Johnson County, KS May 2023

Celebrating Women

Custom Homes

Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.

Letter from the Editor

Good friends are one of the greatest treasures in life. I have been so lucky to have friends throughout my life that not only bring fun and joy but who also are there to journey with me through the ups and downs of life. Surrounding yourself with people who are likeminded and placing a priority on developing a deeper connection with them is something that is so worthwhile and life giving. Spending quality time with friends has been proven to not only benefit mental health, but it is proven to help our overall health in general and can lower stress levels and blood pressure and improve immune function. That is remarkable and is proof that meaningful human connection is something that we all need on a cellular level. My girlfriends have become like family to me, and I cannot imagine going through life without them.

I am naturally a very extroverted person and like to go out of my way to meet new people, but I know not everyone has that comfort level. One of my kids is more of an introvert, and I know putting himself out there to meet new friends is painfully awkward for him. If you are someone who is looking for opportunities to connect with people, I think one of the easiest ways to branch out is by joining a local group that does an activity together. Having something to do helps push past the awkward when first getting to know each other, and oftentimes having a shared interest opens the door to connecting further. Some easy things to jump into could be a local club that encourages being active like pickle ball, cycling, running, adult soccer and so on. Book clubs, church groups or local outreaches are great ways to be part of something that encourages discussions. Our city offers so many opportunities to connect based off of shared interests such as whiskey drinking (check out our article on Whiskey Women KC in this issue), food lovers, the arts, and so much more.

Our May issue is dedicated to celebrating the women in our life. I know the women in my life are all people who have greatly contributed to my wellbeing and are truly irreplaceable. I encourage you to take a moment to think about the women in your life that have greatly impacted you and have brought joy to your life, and send them a note of gratitude if you are able.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Jessica Grace, Allison Swan, Mindy Hargesheimer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Lauren Citron Kansas City Fashion Week 2: NidaLu Handmade Kansas City Fashion Week 3: Tivona Naturals Kansas City Fashion Week

4: J Mullen Apparel Company Kansas City Fashion Week 5: Kansas City Fashion Week Runway Show 6: NidaLu Handmade Kansas City Fashion Week 7: Gracie Key Kansas City Fashion Week

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Give Mom the Gift of Glow

Our Signature, Deluxe or Platinum Hydrafacials are the perfect gifts for the mothers in your life. A results driven treatment that removes impurities while simultaneously infusing hydration, nourishing peptides, and antioxidants back into the skin. Be sure to ask us about our luxurious add-ons such as the Hydrafacial Eye

Suds Refillery

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Refill

From a lifestyle to a business, Kerry JonesSteil and mother Barbette Jones have a passion for making a positive impact on the environment by not only reducing their own carbon footprint but enabling others to do the same. This was Kerry’s passion and lifestyle before it became a business idea. By visiting other states and seeing how they had created refineries she thought she could do the same, so she did.

She started out doing “pop-up” shops at different locations around Kansas City with her Suds Refillery Blue Van. People could either purchase new or bring their own bottles and refill them with the different products offered. She also does this today at her shop location in Shawnee.

Because the earth’s environment suffers with each single-use plastic bottle, you can bring in or purchase a glass bottle at their shop location in Shawnee or at a pop-up event. You then fill the bottle with a product such as dish

soap, shampoo, lotion, etc., and when you are done, you return and fill the bottle again.  They also sell shampoo bars, bath salts, and essential oils. They even have a men’s line of beard oil, and other men’s products.

Kerry is not only passionate about decreasing people’s carbon footprint but also making sure they are not using products that contain toxic chemicals as many mainstream products do. Kerry and her mom make some of the products themselves, so they know what is in them, or they source them from businesses they have personally researched and trust that they are of high quality and use safe ingredients when making their products.

With more people looking for non-toxic options, Suds Refillery is a great place to start and actually get to see (and smell!) the products before you purchase them. Be sure to check out their site for products and upcoming events.

sudsrefillery.com

ARTICLE BY JESSICA GRACE  | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

WANT SUCCESS? TRUST THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN

To say real estate runs in the family would be an understatement. Haley Epps’ mother, Sandy Spalitto, followed her parents into the real estate arena. Haley dipped her toe into the arena in 1995, and her daughter, Talia Epps, has followed suit.

“My mom inspired me to become a realtor because I looked up to her and really valued her client relationships and the way she interacted with people,” Haley notes. “My mom was always going out of her way for people and very respected by friends and colleagues. Her clients also became great friends. I saw the joy that her job brought to her and how it also benefitted our family as well.”

She explains her mom is pretty much retired now while still continuing to be a great mentor to her. Talia earned her real estate license last summer to assist her and has always been intrigued by real estate, as her mother and grandmother before her.

“I didn’t know if she would want to be a real estate agent full time, but she has decided to come back from graduating from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona in April and works full time with me at Compass,” she continues.

Her team is now a part of the Sports and Entertainment Division of Compass, as well as Realm, an elite group of agents across the country who specialize in giving unforgettable service and best-in-class expertise.

“We are excited for this new opportunity and to be able to share it with our clients. Regardless of whether they are buying or selling in the Kansas City area or relocating across the globe, we have the best possible services and connections available,” she smiles.

She understands that working together is really the best way to be a great realtor.

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“We wear so many different hats and for so many different clients that having other people that can be an extension of yourself, your values, and your work ethic really benefits your clients as well as yourself in this business. It allows me to give more attention and care to my clients. What is trending in real estate today is being a one-stop shop for people in all things related to their home sale or purchase—providing expert care in decorating, staging, marketing, home improvements and their investments. I think people want a team or an agent that can help them to make the experience delightful and pretty much turnkey.”

Haley works with both buyers and sellers in Kansas and Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters hiking, biking and vacationing to the beach in Florida. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she believes in community involvement and personally raises money for local organizations including Gold Key Project, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and her local church, the Legacy Christian Church. Her team holds clothing drives for Mission South Side, a local ministry that provides for the homeless and works with the Unconventional Women’s Business Network, a non-profit faith at work ministry designed to foster good business practices within the community.

“Daily, I am inspired by giving great customer service, and doing my best at whatever I put my hands to,” she reflects. “I also like to feel I make a difference in people’s lives, that they are being well taken care of.” For more information, visit haleyeppsteam.com

“My mom inspired me to become a realtor because I looked up to her and really valued her client relationships and the way she interacted with people,” Haley notes. “My mom was always going out of her way for people and very respected by friends and colleagues. Her clients also became great friends. I saw the joy that her job brought to her and how it also benefitted our family as well.”

“DAILY, I AM INSPIRED BY GIVING GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND DOING MY BEST AT WHATEVER I PUT MY HANDS TO, I ALSO LIKE TO FEEL I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES, THAT THEY ARE BEING WELL TAKEN CARE OF.”

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Kansas City is a Midwestern metropolis full of wildly talented female entrepreneurs, visionaries, and creatives who have and continue to singlehandedly propel this city forward. From a technology pioneer to leaders in sports, and musical screenwriting and production, these three Kansas City women inspire us to follow in their footsteps and to continue making history.

Kathy Nelson is the President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and helped bring some of the world’s most prominent sporting events to Kansas City, including the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 women’s World Cup. She was named by USA Today as the Missouri Honoree of the year for 2023.

JCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY TO KC SPORTS COMMISSIONER.

KN: Prior to joining the KC Sports Commission in 2010, I served in senior management roles in marketing, sales and promotions at Time Warner Cable and Metro Sports and held a number of roles at FOX 4/WDAF-TV in Kansas City, including creative services manager, producer, reporter and editor. I also was an active volunteer and member of WIN for KC and the KC Sports Commission for over ten years.

JCL: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

KN: Throughout my career path, I was fortunate enough to receive numerous Telly, Emmy and cable television awards for sports production and was the first woman to win a regional Emmy for the production of an NFL game in the early 2000’s.

JCL: WHAT FUTURE PLANS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

KN: Bringing the World Cup to Kansas City — one of North America’s 16 host sites in 2026!

Kathy Nelson President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission

Casey Welch spent 35+ years as a Computer Software Architect, Certified Project Manager, and the first woman to work in IT and Sales at IBM. Upon retiring from the corporate world, she earned a graduate degree in Education with an emphasis on teaching English as a Second Language at the age of 65.

JCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO BEING THE FEMALE PIONEER THAT YOU ARE.

CW: I grew up in a small town and was valedictorian, a cheerleader, and voted ”Most Likely to Succeed.” I knew I would have to earn scholarships to get the education. I would need to succeed in the 1960’s, which provoked the need to know how things worked. I was curious and became a problem solver.

JCL: WHAT INSPIRED THE WORK THAT YOU DO?   CW: Lucky accidents; being at the right place and time got me in the door, but it didn’t keep me there. The personal computer was invented, and there weren’t enough qualified professionals, so higher-salary job opportunities were prevalent. My parents taught us to be inquisitive and to become part of the solution rather than the problem.

JCL: TELL US ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AND HOW THEY IMPACTED YOU.

CW: Being the first female computer technician IBM hired in KC alongside 60 men. To compliment the dress code of dark suits, white shirts, and ties required for the guys, I wore dresses and heels and an “IBM” logoed lab jacket over them. Likewise, a significant impact on my life was taking up yoga 25+ years ago and earning a teaching certificate, which is a primary reason I have been able to focus on what I want and achieve it.

JCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS.

CW: I am interested in volunteer work in the not-forprofit world where I can use my educational and project management skills. Oh yes… and traveling.

JCL: NAME A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT KANSAS CITY.

CW: Landmarks! Union Station, WW1 Museum, Nelson Art Gallery. It is friendly with Midwest values and manners. It has great restaurants, and some of my favorites are Aixios, Lidia’s, True Food Kitchen, and both Grand Street Cafes.

Retired Computer Software Architect, Certified Project Manager, and the first woman to work in IT and Sales at IBM

Casey Welch

Sandra Alongi

Screenwriter and Producer Sandra Alongi Martin is a Screenwriter and Producer who grew up in Kansas City’s suburbs. She and her husband have made four movies here and love being able to support local businesses by bringing productions locally.

JCL: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY TO SCREENWRITER/PRODUCER.

SM: Being from the Midwest, the film industry was not something that I had thought about. But my husband had always wanted to make movies since childhood. When we met, we started working together in photography and then slowly moved toward video projects, eventually deciding we wanted to create our own content and have more control over what we were producing. I started writing a decade ago, which led to directing and producing. This is a path I didn’t plan on, but I feel like my past career as a business owner and manager all played a part in what I’m doing now.

JCL: WHAT INSPIRED THE WORK THAT YOU DO?

SM: I create content that you can watch with your family. It’s always family-friendly with positive messaging. As a mom of grown children, I look back and think of what we watched together and enjoyed. I’ve always loved movies, and even as a teenager, I would re-write endings that I didn’t like. So, now I have the opportunity to write stories that I want to tell.

JCL: TELL US ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AND HOW THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.

SM: I’ve made over a dozen movies and have had the opportunity to see my work on Hallmark, Lifetime, Amazon, and in theaters. I feel very fortunate to do something I enjoy so much and be able to share that with others.

JCL: WHAT FUTURE PLANS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

SM: We had a limited release of a Christmas musical last year, It’s Christmas Again. I’m excited for it to be widely available this Christmas! I’m also looking forward to producing more content for children this year.

“I create content that you can watch with your family. It’s always family-friendly with positive messaging.”

WHISKEY WOMEN KC

ARTICLE BY DANIELA LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Holly Twaddell is stirring up a revolution among Kansas City’s whiskey industry. Over the past year, the KC native started Whiskey Women KC; a group made up of women from all walks of life who come together to learn more about whiskey without judgment.

CONTINUED >

The whiskey fanatic was first introduced to the distilled alcoholic beverage by her father five years ago. After a few sips of Irish whiskey, she was hooked and started immersing herself in the world of whiskey by attending conventions, touring distilleries and even becoming a member of the KC Whiskey Guild.

Twaddell says the taste of whiskey, the experience and the versatility are what sets this spirit apart from the rest.

“Whiskey is about drinking with friends, it’s about opening that bottle and just enjoying each other,” described Twaddell, “it has a complexity almost like poetry. There are just different levels of intensity and flavors.”

As she continued to explore the world of whiskey, her social circle began to broaden.

Each event led her to meet new people who shared a similar passion for whiskey, but she knew the industry lacked diversity. Twaddell said little to no women could be seen at distilleries or at barrel selections, and she needed to make a change.

Whiskey Women KC was launched by Twaddell in 2022, and so far, nearly 250 members have signed up to be part of the discussion. Twaddell says the group serves as a safe-space platform the whiskey industry craved. It’s also a place where people can contribute ideas while learning more about whiskey.

Whiskey Women KC members can routinely be seen at some of KC’s hottest bars sampling whiskey flights, and touring local distilleries, while creating lasting relationships and countless memories.

“I wanted to create a non-intimidating place where we as women could be ourselves, ask questions, and not feel like we’re looked down upon,” explained Twaddell. “A lot of the women are really excited because they get to meet new people. We’re going out, in the community and making new friends.”

Since the launch, Twaddell says the KC whiskey industry has been welcoming of her push to involve more women. Distilleries have invited the group to take tours, and whiskey leaders and organizations have reached out to Twaddell to congratulate her on her push to bring diversity to their industry. She says it’s those moments that fuel her desire to keep pushing boundaries and encourage others to do the same.

“You just have to keep going forward. You get a lot of eye rolls, and sometimes you get a lot of backlash like you don’t know what you’re talking about, and that’s pretty standard for a woman going into the male-dominated world of whiskey,” said Twaddell. “Keep pushing forward and keep doing what you love. If it’s not a challenge, it’s not worth it.”

As for how people can get started on their whiskey journey, Twaddell encourages people to start off light and work their way through the ladder of taste with plenty of company around.

“If you aren’t used to stronger whiskey, start with more mild ones, or a whiskey cocktail, but join those groups, keep pushing forward, and keep doing what you love,” said Twaddell.

Twaddell encourages the following stops for people interested in getting a true sense of KC’s whiskey scene.

• The Belfry is a gastropub located on 15th and Grand with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide people through a unique bourbon list and food menu.

• Drastic Measures is a cocktail-only bar. Twaddell praises the Shawnee bar for its clever incorporation of whiskey into savory drinks.

• Verdigris is a Whiskey Women KC group favorite due to its timeless and elegant atmosphere making it the perfect date-night spot or girl’s night out.

“Whiskey is about drinking with friends, it’s about opening that bottle and just enjoying each other.”

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT

Meet the Artist

KIM TAGGART

Since she was a child, Kim Taggart has been drawn to God’s awesome creations filled with brilliant views and colors. She credits her kindergarten teacher for alerting her parents that she had an elevated skill level when it came to drawing.

“Meeting with her encouraged them to keep me supplied with what I needed,” she explains. “While I went to Olathe High School, I had a very good art teacher, and I also took private art lessons at the then Mid-America Nazarene College. The professor taught me after school, and I learned oil, pastel and charcoal techniques.”

She went on to attend K State and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. As many artistic college graduates do, she decided to go into graphic design instead of formal art, which made more money at the time. She honed her skills working for various local advertising agencies.  CONTINUED

As she entered into adulthood, and life events have happened, her love of formal art has been reawakened, and she draws large graphite landscapes, which is unique to her genre. Her work can be seen in multiple locations in the Kansas City area.

“I work with Eva, who owns Eva Reynolds Fine Art Gallery. She features and sells many of my landscape prints. Eva represents world-renowned artists, and I feel lucky to be with her. Laura of McCroskey Interiors Award-Winning Interior Design Firm works through Eva to get my artwork for her clientele and has six of my large pieces on her website. She usually sells three or four at a time in her homes she designs,” she continues. “Jack Stack Barbecue in Martin City has six of my 30-inch pieces, and the newly remodeled Plaza Jack Stack has five of my really large pieces. My artwork looks like charcoal but is actually graphite.”

She feels that living in the country drew her to the lovely outdoors where she was lucky enough to witness Kansas sunsets and sunrises, stormy clouds and the Flint Hills. She is inspired by the world around her.

“My two daughters would always complain that I had my head out of the window,” she smiles. “I observe and capture composition. I also enjoy abstract art and will soon be working on more very large black and white pieces.”

As each art piece takes 80 to 100 hours, it takes time to create items for art shows.

Her 100-year-old house is a source of joy for her, with little curios with lead glass, a front porch swing and colonnade, which she notes is super inspiring and healing. She recently dedicated a room as an art studio in her home.

She is honored to be part of the group, American Women Artists, a non-profit membership organization comprised of women artists, patrons and gallery owners throughout the United States and Canada.

“They have a campaign called 25 in 25, and in the next 25 years, they are offering members the opportunity to jury into an annual museum exhibition. They are striving to get women in museum showings. Women’s art makes up only one percent in museums. I submit art and it is a juried competition,” she expresses. “You have to be in three shows to gain signature status, which I have obtained.”

Watch for more from this strong woman as she continues to thrive and create.

Visit kimtaggartsart.com to see more of her work.

SPRING

floral bowl

Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring Spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday– give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.

Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For an extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!

SUPPLIES

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional).

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch).

• 12” square cut chicken wire.

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire.

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do).

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional).

PREPARATION & ASSEMBLE

• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

Stuck with broken, leftover blooms from creating your floral bowl arrangements? Don’t discard those flowers just yet! Simply arrange leftover blooms and a few ornamental grasses onto a cake to elevate any tablescape. Even though the blooms are arranged out of water, they will look fresh for hours (especially when using roses and carnations). Enjoy!

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION

Looking for more instruction? Silvertooth Home offers seasonal workshops for guided styling experiences from cookie painting to floral arrangements and more. Receive personal instruction, create a take-home piece and all while enjoying a complimentary drink & treat while you work. Workshops are held at Silvertooth Stables (9200 Noland Rd KC, MO 64138). Tickets can be found at: silvertoothome.com/workshops

Can’t attend a workshop? Simply download and print our Floral Bowl Arrangement guide at silvertoothhome.com/store. Enjoy!

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN

A GARDEN PARTY

Stems is  the garden party of the summer. Sip wine, taste food from top restaurants and caterers, and enjoy art, music and fireworks at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The best part is that it’s all for a great cause—proceeds ensure programs and capital improvements as our cultural and recreational gems continue to grow.

Development Director Jennifer Cairns says this year will be bigger and better than ever.

“Stems is the perfect combination of a laidback evening wandering the gardens and a night filled with music, delicious drinks, flavorful local foods, and festivities galore,” says Cairns. “The event is integrated into the Arboretum’s signature gardens, and this year that includes the gardens and grounds surrounding LongHouse, the new 21,000 square foot visitor center. We are so excited to be able to expand the party. From the great lawn, to the event terrace, to the hidden garden, the new event spaces give our guests additional options to explore and reason to celebrate growth at the Arboretum. Stems

STEMS: A GARDEN SOIREE

brings people from throughout our community together and is the perfect venue for friends or a special date night. Our network of community supporters and sponsors enjoy hosting their clients and employees and spending an evening socializing under the stars.”

Guests receive a hand-painted wine glass to use throughout the evening and can take home as a souvenir. Wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be served along with a wide variety of tasty tidbits—past menu items included crab cakes, barbecue, orange shrimp, prime rib sandwiches, tiramisu, fruit crêpes and fried cheesecake.

Some of the most popular vendors at the event continue to be the activities, including the balloon artist and photo camper.

“We love seeing our guests all dressed up for a party wearing whimsical hats or accessories crafted from colorful balloons. The photo camper is hugely popular, sending guests home with a themed souvenir photo of their evening. We will also have a caricature artist, live music and even more fun, all-inclusive in the ticket price. The evening culminates in a dazzling display of fireworks reflected in the Arboretum’s water features.”

What inspired the creation of Stems was combining fun with a good cause.

“The Arts & Recreation Foundation Board of Directors created Stems back in 2008 to achieve several goals,” says Vicki Lilly, Executive Director. “The first goal was to create a signature summer event in Overland Park that brought people to the Arboretum in its early summer glory—the beauty of the Arboretum in late June is truly breathtaking. The second goal was to offer a really fun way for individuals

and the business community to support the foundation’s work. While Stems is a wonderful combination of being both casual and elegant and so much fun for attendees, it is vital to the foundation achieving its mission.”

Sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees have helped raise over $3.6 million. The donations collected from the event have helped the Foundation raise even more funds for Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and city art installations.

“All of the funds raised are used by the Foundation to support our Friends groups who work throughout the year to host community-loved events that make expansions and enhancements at our city’s cultural amenities possible. In partnership with the City of Overland Park, we will be building a new Draft Horse Depot at the Farmstead and working to create an inclusive experience at the Arboretum called Nature Encounter for All.”

Don’t miss the chance to sip, savor, and socialize under the stars at the most anticipated garden party of the summer on Saturday, June 24th at the Overland Park Arboretum. Located at 8909 West 179th Street, this event is only for guests 21 and older. For more information, visit stemssoiree.org

VINTAGE ‘78 WINE BAR

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The motto at Vintage ’78 Wine Bar is to drink well more often. Featuring one of the largest and most diverse selections of wine by the glass in the country with incremental pour sizes and flights, this world-class wine experience located in the heart of Downtown Overland Park is a fun and accessible way for all to enjoy life’s little indulgences.

Owner Michael Scherzberg put ’78 in the name because it was an excellent year for California, French and Italian wines, and also the year he was born.

“1978 was an exceptional year for wines in the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Tuscany, and California. It also happens to be my birth year,” says Scherzberg. “We wanted a name that would resonate with our target market: Gen Xers, younger Baby Boomers and Millennials. Part of the design of our space is meant to look like a timeless wine bar that has been there for decades, as if the apartment building we are housed in was built around us.

“I’ve been developing and refining a number of restaurant concepts over the past ten years. I’ve reached a point in my career where I felt it was time to create something of my own. When my team and I began to flesh out the details of this smaller concept, we knew there was a need for a place to enjoy exceptional wines in a

way that was far more accessible and approachable than our competitors.”

First-time guests can expect a chic new spot to pop a cork with genuine hospitality—their service team is ready to help anyone discover a new favorite.

“We want our space to feel like Cheers, but for wine lovers. All of our wines are served in varietal specific Riedel crystal, and pricing on our higher-end wines is below retail pricing. Beyond wine, we have a large selection of artisan and farmstead cheeses from around the world, as well as a large selection of charcuterie from some of the world’s best producers. Our staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and can help our guests to craft whatever kind of experience they would like to enjoy. When you walk into the space you will see a giant 15’ x 6’ window into our wine cellar, charcuterie hanging in the window, a large cheese grotto at the end of the bar next to the kitchen, and shelf after shelf of beautiful Riedel crystal behind the bar. Everything was created with the goal of being the absolute best place in Kansas City for wine lovers and to encourage people to drink well more often.”

Pair your wine with appetizers and snacks like truffle popcorn and assorted olives, paninis and sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts like affogato toast and rum cake.

“We don’t have a full kitchen, so there are a few limitations –most wine bars are limited by this and often serve very similar, somewhat uninspired, menus. We looked at this as a challenge and have developed a menu of craveable American classics such as grilled cheese and tomato soup and homemade chicken noodle soup—these are two dishes that I’m often let down if I don’t find them available. We also have some of my favorite things to eat, like steak tartare and our ahi sashimi. We have tried to keep the flavors simple, execute with classical technique, and over-deliver on wine bar cuisine. Having a talented Chef like Kyle Ketchum on the team means there is no limit to the creativity of our menu, despite the limitations.”

As for the future, Scherzberg has plans to open other locations when the timing is right.

“We believe in controlled growth—we aren’t looking to quickly open several restaurants. We want to develop our team and ensure we have enough strong people to help us open new locations and maintain our culture. To do this we have developed an industry-leading benefits package that includes ongoing training onsite, professional certifications and development with a number of trade organizations, and we cover the cost of tuition and books for those wishing to continue their education in hospitality, culinary arts, or a number of other business-related degrees through JCCC. Our plan is to develop leaders who can help us grow.”

Vintage ’78 Wine Bar is located at 7251 West 80th Street in Overland Park. For more information, visit vintage78winebar.com

As we welcome the warmth and fresh colors of spring, we also think about refreshing our homes. If you haven’t yet tackled your spring cleaning list, it’s not too late.

Whether you’re loving your home or you’re considering a move, maintaining a clean and happy home can make all the difference.

If you’re interested in discussing the spring sales market or what your home is worth, give us a call. We’re here to help with any of your real estate needs.

MAY THE SPRING CLEANING BEGIN!

BEDROOM Flip mattresses

Wash linens

Clean area rugs

Wash pillows

BATH

Toss old products

Replace mat & liner

Wash shower curtain

Clean shower head

KITCHEN

Clean cabinets

Clean fridge

Toss expired items

Vacuum under appliances

EXTERIOR

Touch up paint

Power wash

Clean gutters, windows & screens

Wash outdoor furniture