We have always been a soccer family. When my second son developed an interest in baseball, I didn’t realize how much I would grow to love the game nor did I realize the incredible impact this game would have on his life. When Jack was in fourth grade he started to watch the Royals, and what started as an interest grew into an obsession. He couldn’t get enough of baseball. He consistently watched game highlights for every team in the MLB each week, learned as much as he could about the game and spent every waking minute that he possibly could in the backyard practicing and imitating what he saw in those highlights. Jack wasn’t naturally athletic when he was younger, but he loved the game so much that as time went on, the constant time he put into the game paid off, and what was once challenging to him became natural. Once he joined a team, the obsession grew, and he would ask his coach after every practice what he could do at home to develop into a better player. If he wasn’t eating or sleeping, he was relentlessly practicing. He lived and breathed baseball and his work ethic and drive made up for any inadequacies he had at that age as he developed athleticism.
His coach noticed he had the potential to be a pretty darn good pitcher, and with being a lefty, it ended up being a good fit for him. Watching him on the mound was so special to me because Jack sometimes struggled with confidence and could get anxious at times, but never playing this game. He could be put into any situation to help his team get out of a bind without ever feeling rattled. It always baffled me to see how much confidence he exuberated on the mound in any situation, and I realized it was where he felt most comfortable. Watching him play is one of my favorite things to do, and now that his last high school season is over, I am mourning the loss of something that I grew to love more than I can ever explain.
Watching him play this game showed me how much that work ethic, dedication, heart and grit can get you in life. Jack was offered a scholarship to play at the college level, and although he essentially decided to go a different direction, the fact that he was offered the opportunity is a testament to what hard work, great coaching and love of the game can do.
The men who coached him throughout his time at 3&2, Natural Baseball Academy and his 4 years for his high school team have been incredible role models for him and were a huge part of his journey and the person he is today.
Our June issue is dedicated to celebrating the men in our life. If you have a male role model who made an impact on you, reach out and let them know just how much they have made a difference in your life.
June 2023
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, D. Leon, Lisa Moyer, Judy Goppert
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @LEAWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
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Big Slick hosts, Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner and Heidi Gardner are back for the 14th year to raise funds that directly benefit Children's Mercy pediatric cancer patients and their families. Over the years, the attention that Big Slick has brought to Children's Mercy has helped with their recruiting efforts attracting top medical and research talent from around the globe. For information on this year's events and to purchase tickets visit bigslickkc.org/events
GoodVets, with animal hospitals in Prairie Village, Mission Farms, and Lee’s Summit, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Boone to its team of veterinarians. Dr. Boone practices both primary and urgent veterinary care, including a special passion for orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery. Dr. Boone lives locally in Kansas with his wife and children and their two pets, Bell and Brax. All first exams with Dr. Boone are currently completely complimentary.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Leawood
The annual Big Slick weekend is back to support Children's Mercy
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Cigar lovers often wax poetic when describing the pleasures of a good cigar. Their experiences are tactile. Cigar smokers have frequently compared cigar smoking to romance. And it’s not just men who frequently pine over the virtues of lingering over a Perdomo or Montecristo.
Cigar smoking has grown in popularity. Many people enjoy the socializing aspect of it, while some prefer to use it as a source of relaxation. As with wine, what people are looking for in a cigar can vary among individuals. Each person’s palate is unique, and each experience with a
cigar is distinctive. When people buy a premium cigar they are looking for quality craftsmanship and often something that has specific taste, aroma or even burn characteristics. Every cigar is a beautiful, handcrafted piece of art. Kansas City has a variety of cigar lounges around the city, and we wanted to share a few of our favorites.:
Diebel’s Sportsmen Gallery 426 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO
The Cigar Room 108 SE 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO
Outlaw Cigar and Brewery
309 E 10th Ave., North Kansas City, MO
Outlaw Cigar
13700 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS
Fireside Cigar
15999 S Bradley Dr., Olathe, KS
A Kansas City artist is creating a new path after being given a second chance at life.
Wes Benson has been sober for six years now.The KC native remembers feeling hopeless, sleeping on couches, and having his focus center around getting his hands on a glass of vodka or oxycontin.
“I was really addicted back then, and then thanks to the help of many and the recovery world, I was able to get out of that rut and really start moving forward in a major way,” said Benson.
He decided to end this chapter of his life once and for all by seeking mental health treatment and decided to trade booze for a paintbrush and the painkillers for a canvas.
CONTINUED >
To Benson, this new chapter needed to tell a brighter story and his lifelong passion helped him visually see it. The University of Kansas grad grew up drawing, and would routinely be featured on his high school and college newspapers. Even though he was certain he’d get into illustration, he ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in History of Art. His passion eventually took him to the east coast where he went on to get his masters from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
“Being an artist requires an almost psychotic persistence in order to carry on against the odds, it’s rewarding but it’s far from easy,” added Benson.
The former Kansas City Art Institute and Park University instructor now paints exclusively with oils, creating representational works of art on subjects that he says are often disregarded. For example his latest pieces feature a crushed Diet Coke can and an array of gummy bears. The backgrounds are colorful and filled with vibrancy.
“What they all share in common is light, which is, the number one component of everything visual,” explained Benson, “I’m trying to take an image and make it somehow better.”
His current portfolio showcases his versatility as an artist, from landscapes, pools, to profiles, each piece unique but always matching in dynamic color and mark marking technique.
Benson says the secret and true challenge in being an artist is having a drive in creating pieces that outshine previous work. Currently, Benson’s pieces can be found inside homes around the globe, fine art galleries in Leawood, magazines, and reality television like ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
“If I’m completely satisfied with my work then I’ve stopped growing,” said Benson. “Five years from now my work should look better. That’s the goal.
While his work continues to be recognized and praised, sobriety carries a lasting impact on Benson. Inspired by his own journey, twice a week, he runs an AA group that helps men get back on the driver’s seat of their lives.
“I’m very passionate about recovery, because drugs and alcohol affect way more people than most people, will let on or think or know,” said Benson.
As the City of Leawood celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Leawood Welcomers is ringing in its 65th year. The group will be mentioned in a new book, Leawood: The Journey Continues Distinctive Growth from 19972022, by Katherine Bontrager Houlehan.
In 1958, a group of women in Leawood organized this non-profit social organization for new Leawood residents. The group welcomed new women to the city and gave them an opportunity to make new friends.
Since then, Leawood Welcomers has evolved to include women in neighboring communities. Events and activities range from book reviews, cards/games, dining, excursions, museum tours, performance arts and more. It has a board of directors with an executive committee and chairwomen for each club. Leawood Welcomers recently installed its 60th president, Jean Wise, an attorney and former mayor of Leawood.
“We’re looking to be more diverse,” says Laurie Luongo, publicity chair. “We amended the bylaws so members may sponsor any woman in the metro area who wants to join. We’re also now on social media and hoping to reach a younger audience.”
With 137 current members and counting, Leawood Welcomers meets regularly throughout the year, including
three luncheons, two coffees/teas, and weekly or monthly events in members’ homes, clubhouses and restaurants.
“We feature guest speakers who are esteemed women in the community,” Laurie says. “In April we featured Cheryl Shoenberg, founder and CEO of From the Ground Up Photography. Cheryl documented the build KCI project and the entire process of constructing the airport.”
Other recent speakers include Marcia McCoy, director of the Kauffman’s Women’s Health Center, who spoke on heart health and Kaite Stover, director of readers’ services for the KC Public Library, who discussed the culture of book clubs, book club etiquette and how to read with intent.
Upcoming events include a day trip to the Holladay Bourbon Distillery, Weston, Missouri on June 9, along with various anniversary celebration events.
“We’re donating a white bud tree and plaque to plant near city hall for Leawood’s 75th anniversary,” Laurie says. “Also, our book club is organizing a cookbook and will have a food tasting from the recipes submitted. In September, author and historian Candice Millard will share her journey as a local writer.”
For more information visit Leawood.org , leawood welcomers.com and @leawoodwelcomers
The homeowners of a mid-century style home off of Lee Boulevard decided to stop dreaming and redo the coziest spot in all of their home; the main bedroom.
Katy Cassaw and Kat Benson of Nest Interiors were tasked with the challenge and are opening up on their experience and sharing tips on how to add functionality back into one of the most important rooms in your home.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART IN REDESIGNING THIS ROOM?
CASSAW: “There were lots of angles, lots of interesting space planning and a unique layout. This client wanted to open up the room, they had almost three separate spaces in that bedroom. We blew out the bathroom and closet walls and reconfigured it, just to make it more functional and flow a little better for them.”
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO KEEP THE SAME SPACE BUT STILL MAKE IT FEEL LIKE A DIFFERENT ROOM?
CASSAW: “Before it was almost like two smaller bathrooms and we just decided to give more space to the bathroom and closet. So it took blowing out some of the interesting shaped walls, to just make it more open for them. It probably took about a year,
maybe even a little longer because the design phase took a while and it took us time to figure out exactly how we could maximize each of the spaces.”
THE BEDROOM HAS A SOUTHWEST FEEL TO IT, WHAT INSPIRED THE DECOR?
CASSAW: “The homeowners were so happy with it. One of them has roots from New Mexico, and they also love Yellowstone. That was the inspiration, in taking desert vibes and mixing them with some country tones and a lot of deep, dark woods. We work collaboratively as a team at Nest and we worked with the client as well. The client really knew how they wanted the space to feel, so it was putting all of our minds together on how we can elevate this bedroom and bathroom. So they can escape back into this space.”
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO REVAMP THEIR PRIMARY ROOM?
CASSAW: “This is just the time to regroup, spring clean and give yourself a new life. Even just switching out pillows or redoing a little wall that we love with wallpaper. It gives something a new look without going into strong renovations.”
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If your idea of the dental experience is uncomfortable, cold, and confusing, it’s time to give Leawood Dental a try.
“From the front desk to the treatment chair, we put patient comfort as the foremost priority, while accepting nothing less than excellent outcomes,” says Dr. Luke Joliff of Leawood Dental.
Leawood Dental has been privately owned and serving the Leawood community for more than 35 years. Since 2019, Dr. Joliff has been leading the 12-member team that also includes dentist Dr. Meghan Hamilton.
“Patients can always expect us to put them at the center of everything we do,” Dr. Joliff says. “We don’t just tell you but show you what we’re seeing with your oral health, explaining the pros and cons of all treatment options. Using the most up-to-date technology, patients can see every aspect of their oral health that we can observe clinically.”
With general treatments, cosmetic treatments, orthodontics and children’s dental care as well as emergency services, Leawood Dental offers full services, including tooth-colored fillings, periodontal treatment, root canals, fluoridation, crowns/bridges, dental implants, whitening and more.
“We give each patient individual attention and uncompromising care surrounded by an environment of honesty and professionalism,” Dr. Joliff says. “Our patients feel comfortable, cared for and welcome. We offer noise-cancelling headphones, impression-free scanning, televisions and the most comfortable oral sedation techniques. We utilize 3-D X-Rays, Smile Scans, and Intra-Oral Photography to explain everything that we see and all treatment options, including a comprehensive array of specialty procedures.”
ADVANCED TREATMENTS INCLUDE:
• Dental implants – the new standard care for missing teeth with creative options to restore dentition with more comfort and longevity, including “New Teeth In a Day” solutions, avoiding or converting from wearing dentures.
• Clear aligners - through reinforced and more discrete aligner material, more movement is accomplished in shorter time without uncomfortable, full-bracket braces.
• Impression-free 3D scanners - give more accurate clinical results without the outdated goopy impression material.
• CT Imaging - 3D scans through teeth result in more accurate diagnoses and safer treatments.
• Zirconia-infused porcelain - provide clinically stronger crowns with better esthetic results.
• Zoom! In-office whitening deliver dazzling results in patients’ smiles.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOUER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONESAs the links between oral health and overall health continue to be documented, good dental care equals good self-care. “Restoring function and esthetics can dramatically improve a patient’s nutrition, self-confidence and longevity,” he says.
“WE DON’T JUST TELL YOU BUT SHOW YOU WHAT WE’RE SEEING WITH YOUR ORAL HEALTH, EXPLAINING THE PROS AND CONS OF ALL TREATMENT OPTIONS. USING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY, PATIENTS CAN SEE EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR ORAL HEALTH THAT WE CAN OBSERVE CLINICALLY.”
Dr. Joliff is a graduate of UMKC School of Dentistry. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from the University of Kansas. Before joining Leawood Dental, Dr. Joliff practiced dentistry in Oklahoma. Having grown up in Topeka, he is excited to be back in Kansas serving the Leawood community. He enjoys spending time with his wife Taylor, daughters Margot and Louise, and golden retriever Mac. When not focusing on dentistry, Dr. Joliff enjoys cycling, golf and cheering on his beloved Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawks.
Dr. Joliff is passionate about building beautiful smiles and great relationships with his patients. As a member of the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, he regularly pursues continuing education so he can offer the most up-to-date procedures and techniques in dentistry.
“Truly, the most rewarding aspect of my job is developing relationships with our patients. I love getting to know each patient, hearing about their background and life. I care for my patients on a personal level and find so much enjoyment in helping to improve their health and confidence.”
Leawood Dental is accepting new patients at their location at 11551 Granada St., Suite 200 Leawood, KS 66211. For more info, visit leawood.dental.com
LEAWOOD DENTAL
Have you ever wondered why people like golf so much?
There’s a reason it is one of the most popular sports out there. Men and women all over the world experience many benefits of golf. There are positive physical, social and psychological advantages to playing, which is motivation to consider taking up the game.
The two men and business owners featured in this article, Darien Lame and Gardner Leaver embrace this concept, as they both have a love of the game of golf. From the experience in the outdoors and nature, to spending time with friends which sparks conversation to the fact that anyone can play: men, women or children. Golf is a universal language for those who play and understand the way it requires you to stay calm under pressure, and improve professional relationships, network and build rapport. Not to mention you can play your whole life. There truly is no age limit, and it could even help you live longer!
“Golf gives me peace of mind. The game is challenging, and you must be strong mentally to play well, and realizing you’re not perfect and that life goes on is a big thing it’s taught me personally.”
Darien Lame, Farmers Insurance, is an avid golfer. He picked up golf his last year in college as a fun hobby that allowed him to hang out with friends, and it grew over time.
“Since picking it up, I have developed a love for the game. I am very competitive, and golf is the most challenging sport I’ve played. It challenges you emotionally, physically and mentally and it’s something I’ll forever want to continue to try to perfect. My biggest inspiration for the game is one hundred percent Tiger Woods,” he noted. “I think he is the most iconic, polarizing sports figure the sports world has ever seen.”
Getting out on the golf course on a nice sunny day is Darien’s escape from the real world, explaining, “Shortly after opening my business, I realized I could use playing a sport I love to my advantage on the business side of things. There is no better way to get to know clients and/or prospects on a personal level than taking them for a round of golf. I entertain current clients and enjoy joining other golfers. The connections I have made are endless and golf has really helped me grow and evolve my insurance agency.”
“Golf gives me peace of mind. The game is challenging, and you must be strong mentally to play well, and realizing you’re not perfect and that life goes on is a big thing it’s taught me personally,” he mused.
Darien enjoys playing on his home course, Loch Lloyd Country Club.
“The members are great to socialize with and the golf course is outside of the city just enough, so you feel you’re in the country. Another favorite is Southern Highlands Golf Course outside of Vegas because it is beautiful and challenging. I’ve never played at Augusta where the Masters is held. I feel Southern Highlands is a similar feel and challenge,” he said.
Gardner Leaver, owner of Barnhouse Custom Homes, sees golf as a way to relax and unwind.
“I started really focusing on golf later in college. Prior to that I’d go out and have fun but actually dedicated some time to it my junior/senior year of college,” he noted. “I played baseball in college and me and the other pitchers would get our workouts and practice in then head to the course for a couple hours before dark. My grandfather was a scratch golfer. I never got to play with him, but my dad told me stories about playing with him at our local course, The Montauk Downs. Whenever I played out there, I always thought of him. My father picked the game up a few years ago extremely quickly and we have a blast playing together now.”
Gardner plays a few charity events each year with buddies and always seems to make good connections with people at those tournaments.
Getting out on the course is a massive pressure release for him.
“I haven’t had much range time over the last few years, so I keep my expectations in check when I play and strictly focus on the enjoyment and my surroundings,” he explained. “Being outside is just so important for my mental health and time on the course is often spent with great friends or family. Locally, my favorite courses are probably Sycamore Ridge, Wolf Creek and Ironhorse. My favorite course I’ve ever played that I get to frequent is Aspen Glen in Carbondale, Colorado. It’s simply breathtaking.”
What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most— time together —is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!
If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.
Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.
Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.
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events
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE
Grinnin’ & Groovin’
IRONWOODS PARK
AMPHITHEATRE | 9:30 AM
Join us every Tuesday in June for our popular Grinnin’ & Groovin’ series featuring concerts and entertainment for kids of all ages.
June 6 • Live Music, Mr. Stinky Feet
June 13 • Animal Amigos, What if Puppets’ Mike Horner & Jerry Mañan
June 20 • BetterTogether, Inspryal Circus
June 27 • Ringo’s Sing Along Road
Trip, What If Puppets’ Meredith Wolfe
JUNE 2ND-24TH
Theater in the Park
Summer Shows
SHAWNEE MISSION PARK | 8:30 PM
Enjoy live theater under the stars at Theater in the Park. Gates open on movie nights at 8:00pm. Movies begin between 8:30pm and 8:45pm
Disney's Freaky Friday, A New Musical June 2 - 10
Meet Me In St. Louis June 16 - 24 For more information visit theatre inthepark.org
JUNE 3RD-4TH
Midwest Design & Furniture Fair
6000 COLLEGE BLVD. OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211 10:00 AM
Whether you are a designer searching for new products and ideas, a business owner seeking new suppliers, a manufacturer looking to increase sales, or a industry professional wanting to establish valuable connections – MWDAFF is the place to be.
DATES & TIMES
June 3 : 10 am- 7 pm
June 4 : 10 am- 6 pm
JUNE 10TH
Youth Fishing Derby
SAR-KO-PAR TRAILS PARK
9:00 AM
Youth Fishing Derby is a great way to share one of America's favorite pastimes with kids 13 and under. Participants will fish at Rose's Pond in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The catchand-release event is free, but registration is required. Prizes for most fish caught smallest fish and largest fish. Register at Lenexa.com/GetActive by June 8.
JUNE 20TH
June Bug Ball
DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN'S FARMSTEAD | 1:00 PM
Dress as your favorite bug to learn about insects, and enjoy crafts, a bug petting zoo and live entertainment. Free with regular admission to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead.
JUNE 24TH
Stems: A Garden Soiree
THE OVERLAND PARK
ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS | 7:00 PM
Stems is a lovely garden party in the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the premier networking event in Johnson County! Sip wine, taste delicious food from top restaurants and caterers, enjoy art, music, fireworks, beautiful surroundings, and more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Leawood
