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LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER A SSISTANT
Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com
Letter from the Editor
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com
IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING THANKS, I FIND MYSELF REFLECTING ON THE
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
MANY BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE. Our society tends to place high value on materi-
Janie Jones
alistic gains, our possessions, our image, our professions and our leisure. While all of those things can make us comfortable, they are not what matters, and without faith, community and relationship, the material things in life leave us feeling empty. I am always so appreciative of the family that I was born into and the family that I have created. They, as well as friends old and new, are a constant source of joy and support. And while going the extra mile for a family member or friend can be commonplace, it can leave you awestruck when someone outside of that circle extends that same level of extra consideration and care. This past year, I had a tiny health hiccup, and while I am going to be totally fine, I had several frustrating months of trying to figure out what was going on. I have brilliant,
EDITOR
AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Katie Currid, Allison Gibeson, Brad Zollars CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Katie Currid
wonderful doctors, but after many tests and specialists, there still wasn’t an answer. Then enters Dr. David Lyons. Not only did he go way above and beyond to find the answers we needed, he requested to personally review images from radiology for further evaluation, he personally called me multiple times to follow up, ask questions and share information, and he did everything with such care and kindness. Dr. Lyons showed me what it means to persistently advocate for someone, and his gentle, patient demeanor and calming spirit was exactly what I needed during that
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
time. He didn’t have to go to that extent to help me, but he chose to anyway, and it has
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
left me inspired. In what ways can we do the same in our own spheres of influence?
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
How can we be that lifeboat for a stranger needing a little extra care? It definitely has
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
me thinking about what it means to use the skills that I am equipped in to help others.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
While I normally wouldn’t share about a health issue (and I am totally okay and on the
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
mend), I couldn’t talk about thankfulness without mentioning Dr. Lyons. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? We love to hear from you, so send us an email, or tag us on Instagram @Leawood_Lifestyle and let us know what (or who) you are thankful for.
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Blessing to you and your family, ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY
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Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Fall Entertaining by LeAnn Parker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES 4
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
Proverbs 3:5-6 Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Johnson County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021
FEATURES 16 When mid-century modern meets bohemian The Jensen family honors their home’s original state with a fresh new look
22 Aroma, conversation, ambience, warmth and relaxation await at Fireside Cigar. Matt Murphy has dreamed of owning a place where cigar aficionados could come together to find and build community
28 Holiday Entertaining Tips and Tricks for easy hosting
28 16
44 The Light at the End of the Row Finding a loving home for every canine
44
22
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Local Experiences
14
Culinary Creations
16
Open House
22 Hot Spot 40 Locally Owned 44 Hometown Hero 48 Healthy Lifestyle 50 Realty Report
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GOOD TIMES
Terra Luna and Quixotic at the Overland Park Arboretum The limited-engagement multimedia installation guided guests on a wild journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance uniting live music, dance, aerial acrobatics and more. This unique collaboration between Quixotic and Friends of the Arboretum has astounded guests and left them in awe of Mother Nature’s ultimate imagination. PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
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THANKFUL THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN OUR LIVES. November is an opportunity to spend time with the ones we love during this holiday season and give more of ourselves to those around us.
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Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
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CULINARY CREATIONS ARTICLE ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
M A M A J E A N ’ S A P P L E
P I E
MY GRANDMOTHER, JEAN NEWMAN, ALSO KNOWN AS MAMA JEAN TO HER GRANDCHILDREN, WAS A PHENOMENAL COOK. Everything she made was absolutely mouthwatering. Memories of eating at her table during the holidays are among some of my favorite moments with her. She is known for many of her dishes, but her apple pie was a favorite of mine at Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
P I E
C R U S T:
+ 2 Cups flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt + 1 cup Crisco (cut in with pastry blender or fork) + Add 1/2 cup ice cold water + Mix together and form two balls. Roll first ball out together and put in pie plate.
14
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
A P P L E
P I E
F I L L I N G :
Peel and slice 6-8 apples (very thin slices). Mix with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well and pour into bottom pie crust. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Top with second pie crust, seal edges and cut 6-8 slits on top of crust, or if you prefer a lattice top crust, cut crust into long strips and layer on top in criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes or until apples are tender and crust and topping are golden. Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool and serve a’ la mode.
R S F E H CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
15
OPEN HOUSE
ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
THE JENSEN FAMILY HONORS THEIR HOME’S ORIGINAL STATE WITH A FRESH NEW LOOK
16
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
When mid-century modern meets bohemian
“We l i ke to cha l lenge the thoug ht of for m, tex t u re, a nd
color i n t rad it iona l set t i ngs. We wa nt people to see a clock but a lso be i nt roduced to u nt rad it iona l for ms.”
WHEN CHAD AND GRACE JENSEN BOUGHT THEIR RANCH-
The design is somewhere between mid-century atomic and
STYLE HOME IN OVERLAND PARK, THE DESIGN HAD BEEN
bohemian. We call it atomic boho.”
MOSTLY UNTOUCHED FROM ITS ORIGINAL MID-CENTURY
With nearly everything in the home being updated in some
FEEL. During the last four years, the couple has worked to revive
way, they have painted all the rooms and refreshed the windows
the style of the home to bring new life to its design and vibe.
and bamboo wood floors. In the kitchen they restored the cabin-
The home was a custom build in 1963 by the original owners
etry and removed wood paneling.
who lived there until 2012. While the Jensens took out a partial
The artwork on display includes many of Chad’s own pieces.
wall and switched the locations of the living room and dining
He says each piece that comes into their home has different
room, they kept the rest of the floor plan intact as they desired to
lines and shapes than the other pieces in the home, from the
honor the original layout.
sputnik chandelier in the dining room to the various lamps,
“We want the overall vibe to be communal, welcoming and inspiring,” Chad says. “We like to challenge the thought of
clocks, and tables throughout. They even have a couple of record players on display.
form, texture, and color in traditional settings. We want people
“Nothing comes into the house unless it has a personal
to see a clock but also be introduced to untraditional forms.
connection to the family,” Chad says. “Every piece has a story CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
17
OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
“Noth i ng comes i nto the house u n less it has a persona l con nect ion to the fa m i ly,” Chad says. “Ever y piece has a stor y that col lect ively i l lust rates i nterest, persona l it y a nd feel i ng. Persona l it y is pou red i nto ever y su r face.”
that collectively illustrates interest, personality and feeling. Personality is poured into every surface.” Outside, the back patio features brick flooring, a barn quit, hanging lights and a privacy wall. The couple says the creation of this outdoor oasis was their pandemic project.
Grace says her favorite feature of the home is the vaulted ceilings, and Chad says his favorite is the original master bedroom doors with their Japanese influence. Chad and Grace completed nearly all the work on the home themselves with the only exception being the elec-
The next task is finishing off the basement, which will be designed
trical. With about 1,800 square feet on the main level and
to include a movie theater, a place to display his collection of action
about 1,600 square feet in the basement, the family enjoys
figures, a gym and play space for the couple’s two children.
the sense of closeness the home provides. The couple
Overall, Chad says the design of the home was very modern for its time, including a laundry room on the main level, double sinks in the bathrooms, and the master bedroom at the front of the home that includes a large bathroom.
18
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
plans to stay in the home for years to come and hopes their children will find inspiration there. “We want creativity to be normal and ideas to be unfiltered,” Chad says.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
19
OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
20
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
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HOT SPOT
A RO M A , C O N V E R S AT IO N , A M B I E N C E , WA R M T H A N D R E L A X AT IO N AWA I T AT F I R E S I D E C IG A R .
MATT MURPHY HAS DREAMED OF OWNING A PLACE WHERE CIGAR AFICIONADOS COULD COME TOGETHER TO FIND AND BUILD COMMUNITY
22
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
MATT MURPHY HAS ENJOYED CIGARS SINCE HE
base at Fireside. Collectively, they have taken hold of the
WAS OLD ENOUGH TO DO SO. He understands that
vision of building community and welcoming newcom-
cigar smokers fully understand the complexities of each
ers and seasoned cigar lovers to Fireside. That’s com-
cigar. They understand that this experience encourages
munity building and that is Fireside Cigar.”
the smoker to slow down, enjoy the moment, embrace
Locker memberships are available for those desir-
the environment and enjoy conversations with others. At
ing a private place to keep their collection of cigars
Fireside Cigars, you can do that in relaxing leather chairs
and spirits. The humidor is stocked daily with many
enjoying a large-screen TV, WIFI, high-end air filtering
of the top brands in the industry including Padron,
system, a self-serve premium coffee station and kitch-
Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Cohiba, Macanudo, Romeo y
enette, complete with an ice-machine, fridge and sink for
Julieta, Montecristo, Oliva, Avo, My Father Cigars, J.C.
preparing your very own favorite cocktails. The crackling
Newman, Camacho, Tatuaje, Foundation Cigar, Drew
fireplace speaks to the soul and romance of cigars.
Estate, CAO, Punch and many others.
“My passion for the cigar industry escalated when I worked for Ashton Distributors, a world-famous cigar
Matt understands the last 18 months have been a very interesting time for the cigar industry.
brand. During my time at Ashton, I met great people in the
“The industry has experienced tremendous growth.
industry and visited hundreds of cigar stores around the
During most of last year people were enjoying cigars on
country,” he says. “Several years ago, I shared my dream
their own at home. Since we have opened our doors this
of creating such a place with a couple of close friends,
year, we have seen that people are hungry to be around
and we started working together to make Fireside Cigar
others again. For most people, many aspects of their life
a reality. We have a great staff and fantastic customer
are very different than they were two years ago,” he says.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
23
HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
“Many people still feel isolated working from home
are offered exclusively to locker members.
or remote, not traveling as much as they used to,
Wherever you may be on your cigar journey,
not going out as often with friends. I think all those
this is the locale to enrich that hobby and live
things make people really desire a community,
the dream, as Matt has.
somewhere they can connect with others, be
Fireside Cigar is located at 15999 S. Bradley
known for who they are and embrace meaningful
Dr., Olathe, KS 66062. For more information,
and memorable moments.”
visit firesidecigar.com, or call 913-839-9051.
Visitors enjoy a variety of sales and tasting events through the year, and private events
24
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
@firesidecigar
@FiresideCigarKS
and
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
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holiday entertaining TIPS AND TRICKS FOR EASY HOSTING
PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
28
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
"A Ch arcuterie bo ard is an easy way t o create an eye-c at ching , delicious spread for guests t o nibble on and enjoy."
AUTUMN TABLE SETTING
HOW TO: PRESERVE LEAVES
Gathering with the people we love is a gift
Gather fallen leaves and test for dryness. Look
whether we find ourselves eating off paper
for mostly dry, not brittle or limp. If too limp or fresh
plates or fancy dishes. Even so, adding beautiful
then press between books on parchment paper
accents fosters meaning to the moments shared
for a few days before proceeding. When ready to
and can be just as easy to pull together. In this
begin, prep the space by placing leaves in a single
tablescape I used touches of the outdoors with
layer on wax paper. Brush one side of the leaf with
real leaves, pinecones and grapevine wreaths.
a thin coat of Mod Podge using a foam brush. Let
These simple additions add personality and
dry for 30 minutes or until the white coat turns
warmth to any autumn table. Follow these
clear. Flip leaves over, brush the other side and let
directions for how to prepare outdoor accents
dry again. Use leaves by scattering them around
(because dirt and bugs are the only ones not
the table or frame as art for the gathering space.
invited to the table) and you will have a stunning tablescape that costs you only a leisurely walk around your neighborhood and a passing chat with a neighbor, if you are so lucky.
HOW TO: WRITE PLACE CARDS Handwriting guests' names on place cards gives an extra personalized touch. Start with writing the name with pencil (an eraser is
HOW TO: PRESERVE PINECONES
your friend), then trace with a thin tipped
Bake pinecones to remove any tiny critters, dry
sharpie. Finally, go over all the down strokes
up the sticky sap, and give the pinecone a beauti-
with a thick tipped sharpie to create a hand
ful glossy finish. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
lettering effect. Watch the how-to video on IG
Line a baking sheet with foil and lay pinecones in
@silvertoothhome. Happy Gatherings!
rows allowing space as they expand when baked. Place in the oven for about 30 minutes. If pine-
HOW TO CREATE A GORGEOUS
cones were gathered on a damp day, it might take
CHARCUTERIE BOARD BY GRAZING KC
longer. Keep a close eye and pull them out when
A Charcuterie board is an easy way to create
the house smells of pine trees and your pinecones
an eye-catching, delicious spread for guests to
go from a matte to glossy finish. To use simply
nibble on and enjoy. Sarah with Grazing KC is
scatter around the table or use as place-setting
sharing an easy shopping list and tips on how
card holders as I have done here.
to build a beautiful board. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
29
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING (CONTINUED) SHOPPING LIST: + 3-4 fine cheeses (a variety of soft and hard) + 1-2 cured meats (like salami and prosciutto) + 2-3 season fresh fruits + 1 dried fruit + Nuts + Olives + 1 Jam/honey/mustard + 1-2 types of crackers + Fresh herbs for garnish 1. Cheese—Build the foundation of your board with cheese. Add your softest cheese as a full block and pre-cut your hard cheeses by crumbling or slicing. 2. Charcuterie—Fold salami into quarters and lay the salami throughout the board building around the cheese. 3. Color—Add pops of color such as fruit and olives throughout the board. 4. Crunch—In the remaining gaps on your board add crunch such as nuts and crackers. 5. Garnish your board with fresh herbs and enjoy grazing! By Food Stylist: Sarah Juenemann of @GrazingKC, GrazingKC.ORG CONTINUED >
30
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
31
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING (CONTINUED)
32
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
SHOOT CREDITS: Chocolates by Panache Chocolatier in Park Place Leawood Location: Amigoni Urban Winery Wine: Amigoni Urban Winery Charcuterie Board: Grazing KC Stylist: LeAnn Parker Photography: Janie Jones
Panache Chocolatier and Amigoni Urban Winery are joining together to give away $100 gift card to Panache and a wine set from Amigoni. Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and watch for the
Scan here.
giveaway post for a chance to win. CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
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Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
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selling with
integrity LOCAL AGENT BELIEVES HER BUSINESS IS PART OF HER MINISTRY ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
AS A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, HALEY EPPS GIVES
for each client has paid off, and it’s some-
BUYERS IN THE CURRENT MARKET SOME OVERARCHING
thing they take seriously.
ADVICE—BE PATIENT. With the market being especially hot in the $150,000 to $500,000 range, she recommends buyers in this price range to plan for it be a process and not get emotionally invested at the beginning—knowing they will likely be up against multiple offers.
“You are dealing with people’s lives and livelihoods,” Haley says. “There is a lot at stake sometimes.” She says her team always offers superior photography as well as two hours of free
Additionally, she says contingent offers don’t go well in this mar-
staging. They have also created a database
ket, so buyers should not plan to make their offers contingent on the
of follow-up information for clients with
selling of their current home. Overall, she emphasizes it is important
professional referrals for painters, plumbers,
to be pre-approved and ready. When it comes to sellers, she says it
electricians, preschools and the like.
is important to do whatever they can to make their home look, feel and smell as new as possible. As the market has fluctuated and trends and technology changed during her 26 years in the real estate business, Haley Epps says she is still learning, adapting and expanding ways to best serve clients.
“Haley was very willing to listen to what we wanted and worked to help us get what we wanted,” says client Dawn Steggerda. Haley worked with Dawn and her husband Mike to sell their home in old Leawood and
“We are passionate about what we do and give it 100%,” Haley
buy another home in west Lenexa. Dawn
says. “It’s not just a job, but it’s who we are and a part of our ministry.
said Haley knew how to maneuver the cur-
We take care of people, and we do everything with 100% integrity.
rent market and was extremely professional,
Our clients become friends and family.”
attentive and understanding of their desires
Haley got her start in the real estate business when she went to
through the whole process. She said her
work for her mother, Sandy Spalitto. Today Haley leads a team of five
knowledge of the market and insights about
agents based in Leawood as they serve the entire metro area. She
the specifics in their area were extremely
says over the years, providing excellent service, follow-up, and care
vital to the process.
36
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
Haley Epps helped this client find the perfect home for her family.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
37
SELLING WITH INTEGRITY (CONTINUED)
38
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
In terms of community involvement, Haley’s team
she believes the organization is key to bringing a
organizes clothing drives for Mission Southside, and
message of hope, love and the gospel to those who
she says they all have a heart for the organization
otherwise would not hear it. She says sports can be
knowing the food and money they give is getting
a unifying way of bringing people together, and she
to the people in need. Additionally, Haley has been
is currently working to mentor some of their new
involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes as
female staff members.
“YOU ARE DEALING WITH PEOPLE’S LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS,” HAYLEY SAYS. “THERE IS A LOT AT STAKE SOMETIMES.”
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
39
LOCALLY OWNED
A Re v i v a l o f G r a n d m a’s F i n e C h i n a
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE CURRID
FINE 40
GOOD STUFF CHINA GUIDES US ON SETTING A THANKSGIVING TABLE THAT USES THE HEIRLOOM DISHES WITHOUT LOOKING STUFFY
IF YOU’RE HOSTING AN EVENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, CHANCES ARE YOU MIGHT BE A LITTLE CONFUSED ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO SET A TABLE. Hosting a gathering can be filled with rules and etiquette—when to send invitations, how to reach out about RSVPs, and even what order the forks go in. Luckily, as the years pass and formal rules get looser and looser, that opens things up a bit for those who might find etiquette a bit over-
possible to find a complete set—but that doesn’t
whelming and stuffy but still love to host. There
mean she passes up on perfectly good plates
are ways to still set a gorgeous table in modern
just because there are only two! She loves mixing
times—playing up what you have on hand, pay-
vintage pieces into her tablescapes that still feel
ing homage to the sentimental, and still having
curated without being too matchy-matchy.
enjoy a lovely meal.
Jami gathered a team to put together an inspiring tablescape for the holidays, along with other
Jami Van Hercke of Good Stuff China, an event
experienced vendors who gave expert tips on
rental company, loves all things vintage and
how to set a welcoming table with whatever you
incorporates all of those touches into her tables-
might already have at home. But if you still find
capes. She finds many of her plates and glasses
it too overwhelming, they’re always available for
at antique markets, meaning that it’s often not
hire to do it for you! 1. Pick what you like—there are no rules. Jami says don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Add funky tchotchkes or a sentimental heirloom that wouldn’t normally find its way onto a table. If you like it, you can make it work. 2. The fine china is meant to be used. If you have a nice set of china— whether it’s your own or an heirloom—it’s meant to be enjoyed and to make memories, not to collect dust in the china cabinet. Perhaps you don’t have a complete set or are afraid to break a plate that is irreplaceable, but Jami says you don’t have to match the exact pattern of your grandmother’s china. She often works with people’s sentimental dishware, like their mother’s china, in her own designs, adding more vintage plates to create a cohesive set, even if the plates aren’t all the same. This can remove a lot of the stress from using that fine china. If a plate breaks, you can always incorporate something vintage that goes with it, even
CHINA
a beautiful place for your important guests to
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
41
LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)
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Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
if it’s not the exact set. 3. Start with a color palette. If you’re
with florals. If you’re overwhelmed about making an entire
not sure where to start, this can often help narrow it down. 4.
arrangement, Alison Montechinos-Johnson of Solstice Floral
Don’t be fussy about rules surrounding dishes. You can serve
Studios loves using a lot of single flowers in bud vases. She
wine in lots of different vessels—not just a stemmed wine
also loves to incorporate fruit and greenery into the table, like
glass! Jami always likes to layer plates, usually with a place-
the pears, grapes and turnips seen here. You don’t need a
mat (though not if there’s a tablecloth), a charger, and then
massive floral arrangement to make a statement—a simple
a stack of plates. For her, that’s usually 3 plates. She likes
runner, greenery, and candles can still be just as impressive.
to try for at least an inch of border between each plate to make sure the proportions are right. 5. Custom napkin rings
VENDOR TEAM:
can be a great gift. Jewelry maker Katherine Blauwiekel of
Table design: Good Stuff China
Anne-Marie Designs loves making custom napkin rings (like
Florals: Solstice Floral Studio
the ones pictured here) for her guests to take home. She says
Venue: The Elizabeth Loft
it can add a unique touch to the table and it’s even a great
Custom napkin rings: Anne-Marie Designs
hostess gift if you’re not hosting yourself. 6. Keep it simple
Desserts: Taylor Elizabeth Cakes
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
43
HOMETOWN HERO
THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE ROW
ARTICLE BRAD ZOLLARS | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
44
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
But before he could leave, a friend pulled him aside with an idea. Why not leverage the success of that one t-shirt into a fulltime apparel company? “You've got a fire in your eyes, man,” the friend pleaded. And from there, Mission Driven Goods was born. The proceeds allow Poore to travel to shelters across the area, using his large social media presence to shine a light on those animals and facilities that most need help. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get a dog adopted. He’s traveled long distances. WALK INTO ANY ANIMAL SHELTER, HEAD TO THE BACK, AND
He’s invited animals into his home. He’s commissioned billboards.
YOU’LL FIND ONE: THE ANIMAL THAT’S BEEN LABELED, MIS-
And in a move that went viral, he dedicated a week living inside
TREATED, GIVEN UP ON. They’ve been there the longest, denied
the kennel of Queen, a very special terrier who had spent 400
of the one thing they want most: a loving home. “The dog at the end
days inside a shelter, spurring her adoption.
of the row,” as Scott Poore calls it.
The experience changed him. Many rural shelters, like the one that
Poore, founder of Mission Driven Goods, dedicates every waking
housed Queen, lack basic heat, air conditioning, and plumbing. Most
moment of his life to helping these animals. His company, through the
are on life support. Mission Driven Goods not only helps these small
sale of pet-themed apparel, helps raise desperately needed funds,
shelters with adoption but also teaches them how to be profitable
while promoting adoption and saving countless dogs in the process.
and sustainable through donation platforms. Poore is also in the pro-
But it wasn’t always this way. Years ago, as Poore was grabbing
cess of forming partnerships with HVAC companies to ensure these
at the next rung on the corporate ladder, he realized something was
animals stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
missing. “I was going through a phase in my life where all that mat-
“The goal is to make a splash at every organization we touch,” he
tered was what can I take from the world? How much money can I
notes. In fact, Mission Driven Goods is currently in the process of
make? What kind of car am I going to drive? Where's my vacation?
becoming a 501(c)(3) organization, a move that will allow direct dona-
And that's not the person I am. There was an emptiness inside of
tions and greatly expand their reach. “I don't know that there's many
me,” he recalls.
people doing what we plan to do. The sky is the limit,” he beams.
Not long after, Poore quit his job and began to focus on ways
Not long ago, Scott Poore felt lost and unfulfilled. Now, after dedi-
he could give back. Over the years, he had done some work with
cating his life to service, he’s never felt more content. “I’m in love with
Great Plains SPCA, mostly dog walking. But he realized he’d
my career. I’m in love with volunteering,” he says, smiling.
never really spent any time inside the shelter itself to see what its true needs may be. And so, he returned with fresh eyes, imme-
His message is clear: follow your heart. Help others. Be the light at the end of the row.
CONTINUED >
diately connecting with one of those dogs at the end of the row. “That moment hit me in the heart,” he notes. At long last, his true purpose became clear. The next day, he cashed in his 401K, left his old life behind, and began working at the shelter. For two years, he did the jobs no one else wanted. It was a humbling yet valuable experience that only deepened his desire to help. After passing the necessary courses, Poore began to focus on the animals most in need, from neglect cases, abuse cases, animals seized by police, and those dumped at the shelter. While Poore finally felt fulfilled, it takes more than passion to pay the bills. With an empty bank account and a full heart, he decided to make one last gesture to Great Plains SPCA before reluctantly returning to corporate life. He crafted a simple design on a t-shirt, sold as many as he could in a month, and donated the proceeds to the shelter upon his resignation.
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45
HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)
“I was going through a phase in my life where all that mattered was what can I take from the world? How much money can I make? What kind of car am I going to drive? Where’s my vacation? And that’s not the person I am. There was an emptiness inside of me,” he recalls.
46
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
PUT YOUR CITY ON OUR MAP. Start a magazine & build a legacy. Life is short. Love what you do.
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47
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEN HIGGINS TALKS COFFEE, HOPE & HUMANITY, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THANKFUL
Living a Purposeful Life
PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR BEING LEAD #20 IN THE BACHELOR, THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO BEN HIGGINS THAN BEING ONE OF AMERICA’S REALITY TV SWEETHEARTS, SUCH AS HIS DEEP PASSION FOR MAKING MOVES TO “MULTIPLY GOOD IN THE WORLD.” PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 48
Since his time on The Bachelor, Ben has taken the opportunity to use his fame to create not one, but two inspiring podcasts, publish a successful autobiography, while also elevating awareness of his “for-purpose” Generous Coffee brand. We sat down with him (virtually) to reflect on all that he has accomplished in this season of “thankfulness.”
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
CL: WHAT DOES THE TERM ‘THANKFUL’ OR ‘GRATEFUL’ MEAN TO YOU?
Plus, we believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.
BH: It may sound corny and cliche, but when I think of gratitude, it’s an every day break to look at where my life
CL: WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE
sits and to be thankful for the friends and family around
BACK IN THEIR COMMUNITY?
me and the things that I am able to be a part of.
BH: I think everybody can figure out what they can do in their local communities by asking the same question: What is it around me that makes me the
CL: TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD
angriest? Maybe it’s people without homes, maybe it’s animals or the environ-
OF OR INSPIRED BY?
ment. What emotional pull is it? Go after that.
BH: I just want to be a part of really cool stories that I believe are good and healing. And my filter on whether
Plus, you can do that sitting on your couch drinking a great cup of Generous Coffee.
they are good or not comes from my faith. I just want to be a part of loving others and loving God well.
With over 1.2mm Instagram followers, Ben Higgins is co-founder of @generous_ coffee_, author of #AloneinPlainSight, host of @hopestillwins, and co-host of @
CL: HOW DID GENEROUS COFFEE BEGIN?
almost_famouspodcast.
BH: The idea came in July of 2017 and we launched in January of 2018. When the show [The Bachelor] happened, our fundraising increased 500%, but we also knew that it probably wasn’t going to last. We asked ourselves how we can make this more sustainable, and we came up with the idea that we could start a for-profit business and call ourselves “for-purpose.” We donate 100% of our profits to non-profits.
We believe that people enjoy drinking lifechanging coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
49
REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD
JOHNSON COUNTY
LIST PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/LIST
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
MISSION HILLS
$2,999,999
$2,850,000
95%
10
4
4.1
HALLBROOK FARMS
$2,750,000
$2,500,000
90%
92
5
6.3
INDIAN HILLS
$2,249,000
$1,900,000
84%
26
6
5.3
ESTATES OF PRAIRIE GLEN
$1,725,000
$1,736,200
100%
304
7
6.3
INDIAN HILLS
$1,500,000
$1,655,000
110%
0
4
3.1
ESTATES OF PRAIRIE GLEN
$1,499,000
$1,550,000
103%
23
5
4.1
TOMAHAWK CREEK ESTATES
$1,500,000
$1,471,000
98%
257
3
3.2
LEAWOOD HILLS
$1,395,000
$1,395,000
100%
48
5
4.1
REINHARDT ESTATES
$1,395,000
$1,375,000
96%
5
4
3.3
LEAWOOD ESTATES
$1,399,000
$1,375,000
98%
10
6
6.1
Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 09/01/2021 TO 09/30/2021. * DOM=Days on Market
50
Johnson County Lifestyle | November 2021
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