Johnson County October 2015

Johnson County JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com

OCTOBER 2015

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Festive

The Colors ofFall

FALL FUN AT FAULKNER’S THE BOTTOM LINE ON WINE THE FAMILY BEHIND DOS PUENTES WINERY GRÜNAUER: COMFORT FOOD IN THE FREIGHT HOUSE DISTRICT

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Editor’s Letter

Happy fall, all!

I

t’s the MOST wonderful time of the year… in my humble opinion. I love it when I get to pull out the sweatshirts and sweaters that have been ignored during the months that are our humid summers. My perfect fall day is when the temperatures are crisp enough to allow me to wear my favorite jeans, but not so cool that I can’t let my toes enjoy the comfort of flip flops.

At Lifestyle Publications, we strive to bring you the good news of our community. Our company motto is “Inspired

by Community” and we take those words seriously. We are inspired by you, our neighbors. We live and work and dine in this community, too, and it’s a privilege and an honor to bring you this magazine each and every month.

We’ve made some subtle but impressive improvements to our website and electronic distribution over the past few months. I know that when you receive a magazine in the mail, especially one that you don’t subscribe to, there may be little motivation to visit the company’s website. But if you know someone who would like to read this little gem each month, please tell them about the free email distribution of the magazine. We are growing our readership and distribution each week thanks to this new offering.

And since we’ve been at this for several years now, we have some plans to shake things up a bit in the near future. We hope you’ll notice and enjoy the little changes we’re making to the magazine here and there. One of the new items on our company-wide to-do list is our first-ever Lifestyle Reader’s Choice awards. We plan to give our wonderful readers and advertisers a chance to nominate and vote for some of the best service providers in our community. Please take a moment to log on to JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com to nominate and then vote for a few of our neighbors. We plan to celebrate the winners in a couple of months. Voting will be open until the end of November and then we’ll tally the votes.

OCTOBER 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 | Mary.Johnston@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com Mike Reilly | Mike.Reilly@ LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carey Welsch | Carey.Welsch@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Lisa Allen, Ann Butenas, Andrea Grist, Charles Redfield, Anne Potter Russ, Denise Snodell, Tom Strongman contributing photographers Ryan Barrett, Hannelore Brown, Alexis Cook, Robin Erisman, Mariah Osburn, Tom Strongman

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, Lea Whitson lead layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park

Enjoy this perfect weather, neighbors. And I’ll see you around town!

it director | Randy Aufderheide

A note about the photo: Last fall my dear friend and photographer, Susan Motley, traveled to Grinter Farms at sunrise to snap some amazing photos of their sunflower fields. We waited patiently for a year to pass and for sunflower season to arrive again so we could use one of her images so we could use some of her images in our August issues. In early September I tagged along with her one Saturday morning when a record number of visitors was out there snapping photos while the fields were at their prime.

by Community ™

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER The fall colors captured at

Faulkner’s inspire us all season long. See more on page 28.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

join us

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN ERISMAN 6

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

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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October 2015

36 28 Departments 28 The Festive Colors of Fall

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Good Times

A perfect day spent at Faulkner's Farm.

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Around Town

18

Locally Owned

36 Dos Puentes Two bridges to the wine country in Argentina.

20 Star Student

42 Grünauer

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Comfort food in the Freight House District.

Financial Fitness

42 Hot Spot 44 Sold Properties

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46 Who’s Blogging?

48 Terrific Teacher 52

Driver’s Notebook

54 Lifestyle Calendar 58

Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Jeff Flottman Foundation Golf Tournament

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Jeff's life and support an organization he was passionate about. The first golf tournament in his name at the Country Club of Leawood raised more than $60,000 for Avenue of Life. PHOTOGRAPHY HANNELORE SNYDER BROWN

Pi Kappa Alpha (KU) Fraternity Brothers

Mike & Becky Joyc

Tony Andersen, Ajay Andersen, Todd Dreiling, Jim Moran, Jake Gutierrez Craig Roeder & Tim DiSette

Rob Kairis, Heather, Dave & Becky Siscel, Stacy & Steve Kristich, Lauren & Jordan Siscel

Avenue of Life Board: Eric Knudson, Randall Leonard, Billy Shaw, Desiree Monize, Andre Jones, Anne Blue Winners Nate Wright, Dale Silvius, Mike Peaslee & Andrew Allen

Jeff Hewitt, Joe Ziegler, Bob Adams, Brad Adams 10

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

Garrett Flottman, Lori Engelman & Jenna Flottman

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October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Good Times

Chiefs Fantasy Camp 2015

The event benefitted the Center for Concussion Management at the University of Kansas Hospital. Ten former Chiefs players, along with Coach Dick Vermeil and Mitch Holthus, coached players through skills stations and a 7 on 7 tournament.

PHOTOGRAPHY SETH LAUBINGER

Nick Lowery huddles with his team.

Dante Hall, Will Shields and Mitch Holthus

Anthony Davis mixes it up.

KC Wolf welcomes players to the field.

Hall of Fame placekicker Jan Stenerud

Coach Dick Vermeil

Captain Trent Green encourages participant University of Kansas Hospital's Bob Page and Clark Hunt, Jr. Jenna Hauschild.

KC SuperStar

KC SuperStar is an American Idol-style competition that awards the $10,000 Edward & Ellen Rose Family Scholarship to the best high school singer in the metropolitan area. Congratulations to Austin Klein, 2015 KC SuperStar! PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN BARRETT

Rob Riggle was the master of ceremonies.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

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Good Times

Moon Shine on the Farm

Friends and neighbors gathered at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead for the second annual event, enjoying an evening of good food, beer, wine, dancing, games, hayrides and more—all under the stars.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Around Town LIFESTYLE READER'S CHOICE AWARDS We invite our readers to be a part of the first ever Lifestyle Reader's Choice Awards, an opportunity to acknowledge the best businesses in and around our community. Log onto JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com during October and November to make a nomination or to cast your votes. Winners will be announced after all of the votes are counted and a special awards ceremony will be held after the New Year.

LOCAL RECORDING ARTIST PARTNERS WITH SUSAN G. KOMEN Overland Park native Nate Evans is sharing his talents as a professional recording artist and has partnered up with Susan G. Komen®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement.

His goal is to help raise money for breast cancer through the promotion of his new single "Keep Fighting."

Michael A. Levine, a spokesman for Susan G. Komen Greater Kansas City, comments about the partnership: “We Nate Evans are honored that a recording artist like Nate Evans would consider partnering with our organization. Nate’s notoriety and audience have helped us expand the reach of our message to the masses. By mentioning us on YouTube and being featured so prominently on his social media platforms, we are able to reach another segment of listeners. Breast cancer education, awareness and advocacy are key to our success and having a performer like Nate aligned with Komen Kansas City is a true benefit for all of us.”

BOTANICAL BREWFEST AT THE OP ARBORETUM The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will host the Botanical Brewfest on October 10 from 4–8 p.m. This year’s festival promises to bring more entertainment and beer choices than ever before. Available now at OPABG.org, tickets start at just $40 per person for group tickets, and all tickets are inclusive.

The Arboretum is located just south of the metro, yet it feels like another world. The event is held lakeside, so attendees are guaranteed beautiful scenery.

Not only will it be beautiful, there will be lots to eat and drink.

Crawford Sales Company will provide more than 30 of their craft beers, and more than 10 local breweries will be represented including Green Room, KC Bier, Torn Label, Granite City and the Brew Lab. For good measure, Clear10 Vodka will also be making cocktails.

There will be multiple options for participants’ munching pleasure, including burgers, sausages, pretzels and more.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

The event will benefit the Friends of the Arboretum, a part of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE Tickets are now available for the 24th Annual Johnson County Young Matrons Home for the Holiday Homes Tour which will take place November 17 from 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. The lovely homes on this year’s tour are located in Leawood, Overland Park and Olathe.

Tour tickets are available October 25 through November 17 at Hen House, Hy-Vee and Price Chopper grocery stores or purchase on line at JCYM.net and are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The Boutique will be open Nov. 16 from noon - 9 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. There will be 50 vendors from around the metro area with unique gifts for everyone. This is a free event located at the Ritz Charles, 9000 West 137 St. JCYM has a 54-year tradition of serving Johnson County through volunteer activities and fundraising efforts.

BE FUREVER LOYAL TO THE ROYALS Great Plains SPCA’s Furever Loyal shirts are a fun and unique way to show your support for the Royals as well as support local shelter pets. All proceeds from these t-shirts benefit the 35,000 pets that local nonprofit Great Plains serves annually. Show your affiliation to either Team Cat or Team Dog while staying true to the boys in blue. Sport your new duds at The K or around town and you’ll be sure to find a fellow pet-lover who wants to know just where you bought yours. Shop online in their Etsy store or visit their retail locations in either Merriam or Independence.

Show your support for Team Cat or Team Dog.

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA WELCOMES TWO NEW BRANDS Two new stores are expected to open on the Plaza this fall.

Charlie Hustle will open its first pop-up shop in Kansas City.

Founded in 2012 by Chase McAnulty, Charlie Hustle is a favorite vintage sportswear brand of many Kansas Citians. The brand bridges the gap between young and old with its “vintage made fresh” designs.

Over the years, Charlie Hustle has successfully created some of Kansas City’s most iconic leisure apparel, including the “heart KC” T-shirts and hats. The store will be located at 419 W. 47th St. Founded in Germany 20+ years ago, VOM FASS is a gourmet food store offering vintage wines and premium vinegars, oils and spirits. VOM FASS hand-picks the highest-quality ingredients from around the world in order to create its signature flavors. The Country Club Plaza store, 515 Nichols Road, will be VOM FASS’ flagship location in Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY F.A.R.E WALK Did you know that an estimated 15 million Americans live with a food allergy? The Kansas City FARE Walk for Food Allergy unites

the KC food allergy community in the goal of ensuring a safer world for those who live with food allergy – a potentially life-threatening disease – and the search for a cure.

The walk is a free, family-friendly event featuring games, bounce houses and a kid’s fun zone. Money raised helps fund food allergy education, advocacy, awareness and research. Walkers and teams join in personal fundraising efforts in their communities and each walk celebrates the generous support given to those living with food allergies.

This year’s walk will take place at Theis Park, across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on October 24. To find out more and create your team, visit FoodAllergyWalk.org/KansasCity2015.

If you need assistance registering or have further questions please contact the FARE Southwest Regional Office at 469.317.3228.

BOTANICAL BREWFEST Saturday, October 10, 4 – 8 p.m.

Presented by Friends of the Arboretum Part of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park

Craft beers, food, local bands, fun and games in a beautiful fall garden setting!

Tickets online at opabg.org

SERVING OUR COUNTRY OVERSEAS Lt.j.g. Niklas Rueter of Shawnee, verifies a .50-caliber machine gun is clear and safe during a weapons qualification aboard USS Porter (DDG 78) on Sept. 3, 2015. Porter, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in supLt.j.g. Niklas Rueter of port of U.S. national security interests in Europe. Shawnee

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All homes will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Free guide books will be available for pickup at all Parade homes during the tour. In addition, an online home search is available at KCParadeOfHomes.com along with a mobile website feature to map an online tour. Homes can be searched by price, location, builder, floor plan and subdivision.

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October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

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Locally Owned

Reflections Body Solutions SAFE, EFFECTIVE, STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENTS AND POSITIVE RESULTS ARTICLE ANN BUTENAS | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

W

hen you are a client at Reflections Body Solutions in Overland Park, you can remain confident that the services and treatments you receive are the safest and most effective on the market. Further, they are performed by a Board Certified Physician, Licensed Medical Aestheticians and Certified Laser Technicians, all who are fully trained and who undergo continuous training within their respective specialties.

This premier center is overseen by Owner and Medical Director, Dr. Greg Chambon, who grew up in Raytown, and attended medical school at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He received additional training in Florida but returned to his Kansas City roots to raise his family and has been practicing board-certified medicine for three decades, and has been a College Park member for nearly 20 years. When he opened Reflections Body Solutions eight years ago, he made a commitment to only use state-of-the art treatment equipment, offering a variety of services in body contouring, hair restoration, facial treatments, laser treatments, and facial line reduction. Known for being the first center in the metro area to introduce Smart Lipo and Neograft Hair Restoration hair transplant system, Reflections Body Solutions is now pleased to bring two newer services to their clients: mira-Dry and Profound.

Safe, clinically proven and cleared by the FDA, mira-Dry is a treatment delivers radio frequency to significantly reduce underarm sweat. This quick and non-invasive procedure can be performed on site and permanently reduces underarm sweat in two treatments, three months apart.

“Clients can see up to a 95 percent reduction in underarm sweat after undergoing mira-Dry,” notes Chambon. “This system delivers controlled electromagnetic energy where the underarm sweat glands reside. The sweat glands are then heated through this source and completely eliminated. This process also kills the glands that produce that underarm smell.”

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Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

Dr. Greg Chambon

Performed under local anesthesia, patients may feel sensations of warmth and pressure, but the lasting results are superior to alternative methods of treating underarm sweat, such as antiperspirants, which are temporary and sometimes toxic, or invasive surgery to remove the sweat glands, which potentially carries significantly greater risks.

Reflections Body Solutions is also the only center in town to offer the FDA approved Profound, a procedure that provides a face lift without surgical intervention. It immediately delivers 100 percent controlled heat energy for maximum effectiveness, tightening the skin while simultaneously creating additional volume and elasticity. Using micro-needle electrodes, Profound penetrates the skin and releases heat for a specific amount of time at a precise temperature and depth. The high energy causes the body to create new elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Profound is far more significant than other treatments out there for the face, neck and jawline, as it lifts, tightens and adds volume.

“This literally delivers energy deeper to get to the elastin layer so far more significant results are obtained,” says Chambon.

Clients may notice some swelling, bruising and redness a few days after the procedure, but results can be seen in as little as three weeks.

“While the results are not immediate, this is just a one-time treatment which will ultimately deliver up to six months of continued tightening, a more lifted appearance, firmer and smoother skin, and noticeable wrinkle reduction,” explains Chambon.

All consultations are complimentary at Reflections Body Solutions, and clients are always ensured the safest treatments designed to deliver maximum results.

“I have been extremely selective on the treatments I purchase for our clients,” states Chambon. “Our clients are treated by fully trained and certified staff for a safe, effective and positive outcome.”

Visit ReflectionsBodySolutions.com or call 913.322.3433 For more information.

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Star Student

BVW’S Mark Collins is Blazing His Own Trail ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN BARRETT

B

lue Valley West cornerback Mark Collins, Jr., doesn’t worry about his father’s shadow.

A lot of young people with famous parents or parent want to make their own life and career. The 5'11", 175-pound Jaguar defensive back is on track to have a good senior season and move into college football next year.

His dad played for more than a decade as a corner back in the National Football League. He made his biggest mark with the New York Giants who drafted him in the second round of the draft out of Cal-State Fullerton. As a 5'10", 195-pound defensive back, the senior Collins earned All Pro honors in 1989 and 1990 and was the member of two Super Bowl championship teams with the Giants. He played three years with the Kansas City Chiefs (1994-1996) and his finished his career playing once season each with the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks. His son got his start in football early in life, but didn’t understand what his father had accomplished.

“I started playing flag football when I was a little kid and then just kept playing football throughout grade school,” says Mark. “I knew my dad played football but at a young age I didn’t understand the level he played at. I just wanted to play football because I really enjoyed it." It comes as no surprise that this dad has been a big help to his son.

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Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

“He has helped me a lot,” says Mark. “He talks me through many things as far as football knowledge and understanding the game better." This son doesn’t believe that his dad having played in the National Football League puts any additional pressure on him.

“My dad always encourages me to do my best but never puts pressure on me,” he says.

Collins plays the same position as his dad--corner back--for the Jaguars. In addition, he plays on offense is a receiver and a sometime quarterback. What is the secret to being a successful cornerback?

“Being able to chance direction quickly and having a short memory,” he says. “Having a short memory is good at that position because you can be beat for a touchdown on one play and have to come back and defend another pass on the next defensive possession. You can’t be thinking about the last play, but need to concentrate on the current play.”

Head football coach Scott Wright has been the Jaguars coach since the school opened in the fall of 2001. He says Mark is a very talented athlete.

“He has a quiet confidence about himself and is super coachable," says Wright. “Mark is one of those rare athletes that actually sees the play way before most on the field.

This allows him to be able to make plays others cannot. Mark is really enjoyable to coach."

Collins recalls a specific team victory as the highlight of his career.

“My sophomore year during the state quarterfinals when we beat Bishop Miege at their home field was definitely the best,” he says. In addition to football, the senior plays third base in baseball. What is his goal for this school year?

“Just to focus on having a good senior year and think about college,” says Mark.

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Financial Fitness

Building Financial Security for a Child with Special Needs ARTICLE MICHAEL SEARCH

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friend shared with me…Several of our friends had kids at the same

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about 9 months old when he started having bad seizures. He was cared

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time as us, and we started noticing that our son was developing

for at the Shawnee Mission Infant Development Center and that’s when we found out that he would have a mental delay his entire life.

This was just the beginning of a lifelong journey that this couple, and many like them, faces every day. Parents of children with special needs face complex financial issues on top of the physical and emotional stress of caring for their dependent, their family and themselves. By developing both a financial and 24

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

FINANCIAL NEEDS

I have found that many families with comfortable financial resources will try to take most, if not all, of the extra costs needed to care for their child upon themselves. This is not uncommon. It is exactly what I did with my daughter’s care. While this may be sustainable for a period of time, many parents find themselves in a CONTINUED >

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Financial Fitness

(CONTINUED)

financial bind as a result of taking these expenses upon themselves.

By understanding your child’s prognosis, you may have a better idea of the impact it could have on your finances. Will your child need help with housing, transportation, jobs or institutional guardians in the future? If your child only has a slight need that can easily be met, you may be able to take on some of the costs. However, if your child’s need will be lifelong, being aggressive in finding outside resources early (as resources may become scarce as needs increase) is a good plan to ensure you maintain your financial health.

2. ESTABLISH YOUR ESTATE PLAN

If you were to pass away without an estate plan and/or other legal protections in place, your child could become the beneficiary of the inheritance, an action which could make them ineligible to receive government assistance and compromise their future well-being. This could also happen if specific assets are left to children with special needs or if you designate your child as a beneficiary on any financial accounts or insurance policies.

One option for protecting your child in the event of your death would be to create a Special Needs Trust (SNT) which would be the beneficiary of the inheritance and appointing a Trustee who understands the rules of SNTs to control the distribution of money upon your death. Although language governing SNTs vary from state to state, the SNT is usually only used to supple-

ment any government aid your child may receive, not to be the primary means of support for the child.

3. INFORM FAMILY MEMBERS OF THEIR POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACT

Just as you may compromise your child’s financial wellbeing by leaving them assets in their name, your family members could do the same. Let family members (especially grandparents) know the rules of gifting or inheritance and how they impact your child. You may suggest they leave any monetary help to the trust so that it can be appropriately distributed by the Trustee.

Keeping an eye toward the future and having a plan to cover your child’s life span may help alleviate many of your financial worries. Remember, when you have a child with special needs, your financial planning and estate planning really covers two generations – getting you through your life and retirement, and making sure your child is covered for the same. Feel free to contact me if you need help building financial security for your child with special needs or would like an introduction to resources we have found helpful.

Michael J. Searcy, ChFC, CFP®, AIFA®, is president of Searcy Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisory and financial planning firm located in Overland Park. For additional information, visit SearcyFinancial.com or call 913.814.3800.

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26

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

Early Education Changes Lives

“This was not the life we had planned,” remembers Leigh, as she thinks back to how she felt when her son, Wil, was first diagnosed with autism at age two. Many parents share similar memories of feeling lost, inadequate—alone. Two years later, life is very different. Wil, who couldn’t communicate back then, now sings full songs.

Rather than being withdrawn, he often makes eye contact and follows directions.

Wil attends school at Easter Seals Midwest’s early education center in Pleasant Valley, Mo., which welcomes all children, regardless of their disability or special health concerns. He thrives in a classroom with children his age, while getting the specialized attention he needs.

“We had to let go of something we thought we wanted or needed, but we have gained so much more,” says Leigh. “The future holds the promise of great things to come—not what we had planned, but one we’re embracing.”

Easter Seals Midwest is committed to helping individuals with developmental disabilities— including autism—learn, live, work and participate in the community. Early Education Services at Easter Seals Midwest have changed Wil’s life.

Let us help change the life of your loved one.

For more information on Easter Seals Midwest’s Early Education Services, call 816-476-4011 or visit EasterSealsMidwest.org.

October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

27

e v i eF st The

l l a F f o s r o l o C

ouri�

Miss Made in

A

28

was " t a h t n Seaso

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

ARTICLE ANDREA K. GRIST PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN ERISMAN

A

fter roaming the beautiful Missouri country side, I recently discovered the lovely Flower Hill Farm. Proprietor Vicki and her amazing Missouri cut flowers became the inspiration for this festive fall photo shoot featuring many products that are made in Missouri. Vicki graciously allowed me to roam her flower fields and harvest blooms to create the designs for our beautiful fall table.

CONTINUED >

FESTIVE FALL COLORS

30

(CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

Many people look forward to fall after a long summer and the idea of snuggling up in sweaters is welcoming.

Faulkner's Ranch is a place that comes alive in the fall with beautiful rolling hills, yard games, a pumpkin patch, pony rides and more. Gooey s'mores made with chocolate chip cookies are a treat that always reminds me of fall campfires.

This Missouri ranch hosted our fall festival photo shoot complete with amazing Missouri-based artisans who have taken the idea of handcrafted to a new level. Hand-poured candles from McCalls Candles scented the air, while Top Shelf Bartending served libations from Ozark Distillery and 360 Vodka. A hand-crafted fall wreath by Little Lady Crafts welcomed us and added the perfect touch of color and whimsy to the front door. Custom embroidered napkins from The Gartermaker by Monde Design added some stitched fall flare to our table setting.

These beautiful images captured by Robin Erisman PhotograCONTINUED > phy help us usher in the fall season.

FESTIVE FALL COLORS

32

(CONTINUED)

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

Missouri-Based Contributors Andrea K. Grist AndreaKGristFloralArt.com Lee's Summit, MO Faulkners Ranch FaulknersRanch.com Kansas City, MO Flower Hill Farm FlowerHillFarmMo.com Beaufort, MO Little Lady Crafts Facebook.com/LilLadyCrafts Blue Springs, MO McCalls Candles McCallsCandles.com Tipton, MO Ozark Distillery OzarkDistillery.com Osage Beach, MO Robin Erisman Photography Facebook.com/RobinErismanPhotography Lone Jack, MO The Gartermaker by Monde Design TheGartermaker.net Raymore, MO Top Shelf Bartending KCTopShelf.com Lee's Summit, MO 360 Vodka Vodka360.com Weston, MO

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Two bridges to the wine country In Argentina.

36

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

CONTINUED >

I

ARTICLE ANNE POTTER RUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

t takes a special sense of adventure and love of travel to purchase a vineyard in Argentina when Kansas is home. That’s exactly what the mountain-climbing, wine-loving DeWayne Bridges and his wife Linda have… a keen sense of keeping things lively for themselves and their family. The Bridges are the proud owners of a 150-acre vineyard in the Uco Valley, outside of Mendoza, Argentina. Situated at approximately 3,200 feet and below the majestic Andes Mountains, this is the ideal climate and “terrior” for grape growing. The locale boasts the right soil, sunshine, rainfall and altitude to produce some elegant and enjoyable wines. (In case a quick translation is needed, Dos Puentes means two bridges – get it? Two Bridges – DeWayne and Linda!)

During a mountain climbing expedition on Mt. Aconcagua, DeWayne discovered a love for the region of Argentina, as well as the people there. He and Linda had previously discussed owning a winery, but didn’t want to enter the saturated California market. So, in 2012, they purchased the acreage, which included some existing vines. Those vines, 12 years old and in need of some tender loving care, meant that the Bridges needed to hire a consultant from California to advise them of the best ways to coax great grapes and produce the Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Chardonnay they wanted to put in production. They also brought their family into the business, adding daughter Kelly, son-in-law Ed, grandson Joshua, and granddaughter-in-law Pricilla to the mix. Everyone pitched in to oversee the business and facilitate the transition to the new world of winemaking.

With the help of an operations manager on-site, the family has been able to return to the states to live, while Kelly works as the distribution manager, and DeWayne’s daughter Jessica is in charge of marketing and social media. The first wine production occurred in 2013, and Kansas was the first state to import the Dos Puentes label. Patrons of the Stems event at the Overland Park Arboretum in 2014 and 2015 were lucky enough to partake in the wines, as Dos Puentes donated all of the wine served.

Currently the production includes an Estate Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay fermented in stainless steel. They also make a Torrontes (similar to Pinot Grigio), and in 2014 began making a reserve line with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in French oak barrels. In 2016, the vineyard will produce a new blend with the grafted Merlot that will now produce Cab Franc and Pinot Noir grapes.

In keeping with their adventurous spirit, the Bridges have a dream of building a destination resort on the portion of the property that is not conducive to grape growing. They are anticipating an economy and business climate in Argentina that makes their dream possible in the next few years. Then, they will have come full circle with their original vision of having a winery and resort in the spectacular Uco Valley. In the meantime, the family is happy to be making and importing some superior wines using the best grapes in the region. That translates into unique tastes with everything from full-bodied reds to floral, fruity whites. Start your own adventure by tasting some of these treats. Check with your local liquor store, including Lukas, Rimann, and many more, and look for the whimsical, artistic label commissioned by the Bridges. You might fall in love with Argentinian wine by Dos Puentes as much as the two Bridges have.

CONTINUED >

DOS PUENTES (CONTINUED)

38

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

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Gr端nauer COMFORT FOOD IN THE FREIGHT HOUSE DISTRICT ARTICLE LISA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK

42

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

I

fell in love with cabbage last night.

So in love, in fact, that my date and I told our waitress we could have skipped the hearty portions of pork loin, pork shoulder and sliced beef that get top billing on Grünauer’s Viennese Classics menu and been blissfully happy with a deep bowl of the humble vegetable.

She shared a few tidbits about the recipe: beet juice keeps the color vibrant; lots of brown sugar keeps it sweet; hits of cinnamon and orange pulp keep it spicy and tart.

It’s not that cabbage is a new revelation for me: I grew up with a Volga German grandmother in a family with roots in Austria, Germany and Russia. Our Thanksgiving stuffing is more bread pudding than what we see in magazines and on cooking shows, and good meals are defined by hunks of meat, cooked simply but impeccably. So it’s no surprise that dinner at Grünauer felt almost like dinner at home, albeit with better cocktails, strudel and coffee.

I was immediately taken with the overall feel of the restaurant. Understated and warm, elegant yet welcoming, there were only a few tables available for an early dinner. We nabbed a spot next to a huge window, which gifted us with the best of both worlds: a view of the bar and the opportunity to watch the sun set over the Crossroads.

The restaurant is cozy despite its size; chalk it up to the brick wall, the not-too-industrial chandeliers, and the high ceilings. Tables are spaced nicely and the music, while lovely, didn’t impede conversation.

We admitted to our waitress that we were newbies and asked for her take on the menu.

She walked us through the appetizers and suggested two: Miesmuscheln nach Orientalischer Art ($15), mussels cooked in a red curry coconut broth, and Wammerl ($10), pork belly perched atop a light and airy, fried semolina biscuit, with a dab of balsamic onion jam on top. We chose the latter. It was delightful.

Choosing an entrée was nearly impossible: the three variations of Gulasch ($20-$22) are each popular choices, according to our waitress, as is Bauernschmaus ($26), a farmer’s plate with smoked pork loin, bacon, and bratwurst served over housemade sauerkraut.

There are six Schnitzel dishes ($20-$24)—

among those traditional, creamed spinach stuffed, mushroom-cream covered and fried egg topped—and Austrian variations on steak fillet ($25) and trout ($25).

We settled on two: Schweinebraten ($20), roast pork loin and shoulder served with bread dumplings and the aforementioned red cabbage, and Tafelspitz ($20), sliced beef served in a pool of consommé, accented with root vegetables. The Tafelspitz comes with a trio of sauces: apple horseradish, chive and creamed spinach.

There’s humility to the food at Grünauer; generous portions of meats, seasoned sparsely to let the natural flavors stand on their own, just as my doting, loving grandmother would have served in days gone by. While the atmosphere is definitely more upscale than my kitchen table and the vibe is decidedly chic, the food is unassuming and comforting in its simplicity. The flavors took me back to meals I loved growing up; those I took for granted then but now crave, the foods that remind me of home.

Make no mistake: it’s not easy to cook delicious food well and to show the restraint necessary to let humble ingredients shine.

This is Grünauer’s strength, evident in the ability to turn shredded cabbage into a deep, seductive side dish and the talent to transform an apple and a handful of raisins to a sweet, perfectly-crisp strudel.

Speaking of the strudel--Apfelstrudel mit Schlag ($8), to be precise—know that the portion is generous enough to share, though you might not want to. Paired with a cup of Grünauer’s house brew, Julius Meinl Coffee ($3.50), it’s the perfect end to a perfectly lovely meal.

Grünauer 101 West 22nd St, Kansas City 816.283.3234 GrunauerKC.com Mon-Thur 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fri & Sat 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sun 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Johnson County Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

dom*

%sold/list

bdrms

baths

Indian Hills

$1,975,000

$1,850,000

14

93%

4

3.2

Highlands Creek

$1,350,000

$1,310,000

114

97%

5

5.2

Tuscany Reserve

$1,400,000

$1,300,000

315

92%

4

4.2

Fieldston

$1,375,000

$1,290,000

17

93%

5

4.1

Leawood Estates

$1,199,950

$1,100,000

49

91%

4

4.3

Pavilions

$1,150,000

$1,030,000

141

89%

5

6.1

Mills Farm

$999,999

$990,000

10

99%

4

4.1

Mills Farm

$945,000

$945,000

204

100%

6

6.1

$1,049,000

$922,000

7

87%

4

4

Hallbrook

$875,000

$850,000

76

97%

4

4.2

Leawood Forest Estates

$875,000

$848,509

76

96%

4

5.2

Edgewood

$800,000

$795,000

2

99%

4

3.2

Hallbrook

$800,000

$775,000

89

96%

5

4.2

Reinhardt Estates

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 08-01-15 through 08-31-15. *DOM=Days on Market.

44

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

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COMPLIED BY LISA ALLEN

O

nline blogs give writers an opportunity to share their words with a world-wide audience. We enjoy introducing our readers to local bloggers we think they might like to follow.

Johnson County Lifestyle: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Kristin Brumm: I'm a writer, a nonprofit executive, a mother, a sometimes world traveler and a dreamer extraordinaire. I’m also a survivor of trauma. As a result, I write a fair bit about domestic violence and child exploitation. Writing has afforded me some wonderful opportunities. I was a Voice of the Year at the 2011 Australian Blogging Conference and my story is featured in two books coming out this summer.

JCL: When did you start blogging?

KB: October of 2009 JCL: Why did you start blogging?

KB: I felt isolated and wanted to connect with a community. I found that through blogging I could connect with people all over the world. That was so exciting to me. I also missed writing, which I had studied in college, and wanted a medium through which to practice the craft.

JCL: Who is the target audience for your blog?

KB: Most of my readers are women in their 30s-50s.

JCL: How often do you blog?

KB: R ight now my goal is to blog once a week. I used to blog almost daily, but I found that with kids and a demanding job, I couldn’t keep up that pace.

JCL: Where do you get the inspiration for your posts?

KB: I write about whatever’s in front of me. For several years, 46

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

it was the fallout from domestic violence and my ex-husband’s criminal case. I write from the inside out, describing my internal experiences. I don’t like to preach or tell people what to do, so I just share what I’m feeling and I find that resonates with people.

JCL: How many readers does your blog have?

KB: When I was writing full bore, I had about 30,000 views a month. I took a hiatus, however, when I was trying to navigate some of the worst of the trauma, and since I’ve come back I post less often. I honestly am not sure what my stats are now, as I found that checking them made me feel anxious.

JCL: W hat's been the most popular/viewed post on your blog to date?

KB: Shortly after I was assaulted by my ex-husband, I wrote a post about domestic violence called “If You Read Nothing Else I Ever Post, Read This.” It was a passionate post imploring women to listen to their instincts. People are apparently compliant, because they always click on that first. It’s had about 25,000 views.

JCL: What else do you want us to know?

KB: I think writing can be incredibly healing. When we tell our own stories, we get to shape the narrative and decide what our experiences mean, and in so doing we take back our power. We don’t have to accept someone else’s version of who we are. More than anything, it’s helped me to heal and grow stronger.

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47

Terrific Teacher

Hoops Program Encourages Students to Help Kids with Cancer B

ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY MARIAH OSBURN & PROVIDED

lue Valley Southwest chemistry and anatomy/physiology teacher Dr. Chris Jenson came up with an idea that has blossomed into a great fundraiser for young cancer victims and research.

“It’s absolutely devastating for parents and loved ones to see their child diagnosed with cancer,” says Jenson. “There is nothing better, in my humble opinion, than kids helping kids.” Jenson came up with the idea of Hoops for Hope with students at BVSW during the 2010-11 school year, the first year that BVSW was open.

“Hoops for Hope works to inspire young adults and provide them with a venue where they can support families with limited finances and fund legitimate pediatric cancer research,” says Jenson.

What is Hoops for Hope?

“Students work with friends to design a team theme and costume idea to participate in a non-competitive four-on-four basketball tournament,” BVSW student Rachel Sorcher says. “Prizes are given to the teams with the most creativity and enthusiasm.”

The event is held in early November just before the start of the high school basketball season.

“Every year, more and more students and staff participate,” says BVSW student Megan Price. “We are excited for Blue Valley High and Blue Valley West to join Southwest this year.”

“This year, all schools will join together for a common finals night which includes a celebrity shootout, games and spirit competitions,” adds student Jessica Sorcher.

“This year, each Blue Valley school will run the event Nov. 1011,” says Jacob Marshall, a student at BVHS. “The common finals night will be Nov. 12 at Blue Valley Southwest.”

It takes time to get ready for the event.

“Each year, the Hoops for Hope Committee begins planning and working six to eight months in advance to organize the big ideas along with the fine details,” says Price. “From the corporate sponsors, to the color of the event t-shirts, every detail is just as important to make the event successful. The Blue Valley schools also organize a music video at Children’s Mercy Hospital with the help of each school’s TV crew to spread the word about the event and generate further community support.”

What are the goals for the event?

“We hope to reach our goal of 800 students and staff this year,” says BVSW student Maddie Allen. “Additionally we have partnered with The V Foundation in hopes of crushing kid cancer nationwide.”

The V Foundation was founded by ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

“Our goal is to expand Hoops for Hope both within the Kansas City community and nationally,” says BVW student Ally McGill.

“We enjoy funding the fight for local families, while at the same 48

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

time supporting Dick Vitale’s mission to raise $2 million a year for pediatric cancer research.”

The event raises money for a good cause, but also gives something to the young people involved.

“We enjoy celebrating with our cancer survivors and the Children’s Mercy staff,” says Price.

Program founder Dr. Chris Jenson is excited about 2015.

“In 2015, we were extended an exciting offer through Dick Vitale to partner with his organization,” says Jenson. “We are thrilled about this partnership and hope to spread our model to high schools and universities around the nation.” Jenson is also pleased with the alliance with Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics.

“We feel grateful for the support and assistance from Children’s Mercy and enjoy a unique relationship where hospital staff, administrators, families and students work together to produce promo videos to fund the fight against childhood cancer. As such, the original schools still retain a percentage of our donations for families struggling to afford their child’s cancer care at Children’s Mercy.”

To learn more or to register for the event, visit HoopsForHopeUSA.com.

BVSW teachers Jason Pendleton, Dustin Loechner, Nate Winslow & Tyler Alexander

Dr. Chris Jenson

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51

Driver’s Notebook

Audi Q5 Diesel has Fuel

Economy and Performance ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

C

lean diesel power appeals to drivers on two levels: performance and fuel economy. Audi’s midsize utility vehicle, the Q5, is available with five powertrains, ranging from a 2.0-liter turbo to the supercharged V-6 in the sporty SQ5, but the one that catches my eye is the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6.

Sure, the 354 horsepower in the SQ5 has addictive acceleration, yet the TDI clean diesel engine delivers more torque than any engine in the lineup. Torque is the force that pushes you back when you mash the throttle, and the diesel steps away from a stop with a satisfying lunge. The TDI scoots to 60 miles per hour only 1.4 seconds slower than the hot SQ5, but its value is the fact that it has a highway mileage rating of 31 miles per gallon versus 24 for the SQ5. I submit that most of us would trade mileage for a fractionally slower acceleration.

Diesels used to be loud and smelly, but the current crop of clean diesels is neither.

In fact, if you didn’t know this was a diesel you couldn’t tell by listening.

The Q5 TDI has a base price of $47,000.

That’s at least $4,000 less than the SQ5.

The Q5 is an ideal size if you don’t need three-row seating. It slips through urban

52

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

traffic as easily as a midsize sedan, yet you sit higher and have a better view of the road.

The diesel is backed by an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with steering-wheel paddles. A quick burst of power only takes a flip of the paddle shifter. After a few seconds, the transmission reverts to automatic mode.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system divides power from side to side and front to back as conditions require. That means the wheels with the most grip get the most power. That’s handy on slippery surfaces, of course, but also on dry pavement when driving briskly. The test car’s 20-inch wheels and summer tires would not do well in ice and snow, so winter tires are probably in order.

In spite of its taller ride height, the TDI handles more like a sedan than a utility vehicle.

The ride is firm, and the brakes are strong and powerful. The blind-spot warning system has yellow lights in the side of the outside mirrors.

The Q5’s interior is well designed and executed. The combination of brushed aluminum, soft-touch surfaces and optional piano black trim is inviting.

The sculpted front sport seats were supportive and comfortable. Wind and road

noise was not intrusive at highway speeds, and the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers has excellent sound.

PRICE: The base price of the test car was $47,000. Options included the prestige package of blind-spot warning system, Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation, rear view camera and Audi connect. The exclusive package includes Nappa leather and piano black inlays. Sport front seats, 20-inch wheels and summer tires round out the pricing. The sticker price was $62,025.

WARRANTY: Four years or 50,000 miles.

The first scheduled maintenance, at 5,000 miles or 12 months, is free.

2015 AUDI Q5 TDI

Engine: 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower turbo diesel V-6 Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, all-wheel drive Wheelbase: 110.5 inches Curb weight: 4,475 pounds Base price: $47,000 As driven: $62,025 MPG rating: 24 in the city, 31 on the highway

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October

Parville’s S.D. Strong Vodka Proceeds benefit Hillcrest Platte CountyTransitional Housing The event takes place at the Cathy Kline Art Gallery in Parkville, and the art show will remain until November 17. ParkvilleInArt.com.

OCTOBER 7

OCTOBER 24 & 25

MOCSA’S FALL FORUM

BOO-TASTIC FUN!

OVERLAND PARK MARRIOTT

CROWN CENTER

MOCSA’s mission is to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual assault and abuse and to prevent sexual violence in our community. Event features keynote speaker Jeff Bucholtz, who shares ways we can all help put an end to sexual violence. Tickets $50 at Mocsa.org.

Get ready for Halloween with some BOO-TASTIC FUN at Crown Center. Have your photo taken with the Wicked Queen from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy StoneLion Puppet Theatre shows at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday. No admission fee. 816.274.8444.

Lifestyle Calendar

OCTOBER 10

OCTOBER 24

BOTANICAL BREWFEST

ATS HEART CHECK FOR STUDENTS

OVERLAND PARK

PRAIRIE VILLAGE

Enjoy a selection of craft beers you won't find elsewhere. Food, music and games amid the beautiful backdrop of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Details and early bird pricing at 913.685.3604.

Working with Shawnee Mission East to provide testing to help detect heart abnormalities. Offering a limited number of heart screenings for the discounted rate of $99 for kids ages 10 to 25. Testing includes an EKG, blood pressure test and echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Normal test cost exceeds $1,000 in hospital or doctor’s office. ATSHeartCheck.com Pre-registration required.

OCTOBER 12

OCTOBER 24 16TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY GALA

PARK UNIVERSITY ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

OVERLAND PARK

THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB OF KANSAS CITY

This fun, four-person golf tournament will benefit Park University athletics. Entry includes 18 holes of golf with cart, pre-event driving range access (1 hr prior to start), on-course games/contests, refreshments and boxed lunch on the course and at the conclusion of the event. Park.edu/golf

Amy and Tyler Henson and Teresa and Ryan Keller are co-chairs of Spofford’s event at the DoubleTree Hotel featuring cocktails, dinner, entertainment and auctions. Proceeds support Spofford’s mission of providing a comprehensive array of services to children who have endured the effects of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or early onset mental illness.

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 25

FAIRWAY EYE CENTER ANNUAL TRUNK SHOW

OVERRUN 5K & 1 MILE TRAIL WALK

FAIRWAY

OVERLAND PARK

See what's new in eye wear this fall. Representatives from Tom Ford, RayBan and more will be there with their whole collections. Enjoy beer, brats and other snacks and drinks. Most major insurances accepted. Enter the raffle to win a free pair of glasses. 913.362.2323

Enjoy a beautiful course, age group awards, long sleeve t-shirts and a fantastic Finish Line Festival. The OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation supports better treatment options and ultimately a cure. Benefitting ovarian cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. OverrunOvarianCancer.com

OCTOBER 16 URBAN RENDEZVOUS VI KANSAS CITY

The Urban Rangers Corps helps prepare at-risk inner city youth for responsible and productive futures though a program of disciplined work experience and service in their community. Proceeds from this annual dinner will support the work of the Urban Rangers. URCKC.org

OCTOBER 17 PAINT PARKVILLE ART AUCTION & WINE EVENT PARKVILLE

Don't miss Paint Parkville 2015, Art Auction Wine & Spirits Tasting. Sponsors include Riverside’s RedX, Weston’s Pirtle Winery, and 54

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

OCTOBER 25 PURPLE LIGHT BARNEY ALLIS PLAZA, KANSAS CITY

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s PurpleLight is a gathering of survivors, family and friends who have been affected by pancreatic cancer. Participants form a community of hope as they share stories about their connection and the commitment to fight pancreatic cancer.

OCTOBER 31

NOVEMBER 7

SAFEHOME HALLOWEEN 5K

STAND UP FOR SYNERGY

RUN/WALK & KIDS FUN RUN

ZONA ROSA

OVERLAND PARK

Synergy Services presents comic powerhouse Billy Gardell headlining the 9th annual event at the Improv. The stand-up comedian and star of the CBS hit series, Mike and Molly, will give patrons a lot to laugh about while they provide critical support to the children, teens, women and families that Synergy serves

Costume run around Southcreek Office Park. Participants will receive a race t-shirt and finisher’s medal. Contestants will compete for age group and overall awards. This is a family event including a 5K Run/Walk, Kids Fun Run (ages 8 & under), costume competition, and more! Safehome-ks.org

NOVEMBER 5 & 6 ARRIVAL OF THE MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS TREE CROWN CENTER SQUARE

The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 5 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 6. 816.274.8444.

NOVEMBER 6 UNITED FOR KIDS GALA OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER

Join us as we experience new dimensions of hope and transformations at the 19th annual United for Kids Gala, a benefit that will support children and families in need of behavioral health, autism and homeless outreach services. KidsTLC.org/UnitedForKids

NOVEMBER 13 TAKE A BITE OUT OF STIGMA: A CULINARY EXPERIENCE UNION STATION

Enjoy cocktails and bites from Kansas City’s finest restaurants and food trucks. Fundraising opportunities and live music included in this event benefitting ReDiscover, leading the fight to eliminate the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse for more than 45 years. 816.347.3262 RediscoverMH.org

Celebrating 20 Years!

Visit our showroom or website for details!

6960 W. 105th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 Conveniently located one block east of Metcalf on 105th Street

913.438.3868

www.AMHomeFurnishings.com October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

55

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

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

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Laughter Loves Photography (816) 726-8036 laughterlovesphotography.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

Junior League of Kansas City-Holiday Mart (816) 444-2112 holidaymartkc.com Ozanam (816) 508-3600 ozanam.org The Whole Person (816) 627-2280 thewholeperson.org/celebration

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS AWARDS Botanical Brewfest (913) 685-3604 opabg.org

Easter Seals Midwest (816) 326-6798 eastersealsmidwest.org

EDUCATION

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

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION CenterFire (913) 782-4900 centerfiress.com 56

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com KC Pumpkin Patch (913) 484-6251 kcpumpkinpatch.com Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoskc.com

Burlington Mattress Company Savers (816) 885-3512 (OP - 95th & Nall location) kcbed.com (913) 649-4381 (Overland Park) (913) 782-8939 (Olathe) Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 PROPERTY designconnectioninc.com & REAL ESTATE Better Homes & Gardens Real Seasonal Concepts Estate Kansas City (913) 642-4999 (913) 345-8877 seasonalconceptsonline.com goldsteinteam.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark. tenthousandvillages.com

The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

HOME SERVICES

The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

Granite Garage Floors (913) 717-7346 granitegaragefloors.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Johnson County Young Matrons jcym.net

Cy Financial (913) 322-3500 cyfinancial.com

Retirement Solutions Group (855) 474-7872 rsgusa.net Searcy Financial Services (913) 814-3800 searcyfinancial.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Michael Barnthouse, MD. Gynecology & Women’s Wellness (816) 941-0700 drbarnthousegyn.com/female

Carpet Direct (913) 927-1001 carpetdirectkc.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

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

Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

Shawnee Mission Medical Center (913) 632-2571 centrecarekc.com

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

HCA Midwest turn4thebetter.com

OTHER

Cates Auction & Realty Company, Inc. (816) 781-1134 catesauction.com

Corner Bakery and Cafe (913) 766-0486 cornerbakerycafe.com Gaslight Grill (913) 897-3540 gaslightgrill.com KC Wine Co. (913) 484-6251 kcwineco.com

North Italia (913) 232-5191 northitaliarestaurant.com

SALONS & SPAS

Reverse Medical Spa (913) 268-0400 reversemedicalspa.com Sunlighten Day Spa (913) 754-0831 sunlighten.com

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

PO#103015NIC-JoCoLifestyle (7.083x3.15).indd 1

Elegant

|

|

Historical

|

Newly Restored

Conventions | Restaurant | Couples Retreat | Spa & Grotto Experience | Fitness Room European Lap Pool | Private Setting with Manicured Grounds | CafĂŠ | Tavern

Located in Excelsior Springs, Missouri

1-800-the-elms

13875 S. Gardner Road Olathe, Kansas

ElmsHotelAndSpa.com

kcpumpkinpatch.com

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9 to 3 Saturday: 10 to 6 Sunday: Noon to 6 October 2015 | Johnson County Lifestyle

Photos by Sara Marie Photography

Weddings

9/17/15 7:37 PM

57

Parting Thoughts

When Fetching Beer

Gets Complicated WORDS DENISE SNODELL

I

have a beer problem.

Wait. That doesn’t sound right. I don’t even drink this popular beverage—never acquired a taste—but I am indeed going through a beer-related crisis.

It all started at a fundraising event, too many months ago. An item at the silent auction table caught my husband’s eye—a gift certificate for his favorite local brewery. It offered the ultimate temptation: “A Special Four-Case Selection of Fine Beers.”

Faster than you can say “beer me,” he pulled out his mighty pen. A quiet sword fight with other auction attendees ensued. But this was the good stuff. My husband “won.”

I would have been thrilled if he had bid on four cases of wine, but no, we were suddenly the proud owners of a lot of beer. Almost 99 bottles, like the song.

There was a complication, though. It turned out we wouldn’t be hearing the clinking of way too many amber vessels when we hit potholes on the drive home. Once we were handed the victory certificate, we learned the beer had to be picked up at another time and place. Such sobering fine print.

58

Johnson County Lifestyle | October 2015

We were instructed to claim our prize at the brewery’s warehouse, which was an unfamiliar address somewhere around or past downtown. Not only that, we had to follow a strict beer-claiming procedure. So much effort.

An email form had to be filled out. The certificate number was some kind of critical big deal. Once the paperwork was complete, the instructions informed us, we would have to wait until a company representative contacted us to set up a time to get the liquid loot. Can you imagine? Paperwork and appointments and wacky GPS coordinates for what…beer?

The worst part—we’d have to choose from very limited windows of pickup times, all during inconvenient office hours. My schedule is more flexible than my husband’s, so I stupidly volunteered to chair the beer retrieval committee. What a mistake.

I’ve had no incentive to drive an hour round trip to an industrial booze district.

As of press time, I have not hopped to the task, so to speak. And it’s been getting weird around my household. The tension has escalated because my husband has stopped buying the occasional six-pack. It seems he

doesn’t want to have even a small supply at home when the motherlode is apparently coming. He’s been wrongly assuming I’d burst ahead through the flaming hoops and take the journey “any day now.”

For months, the guy has been living beerless-ly. When things were normal, he would always enjoy holding a chilled brewski while grilling on the deck. He’d flip a burger, gaze out to the yard, and sip his beloved beverage. Yet now he can’t. Or rather, won’t.

So lately, when my husband grills, he digs into the wine stash. Namely, my refreshing, crisp Riesling. He’s never been a Riesling drinker, ever, and I’m irritated.

I tell myself he’s subconsciously seeking something fermented, chilled and Octoberfest-y. This is the best my guy can do to cope with our ironic beer void.

But then again, hmm, he might have uncorked some kind of clever motivational trick: The Great Riesling Siphon.

It’s working. I’m going to do everything it takes to claim his 96 bottles the moment I finish this column.

What a crafty scheme.

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