Johnson County July 2015

Johnson County JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

JULY 2015

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SMNW JAZZ MUSICIAN SHINES TRAVELING WITH SPARK VENTURES THE STORY BEHIND BLAIR'S FOSTER SOCKS

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NOW OPEN: YOUR NEW DESTINATION

ER Care for Kids and Adults Our community’s first free-standing ER is now open. This means you can rest assured that faster, more specialized emergency care is nearby. We offer all the same capabilities of an ER inside a hospital, but closer to you.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s new ER of Olathe provides access to lifesaving expertise backed by the largest physician network in the area, along with an accessible, friendly environment. With short wait times, an array of amenities and the comfort of one-on-one attention, we provide a unique emergency room experience. Should you require hospitalization, Overland Park Regional is nearby.

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Editor's Letter

Have some summer fun!

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hose who know me well know that I was a middle school teacher for the first 15 years of my post-college life. Before that I’d spent many amazing summers working at a camp in the North Woods of Minnesota.

When I first arrived at this 75-year-old camp on the shores of Lake Pokegama in the summer of 1986 it was as if I had discovered the place I was looking for all my life but did not know it.

As someone who is more comfortable sporting clothes from Eddie Bauer and L.L Bean than Lily Pulitzer or Ralph Lauren, I’d suddenly found a place where a rustic, simple life was encouraged every minute of the day. It was a place where kids of all ages were expected to try new things nearly every day.

It’s no wonder sending my own boys to the camp became a priority when they were old enough to head north.

A seed had been planted and when I reluctantly left my camp days behind I vowed to remember some of the lessons I’d learned during those Minnesota summers: • It’s easier to survive a summer without computer and TV screens than you might think.

• You’re never too old for a little quiet time on your bunk after lunch.

• Everything you need to get by for a summer can fit into a well-made trunk.

• Watching the sun set over a lake while listening to the call of a loon is an outstanding way to end the day.

July has arrived and that means our Kansas City summer is flying by once again.

What do you have on the calendar for this week or this month to make a summer fun memory with someone you love? You never know. That adventure might plant a seed that sticks with them for a lifetime.

JULY 2015 editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director Lori Lapka | Lori.Lapka@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Johnston | MaryBeth.Johnston@LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com Anne Phillips | Anne.Phillips@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Lisa Allen, Carrie Hudson, Don Pfannenstiel, Charles Redfield, Anne Potter Russ, Denise Snodell, Sheri Thompson, Jenny Wolff contributing photographers Alexis Cook, JC Imaging

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Enjoy the season and I’ll see you around town.

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

ON THE COVER TopGolf opens their innova-

tive driving range this summer in Overland Park. Read more on page 20.

join us

JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com Johnson County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Johnson County’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johnson County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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July 2015

28 18 Departments 22 Love Lives Here

A daughter's legacy, a mother's mission.

28 Tips for the Class of 2015

Local students suggest what to pack and what to leave at home.

32 Spark‌Of Brilliance!

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Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Locals Only

20 Now Open 22

Giving Back

26

Family Feature

36

Terrific Teacher

Spark Ventures is the new model of the business of philanthropy.

32 36

40 Financial Fitness 42 Star Student 45 Sold Properties 46 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Homes That Cook Book Launch

Friends, family and business associates of Lettiann Southerland recently gathered at Ya Ya's to celebrate the debut of her book Homes that Cook: Best Kept Secrets for Buying, Selling and Creating a Home.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

25th Annual Kindest Kansas Citians Awards

Inspiring stories of everyday acts of kindness were shared and celebrated at Synergy Services' dinner event. The heartwarming evening honoring local residents and the students that nominated them raised nearly $175,000 to fund Synergy's anti-bullying programs.Â

To share your event photos with our readers, email KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com for details. There is no charge for this service.

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Good Times

Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City Fundraiser

The annual event treated guests to the Junior Symphony Designer’s Showhouse, a stately Victorian-era home bursting from the pages of a golden era Jane Austen novel. Proceeds benefit Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis.

Courtney Williams, Grace Barth & Diane Frerker.

Noreen Purcell, Maggie Frick, Bette Munson, Donna Fuhrman, Eleanor Raggett, Laura Caulfield & Valerie Horton.

Ruth Noel & Mary Gwilt.

Showhouse Committee: Marnie Robinette. Jane Peal, Karen Camarata, ChristyTowle, Connie Euston Janice Collinis, Peggy Oades & Janet Wholey.

Raffle Chair Karen Camarata.

Pat Lock, Karen Wolken. Bronze centerpieces provided by Eva Reynold’s Fine Art Gallery.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Enjoy life; let US clean. You have better things to do with your time!

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oPeNiNG SooN!

Around Town INAUGURAL LEAWOOD ROTARY 5K The Leawood Rotary Club is excited to announce the inaugural Leawood Rotary 5K on July 11. The race, managed by the KC Running Company, will be held along the very scenic Tomahawk Creek Parkway from College Boulevard south to 117th St. In addition to the 5K race, a 1K fun run for kids 12 and under will also take place. First, second and third place medals will be awarded in nine categories.

Vendor booths, activities for children, and the Great Plains SPCA will be on hand to help launch this event. Proceeds from the run will go to “A Child’s Tomorrow,” the Rotary club’s foundation which supports several local children’s charities. Please visit the event website, LeawoodRotaryRun.com for more information or to register.

All entrants will receive a finisher’s medal, a t-shirt, and more.

The Skin Type Solutions System is based on Dr. Leslie Baumann’s 16 Baumann Skin Types. The system includes 18 skincare brands – some are well-known, while others are available exclusively through the Skin Type Solutions System.

After taking a simple, scientifically validated quiz, patients receive their Baumann Skin Type and a recommended product regimen. It’s personalized care.

Drs. Mark Cohen, Kimberly Schoofs and Wenfei Xie serve patients at Kansas City Skin and Cancer Center’s two offices. The Skin Type Solutions System is available at both the Northland and Shawnee Mission Medical Center campus locations.

To learn more, visit KCSkinCenter.com.

FORMER CHIEF HELPS DEVELOP OUTDOOR WEATHER APP MOSQUITO JOE COMES TO JOHNSON COUNTY Kansas City area native David Maginness managed a Taco Bell restaurant for eight years in Fort Collins, Colo., before making the leap from burritos to mosquitos when he moved back to the Kansas City area and bought the first area Mosquito Joe. He opened his doors in May, serving all of Johnson County just in time for the start of mosquito season.

Mosquito Joe is a residential and commercial mosquito control service, which aims to let Johnson County residents utilize their backyard all season without worrying about mosquitoes and other pests. Experienced technicians are trained mosquito control experts dedicated to getting rid of mosquitoes and other pests so people can enjoy being outside again. With the Mosquito Joe product, Maginness knew he could provide residents with an affordable solution to Johnson County’s summertime bug problem. To learn more about the service call Maginness at 913.553.4224.

PROPERLY PROTECT YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER Most people incorrectly guess their skin type, then use the wrong products. Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center can help. The center’s new Skin Type Solutions System is the first location in the Midwest.

The system helps patients determine their true skin type. It takes the guesswork out of selecting skincare products.

When Tony Adams arrived in the Kansas City area to play quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, it proved to be anything but a temporary stay. His four-year Chiefs career gave Adams and his family enough time to fall in love with Johnson County and make them permanent residents for nearly four decades.

Adams has been a hunter and fisherman all his life. His passion for the outdoors has led him to become the founder of a new weather app—IsLikely—specifically designed for multiple outdoor activities. The app and website adapt to both android and IOS phones through the Apple Store and Google Play. Outdoors enthusiasts can target detailed weather reports and forecasts at all their favorite outdoor locations to enjoy their desired outdoor activities, both locally, area-wide and out-of-state.

GRANITE GARAGE FLOORS CELEBRATES MILESTONE Granite Garage Flooring celebrates a milestone of installing 500,000 square feet of professionally-installed epoxy coating systems and has recently been awarded The Best of Houzz 2015 Service Award as well as Super Service Award 2014 by Angie's List. Granite Garage Flooring system (based in Leawood, Kansas) established it's business four years ago with a goal to provide durable and chemical, gas, oil and dirt resistant flooring to homes and businesses looking to improve the look and appeal of their basement and garage space. For more information visit GraniteGarageFloors.com.

PLANS FOR MESNER PUPPETS 2015-16 SEASON Mesner Puppets, Inc. announces plans for the 2015-16 season.

The season opens with The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf July 6-12; and is followed by The Singalong Show November 4-22; The Nativity December 4-6; Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblins December 11-13; Old MacDonald’s Holiday Hoedown December 16-23; Saint George & the Dragon February 17-28, 2016; The Stinky Cheese Man March 18-26; and Stories We Share April 30, 2016.

Mesner Puppets presents its main season of family-oriented plays at its Hyde Park neighborhood studio 1006 E Linwood Blvd., Kansas CONTINUED >

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Your Imagination, Our Inspiration Space planS | new BuildS | RemodelS | RedeSignS | FuRniShingS and more!

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Around Town

(CONTINUED)

City, MO 64109. The season opener is a reprise of the UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence Award Winning production of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf. The wolf gives his own outlandish version of what really happened when he tangled with three little pigs. For the second show of the season, The Singalong Show, Associate Artistic Director Mike Horner takes the lead in creating this interactive show featuring songs perfect for singing and clapping along.

Details are available at PaulMesnerPuppets.org.

SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC ADDS NEW SERVICES Schabel Performance Health & Wellness, located at Market Square in Leawood, has recently expanded their list of services.

In addition to chiropractic manual therapy, Drs. Larisa and Nick Schabel also offer cutting-edge techniques such as Active Release Techniques (ART), trigger point dry needling, Graston Technique, kinsiology taping, acupuncture and more.

"We work hard to meet the demand of current and prospective patients," says chiropractor and co-owner Larisa Schabel. "We use these techniques to ensure that we can treat a variety of conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow. It is our mission to address the root of dysfunction and correct it so that you can live the life you deserve."

To find out more or to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation, give them a call at 913.345.4840 or visit SchabelPerformanceHealth.com.

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR In response to our May article about turning your wedding dress into baby bedding, we heard from local nurses and pediatricians that use of this type of plush material inside a baby's crib is not recommended. While the idea of turning a wedding dress into something for the baby's nursery is a lovely idea, it should exclude the crib. For the first year of life the only things that belong in a crib are a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and the baby.

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Locals Only

A New Spin on an Old Game DISC GOLF COURSES IN JOHNSON COUNTY ARTICLE JENNY WOLFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Course Name Location Holes Tee Type Blue Valley of Kansas Overland Park 18 Mulch Cambridge Park Overland Park 9 Woodchips California Trail Olathe 9 Grass Lenexa DGC Lenexa 9 Concrete Harmon & Santa Fe Parks DGC Prairie Village 9 Concrete Lakeside Hills DGC Olathe 18 Concrete Prairie Center Park Olathe 18 Concrete Shawnee Mission Park DGC Shawnee 18 Concrete Shawnee Country Club Shawnee 4 Woodchips

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

isc golf, a 40-year-old game, is spiraling high in popularity in Johnson County. This sport is played by all ages, in backyards or on courses, in all sorts of weather.

“We have people throwing discs in sun, snow, sleet, rain, you name it,” says Bill Maasen, superintendent of parks and golf courses for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The origin of the modern game of golf, the one associated with balls, clubs, tees and greens, is usually traced to 15th century Scotland. Golf has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, played in more than 100 countries.

It took about 600 years for a spin-off to develop. Disc golf flew onto the American scene after toy company Wham-O began manufacturing aerodynamic discs called Frisbees ®. By 1977 Wham-O had sold more than 100 million Frisbees®, and people everywhere were tossing these discs high and low. In the 1970s, Wham-O designer Ed Headrick invented Frisbee® Golf, where people tossed Frisbees® into metal baskets. Today the game is known as disc golf and the Disc Golf Association estimates that there are more than 3,000 formal courses in the United States. The aim is to traverse the course in the fewest number of throws. The discs, called putters, mid-range and drivers, each have different edges to cut through the air with varying accuracy and control to hit the basket, hole or target.

The first public disc golf course in Johnson County was built in Olathe at Prairie Center Park 1989. In 2007, a course was constructed in Shawnee Mission Park. Maasen is a big advocate. “This is a family-friendly, fairly unobtrusive game for a park. It takes a small footprint and the space can co-mingle with other activities,” says Maasen. “It is also a great way for us to invite the public out, and the more people you have using a park, the safer it is.”

From start to finish, Maasen said it costs about $20,000 to install a disc golf course.

Compare that with a $100,000 price tag for a shelter house or playground. Plus, disc golf

has strong volunteer support. “Club volunteers design the courses and manage them by moving the targets around the grounds bi-weekly, adding variety to the game.”

Maasen is referring to the members of the Kansas City Flying Disc Club (KCFDC), a metro-wide organization, which organizes leagues, games and events for enthusiasts. The group posts league results, course information and updates. In June, the KCFDC and Kansas City hosted the 33rd Annual Kansas City Wide Open Event.

In January, local players competed in the annual Kansas City Ice Bowl, a fundraiser to fight hunger. Whether it is an official game or

“This is a familyfriendly, fairly unobtrusive game for a park.” Bill Maasen fun day at the park, club members are passionate about their sport.

They help maintain courses by picking up trash, trimming trees and spreading mulch. “Die-hard fans like my husband Matt and I will shovel snow off tee pads in the winter so others can play,” says Crispian Paul, Secretary to the KCFDC Board of Directors.

This fall, Johnson County will open a course in Heritage Park at 167th and Lackman Road. In the next couple of years, the master plan calls for a new course west of DeSoto. Want to get in the game? Purchase a basket and discs from a sporting goods store or online, and take aim in your own backyard. Or grab a few discs and head to one of our local parks.

For more information, visit DGCourseReview.com.

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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ARTICLE JENNY WOLFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

TEES OFF IN KANSAS CITY

Now Open

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

ou may have seen the tall, unusual framework soaring across the skyline at I-435 and Nall.

From a distance it looks like a mirage. Get closer and you can see that the structure is made of posts and netting. But still your mind asks, "What is that?"

It is Topgolf. “Topgolf is golf like you’ve never seen before,” says David Kim, director of operations at the Overland Park facility. “We are combining golf, bowling and darts with technology for an awesome, new golfing experience.

The structure is 65,000 square feet, the size of two football fields.

Is it a mirage? No, it’s the newest twist on the centuries-old game since the Frisbee-inspired disc golf in the mid-1970s This new form of golf was invented in 2000 in England by two brothers after spending a few hours on a driving range. They came up with the idea of placing dog tag technology inside golf balls, and the concept grew from there. Topgolf currently operates facilities in 13 U.S. cities, including Dallas, Houston and Austin, and plans to grow to 50 locations by 2018.

So, what can you expect when you walk into Topgolf? You will enter on the second floor of the three-floor facility into a 50-foot high atrium. At the concierge desk, you can purchase a $5 lifetime membership card. “Buying a card is totally optional,” says Kim. “But it keeps track of your scores each time you play, whether here in town or at one of our other Topgolfs nationwide.

A concierge will assign you and your guests a bay. The bay is similar to the space surrounding the scorers’ table at a bowling alley, with a table and seating for you and your friends. The bay, however, opens onto the driving range overlooking prime Johnson County acreage.

Scattered on the field are large dart board-like targets. If it’s hot outside, guests will be cooled by fans; this winter, expect heaters in each bay Let’s play! Walk to the tee line and stand on a hitting mat with a golf club. By touching your name on the computer screen, you are syncing your shot with the ball on the mat. Each golf ball has a microchip inside, so that when you hit a ball, a computer tracks and displays your score. “With this technology, you get an actual reading of where the ball landed,” says Kim. You and your guests share 20 balls. You can hit all of yours at once or take turns Topgolf offers 102 bays, three restaurant/bars, event space, a thirdfloor rooftop terrace and 250 70-inch screen televisions. “We have just built Kansas City area’s best viewing station. When the Royals are in the World Series again this year, you can see it all from right here.

Topgolf is open 363 days a year, generally 9 a.m. to midnight. Friday and Saturday evenings, they stay open until 2 a.m., and often offers DJs and bands in the summer.

“Fifty percent of people who play Topgolf describe themselves as non-golfers,” says Kim. At the facility you can also play shuffleboard, pool and Xbox Kinect games. Or try one of their restaurants’ many original offerings like Mushi (Mexican sushi) or injectable donut holes. “Our proprietary blended burgers are made from Angus beef, pork, rib and brisket, and are awesome,” says Kim. The facility holds 1,400 guests and the local Topgolf employs 450.

“We have a great group of folks working here. Come by and join in the fun,” says Kim. “Kansas City is a gem in the middle of the country. We are so excited to be part of this town.”

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Giving Back

Love Lives Here A DAUGHTER’S LEGACY, A MOTHER’S MISSION

ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

S

Blaire and Michele

ometimes Michele Shanahan DeMoss tells herself that her my shoes yet, but she did. The girl at school was in trouble for not daughter, Blair, is away at school. Or at camp, or some other no- having the right shoes; turns out, the family was going through a phones-allowed place and she’s busy doing what she loved best: divorce and shoes just weren’t a priority. Blair wanted to help.” offering kind words to those who struggle, dreaming big, or making Blair’s overwhelming desire to help others was clear to everyone who a difference by simply being herself. knew her. She was a Girl Scout and started making plans to earn the “I’m caught in the middle, between joy and pain,” says DeM- organization’s most ambitious reward, the Gold Award, a goal typically oss. “When I’m working it is joy. When I remember that Blair is achieved at the end of high school, when she was 11. She sketched out gone, it’s not, even though that’s what she was. Pure joy.” the details of her plan for Foster Socks in journals and wanted to collect Blair died July 5, 2011. She socks, money and other necessities for There are many moving parts to our was struck by a bullet fired by children in need. Though it began with Fourth of July holiday revelers foster kids, Blair also wanted to help organization. I can start talking about socks blocks away. children who are abused, homeless and “She donated six organs and and foster care and before you know it, we’re displaced. Blair died before she made gave the gift of life to five people. her dream a reality. DeMoss started talking about organ donation and the dangers The same moment I thought she Blair’s Foster Socks in her honor. was gone was when she gave the of negligent firearms discharge. I’m reminded Today, Blair’s Foster Socks works biggest gift ever. She went home with organizations including Ozathat just one thing can make a difference. to Heaven,” says DeMoss. nam, Spofford Home, Crittenton “We were a foster family. Blair saw the same things I Children’s Center and Mother’s did. She saw kids arrive with a stuffed animal but no clothes. She Refuge and hosts countless sock drives, an annual golf event, knew some kids carried their things in a trash bag, and that some and the annual Big Hat Event. never had anything new to call their own.

“There is no handbook for this,” says DeMoss. “I miss her every day Blair was the kid who always had something encouraging to say,” and I have such clarity that she is close to me. Blair would have turned 16 says DeMoss. “In third grade, she bagged up her brand new pair of in January, and I just heard from a girl who is that age. For her birthday, all shoes and took them to a classmate. She wore a pair of mine that she wants is to have a sock drive. That’s because of Blair; four years later, day, and I remember thinking that she shouldn’t be able to fit into she’s still inspiring people.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

There are many moving parts to our organization,” explains DeMoss. “I can start talking about socks and foster care and before you know it, we’re talking about organ donation and the dangers of negligent firearms discharge. I’m reminded that just one thing can make a difference; if one child gets a new, fun pair of socks that makes a difference. If one person hears me talk about how Blair died and decides to not shoot a gun, it makes a difference.”

“When love lives somewhere, people see it,” she says. “It’s all in how we deliver it. I remember buying Blair new socks. I’d never just toss the package on her bed; I’d open it, check and fold them, and put them in her drawer. She was always so excited to see them, like it was a gift.”

“We store new socks in clean, plastic tubs in our office,” says DeMoss. “Sometimes we can personalize a delivery by choosing someone’s favorite color. That’s what Blair would have done. She would have made sure that even something as simple as a pair of socks was given with love.”

To learn more visit BlairsFosterSocks.org.

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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One of the nation’s best children’s hospitals.

Right here in Johnson County.

Children’s Mercy is once again ranked as one of America’s best pediatric hospitals

by U.S. News and World Report. Recognized in 10 out of 10 specialties. With our world-renowned Genome Center, the region’s only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and more than 700 pediatric specialists in 40 specialties, we’re the region’s only hospital completely focused on treating kids – all in an environment specifically designed for the way kids need to be treated. For more information, visit ChildrensMercy.org/rankings.

Children’s Mercy is the nonprofit hospital for Kansas City’s kids.

Family Feature

A Family that Swims… and Swims ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY JC IMAGING AND PROVIDED

T

he Musser family is likely the top swimming family in Johnson County.

How many families can number among its siblings five that have been state champions at Blue Valley Northwest and very successful swimmers for the Kansas City Blazers? And the sixth isn’t of high school age yet.

It’s a common question, but neither parent was a competitive swimmer and it was purely by accident that the children got into swimming.

“Isn’t it amazing how things happen sometimes?” says proud father, Philip Musser. “My wife and I knew nothing about competitive swimming.

“Years ago, my wife Cathy drove by our neighborhood pool in Lee’s Summit and saw a swim meet going on. She thought maybe our little daughter (Rachel, now 27) would like the sport. Twenty years and seven kids later, we’re still going with five collegiate swimmers so far and two more to go.”

Rachel is the only child who opted not to swim in high school, while Caleb, 12, has just finished the sixth grade.

“Rachel did well with the summer rec swimming her first year,” Phillips says. “We put her on a United States Swimming yearround club. She continued to improve and we got hooked on the sport.”

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

All of the Musser children swam for the Kansas City Blazers, a US Swim Club.

“We moved back to Kansas City in 2000 and have been swimming for the KC Blazers since that time,” says Philip.

“The Blazers are the biggest swim program in KC and is well established with a long history of success.”

All of the children have been home schooled.

“They have been home schooled because we wanted to have more direct involvement in their mental, social and spiritual education during the elementary and middle school years,” says Phillip.

Five of the children have been part of the swim team at BV Northwest at various times in their high school days.

“We did a blend of private schooling, public schooling (at BVNW) and quick start college classes at Johnson County Community College,” says Phillip. “The Kansas State High School Activities Association requires that athletes be enrolled in five classes to compete in athletics. Each child took a combination of classes at BVNW and JCCC.” Luke and Seth swam for the Huskies their senior year; Jesse for his sophomore and senior years; Hannah for her junior and senior year; and PJ will be a senior this fall. He also swam for the Huskies his junior year.

A total of five of the children have enjoyed swimming at the collegiate level.

Rachel is a pharmacist in the Kansas City area and Luke is an electrical engineer in Kansas City.

The other three have either completed their collegiate swimming careers or are still in college.

What do the swimmers think about their swimming careers?

“Swimming has been a chore, a lifestyle, a goal and the best thing that ever happened to me,” says PJ. “It’s been a part of my life and I can’t ever imagine not swimming.”

“Swimming is more than just something I do for fun, it has become a lifestyle. Almost every major decision my family and I have made has been based on swimming, whether it involves where I’m going to get my college education or what team environment would I excel in most,” says Hannah.

“I do believe God blessed them physically, but mostly it boils down to passion and effort,” says Phillip. “The focus is on training and racing with heart.”

“Knowing that I put so much time into something that we know others won’t recognize gives me a sense of character and my own mind set of accomplishments.

Swimming has given me that along with other invaluable lessons,” adds Hannah.

Jesse Musser

Luke Musser

Rachel Musser

Caleb Musser

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

27

Sending Your

(no Longer a) Child

Off to College Tips from local kids who have been there.

ARTICLE CARRIE HUDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

P

arents, I know that some of you are standing in a pretty scary place. You’re looking off into the next four years and realizing that your teen is no longer a high schooler. He or she is going off to this scary but life-changing place we call college. While I’m not a parent, I don’t know exactly what you're feeling, but I am a college student and I can tell you that your soon-to-be college student is just as apprehensive about this new adventure as you.

Having packed up the family SUV more than once, I thought it might help if I detailed the obvious essentials to pack, random items your son or daughter may forget, and what you should make sure stays home.

Tim Stamper will attend K- State and Charlie Elliott is going to Arkansas.

The St. Teresa's Academy Class of 2015 on College T-Shirt Day.

BVN grads Co

DON’T FORGET THE BASICS...

Bedding, toiletries, school supplies, clothes, etc.

There are several “college packing lists” online that you can print out and check off as you pack. Your college or university may also provide you with lists via their residential life departments. Utilize these! They may seem silly, but they will be more helpful than you expect.

Throw in some odds and ends! Katie Tampke, a Leawood resident and an incoming sophomore at the University of Kansas, wishes she would have packed healthy snacks, dish soap, a reusable water bottle, and a lamp to improve the lighting in her dorm room. Tampke was also not expecting to need crafting supplies. Stephanie Hampel, a Prairie Village resident and an incoming sophomore at the University of Portland, never thought she would need a climbing harness and climbing shoes, but she soon realized that going to school in Oregon meant there are so many new outdoor activities available to her. She said that by the end of her freshmen year, she had a newfound passion for rock climbing. Do some research about recreational activities around your new school. You could discover a great new hobby!

PARENTS, MAKE SURE SOME THINGS STAY HOME WITH YOU...

• Make copies of your student’s driver’s license, credit/ debit cards, insurance cards, passport, checking account information, etc. Keep copies of these at home in case of emergencies while your student is at college.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Jared Robbins has agreed to play baseball at JCCC.

Natalie Gartland is headed to the University of Dallas.

Michael Gomen is headed to Missouri Valley while Luke Slagle will attend Missouri Baptist. Both boys have agreed to play college lacrosse.

Lee's Summit North grad Sarah Freeland starts Savannah College of Art & Design in the fall.

onnor Leimer and Connor Stewart Alex Luger is going to Arkansas and Katelyn Hoist will attend John Brown University.

UChic: College Girls’ Real Advice Raymore native and Missouri State student, Ana Berkovich, shares her college story and advice in UChic: College Girls’ Real Advice for Your First Year (and Beyond!). Ana tackles the subject of “Speaking Up and Speaking Out: Preventing Sexual Assault” hoping to help college students and incoming freshmen stay safe during their college experience.

Ana is one of 53 UChic contributors that have created a guidebook every college-bound woman will wish she had. Now in its fourth edition, UChic has a fresh new look and new content to help all young women succeed in school and life.

New topics covered in the 4th edition of UChic: ·What to expect when preparing for college ·Handling the difficult decision to transfer ·Communicating with parents ·Getting the most out of freshman orientation ·Settling into campus life and making friends ·Dealing with physical and learning disabilities on campus ·How to protect your digital reputation

• Write down bar codes and numbers from items like laptops, printers, gaming systems, cameras, etc. In case of theft, it is important to have these numbers for insurance and replacements.

• Keep your student’s extensive collection of high school t-shirts at home. He or she will acquire enough t-shirts between freshmen orientation and senior commencement to clothe them for months without doing laundry (*but please teach them how to do laundry!).

Students, before you put that last box in your car and pull out of the driveway, check out my ten tips to surviving your freshmen year. Having just finished my sophomore year, I would say I’ve gotten pretty good at “college-ing,” as my friends like to say.

• Don’t shy away from calling or texting home.

• Bring at least one basketball or football jersey and a business professional outfit. You never know when a meeting will be “jersey themed” or when you need to suit up for an interview or class presentation.

• Leave your door open from time to time.

Meet new people. Branch out. Don’t be afraid to walk up to a classmate and introduce yourself. He or she could be your future best friend.

• Sit in the first two rows of class. You will stay awake, be less distracted and retain more, hopefully keeping those grades up.

• Always have your resume ready to print at a moment’s notice.

• Take advantage of free food and free t-shirts.

• Check your email at least three times a day.

• Introduce yourself to all of your professors and advisers within the first two weeks of classes.

• You’ll be added to countless “GroupMe” messages. Don’t mute them.

You could be missing out on some once-ina-lifetime opportunities.

• Take pride in your college or university.

Don’t forget the feeling you had when you first toured your school and fell in love with it because that love will only grow deeper with every passing day you spend as a student there.

If you’re a little apprehensive about moving to college, just remember that moving back home next summer will be even harder.

Carrie Hudson is a Johnson County resident and a student at Oklahoma State University.

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

29

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Spark…

Of Brilliance!

Spark Ventures is the new model of the business of philanthropy.

ARTICLE ANNE POTTER RUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

W

hat is Spark Ventures and what does it have to do with me?

Spark Ventures is “a Chicago-based nonprofit with international partnerships that provide children in poverty with nutrition, education, and healthcare.” Here’s another way of putting it: business driven philanthropy investing human and financial resources to lift communities out of poverty.

Let’s get to the bottom of this… Spark Ventures leverages philanthropic dollars to fund actual businesses with partners in poverty-stricken parts of the globe (currently Zambia and Nicaragua). Donated dollars turn into food and agriculture businesses. Profits from these businesses then support local programming in education, health and nutrition. Philanthropic money turns into reinvested money so the businesses continue to fund critical social programs long after the initial contribution.

How about an example?

In Nicaragua, Spark Ventures has launched a farm with honeybee hives.

There are 30 hives, expanding to 100 hives soon, along with cacao, coffee and chilies. This project not only provides honey to sell, but also local employment. Their social impact partner, Las Tias provides programming for children and families in the area while being supported by the revenue stream created by the honey and other agricultural products.

What’s happening in Zambia?

Hope Ministries is a social impact partner in Zambia. They provide nutrition, education and healthcare to 350 vulnerable children in the country. There, Spark Ventures launched a poultry farm that raises and sells more than 120,000 chickens annually. The poultry farm also employs approximately 12 people in the community. Some of the business profits are reinvested back into the poultry farm. But, the majority of the funds will support the programs at Hope Ministries.

Let’s get back to what Spark Ventures provides for their partners.

By working with grass-roots organizations serving children in developing countries, Spark offers human resources, strategic guidance and financial capital that these organizations otherwise would not have access to. The other CONTINUED >

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Travelers prepare a meal with local staff in Nicaragua at a local home.

Travelers and students in Nicaragua make fast friends.

Sparks partner helps to reinforce hand washing skills before a meal in Nicaragua.

Sparks CEO & Co-founder Rich Johnson plays a game in Nicaragua.

A Kansas City traveler spends one-on-one time with a child in Nicaragua.

Spark travelers do one-on-one reading at the Zambia partner school.

July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

33

SPARK OF BRILLIANCE

(CONTINUED)

form of capital that is so critical to their overall success is the building of relationships.

Why are relationships so important?

Because Spark Ventures has made it fun and rewarding for people (you and me!) to get involved far beyond writing a check for a philanthropic venture. Spark has finetuned the model of bringing volunteers to their locations and work alongside their social impact partners. These trips, called “Impact Travel,” combine adventure with philanthropic benevolence.

Here’s what it has to do with us – you and me.

Some of our own Metro area neighbors and friends are intimately involved with Spark Ventures. Stephanie Denzer, a graduate of The Barstow School who holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, has worked as a key member of the small Spark Ventures team for the past three years. There, she has worn many hats, from marketing and communications to event management to trip coordination to monitoring performance metrics.

Spark Ventures was so appealing to Denzer’s family and friends that some of the people closest to her have traveled to Zambia and Nicaragua, and still more are planning to do so in the near future. Many intrepid travelers have been on more than one trip with Spark. Jan Johnson, a resident of Bucyrus,

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

traveled with Spark to Zambia in 2014. Sue Bernstein, another traveler from Overland Park has been to Zambia twice, Nicaragua once, and will be returning to Zambia this summer. “The most compelling for me is how Spark’s involvement has impacted the lives of the children, teachers and staff, the surrounding community, as well as the local and international volunteers,” says Bernstein of her experience traveling with Spark.

Selling “Impact Travel” to adventurers is easy. Why not travel and make a difference in a community that uses resources so wisely? These benefits are an amazing attraction: • Volunteering and engaging with the social program partners and the children who benefit from the investments of time and money • Great food and accommodations (per previous travelers) • Immersion in the cultural experiences (food, dance, music, history) • Wonderful excursions and tourism • Expanding your own horizons Other local residents from Stilwell, Carol and Tom Barnett, are excited about their upcoming venture to Zambia. They are traveling with Spark to make a difference. But, while they are there, why not add on a once-in-a-lifetime safari?

There are multiple opportunities to travel in the near future to either Zambia or Nicaragua.

And, some trips feature special incentives such as traveling with Sparks’ CEO, Rich Johnson; or a condensed itinerary for busy business professionals; or traveling with your own children.

Imagine the impact of a philanthropic trip that benefits children closest to you, as well as children around the globe.

Speaking of Johnson, he founded Spark Ventures in 2007 with two partners after his own travels took him to Zambia, where he was confronted with stark poverty and a community deeply affected by HIV/AIDS. He returned determined to make a difference for the children and families he met, along with the staff at Hope Ministries. Since then, the staff at Spark have provided meal and clinic programs, classroom facilities, achieved a 100 percent graduation rate for students, added a poultry farm, sold thousands of chickens, and now have sustained 15 percent of their social impact partners’ budget.

Now, that’s making a difference in a brilliant way!

For more information, visit SparkVentures.org, or contact Stephanie Denzer at SDenzer@ SparkVentures.org.

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35

Terrific Teacher

ARTICLE SHERI WILLS THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

O

verland Park has a new author: Steven Loe, principal at Shawnee Mission West High School, has just seen his first book published. The Glimpsing Book, published by Royal Fireworks Press, is the story of three preteen students who get caught up in an adventure which connects a new librarian at their school, historical photographs collected from all over the world, and a mysterious volunteer in the Library of Congress. These seemingly unrelated pieces come together around a magical book that changes as its reader grows and faces life’s challenges (or backs away from them).

Henrietta and TP work to save the school library when it looks like all of the books will be replaced by computers. Henrietta finds comfort from the loss of her mom within the pages of the fiction section and both find they can escape difficult situations at home by

36

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

hiding out in the various nooks and crannies of the library. Sebastian, a formerly homeschooled student who has traveled the world finding pictures of famous people who appear to be connected in some way, convinces his parents to enroll him in the same school as Henrietta and TP in order to solve the riddle of the book. All three students persevere through circumstances which test their talents, their gifts and their family relationships in order to solve the mystery of The Glimpsing Book.

Loe knows about perseverance. While working on The Glimpsing Book, he was also busy as a building administrator for several Shawnee Mission district schools as a husband and as the father of four children.

He worked on countless rewrites and faced numerous rejection letters before signing with Royal Press. Loe credits his new success as a writer CONTINUED >

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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

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Financial Fitness

Four Plan Review Best Practices for Plan Sponsors ARTICLE JESSICA MALDONADO

D

id you know that the Internal Revenue Service requires most employers to restate their retirement plan documents every 6 years? This helps ensure that retirement plans are operating under the most recent laws governing plans and all regulations are being met. Even though Searcy Financial manages retirement plans for other businesses, we also have to restate our own company plan. Our plan came up for restatement this year so we are sharing some best practice guidelines we follow or suggest during a restatement period.

1. ASK YOUR TPA ABOUT NEW CHANGES

As changes to laws occur, you may not fully understand them or the implications of those changes to your plan. For example, there is new language that allows a plan sponsor to treat a Life Partner as they would a spouse. This is an optional election so when you consider your team demographic, you have to determine if that specific change makes sense for your employees and whether or not it creates additional administrative burden. The easiest thing to do from the administrative standpoint may not always be in the interest of the plan participants and their beneficiaries so careful consideration of simple changes such as this could make for a better plan depending on the needs of your employees.

2. DESIGN A PLAN THAT ENCOURAGES MEANINGFUL SAVINGS

By offering our employees a dollar for dollar match up to four percent in their retirement plan, we encouraged them to save. But we don’t just want our employees (or the employees in the retirement plans we manage) to save, we want them to thrive. After strategizing ways to encourage more saving, we restructured our contribution to a dollar for dollar match up to three percent, then $.50 for the next two additional dollars. Employees still have the opportunity for the same four percent match, but now have to increase their own savings rate to reach it, encouraging them to defer even more.

40

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

3. COMBINE YOUR RESTATEMENT WITH A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

In addition to the required restatement, plans are also required to periodically review their plan providers and make sure they are abiding by their stated agreements and offering quality service to the plan for a reasonable price. A review of your plan will typically cover goals/objectives, fees, plan design, investments, and employee participation. By reviewing your plan design and providers at the same time as your restatement, you can get all of your updates done simultaneously and move forward with an optimal plan, while potentially saving time and money.

4. REVIEW THE IMPACT OF TERMINATED EMPLOYEES

When terminated employees choose to stay in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, they have an impact on the plan’s fees and its ability to meet its fiduciary obligations. Some employers force plan balances into Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so they don’t run the risk of becoming disconnected from former employees, and thus unable to fulfill their fiduciary obligation to communicate plan updates with participants. Additionally, some plan sponsors modify the plan’s fee structure to allow terminated employees to stay in the plan and pay their own expenses without becoming a drain on active participants’ accounts.

If you are interested in receiving our newsletter filled with financial information for businesses and families, send your name and email address to: Cali@SearcyFinancial.com.

Jessica Maldonado, AIFA®, GFS™, C(k)P®, PPC™, is vice president of Searcy Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisory and financial planning firm located in Overland Park. For additional information, visit SearcyFinancial.com.

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Star Student

Rich Jazz Sounds Impress Judges and Audiences Alike ARTICLE DON PFANNENSTIEL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

B

uddy Rich, often referred to as the world’s greatest drummer, died in 1987, but his musical influence continues today in Johnson County.

Shawnee Mission Northwest sophomore Sophia Hollman, without hesitation, blurts out, "Buddy Rich," when quizzed about the origin of her musical interest. And because of recent successes and current direction of Hollman's musical endeavors, someday Hollman, who plays tenor saxophone, could be the one influencing young musicians.

"Upon working with Sophia, I immediately found her to be artistically gifted, a creative thinker and possessing a constructive attitude," says Chris Burnett, the American Jazz Museum's marketing communications manager and a professional sax player. “Sophia possesses a rare combination of discipline, intellect and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure performance situations," adds Bill McKemy, the Museum's education manager.

That rare combination was demonstrated on the main stage last October at the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival. Hollman performed with the Metro Jazz Workshop Honors Combo. It was her first performance with the group and her first time performing on a gigantic stage yet she showed no outward signs of intimidation. Hollman delivered a top-notch performance. "She seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience," says McKemy.

If there's a musical workshop, expect Hollman's presence. As a freshman, she attended every American Jazz Museum jazz workshop and master class. She participated at jazz camps at Kansas City, Kansas Community College, the Marshall, Missouri Bob James Jazz Festival, the KC Jazz Summit and the Baker University Invitational Jazz Festival. At Northwest, she's a member of the marching 42

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

band, the jazz band, the basketball band and the symphonic band.

In April she performed alongside up-and-coming Kansas City trumpeter Hermon Mehari at the Museum's annual PEER Into the Future luncheon, attended by nearly 450 guests.

Hollman's acumen for music came at an early age, but she believes her true musical interest began around age eight. She credits her parents for driving her interest. The Buddy Rich music... those albums belonged to her dad, Robert Hollman, a longtime Rich fan.

"I can't forget driving with Rich’s Big Band playing Straight, No Chase. We heard this three-year-old girl singing along with the lead trumpet or sax section, while not missing one lick or accent," added Robert, who plays the organ, piano and trumpet, while mom, Gretchen, sings. "My wife and I simultaneously looked at each other in disbelief. We knew that Sophia was 'dialed-in.'"

"At first, we wanted to rent an alto saxophone and Sophia wouldn't have anything to do with it," says Gretchen. "This fourth-grader insisted on a tenor sax. Once we determined her hands were large enough, we decided on the tenor." Within weeks, Sophia was mastering the

fingering and working on all major scales. Her parents decided to go ahead and purchase the insrument.

Hollman also credits Northwest jazz band instructor Doug Talley and Rich Wheeler, her private saxophone teacher. And then you cannot discount Sophia's internal drive.

"I'm driven by how music is its own language without words and that it conveys emotions that are unable to be said," says Hollman, who also plays the piano. "You can pour your soul into the music and show people how you feel without saying a single word. I want to master this so I can convey my own thoughts and have others see my thoughts and emotions."

Hollman's drive and love of music is shown by her success. She was recently named the Outstanding Freshman Musician and Outstanding Jazz Musician at Northwest. She received Superior Ratings at the Kansas Music Educators Association District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

Even though she’s only a sophomore, she knows that a music career is her dream. Maybe that's the Jazz Studies program at North Texas State. Maybe it's Julliard or Berklee College of Music. Whatever the destination, it's a bet that Buddy Rich will be smiling.

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Professional drivers depicted on a closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaWolverine.com

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July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

43

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RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS GROUP, Inc., along with RSG Investments, Inc., is a retirement planning firm dedicated to serving pre-retirees and retirees with pride and integrity. We specialize in bridging the gap between planning for retirement and actually retiring.

We invite you and up to 3 guests to join us for one of our exclusive dinner workshops.

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July 9, 14, 28, 30

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July 1, 7, 16, 21, 23

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Toll Free: 855.4RSGUSA

Alan Becker is an insurance professional with Retirement Solutions Group and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Retirement Solutions Group assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of insurance products.

Greg Garbeff is an Investment Advisor Representative with Global Financial Private Capital, LLC and insurance-licensed in Kansas and Missouri. RSG Investments assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies that include the use of investment products. Investment advisory services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

44

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Brand Name Flooring Masland • Fabrica • Shaw StainMaster Royalty • Moda •Tuftex

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

%sold/list

dom*

bdrms

baths

Sagamore Hills

$1,849,000

$1,775,000

96%

13

5

5.1

Tuscany Reserve

$1,275,000

$1,180,000

92%

274

4

4.1

The Woods Estates

$1,375,000

$1,175,000

85%

79

4

5.2

Indian Hills

$1,250,000

$1,170,000

93%

159

3

3.1

$1,189,950

$1,125,000

94%

209

5

4.1

Sagamore Hills

$1,100,000

$1,050,000

95%

85

5

4.2

Stilwell

$1,250,000

$1,000,000

80%

226

4

2.2

Stilwell

$1,000,000

$958,000

95%

10

4

4.1

Hallbrook

$999,000

$900,000

90%

296

5

6.2

Summerwood

$825,000

$825,000

100%

68

4

4.2

Reinhardt Estates

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 05-01-15 through 05-31-15. *DOM=Days on Market.

Lifestyle Calendar

July ONGOING SCIENCE ON A SPHERE UNION STATION

A stunning and powerful visual perspective of Earth and other objects in our solar system. Designed and supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SOS utilizes a unique projection system to display animated images using a six-foot suspended carbon fiber sphere.

Explore our planet’s dynamic landscapes, oceans and weather.

JULY 8 MOBILE MAKERSPACE SHAWNEE LIBRARY

MakerSpace has gone mobile, and is traveling around the county from library to library. Mobile MakerSpace lets Makers come together and create with technology! Open to all ages, a 10-year-old can teach classes and a 70-year-old can play with toys; this is DIY learning at its most fun. JoCoLibrary.org

JULY 10 SUMMER WHITE PARTY NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

The YFA Summer White Party continues to grow, both in size and popularity. Please join the Museum for the 6th annual outdoor summer fundraising event hosted by the Young Friends of Art. Guests enjoy Kansas City’s only “white linen” party in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. This year celebrates The Four Seasons, the highly acclaimed works from artist Philip Haas.

JULY 16-19 & 23-25

JULY 17 PATTI LABELLE KAUFFMAN CENTER

GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock & soul music. She has received acclaim for many of her songs, including "Lady Marmalade," "When You Talk About Love" and "New Attitude." LaBelle has sold over 50 million records worldwide and Rolling Stones Magazine includes her in its 100 Greatest Singers List. GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock & soul music. She has received acclaim for many of her songs, including "Lady Marmalade," "When You Talk About Love" and "New Attitude." She began her career as part of the Ordettes in 1959, who became The Bluebelles in 1961. Commonly named the ‘Godmother of Soul’, Patti LaBelle has spent over 50 years in the music industry. Her success as a solo artist began in 1983 when she released her hit album I'm in Love Again. Patti LaBelle has been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Apollo Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. In 2005, the World Music Awards presented her with the coveted Legend Award. LaBelle has sold over 50 million records worldwide and Rolling Stones Magazine includes her in its 100 Greatest Singers List. KauffmanCenter.org

JULY 18 CULTIVATE KANSAS CITY PENN VALLEY PARK

Cultivate Kansas City, hosted by Chipotle, is a free-admission festival celebrating food, music and ideas. Intended to get people thinking and talking about food and creating a more sustainable future, Cultivate features celebrity chefs (Tim Love, CNBC’s “Restaurant Startup” and Amanda Freitag, Food Network’s “Chopped,”); local food artisans, breweries and wineries; an exclusive Chipotle Festival menu; and interactive experiences focused on sustainable food. Live music performances include Portugal. The Man, St. Lucia, Smallpools, and Betty Who. ChipotleCultivate.com

OLIVER!

JULY 22

IRONWOODS PARK AMPHITHEATER

SUNFLOWER CRAFT SOCIAL

Enjoy a free night of local theater in the park. Some seating is available or bring blankets or chairs for lawn seating. The show starts at 8 p.m. Picnics welcome. LeawoodStageCo.org

MATT ROSS COMMUNITY CENTER

JULY 17 WEEKENDER- REX HOBART & THE MISERY BOYS AND "PITCH PERFECT" CROWN CENTER

Cap off your work week with top local bands and favorite food trucks.

Shop the wares of KC artisans and finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars. The July 17th WeekEnder features a screening of "Pitch Perfect." Festivities begin at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at approximately 9 p.m. Complimentary admission.

(Please note pets are not permitted at the event.) 816.274.8444 46

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

Bring your children or grandchildren to celebrate the state flower of Kansas - the sunflower! Both children and adults will complete their own sunflower craft keepsakes while enjoying light refreshments on the patio. $5 per person ($6 nonresidents). 913.764.7759

JULY 27- AUGUST 1 JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR GARDNER

This annual event includes all of the county fair fun you remember from your childhood.

There are food stands, rodeos, a carnival, live music and animal shows. Find the details at JoCoKansasFair.com.

Carpet Tile & Stone Wood Floors Heated Tile Custom Showers AUGUST 10 JEFF FLOTTMAN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT COUNTRY CLUB OF LEAWOOD

Join friends and neighbors for the first ever Jeff Flottman Foundation golf tournament.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Avenues of Life, an organization working to break the cycle of poverty in Kansas City.

For details, email JeffFlottmanFoundation@ gmail.com.

CARPET SALE 0% Financing for 12 Months WAC

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913.780.6060 www.LegacyFlooring1.com July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

47

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Two Dogs And A Cat Pet Club (913) 274-3900 twodogsandacatpetclub.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Art & Frame Warehouse (913) 385-9199 afwkc.com

Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928

AUTOMOTIVE

Santa Fe Tow Service (913) 894-5201 santafetowservice.com Shawnee Mission Ford (913) 631-0000 shawneemissionford.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore

CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com Kansas City Chiefs (816) 920-4833 goarrowhead.com Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Retirement Solutions Group (855) 474-7872 rsgusa.net Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com Waddell & Reed (913) 491-9202 donnatilden.wfra.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS HEALTH & WELLNESS & ORGANIZATIONS Healthy Meals Inc Deanna Rose Farmstead (913) 897-2360 drfarmstead.org

DRY CLEANERS Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

EDUCATION

The Barstow School (816) 277-0413 barstowschool.org

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Canyon Farms Golf Club (913) 529-2235 canyonfarmsgolfclub.com 48

(816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark. tenthousandvillages.com

HOME SERVICES

Summit Flooring and Turf (816) 886-2747 summitflooringandturf.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Childrens Mercy South (913) 696-8000 childrensmercy.org/rankings Overland Park Regional HCA Midwest Health (913) 397-1000 kcfaster.com Refresh Medical Day Spa and Hormonal Health (913) 681-6200 refreshhealthspa.com

AMGutters.com LLC (913) 780-0381 AMGutters.com

Saint Luke’s Health Systems (913) 317-7139 golifekc.org

Carpet Direct (913) 927-1001 carpetdirectkc.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Granite Garage Floors (913) 917-7346 granitegaragefloors.com KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com Legacy Flooring Gallery (913) 780-6060 legacyflooring1.com LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

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

TRAVEL & LEISURE The Elms Resort & Spa (800) 843-3567 elmshotelandspa.com

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Dick Hawk’s

GasliGht Grill & Back room

Exceptional Nightly Dining Featuring Kansas’ Finest Dry-aged Steaks and Seafood Lynn Zimmer & the Jazz Band Wednesday – Sunday 6:30pm Book Your Private Event Now for 10-200 Guests

Open Daily 4pm Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

World-Class Dining & Entertainment in Casual Elegance

5020 West 137th Street | Leawood, KS 66224 | (913) 897-3540 | GaslightGrill.com July 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

49

Parting Thoughts

Traveling Light is a Heavy Task WORDS DENSIE SNODELL

I

’ve always been one of those “travel light” snobs. Nothing beats that free feeling of weaving briskly through airports with a dainty spinner grip in one hand, and a feathery boarding pass in the other.

Pre-flight, I always notice overburdened pilgrims lined up at the check-in cattle pens.

They stand there, motionless, waiting to weigh in their Samsonite beasts. I glance over, a little judge-y, wondering why they prefer walk-in closets on wheels.

Post-flight, when I breeze by baggage claim on my way to ground transportation, I am reminded again of the albatross crowd. I dash by the carousels with my stealthy “personal item” hooked to my sleek carry on. With nothing to claim but lightness, I glance at the heavy bags emerging from rubber curtains, tumbling onto moaning conveyor belts. I think, “Holy sciatica. Good luck getting THAT steamer trunk off the merry-go-round.”

Correction. That’s how I used to think.

Now I’m not so sure the light way is the right way. I recently had a packing epiphany.

When my college son was preparing for a summer study abroad course, he was determined to travel light.

50

Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2015

(Genetics.) He figured the residence would have laundry facilities anyway, so his goal was to cross an ocean without checking in a suitcase. I think it crossed his mind he didn’t want to lose luggage due to tight connections. He had one of those “not recommended for overseas” short layovers.

He told me, “I just want a backpack under the seat, and a carry on above my head. That’s it.”

Imagine going to Europe for six weeks with just a carry on. What a challenge.

Lucky for him, he’s related to the Small Suitcase Sensei.

So, per my advice, the kid spent a lot of effort strategizing what would go in his small bags. A week before the trip, he did a mock packing test for his overhead compartment suitcase. How many shorts? How many shirts? One or two dress slacks?

What room was left for books, electronics and other necessary flotsam?

Both of us spent hours gathering tiny, foldable, bendable necessities. A few days before departure, college boy set up a staging area for his small spinner case and backpack. There was an absolutely necessary pile. A yes pile. A maybe pile.

He folded, refolded, triaged and re-triaged. Not a molecule of oxygen was left in either bag. It was a scientific victory.

On departure day, he arrived at the airport with his compressed belongings and an expanded sense of pride. But the international flight was full. Guess what: The airline made him check-in his carry-on bag. How could they? Didn’t they know he had a special sham-wow-like towel and a collapsible toothbrush? This was a travesty.

In retrospect, he could have thrown his entire wardrobe, a commercial computer printer and a bowling ball into a Winnebago-sized suitcase in about 10 seconds flat.

His small spinner valise made the close connection through Paris, so obviously a 50-pound monster on wheels would have as well. The kid had been burdened with a time-consuming compacting strategy, and for what?

Now I know. Effort-wise, if you travel heavy or light, all luggage is baggage.

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