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LIFESTYLE LETTER

February Love Local Issue

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

This time of year I always get a little antsy about the colder weather and the lack of sunshine. I start to wish I was on a warm beach somewhere while the cooler KC air finds its way out, and we move into spring. Don’t get me wrong–I love having four seasons and living in Kansas City, but the long winter months start to feel a little too long once we hit the middle of February. I love traveling to a warm destination during the winter, but regardless of how nice it feels to enjoy some time away to soak up the sun, as cliche as it sounds, there really is no place like home. The local community that we have planted roots in and the relationships that we have invested in make our community special and feel like we are right where we should be. And let’s be real,Kansas City is just special. We have a great mix of both midwestern charm and the excitement of a big city. The people are genuine, the food is amazing, our sports teams are fun to support, the schools are great, there are a variety of things to do to celebrate the culture and arts around our city, our real estate market is reasonable, and we are proud to support our local community. The Kansas City branded market has boomed over the last several years, and it is commonplace to see people proudly wearing their KC gear to show their pride in their city and their favorite local brands. We have so many talented people right here in our community. From designers, to artists, to visionaries who bring new businesses to our city, to musicians, to athletes, to culinary experts, and so on, they all have a huge part to play in the culture and heartbeat of our city. In this issue, we are celebrating some of the folks who have brought their talent to our community in one way or another. Our local businesses are the backbone of our city. Let’s keep supporting these local business owners to not only boost our local economy and keep dollars right here in our community, but to also directly impact and support local families. Stay warm! Spring is right around the corner!

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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

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

28 36

Featured

28 36 8

Departments

Houndstooth

Local tailor and entrepreneur, Jeff Covitz opens location in Leawood

Event Spaces that Inspire

Three distinct destinations for unforgettable experiences

It’s a Family Affair for These Entertainment Hosts Meet The Model and The Mad Scientist behind KC’s Award-Winning DJs!

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Our Town REAL ESTATE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Must See EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES

Back Stage ENTERTAINMENT

Inspired By SPORTS + RECREATION

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Travel Journal TRAVEL

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business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Seven Days is Marking its 10 Year Anniversary SevenDays® is a Kansas-City based nonprofit organization that overcomes hate by promoting kindness and understanding through education and dialogue. SevenDays® is marking its 10th anniversary and will begin Wednesday, April 10, 2024, with its Kindness Breakfast and will host the new Community Kindness Festival on Sunday, April 14, 2024. On the ensuing days, SevenDays® encourages the public to celebrate kindness through other daily themes. For a full list of ways to get involved, visit sevendays.org

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Houndstooth

ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Is it time to steer away from taking work calls in sweatpants and up your style game? 2024 is the year of elevated, curated, and tailored style brought to you by local men’s clothing store, Houndstooth. The store’s clothing brings notions of fine craftsmanship and attention to detail into today’s society and into your wardrobe. Houndstooth is a men’s clothing store owned by local tailor and entrepreneur, Jeff Covitz. Although specialized in suiting, you

can also find sportscoats, denim, trousers, dress shirts, shoes, and casual wear. With the second store opening in Leawood, the clothing and shopping experience brings a long history of fine tailoring and respect for elevated style right into our local community. Dating back 64 years, Jeff’s family got their start in the tailoring business. Jeff’s Grandfather Leo Zemelman, moved to Kansas from Poland in 1960 to work as a tailor. He began Leo’s Tailor shop in Brookside, which thrived for 50 years. Following in his fatherin-law’s footsteps and guided by his training, Jeff’s father also opened a shop, Rick’s

Tailoring, which operated for over 35 years, closing in 2014. At that time, Jeff turned focus to Houndstooth and the first store location in River Market. “My family's history plays a huge role in everything we do at Houndstooth. I am a tailor, who respects great tailoring. We do not want anything out there with our name on it that we do not feel respects where we came from and the years of service behind us. It is Aristotelian, if you are going to hem a pant, make it the best pant hem. Always strive to do good by your customers,” Jeff says. The difference between Houndstooth compared to other retailers is quite literally in the details. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

“The suits we sell are sewn, not glued, as many in the market currently are, and with that, you get a feel that is softer, more luxurious, more mobility, and a product that will hold up at the dry cleaners.” Jeff continues, “A lot of shops try to cultivate lifestyle brands. Brands that try to do it all, tops, bottoms, accessories, and shoes all under one roof. We prefer specialists, our shirts come from shirt makers, denim from denim houses who specialize in a great pair of jeans, ties from tie makers, and so on. We like companies that specialize in one thing and do that one thing really well.” Jeff finds style inspiration in his children, 14 and 10, who help his vision of keeping the store’s classic styles infused with youthfulness and trends to ensure the clothes are never stale or outdated. Feeling inspired to shop and see what Houndstooth has to offer? Head into the newest store, located in Camelot Court Shopping Center at 119th Street, for your suiting needs - grooms, that means you, too! Ensure a one-of-a-kind look for your wedding, work occasion, or everyday wardrobe. You will be met with staff who will provide unmatched expertise, a personalized shopping experience, and a smile.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

PA R K WAY R E A L E STAT E ARTICLE BY D. LEON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

O UR TOWN | REAL ESTAT E

Kansas City is catching the eyes of many as the place be. Patty Parsons and her daughter Alexis Mirakian own Parkway Real Estate and see first hand how the city’s popularity is growing and tell us why they think the world is falling in love with all things KC. “We love our city, and it's nice that we're getting the notoriety,” said Parsons. “People are starting to realize we have a lot to offer, and we are just not in the middle of nowhere.” This women-owned real-estate company, which has 22 Realtors, has seen an increase in people moving to Kansas City from popular American coastal cities. While Kansas City will always be synonymous with barbecue, jazz, and iconic attractions like the Nelson Atkins Museum; the mother-daughter duo believes Kansas City's low cost of living, vibrant entertainment districts, and strong real estate market are generating additional buzz for the city. "You can get more here than you can on either coast, but I think the biggest attraction is really the friendliness of the people,” said Parsons. When it comes to the current real estate market, Parkway Real Estate says Kansas City continues to see a steady increase in home prices, as demand for homes continues to skyrocket. Just like other cities, housing shortages continue to impact inventory, but that’s not stopping families from wanting to call Kansas City home. In fact, when compared to other major cities, Kansas City home prices remain less expensive. Parkway Real Estate continues to see multiple offers being made on their company’s KC area listings, with homes still selling at a rapid rate. Another draw; Kansas City’s accessibility and infrastructure.

With I-35 and I-70 running through the metro, Mirakian says you get the benefit of living in an urban city, with less traffic volume compared to similar cities like Denver and St. Louis. "People like the fact that we don't have the traffic headaches that the other cities have, so when we're out showing the different parts of the city, these are all things they notice,” said Mirakian. There’s also something for everyone in Kansas City. On the Kansas side, Parkway Real Estate notes cities like Leawood, Mission Hills and Prairie Village continue to draw crowds due to their strong sense of community, accredited school districts, proximity to Kansas City and local shopping centers like the Shops at Prairie Village and Town Center. On the Missouri side, Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods continue to reign supreme but cities like Loch Lloyd are turning heads due to its prominent residents. “There’s a lot of notoriety in Loch Lloyd. Once Patrick Mahomes moved out there, more people are starting to talk about this little hidden gem that’s not so hidden anymore,” said Parsons. After clinching Super Bowl wins, Chiefs players have become ambassadors for Kansas City. Casting a national spotlight on the City of Fountains each time they step out, and now that one of their players is dating an international pop star, all eyes are on Kansas City where love will never go out of style. “It’s nice to get the attention, this has been a long-time coming. For some reason Kansas City got left behind as other cities were growing,” said Parsons.“There’s still land that can be built on, exciting plans for the Plaza, and now Kansas City is the place to be.” To contact Parkway Real Estate visit Parkwayre.com

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

BECAUSE. CHOCOLATE. C h o c o late Fond ue • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 pound premium semisweet chocolate (recommended: Lindt or Callebaut) • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon brandy • Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, brownies, waffles, marshmallows, Oreos, pound cake, pretzels or any other dipping item of your choice! Put approximately four inches of water in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Place a mixing bowl on top and pour in the heavy cream. Let heat. Or, use a double boiler. Meanwhile, break up or chop the chocolate into small pieces. When the cream feels hot to the touch, add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla and brandy (optional). Pour into the fondue pot and light the handy fuel underneath. Keep the flame low as not to burn the fondue. Arrange dippers on a platter and enjoy. For the grown-ups, a spiked chocolate drink from our friend, Martha Stewart.

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1/2 cup milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup whole coffee beans 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (61% Valrhona), chopped • 2 tablespoons Kahlua • 1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar • 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.

When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!

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ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

M UST SE E | E V E N T P LA NNING + SERVICES

“There needed to be a market disruptor, a space and structure that stood out from the crowd.” Steve Beaumont is the visionary and owner behind Chateau Avalon Hotel, Avent Orangery, and The Mint, three distinct destinations for unforgettable experiences. Beaumont's entry into development dates back to 1994, marked by a desire to craft spaces that bring people together. His first venture, WestGlen Entertainment Center in Shawnee, was the first center in Kansas City where a movie theater was the anchor, complemented by restaurants and entertainment, which set the stage for his future projects. In 1998, the birth of his second child prompted a shift in focus toward creating a space for couples seeking a romantic getaway. This vision materialized into Chateau Avalon, blending the charm of a bed and breakfast with the allure of Las Vegas. The theme rooms became a unique

signature, offering guests an extraordinary and personalized experience. The idea for the Avent Orangery was in the original drawings of Chateau Avalon, an event hall labeled as a “conservatory." “Almost all of the event and wedding destinations in the area fall into three categories: barn, brick or industrial building conversion (usually urban core), or hotel ballroom. There needed to be a market disruptor, a space and structure that stood out from the crowd.” It wasn't until January 2020 that Beaumont brought this vision to life. Completed in late 2020, it faced delays due to the pandemic but finally opened its doors in 2022, offering a European fairytale setting for weddings and events unlike any other in Kansas City.

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

“My goal is to exceed the amenities of literally every other event venue in KC.”

Avent Orangery

M UST SE E | EVENT P L ANN IN G + SE RVICE S

“With much research, I found my favorite European structure was called an orangery—a term that comes from orange. Since the 18th century, citrus fruit has been a sought after commodity, however, their climate could not accommodate them. With enough wealth, one could create a glass structure that is open in the spring and summer and then closed in winter to keep the fruit trees alive. Quickly this became the symbol of wealth, power and status all over Europe. With the largest chateau in the region, it was only fitting that the Chateau Avalon has the largest orangery constructed for 600 miles.” With the success of Avent Orangery, Beaumont embarked on a new venture in the heart of suburbia, The Mint. Housed in a former Bank of America building, The Mint seamlessly blends finance history with a contemporary event space. The names of Steve's venues carry special significance. Avent Orangery combines "A" from Avalon with "event" reflecting the venue's ties to Chateau Avalon and its unique event offerings. On the other hand, The Mint was a serendipitous discovery, inspired by the architectural resemblance to iconic U.S. Mints found through a Google search. The name change sparked a cascade of creative ideas and design elements that uniquely characterize the venue. “We designed a space that utilizes the giant bank vault’s 6,000 pound door to the new bar. The safe deposit boxes were retained for thematic elements and even some of the safes have been revitalized and put on display. The six lane drive thru is being enclosed to create The Benjamin Room—this larger ballroom on the west side will be the ceremony area and later becomes the dance ballroom. Inside the main structure, over 18,000 square feet of former bank space is dedicated to a banquet

hall, multiple bars, two lounges, a catering area, bridal quarters, groom lounge and even an underground outdoor cigar bunker for the groom and his groomsmen. “Unique amenities include a secret door for the bride and groom to suddenly appear in the middle of the crowd, Vegasinspired ceiling lighting to customize the environment, and even the first Opti-Mist fireplace in KC. This fireplace is a flame hologram broadcast onto ionized water vapor that looks so real people are afraid to touch it. “My goal is to exceed the amenities of literally every other event venue in KC. We created a spreadsheet of all the top venues and The Mint would meet or beat everyone else in every category possible, with over 20,000 total square footage of space, an outside courtyard, separate event space and banquet hall, four room bridal quarters, custom groom room, the only arcade in an event space in the region, custom overhead LED lighting, frame TV’s for custom art displays, private catering prep room, a huge parking lot, ability to live stream events, secret door entry, and even a bar and lounge inside a huge bank vault.” Beaumont's journey is not just about creating spaces—it’s about crafting destinations that inspire emotion and foster connections. With Chateau Avalon Hotel, Avent Orangery, and The Mint, he has left an indelible mark on Kansas City's event landscape, offering unparalleled experiences that transcend the ordinary. As The Mint opens its doors, they invite guests to embark on a new chapter of unforgettable celebrations. Chateau Avalon and Avent Orangery are located at 701 Village West Parkway in Kansas City. The Mint is located at 12345 West 95th Street in Lenexa. For more information, visit chateauavalonhotel. com, aventorangery.com, and kcmint.com. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

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I T ’ S A FA M I LY A F FA I R FOR t h e s e E N T E R TA I N M E N T HO S T S ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHIEMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES & TORI ERWIN - J. WING PHOTOGRAPHY

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Erwin

- J. Wing Pho tog

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MEET THE MODEL AND THE M A D SCI ENTIST B EH I N D KC ’ S AWARD-WINNING DJS!

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

Chances are you’ve enjoyed the stellar sights and sounds of DJ Joe KC and DJ Ice Kole at any number of prominent events around the metro over the years, some of those including Boulevardia and Irish Fest at Crown Center, Third Thursdays at The Nelson-Atkins, Enchant Christmas at Legends Field, Planet Comicon at Bartle Hall, and the 2023 NFL Draft and Super Bowl Parade at Union Station. Likewise, you may have danced the night away to their memorable music lineups at a friend’s wedding, your company event, a school dance, or a family party. “We have been blessed to be a part of so many core elements of growth in Kansas City; not only new venues but also staples like Union Station, The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and so many more of our beautiful venues.”

Let us formally introduce you to Kansas City’s married and wildly entertaining powerhouse behind 2 the MAAXE, which has been lighting up dance floors since 2016! Most notably known for their DJ monikers, Joseph (the mad scientist) and Nikol (model by day) have also taken bringing audio-visual services to events to a completely new level; we’re talking silent disco parties, and 360 video booths at music festivals, galas and professional games, and standout deejay performances at corporate celebrations and formal school dances and beyond. “What makes us do what we do is not only the passion for the music but for being able to simply create. They call me DJ Joe ‘The Mad Scientist’ because my house used to be covered wall to wall in deejay gear, TVs, and smoke and lights everywhere,” Joseph says. DJ aside, he’s

also a drummer, so naturally the “creator” that he is, he brainstormed putting the two together and conjured up an entire drumming DJ show to add to their service list. All of the lights, the noise, and the madness, if you will, is rooted in their love for creating and engineering a complete “journey” for their audience, no matter the size. The mentality is “whether there are 5 or 5000 people, they’re getting a 5000-person performance.” It’s that curated journey that continues to expand its extensive events list into venues like The National Golf Club, H&R Block, Kansas City Country Club, and the Intercontinental Hotel. It’s also a testament to his popularity that DJ Joe has one nationwide client who has used him every year for over a decade, going so far as to include him in their annual company recognition program. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

Tori Erwin - J. Wing Photography

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

When you get behind the scenes to understand the business, you realize what makes 2 the MAAXE even sweeter is the family affair it encompasses. DJ Joe actually got his start around the city in 1997 as an independent performer, but as fate would have it, he and DJ Ice Kole met at a Nelson-Atkins event they were both working, soon blending their families and meshing their entrepreneurial spirits and skills into a full production company, including two of their children who also deejay at events alongside them. When asked what some of their favorite events are, they shared “Boulevardia is the most fun creatively because we get to showcase the energy of the equipment AND our individual music tastes. It’s our Super Bowl!” The company motto is to always give them more than what they paid for. They make booking with them any easy onestop shop, providing fair pricing, timely arrivals, and an outstanding musical performance that will not be forgotten. As Joe stated specifically about weddings in particular, “There are three things everyone remembers: 1) How beautiful the bride looked in her dress 2) Whether the food was terrible or great 3) Whether they had a hell of a time or a terrible time at the reception/party, and that’s our baby.”

Tori Erwin - J. Wing Photography

They have quite literally been a part of almost every journey throughout the growth of the metro in recent years, and this is your memo to ensure you follow along for their upcoming events AND book them for your next event for a guaranteed GREAT time! Website: www.2themaaxe.com Instagram: @djjoekc Facebook: @djjoekc

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

AVENT ORANGERY

THE MINT

A beautiful greenhouse venue located on the grounds of the Chateau Avalon Hotel

Kansas City’s first luxury bank-inspired venue now booking in Lenexa, KS

SCHEDULE A TOUR

aventorangery.com | info@aventorangery.com (913) 701-3484

kcmint.com | info@kcmint.com (913) 701-3484

701 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111

12345 West 95th St, Lenexa, KS 66215

The Darien Lame Agency is focused on providing all clients with an industry leading level of service, knowledge and expertise within the insurance industry. Your local Farmers agent currently offers savings for: ■ Home ■ Auto ■ Commercial ■ Life The Darien Lame Agency has ranked within the top 1% of commercial insurance production & within the top 5% of home and auto insurance production for Farmers Insurance since 2017.

Get smart and save hundreds with Farmers multi-policy discounts!

913.586.0020 Darien Lame

Your Local Agent 13401 South Mur-Len Road Olathe, Kansas 66062 dlame@farmersagent.com Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. life Insurance issued by Farmers New World life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005.

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2 locations off Stateline: 75th & 103rd 816.942.8888 | gomers103.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

A DOCUMENTARY LOOKING TO CHANGE THE GAME

Not

Good Enough ARTICLE BY BRAD ZOLLARS

I NSP IR E D BY | SP O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

Launched in 2021, Shut Out the Stigma, a partnership between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Kansas City Royals, is an initiative focused on raising awareness about the importance of behavioral health. Their latest effort, the documentary Not Good Enough, boldly challenges parents and coaches to think about how their actions before, during, and after a game can negatively affect the mental health of our youth athletes. It’s an unflinching look that will resonate with viewers long past the final frame. We sat down with the director from Plan A Films, Chusy Haney-Jardine, to discuss his thoughts on the film’s message and what he learned during the process.

QUESTION: WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR INTERVIEWS WITH PARENTS, COACHES, YOUTH SPORTS DIRECTORS, HEALTH CARE EXPERTS, AND CHILDREN, AS PART OF THE DOCUMENTARY?

A few key learnings for me: 1. Attitude and effort trump outcome by a thousand miles. 2. Communicate less transactionally and more transformationally (watch the film for more on that). 3. We are all doing our best as parents. We tend to model how we were parented, or take a 180-degree approach, so our habits, actions, and suppositions exist out of what we know. Nobody gave us a manual, so give yourself a moment to reflect. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PARENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND A HEALTHY WAY TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER COMPETING?

I think removing outcome, and nurturing process is best. Make it ok for them to express themselves, regardless of the content of that conversation, and let them come to you. Make it safe for them to say whatever is in their heart. And encourage good effort and good attitude. Simply tell your kids, “I love to watch you play.”

QUESTION: YOU’VE MADE MANY TRADITIONAL FILMS OVER YOUR CAREER BUT IN CONTRAST, WHY DO YOU THINK DOCUMENTARIES ARE SUCH A POWERFUL MEDIUM WHEN TRYING TO DELIVER A MESSAGE?

I think fiction, for the most part, entertains but remains ineffective as a catalyst for real change. Documentaries let me see real humans overcome and triumph, and in their stories, I see my own.

QUESTION: IN YOUR MIND, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE MESSAGE THAT MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS VITAL AS PHYSICAL HEALTH FOR A PERSON’S OVERALL WELLBEING?

What good is a fit body with a sick mind? Both need to be nurtured equally. Hats off to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Royals for funding this effort.

QUESTION: AS SOMEONE WHO’S LIVED AROUND THE WORLD, IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT KANSAS CITY THAT HAS STOOD OUT FOR YOU IN THE TIME YOU’VE SPENT HERE?

My dad is from KC, and I’ve always had great affection for all things KC. As a little kid, I remember getting on my knees and praying the rosary so that George Brett would hit a home run to take the Royals to the playoffs in front of the TV in Venezuela. My brother knelt beside me. He had a glove; I had a bat. To this day I believe that my prayer helped George connect for a homer. Further, I went to school in Atchison, KS during my last year of high school, with eyes on attending Benedictine College across the border to pursue seminary. Oh, and my dad went to KU, so there you go, I am biased! To watch the documentary and learn more, visit ShutOutTheStigma.com

I NSP IR E D BY | SP O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

Dr. Kathy Maupin M.D. & Dr. Rachel Sullivan D.O.

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BioBalance Health’s goal is to bring women and men back to vibrant health. Aging begins in the fourth decade and coincides with the loss of testosterone production. Testosterone deficiency results in loss of libido, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and the beginning of the diseases of aging, like diabetes and high cholesterol. BioBalance stops aging where it starts, by replacing testosterone with the most physiologic method of T replacement, bioidentical hormone pellets.

We will help you look and feel younger! 816.753.6552 // www.biobalancehealth.com 4400 Broadway Ste 306 Kansas City, Missouri 64111

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N L E A W O O D .

N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Leawood

$1,669,550

$1,641,546

98%

5.1

Hazelwood

$1,500,000

$1,350,000

90%

2.5

Tuscany Reserve

$1,095,000

$1,050,000

95%

Saddlewood

$879,000

$890,000

101%

5.1

Leawood Estates

$850,000

$854,000

100%

Leawood South

$850,000

$824,500

97%

3.1

Wilshire Place

$800,000

$815,000

101%

4.1

Waterford

$750,000

$735,000

98%

3.2

Bradford Place

$615,000

$700,000

113%

5.1

Leawood Hills

$694,500

100%

2.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers.

We LOVE Selling Kansas City! Let our Agents help you fall in love with a new home in 2024.

913-283-7907 // www.parkwayre.com 9 1 3 - 2 8 3 - 7 9 0 7 // w w w . p a r k w a y r e . c o m 8201 Mission Rd, Suite 104, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

V @theparkwayre 46

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

V @theparkwayre

8201 Mission Rd, Suite 104, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

Interiors that re-energize, inspire, and comfort Specializing in second homes, condos, or villas 913-449-4925 | ramseyinteriors.com

SO METIMES EVEN T HE SMAL L EST TH I NGS FE E L IN SU R MOU N TABLE . care col l e c t i ve kc .co m

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PILATES CENTER V I TA L I T Y + C O M M U N I T Y

B R E AT H E M OV E CONNECT Complimentary Introduction to Pilates on the Reformer

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www.inspirepilateskc.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. Pace, patience and priorities all matter when organizing itineraries, straddling time zones and navigating new places. Do you like languid mornings with room service, wide sandy beaches and white-glove service? Or, do you prefer watching the sunrise in hiking boots, launching into eye-opening excursions and digging to find that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves local food to locals? When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Enjoying travel with your mate is the icing on the (wedding) cake. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Traveling can be as stressful as it is sublime. Exhausting as it is inspiring. Traveling as a couple requires additional planning and communication with a healthy dose of patience. Much like marriage! But, waking up in a faraway place, exploring unknown terrain together, and leaving your routine and all its trappings behind can be therapeutic. You both can take on new roles and release tired habits.

Write new vows over lunch or take a random nap because you can.

Share planning and talk about your goals for the trip. Do you want to completely unplug or will one of you need excellent wifi to call into a few meetings?

If you’re parents, consider setting boundaries for texting and phone calls so you can put the phone away and immerse in one another. Let the kids know you will be checking your phone at a certain time each day (and stick to that). Let the grandparents or caregivers handle the day to day drama.

Take turns charting a course for the day. On day one, you check museum opening times, get the timed tickets and find a nearby spot for a healthy lunch. On day two, you sit back and let your partner call the Uber and source out the perfect shopping district, walking distance to a park. Enjoy the ride, either way.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Privacy and so much blue water. Bora Bora, French Polynesia At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, bucket list overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. The morning air is like silk, with a lithe breeze promising more of the same. Later, meander down the shady paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with local juices and fruit, a foot massage, and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients like skin-smoothing, Tahitian black pearl powder and detoxifying algae sourced from the ocean. A full body scrub, massage, and hour-long soak in a coconut bath will leave you thankful and grounded. You can connect with the underwater world by snorkeling with a resident marine biologist and leave a legacy by grafting coral to repopulate the sun bleached lagoon. Dinners at the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer the ultimate date night experience, and a private moonlit swim is the perfect nightcap.

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E AWO O D

The Willows The Pendry

The Pendry Pendry.com

Park City, Utah Create a perfect romantic getaway at Pendry Park City, a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The ski-in/ski-out resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, state-of-the-art fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains.

The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

The Swag

Palm Springs, California

Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side. The seclusion, though just blocks from the Palm Springs village, is intoxicating. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs mid-century architecture of Hollywood titans or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.

The Swag TheSwag.com

Waynesville, North Carolina Perched at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is a property where history, storytelling and a deep respect for nature are a priority. Breakfast is served in front of a roaring fire or overlooking the 250-acre property and Cataloochee Valley. Lunch (ordered the night before) is served in a backpack for hiking, to-go bag for a private picnic or in the lodge’s dining room. Dinner is a social affair, with hors d’oeuvres and a welcome from the inn owners or managers and a toast to those celebrating milestones, followed by a four- or five-course meal from a kitchen teeming with local talent and award-winning chefs.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | T R AVEL