Johnson County, KS August 2023

Letter from the Editor

Our August issue is dedicated to the cutest members of society, our kids and pets. Children and pets have the unique ability of bringing joy to our lives by simply existing. The joy that they bring is unparalleled, and the complete unconditional love that exists between a parent and child is something I didn’t quite fully understand until experiencing it—to love someone so fully that you would gladly trade places with them when they are hurt begins the moment you become a parent. You celebrate their wins and mourn with them in losses. The level of worry is also something I wasn’t prepared for. I can’t count how many sleepless nights I have had over the years worrying about one of my children for something they were going through. Children (and pets) truly enrich our lives and teach us about love and sacrifice. We watch them grow and train them up to prepare them to be the best versions of themselves and hope that we gave them the tools to help them succeed.

The next big hurdle when loving someone so much is learning to let go. I am getting ready to send my second son off to college as a freshman, and as excited as I am for him, my heart aches a little at the same time with the thought of not seeing him every day. Letting go is part of life, and as I previously Iearned from sending my oldest son, Clay, off to college a few years ago, this next stage in Jack’s life is going to be a great adventure, and that makes the letting go part a little easier. As for our sweet pup, Cassidy, the adjustment to having Clay and Jack away will be a hard one. We have be big shoes to fill with the amount of walks, attention, and love that they pour all over her every day.

In this issue, we wanted to share some of our favorite pet-friendly patios around town. You can also learn about Zen Donkey’s expansion, a local company that is widely known for their cold-pressed juices and their mission to rescue donkeys. We also wanted to share a little bit about Kids TLC, and the amazing work they are doing for kids all over the Kansas City area, and how you can get involved to help.

Enjoy the last dog days of summer, and if you are sending a child off to college for the first time in the fall, or if you are at the beginning of it all and sending your little one off to kindergarten, know that it gets easier after those first few days, and is all part of the journey.

ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR

@JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Judy Goppert, Daniela Leon, Mindy Hargesheimer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Mindy Hargesheimer

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

“ At Class 101 we work with students in grades 9-12 to help them with the college planning journey. We assist with building a college list, writing essays, and ACT test prep, as well as helping them with the final transition to college. I searched for an office space that had nice amenities like the Aspiria Fitness Center. The training center works perfectly for our free practice ACT testing needs. Also, the contract was really simple and the move-in was a smooth, seamless transition.”

Laura Mungia, Owner/College Advisor Class 101

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: This year’s Stems: A Garden Soiree was a huge success bringing guests from all over the city to enjoy a night of small bites, beverages, live music and fireworks at the Overland Park Arboretum. Guests were also able to see the newly added visitor’s center

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Tag your Instagram photos with @JohnsonCountyCityLifestyle

LUXURY GLAMPING, REMARKABLE SUNSETS, AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN MAKE THIS A MIDWEST TRAVEL MUST

GLAMPING AT BIG CEDAR LODGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

Glamping -> My. Kind. Of. Camping.

A mere 3+ hours away from Kansas City, Big Cedar Lodge at Table Rock Lake’s drivable glamping units are the ultimate midwest vacation experience, thanks to their attention to property amenities, the proximity to activities galore, and the truly novel travel experience these cozy, upscale, and picture-perfect tents encompass!

Whether you are a seasoned traveler at this highly loved and rated escape into the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, or maybe you haven’t quite found the inspiration you needed to get there, chances are you have at least one person in your sphere who has nothing but rave reviews about the next level hospitality Big Cedar offers.

But, even if you’ve already visited and experienced their elevated private log cabins, lodge rooms, or lakeside cottages, getting into the glamping groove is a must at the charming off-property accommodations known as Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge.

It goes without saying that this extension of Big Cedar offers a more campy vibe, but it comes with comfort and niceties in mind that Big Cedar Lodge executes so well. The luxurious camping

experience sits on the shores of Table Rock Lake just minutes from Big Cedar Lodge and offers a selection of camp huts, cabins and glamping tents that host one, two, and up to four people.

During your stay, you’re free to roam the property that encompasses a zero-entry infinity pool and hot tub, as well as a Long Creek Marina that offers boat and watercraft rentals, fishing, guided boat tours and the Canteen vintage Airstream food truck.

But of course, the best part about Camp Long Creek Glamping is the wildly impressive tents that are perfectly decorated top to bottom with every detail in mind. The structure alone on these units are top notch, much less the fully equipped amenities that give your glamping trip the luxury it deserves with a private bathroom, shower with bathrobes, heating and cooling, and cushy bedding that is oh-so dreamy. Add to it Adirondack chairs to soak up the Table Rock Lake views, an outdoor fire pit and bathtub, and chandeliers that will have you swooning all while knowing your safety is a priority with keycard access entry into a private courtyard as well as the modern day wants of WIFI. Lastly, pets are welcome, too.

Big Cedar Lodge offers many more experiences including indulging in relaxation at the Cedar Creek Spa & Salon, private Table Rock Lake Boat Tours, The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy, Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena events, and Lady Liberty Dinner Cruises.

With five golf courses in the region, including Payne’s Valley designed by Tiger Woods, the area is considered ‘America’s Next Great Golf Destination’ thanks to their unique and natural beauty they are built upon and the sophisticated rounds they offer players. And, in addition to day trips like Dogwood Canyon, entertain the idea of visiting Springfield’s Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium and Finley Farms. Lastly, check out the full list of over ten on-property restaurant and bar establishments as well as a Wine Cellar Tour.

Here is a three-day, three-night itinerary that packs in the fun.

NIGHT 1: Visit Top of the Rock

• Dinner and Drinks at Osage Restaurant

• After Dinner Cocktails from Buffalo Bar

• Sunset Ceremony with Nightly Bagpipe Performance

• Chapel of the Ozarks

• Long Creek Marina & Pool

• Camp Long Creek Family Glamping Unit

DAY 1: Visit Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

• Wildlife Tram Tour

• Treehouse

• Mill & Canyon Grill Restaurant

NIGHT 2: Visit Fun Mountain

• Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl Grill

• Bowling

• Thunder Alley Go-Carts

• Spin Zone

• Arcade

• Kid’s Climbing Area

DAY 2:

• Play Buffalo Ridge Golf Course

• Swim at Devil’s Pool & Hot Tub

• Relax at Lakeside Pool & Hot Tub

NIGHT 3:

• Dinner and Drinks at The Worman House

DAY 3:

• Visit Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail

Where will you cheer on our hometown champions?

Whether it’s the ultimate party basement filled with family and friends, or your own private oasis with a front row seat, let’s find your perfect game day home!

High-profile real estate decisions demand a consultant committed to a stress-free transaction. Created to serve the distinct real estate needs of professional athletes and entertainers, Compass Sports and Entertainment is a national network of rigorously vetted, highly skilled agents, who offer the attention of a boutique firm with the marketing and tech prowess of a national brokerage.

Call me if you would like more details about my membership with Compass S&E. I’d love to help!

The Haley Epps Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Realty Group a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Guild Mortgage Company

EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

With 63 years of home mortgage experience in 49 states, Guild Mortgage Company knows a thing or two about satisfying home buyers. Paul Camenzind brings 38 years of experience to the local Overland Park, Kansas, branch as Senior Loan Officer.

“I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and moved here in 2019 when our oldest daughter came to Kansas City. My wife, Beth, said ‘you’re selling the house and we’re moving to Overland Park,’” he smiled. “We celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary in July and have three daughters and a son. Our oldest daughter blessed us with our second granddaughter last May.”

He noted helping people with mortgages keeps him young and he enjoys the process and building relationships with his customers. He loves the joy of happy homeowners. “We do relationships, not transactions. My goal is to keep customers for life. I’m licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Florida,” he explained. “The reason for Texas and Florida is because I have clients migrating there and buying second homes. Our motto is own what matters. This means we are dedicated to customer service and make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish. We retain

the servicing for most of our loans, so when you get a mortgage with us, it will stay with us.”

He likes to tell people to date the rate, marry the house! If you find that perfect house, work with your realtor to buy it. Paul will help you refinance once these rates eventually come down.

The main portal on their website is high tech and user friendly, and where people can fill out applications, see loan disclosures and progress updates. He enjoys when children of previous customers come to him for their first home loan. A number of programs to help them with down payments and closing costs.

“I have a phenomenal Loan Officer Assistant, Cynthia Bretenitz. She has worked with me since I’ve been here,” he continued. “I have been with Guild since November 2021.”

He is very proud of the Guild Giving Foundation which matches their donations to charities, and Paul is a big supporter of the Tunnels to

Towers Foundation, which since 9/11 builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

The home featured is his family home in Chapel Hill, Overland Park, which they purchased in 2019. They love the community and neighbors.

“I love walleye fishing in Canada, and me and my son have been going to the same lodge for 10 years. We went again this past June. I’m also an avid tennis player and enjoy watching birds in my backyard. My kids gave me a camera for my bird feeder for Father’s Day. It alerts me when there is a bird on my feeder,” he mentioned. “I would not be as successful as I am without the love of my wife and family.”

“Paul has consistently closed our clients on time, and he attends every closing. He takes our calls night and day, while he’s on vacation, in the car, or while he’s in the office.”

Cora Boothe, broker, Beacon Realty LLC had this to say about Paul: “I was introduced to Paul by Danae Wallace at Alliance Title. I have been through a number of lenders in the six years that I’ve been a Realtor, Paul operates with transparency and is always willing to talk to my clients, even if he is unable to help them. Paul has consistently closed our clients on time, and he attends every closing. He takes our calls night and day, while he’s on vacation, in the car, or while he’s in the office. When I became a broker, I made Paul our first choice in lenders. We know if our clients use Paul, they will get to the closing table on time!”

Happy customer!

“This was the easiest mortgage process I’ve been through. Paul is extremely thorough and professional. I was delighted that he came to my closing. I will absolutely refer him and Guild to friends and colleagues.”

-Addison R

See more testimonials on their website. Visit guildmortgage.com and t2t.org. They are located at 10740 Nall Avenue, Suite 150, Overland Park, KS. Call 913-361-7780.

Take a Day Trip to Somerset Schoolhouse

EXPERIENCE A NEW KIND OF COMMUNITY GATHERING IN ‘THE FACULTY LOUNGE’

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

While the students are away, the teachers will play: The Faculty Lounge is now in session at Somerset Schoolhouse!

Gather your friends and family and add to your weekend itinerary this renovated 1920’s schoolhouse that will captivate your love for shopping local artisan goods, craft cocktails-specifically whiskey, and a variety of live musicians performing you’ll find at least twice a month.

What’s genuinely charming about this destination is the heartfelt, family stories that precede it and are a major inspiration in owner Lesli Baker’s decision to turn this historical establishment into a modern-day gathering spot.

Lesli tells the story about growing up a stone’s throw away from where the schoolhouse stands as well as the tales she heard for years from her father, uncles, and grandmother all born and raised in this once bustling Kansas town, and its those tales that ultimately became the predominant influence in her next business venture.

Somerset was a place where the previous generations were a small and tight-knit community in a thriving district that hosted a blacksmith shop, railroad depot, two markets, and the post office. And the common thread amongst the family memories is how the schoolhouse was the foundation for the community’s bond before eventually closing its doors for good.

Flash-forward to a time we all know too well, of being isolated from everyone near and far in the thick of a pandemic, but also the pivotal moment when Lesli realized what she was missing: that joy of a tried and true community. Lesli tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit to convert what had turned into a residence for the last several decades back to the schoolhouse charm. She had an overpowering vision to recreate a place where people would put their phones down, could look each other in the eye, and have a conversation.

So the process began in early 2021, from purchasing the property to rolling up her sleeves and doing what she does best; getting dirty and tearing things up in her DIY fashion, and while she said it certainly wasn’t pretty, Lesli knew what awaited her underneath it all, telling her husband, “Trust me, this is going to be something great.”

Lesli likes to shop and loves everything about the 1920s era, and her husband likes a good game and a glass of whiskey. She wanted to combine their passions and create a place where people will come and not want to leave; there’s something for everyone, from shopping the boutique to indulging in a flight of whiskey, catching a game and playing a game, tossing horseshoes and bags, and enjoying the beautiful nature of Somerset from the cozy patio that hosts ongoing live music.

Lesli was also very intentional on wanting to stay with anything school-related; so, one will find that the speakeasy is cleverly named the Faculty Lounge, the cocktails are dubbed “Teachers Pet,” “Detention,” and “Vice Principal” amongst others, and the soon-to-open back patio bar will be called “The Bus Stop.”

She loves supporting local artisans, so you’ll find the Vice Principal signature cocktail includes Louisburg Cider, and the Spelling Bee (i.e. Lemon Drop) features neighboring Somerset Ridge Winery’s Citron.

Now, if you’re out there thinking to yourself, “but whiskey’s just not my thing.” Hear ye: The female population jumping aboard the whiskey bandwagon is flourishing right now; take it from Lesli who once shied away from ordering whiskey, but after “business research” with local whiskey ambassadors who taught her how to find what she prefers, she now knows how to drink and can speak to women just like yourself who are willing to take the leap. The Brown Derby is a highly-popular cocktail in the lounge.

It should also be noted that Somerset Schoolhouse only serves middle of the road to high-end whiskey with roughly 40 spirits offered, and counting. I.e., if you come in asking for Jack Daniels, you will receive Gentleman’s Jack.

Somerset Schoolhouse is a place you will feel like you are experiencing something from the past and will get the feeling of community when there. The speakeasy is quaint, perfect for making new friends and discovering your mutual love for all things Kansas City. And, it’s where the teachers can get into trouble without the risk of running into any students!

Speaking of which, teachers are naturally favored in the Faculty Lounge so show your badge and you will receive an exclusive discount (applies to military personnel as well). And there will soon be a secret menu available only to teachers with select cocktail and food offerings.

Somerset Schoolhouse

28740 Somerset Rd, Paola @somersetschoolhouse on Instagram

“The speakeasy is quaint, perfect for making new friends and discovering your mutual love for all things Kansas City.”

Refresh Medical Spa is one of the top medical spas in Overland Park! Serving our community since 2012, our goal has been to provide you with thorough education about our services so you can make informed decisions about what’s right for you by offering the household names you trust and ask for!

Our strategically curated service offerings include: Chemical

Vitamin

Skin

BY JANIE JONES

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”

These thoughtful words from the beloved Charles M. Schulz, who gave the world Snoopy and Charlie Brown, evoke a sentiment that Julie Bradford, DVM, MBA believes with all her heart. A passionate veterinarian and business owner, she partnered with Chicago-based GoodVets to open her first animal hospital in Overland Park’s Mission Farms neighborhood in May 2022.

“Corporations are buying up practices, and the industry is consolidating under large corporate umbrellas, but GoodVets has a unique model that partners with local veterinarians who co-own their clinics and provide local leadership,” she explained. “It makes ownership accessible to veterinarians in an industry that is increasingly being consolidated by faceless corporations without any local ownership or input.”

Her hands-on approach, in partnership with GoodVets, has enabled her hospitals in Overland Park, Prairie Village and Lee’s Summit to be very popular with each respective local community.

Originally from Johnson County, Dr. Bradford attended Shawnee Mission East High School before heading to William Jewell College for her undergrad as a History and French major. During that period, she studied abroad in England and interned at the Oxford Equestrian Center. From that experience, she felt in her soul she would one day become an equine veterinarian.

GOOD VETS

At veterinary school at Colorado State University, she recognized caring exclusively for horses would not be her future career path. “I realized I was more passionate about dogs and cats and other pets,” said Dr. Bradford.

She practiced as an associate veterinarian for 10 years in Fairway, Kansas, and left practicing entirely for a brief time to become a consultant and speaker for veterinary pharmaceutical companies, and later obtained her MBA from Kansas University. Dr. Bradford found she missed caring directly for dogs and cats, as well as building bonds with pet owners, so when she learned of GoodVets desire to enter the Kansas City market, she jumped at the chance. As its Kansas City veterinarian partner, she is the hospitals’ leader and medical director. While Dr. Bradford heads the practice of medicine and manages her team of associate veterinarians and support staff, GoodVets supports the clinic by handling accounting, marketing, HR and finance.

Since opening in Mission Farms in Overland Park, Dr. Bradford has rounded out her team of doctors with highly-capable, pet-loving professionals.

“Dr. Matt Boone is our surgery specialist, and Dr. Samantha Martin is a new graduate who recently joined our practice. We’re thrilled to have her to share the latest medical knowledge with us. It’s been 15 years since I graduated vet school and I appreciate learning the new techniques they are teaching in universities these days,” she quipped with a smile.

As a relatively smaller clinic offering the full spectrum of primary and urgent care, GoodVets is able to provide intensive personalized attention, taking time to sit down and talk with owners and to make sure Dr. Bradford and her colleagues hear all their concerns. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, not chaotic. It is more of a boutique experience than a typical vet clinic.

The hospital has connected tremendously with local pet owners. Patients like Baba, a five-year old French Bulldog, and Franklin, a puppy beagle mix, live across the street and stop by on their daily walks for affection and treats. The owner of Ringo Starr, a four-year old Maltese mix, commented, “Ringo gets better care at GoodVets than I get from any of my human medicine doctors.”

BioFit's Hour of Power Program

Dr. Bradford enjoys being involved in different community events, including the Prairie Village Art Fair, Wayside Waifs’s Strut With Your Mutt walk / run to raise funds for the no kill shelter, and even hosting a trunk or treat for Halloween where the pets dress up in costume.

Dr. Bradford is driven by her passion to support the human-animal bond and practice medicine in a fear-free manner. If a furry patient is anxious, instead of unnecessarily forcing or restraining the patient, she invites them to come in for “happy visits” which help make coming to the clinic a positive experience. Denali, a two-yearold husky mix, stops by the hospital weekly to have brief happy visits with a technician, building trust and comfortability to reduce past anxiety associated with animal hospital experiences.

“If your dog or cat learns this is a welcome, safe, stress-free facility, it helps them prepare for care,” she expressed. “I also strive to create a positive, supportive environment for my staff so that they want to be here as well.”

Dr. Bradford and her partner, Pete, have two husky-mix dogs, Goose and Rooster, who were adopted from Wayside Waifs.

GoodVets was originally founded in Chicago by Ryan Joseph and David Saginur, its current CEO and COO, respectively, with the dual goal of empowering veterinarians to regain ownership of animal hospitals and transform the client and patient experience. Kansas City served as GoodVets’ first expansion market outside of Chicago, and Ryan and David are exceptionally proud to partner with Dr. Julie Bradford to lead and own her clinics across Overland Park Leawood, Prairie Village and Lee’s Summit. For more information visit goodvets.com/opl .

ARTICLE BY D. LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Zen Donkey Expands

A farm in Missouri is helping people reset and heal with the power of a plant-based lifestyle and rescue donkeys.

It all started back in 2017 when Kate Barker and her husband, Andy, decided to take a break from the corporate world and get to the root of their passion. Soon after, they went on a trip to southern France where they stumbled upon a herd of donkeys and caught the couple’s eye.

“With my background in therapeutic writing and working with horses, I was immediately drawn to their [donkey’s] therapeutic qualities, they just have this really incredible, magical, presence about them,” explained Barker.

After returning to the United States, Barker decided to learn more about donkeys, and that’s when she learned more about the ongoing donkey skin trade crisis.

A quick Google search will result in articles explaining the process thousands of donkeys go through across the world. To put into perspective, the majority

are slaughtered for their skins which are often used in beauty products. The entire trade also opens the doors to infectious diseases, according to scholarly reports.

“It’s a really horrendous process that donkeys have to go through,  and it’s something that nobody knows about, and so we wanted to spread awareness about it,” explained Barker.

That’s how Barker founded Zen Donkey Farms (ZDF) and Zen Donkey Experience (ZDx) which are organizations that work on giving people easy access to a therapeutic journey with the help of donkeys.

ZDF is a wellness business that focuses on producing cold-press juices that carry rich vitamins, are organic and simply good for mind, body and soul. ZDF also carries a variety of other drinks like plant-based ‘mylk’ and hemp protein superfoods with each purchase directly supporting ZDx. Each of their products can be ordered and delivered throughout the Kansas City metro area and available at select farmer’s markets.

“I am not a doctor, but we do offer products that can really help people embrace a healthy lifestyle, develop these daily habits that eventually turn into really healthy rituals,” explains Barker.

ZDx officially launched in 2020. It’s a place where Kansas Citians can get to know the impact Barker is having on her rescued donkey tribe. It’s a place where people of all ages can come out and care for the tribe and learn more about their rescue.

Both of Barker’s organizations offer a variety of different experiences and services too. From yoga with donkeys to dining with donkeys. The services all have a two-fold effect. They help people heal, become more fulfilled and have an equal impact on the rescued donkeys.

Barker is hoping to expand both locations which will add additional space and offer more interactive experiences to Kansas Citians while elevating the quality of life of the resident donkeys.

“We are at capacity, so we can’t rescue any more [donkeys],” said Barker. “It’s a beautiful property, and we are really grateful to be here.”

To learn more visit zendonkeyfarms.com

“I am not a doctor, but we do offer products that can really help people embrace a healthy lifestyle, develop these daily habits that eventually turn into really healthy rituals.”

Kids TLC

ARTICLE BY DANIELA LEON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Children continue to face mental health challenges across Kansas City, and KidsTLC is here to help.

The nonprofit is most-known for bringing life-saving treatment to thousands of families in need across Kansas and Missouri. Through their inpatient and outpatient programs, children are able to move forward from challenges and sometimes traumatic experiences to work with their families to help build safe, trusting relationships.

Whether it’s their children or families, KidsTLC provides everyone the tools and resources needed to navigate through tough moments.

“It’s incredibly important that we’re investing in our children because they are worthy of a healthy future. We are acutely aware of the societal pressures on all of us,” explained Dr. Erin Dugan, President and CEO of KidsTLC. “So it’s all of our responsibilities to be building those foundations and advocating for their mental wellness.”

For KidsTLC that foundation starts at home, and their Lotus Clinics outpatient services help the entire family shape a positive, healthy dynamic.

Through this program, trained mental health practitioners help bring a multitude of services from traditional talk therapy (in-office or in-home), to an intensive outpatient program, and medication management.

Most importantly, they are creating a healing environment where children can build trusting relationships and start to make strides in dealing with obstacles in life or with their children’s mental care. KidsTLC recognizes that untreated mental health problems like depression or anxiety can have a permanent impact on the entire family.

“I don’t know a family, regardless of their demographic, who doesn’t have a neighbor, a family friend, a colleague, or a child of their own impacted by mental health concerns,” said Dr. Dugan.

While it’s difficult to think about the realities some children face, anxiety, depression and behavioral issues continue to pose challenges among children living in Kansas City. KidsTLC provides many spaces to address these issues, but it takes a village.

Community support is the pulse of KidsTLC.

Community involvement is how the organization can further amplify their reach and continue to impact the lives of Kansas Citians and other communities for the better. From financial donations to volunteers giving their time; community support helps bolster programs and services that can make all the difference to families and their children.

“What our donors and our community do for us is at the heart of KidsTLC. It allows us to provide these vital mental and behavioral health services. Their crucial donations also help KidsTLC offer scholarships and support to families in need of our care,” said Dr. Dugan.

And while that need continues to grow, families across the state of Kansas remain on long wait lists to receive KidsTLC’s world renowned inpatient services. The organization says donations also go towards sustaining this intensive level of care. The community’s mental and behavioral health care needs are escalating, and collective support is needed to change the lives of families.

“Thousands of kids and families come through our residential and outpatient services every year,” said Dr. Dugan, “And there are so many more who need our help. This progress and transformative care is only made possible with the support from our generous community.”

TLC will be hosting their annual benefit which will be a dreamy evening to celebrate children and families in our community. Explore the J. Rieger &

Co. distillery while enjoying custom cocktails, delicious food stations, creative photo opportunities and virtual and live auctions. Then, head to the renowned Benefit After Party for late night snacks, drinks and dancing to a live DJ. For more information visit kidstlc.org/benefit

“And there are so many more who need our help. This progress and transformative care is only made possible with the support from our generous community.”

DOG FRIENDLY PATIOS

Why leave your favorite furry friends at home when they can tag along for some paw-friendly patio fun? As you’re looking for your next social outing and want to know which neighboring restaurants will welcome your pooch with open paws, err arms, tap into our list of local eateries that await you and your well-behaved animal companions for some al fresco eats and drinks.

IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL | 5317 W 151ST ST, LEAWOOD

This Leawood patio runs on good drinks, good food, and good times for humans and dogs alike. Come for the scratchmade grill grub and ongoing events including live music, Whiskey Wednesdays, and “Yappy Hour” on the patio, where a portion of sales are donated back to Wayside Waifs.

HOMEGROWN KITCHEN | 11705 ROE AVE, LEAWOOD

‘Cultivate Kindness. Kind is Cool.’ A daytime eatery that hand selects local purveyors to curate their menu of locally-sourced dishes, HomeGrown specializes in homemade brunch and lunch; come break bread together with man’s best friend by your side.

THE MARKET AT MEADOWBROOK | 4901 MEADOWBROOK PKWY, PRAIRIE VILLAGE

The charm of this property is undeniable and one your furry friends should experience as well. Nosh on the likes of fresh pastries while popping over on the property to Miss Ruby’s traditional American food truck serving up pup cups.

FRENCH MARKET | 6943 TOMAHAWK RD, PRAIRIE VILLAGE

Savor the crepes, charcuterie boards, and champagne at this French-inspired cafe and give your pup a taste of a Parisian patio, including live music on Thursday evenings.

DOLCE BAKERY | 3930 W 69TH TERRACE, PRAIRIE VILLAGE

‘Every batch from scratch,’ pup treats included. Pups love to eat up the Dolce treats both on the Shops of PV patio and at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

SCRATCH GOURMET CATERING | 3939 W 69TH TERRACE, PRAIRIE VILLAGE

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

Made on memories, serving elevated comfort food you know and love, come wine down with the expansive list of fine wines to pair with internationally-inspired cuisine and give your dog a little taste of refined gourmet at your side.

STORY. | 3931 W 69TH TERRACE, PRAIRIE VILLAGE

Meals and memories built on the story they are founded on, the award-winning chef behind story. incorporates your furry friend into the patio dinners you’ll find here. Come for the Tasting Menu and dog treats alike.

HEIRLOOM BAKERY & HEARTH | 401 E 63RD ST, BROOKSIDE

Pastries, a pantry, and a dog-friendly patio await you in this little Brookside neighborhood bakery and hearth that serves up homemade bread, specialty breakfast and lunch dishes, and your favorite hot and cold coffee and tea selections.

PLATE | 11655 ASH ST, LEAWOOD + 701 E 63RD ST, BROOKSIDE

Traditional yet modern, pristine yet pet-friendly; pooches welcome at this East Brookside establishment known for their elevated Italian cuisine and lengthy wine lists.

AIXOIS BISTRO | 251 E 55TH ST, CRESTWOOD

Pets, pommes frites, and an outdoor patio nestled on the Trolley Trail in the Crestwood Shops, Aixois is a classic French bistro serving authentic French dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as cocktails and coffee cordials.

CONTINUED >

"THE CHARM OF THIS PROPERTY IS UNDENIABLE AND ONE YOUR FURRY FRIENDS SHOULD EXPERIENCE AS WELL." ON THE MARKET AT MEADOWBROOK

HOUSEWIFE CAFE & BISTRO | 801 MAIN ST, GRANDVIEW

This charming cafe serves scratch made pastries, toasts and rotating soup of the day to enjoy inside and out with its chic, unique aesthetic bistro aesthetic. Soak up the quiet views of the patio with fresh flowers and string lights.

COAST TO COAST PUB | 500 E 135TH ST, MARTIN CITY

Indulge in Martin’s City’s famous Mac N’ Cheese dishes alongside east to west coast-inspired surf and turf entrees all paired with locally crafted beer. Coast to Coast offers an al fresco setting for you and your fur babies that will have you feeling right at home.

BULL CREEK DISTILLERY | 20559 S LONE ELM RD, SPRING HILL

Leashed dogs are absolutely welcome on Bull Creek’s beautiful and sprawling Spring Hill property. Soak up live music, locally distilled bourbon, whiskey, and vodka, and small-town hospitality at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue.

URBAN EGG | 4921 W 119TH ST, OVERLAND PARK

This daytime eatery focused on local farm-to-table partnerships and charitable organizations encourages patrons to bring their pups to the patio. Enjoy Breakfast Buzz cocktails alongside the likes of Benedicts, Gourmet Sandwiches, and classics you’ll love to indulge in.

VERITAS | 5621

W 135TH ST, OVERLAND PARK

From charcuterie to paella, great steaks, and a large list of curated wine, whiskey and cocktail mixology, the ‘truth’ (i.e. Veritas) inside Prairiefire elevates the presence of dogs just as much as their American fusion menu served inside and out.

MCLAIN’S MARKET | 10695 ROE AVE, OVERLAND PARK

Mclain’s 3 KC-area patios fully embrace their ‘Making Life’s Moments Sweeter’ motto with complimentary peanut butter pup cookies and all the classic pastries, cakes, and cookies, including their famous chocolate cupcookie, McLain’s is known for!

STRANG HALL | 7313 W 80TH ST, OVERLAND PARK

Six chef-driven restaurants on the interior and one roaming patio space on the exterior, making this chef-collective food hall in downtown OP a perfect playground for the pooches (please no dogs on the turf space).

“PRAIRIEFIRE ELEVATES THE PRESENCE OF DOGS JUST AS MUCH AS THEIR AMERICAN FUSION MENU SERVED INSIDE AND OUT.” ON VERITAS

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.