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LIFESTYLE LETTER
MAY 2021 PUBLISHER
Matthew Perry | matthew@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Letter from the Editor OUR MAY ISSUE IS DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING WOMEN, AND AS I REFLECT ON THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE, I AM THANKFUL FOR EACH ONE AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE MADE. Among those are women who have made lasting impressions on my kids, and I would be remiss to not honor one that stands out amongst them all—my son’s former 4th grade teacher, Mrs. English. A teacher has the incredible power and influence to build a child up or tear them down in a way that can create a lasting impact. I am sure all of us can think back on experiences with our own former teachers, both positive and negative, that influenced how we felt about learning and about ourselves in general. Shelly English is a teacher that is intentional about connecting with every student in her class
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com SALES DIRECTOR
Justin Stoltman | justin.stoltman@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Madison O'Connor, Lisa Moyer, Brad Zollars CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Paul Versluis, Madison O'Connor
and meets them exactly where they are. She discovers greatness in each one and inspires them to be the best version of themselves. My oldest son struggled with the tough combination of being both ADHD and gifted simultaneously, and while we now realize those have turned into strengths as a teenager, it can be a very tough combination in elementary school. After kindergarten, his first few years were rough, and as a result, he began to develop a few nervous habits. Thankfully, he was placed in Mrs. English’s 4th grade class at such an influential time in his life. She was like a soothing blanket to his soul, and she found ways to help him overcome those nervous habits without calling attention to them and not only made him feel loved and accepted, but helped him flourish. She was so instrumental in the development of the
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
successful young man that he is today that every single one of his college scholarship
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
essays mentioned her influence on his success in some capacity.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Shelly is retiring from teaching this year, and although I am happy for her, I can’t help
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
but feel a little sad that there are kids that won’t get the opportunity to experience the
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
profound impact that she has on every student that she encounters. The best way that
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
I can honor her as one of the greatest women to cross my family’s path is to live like Shelly lives — to look for the good in everyone and call out greatness in those around me. She knew the importance of speaking positivity and love over the kids who were entrusted in her care and treated every single one with dignity. We can all learn so much from the Shelly Englishes of this world.
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Cheers to the women in our lives who inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY
Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty ON THE COVER Ciara Barton PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES 8
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
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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 MAY 2021
FEATURES 14 At Home Spa DIY scrubs for in-home pampering
26 Celebrate the Women in Your Life with jewelry as mesmerizing as the beauty who will wear it.
34 Queen of Hearts Gloria Rudd shares about her love of family, Kansas City and giving back.
26 34
40 Coffee + Books finding the perfect spots in KC
40
14 DEPARTMENTS 8
Lifestyle Letter
14 DIY 20 Healthy Lifestyle 40 Hot Spot 47 Realty Report 48 Financial Buzz
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DIY
AT H O M E S PA
ARTICLE LEANN PARKER
AS A BUSINESS OWNER OF BOTH SILVERTOOTH HOME AND MOBILE MUSIC TEACHERS, I AM THE FIRST TO RAISE MY HAND AT STRUGGLING TO TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE. Because I love my work so much, I often forget the necessary balance of stepping away from it. My husband has been known to pop into my office to ask how many hours it has been since I’ve been sitting and that maybe I should at least get a glass of water. Hold on, going to do that now.... Clearly, self-care is not natural for me, and that isn’t something to be proud of. I have learned the hard way that self-care is not selfish but critical for a healthy and thriving life. The older I get, the more that I know and believe that putting my best foot forward means taking a step back from productivity for rest. True growth is slow growth.
14
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
Since I am one to struggle in the area of self-care, I find it helpful
GIFT-GIVING
to include rest on my calendar to ensure it happens. My practiced
Along with enjoying these DIY treatments
rhythm of rest is taking one hour per day, one day per week and
yourself, you can also assemble them as gifts
one week per year that is set aside for “nothing” (as in, nothing that
for friends! All of these self-care recipes can be
I would label productive). When I started practicing this time of rest
made into beautiful gifts for your friends and fam-
I was left with feelings of guilt and panic. These are the sure tell
ily to be celebrated and loved. Simply assemble
signs of a workaholic in detox mode, let me tell you. But practice
the recipes as directed and place them in wide
makes perfect, and I’m happy to say that rest is getting easier for
mouth mason jars with bamboo lids. Include a
me, and if you struggle with rest as well then I know that it will
wooden spoon or scoop, instructions on how to
get easier for you, too. I hope that you join me as we practice the
use it and attach with ribbon or twine. And don’t
art of self-care by trying these wonderful DIY recipes for putting
forget that Mother’s Day is on May 9 (hint, hint!).
together an at-home spa to relax and enjoy. Recipes that include Young Living Oils are gifted to us by my gal-
LEMON SUGAR SCRUB
pal and oils expert, Theresa Jones. Follow her over @theresamjones1 to watch her highlights as she demonstrates how to assemble and
INGREDIENTS
use these recipes.
+ 1 cup sugar
I had the honor of photographing this beautiful space in the home
+ 1/2 cup avocado or fractionated coconut oil
of the talented Suzanne Dahlmer who designed and built this space
+ 20 drops of Young Living Lemon essential oil
for her family. You can find her @indigostyleanddesign for inspiration.
+ Juice from one lemon CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
15
DIY (CONTINUED)
“SELF-CARE IS GIVING THE WORLD T H E B E S T O F Y O U I N S T E A D O F W H AT ’ S L E F T O F Y O U.” — K AT I E R E E D
DIRECTIONS
LAVENDER SALT BATH
Mix the ingredients in a bowl adding more or less oil until desired consistency is achieved. Store in a
INGREDIENTS
glass jar with a lid and use within a few days. To use,
+ 1 cup epsom salts
gently rub over skin. Rinse with warm water and dry
+ ¼ cup dried lavender flowers (optional)
with a towel. Your skin will be left silky smooth! You
+ 20 drops of Young Living Lavender oil
can place the scrub by the sink to be used on hands after washing or left in the shower to be used as a body scrub (just do not use on face).
DIRECTIONS Combine salt and flowers. When ready to use, add the mix to a full tub of bath water. Lastly, add
DETOX FOOT SOAK
the oil to your bath before enjoying it.
INGREDIENTS
larger batch (4 cups epsom salt, 1 cup dried lavender
+ 1/4 cup epsom salts
flowers) to keep it on the counter until ready to use.
+ 2 tablespoons baking soda
If you’re making a large batch for later, just make
+ 2 tablespoons salt
sure to exclude the oils until you’re ready to use.
+ Rose Petals (optional)
*Warning that if using dried flowers it will take extra
+ 5 drops of oil of your choice (Stress Away, Valor,
time to clean the bath afterwards. Before draining
Peppermint or Panaway are suggested)
the bathwater, use a skimmer to remove the flowers
This recipe is for a single bath, but I like to make a
and if needed rinse your body in the shower. DIRECTIONS Mix salts, baking soda and oil combination
HONEY LIP RUB
of your choice. Fill a foot basin large bowl with warm water and add your mix to the water.
INGREDIENTS
Gently stir to dissolve ingredients. Sprinkle rose
+ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
petals on top of water. Soak your feet for 15 min-
+ 1 tablespoon coconut oil
utes or until the water has cooled.
+ ½ teaspoon local honey
This recipe is for a single foot soak, but I like to make larger batches (2 cups epsom salts, 1 cup bak-
16
DIRECTIONS
ing soda, 1 cup salt) to keep it on the counter until
Mix all ingredients. For dryer texture add more
ready to use. If you’re making a large batch for later,
brown sugar as needed. Gently rub onto lips and
just make sure to exclude the oils and dried flowers
rinse with cool water. Use once per week. Keep
until you’re ready to use the soak.
unused rub in the fridge with a lid.
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
17
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
19
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
“MY VISION WAS TO CREATE A CLINIC THAT NOT ONLY GAVE EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT WAS GROUNDED IN PRINCIPLES OF HISTOLOGY, TR AUMATOLOGY AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY.” 20
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
ARTICLE JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
Making you feel better IS PRIORITY ONE FOR THESE PROFESSIONALS BLUE VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY OWNERS AND STAFF EMPLOY THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO OFFER PATIENTS POSITIVE OUTCOMES.
traumatology and neurophysiology,” she says. “These principals provide a scientific rationale behind every evaluation and treatment they provide. This was a unique view of treating patients at the time.” BLUE VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY OWNERS AND STAFF
With this vision, Cooper opened her clinic in October 1996 at
EMPLOY THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO OFFER
the corner of 151st and Metcalf and practiced solo for five years.
PATIENTS POSITIVE OUTCOMES.
Gradually the clinic’s volume started to pick up pace and in 2001, as
They say success happens when hard work and opportunity col-
luck would have it, Ryan Klusman came on board.
lide. This is the story of Blue Valley Physical Therapy. Ann Cooper
“He had just graduated from Rockhurst University with his physi-
opened Blue Valley Physical Therapy in October 1996. The family
cal therapy degree and was looking for a job. I hired him!” she says.
farm she grew up on in Nebraska taught her the core values she
“Ryan provided another level of expertise, energy and professional-
needed to start her own physical therapy clinic, including hard work,
ism, so in 2001, he became a partner and has contributed greatly to
a “fix it attitude,” independence, freedom and risk-taking.
the growth of the overall clinic.”
CONTINUED >
After graduating from the University of Kansas in Physical Therapy and working for others for eight years, Cooper felt it was time to put her core values to work and open her own clinic. “My vision was to create a clinic that not only gave exceptional customer service but was grounded in principles of histology,
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
21
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)
Over the last 25 years, Blue Valley Physical Therapy has continued to grow and today has 27 therapists offering both physical and occupational therapy. They have opened three additional clinics in Johnson County. Originally focused on manual therapy, today they have expanded their specialties to include vestibular therapy, concussion therapy, women’s health, aquatics, dry needling, women’s health, sports medicine and many other services. Blue Valley Physical Therapy specializes in the diagnosing of musculoskeletal injury, relating it to your specific biomechanics, and then providing you the pathway for the most optimal healing in the shortest amount of time possible. They believe that treatment is not just getting rid of the pain but providing you with the strength and proper biomechanics to prevent the injury from ever coming back again. Blue Valley Physical Therapy is located at 151st/Metcalf, Overland Park; K10/Ridgeview, Olathe; 119th/Quivira, Overland Park and 47th/Rainbow, Westwood. Visit bluevalleypt.com for more information. 22
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
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C E L E B R AT E THE WOMEN i n yo u r l i fe
WITH JEWELRY AS MESMERIZING AS THE BEAUTY WHO WILL WEAR IT. PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
SHOW YOUR ADMIRATION FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE WITH A LASTING GIFT OF JEWELRY THAT BEAUTIFULLY ADORNS HER. This specially curated Mother’s Day Gift Guide showcases beautiful, high-quality jewelry from local jeweler, Scott's Diamond Designs.
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Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
Triangle shaped Tanzanite set in white gold framed by 2 rows of diamonds with a triangle diamond set in the diamond bail.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
27
CELEBRATE THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE (CONTINUED)
White gold band set with 4 round sapphires & 3 diamonds that is flanked on each side by stackable diamond eternity bands. Eternity band set wit
28
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
Three oval sapphires set in diamond halo ring.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
29
CELEBRATE THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE (CONTINUED)
White gold diamond bar necklace. White gold bezel set diamonds & chain earrings. Diamond tennis bracelet.
Five carat blue topaz & diamond ring. Three carat pear shaped diamond ring.
30
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
CREDITS: JEWELRY: Scott's Diamond Designs info@scottsdiamonddesigns.com (913) 492-0011 MODEL: Ciara Barton Voices & STYLIST: Amani Skalacki PHOTOGRAPHER: Janie Jones Sterling silver stackable bangles Rose gold earrings set with oval amethyst.
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33
q ueen of hea r ts ARTICLE BRAD ZOLLARS
GLORIA RUDD HAS ALWAYS DONE THINGS HER OWN WAY—A SELF-MADE SUCCESS STORY BORNE THROUGH COURAGEOUS INDEPENDENCE AND RESOLUTE CONFIDENCE. “I’ve never undertaken anything where I didn’t think I would succeed,” Gloria Rudd tells me, her charming British accent as strong as ever. A middle child growing up in the London suburbs of Chiswick and Surbiton, young Gloria likely couldn’t find Kansas on a map. That she would make this her home for over four decades would have seemed more fantastical than any tale Roald Dahl could conjure. Life is nothing if not surprising. “Fate loves the fearless,” as poet James Russell Lowell once claimed. After a tour in the U.S. Navy, Gloria’s late husband Michael began a long, prosperous run in the travel industry, where a promotion with TWA eventually brought the family to Kansas City. It was here that Mrs. Rudd built an impressive career in ad sales, eventually launching her own agency (Gloria Rudd Advertising). Kansas is also where the Rudd children spent their formative years, leading to successful careers in their own right: daughter Mandi is CEO of Brain Energy Marketing and son Paul is a bona fide Hollywood movie star. But more impressive than these achievements are how affable and humble both remain—character traits that were no doubt imparted by their parents and reinforced by their surroundings. “There is such a feeling of love in this city. It’s such a warm and welcoming place,” Gloria notes. This sense of community may be why Rudd finds such fulfillment through giving back. During her time in KC, she’s been aligned with numerous charitable organizations, including holding the executive director role of Will Shield’s “Will to Succeed” Foundation. Her most well-known cause, however, is that of Big Slick, a wildly popular fundraiser now gearing up for its 12th year.
34
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
Photo by Paul Versluis
The annual event, which benefits Children’s Mercy Hospital oncology programs, was born in 2010, when actor Rob Riggle, having just witnessed surgery on a newborn, was so impressed with the care given that he created a fundraiser for the hospital in the form of a celebrity poker tournament. From there, he brought in Paul Rudd, who in turn brought in Jason Sudeikis. All three have deep KC roots. These three were the founding members of the charity (locals Eric Stonestreet and David Koechner have since joined), eager to give back to a community they still think of as home. Running things on the back end falls to family and friends. Paul’s sister Mandi is involved. So too are the sisters of Eric Stonestreet and David Koechner (Mauria and Joan). Rob Riggle’s brother in-law, Mark and sister Julie as well as Jason Sudeikis’ mother, Kathy, have been involved since the early days. Even Paul and Rob’s fraternity brothers are in on the action. This army of volunteers allows the charity to provide as much as possible to Children’s Mercy, a fact Gloria Rudd trumpets: “We don’t have one paid employee. We have zero budget and zero salaries.”
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
35
QUEEN OF HEARTS (CONTINUED)
In year one, they hoped to raise a modest $50,000. The thought expressed to Rudd was “you’ve got to walk before you run.” “And if we all thought like that, we’d still be living in caves,” Rudd shot back, not in the business of half-measures. They more than doubled their expectation, raising over $120,000. In
subsequent
years,
the
poker
tourna-
ment evolved to a softball game at Kauffman Stadium. The Saturday night auction generated such demand it eventually moved to T-Mobile Center. All along the way, the number of participating celebrities ballooned. Word, it seemed, had gotten around Hollywood circles about this magical event in the heart of America. The reason was simple: Children’s Mercy Hospital. The beloved not-for-profit is world-renowned for pediatric care, oncology and research. While celebrities participate in many charitable events, Big Slick holds one key difference, according to Rudd: “Those involved put it to me this way: this is the only event where we actually get to see the impact of our charitable giving first-hand. We get to see the faces and places that it’s all for.” Though the event went virtual in 2020, they still shattered expectations, generating over $2 million—bringing the total raised for the hospital to over $12 million in the event’s 11-year history. Despite Big Slick’s fundraising success, Gloria Rudd isn’t yet satisfied. “I just wish that we could do more.” A sentiment that sums up an exceptional life defined by always aiming higher. England’s loss is Kansas City’s gain. Learn all about Big Slick 2021 at www.bigslickkc.org
36
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
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Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
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coffee + books
HOT SPOT
40
ARTICLE MADISON O'CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
FINDING THE PERFECT SPOTS IN KC
GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN
Pilgrim Coffee
CENTRAL WISCONSIN DOES NOT PROVIDE MANY OPTIONS IN TERMS OF TRENDY COFFEE SHOPS. Although I love my hometown and am immensely thankful for where I was raised, it’s not exactly known for emulating the latest trends. This was a problem considering my love for coffee and all things aesthetic. As a kid, my family and I visited Kansas City quite often, and I had always looked forward to trying out all of the unique restaurants and coffee shops around the city. I’ve just recently moved to the beautiful Kansas City area, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. As you may have already guessed, one of my favorite aspects of living here is constant access to the vast variety of cafes and coffee shops. Because there are so many options to choose from, selecting these few was extremely difficult. Nevertheless, down below you’ll find just a handful of my go to spots in Johnson County.
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
Filling Station
“ONE OF MY FAVORITE ASPECTS OF LIVING HERE IS CONSTANT ACCESS TO THE VAST VARIETY OF CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS.”
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
41
HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
42
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
PILGRIM COFFEE 12643 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Pilgrim Coffee has the most pleasant atmosphere and is perfect for a productive afternoon. I ordered their seasonal Ginger Flower latte; ½ ginger and ½ lavender made with their house made syrup. Everything about it was delicious, not to mention the beautiful latte art!
Front Range
FILLING STATION 7420 Johnson Dr, Mission The Filling Station has always been a favorite of mine since visiting Kansas City as a child. Its variety of drinks, friendly staff, and unique interior make for such a fun experience. The barista made me one of their espresso shots and one of their signature pressed juices. So yummy! FRONT RANGE 2718 W 53rd St, Fairway This quaint little coffee shop is so cozy and the ideal location to sit and read a good book. The barista was so kind and made me feel very welcome and cared for. I was served their popular Honey Lavender latte, and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Jinkies!
JINKIES! 8350 W 151st St, Overland Park Jinkies! is one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve had the privilege of visiting so far. With its unique ‘70s themed interior and cozy atmosphere, Jinkies! is the perfect place to hang out and makes for such a fun experience. I had their Cookie Dough iced latte and had a hard time setting it down! I would highly recommend making this your new go-to coffee spot. POUR COFFEEHOUSE 11120 S Lone Elm Rd, Olathe Pour Coffeehouse has an array of yummy pastries and fun drinks to choose from. I ordered the Sassy Cuban latte made with rich Cuban espresso, dark chocolate,
Pour Coffeehouse
Hatties
brown sugar and cinnamon. This is quickly becoming one of my favorites! HATTIE’S 4195 Somerset Dr, Prairie Village One of my favorite things about Hattie’s is its family-friendly atmosphere and personable staff. I had a Honey Lavender latte and a gluten free almond scone. All of their pastries are made in house, and they have many allergen-free options to choose from. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
What goes better with coffee than a good book? Here are a few of my go-to local bookstores around KC. PROPERO'S BOOKS: Just a fiveminute drive from the Plaza and downtown convention district. 1800 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO THE GREEN DOOR BOOK STORE: Johnson County’s premier indie bookstore has a wide selection of books, both new and used, in all genres. 7713 W. 151st Street Overland Park, KS RAINY DAY BOOKS: A full-service bookstore, carrying an large selection of carefully selected new books for all ages. 2706 W 53rd Street, Fairway, Kansas WILLA'S BOOKS AND VINYL: specializes in used and rare AfricanAmerican books, first editions, literature, vintage jazz and blues lps, 45 soul, rare selections of vintage magazines.as well as the works of a wide variety of main-stream authors. 1734 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO
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Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
CL E A N I NG HOM ES T H ROUGHOU T JOH N S ON C OU N T Y & W E S T E R N KC Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, Occasionally or one time! Move - ins & Move - outs • Remodel & Construction Clean-up
CA LL US FOR YOUR CLEA NING NEEDS! FR EE ESTIM ATES 913 .649.6022 · LuluandMimis.com
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
45
World Class FinanCial serviCes MidWest values. Over 30 years experience working with clients in all stages of life.
913-214-9000
adastrafinancialgroup.com
13220 Metcalf Ave #210 in Overland Park
COMPLIMENTARY NEW CLIENT FINANCIAL REVIEW Ad Astra Financial Group is a marketing name for securities, insurance and investment advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and a registered investment advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. Does not provide tax or legal advice.
Established in 1990
Fam i ly Owned & Operated
Sales, Installation, Service & Repair Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers & Entry Doors
913 - 4 3 8 -7 3 0 5 / RoyalDoor.com / 13 920 W. 10 8th Street , L enexa, KS
GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle 46
YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD
JOHNSON COUNTY
LIST PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/LIST
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
MISSION HILLS
$2,800,000
$2,750,000
98%
326
5
4.3
INDIAN HILLS
$1,895,000
$1,895,000
100%
0
4
5.1
DEERBROOK
$1,600,000
$1,600,000
100%
7
6
5.2
TERRYBROOK FARMS
$1,399,000
$1,435,000
102%
0
6
6.2
SIENA OF LEAWOOD
$1,375,000
$1,285,000
93%
2
6
6
MILLS FARM
$1,399,000
$1,234,000
88%
153
5
5.2
BERRYHILL FARM
$1,100,000
$1,100,000
100%
45
4
3.1
DEER CREEK
$1,085,000
$1,040,000
95%
52
5
3.1
ESTATES OF GLENEAGLES
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
100%
6
5
4.1
$975,000
$935,000
95%
15
6
6.1
PAVILIONS
Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from 03/01/2021 TO 03/31/2021. * DOM=Days on Market
CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
47
FINANCIAL BUZZ
ARTICLE LISA MOYER PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
MotherDaughter Team Brings Generational S t a r P o w e r TO AD ASTRA FINANCIAL GROUP
FROM A YOUNG AGE, ELIZABETH PARKS WATCHED HER MOTHER BUILD HER SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BUSINESS AND IS NOW PROUD TO ASSIST HER. As founder and president of Ad Astra Financial Group, Karen A. Reimer was always driven by a commitment to serve people and find appropriate strategies for their unique financial situations. Later, she blended her personal and professional goals in a way that attracted her daughter and four others to join her mission. Now with five fulltime employees, Reimer travels between offices in Overland Park and Wichita as she leads her team to keep reaching for the stars. “All of us are proud Kansas natives which led to our name ‘Ad Astra’ from the Kansas state motto: Ad Astra Per Aspera—to the stars through difficulties,” Reimer states. Since 1982, Reimer has been using her knowlnest eggs and manage their assets. Two years
For more i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t :
ago, her daughter transitioned from a career as a
www.adastrafinancialgroup.com
Physician Assistant in primary care medicine to
358 N. Main, Suite 302
join her mom’s team, becoming executive admin-
Wichita, KS 67202
istrator of the Overland Park location.
(316) 265-8400
edge and experience to help others build their
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Johnson County Lifestyle | May 2021
“It’s a dream come true to see my daughter flourish
A current focus is to stand alongside women facing
in the business that I invested my career in growing,”
major life transitions—career changes, mid-life adjust-
Reimer says. “The similarities between us are strengths,
ments, the death of a spouse, divorce, or assuming the
and the uniqueness bring together a cohesive brand.”
care of elderly parents. Another priority is legacy planning.
Her daughter adds that they value and trust each other’s ideas even when they differ. “We know the other’s tendencies,” Parks shares. “I can anticipate what she needs or the direction
“The values of legacy planning are near and dear to the heart,” Reimer says. “The continuity it provides is both a responsibility and a motivation to layer success and pass accomplishments to the next generation.”
she might be going with a client just by the glance
Ad Astra values inclusivity, and Reimer often asks
or the inflection of her voice on the phone. We
her clients, “Are you having the best life you can with
challenge each other to think about something dif-
the assets you have?”
ferently because she knows I come at things from a different perspective.”
Both mother and daughter agree that their best life includes family. Reimer loves spending time with
With a master’s degree in financial planning, a
her two married daughters, their husbands, and five
Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) and wealth advisor,
grandchildren. She enjoys flower gardening, watching
Reimer has created an enterprise that does business
college sports, attending classical music events, and
in 36 states. Ad Astra offers comprehensive strategic
traveling. As for Parks, who lives in southern Johnson
financial planning services and asset management
County with her husband and three active boys, she
options, including investment management and over-
can be found on the bleachers cheering her sons and
sight, estate planning, retirement income, income tax
husband, exercising and snuggling her dogs.
planning and insurance needs analysis. “We pride ourselves on offering world-class service
Karen Reimer offers securities and investment advisory
with Midwest values,” Reimer adds. “Our team has 70
services through SagePoint Financial, Inc. (SPF) mem-
years of combined experience bringing cutting-edge
ber FINRA/SIPC. SPF is separately owned and other
knowledge of our field, while maintaining the warm,
entities and/or marketing names, products or services
accessible feel that our Midwest culture instills.”
referenced here are independent of SPF.
It’s a dream come true to see my daughter flourish in t h e b u s i n e s s t h at I i n v e s t e d m y c a r e e r i n g r o w i n g .” CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
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Audi Shawnee Mission
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Contactless Service / Free Pick Up and Delivery* *Restrictions may apply. Contact dealer for details. Pick Up and Delivery offer valid until 7/31/21
Audi Shawnee Mission
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6601 E. Frontage Rd | Merriam, KS 66202 | 913-384-2834 | Audi-ShawneeMission.com