on the edges

stories, she needed frequent escape hatches. Botanical garden

of their ears and the worst junk food ever to pass their lips. Never on

visits. Part-time work. Perhaps a walk around the block for a

my watch. Then there’s poison ivy. It’s everywhere, even in our own

private scream. According to legend, when grandpa took over,

yard. I frequently point it out. It remains untouched. But let me tell

there would be frequent kid-related debacles. Grandma was

you: A kid might get a decent urushiol rash on his face while floating

known to say, “ Things happen when dads are in charge.” Like a family heirloom, my mother has handed down this line to me.

on a body of water. It turns out a father/son canoe can slide under a

fallen log that happens to have dangling leaves of three. Who knew?

It’s quilted with subtext. Namely, the word “things” smells like an ace bandage.

WHAT ALL OF THIS MEANS

There are two sides to every band aid…the smooth and the sticky. I’m THE BEACH

66

generalizing here, but what I’m saying is moms tend to visualize, in HDTV

I grew up near the ocean. When I was 7, my father and uncle

clarity, the worst physical outcomes. We anticipate danger, whereas the

took me and my two brothers to the beach. My older brother and

fathers I know see adventure. Perhaps when men are with children, they

I were building a sand castle when we noticed a gathering of

want to show kids how to LIVE WITH CONFIDENCE, how to barrel

agitated adults. Our 3-year-old brother was missing! The life-

ahead and explore. They want to show youngsters what ice packs are for.

guard instructed us that lost kids usually walk with their backs to

Men help strike a perfect balance on how to approach the world.

the sun. (Take note on that golden info nugget.) A search posse

Things happen when dads are

exploded across the shore. What seemed like a lifetime later,

in charge, indeed. And (most

somebody found my brother. To this day, I can never relax when I

of the time) these things are

sit on sand, yet my kids are grown.

magical. Happy Father’s Day.

Johnson County Lifestyle | June 2016

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