Leawood, KS December 2022

Winter and Revel

Letter from the Editor

The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best. I have been thinking a lot about the family traditions we hold as a family because my kids are getting older, and some of their favorite traditions that they once enjoyed in their youth aren’t always things that they enjoy as teens and young adults. We are developing new traditions that fit their interest level, and while I will always cherish the traditions we held when they were young, I am embracing this new stage of life.

While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending empathy and love.

In this issue we wanted to share some easy holiday entertaining boards. We also wanted to share some ideas on DIY gifting for your neighbors, holiday fashion attire and more. Be sure to check out the article on the holiday giveaway that our company does every December to help those in need. We need assistance from you to help us find the hidden needs in Kansas City. If you know of someone who could use some financial help, please check out the article on our Christmas giveaway.

AdventHealth South Overland Park is a full-service hospital in southern Johnson County. We provide expert, convenient health care to the community so you can stay whole for your whole life.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Fun Partner Meet and Greet at VanBrock with designer Hoorsenbuhs!

Come celebrate the holidays with VanBrock at their open house December 7 & 8th. VanBrock is Kansas City’s premier destination for exceptional jewelry and impeccable service.  VanBrock has some of the most beautiful pieces available in the region!  VanBrock’s collection includes a spectacular range of jewelry for all occasions, tastes and lifestyles, many destined to be treasured heirlooms.

Celebrate I-Lan’s Lunar New Year 2023

Please join us for an evening ushering in the “Year of the Rabbit” with Mayor Peggy Dunn, the Leawood City Council, and the I-Lan sister city committee. Friday, January 27, 2023 6:00 pm Vista 154 at Ironhorse Golf Club $35 per person. There will be a cash bar. Limited seating. Reservation accepted after December 12th, 2022. Reservation Deadline is January 16th. For more information, email Julie Berger at I-lan@leawood.org .

The 49th Annual Snowball

The Overland Park Convention Center will be hosting the 49th Annual Snow Ball on  January 21, 2023. Snow Ball is one of Kansas City’s most memorable charity events  that has funded the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for more than four decades. The black-tie event will include a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, and  dancing. Visit snowballgala.org to purchase a ticket or table to Snow Ball. Registration closes  December 29, 2022.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Leawood

FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY

Joni Johnson, Owner

Holiday Attire at Clairvaux

JONI JOHNSON, OWNER OF CLAIRVAUX, OPENS UP SECOND LOCATION IN JOHNSON COUNTY

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS

Clairvaux is an inspirational fashion destination that offers a wide variety of clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and gifts from over 100 emerging and heritage designers for all ages. Named after French saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the boutique’s French influence mixed with California’s relaxed style was the perfect combination to bring locally.

Owner Joni Johnson has been in the Kansas City fashion scene for over 20 years, using her experience to bring Clairvaux into realization.

“In college, I worked as a sales associate for Abercrombie and Fitch and loved the fast-paced environment. From merchandising, music, down to the smell, they were building the biggest brand of the late 90’s. Looking back, I see how much I took away now owning my own store. After college, I moved to Kansas

— Joni Johnson

City and worked at a newly opened local boutique in Town Center called Standard Style. I was their fourth employee and experienced a lot of growth within my 15 years with them. Starting as a sales associate, I worked towards becoming their retail director and spent my final years as the head women’s buyer. Growing my career alongside their business, I had a unique experience of managing lots of facets of retail and enjoyed working across all aspects of the business.

“I was approached by a past client of mine, Nancy McCarthy, who asked if I had thought about creating my own concept. At the time, I was flattered but didn’t know if that was something that I wanted or that the city needed. It wasn’t until I was working as a freelance stylist, personal shopping for clients and pulling merchandise from stores all over the city that I saw a hole in the market. There were so many amazing designers who didn’t have any representation in Kansas City. I knew that I had a unique point of view and that I

could add to the fashion landscape here. I developed my business plan and went back to Nancy, my now business partner, and two weeks later in February of 2020 I was in NYC buying for Clairvaux.”

Starting the business during the pandemic brought about the realization of how big the void was in the fashion market.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would be opening a store in the middle of a pandemic. There were so many unknowns but we knew we needed to push through and open with so many other great stores closing during that time. Despite the obstacles and apprehension, we blazed on knowing we were building toward a brighter future. We opened by appointment only to follow COVID-19 protocol and sold 60% of our inventory the first week! After 18 months, we had outgrown our Fairway space and needed a bigger office space to accommodate our receiving and buying departments, as well as our newly launched E-commerce site. We saw a space at

“There were so many amazing designers who didn’t have any representation in Kansas City. I knew that I had a unique point of view and that I could add to the fashion landscape here.”

— Joni Johnson

Hawthorne Plaza and knew it was the perfect opportunity to expand.”

Empowering women of all ages to live well, dress well is what drives the Clairvaux experience.

“Most of our clients are between 30-70. With clients ranging from high school age to some in their 90’s, we always try to have something for everyone, at every price point. We identify the Clairvaux aesthetic as Parisian chic meets California cool, meaning we have great classic staples that define the style of Parisian women and fun trend pieces that define the creative California lifestyle.  No matter where your style falls, you will always find something—we believe great style at any age is so needed in our culture. Every season we break down the biggest trends per age group to address all of our clients. We love showing women how to stay relevant and buy fewer better pieces. It’s

good for the planet, your wallet, and your individual style.”

Johnson travels the world to handpick everything in the store.

“I travel to New York and Los Angeles multiple times a year. We have plans to visit Copenhagen in August and look forward to experiencing a new world of designers, style, and bringing all of that back to the Midwest. Every season we follow inspiration and love finding products that improve the quality of life for ourselves and our clients. Whether it’s a lotion, an amazing smelling candle or the perfect pair of jeans, our passion is bringing together a store filled with our favorite things.”

Clairvaux has locations in both Fairway, Kansas at 2710 West 53rd Street and at Hawthorne Plaza in Overland Park at 11934 Roe Ave. For more information, visit shopclairvaux.com

“I travel to New York and Los Angeles multiple times a year. We have plans to visit Copenhagen in August and look forward to experiencing a new world of designers, style, and bringing all of that back to the Midwest.”

Lakeview Village in Lenexa is announcing three phases of new construction Villas! Phase I is currently underway with a brand new

plan called the Venice. Phase II and III announcements will be coming soon. Join the Priority Circle today to receive advance updates on new construction Villa opportunities.

The Nutcracker: Clara's Dream

ARTICLE BY D LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

For nearly 20 years the Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice has reimagined the holiday classic, The Nutcracker while taking Kansas Citians on a breathtaking theatrical voyage through ‘Clara’s Dream.”

“I always feel like Christmas lasts for about eight months in my brain,” chuckled Laura Branson, Artistic Director of Clara’s Dream.

Using Matthew Donnell’s original concept and choreography, Branson is in charge of crafting 70% of the production’s choreography and in charge of teaching her dancers variations of it. The school’s

version of the Nutrcracker is a shortened production including dancers from the school’s two companies, competition groups and guest performers. Dancers also vary in age from six to eighteen years old, which is why Branson says adaptations have to be continuously made to fit a certain dancer’s skill set.

“It kind of gives them a little audition process to see who is right for each part, and then we cast the show according to who will fit each part the best,” said Branson.

Once casted, students are ready to rehearse for three and half months. Branson describes the preparations for Clara’s dream as ‘intense’, but says her student’s enthusiasm to learn new roles and parts, year after year never fades away.

“Every year the kids are so excited to come back to Nutcracker music, even over the summer, they just can’t wait for it, and they’re so excited to do it,” said Branson.

Rehearsals this year hold a special meaning after the school had to make changes to their rehearsals and production due to COVID-19.

“This year we’re finally back to having rehearsals and everyone in the studio, and we’re able to build and grow together,” said production coordinator, Jenna Freiermuth

Freiermuth is an alumni of Miller Marley and knows first-hand the training involved in putting a production of this caliber into fruition. She danced in Clara’s Dream and as a current instructor, she gets to see her students start out as Angels and work their way to becoming stars of the production.

“We have so many dancers that get to be involved with this year after year after year, and to have those amazing role models for these young dancers to look up to, and truly see that hard work pays off,” said Freirmuth.

This year, Clara’s Dream will also showcase a message of unity. Part of their production will focus on the ‘party scene’ and will include US Ambassador roles which are played by some of the dancer’s parents. Tia Browning and Elaine Beckman Lynch are in charge of costume design and have made alterations to  match different countries represented in the show.

“I think that Miller Marley, as a whole, really strives to reach out to as many different families as possible, and we try to represent that,” said Friermuth.

‘Clara’s Dream’  has been a pillar of Miller Marley since curtains first opened in 2005, even though it’s an annual tradition, emotions run deep among the crew seeing their ‘angels’ spread their wings and fly.

“It’s one of those bittersweet moments where you feel like you’re watching your baby, even though they’re not my own physical children,” said Branson. “I always feel  so special and proud of them.”

“It’s one of those bittersweet moments where you feel like you’re watching your baby, even though they’re not my own physical children.”

“We have so many dancers that get to be involved with this year after year after year, and to have those amazing role models for these young dancers to look up to, and truly see that hard work pays off.”

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

DIRECTIONS

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

THE PASTRY BOARD

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

Donuts Cinnamon Rolls French Beignets Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Layer board with larger pastries first and layer in with smaller pastry next.

Garnish board with holiday sprigs or fresh herbs.

DIRECTIONS

Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges.  If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.

THE VEGGIE CRUDITE BOARD

INGREDIENTS

Cucumbers (cut in long slices)  Celery Red Peppers Tomatoes  Cauliflower  Sugar Snap Peas A Variety of Veggie Dips Place three different types of veggie dips on board. Build around the dips by placing your  cucumbers and celery in multiple layers as the base.  Add red bell peppers and tomatoes around board to add pops of color. Finish by layering cauliflower and sugar snap peas and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

DIRECTIONS

TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT BOARD:

• Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first.

• Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn't look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more.

• Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement.

• Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

DIY HOLIDAY GIFTING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER

Cookie Mix

DIY Jar gifts are a thoughtful way to share holiday cheer this season. These particular jar gifts require JUST ADD WATER as instructions for an easy homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.

Hot Cocoa

COOKIE MIX JAR

• store bought cookie mix (labeled add water only).

• Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased).

HOT COCOA JAR

• hot cocoa mix

• chocolate chips

• mini marshmallows

• Instructions: over stove top, bring water (or milk) to a simmer. Add cocoa mix and stir until chocolate chips have melted. Top with marshmallows. Enjoy!

BREAKFAST JAR

• pancake mix

• maple syrup

• Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased). Top with warmed maple syrup.

POTPOURRI JAR

• pine cones

• dried or fresh greens

• dried citrus

• cinnamon sticks

• star anise

• whole cloves

• Add instructions to place contents into a pot on the stove with 8 cups of water. Simmer low for a wonderful holiday aroma.

CANDLE JAR

• Floating candle

• Greens

• Dried citrus and berries

• Add water to the jar and light candle to enjoy on a dark winter night. LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create and give to your family and friends. Tag her on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so she can share. Happy Holidays!

Breakfast Jar

Potpourri Jar Candle Jar

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign

Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amounts up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Where has the campaign gifted?

To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Leawood.

NEIGHBORHOOD LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE %SOLD/ORIG DOM BDRMS BATHS

Charlemagne Manor $1,750,000 $1,743,950 99% 2 5 4.1

Leawood $1,774,000 $1,700,000 95% 40 5 5.1

Hallbrook Farms $1,950,000 $1,700,000 87% 33 5 6.3

Hallbrook South Village $1,695,000 $1,600,000 94% 145 5 5.1

Highlands Creek $1,575,000 $1,490,000 94% 43 6 6.1

Hazelwood $1,500,000 $1,450,000 96% 39 4 3.1

Whitehorse $1,200,000 $1,200,000 100% 2 5 5.1

Leawood $1,195,000 $1,200,000 100% 3 4 3.1 Leawood Estates $1,075,000 $1,080,000 100% 12 4 3.1 Leawood $965,000 $925,000 95% 100 4 3.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. STATISTICS from OCTOBER 1 TO OCTOBER 31 2022. * DOM=Days on Market

BY JANIE JONES