Leawood March 2016

Leawood

MARCH 2016

LeawoodLifestyle.com

L

I

F

E

S

T

Y

L

E

™

Arts

The Surround Us

THE ART OF THE JAYHAWK READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS GET TO KNOW THE WHOLE PERSON A BURGER WITH A SIDE OF ROCK & BREWS

Leawood’s Premier Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Conrad Parks As the father of two small children, Dr. Parks realizes there is far more to your child than just their teeth. He takes time to get to know your children, and his entire team at Parks Children’s Dentistry work hard to ensure your child is at ease during their entire visit. Parental involvement is encouraged throughout the appointment, our continuous focus is on developing trust and confidence with both you and your child.

As a board certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Parks has been trained to specialize on only the dental needs of children. From twelve months through early adulthood, we partner with you and your child to ensure they establish healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Through registered dental hygienists we provide individualized care appropriate to your child’s age and maturity level.

Join our family at Parks Children’s Dentistry right here in Leawood 4601 West 109th St, STE 217 Overland Park, Kansas 66211 (913) 491-5044 | parkschildrensdentistry.com

$2.25 sq.yd. $0.00 sq.yd. stock colors only

$2.50 sq.yd. $0.00 sq.yd. stock colors only

$2.25 sq.yd.

$0.00sq.yd. stock colors only

$25 OFF EVERY $200 IN MATERIALS PURCHASED

0% FINANCING FOR 18 MONTHS* *UPON CREDIT APPROVAL. PURCHASE MUST BE PAID IN FULL WITHIN THE 18 MONTH PERIOD. CALL FOR DETAILS.

$1.75 sq.yd. $0.00 sq.yd. stock colors only

www.SummitFlooringAndturF.com

816-886-2747

1051 SE cEntury drivE, lEE’S Summit, mo 64081 m,w-F: 9-5 Retailer Name & Logo tuES: 9-7 123 Any Street Any town, GA 00000 SAt: 9-2 website.com18 monthS no intErESt Hours 0:00 amFinAncing to 0:00 pm AvAilAblE For thE month oF mArch!

The most durable, easiest to clean carpet on the planet.™ Now featuring All Pet Protection & Warranty covering all pets, all accidents, all the time.

Lifestyle Letter

A Performing Arts Bucket List

MARCH 2016 editor

Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor

Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com

O

n occasion I like to challenge myself to see more of this great city of ours. I plan field trips and insist that we leave “the bubble” for a dinner out. In honor of our arts themed issue, I create this handy dandy check-off list. Go ahead and cut it out. Use it as a bucket list of sorts...a list that challenges you to check out a few new websites and see what shows are playing here, there and across town. Some of these places are hidden gems, some are Kansas City classics, and some are a little less impressive from the outside. Don’t let that discourage you. The talent is on stage.

sales director

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales

Randy Metzler | Randy.Metzler@LifestylePubs.com Mike Reilly | Mike.Reilly@LifestylePubs.com Frank Flores | Frank.Flores@LifestylePubs.com Louis Faller | Louis.Faller@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Katherine Bontrager, Ann Butenas, Michael Duane, Andrea K. Grist, Susan Motley, Anne Potter Russ, Tom Strongman

Apologies in advance for any I inadvertently left off the list.

contributing photographers

Janie Jones, Susan Motley, Jeff Schotland,

Get out there and enjoy the performing arts in this great city of ours, and I’ll see you around town!

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

KC Performing Arts Bucket List

KC PERFORMING ARTS "BUCKET LIST"

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Tom Strongman, Tiffany Marie Photography

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

The Chestnut Theater The Rose Theater at the JCC

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

The Barn Players

AD COORDINATORS

Summit Theater Group The Gem Theater Just Off Broadway Theater

DESIGN SPECIALIST

KC Actors Theater

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Uptown Theater

APPLICATION ARCHITECT

The Midland Theater The Folly Theater

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER

The New Theater

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR

Quality Hill Playhouse

| DeLand Shore

WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

The Coterie KC Repertoire New Longview Cultural Arts Center Theater in the Park Musical Theater Heritage Unicorn Theater Metropolitan Ensemble Theater

by Community ™

LeawoodLifestyle.com ON THE COVER The colorful art of local artist Michael Duane shows the beauty to be found in the Flint Hills weather and landscapes. Read more on page 52.

6

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

JOIN US

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Leawood’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 Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

build your future

With Us

Are you building, remodeling or simply changing your style?

Come visit our showroom and work with our designers and sales staff to explore all options specific to your design needs.

DOORS | WINDOWS | CABINETS | HARDWARE | MILLWORK | and more—we have it all!

913.962.5227 | 7600 Wedd, Overland Park, 66204 | www.kcbuilding.com

PEOPLE

PRODUCTS

PERFORMANCE

March 2016

20 38 18 Rock & Brews

Energetic hot spot inspired by music legends'

love of rock music and cold beer.

20 Preserving a Piece of the Prairie

Past meets present at The Volland Store event and art space.

34 Sculpting an Icon

10

Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Hot Spot

20

Open House

26

Now Open

30

Locals Only

48

Local Limelight

52

Artist’s Palette

54

Giving Back

57

Sold Properties

60

Lifestyle Calendar

66

Parting Thoughts

Local studio creates Jayhawk-inspired cast bronze sculptures.

38 Spring Tea Time & Treats

Departments

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a bright and cheery tea party.

34 48

xx

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana | Ohio | Oklahoma | Texas | Utah

we make dream homes a reality

KOENIGBUILDING.COM 816.457.9445

Good Times

Readers' Choice Awards Event

Lifestyle Publications’ friends, staff and advertising partners gathered at Rock & Brews to celebrate another great year.

Emcee Mark Alford from KC's Fox morning team helped honor our first Readers' Choice Award winners, voted by our readers online. PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

David Bush & Isaac Norris/Searcy Financial; Donna Tilden/Principal

The Lifestyle Publications team

Ed & Arlene Ladergaard/Design Connections

Sally Hornstra & Shelli Veatch/Ozanam

Mark Alford presents the staff of Puppy's Playpen with their award.

Susan & Jim Haas/Awnings by Design, and Michael LeBlanc & Jill Jenkins/Jenkins & LeBlanc Taylor Berggren & Chris Roesch/KC Wine Co. Carolyn Braverman/Lifestyle Publications Pediatric Dentistry 10

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Every Detail, Every Time SPACE PLAN | NEW BUILDS | REMODELS | REDESIGNS | FURNISHINGS and more!

AFTER

BEFORE

Arlene Ladegaard IIDA

CertiямБed Interior Designer | NARI Member

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR IN-STUDIO CONSULTATION

(913) 851-8776

|

DesignConnectionInc.com

Good Times

Catholic Charities Snow Ball

The 42nd annual event raised $2,154,000+ for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

Attended by more than 1,600 guests at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, the elegant black-tie gala supports programs and services which help the poor and most vulnerable.

Cyr Walti & Catherine Cyr Nigro, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Marilyn Paul & Mary Thompson with Debbie Dan & Lisa Stalp & Ken Hager, Diane & Ken Williams & Kevin Wilkerson

Stephen & Kristine Penn, Chris Dierks, with Ping Kelsey, Toby, Tracy & Christian Boschert & Diana Enriquez

Jack Newman, Jim Crawford, John Campbell & Charlie Haake

Empower and educate yourself.

Personal protection, Conceal and Carry classes in Johnson County’s premier indoor shooting range.

Every Wednesday night ladies shoot free from 6-9 p.m.

www.CenterFireSS.com 875 N. Jan-Mar Court, Olathe, KS 66061 | 913-782-4900 12

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Sunflower Bank Grand Opening

More than 200 people in our community offered a warm welcome to the bank's new branch locations in Leawood and Overland Park. The festivities included live jazz, prizes, hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a grand prize. Welcome, Sunflower Bank!

Roxy Moran & Beth Johnson

Eric Comeau, Alissa Foth & Debbie Davis

Cheryl Campbell, Emily Demars & Todd Hershberger

Krista Martin, Greg Stiles & Roxy Moran

Mayor Dunn & Mollie Carter

Beau Bradshaw & Jeff Kiewiet

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

13

Around Town

AROUND TOWN and record important memories that can get lost over time. What this book will do for you NOW: Help capture the fun from your 1st to your 70th anniversary. What this book will do for you LATER: Offer an annual look back to further strengthen your marriage. A great wedding/engagement gift or anniversary present. BooksByAce.com

NEW FROM THE STUDIO OF SUZE FORD Kansas City artist Suze Ford recently took some of her beautiful

IFLY MAKES THE DREAM OF SKYDIVING A REALITY

prints and turned them into a lovely set of note cards. This inspira-

iFLY, the new experiential entertainment venue in Overland Park, is

tional pack of greeting cards comes with six different card (approx 4″

now open and offers the thrill of indoor skydiving to folks of all ages.

x 5 1/2″) designs, on luxury textured felt paper, each with a gorgeous

They make the dream of flight a reality by giving customers “wings”

shimmer gold envelope. Every design is taken from one of Suze’s

in a safe and reliable environment.

original paintings, and all of the writings are hand lettered by her.

Located at I-435 and Metcalf, the unique building uses a wind

They embody the same uplifting messages, and brilliant colors that

tunnel to simulate the skydiving experience. After watching a brief

her original oil paintings do.

video and receiving safety details from a trained instructor, patrons

These cards, and newly released prints can be purchased from Suze at SuzeFord.com/prints.

PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WIN PHOTO CONTEST Sixth-graders in Laura Moore’s Prairie Elementary classroom are first-place winners in a KC Healthy Kids youth photo contest. As winners, they receive $1,000 to help promote student wellness. Students also will give a “Shark Tank” style presentation at an awards ceremony this month, explaining how community members can support their classroom’s ideas for making a lasting change to support wellness in their community.

LOCAL WOMEN PUBLISH SECOND BOOK IN DELIGHTFUL "READ THIS . . ." SERIES Kansas City authors Christy Howard and Annie Presley recently released Read This... On Our Anniversary, the second book in their READ THIS...™ series. The workbook-style guide is written in the same playful-yet-practical spirit as their first release, Read This...

When I'm Dead, which offers one place to put all the information your family needs to know after you're gone.

This second book celebrates marriage and creates a keepsake for generations to come, offering thought-provoking, fun pages to reflect 14

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

put on their flight suits and helmets and wait their turn for a few rides in the tunnel. A party room and group rates are available. The company has 15 iFly locations across the country at this time and hopes to double that number in the next 18 months. Learn more at iFlyWorld.com/Kansas-City or by calling 913.305.4359.

ANNUAL MARCH

HELP MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE BY VOLUNTEERING Do you have an hour or two a week, a

LASER SALE

compassionate and giving spirit and the ability to drive? Maybe it’s time to consider a delivery route with Meals on Wheels!

Volunteers ages 18 and over deliver meals to homebound seniors once a week, once a month or when available. Meals are delivered between 10:45 and11:45 a.m. Monday through Fridays and routes are available in and around your neighborhood.

Meals can be delivered by individuals, civic or faith based organizations or employee teams. Children are welcome to accompany parents on a delivery route, and as one can imagine, these visits are often the highlight of the day or week for these homebound seniors.

This is a terrific community service opportunity for volunteers of all ages. For more information, call 913.715.8895.

Johnson County Meals on Wheels is administered by the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging and is funded by the Older Americans Act.

IPL Treatment Face or Neck $159 /Reg. $199 Chest $199 /Reg. $249 Hands $99 /Reg. $125 *Prices are per treatment.

MUSICAL HERITAGE THEATER CELEBRATES 14TH SEASON Musical Theater Heritage at Crown Center has turned up the heat lately. Now in their 14th season, they are becoming a musical theater and entertainment enterprise. Audiences have 140 performances to choose from; ranging from book musi-

PIXEL Fractional Skin Resurfacing Face $425 /Reg. $575 Neck $319 /Reg. $425 Chest $549 /Reg. $699 Face & Neck $729 /Reg. $925 Face, Neck & Chest $1,199 /Reg. $1,550 *Prices are per treatment.

cals, revues, cabaret nights, and special engagements. They also have a full bar - and yes, even food.

This year, MTH’s season includes Annie Get

Your

Gun,

Big

River,

Next

to

Normal, and Cabaret, as well as two original musical revues; An Evening with Cole Porter, and Songs of the Great War. Their high-octane, musical theater-flavored cabaret nights, Musical Mondays & Tuesdays, Too, have been thrilling sold-out audiences for the last seven years. And their newest series, A Night on the Town, turns their CONTINUED >

We are 100% Physician Owned

913-322-3433 | ReflectionsBodySolutions.com 7824 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213 March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

15

Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

theater into an intimate speak-easy, where patrons can enjoy cock-

(143rd & Switzer Rd.). Formerly, the group had been sponsored by

tails at an up-close performance from their favorite local performer

and met at Colonial Presbyterian Church.

or Broadway star.

Their slogan? "For those who love musicals.” Visit MTHKC.com, or call 816.221.6987.

MEMORIAL BEING CREATED TO HONOR SHOOTING VICTIMS

The group is open to all elementary aged boys who wish to participate in the adventures Cub Scouting has to offer, no matter what their age or past scouting experience.

Families interested in joining the pack should contact Allan Shoup at allan.shoup@gmail.com.

It has been almost two years since a senseless hate crime took the lives of Dr. William Lewis Corporon, his grandson Reat Griffin Underwood, and Teresa LaManno. These tragedies were followed by an overwhelming show of unity and support for the families, including a memorial service four days later attended by more than 1,000 people of all faiths and ethnicities. There was a tremendous sense of loss felt throughout the community.

At the same time, the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom received contributions in memory of the victims. After lengthy consideration, staff and lay leaders decided to pool resources in order to create a public memorial on the site of the Jewish Community Campus. Now that idea is coming to fruition. The sculpture will be located on the west side of the Campus, adjacent to the entrance to the White Theatre.

In fall, the group selected a design by sculptor Jesse Small. He completed his MFA at the Kansas City Art Institute, maintained a studio in the early years of the Crossroads and has had several solo exhibitions in the area. Local public installations can be seen at Arrowhead Stadium, the Olathe Community Center and just blocks from the Jewish Community Campus at the entrance to I-Lan Park.

Marc Shaffer, Mike Searcy and John Fale

SEARCY FINANCIAL SERVICES CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

“When people look at my sculpture, I want them to experience it

Searcy Financial has been serving our community for the past

as a memorial that is dynamic, a beacon for change that is ongoing

40 years, but they have no plans to slow down. Along with their

and positive…[promoting] kindness and love over all else,” Small said.

anniversary, they are celebrating some very special milestones

A private dedication ceremony will take place in mid-April after

this year. They have introduced two new associates to their team,

which the memorial will be open for public viewing.

Isaac Norris, Financial Advisor, and David Bush, VP of Business Development. They have also announced the addition of John Fales as a partner and member of the executive team.

The Searcy Financial team is passionate about helping their clients achieve success on their terms, where they stand. To deliver the best service possible, they recently became a fee-only firm and have applied for certification from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the leading association of feeonly financial advisors. SearcyFinancial.com

ROLLINGREENS PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE AT WHOLE FOODS RollinGreens, formally a mobile food truck and catering service, expands with packaged product line in the Whole Foods Kansas City

SCOUTING RETURNS TO HARMONY ELEMENTARY

stores. The new product line features a variety of health conscious, organic, nutritious and innovative products. The line debuted in May of 2015 in Colorado with its first product, Millet Tots.

The Soaring Eagle district recently announced that Cub Scout

Millet Tots are the company’s version of tater tots, made with an

Pack 3476 has relocated to Blue Valley’s Harmony Elementary School

ancient whole grain. The unique, small, crispy bites are organic, vegan,

16

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

gluten free, non-gmo and soy-free. They will be offered in the frozen food section. For shoppers who desire an elevated frozen food experience, RollinGreens provides the most nutritious, fresh, flavorful and creative products.

“We want to change the way people feel about frozen food. To us, its preserving fresh, healthy food so people can enjoy it at any time in the comfort of their home,” says Lindsey Cunningham, Co-Owner of RollinGreens. RollinGreens.com

Showroom Location:

6 SW 3rd Street Lee’s Summit,MO 64063

816.554.7779 • 913.402.1600 50TH ANNIVERSARY WILL CELEBRATE KC’S ONLY JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Kansas City’s only Jewish day school, is marking a

In March

25% off

milestone this year. The school will celebrate its 50th anniversary – quite an accomplishment for an institution that started with only a handful of students in a small building.

But thanks to the dedication of its founding parents, the faculty that has taught there and the students it has educated, HBHA is recognized as one of the top private schools in the metro area and beyond.

HBHA will celebrate its golden anniversary in April, with a very special musical concert featuring Music Director Michael Stern and the Kansas City Symphony at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. At that time Neil and Blanche Sosland, HBHA founding parents and community philanthropists, will be recognized with the prestigious Civic Service Award.

Initially, HBHA began as a Kindergarten through third grade school. Then the school added one grade each year until it became a K-8 school, and later a K-12 school.

Some bunny needs blinds!

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

17

ld Brew o C d n a fo d r o o T F

se ho

Go od

Hot Spot

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

Rock & Brew beckons you to come in and stay awhile with its casual, friendly atmosphere, rock idol dĂŠcor and plenty of TVs playing music videos or the big game of the day. The menu of quality American comfort food and the full bar make you glad you did.

18

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

I

t started with the thought that nothing beats great music and a cold beer shared with friends. The conversation between rock stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS fame and some restaurateur friends quickly grew into a concept for a restaurant. In just a few years, Rock & Brew has grown to 13 locations across the country, including Overland Park.

When Rock & Brew opened at 135th and Nall a year and a half ago, it was an instant hit. And it has become one of the hottest ‘hot spots’ in the popular Prairiefire development.

Step inside the restaurant and it is a feast for your senses. The concrete floors, high ceilings with exposed pipes, brick walls and concert lighting give the place an edgy, urban feel. Huge murals featuring the legends of rock and roll plaster the walls, and every piece of art tells a story. Great music is always in the air and music videos play on numerous screens. Sometimes those screens are tuned to the big game of the day, making it a great place to watch your favorite sport!

Their menu offers something for everyone, claiming it’s a “non-traditional, creative spin on fresh quality American comfort food.” Offerings include wings, hearty salads, burgers, sandwiches and artisan pizza, along with a variety of diet-conscious, gluten-free or vegetarian options. One of their most popular items is the authentic, giant Bavarian pretzel.

It wouldn’t be Rock & Brew without a full bar and a broad selection of premium wines and beers. In fact, on any given day, they have 52 domestic, international and craft beers on tap and those are changed frequently.

If you’re looking for a place for a casual evening with friends that includes great conversation, good food, rocking music and, of course, a bottle or two of your favorite brew, check out this place.

Prairiefire can be a busy spot, so plan ahead. Rock & Brew takes reservations.

Called Opening Acts, the appetizer menu offers something for everyone.

Two favorites are Crispy Asian Shrimp with a spicy slaw ($10.95) and always delicious Bruschetta ($7.95)

A popular salad, Strawberry Fields is a mouthwatering mix of greens, avocado, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese and candied walnuts tossed in a lemon pepper vinaigrette. ($12.95)

The Southwest Chipotle Pasta is a divine combination of fettuccine noodles and grilled chicken in a chipotle cream sauce, with a touch of bell peppers, red onion and shaved parmigiana. Served at lunch with a garlic breadstick. ($6.95)

Be sure to save room for one of the Encore offerings.

The Giant Brownie Sundae does not disappoint. The presentation is impressive; the taste is even better! ($6.95) March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

19

Open House

The

VOLLAND STORE in the

Flint Hills isalive onceagain ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

I

t’s somehow fitting that the 103-year-old Kratzer Bros.

Mercantile store that was home to Otto Kratzer and his camera is once again a community focal point that is used to display art and serve as an event space in Volland, Kan., a tiny hamlet about 8 miles southwest of Alma. Alma is about 100 miles west of Kansas City, just south of Interstate 70 on K-99.

In 1905, Bill Kratzer invited his younger brother Otto to join him in his general store. Otto had a serious interest in photography and for three years he used a camera with glass plate negatives. In 1908 he bought a Kodak postcard camera that produced negatives the size of penny postcards. With this camera he documented the store and its visitors for more than 65 years. His pictures paint a historic portrait of Flint Hills life.

CONTINUED >

20

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

The Kratzer Bros.

Mercantile store has been completely restored and turned in a gallery and event space with a loft for overnight guests.

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

21

Open House

(CON TI N U ED)

“The local people talked about the photos so much that it made me see how important they were to the town,” says patty.

Otto’s vibrant spirit and reverence for Flint Hills life is budding once again because Patty and Jerry Reece of Mission Hills have restored the general store and turned it into an art gallery and event space with a small loft for overnight stays. Now called the Volland Store, it shines once again like a jewel among the flint rocks.

The two-story brick building, built in 1913, originally had five bedrooms and living quarters on the second floor. The firstfloor store carried a wide range of items, from farm supplies to penny candy, fishing poles and any item necessary for daily life. It

was also a community center for the nearly 400 people who lived nearby.

After Otto died in 1971 the building was closed. Over the years a persistent leak caused the roof and interior floors to collapse. Karen Durso, Otto’s granddaughter who lives in Tennessee, held on to the building.

Patty said her interest in the Volland Store grew while she was curating an exhibit of Kratzer’s extensive photo archive for display during the 2011 Symphony in the Flint Hills concert. She and her husband, who have owned a place near Alma since 2000, had prior experience with the

renovation of old buildings, and they were intrigued with the store.

“The local people talked about the photos so much that it made me see how important they were to the town,” says Patty. And so the Reeces acquired the property in 2012.

“We’ve always chosen buildings with good bones,” adds Patty.

Ms. Durso loaned Otto’s extensive photo archive to Greg Hoots, local historian, so he could digitize the photos. Ms. Durso also loaned Greg 18 reels of 8-millimeter movies and those have been turned into Volland Memories: The Kratzer Films, made possible CONTINUED >

22

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

A panorama during "The Spirit of Place: Rooted in the Flint Hills" reception.

“We’ve always chosen buildings with good bones.”

The gallery

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

23

Open House (CON TI N U ED) through funding from the Kansas Humanities Council.

Even though the bones of the building were sound, reconstructing it from the inside out was a major project. Patty engaged David Dowell, a principal at El Dorado, Kansas City architects; Don McMican, DGM Consultants, structural engineer; and George Terbovich, to come up with a plan. Don Hendricks of Alma and his crew of Andy Badeker, Rocky Spittles and Sean Umberger did the construction.

In October of 2013 the Reeces hosted a party to honor the 100th anniversary of the building and to mark the completion of rubble removal. More than 400 people attended. In 2015 the completed building was awarded a Design Excellence Architectural Citation and the People’s Choice Award by the American Institute of Architects Kansas City.

The Store is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Volland Store Fund has been established within the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation (TheKRCF.org) so that anyone can support the cultural and educational work of the Store. Information about upcoming events and loft rental can be found at TheVollandStore.com.

Upcoming exhibits include portraits from Scott Stebner’s book, Kansas Farmer, opening on March 6. Proceeds from Stebner’s book go toward scholarships. An exhibition of large-scale works on paper by Ky Anderson, Meg Lipke and Vicki Sher opens on April 10.

24

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Stephen Anderson at the reception.

Patty and Jerry Reece

The second-floor loft can be rented for overnight stays.

Bo fo ok a r S ahe Lim nd p a ite S rin d d- a g tim v e o e! ff er

Does Your GaraGe Floor NeeD a Makeover?

3 Industrial Quality 3 Easy to Clean 3 Designer Finishes Our professionally installed, industrial-quality system is extremely durable, resists staining, won’t peel from hot tires and is easy to clean. Locally owned and operated, we provide neighborhood references, and our system is backed by a lifetime warranty against peeling. Call or email for a free estimate.

913-717-7346 | KansasCity@GraniteGarageFloors.com

EPOXY

COATING

SYSTEMS

GraniteGarageFloors.com

“As a ballroom dance studio, social club, and event space, the Overland Park Ballroom and Social Club is waltzing its way into the hearts of devoted clientele.”

TAKE ALL THE RIGHT STEPS TODAY! STOP BY or CALL The Overland Park Ballroom and Social Club to find out about our New Student Special!

Please call 913.815.6790 12170 Blue Valley Parkway Overland Park, KS 66213 www.overlandparkballroom.com March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

25

Now Open

Dogs enjoy socializing in the large outdoor play area.

26

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

DOGS & CATS IN LAP OF LUXURY AT NEW PET CLUB

W

TWO DOGS AND A CAT OFFERS CENTRAL LOCATION AND SO MUCH MORE!

W

e haven’t had any pets in our house for a few years now.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

But that changed a week before Christmas when an ador-

able German Shepard puppy joined the family. Now I’m focused on all things dog related and trying to remember what’s involved in caring for a four-legged friend. There have been trips to the vet, research abut the best food, and reading up on house breaking tips. And the whole family is being vigilant to ensure the little guy is never unattended, as he can get into quite a bit of trouble in no time! The first few months can be exhausting!

That’s why I was thrilled to learn about Two Dogs and A Cat Pet Club, which opened in October on 119th Street, just west of Metcalf. They offers boarding and daycare facilities, grooming and spa services, nutritional solutions and supplies, and just about any product a pet owner could need.

"Two Dogs and a Cat Pet Club strives to create an environment that is highly entertaining for pets so they are comfortable and stress free while their pet parents are away,” says owner John Cavalcanti. “It’s a very unique concept born from the need to create an environment based on four basic elements of animal enrichment – health, safety, comfort and fun!”

Keeping the dogs entertained is a key to it’s offering. All lodging and daycare includes stimulating activities and exercise so the dogs don’t get bored or lonely. There is plenty of space for this as their large indoor and outdoor play yards feature multiple exercise structures and plenty of room to run.

Daycare rates are $17 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and $22 for a full day.

If a pet is staying overnight, they offer dog suites and cat condos that are spacious, sanitary, and comfortable.

The cat condos offer a transparent, glass back that CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

27

Now Open

(CON TI N U ED)

Everything a pet owners needs can be found in the boutique, from food and treats to collars, leashes, toys and beds.

looks out over a “cat-themed landscaping” complete with bird feeders, a perfect distraction. The condos are spacious and divided into three sections, so cats can move around. The cat room also offers a maze of perches built into a wall. Cats are let Grooming services are provided in a calm, loving environment by highly trained and experienced groomers

out one at a time, or in families, to explore the maze and exercise.

Cat boarding is $22 per night.

Two options are available for dog boarding: the VIP or the standard suites. The standard suites are large and have glass doors, not a traditional kennel or cage, and feature an elevated bed and soothing music. The VIP rooms are more private and sound proof. Each is themed to an exotic locale and has its own TV that plays dog shows. Rates are $45 for standard suites and $55 for the VIP rooms.

The grooming salon offers a full range of traditional services as well as specialty services like essential oil aromatherapy, ionizing and oxygen treatments.

Two Dogs and a Cat Pet Club is open 365 days a year.

“We are here to assist you with your pet’s nutritional needs and everything else that goes along with being a pet lover and owner,” explains Cavalcanti, a veterinarian. “Our boutique offers hundreds of pet friendly items to choose from. In most cases, if you are looking for it – we have it. And if we don’t – we’ll get it for you.”

More info is available at TwoDogsAndACatPetClub.com.

28

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

MODEL HOME NOW FOR SALE $649,950 | 1.5 STORY | 4 BED | 4.1 BATH

3,450 square feet on a picturesque lot. Privacy with spectacular views. Tabernacle Homes.

MODEL OPEN WED-SUN, 12-4PM and By Appointment 16218 Canterbury Road

RIVER RIDGE

KENNETH

159TH

BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Mission

Nall

Metcalf

- Only 5 Vineyard View Homesites Left in Overland Park - Close to the #1 Ranked Blue Valley High School - Private Treed Homesites Available

159th and Kenneth Road, Overland Park 69 HWY

SELECT RESERVE HOMESITES NOW OPEN FOR PURCHASE

ENCLAVE OF SUNSET HILLS HIGH POINT ESTATES SUNSET HILLS OF RIVER RIDGE Homes Starting at $400,000 to 1 Million+

www.RiverRidgeKS.com

LETTIANN SOUTHERLAND River Ridge Communities Specialist

Lettiann@Lettiann.com | www.Lettiann.com | 816-898-5477

Locals Only

THE

BEST OF JOHNSON COUNTY

FROM FOOD AND DRINK TO HOME REPAIR AND PET CARE, YOU VOTED FOR THE BEST OF THE BEST!

BEST PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

Winner: Keller Williams O’Dell Group GroupODell.com

BEST SPECIALTY SERVICES

Winner: Nature’s Touch Dry Cleaners GreenEarthCleaning.com

BEST NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION/BUILDER

Winner: Koenig Building KoenigBuilding.com

ARTICLE LISA HARRISON

T

hank you, readers! We invited you to go online and vote for the best our community has to offer in our first-ever Readers’ Choice survey and you rose to the occasion. Though there were some close calls, most of the results were quite clear. You’ve got your favorites and you let us know! We counted the votes, held a party last month to hand out the trophies and wanted to share the results.

BEST HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Winner: Seasonal Concepts

SeasonalConceptsOnline.com BEST ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Winner: Top Golf TopGolf.com

BEST PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL PRACTICE

Winner: Woman’s Health Associates WomensHealthKC.com

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

Winner: Town Center Plaza TownCenterPlaza.com CONTINUED >

30

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Locals Only

(CON TI N U ED)

BEST CASUAL DINING

Winner: Corner Bakery Café CornerBakeryCafe.com BEST DENTISTS

Winner: Jenkins & LeBlanc Dentistry for Children KidSmileKC.com

BEST EDUCATION

Winner: The Barstow School BarstowSchool.org

BEST AUTOMOTIVE

Winner: Shawnee Mission Ford ShawneeMissionFord.com

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT

Winner: Granite Garage Floor GraniteGarageFloors.com

BEST ANIMAL CARE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BEST HOSPITALS

Winner: Puppy’s Playpen PuppysPlaypen.com

Winner: Saint Luke’s Health Systems SaintLukesKC.org/plan

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Winner: Peoples Bank

BankingUnusual.com BEST FINE DINING

Winner: J. Alexanders

JAlexandersHoldings.com BEST NOT-FOR-PROFIT BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS

Winner: Bio-Fit Therapy Based Fitness

Winner: Ozanam Ozanam.org

BioFitKC.com

BEST JEWELRY

BEST SPECIALTY SHOP

Winner: TIVOL

Winner: KC Wine Company

Tivol.com

KCWineCo.com

The contest will return at the end of 2016 so we invite you to spread the word and to go online and nominate your favorites when we’re ready to accept nominations and votes!

32

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

SIGN UP NOW!

COME SUPPORT HILLCREST’S MISSION OF SERVING HOMELESS YOUTH!

BEST

Weddings, Parties, Meetings 04.09.2016 WHERE: SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

CHILDREN’S AREA OPEN 10-4

REGISTER ONLINE! HILLCRESTBUBBLESOCCER2016.EVENTBRITE.COM

Charm • Privacy • Coordinators • Catering • Easy 20 Minutes from Kansas City www.longviewmansion.com 816-761-6669 March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

33

192 3 J

34

ayhaw

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

k

ICON

Artworks

It All Began with a Love for a Mythical Bird

ARTICLE ANN E. BUTENAS | PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF SCHOTLAND

T

here are those works of

bronze, but we also specialize in cast pewter

art that are one-in-million,

due to its malleability, durability, permanence

and then there are those

and lower production cost," adds Palmer,

that are once-in-a-life-

who credits his uncle, Robin Richerson, for

time. ICON Artworks, a locally-owned company A r t i st R o

specializing

bin R ic

he

r so na ne

rM

at t

Pal

me r

When growing up in suburban Kansas

cast

City, Palmer gravitated towards the works of

bronze sculptures that

Richerson, owner of Visage Fine Arts Studio

not only delight the eye

in Kansas City, Kansas. Richerson has been

but intoxicate the senses,

an active artist for more than two decades,

is creating one-of-a-kind

creating more than 100 bronze sculptures

works of art using the ancient

that can be found in galleries, schools and

“lost-wax” method of casting

nd

ow

in

the inspiration behind his business.

private collections around the world.

bronze, a timeless, classic medium.

“I have admired his art since I was a kid,”

“Cast bronze dates back thousands

reflects Palmer, noting Richerson was mentored

of years, and is the ultimate realization for fine

for four years by the famed Chinese-American

art sculpted of clay because of its flawless ren-

sculptor Kwan Wu, a world-renowned artist best

dering of detail," says Matt Palmer, owner. “The

known for his figurative sculptures.

lost-wax casting method dates back to ancient

“Mr. Wu is one of the best sculptors in the

Egypt, Greece and Rome and enables our arti-

world,” explains Palmer, referencing some of

sans to create works of art with unparalleled

Wu’s locally prestigious works, such as the

richness when it comes to textures and patinas.”

George Brett statue at Kaufman Stadium

"Our signature line of sculpture is cast

CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

35

ICON ARTWORKS (CON TI N U ED)

The Evolution of the Jayhawk

k

w ha

1 92 0

Jay

and the Phog Allen figure at the

texture of any object. This method

University of Kansas.

dramatically reduces the produc-

Palmer instinctively knew that

tion timeline, enabling them to go

collaborating with his uncle would

from scan to mold quickly to pro-

result in something truly amazing.

duce precise replicas in any size.

"I originally pitched the idea for

“We also have the ability to do

this business to my uncle in late

this in fiberglass and resin, but our

2009 and convinced him to make

focus now is on bronze and pew-

me some birds," notes Palmer

ter,” says Palmer.

with a laugh, referring to the

ICON

Artworks’

Jayhawk. Palmer is a proud grad-

Desktop

Sculptures

uate of the University of Kansas

inches tall, including a marble

and life-long Jayhawks fan.

base that can be laser engraved and customized for any occasion.

ICON Artworks is making a name

ICON Artworks can be commis-

for itself through its creations. Within

sioned to create sculptures in most

the last year, the company has

any size. Because cast bronze is

sculpted the six historical editions

timeless and pewter does not rust

of the famed mascot, from 1912,

or deteriorate, the sculptures can

1920, 1923, 1929, 1941 and 1946, all

be enjoyed for generations.

“We worked closely with KU to accurately depict these images,”

k

J 1 92 9

ay

eight

Whether desk-top size or life size,

officially licensed by the university.

w ha

Jayhawk are

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

J ay

hawk

nity to create mascots for schools across the nation.

“Colleges and universities have

ever that the six official Jayhawk

some of the most passionate and

images have been created in

loyal fans in the world,” notes

sculpture. Our dream is to cre-

Palmer. “And ICON Artworks will

ate an eight-foot monumental

tap into that tremendous spirit

Evolution of the Jayhawk in cast

with our new series of collegiate

bronze for KU’s campus.”

icons, starting with a mythical bird that is very dear to our hearts.”

an original clay prototype to which

The Jayhawk sculptures can be

the fine detail is added. They have

purchased through the company’s

the flexibility of producing alter-

online gallery and are also avail-

nate sized sculptures cast in a

able at Framewoods in Lawrence.

variety of materials by utilizing 3D

36

46

Palmer envisions great opportu-

says Palmer. “This is the first time

ICON Artworks initially creates

19

Laser Scanning technology which

For more information, visit

captures the exact shape and

IconArtworks.com or call 913.602.8981.

19

41

J ay

hawk

ANNOUNCING A NEW ADDITION TO OUR FIRM

CAMERON M. CAJTHAML We’re Planning for the Future!

Our “succession plan” makes sure that we will be there for you now and in the many years to come. We specialize in helping folks nearing or already in retirement, and just as we are planning for our firm’s future, we will help you PLAN FOR YOURS!

Call Mike “Cy” the Investment Guy 913.322.3500 Mike “Cy” Cajthaml, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® • Mike “Cy” Cajthaml, Jr.

7400 W. 130th Street, Suite 130, Overland Park, KS 66213 www.cyfinancial.com

Retire With Confidence

Investment Advisory Services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

YOU ARE INVITED to attend one of our next seminars at Sullivan’s Steakhouse on March 16th or March 22nd.

CALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS: 913.322.3500

We are the concierge for your home.

Call us to learn how we can take care of your home so you, too, can live the Snowbird Lifestyle.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation Today!

816-723-7439

SnowbirdMaintenance.com Painting • Cleaning Gutters • Deck Repair We Specialize in Honey Do Lists March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

37

38

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

AR TICLE AND

RE A K .

GRAPHY TI GRIST | PHOTO

PH FFANY MARIE

OTOGRAPHY

M

arch is often the time when people look forward to the coming of spring. However, in this part of the Midwest, winter can still pack a punch even in March. So for the little girls who are eager to get back in those colorful sundresses and play, what is CONTINUED > the best solution? Have a tea party!

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

39

SPRING TEA & TREATS (CON TI N U ED)

Go ahead and put on those sundresses and head for a fun table filled with tea and treats. Antique candy dishes hold a mix of sweet and sour yummies. Candied apples and mini cupcakes will do wonders to help chase away the dull days of winter, and help young ladies look forward to sun-filled days ahead.

Spring isn’t very far away and what better way to welcome it than with something both old and new. The table is filled with timeless finds from Henry’s Antiques and As Time Goes By Antiques. Colorful glass candy bowls, vintage hankies, and a ceramic tea set are among them.

Lovely treats from Baked Expressions including a new twist on candied apples by coloring them blue. Jaime Lyon Art prints of happy owls provide a burst of color.

Our girls enjoyed Jelly the Pug fashions and accessories from Hazel and Ollie. Amy Johnson with The Noticed Network shared her amazing space in historic downtown Lee’s Summit for our tea party. The beautiful images are courtesy of Tiffany Marie Photography.

40

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Go ahead and put on those sundresses and head for a fun table filled with tea and treats.

CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

41

SPRING TEA & TREATS (CON TI N U ED)

Andrea K. Grist Floral Designs AndreaKGristFloralArt.com As Time Goes By Antiques AsTimeGoesByAntiques.com Baked Expressions BakedExpressions.com Hazel and Ollie HazelAndOllie.com Henry's Antiques HenrysAntiques.com Jaime Lyon Art InflatedJoy.com Jelly the Pug JellyThePug.com Amy Johnson, Certified Life Coach of The Noticed Network TheNoticedNetwork.com Tiffany Marie Photography TiffanyMariePhotography.com CONTINUED >

42

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Spring Sale During our March Spring Sale save up to 25% on select furniture!

This month we are featuring Sam Moore

Handcrafted in the US

6960 W. 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 Individualized Design Consultations Available

913.438.3868

www.AMHomeFurnishings.com

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 March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

43

SPRING TEA & TREATS (CON TI N U ED)

44

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

45

Special Leawood Magazine Offer!

70TH Y R A S R E V I ANN SALE Made in the USA from a single sheet of heavy gauge aluminum. Not a topper placed on an existing gutter.

70 Months Interest Free Financing!

Also receive a $200 gift card with purchase!

Lifetime transferable warranties on the entire system. A permanent, clog-free solution!

Financing through a third party vendor. Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. New orders only. Minimum purchase required for Gift Card. Other restrictions may apply. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Exp. 3/31/16

Installed by our company employees.

No gutter subcontractors!

NAT-32534-0

LeafGuardGutters.com

(913) 937-8226

Local Limelight

American Songbook The

ALIVE AND WELL AT QUALITY HILL PLAYHOUSE ARTICLE ANNE POTTER RUSS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF QUALITY HILL PLAYHOUSE

48

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

T

he Kansas City performing arts scene is a thriving, vibrant cosmos of stars – large and small. There are big names in our midst such as the Symphony, the Lyric, KC Rep, the Ballet, The Kauffman Center and many more. But there are also lesser-known gems such as Quality Hill Playhouse, located in the heart of downtown at 10th and Broadway, behind a marquis proclaiming its name and current show information.

Shining brightly now in its 21st season, QHP (as it is affectionately known) and its commander-in-chief, J. Kent Barnhart are a force to be reckoned with in the musical landscape of Kansas City.

In 1995, Kent and his newly created nonprofit, Quality Hill Productions, signed a lease on the Playhouse, which had previously been in the hands of Mark Edelman and Theatre League. With Kent’s musical theater history dating back to 1989 and his production of Music At The Simpson House (co-produced by Deborah Ausemus), and his off-Broadway work, it was time to produce a full-scale season of cabaret revue-style music for the masses. Since then, QHP has been dedicated to bringing musical theater, as well as fully staged plays, to this intimate 153-seat theater every year.

As Kent will happily relay through conversation and/or song, his mission and the mission of the Playhouse is to keep the American Songbook alive, and expose patrons of all ages to the magic of American composers and lyricists. In his view, the American Songbook is a group of standards, or a body of work, collected and performed since the beginning of the 20th century. They are songs that have been performed and recorded many times, and have now become a part of popular culture and an enduring musical legacy. According to Barnhart, “Keeping this music alive is about telling wonderful stories through music, and the live experience is living art.” And, indeed, the experience at QHP is akin to sitting in someone’s living room with talented singers and musicians on tap for one’s own enjoyment.

A typical season at QHP will find a theme of some sort… songs of Broadway; Century CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

49

Local Limelight

(CON TI N U ED)

of the Songbook; Hooray for Hollywood; Songs That Wrote America; etc. And within each season, there are usually four cabaret revue shows, a Christmas show, and a fully staged show, such as The Dawning of Aquarius. The cabaret series highlights the best and brightest in American music history – Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Kander and Ebb, Sondheim, Rogers and Hart and Hammerstein, Frank Sinatra, Irving Berlin, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, etc.

Guests at the Playhouse are not only treated to the jewels in the crown of American music, but they are also treated 50

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

to the banter of J. Kent Barnhart. He is quite simply the mastermind of the entire experience. He produces the shows, sometimes arranges the music, researches the stories behind the pieces, and then shares his expertise with his audiences. More often than not, that expertise is shared with keen humor keeping theater-goers in stitches between sets. Oh, and he plays the piano for nearly every show… more than 200 per year.

Besides being entertained by Kent’s wit and wisdom and talent, patrons are introduced to some of the most amazing local talent in the Kansas City area. Three

singers usually accompany Kent, while recently the additions of a drummer and bassist have been a big hit at the Playhouse.

In the most recent show, In The Mood: Songs of the Great Band Leaders, Kent was joined by four singers, drums, bass, clarinet and sax. Soaking in the great standards such as Stardust and Chattanooga Choo Choo left the audience reeling in the magnitude of the music and basking in the glow of the stars – celestial and human.

For more information, go to QualityHillPlayhouse.com.

kansas cit y

worldwide

www.kclimo.com

913-381-3504

• DAYCARE • BOARDING • GROOMING • PET NUTRITION • BOUTIQUE Large Indoor/Outdoor Play Areas VIP-Themed Suites Cat Boarding with Kitty-Condo Play Space Personalized Attention for Your Pet

Stop by for a tour of our facility!

FOLLOW US!

913-274-3900 • 7801 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213 March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

51

Artist’s Palette

The Art of

MICHAEL DUANE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

52

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

A

s a lifelong Kansan, I live and work in a state where the weather can quickly change from sunshine and cool breezes to ominous black clouds

and howling winds. It is the perfect place for me and my art because of my lifelong fascination with the forces of nature, which began after witnessing a tornado at the tender age of 7.

I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Art and Design. I've created art in several mediums over the course of my professional career, including pen and ink, acrylic, and watercolor. Several years ago, I became enamored with the bold, pure colors of pastels. Using this medium, I decided to combine my love of art with my infatuation with the forces of nature. In the spring and summer, I go outside to experience the Midwestern weather at its most compelling and most dangerous moods in order to capture the amazing features of sky, clouds and land. In creating my art, I'm compelled to simplify the land - in most cases the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills - while detailing the skies to bring out their magnificent beauty. I eschew texture, instead blending the pastels with my fingers which results in a smooth surface. I hope upon viewing my art, people can feel the serenity or the force and experience the weather as I do.

My art is available at Leawood Fine Art at Camelot Court in Leawood and the Southwind Gallery in Topeka. My studio is located in Overland Park where I live with my wife, Lisa.

For more information, visit SkyscapeArt.com.

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

53

Giving Back

Treating The

WHOLE PERSON, One Individual at a Time LOCAL ORGANIZATION HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LIVE FULL, INDEPENDENT LIVES ARTICLE KATHERINE BONTRAGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

F

or Jim Leach, it was a battle with bipolar disease. For Aaron Price, it was a devastating car crash that led to being paralyzed. Each man had a very different challenge that lay before him, but each was able to turn to the same place for help: The Whole Person. This incredible local nonprofit aids people with disabilities so they can live independently—all while trying to impart change within the community to expand opportunities for such independent living.

The organization reaches out to people with physical and mental disabilities, their spouses and family members, as well as schools, businesses, and local government agencies. Its aim? To connect people like Leach and Price to the support and resources they need, so that they have the choice to stay out of institutions and nursing homes and instead live meaningful, independent lives.

54

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

“

The best part about the spinal cord injury peer group at The Whole Person is that it provides me with a safe place to talk about my injury with others who know exactly how I feel.”

For each individual, this means something different. For Leach it was managing his illness with proper medication and regular psychiatric visits.

“I credit my ongoing wellness to having found the peer support group sponsored by The Whole Person,” Leach writes. “This group allowed me to accept my illness, demonstrated that I was not alone and gave me the knowledge it is okay to be bipolar. I cannot overstate the value this has been and

continues to be for me personally as well as my family, friends, and coworkers.”

For Price, there was much to learn about coping with his injury upon his release from the rehabilitation hospital.

“I’m constantly running into new obstacles and issues,” he writes. “Thanks to the peer group at The Whole Person, I’m given the information to deal with those obstacles in a constructive, easy manner. The group also keeps me connected to the spinal cord injury

community in the Kansas City area and the activities available to us. The best part about the spinal cord injury peer group at The Whole Person is that it provides me with a safe place to talk about my injury with others who know exactly how I feel. I couldn’t think of a better place to go for answers to my questions about living with my injury, and I’m looking forward to attending many more meetings in the future.”

CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

55

SuFFEring From

Dry EyES? We have an exciting new treatment!

"My eyes felt 30 years younger in 30 minutes!" ~ Tina R. Bring in thiS aD to rECEivE

50 oFF

$

a paCkagE oF 3 trEatmEntS

Call uS For a ConSultation toDay! fairway 3414 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Fairway, KS 66205 • 913-362-2323 leawood 11707 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66211 • 913-491-9123 raytown

FairwayEyECEntEr.Com

liberty

10215 Missouri 350 - Suite E, Raytown, MO 64138 • 816-313-5060

1528 NE 96th St., Liberty, MO 64068 • 816-781-5444

JOIN us Down Under The 27th annual Jazzoo | June 3, 2016 Tickets on sale now Go to JazzooKC.org to get more info

56

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Leawood Properties Neighborhood

List Price

Sold Price

DOM*

%Sold/List

Beds

Baths

Hallbrook

$1,150,000

$1,130,000

203

98%

5

4.1

Manors at Mission Farms

$806,950

$806,950

NEW

100%

4

3.1

Highlands Ranch

$715,000

$700,000

100

97%

5

4.1

Leawood Country Manor

$565,000

$545,000

5

96%

4

4.1

The Cloisters

$565,000

$540,000

8

95%

4

2.3

Whitehorse

$540,000

$500,000

92

92%

5

4.1

Waterford

$495,000

$477,500

64

96%

5

4.1

Edgewood

$470,000

$427,500

91

90%

3

3.1

Greenbrier of Leawood

$414,900

$415,000

94

100%

5

4.1

Leawood Meadows

$409,950

$382,500

202

93%

4

3.1

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 1-1-16 through 1-31-16. *DOM=Days on Market.

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

57

Giving Back

(CON TI N U ED)

This one-of-a-kind agency improved the lives of more than 2,000 individuals in 2015, in a wide range of ways. Whether it’s providing up-to-date information on services and support regarding adaptive equipment, transportation, accessible housing, offering one-on-one training to help adults with disabilities develop skills needed to live independently, peer mentoring, or advocacy on the local, state and federal level, The Whole Person takes a systematic approach to tackling this very real need. Another focus for this organization? It’s helped approximately 1,200 people avoid institutionalization by making them aware of real living options within the community.

Yet this is only part of the picture. The Whole Person also aids families that have children with disabilities. Be it free sign language instruction or helping high schoolers transition out of school upon graduation, the organization is there every step of the way as its participants progress through life.

Funding for this very unique program is garnered through grants, United Way campaigns and individual, foundation and corporate support.

Opportunities for volunteering and financial support are always welcome, as The Whole Person seeks to empower not only its participants, but also the greater community as a whole, so that there are equal opportunities for every person.

“The Whole Person’s goals are to promote empowerment, independence, self-reliance, and inclusion for people with disabilities,” says Julie DeJean, CEO of The Whole Person.

For Leach and Price—and countless others—that goal is met again and again as this unique organization enables those in need, regardless of their disability, to feel whole and independent once again. It’s something many of us take for granted—but something a special few ensure all of us get to enjoy.

For more information, visit TheWholePerson.org.

58

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

When experience, honesty, integrity, cost and long-lasting quality are important.

It is not just a roof, it is our reputation.

Locally Owned & Operated | Serving the Metro Area for Over 30 Years Residential & Commercial | Experienced, Licensed & Insured | Eco-friendly Options Roof Installation & Re-roof | Gutters & Gutter Guards Repair & Maintenance | Architectural Sheet Metal

913-827-2217 | Sunroofingconractors.com

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

59

Lifestyle Calendar

March

MARCH 1

SOCIAL WITNESS & ADVOCACY TASK FORCE PRAIRIE VILLAGE Led by Christian beliefs and a collective desire to make the world more reflective of God's peace and justice, the Social Witness and Advocacy Task Force at Village Presbyterian Church seeks to identify priority areas for advocacy, and responds through bold and faithful education and action in our church, denomination, city, state and nation. Non-members welcome!

MARCH 6 CULINARY SHOWCASE JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Twenty of the best chefs in Kansas City and their apprentices will present a culinary showcase at the Hospitality and Culinary Academy. The small plates event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 with proceeds benefitting the ACF Greater Kansas City Chef’s Association and the JCCC Chef’s Apprentice Program. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. ACFKansasCityChefs.org.

MARCH 14 HOME TWEET HOME OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM Enjoy building your own wren house designed for the suburban yard.

Make use of good old-fashioned hammer and nails and by the end of class you will have built a house for the birds to take home. One adult participant is required for each student (age 8+) for no extra fee. $15, plus regular admission.

MARCH 18 - 20 QUILTER'S STATION SPRING RETREAT DRURY INN, BLUE SPRINGS A weekend for all the quilting and community fun you can handle!

Sewing, games, prizes, food, beverages and more. But hurry... seats are limited, and these will fill fast! Reservations MUST be booked through Quilters Station, so call the store for details and to pay by credit card, or come in person.

60

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

MARCH 19 JAMMIN' AT THE GEM CONCERT SERIES GEM THEATER Grammy winner Patti Austin crosses all musical genres. As a performer, songwriter and vocalist she has had a star-studded career that began at the age of four, making her one of the most beloved worldwide artists and a mainstay on the Billboard Jazz Album charts. Tickets AJM Box Office, 816.474.6262 or Ticketmaster.

AmericanJazzMuseum.org

MARCH 21 - MAY 7 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE THE COTERIE THEATRE An intimate guided interactive play experience based on the book. The audience helps transform Max's bedroom into a forest, then becomes the Wild Things as we use a mask to become Max's benevolent monster CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

61

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N UED)

friends, and are encouraged to "let the Wild Rumpus begin!" PreK2nd grades. 816.474.6552 or TheCoterie.org.

FLAVOR ON FIRE.

MARCH 22 LEAWOOD GARDEN CLUB CURE OF ARS CATHOLIC CHURCH The Leawood Garden Club will meet on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. At about noon, Keith Wheeler, a Board member of the Kansas City Hosta Society, will present “My Hypertufa Journey.” The meeting is open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Bring a sack lunch – beverages and desserts provided. LeawoodGardenClub.org leawoodgarden-

Join us for $ 5 B U R G E R S all day Monday, F R I E D C H I C K E N all day Thursday and L I V E M U S I C Saturday nights.

Don’t forget, HAPPY HOUR 4-7 weekdays and 10-close Fridays and Saturdays.

club@gmail.com or 913.642-3317

MARCH 23 COOL NIGHT OUT REVERSE MEDICAL SPA, LENEXA Learn more about Cool Sculpting at this event--wine, appetizers and a no-pressure presentation on this revolutionary, non-invasive fat removal treatment. Special pricing for that night only for the procedure, as well as a drawing for a FREE treatment! Don't forget to RSVP, because when you RSVP in advance you will gain an additional entry into the drawing! 913.268.0400

MARCH 31 LEONARDO DA VINCI: THE GENIUS IN MILAN KANSAS CITY Part of the Art & Architecture in Cinema series in select U.S. theaters until July. This month get an exclusive look into the man behind the masterpieces. This exhibition event is the result of six years of work by leading Da Vinci experts, Pietro Marani and M. Teresa Fiorio, and is divided into 12 sections.

FathomEvents.com for theater near you.

APRIL 2 DANCING WITH THE CARS OLATHE Join us for this second annual event-- an entertaining evening for car enthusiasts and their friends. There will be drinks, music, a buffet and a live and silent auction to benefit the museum. $50 per person. Details at KansasCityAutoMuseum.com.

APRIL 9 HILLCREST HERO BUBBLE SOCCER TOURNAMENT PRAIRIE VILLAGE This fun event is a benefit for Hilllcrest Transitional Housing of Kansas, whose goal is to bring homeless youth and families into self-sufficiency. The tournament will be held at Shawnee Mission

F I N D U S : 1 1 8 51 R O E AV E . | L E AW O O D, K S 66211 R E S E R V E : 9 1 3 . 227 . 4959 R E D D O O R G R I L L .C O M

62

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

East High School with a cost of $200 per team. Each team will be given a specific start time. For details, contact Rebecca Dunning at RDunning@HillcrestKC.org.

Creative Proofer 2:

AS Proofer 2:

9th Annual Luncheon celebrating our 2016 Honorees: Virginia McCoy, CiCi Rojas, Gloria Willis

Women WHO’VE CHANGED THE

Heart OF THE

City

The 2016 luncheon will continue to honor the women who have made a lasting mark on the fabric of our city through their tireless dedication.

Sheraton Crown Center Regency Ballroom 2345 McGee Street | Kansas City, MO 64108 Tuesday, April 12, 2016 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Central)

Join us for lunch. Make a difference, visit: cityunionmission.org

5205 W. 95th St. Overland Park, KS 66207 SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(1 block east of Nall on 95th St.)

913-648-DOGS www.puppysplaypen.com

IN A CHILD’S LIFE 50% OFF Boarding or Grooming*

IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF

*Excludes passes, reservations required, one per household.

For new customers only. Must present coupon.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Book your Holiday Boarding and Grooming Reservations now! Spots are filling up fast!

MISSIONS.ME/LIFESTYLEPUBLICATIONS

March 2016 | Leawood Lifestyle

63

business directory CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Hillcrest Transitional Housing of Kansas (816) 588-0349 hillcrestkc.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

City Union Mission (816) 931-0050 cityunionmission.org

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Jenkins & LeBlanc Dentistry for Children (913) 764-5600 kidsmilekc.com

Parks Children’s Dentistry (913) 491-5044 parkschildrensdentistry.com

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

iFly Kansas City (913) 645-4037 iflyworld.com Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org Longview Mansion (816) 761-6669 longviewmansion.com Overland Park Ballroom and Social Club (913) 957-0579 overlandparkballroom.com Parties by Rose (913) 963-4241 partiesbyrose.com

64

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

VanBrock (913) 341-7273 vanbrock.com

Cy Financial (913) 322-3500 cyfinancial.com

Sunflower Bank (800) 964-7262 sunflowerbank.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Advanced Aesthetics (913) 735-6335 opmedspa.com

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

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Koenig Building + Restoration (816) 457-9445 koenigbuilding.com Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com Sun Roofing Contractors, LLC (913) 827-2217 sunroofingcontractors.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

Budget Blinds Of Overland Park (913) 402-1600 budgetblinds.com/overlandpark

PET CARE

HOME SERVICES

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

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

Kansas City Building Supply (913) 962-5227 kcbuilding.com Leaf Guard Great Plains (913) 307-3001 leafguardgutters.com Snowbird Maintenance (816) 723-7439 snowbirdmaintenance.com Summit Flooring and Turf (816) 886-2747 summitflooringandturf.com

JEWELRY

Kahle Appraisals (913) 912-9122 kahleappraisals.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Olathe Subaru (913) 780-0400

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Fairway Eye Center (913) 491-9123 fairwayeyecenter.com

St. Joseph Medical Center (913) 942-4400 yourhealthourcalling.com

Puppy’s Playpen (913) 648-3647 puppysplaypen.com

REAL ESTATE The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettiann.com

The Goldstein Team, Better Homes & Gardens KC (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com

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

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (480) 947-7100 grimaldispizzeria.com Red Door Grill (913) 222-4959 reddoorgrill.com Rock & Brews (913) 499-6495 rockandbrews.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE Overland Limousine (913) 381-3504 kclimo.com

Parting Thoughts

S k i p p i n g Away Fro m

Adult Coloring Books WORDS DENISE SNODELL

W

hile hunting down a birthday gift for a creative friend, an enthusiastic boutique clerk introduced me to coloring books for grown-ups. “People love these,” he told me.

“We’ve sold out quite a few versions!” I thumbed through what was left and thought: no.

I wondered. How did this happen?

Adult coloring books? Did the late Georgia O’Keefe once have a head-on collision with an unstable preschool teacher, and we’re just now learning about it?

The concept is great, actually. These books have been trending and seem unstoppable.

Imagine pages of intricate, fantastical illustrations tempting you to bring them to life with colored pencils, markers and/or extra sharp crayons. I can understand the soothing zen of getting lost in imaginary gardens. We all need to occasionally block out Grown Up Land.

A plantar fasciitis flare-up? Forget it, there’s a baby panda begging to be neon. Tax forms and utility bills? No, wait, let’s give the world a flaming tangerine lizard. The escape is alluring.

But. Anything that takes me back to kindergarten craft days, even if it’s tweaked for people who can legally buy vodka, seems far from therapeutic. This might be all me, but I must vent. For the sake of art.

For one thing, if I were to try an adult coloring book, I would skip the rainbow pencils and choose old fashioned crayons. I have a million untouched boxes already jamming closets in my house, thanks to college-age sons who were forever underwhelmed with the kiddie coloring scene. If armed with a 64-pack, I would catch myself mid-mandala, remembering how one can never really sharpen a Crayola back to its original state of perfect pointiness. A lopsided, blunted

66

Leawood Lifestyle | March 2016

carnation pink is the opposite of soothing.

What’s more, crayons smell bad. Can we finally admit this? I’m sniffing a box now, for research purposes. I’m reminded of the desperate times when, as a kitchen rube, I put frozen food items in the oven, but forgot to peel off the “must remove” wrapping.

Bingo--that’s the scent! Crayons are just little colorful tubes of melted burrito plastic.

Behold the Crayola whiff: a subliminal flashback to the youthful failures of not reading directions, and the reprimands from coloring outside the line.

And consider the cruel trickery of “red violet.” I’m sure, way back, every one of us experienced the red violet smack down. We thought we were reaching for red. But we put it to paper and—zammo--what could this be? Purple? Red? Rurple? No, it was the tint of a ruined cardinal. A weird fire truck. The overwhelming shade of disappointment.

Maybe I have issues with trying to recapture my “carefree” youth. But I’m both practical and suspicious. I worry it’s only a matter of time before our grown-up-ness kicks in on this new, “centering” pastime.

We’ll soon become competitive about our enchanted forests. We’ll post our work on our wine refrigerators, or worse, on social media. We’ll judge each other’s lost oceans.

Then complaints will roll in about neck strain from looking down too much. There will be endless paper cuts. Lawsuits. Gel pen scams.

Give it time. We adults are going to ruin this innocent hobby.

These are agitating thoughts. Maybe I really do need the calming magic of an adult coloring book. If I can find one titled “Empty Rush Hour Highways,” and a box of crayons without red violet, I’ll be totally in.