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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

May 2022 PUBLISHER

Matthew Perry | matthew@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Our May issue is dedicated to celebrating women. As I reflect on the many women in my life, I am thankful for each one and the impact they have made. I am surrounded by so many strong females who have taught me life lessons by their words and actions and who bring joy and laughter to my life. However, there is no greater woman to me than my mother. My mom is the definition of an advocate. She celebrates every little victory with me, is there to fight through life’s battles, and mourns with me through losses and heartache. Whether you are family or an acquaintance, she knows how to come alongside people and truly journey with them through trials and is there for the long haul. She has a heart for those who are hurting, rejected or without a family and does not hesitate to invite people she may barely know to our holidays who may be alone. She is a ball of energy, is always up for fun and is the master of balancing everything. Not only did she raise 10 children, but after my youngest brother went to kindergarten, she decided to go to college to earn a nursing degree. I can’t imagine what a balancing act that must have been. It was no surprise that she picked hospice care as the area she practiced nursing because her passion for truly being there for people in their hardest hour comes so naturally to her. It is impossible to talk about my mother without mentioning her strong faith and reliance on God—It always comes first and created such a strong foundation for our family. I wish I could say that I always truly appreciated my mom for the remarkable woman that she is, but it wasn’t until I became a young adult to fully realize it. This month as we approach Mother’s Day, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the inspirational women in your own life, whether it is your mother or perhaps someone else who left an imprint on you, and if they are still living, reach out to them to thank them for the impact they made. You won’t regret it.

Angela Broockerd angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com Laura Poskie | laura.poskie@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Jessica Grace, Lisa Moyer, Rebecca Stoltman CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Janie Jones, Elena Dotoli, Lacey Rene Studios

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ANGEL A BROOCKERD, EDITOR @LEAWOODCIT YLIFEST YLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood area’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 City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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M AY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Ladies’ Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Path of Perseverance

Lifestyle Letter

Local Limelight

Inspired By

Healthy Lifestyle

Hot Spot

Party Planning

Home Update

Travel Journal

Realty Report

R EA L ESTAT E

Local’s Choice

EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

Local equestrian overcomes obstacles and pursues lifelong dream

16 Pretty Little Planters

Don't have a green thumb? We have you covered

28 Aixois

A welcoming area favorite for family and friends

34 Bringing Wonder & Whimsy Take your event from ordinary to extraordinary

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Lacey Rene Studios Wonder and Whimsy

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Path of

Perseverance 10

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Mackenzie Peer is an international success within the equestrian world, and she doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Mackenzie is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist and FEI competitor. At just 20 years old, she has already achieved numerous accolades in dressage, including several regional, national and international titles. She has trained with world-renowned trainers and has qualified for the European tour of the US Equestrian Team Young Riders where she will be competing in France and Germany. She has her sights set on becoming a part of the US Olympic Team one day. These days, Mackenzie can be found living out her childhood dream of riding for Danish Olympian Lars Peterson and his wife, USA Grand Prix rider, Melissa Taylor at Helgstrand Dressage in Wellington, Florida. Mackenzie first discovered her love of horses as a child, but it wasn’t until she fell in love with a Dressage horse that her path became clear. “I just knew I loved him, so I was going to do whatever that horse could do, and it turns out he was a Dressage horse,” she says. Traveling from Michigan, she spent her summers in Kansas training with the distinguished Emily Miles. Realizing Mackenzie’s love of dressage and horses was not a passing phase, her parents relocated her family to Overland Park where Mackenzie could continue to train year around, even living with her trainer at one point. “I am so grateful to my parents for all of their sacrifices, I am who I am because of them,” she says.

ARTICLE BY REBECCA STOLTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA DOTOLI

CONTINUED >

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

“I am so grateful to my parents for all of their sacrifices, I am who I am because of them.”

A graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School, she intentionally structured her junior and senior year of high school around her riding goals, even spending her junior year in California training while attending school virtually. “My dream when I was 7 years old was to be a horse trainer,” she shares, “but I have always been a very practical, realistic person, and I knew there were so many great trainers, and I thought ‘I am not good enough, nobody is going to pay me to ride.’” Mackenzie recounts the day at just 15 years old that she was driving home from the barn when she realized, “I am living my dream. I am being paid to ride horses. This is really happening.” After competing at the Festival of Champions and earning the prestigious titles of Reserve Junior National Champion and National Champion in Seat Medals,

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

she found herself headed to Germany to ride for the esteemed Joh Hinnemann. “Riding in Germany changed everything,” she says. “It was such an amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t wait to get back and apply what I had learned.” Then came the call to make good on an offer she had received from Peterson & Taylor when she was just 14 years old. “They saw me ride, and they said, ‘if you ever want a job give us a call.’ It was a great honor, but ultimately I was only 14 at the time. So I reached out to them and asked, ‘Does that offer still stand?’ And here I am today, doing what I could only ever have imagined.” It hasn’t always been easy, and Mackenzie has faced numerous setbacks along the way. A terrible car accident that left her with permanent nerve damage in her leg, a torn ACL she suffered from

being bucked off, breaking both of her hands at the same time and leaving her without the ability to even wash her own hair. She recounts a crushed foot that left her on crutches, only able to ride in a sock without even a shoe or stirrups. Her list of injuries is long and daunting, and it begs the question, why continue? In response she smiles and says, “because I simply cannot imagine my life without horses. If you would have told my 15-year-old self that this is where I would be one day, I could have never even imagined this opportunity.” Her advice is simple “be willing to put in the work, and you’ll make it happen for yourself. I work extremely hard, and it’s worth it to me because here I am living my dream.” Follow Mackenzie on Instagram @mackenzie_peer or visit mackenzie-river-dressage.com

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PRETTY LITTLE PLANTERS

ARTICLE BY REBECCA STOLTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

CONTINUED >

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

Spring has arrived and with it come the nurseries overflowing with beautiful plants and flowers just waiting to adorn our homes. Most of us, however, have discovered that choosing the prettiest plants is only half the battle once we get them home. Container Gardening Expert Lindsay Blashaw, former owner of Avant Garden and wife of HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, gives us a crash course on how to easily put together aesthetically pleasing planters to celebrate the season and welcome in guests. She says choosing a knowledgeable nursery is a tremendous help and can greatly assist in selecting your plants. “Your planters should be an extension of your home and your personality,” she says. She likes the idea of carrying the style from inside your home to the outside. For example, if your home has a modern feel inside, then showcasing some more modern planters outside is a great way to continue the vibe and aesthetic. Lindsay shares that herb gardens, although functional, are also popular right now. “Since herbs aren’t always the most interesting plants visually, pairing them with a bright, fun pot is a great way to add visual appeal,” she shares. CONTINUED >

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Lindsay loves the idea of creating an outdoor oasis in the backyard that can also be brought indoors when the weather changes. She shares that you can complement a pool or pergola by adding in green and softening the look of the area. She says you can achieve this by “bringing in tropical potted plants or succulents versus planting them in the ground and trying to maintain them in what can often be difficult soil. This is a great way to control your environment.”

LINDSAY’S TIPS FOR CREATING BEAUTIFUL PLANTERS: • Choose the right location. Consider the light your container will get and what time of day it gets the most light before picking the plants. • Consider your space. If you have a tall entryway, choose plants that will add height. If you have a symmetrical front stoop, add plants and pots that mirror one another for a clean look. A large space may allow for multiple planters of varying heights. • When selecting your plants, think of choosing a “thriller, filler and spiller.” Choose one plant that will be the focal point, likely with some height to it and color, then another plant that fills out the pot nicely and one that overflows and spills out over the edge of the planter creating contrast. Remembering this catchy phrase will make plant selection easier. • Do not fill the entire pot with soil, this can be costly and also doesn’t allow for proper drainage. Instead, turn a plastic pot upside down in the bottom to fill up space and allow oxygen to move through. You can also add mulch to the bottom before adding soil. • After planting always use a good granular plant food, Lindsay prefers Family Tree Nursery’s control release plant food. • For a professionally finished look add moss and smooth flat stones or pebbles to cover soil.

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

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Thrive Once More ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Transform Your Health and Wellness with Integrative Physician Dr. Anne Morgan

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

Dr. Anne Morgan

It’s not often you get a glimpse into your doctor’s own personal health, but Dr. Anne Morgan is transparent about her journey that led her to create Thrive Once More Integrative Wellness. A former ER doctor for 20 years, Dr. Morgan found her career rewarding, but it had taken its toll on her health. For years, she worked the night shift so she could be a stay-at-home mother during the day, but by age 40, she already felt worn out. After working with an integrative physician to turn around her health, she then opened her own practice in 2019 to help others achieve balance and health. “I’ve personally been where my patients are, so I can identify with them,” Dr. Morgan says. “I’m so proud to partner with them to get to the best version of themselves and discover that aging can mean becoming more beautiful inside and out. People have really started to see the value in investing in their health, and they’re searching outside the mainstream choices we’ve been given in the traditional doctor/patient relationship,” she says. Specializing in non-synthetic Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Thyroid Optimization, and Wellness Consulting, Dr. Morgan structures a comprehensive plan to enhance the way her patients look and feel. She works with both men and women of all ages but especially likes treating patients between ages 40-60. “This is usually the time when people experience a subtle, gradual decline that doesn’t have anything to do with a disease but loss of optimal function,” she explains. “Most of my patients are doing a lot of healthy things but still can’t find the energy and vitality their healthy choices should bring. It leaves them frustrated and looking for answers. The answers are discovered through examining the whole self, identifying natural hormone

imbalance and nutrient deficiencies and providing personalized recommendations unique to them.” Dr. Morgan adds that for women, menopause often brings health issues. “Most women experience typical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and weight gain around the time of true menopause,” she says, “but many don’t recognize that depression, anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido and lack of motivation are absolutely associated with decreasing hormone levels. This decline starts about 10 years before actual ‘menopause.’ When we restore these levels safely, we can gain back energy and rest, becoming better mothers, professionals and partners.” As anxiety levels and mental health issues have risen dramatically during the pandemic, Dr. Morgan is committed to helping patients even more. “I have a heart for discussing mental health,” she says. “I’ve dealt with depression most of my life. As I got older, anxiety became a bigger factor. Anxiety stems from many sources but can be helped in large part with progesterone treatment. My symptoms are better managed now than they’ve ever been, and I love helping other women achieve the same balance.” She is hopeful that insurance companies will catch up to consumer demand and begin covering patient expenses. “Traditional medicine is the opposite of technology. There is a newer and better iPhone every year, but medicine and its dogmas change very slowly. I’m optimistic the pendulum will swing toward supporting patients seeking preventative care, championed by consumers experiencing the benefits of investing in their health and needing traditional medicine less and less.” For a free phone consultation, and to learn more visit thriveoncemore.com.

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Aixois A WELCOMING, NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT TO ENJOY A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Aixois was born out of owner, Emmanuel Langlade and his wife Megan’s desire to create a space that makes people happy, which they have been doing for over 20 years. Many of the customers they have welcomed into this intimate, relaxed dining room since Day One continue to dine at Chef Emmanuel’s tables, requesting their favorite dishes, which he consistently offers. “If I take one off the menu, and someone requests it, I will prepare it for them of course,” he muses. Aixois is a classic French bistro in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood, just a few blocks from Country Club Plaza in the Crestwood Shops. “The idea and goal of creating Aixois was to become a neighborhood restaurant, so people can come through the restaurant for coffee and breakfast in the morning, then come back for lunch or dinner,” he says. “The Patio we created to resemble a Parisian café.” Nothing is purchased premade, and everything is created fresh from scratch. They source their pastries, vegetables and

meats locally. Pastries come from Ibis Bakery and Farm To Market Bread. (They have a very good relationship with them.) Emmanuel sources mushrooms from the local mushroom company, KC Farms, who grow all kinds of vegetables. He also works with local farmers, My Cool Planet LLC and Urban KC. He tries every wine before he serves it. If he likes it, it goes on the menu! “Our patio is popular due to the ambience we have created,” he says with a smile. “We have a fence, trees and grass, and it is very well maintained. It’s nice to see parents at the table while their kids are playing on the grass. During the pandemic, I covered half of the patio and installed heaters, and we use it year-round now.” The artwork we have was done by local artist, Russell Ferguson, which adds to the ambience of the setting. Emmanuel loves the springtime, with the seasonal vegetables. He prepares specials daily for lunch and dinner. A favorite dish people really enjoy and request is their veal liver. CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

“IT’S NICE TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE MY CUSTOMERS. I WANT THEM TO FEEL LIKE THEY ARE COMING TO A FRIEND’S HOME.”

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Many members of the staff have worked with him for 15 to 20 years, which adds to the neighborhood feel. He is flattered when he hears customers tell him they enjoy the warm, kind reception. “There is nothing intimidating about my restaurant,” he adds. “We are a French café, without the pretentious attitude!” What does this chef love about his restaurant? “I love my staff, my customers, I love the location, I feel like when I come to work every day it’s paradise! My kitchen is open, so I can see all my customers coming through the door, the front of the restaurant, the patio, I feel like I’m part of it. I’m proud of the whole show. It’s nice to be able to recognize my customers. I want them to feel like they are coming to a friend’s home.” Visit aixois.com for menus and event schedule.

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Bringing Wonder & Whimsy Wonder & Whimsy Events takes your event from ordinary to extraordinary ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

As a pioneer in the local niche market, Owner Sara Garris had the vision, talent and drive to be the first to bring luxury picnics, bell tents and Kata Tipis to the KC area. Her design background, editing eye and creative gift for making spaces beautiful have all contributed to the elevated look at her events. Established in 2018, Wonder & Whimsy Events in Parkville provides an “authentic and memorable experience” to commercial and residential events with unique rental tents, furnishings and decor to provide visually stunning surroundings.

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

“It began with a Tipi,” Sara says. “I fell madly in love with the impressive Tipis when I first laid eyes on them, and I knew other people would love them too.” As a one-woman show with help from family and friends, Sara saw a need for going beyond the typical rental options and services. “Being in the Midwest we always seem to get anything fun or new dead last. I’m here to change that.” From backyard parties to large-scale events at Union Station and at the Nelson, Wonder & Whimsy Events brings the bling, the rustic charm or the boho

Photo: Becca Spears Photography

Samantha Holli Creative

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Photo: Lacey Rene Studios Wonder and Whimsy in collaboration with Tom’s Traveler’s

chic to wedding proposals, date nights, graduation picnics, kids’ events, charitable fundraisers or corporate events. Their biggest trend is luxury picnics. “Luxury picnics are receiving the most buzz over anything that we do,” Sara says. “It was a trend in 2020-21 and is still going strong.” Prior to starting her business, Sara worked as director for an interior design showroom and was the lead designer for Pottery Barn on the Plaza. She’s also a wife to her husband, Ron, and a mom to their two kids Arrow, 6, and Feather, 3. “The three of them are the loves of my life,” Sara says. “As a stay-at-home-mom, my mission is to find a healthy work/life balance to ensure I have quality time with my family.” Sara says the Covid pandemic was oddly a boost to business as she shifted from large events to smaller, intimate ones. “I had to pivot quickly, and that’s when the luxury picnic and bell tent business was born. It was wildly successful and has sustained itself.” As a small event planner/liaison for clients, Sara loves collaborating with other local businesses, especially Jami and Laura of Good Stuff China. “Together we design amazing tablescapes, and I couldn’t do it without them!” She adds that she is always open to event ideas or collaborations, and her dream client would be the family of Patrick Mahomes. Because Sara makes events look effortlessly beautiful, people sometimes assume it’s easy. “The setup literally takes us hours and is physically demanding, but the hard work is always worth it when our clients are thrilled,” she says. “I love watching the look of awe on people’s faces. It’s so fun and fulfilling knowing they get to enjoy their beautiful surroundings, even for a short time.”

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

“The setup literally takes us hours and is physically demanding, but the hard work is always worth it when our clients are thrilled.”

A favorite event was their open air Tipi at Union Station and setups on the lawn at the Nelson, including a luxury picnic collaboration for the upcoming annual ShuttleCork event, as well as tent donations to charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs. The company offers multiple packages to work within a variety of budgets. They book several months in advance, so schedule early by contacting wonderandwhimsyevents.com. “Wonder & Whimsy is timeless. Tipis and picnics have been around for centuries, and I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.” – Sara Garris, Founder, Wonder & Whimsy Events.

Photo: Becca Spears Photography Florals by Solstice Floral

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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ARTICLE BY BRAD ZOLLARS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE KILGORE PHOTOGRAPHY

Let the Light In

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

In simplest terms, a home is a collection of memories. Some become part of the house itself—the stacked, pencil-drawn lines on the edge of a wall, marking your children’s growth. That scuff in the wall from when you moved in. Some are physical objects that hold personal meaning. A prized keepsake from your grandmother. A trinket from your honeymoon. These souvenirs of time and place transform a house into a home. And for interior designer Stephanie Stroud— of Stephanie Stroud Interiors—incorporating personal memories into every room of this south Leawood stunner was paramount. The owner, a world traveler, grew up overseas, acquiring numerous unique and meaningful pieces throughout her life, both through her adventures around the globe and hand-me-downs via her extended family. “I’ve acquired and inherited so many pieces of furniture, artwork and accessories over the years,” says the homeowner. “Incorporating them into the home’s design was very important. Stephanie helped us blend it all into our existing style. Seeing something of my grandparents on a wall or tucked into a bookshelf is very special.” The house, a coastal build, is open and airy while remaining warm and intimate. Expansive rooms come in handy when you have a family of seven. The extra space was also conducive for hosting friends and guests, a key focus of the owners as they approached the home’s design.

CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

“I have several favorite spaces in my house, but I absolutely love the sunroom,” explains the homeowner. “It’s a place where our family and friends come to relax and spend a fun Friday night kicking back or Saturday afternoon soaking in the sun. It’s comfortable, sunny and beautiful. It just makes me happy.” To highlight the room’s natural light, the walls were painted

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

white, and the ceiling a light sky blue—the homeowner’s favorite color. Wicker furniture was added with accessories and pillows in hues of cream and blue. The owner, a preschool teacher, and mother of five boys, certainly has her share of hectic days. So, incorporating spaces that induced calm was a focus for Stephanie. “I’ve known this family for a long time and have worked with them on their previous home,” Stephanie says. “I knew creating a few spaces with more of a feminine feel was a key goal as the homeowner needed some personal space. We worked on the sitting area—just off the primary bedroom—as a place where she can work, read and relax. The sunroom was another one of those spaces. It’s just as welcoming for a girls’ night as for a party-of-one, at the end of a long day with a cup of tea or glass of wine.” So how do you turn a house into a home? If the owners of this Leawood gem are any indication, it’s all about celebrating the past, the present and those memories yet to come.

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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Get Away to the Mile High City Where the Mountains and Metropolitan Lifestyle Vibrantly Coincide

Visit Denver When you think about Denver, what immediately may come to mind is the gateway to the stunning landscape of mountain peaks with an abundance of recreational activities. But what you might not realize is just how unbelievable the urban experience is in this extraordinary city set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Our team of local lifestyle fanatics at City Lifestyle are thrilled to collaborate with Visit Denver to present a customized visitor’s guide and exclusive GIVEAWAY* to this mile-high destination. With recent recognition and rankings, such as landing its spot as a top 10 city in the world to visit (Lonely Planet), leading the nation in attendance at performing arts events and exhibitions (National Endowment for the Arts), a repeat nominee for its foodie and craft beverage scene, and home to THE most attended concert venue of any size anywhere in the world (Billboard), Denver is bursting with profound cultural and lifestyle experiences, and we’re here to round up our recommendations for you.

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Find an unbelievable urban experience in this extraordinary city set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

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3-nights at Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek North Dinner at Local Jones After dinner cocktails at B&GC $500 Cherry Creek North Shopping Spree Admission to Denver Art Museum Dinner & Drinks at Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery Tickets to Red Rocks Amphitheatre Admission to Meow Wolf: Convergence Station Immersive Art Experience MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Leawood. N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PR ICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

HALLBROOK FARMS

$1,195,000

$1,100,000

92%

171

3.2

BERKSHIRE

$565,000

$572,000

101%

LEAWOOD PRESERVE

$525,000

$530,000

101%

VILLAS OF IRON HORSE

$400,000

$511,000

127%

LEABROOKE TOWN MANOR

$439,000

$435,000

99%

2.1

BERKSHIRE VILLAS

$420,000

100%

LEAWOOD SOUTH

$429,000

$410,000

95%

VILLAS OF LEAWOOD

$285,000

$330,000

115%

1.5

VILLAS OF LEAWOOD

$285,000

$290,000

101%

2.1

TOMAHAWK CREEK PKY

$235,000

$227,000

96%

139

2.1

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

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Stems: A G a rd e n S o i ré e PARTY OF THE SUMMER FEATURES SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

It’s Stems time again, but this is no ordinary garden-variety party. Since 2008, The Arts & Recreation Foundation has been hosting the annual summer fundraiser attended by thousands at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at the peak of its summer beauty. This year’s event will take place on Sat., June 25 and will feature a sneak peek into construction of the Arboretum’s new visitor center. “I’m excited for everyone to see that the project is really happening,” says Vicki Lilly, executive director, the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. “The vision we’ve been sharing for six years is truly going to transform the Arboretum into a showplace for Overland Park. Guests will see the new visitor center (called LongHouse) along with new gardens and water features taking shape.” Since 2016, the Foundation has been raising money for improvements now under construction, raising more than $11 million to date with completion scheduled for spring 2023. Proceeds ensure the Foundation can also continue to support and develop Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and city art installations. Tastings of all kinds will be available along paths and among the gardens. Fine wines, craft beers, and specialty mixed drinks complement the food, along with balloon and caricature artists and a fireworks display. (Adults only.) For many, Stems has become a June tradition. The signature hand-painted Stems wine glasses are also back with new designs. “Our hand-painted wine glasses have become Johnson County collectors’ items!” Vicki says. “Artist Angi Hejduk, CEO of Interurban Arthouse, paints the glasses. And that’s how the evening starts–each guest selects a glass, volunteers offer a first pour, and the party has begun!” For more information visit: artsandrec-op.org

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