Leawood June 2015

Leawood

JUNE 2015

LeawoodLifestyle.com

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ISSUE THE MILLION DOLLAR PORSCHE A LIFETIME OF PASSION FOR CLASSIC CARS THE MEN BEHIND KC BLUES RUGBY SADDLE & SIRLOIN CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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Editor's Letter

Maximum respect.

E

ven though it may not be cool to admit this, I do confess I was a girlie-girl growing up. Loved all things pretty and pink. Could not catch a ball to save my life.

Wore dresses exclusively until 3rd grade. I liked boys but I did not understand them.

My dad didn’t help this. Though he is a tall 6’2”, strong and tough, he was also a musician and a teacher with a kind and tender heart who would rather play music than catch. He did teach me about old cars and from him I learned to love a 1957 Thunderbird and appreciate the lines of a Model A. It was from my sports-loving younger brother that I absorbed facts about football and I have him to thank that I can pretend to know the difference between a touchdown and a touchback.

Then I got married and had a son. For some reason this surprised me—I assumed I would only have girls. What was I going to do with a boy? I’d surely screw him up.

He surely wouldn’t like me. Would he make me spend hours in the back yard being pummelled by a cement baseball?

Turns out (14 years later) that I adore boys. I find raising a future man one of the greatest privileges of my life. The most valuable thing I have learned about raising a boy (and understanding our male counterparts in general) was actually from a book about marriage called Love and Respect by Emmerson Eggerich: “Men need respect like air to breathe.”

What? Men need respect more than love? According to the research Eggerich did, the answer is yes. Unequivocably yes. Eggerich says men have an unspoken honor code in which the primary message conveyed between males is mutual respect, a belief in each other that they are capable of handling, fixing, providing, whatever they do.

When I began to accept this idea and examine my (shall we say, “unsuccessful”) interactions with my son, and ask myself if I had conveyed disrespect somehow in my tone or words, an interesting thing began to happen. He responded. Even just thinking to myself, “I respect you,” began to have a positive impact and change our dynamic.

In this issue, we are giving our utmost respect to the men in our lives. We absolutely respect and value all that our fathers, brothers, husbands, sons and friends contribute to our lives and community.

Happy Father’s Day to our dads, and “Maximum respect” to our men.

JUNE 2015 editor-in-chief Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com sales director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Mary Beth Stauch | MStauch@LifestylePubs.com Tim Carr | TCarr@LifestylePubs.com Carolyn Braverman | CBraverman@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers Ann Butenas, Katherine Bontrager, Chris Clark, Jim Cosgrove, Kendra Mathewson, Parker Harrison, Hannah Motley, Charles Redfield, Tom Strongman contributing photographers Alexis Cook, Parker Harrison, Bill Mathews, McKenna Mathewson, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Kendra Mathewson, Assistant Editor KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com

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ON THE COVER The (nearly) one million dollar Porsche is as much a work of engineering art as it is a functioning automobile. Read more on page 40.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM STRONGMAN

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7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | LeawoodLifestyle.com Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Leawood’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

June 2015

30 34 Departments 30 Come On and Join the Scrum

K.C. Blues rugby squad stokes interest in sport that isn’t for

the faint of heart.

10

Good Times

16

Around Town

20 Family Feature

34 Passion of a Lifetime

A career in car sales leads to an impressive hobby for one

of our neighbors.

22

Home Matters

26

Your Neighbor

28

Terrific Teacher

40 Driver's Notebook

40 46

42 Star Student 44 Field Trip 46 Hot Spot 51

Sold Properties

52

Lifestyle Calendar

58

Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Opera Singer Headlines Children International Event Laurie and Don Montague hosted a celebration featuring James Valenti, an internationally acclaimed opera singer and ambassador for the locally-based organization, whose mission is to bring lasting change to children living in poverty.

PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID RIFFEL

Laurie Montague, James Valenti and Don Montague

Sarah Higdon, Susana Eshleman, Amy Embry & Marcia Garvin

Beth Ingram, James Valenti & Susana Eshleman

Christy Howard, Don Montague & Lina Dickinson

Patty and Don Kincaid

Humbert & Carol Tinsman, James Valenti & Susana Eshleman

summer sofa sale Details in store. Great savings on all special order sofas.

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

A Night of Knowledge & Nonsense The Delta Gamma Alumnae of Greater KC recently hosted an interactive game night open to the public. Proceeds from the event benefited Alphapointe, Children's Center for the Visually Impaired and the Delta Gamma Foundation.

The Party of the Summer is Almost Here It won’t be long before the wine flows and the scent of delicious food fills the air at Stems: A Garden Soirée, hosted by The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Tickets are going fast, so get yours today and come sip wine, snack on tasty treats from local vendors, and enjoy live music while you socialize under the stars.

Patron – $250

se Purcha ts icke Your T !

Today

Includes: • Exclusive Patron Party on June 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • Early entry to the Stems event • Exclusive patron-only experiences • VIP parking pass • Patron listing in the Stems program

General Admission – $120 Enjoy the wonderful selection of wines from Dos Puentes Winery.

Presenting Sponsors: Regnier Family Foundation

JUNE 27, 2015

7-11 P M

Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

a garden soirée

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Good Times

The Barstow School Shakespeare Festival

The annual tribute to the Bard includes a school-wide festival that begins with a month's study of Shakespeare's sonnets, plays and Elizabethan England, and culminates with performances, dance, song, archery, swordfighting and Elizabethan games.

Students open the festival with a madrigal and scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Students in grades 3–12 are grouped in "families" and participate in the festival with their family group. Leading up to the festival, each family created their own crest.

On the outdoor stage, Lizzy Mombello and Savanna Hubbard involve students in Shakespeare trivia.

Amelia Smith practices sword fighting technique with a partner.

John Marvin performs on the outdoor stage a monologue from Richard III.

Steven Ketchmark, Kelsey Dearing, and Zoe Moore learn madrigals on guitar.

Kappa Alpha Theta Flights & Kites for Kids The KC KAT Foundation recently held their annual fundraiser benefitting CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties and Jackson County CASA. Guests enjoyed food and wine pairings and danced to the music of Hazy Fate.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE SWEETEN

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Good Times

Go Red for Women Expo

The American Heart Association’s "Half Day for Your Heart" event at Overland Park Convention Center inspired women's heart health. In the past year, The Go Red For Women movement has raised $800,000 in Kansas City for women’s heart and stroke research.

Park University's Ballyhoo Park University recently hosted Ballyhoo, an annual premier fundraising event that supports University programs and scholarships, at Leawood's AMC headquarters. The event benefitted Park’s School of Business and the University’s Presidential Honors Scholarship.

Michael Collins – Park University Trustee, Molly Collins, Brenda Jackson, Keith Jackson

Lead Sponsor AON: Marlene McCabe, Joshua Eckrich, James Spears, Tom Redel, Scott Gray, Jane Arts, Jim Arts

Jayne Edge, Marlene Wilson

(L to R) Karlyn Wilkins, Elizabeth Frank – Exec. VP AMC, Christine Adams

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Around Town BLOCH ART COLLECTION ON PERMANENT VIEW

MUSIC FEST RETURNS TO TOWN CENTER

An $11.7 million renovation of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will showcase the internationally celebrated Marion and Henry Bloch Collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art, which will go on permanent view in Spring 2017.

The collection was showcased during the 2007 opening of the Bloch Building and bequeathed to the museum under the leadership of Marc Wilson in 2010.

The art will be integrated with the museum’s European collection, a project that is the result of a thoughtful planning process and strategic initiative. The renovation of galleries begins this summer on the Plaza level of the Nelson-Atkins Building.

As part of that process, the museum consulted with Wilson and Philippe de Montebello, the former Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Both men were generous with their expertise as to the best way to integrate this monumental gift into the museum’s collection.

The northeast quadrant of the plaza level of the original Nelson-Atkins Building will be closed to visitors during the nearly twoyear renovation. The project is funded by the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, which has designated the Nelson-Atkins as one if its legacy organizations.

Town Center Plaza will once again play host to Sunset Music Fest, a weekly, free, all-ages concert series featuring nationally-known musical acts. Sunset Music Fest concerts take place at Town Center Plaza in the drive near Bravo! restaurant on Thursday evenings, June 4, 11, 18 and 25.

The outstanding lineup offers something for everyone.

Kansas City’s own American Idol David Cook will play on June 4; 90s GRAMMY nominated “jangle pop” superstars Gin Blossoms on June 11; 70s “Ballroom Blitz” glam rockers Sweet on June 18; and late 90s party band favorites Lit on Thursday, June 25.

Local bands will be featured as opening acts for each date.

Attendees can enjoy great food, cocktails and soft drinks, with sales benefitting the KC Chapter of JDRF, a global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.

JOHNSON COUNTY’S NEWEST ART FAIR Artists are coming together for Artist Expo KC, Johnson County’s inaugural art festival to be held June 13-14 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. This outdoor event will feature local artists and is being held in Rosanna Square located at the northwest corner of 119th and Metcalf. Local talent from around the metro will take part in this event and are reaching out for support to ensure a successful event that will continue for years to come.

Events are free and open to the public. For more information or if you are an artist and wish to participate, please contact, Della Smith at Della@ArkArtistry.com

KAMPOUT! SUMMER DAY KAMP KampOut! and Leawood Presbyterian Church are bringing the fun of Kanakuk, one of the largest Christian summer camps in the nation, to Leawood.

Professional Kanakuk Kamps staff leads this high-energy, nonstop excitement, traveling day camp. KampOut! offers five days of faith-based, day-camp activities to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. It will be held at Leawood Presbyterian Church June 1519 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kampers experience Bible study, K-Life, worship, small-group time with counselors and outdoor activities including a climbing wall, inflatables, slip-n-slide, zip line and Euro Bungee.

Snacks are provided, with Kampers bringing their own lunches.

Find the KampOut! itinerary and register at Kanakuk.com/ kamp-finder/kampout-day-camp/about. Additionally, registration remains open for Kanakuk Kamps’ overnight options for children ages 6-18 years old with more than 70 sports and activities on six Kamp sites in Branson and Lampe, Mo. 16

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

SHAWNEE MISSION EDUCATORS AWARDED GRANTS Thanks to donor support, the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation awarded $26,689 in teacher grants to be implemented in the 2015 - 16 school year.

"We are continually struck by the creativity and passion of our educators. It's an honor to partner with the district in this way," says Linda Roser, SMEF executive director.

2015 -2016 Award Recipients: “Early Literacy Now” - Shawnee Mission Instructional Support Center Grant Recipients: Caren Howes and Lea Ann Combs “STEAM’ing Produce” - Mill Creek Elementary Grant Recipient: Michelle Lord “Tabula Rasa” - Shawnee Mission West Grant Recipient: Greg Schieszer “Tabula Rasa” – USD 512 High Schools Grant Recipient: Tobee Ford-Nelson “Signs of Life: Building bonds across Cultural and Language Barriers” - Westridge Middle Grant Recipient: Jason Coats “Water and Stream Investigations” – Westridge Middle Grant Recipient: Kim Lipford “Early Intervention K-3 Reading Clinic” - Roesland Elementary Grant Recipient: Kari Bowles

LIBRARY RECEIVE MAKERSPACE DONATION When Johnson County Library’s MakerSpace reopens in 2016 as part of the larger Central Resource Library’s renovation, it will

boast six times the current square footage.

With the added space comes an opportunity for new tools and technology to inspire the next generation of builders. Global engineering and construction company Black & Veatch is joining forces with the library as part of the company’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach.

The library will rename the facility the “Black & Veatch MakerSpace.” The partnership is the first of its kind in the library’s history. Demand for the MakerSpace’s array of tools – from 3D printers to audio visual recording equipment – has outpaced supply since the space opened in 2013.

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BLUE VALLEY SENIORS NAMED SEMIFINALISTS Two Blue Valley seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Blue Valley High senior Luke G. Conners and Blue Valley North senior Mitchell J. Reinig are among the more than 500 students named semifinalists.

Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. The final selection will be made in May. One young man and one young woman will be chosen from each state.

AREA STUDENTS EARN JOURNALISM AWARDS Some of the most prestigious honors available to student journalists were presented to Shawnee Mission students at the spring National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association convention.

Julia Poe, a senior at SM East, was named the National High School Journalist of the Year.

The Pacemaker Award, considered to be the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism, was awarded to Shawnee Mission North’s Indian yearbook and SM East’s Hauberk yearbook.

Multiple individual and publication honors were given to Shawnee Mission students.

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June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

17

Around Town ART OF THE CAR CONCOURS BENEFITS KCAI

Take it from the golf legend, Tom Watson, he loves his SYNLawn putting green!

A presentation of 200 historically significant vehicles, including vintage and antique cars from throughout the country will be displayed at the Kansas City Art Institute for the Ninth Annual Art of the Car Concours.

This year's event features concept cars that manufacturers built to gauge public acceptance of new technology and styling ideas, many of which found their way into production. The 1950 and 60s became the Golden Age of the dream car.

Prior to the Sunday showcase -- Saturday afternoon June 27 -- a panel at the Meet the Legends event will discuss the history of dream cars. The panel will include personal-

It’s all-weather, low maintenance and in his own backyard.

It’s the ultimate gift for any Dad this year! ities such as Packard collector Ralph Marano and Wayne Carini of Velocity Channel’s Chasing Classic Cars show.

Proceeds benefit the KCAI scholarship fund. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ArtOfTheCarconcours.com.

SME DEBATERS HEAD TO DALLAS Several SM East students have recently qualified to participate in the National Speech and Debate tournament to be held in Dallas this June. Parker Mitchell qualified in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Josh Fowler and Bhavish Dinakar qualified in duo interpretation. Jacob Roberts qualified in humorous interpretation. They will join SM East students Ali Dastjerdi, Henry Walter, Spencer Mitchell, and Will Bledsoe who qualified for the national tournament during debate season.

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

FOOTBALL HISTORY COMES TO UNION STATION Union Station – in partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs -- brings Gridiron Glory:

The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibition to Kansas City. The exhibit runs through September 6.

Gridiron Glory is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on America’s favorite sport and will include the most iconic pro football artifacts of all time. In total, more than 200 football artifacts, photos and rare documents from the Pro Football Hall of Fame collection will be on display... some for the very first time.

Gridiron Glory tackles everything from football’s cultural impact to the science behind the game. Guests will able to view NFL Films video footage and learn about the sports’pioneers. This interactive multimedia experience includes rare documents and spectacular NFL Film footage. Additionally, a special gallery of 4,000 square feet – including unique artifacts -- will be created to pay tribute to the KC Chiefs.

For details, visit UnionStation.org/Football.

ALEX’S LEMONADE DAYS RETURNS Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, invites volunteers to take a stand against childhood cancer when Alex’s Lemonade Days returns, June 12-14.

ALSF’s National Lemonade Days began in 2004 when Alex Scott set her sights on raising $1 million to fight childhood cancer, including hers. Alex invited volunteers to join her in hosting lemonade stands to help achieve her goal: one dollar and one lemonade stand at a time. Through the help of these volunteers, Alex would reach her goal before losing her life to cancer in August of that year. Each June, the weekend before Father’s Day, supporters everywhere contribute to a cure.

For more information and to sign up to host a lemonade stand, visit: AlexsLemonade.org/LemonadeDays.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Family Feature

Bonnie, Sara, Anderson & Mike Maddox.

On The Move With The Maddox Family FOR THIS JOHNSON COUNTY FAMILY, LIFE IS SPENT ON THE GO, CHASING AFTER NEW ADVENTURES. ARTICLE KATHERINE BONTRAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS COOK & PROVIDED

B

onnie and Mike Maddox’s story could have begun when the pair was in first grade, living on 99th Terrace by Oak Park Mall, almost four decades ago…but it didn’t. Instead, divided

by Quivira Road, the two attended different schools, and never meeting, soon moved out of state.

Thankfully, fate wasn’t quite finished with the duo. Instead, the two would find each other once again, a decade later at the University of Kansas. This time there would be no missing each other—after all, both are difficult to overlook. Bonnie, a beautiful, vivacious blonde lights up any room she enters. And Mike?

Well, Mike stands above most crowds, which led to a successful career as a forward on the KU basketball team, including a win at the national championship in 1988.

The couple married upon graduating from KU and soon settled in Lawrence, where Mike practiced law for some six years.

In 2000, he joined INTRUST Bank and entered the realm of banking. In the interim, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Jamie. And soon after, Bonnie decided to retire from her job in advertising to stay home.

Mike, meanwhile, took the helm at CrossFirst Bank, where he’s served as president and CEO since 2008. Much as he did on the basketball court, he relishes the action, sizing up new business opportunities for the bank, which surpassed the $1 billion mark in 2014.

That’s not to say that the Maddox move to CrossFirst Bank wasn’t without its own challenges. Only someone who excels 20

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

under pressure opens up a new bank in the midst of a nation-wide financial faltering.

“We’re really proud of the bank, and what the company has grown into,” Mike says. “We took a leap of faith back in 2008 in the middle of the financial meltdown, which was definitely stressful.”

“CrossFirst and the incredible people involved with the bank brought us to Kansas City,” adds Bonnie. “It’s been a great decision from day one, really. Although, there was a little bit of panic at first.”

“When the financial markets are melting down, and we’re trying to start a new bank,” Mike begins… “…All within the first month!” Bonnie finishes. “The venture sounded like a really good idea and then a very bad one, all within a matter of weeks. Everyone had to stop, readjust, and give it their all.”

“And thankfully, it’s worked out great,” Mike says. “It’s fun to see the bank grow and keep adding great people.”

Yet CrossFirst Bank is not the only place where people have been added. The Maddox family also grew since its Lawrence days, first with Sara, now 16, and Anderson, 14. Sara attends Shawnee Mission East, where she plays volleyball, and Anderson just finished up his final year at Indian Hills Middle School.

In fact, Jamie and Sara are born three years apart—to the day.

Bonnie and Mike had to leave Jamie’s 3-year-old bowling party to rush to the hospital to have Sara.

“Jamie is a good sport about it and always says it’s the best gift she’s ever gotten,” Bonnie says, with a laugh.

Jamie, now 19, is finishing up a gap year spent in Spain before she starts at KU this fall. Before that, she graduated from Shawnee Mission East with an International Baccalaureate.

All the kids are involved in sports, thanks to the genetic mix from the Maddox side. Sara plays volleyball on an elite level; so much of the family’s time is spent traveling to tournaments. Meanwhile, Anderson plays baseball, football, and of course, basketball.

But the family also finds time to give back. In recent years, Bonnie served on the board at JDRF, a service organization committed to finding a cure for type-1 diabetes, a cause very special to the family since Sara’s diagnosis in 2010. “I’ve travelled to Washington D.C. with other parents to lobby congress to fund this important research for the last three years, though I stepped down from the board and lobbying this year because of all the travel for volleyball,” says Bonnie.

Dinners remain a favorite time for this busy crew, an important chance to reconnect and catch up. Mike’s specialty is to grill out as family and friends gather on the patio. And this next year will provide many adventures upon which they can soon reflect.

The two are headed to Dubai in March for a Global Leadership Conference through YPO, the Young Presidents’ Organization—a worldwide network of chief executives and business leaders. And as YPO’s Educational Chair, Mike plans all kinds of entertaining events for the organization, including a trip to the Grammy Awards in February.

For the Maddox family, be it in work or play, life is all about the adventure. And what an amazing adventure it’s been so far!

Jamie Maddox is spending the year studying abroad in Viña Del Mar, Chile and Seville, Spain.

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Home Matters

Go BOLD with GOLD! ALL THAT GLITTERS REALLY IS GOLD

ARTICLE ANN E. BUTENAS PHOTOGRAPHY BILL MATHEWS

W

hen contemplating a new look for your home, don’t hesitate in taking that proverbial leap of faith. If an interior designer encourages you to incorporate the element of gold into your existing décor, don’t think twice. Just do it!

Consider this stylish and inviting Leawood residence dining room. Upon first seeing the use of gold in this room, if you sense it as not only timeless and priceless, but also adventurous, then

please don’t waver from that initial conclusion. The newly-added gold makes a statement without overwhelming the room. The former brass chandelier was replaced with a new gold-accented lighting fixture and the dining room chairs were changed from brown to black to complement the gold color. The silver, gold and black wallpaper also make a huge impact on the room without drowning the warm ambiance. The buffet by Sarreid Furniture delightfully infuses black with gold in a circular pattern and 22

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

the accent decorative bowl catches the eye while balancing the look.

The final result provides an exciting and interesting look. And if you ever want to change the appeal of the room, a few accent pieces will quickly and easily do the trick.

The owners of this home definitely thought long and hard before adding this exciting punch of style to their home. Instead of deferring to the status quo of interior design, the homeowners decided to color outside the lines and become the new trendsetters. The crystal and newly colored gold within the lighting fixture provide a unique look and vibe to the room. Not only do the homeowners love the look, but guests are equally impressed.

“It’s important to be willing to be more of a trendsetter in your area,” urges Arlene Ladegaard, owner and principle designer of Design Connection, Inc. “Be willing to listen to your designer and don’t be afraid to press the limits.”

So, forget what you think you know about decorating your home with gold. This is a trend that is creating exciting waves and making statements all at the same time. Gold is the new “it” color and no matter what ambiance your home décor portrays, gold can artfully and tastefully find its way into the interior design of your home without being over the top or gaudy.

Gold adds warmth and beauty, even in something as simple as accent pieces. Gold provides a very relaxing yet modern tone, and even though it is in a class by itself, it plays well with other colors, designs and patterns.

For more information, contact Arlene Ladegaard, of Design Connection, Inc. DesignConnectionInc.com 913.851.8776.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Robert Randolph & The Family Band David Cook Gin Blossoms sweet lit

sunsetmusicfest.net

May 28 June 4 June 11 June 18 June 25

Enjoy great music and a cold drink on a warm summer night at Town Center Plaza.

• • • • •

Event begins at 6pm, music starts at 7pm In the drive near Bravo restaurant Food and drink sales benefit JDRF Free activities for kids Bring your blankets & chairs (No coolers, please)

TOWN CENTER PLAZA | LEAWOOD, KS | 119TH & ROE

Presented by:

Ah. Aah. Choo.

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Find a doctor saintlukeskc.org/south

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Your Neighbor

Gurley Paints a Picture for KU Hoops Fans ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

M

any University of Kansas fans have seen or heard Greg Gurley provide color commentary on television and radio on KU men’s basketball games. But most of these fans likely don’t realize that Gurley has Johnson County ties.

Gurley played basketball for four years at Shawnee Mission South and, likely, made the most famous shot in Johnson County high school basketball history.

The Raiders trailed Wichita South 43-42 with less than 15-seconds to play in the 1990 Class 6A state championship game in Emporia.

It was Gurley who as a junior connected on a 25-foot jumper from the left side with two seconds left in the game to give the Raiders a 45-43 victory and an undefeated season.

The former Raider calls that the highlight of a very successful prep career.

“It’s pretty hard not to bring up our state championship in 1990,” he says. “We just

Greg Gurley (left) and longtime play-by-play announcer Bill Davis.

26

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

celebrated our 25th anniversary in January and had a great couple of days hanging with my teammates and coaches.”

The event was hosted by the school and culminated at a basketball game between SM South and SM West.

Gurley went on to play at KU, but injuries hindered his career.

Now, he sits beside veteran sportscaster Bob Davis, providing analysis the games for the legion of KU basketball fans.

How did he get the job?

“I had been doing Kansas games on the Jayhawk Television Network for several years when Chris Piper wanted to step away from the radio job,” he says. “I was asked to replace him and I accepted the position just over three years ago.”

There is a difference between providing color commentary in television and radio.

“Preparation is the key,” he says. “Having the gift of gab is very important as well. Not having the luxury of the visual image on TV forces you to be able to carry the broadcast through painting the picture for the listeners.”

The former Jayhawk is heavily involved at the school in Lawrence.

“I have two jobs,” he says. “I work as the director of development for the Williams Fund.

“We raise money for the athletic department for the University of Kansas.

The last two years I’ve been involved in the fundraising, design and construction of McCarthy Hall, which is the new student housing project where some of our student athletes will reside.”

And, of course, his other job is with the broadcasting of KU men’s basketball games; a job that has meant more involvement with the basketball program.

“After my career ended, I missed the camaraderie of being around the team on the road, in the locker room and at practice,” he says. “Working with broadcaster Bob Davis is such a bonus, too.

“He has been around, seen just about everything, plus he’s great work with.”

The new job has an added bonus.

“Working with Bill Self is great,” he says.

“I’ve known him for long time so that helps, but he is a lot of fun to interact with and we always have a little friendly banter in our pregame and post-game interviews.”

The former Raider and Jayhawk is enjoying his work in Lawrence.

“I am very fortunate to have two jobs that I love every day,” he says. “I like to entertain and talk, so I couldn’t be in a happier place than I am right now in Kansas athletics.”

Gurley has been married to wife, Ann, for 17 years and they have two daughters. Kate is 14 years old and a sophomore at Blue Valley North, while Jane is 12 years old and looks forward to 7th grade at Leawood Middle School in the fall.

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Terrific Teacher Sophomore Miles Green works with Mr. Breedlove.

BVN's Breedlove Gives Students Tools For Success ARTICLE HANNAH MOTLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

“Y

ou guys have got to wrap your brains around this!”

That exclamation is all too familiar to any student who’s taken one of the challenging classes taught by Jeff Breedlove at Blue Valley North High School. A self-professed “social studies nerd,” Breedlove has taught courses ranging from History of the Western World to Sociology to AP U.S. History. He currently teaches AP European History and Economics.

Breedlove began teaching at North in 2003 and has since built quite the reputation, partly for his teaching style but equally for his energy and charisma. His genuine love for his students and subject matter distinguish him from the average educator.

"Mr. Breedlove is one of those special teachers who has the ability to build strong relationships with his students while maintaining very high standards for learning,” says Blue Valley North Principal David Stubblefield. “When you walk into Mr. Breedlove's classroom, the energy and enthusiasm he has becomes contagious.”

And enthusiasm is certainly a necessity when trying to motivate high schoolers to care about ancient monarchial conflicts or trends in economics, but Breedlove pulls it off with grace. His feats don’t go unnoticed by students, staff or parents.

Senior Mychal Masterson explains “Breedlove teaches differently. He goes out of his way to make sure the material connects with each one of his students, and that’s why he produces such successful kids.”

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Breedlove’s students are always among the most prepared for the difficult AP tests they face each May, regularly earning the highest averages in the district. This success is undoubtedly due to his dedication to students and commitment to their individual growth. Knowing that succeeding in an AP course is a huge confidence booster for kids, Breedlove works with them tirelessly before and after school all year. He also offers bonus AP review sessions and practice exams each spring to help further prepare his students. He believes they are the best part of his job.

“I love what I do. I can’t wait for the start of each school year to meet an entirely new group of kids. I love watching them have that ‘light bulb’ moment when all of the hard work and diligence pays off and they finally get it. That is magical.”

Seeing all of his extraordinary classroom efforts, it may be surprising to learn Breedlove doesn’t consider historical content to be the most important component of his course.

“It’s my job to teach kids how to be better students and prepare them for further academic success. I tell them that they will ‘learn how to learn.' This includes thinking critically, writing effectively, learning how to study and learning how to manage their time.

We just do all this through the study of history.”

His focus on individual growth marks the difference between a good teacher and a great one. Breedlove’s unique approach to teaching and genuine investment in students makes him an effective educator, and a well-loved one at that.

Come On and Join the Scrum K.C. Blues Rugby Squad Stokes Interest in Sport that isn’t for the Faint of Heart ARTICLE CHRIS CLARK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

hey've heard it all. The jokes about how the only way to catch a rugby game is by watching a late-night match on a down-the-dial cable channel. Then there's the one that says the best way to give blood is to find a local rugby club and join the scrum. Or, the head shaking of naysayers who look at the non-stop running and bone-crunching hits and think, "Not on your life."

But the wincing reactions of those who don't quite get the allure of non-stop running, tackling and the occasional broken nose or teeth haven’t stopped growing legions of rugby players in the Kansas City area and across the U.S. Kansas City has its own club, the Kansas City Blues, which practices and plays at the Sporting Kansas City Training Facility at Swope Soccer Village. The connection with the Major League Soccer franchise is drawing new fans to the sport.

“The affiliation with Sporting (Kansas City) has been a huge growth driver for us,” says Peter Kowalski, a technology company regional sales director from Roeland Park, who played 12 years for the Blues and now sits on the club's executive board and helps coach young players in high school. “The professional-level facilities have enabled us to create a high performance environment that attracts and retains athletes and coaches that aspire to be the best. It’s helped strengthen the Club’s winning culture in a new generation of athletes, and has given us the opportunity to grow our ‘brand’ as a viable sport and entertainment option for both or former players and ‘old boy’ alumni, as well as fans that are new to the sport or to the Blues.”

A quick primer: Traditional rugby finds two teams -- 15 players on each side, all without padding -- contesting an oval ball that’s carried, kicked or passed sideways or back-

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

wards hand-to-hand. Points are scored when the ball is placed (“grounded”) behind the opponents’ goal line. It can also be kicked over the crossbar of the opponents’ goal.

Those masses of snarling humanity known as “scrums” develop after an infraction and see opposing players packed tightly against each other in an effort to get possession of the ball. Once a player has possession, he or she basically becomes a tackle target in a way that makes football look like a Sunday picnic.

“The contact areas are more controlled than in football, though, because the lack of padding forces most players to use proper tackling technique,” Kowalski says. “The result is a tackle or a ‘ruck’ more resembling a fast wrestling takedown than a big football hit.

"Rugby is a very physical sport, there’s no way around that. In addition to the contact, the fitness levels required to play the game well make rugby a very tough sport."

Tough, for sure. Yet it’s becoming one of America’s fastest-growing sports. Rugby is being introduced to players and fans at a much earlier age. Twenty years ago, Kowalski says, there were very few states with high school programs in the U.S., and even fewer opportunities for children to play the sport. Most players started in college or with a club -- men’s and women’s -- after college.

Today, there are youth programs in many states, statebased high school leagues crowning state champions in most states and a rapidly expanding list of collegiate programs offering rugby scholarships. Adult men’s and women’s teams play at varying levels throughout the country.

Elite-level rugby can be seen on major networks. In 2016,

"Rugby is a very physical sport, there’s no way around that."

Rugby Sevens -- a variation in which teams of seven players compete in shorter matches -- will be part of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“It’s truly a global game that provides opportunities for players and fans to see the world through an abundance of opportunities to play or watch the sport overseas – and to connect with people from all of the diverse nations and cultures who share a passion for rugby.”

The Blues are averaging close to 200 paying spectators at home matches at Swope. A 2104 match against an Australian team drew more than 1,200 fans.

Current and former Blues players work to stoke interest in rugby in and around Kansas City. Former Blues players Eric Masterson and Tim Kluempers started Heartland Youth Rugby, which saw more than 160 kids participating in flag rugby league this spring.

Current and former Blues players are on rugby coaching staffs at six Kansas City-area high school rugby programs, and the team

runs a rugby academy during the summer for high school and college boys and girls.

Team members are also active in the community, raising money for health causes and for a Christmas-gift program for underprivileged families.

“It’s helped us be more than just a rugby team that trains together and plays together,” Kowalski says. “The Blues are committed to growing the game of rugby, but we’re also committed to using our network of caring and committed players and members to try and make Kansas City a better place to live.”

Still, is it for everybody? Maybe. Maybe not. But Kowalski makes a great case: Rugby builds character, he says, since it demands a commitment to fitness and mental toughness. It rewards hard work and places a premium on a team-first ideal.

“With 15 players on the field on each team, it’s difficult for one ‘star’ to dominate a game. The winner is usually the team that develops a good game plan and works well together in executing it.”

For more information, visit KCBlues.org and Facebook.com/KCBluesRugby.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

31

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Cars Have Been a

A LIFELONG PASSION

for Frank Thompson

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

F

rank Thompson remembers seeing a Chrysler Airflow when he was about 10 years old. He was so taken with the design that he got out his big yellow pad and began sketching the car. Seventy-three years later, a gorgeous yellow 1934 Chrysler Airflow is one of the highlights of his collection of more than 25 vintage cars.

Thompson, 83, of Leawood, has been actively selling cars for 64 years and his passion for cars is as strong today as it was when he grabbed that yellow pad. He retired from ownership of Overland Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep five years ago but moved his vintage car collection into a spacious private garage. Because buying and selling cars is as much a part of his life as breath itself his garage has become a small business. He buys and sells a few vintage cars for himself and friends as well as selling late-model golf carts. (Most of the carts he sells are used for personal transportation, not golf, he says.)

In his early days, Thompson realized he could look at an ordinary car and visualize how to make it desirable with a few im-

The 1934 Chrysler Airflow Town Sedan holds a special place in Thompson’s collection because he first saw one when he was about 10 years old.

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Thompson has been actively involved with cars for 64 years.

provements. That was a key to his success with used cars decades ago and he does the same with vintage cars today. New tires, polished paint and a freshly detailed engine turn a so-so car into one buyers can’t resist.

While his passion for cars can be traced to his pre-teen years, his ability to transform cars into ones that people want is rooted in his early days at Laner-Leuenberger Pontiac at 4235 Troost Ave. Although he started in the parts department, he was mentored by Russell Leuenberger who recognized Thompson’s love for cars and thirst for knowledge. They had lunch nearly every day as Leuenberger taught Thompson the basics of the car business.

“When he told me something I always remembered it,” says Thompson.

After Thompson fixed up a couple of the dealership’s used cars and sold them for a profit Leuenberger made him the used car manager. “I would lay out my clothes at night because I was excited about the next day. I always enjoyed going to work,” he says.

Thompson tells amazing stories about those early days in the car business. Being young and energetic, he would drive up Troost Ave. on his way to work, handing out business cards to people waiting at bus stops. Sometimes he even gave them rides to work.

He often spent his lunch hour in a parking lot across from the Chevrolet dealer, watching to see who was shopping for a car. He would write down their license number and call them later in the day, explaining he could put them in a Pontiac for less money.

When Pontiacs were so long they wouldn’t fit in many garages, Thompson found a contractor who would build an extension on the front of a cusCONTINUED > tomer’s garage. Some of these garages exist today.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

35

A LIFELONG PASSION

(CONTINUED)

A Tom Strongman digital painting of Thompson’s 1931 Chrysler.

The hood badge of the 1934 Chrysler Airflow

Thompson said he kept half-gallons of ice cream in the dealership. When a wavering customer was leaving Thompson would hand them a container of ice cream. The customers would hurry home because they didn’t want the ice cream to melt, and that meant they didn’t have time to stop at another dealership. Later that evening, Thompson would call in hopes he could close the deal.

In 1968 Thompson set up the first used-car lot on Metcalf on the corner of 80th and Metcalf by converting a small house into a sales lot for Shortman Dodge. When Overland Park Jeep was built in 1973 he was hired as the used-car manager. He bought the business in 1981 and for 10 years it was the top performing dealership in the country.

Thompson has a fondness for Chevrolets and has pristine models from 1952, 1955, 1956 and 1957. He still has his dad’s completely original four-door 1951 with 40,000 miles and an immaculate 1938.

On a recent visit I found him tinkering with a 1957 Chevy sedan. He detailed the engine compartment, cleaned and painted fender-mounting bolts, removed the fender skirts, returned the dual-exhaust system to a standard single pipe and added accessory knock-offs to the wheel covers. The car is now back to original condition and waiting for a buyer who might not have given it a second look previously.

He also loves Model A Fords because they were great cars and still are 80 years later. He says they are easy to work on, run well and can be improved for today’s roads with hydraulic brakes, a four-speed transmission and better steering. He always has several in his shop.

From 1991 to 2001 Thompson and his wife, Babe, were involved with raising more than $1 million for cancer through a charity car auction. Today, they support several projects at St. Luke’s Hospital in addition to using his garage for numerous fundraising events.

When asked, Thompson admits that the highlight of his career was spending four hours talking about classic cars with Jay Leno when he was in town for last year’s Kansas City auto show.

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Frank Thompson and his wife, Babe, enjoy their car collection and often use the space for charitable events.

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Driver's Notebook

Porsche’s 918 Spyder is Automotive Haute Couture

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a hybrid supercar capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and hitting 214 mph on a track.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

T

o Porsche enthusiasts, seeing a 918 Spyder is like catching a glimpse of the Holy Grail or the Hope Diamond because only 918 of them will be built, worldwide.

The limited-production Spyder, with a base price of $845,000, is the sort of automotive haute couture created by Porsche once every 10 or 12 years. Contemporaries include the 950-horsepower hybrid LaFerrari, priced at $1,350,000; McLaren P1 at $1,150,000; and the Bugatti Veyron at $1,914,000. All are capable of pavement-wrinkling acceleration and have top track speeds of at least 200 mph.

The Spyder showcases the kind of technology that it takes to create a genuine super car these days. It is a four-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid. A 608-horsepower V-8 and an electric motor power the rear wheels and a single electric motor powers the fronts. The car shown here was equipped with the Weissach package that includes carbon fiber trim and lighter wheels. Its starting price is $929,000. The last mega-Porsche was the 605-horsepower, V-10 Carrera GT from 2004-2007. It was $440,000.

For manufacturers, cars such as the Spyder are mostly demonstrations of their capabilities. Porsche materials say the Spyder

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

“embodies the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines motor racing technology with everyday utility, maximum performance and minimum consumption.” It is built in very limited numbers, has an astronomical price and is bought by the wealthiest of buyers.

Let’s look closely at what makes the Spyder tick.

It has a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structure with, says Porsche, “aluminum crash elements at the front and rear to absorb and reduce the energy of a collision.”

The 918’s hybrid drive system profits from experience Porsche learned by racing the 911 GT3 R hybrid and the 919 sports-racing prototype that competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June. The 919 had a turbocharged V-4 engine and a 250-horsepower electric motor driving the front axle.

There are four driving modes. Solely on electric power, the 918 can cover up to 19 miles, accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds and reach 93 mph. In hybrid mode, the two electric motors and the V-8 work together. In sport mode, the combustion engine operates continuously and the electric motors take on a support role. Race hybrid mode delivers maximum performance.

The small cabin has deeply reclining seats.

Various vehicle functions and the audio system can be operated intuitively by the multi-touch black panel on the center console.

Maximum acceleration to 60 mph is 2.5 seconds and top track speed is 214 mph.

Calculating the fuel economy rating for a hybrid is tricky.

The EPA rates the 918’s fuel economy at 20 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway using the gasoline engine. The hybrid rating is 67 miles per gallon equivalent.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery sits low behind the driver. It can be fully charged in seven hours from a 110-volt outlet or 2.5 hours with a 220- volt or 240-volt outlet.

The V-8 is designed with cylinder heads that breathe in through the outside ports and exhale through exhaust pipes that coming out the center V of the engine. That explains why the exhaust pipes are visible in the upper part of the rear engine cover. There is a tiny rear window. Routing the exhaust out the top makes the engine compartment cooler plus it looks amazing.

The transmission is a seven-speed, dual-clutch Porsche PDK unit.

Intriguing details: According to Car and Driver, the mesh engine cover is stamped from a solid sheet of stainless steel and then has 7,335 holes cut into it by a laser. The magazine also reports that the tire sidewalls are laser etched to create a texture like that of suede.

A front-axle lift system, a $10,500 option, increases ground clearance to keep the nose from scraping on speed bumps or inclines.

As Pete Stout wrote as editor of Panorama, the national magazine of the Porsche Club of America: “Is the 918 an overwrought marketing message or a supercar to lust after?”

I have not driven one, but seeing it in person makes me think it is a supercar to lust after.

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Engine: 4.6-liter, 608-horsepower V-8 Electric motors: 156-horsepower, 129-horsepower Wheelbase: 107.5 inches Curb weight: 3,692 pounds Base price: $845,000 With Weissach package, $929,000 MPG rating: 20 in the city, 24 on the highway (gas only) 67 mpg equivalent combined June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

41

Star Student

Twelve Scouts Awarded Eagle through Leawood’s Troop 10 ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

B

oy Scout Troop 10 recently honored twelve new Eagle Scouts during an Eagle court of honor at Blue Valley Northwest High School. To receive the award, a scout must complete at least 21 merit badges including 13 required Eagle Scout badges. He must also plan and carry out an approved Leadership Service Project. Since its founding, Troop 10 has had more than 400 scouts attain the rank of Eagle.

Christos Davlantes, son of Zoe and Chris Davlantes is an eighth grader at Leawood Middle School. For his project, Christos designed, planned and coordinated two underground pop-up drains for his church, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Raghav Gupta, son of Kamal and Radhika Gupta, is a freshman at Blue Valley North where he is active in debate and tennis. For his project, Raghav planned and coordinated building of eleven birdhouses and three bird feeders for a Memorial Bluebird Trail at the Lakeside Nature Center. He also conducted two donation drives and collected 265 pounds of birdseed.

Jack Kill, son of Caroline and John E. Kill, is in the eighth grade at Leawood Middle School. For his project, Jack designed and planned the construction of a six-foot by eight-foot custom-built shelf as well as a children’s picnic table with an activity center for Cross-Lines Community Outreach in Kansas City, Kansas.

Ben Leeper, son of Jim and Joanne Leeper is a senior at Blue Valley North High School. For his Eagle project Ben designed, planned and coordinated a retaining wall for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Matthew Lippe, son of Darren and Doris Lippe, is an eighth grade student at Leawood Middle School. For his project Matthew worked with Historic Kansas City to create a trail of three local historic sites: The John Wornall House, The Battle of Westport and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. He created a questionnaire for each site for youth to fill out and designed a commemorative patch for those who completed the trail.

Steven Madigan, son of Kevin and Monika Madigan, is a sophomore at Rockhurst High School where he is active on various student advisory committees and volunteers on the Pastoral Council. For his 42

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

project, Steven designed and coordinated the planting of a butterfly garden at the Overland Park Community Gardens, a co-op garden located at the Oak Park branch of the Johnson County Library.

Gavin Magee, son of Michael and Sherry Magee, is a junior at Blue Valley North High School. For his project, Gavin designed, coordinated, supervised, constructed and installed six wooden benches for the Great Plains SPCA Animal Shelter in Merriam.

Trey Miller, son of Otis and Teresa Miller is a junior at Pembroke Hill School. For his Eagle project, Trey led a team of volunteers to build, roof and paint a 10’ x 10’ shed to provide secure storage for the Kansas City Rescue Mission’s new Women’s Center.

Adam Parish, son of Andrew and Rebekah Parish, is an eighth grader at Blue Valley Middle School. For his project, Adam led a team of volunteers that collected more than 1,700 books through a door-to-door book drive to benefit Welborn Elementary, a school in Kansas City, Kansas. The books were delivered with a bookcase, finished by Troop 10 scouts, that was installed in the 4th grade classroom.

Luke Philgreen, son of Hilary and David Philgreen, is in the eighth grade at Prairie Star Middle School. For his project, Luke designed, planned and led an extensive clothing collection for Ozanam. Collecting more than 3,000 pounds of clothing, he was able to provide one of the largest in-kind donations ever made to the organization.

Sean Reuter, son of Greg and Maureen Reuter, is a senior at Blue Valley Northwest. For his project, Sean planned and coordinated a school supply drive, assembling and delivering 50 school supply packages for the children at Spofford Home in Kansas City, Mo. Sean will attend the University of Missouri in the fall.

Tim Reuter, son of Greg and Maureen Reuter is a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School. For his Eagle Scout Project, Tim planned, coordinated and constructed a new, outdoor nativity-scene stable for Nativity Catholic Church in Leawood. Tim will attend the University of Missouri in the fall.

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Kansas City Automotive Museum 15095 West 116th Street Olathe, KS 913.322.4227 KansasCityAutoMuseum.com

The Kansas City Automotive Museum YEARS OF GRASSROOTS EFFORTS FINALLY PAY OFF ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PARKER HARRISON

T

ucked away at the corner of Strang Line Road and 116th Street, the Kansas City Automotive Museum now fills the unassuming space of a former business office. And fill it they do! The museum has worked to pack every inch it can spare with cars spanning from the turn of the century to the newest and fastest performance cars.

Started as a grassroots movement funded solely by donations, this non-profit museum now has grand visions for their future.

“Kansas City is the largest metropolitan area without a public auto museum,” says Luke Spence, the museum’s collections coordinator.

As funding allows they hope to move the museum and are considering the downtown area or the area around the Kansas Speedway, so they might eventually have a 60,000-square-foot facility complete with a restoration garage.

The main display of automobiles represents the entirety of the 20th century and is rotated every six to eight months. In their “Drive-In” garage space, the museum rotates with greater frequency, a smaller collection of cars, including pace cars from the Indy 500, a collection of the famous short-lived Hudson Hornets, light military ground vehicles, and as of this summer, a collection of hot rods, including the famous California Kid. In addition to these displays of automobiles that are rotated based on the schedules of the donors, the museum also has several

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

racing simulators complete with flat-screens, steering wheels and bucket seats. They host occasional car meets for collectors in their parking lot allowing more folks to come and take a look.

The museum’s goals are to give the public a greater appreciation for automobiles, and the presence they have had in Kansas City. The Metro is currently home to several automobile assembly plants and factories, including the General Motors Fairfax assembly plant, the Ford Kansas City assembly plant, and the Harley-Davidson vehicle and powertrain operations facility.

The museum also features a display on Masten Gregory, the ‘Kansas City Flash.’ He was one of three members of the North American Racing Team that won the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most famous endurance car race that involves driving a single race car around an eight mile track for twenty four hours.

The museum also hosts car club meetings and special events at different locations around the Metro. The rotating “Drive-In” garage display will include legends of hot rodding in June, the Mo-Kan Volkswagen Club in July and a display of “In progress” vehicles in August.

The museum offers guided tours especially created for young scouts who wish to earn car and traffic related badges and rank advancements.

The non-profit welcomes volunteers and tour guides. Visit their website for details.

Hot Spot Spectacular new covered riding arena.

The Equestrian Lifestyle of

Saddle & Sirloin Club STILL THRIVING AFTER 75 YEARS ARTICLE KENDRA MATHEWSON | PHOTOGRAPHY MCKENNA MATHEWSON

Y

ou can almost get to Kentucky if you drive south on Holmes Road far enough. Not literally, but it sure feels like classic Kentucky horse country when you are south of 139th Street and black four-board fencing suddenly outlines a distinctive property. The first hint of something special is the double S sign visible from the gently winding road. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a horse.

But through the trees at the crest of a hill not far from 150 Highway sits the quaint quarters of the Saddle & Sirloin Club, Kansas City’s country club for horse people and shooting sports aficionados.

“There is nothing like this anywhere,” says Jeff Henderson, general manager/COO who has overseen the property for the past 3 years.

The sprawling 300 acres has only been home to the club since 2000, when development quite simply overtook the quiet countryside where riders had roamed for 60 years. In 1940, founders established the Mission Road Club in south Leawood as a support to the American Royal. It served as a dining and social club, but had limited capacity due to its location.

The transition across the state line 15 years ago to the more southern locale has enabled the club to spread its wings, expand its offerings and find a forever home amongst Missouri’s most beautiful surroundings. It’s situated south of 1,600 acres of public land with an additional neighboring 800 acres to the west, all available

for trail riding. Not to mention sale proceeds from the original property set the organization up fiscally with no debt and capital to make improvements and maintain the property with excellence and attention to detail.

They’ve created a picturesque respite with those improvements: remodeled the old home and turned it into a cozy, rustic clubhouse where members enjoy excellent cuisine, built a huge state-of-the art open air riding arena with the best footing in the U.S., improved the grounds and horse boarding facilities, created fun trail and campsite destinations for riders to enjoy the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and constructed superb shooting sports amenities.

The grounds are so quiet, and vast; Henderson says though 20 riders may be out on trails it can feel like you have the place to yourself. But there’s more than the trails. The multi-discipline facility hosts all types of riding and ways to enjoy horses. All are welcome.

The friendly, family-oriented, fun club includes a variety of longtime members and new participants of all ages, and many families with 2-3 children. (They have a strong youth riding program, too.)

The multi-generational culture creates that small-town environment where everyone feels known and welcome. The variety of creative events manifest a community that celebrates the outdoors and each other.

CONTINUED >

46

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

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Hot Spot

(CONTINUED)

Horses have a variety of boarding options, including 5 barns, 110 stalls and 44 pasture spaces

A wall preserving the old tradition of members' brands

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than sitting at a table watching the long-time members laugh and tell stories,” Henderson says. “There’s a lot of shared history here.”

Complementing the equestrian environment is a wealth of excellent quality shooting sports facilities and options for those whose interest for the outdoors includes this fine sport. Sportsmen (and women) enjoy private trap, skeet, 5-stand and sporting clay courses on the northwest area of the acreage.

For families and friends who desire a home away from home for their horse(s) and family, the Saddle & Sirloin Club offers the finest facilities and welcoming community.

Forget Kentucky. Kansas City’s treasured Saddle & Sirloin Club is a thriving and beautiful equestrian oasis in the Midwest. It’s alive and well. And as Henderson says, “If you’re a true horse lover, this is where you want to be.”

48

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Guests enjoy the Wisteria-covered trellis covering the outdoor patio

A Fine Kansas City Tradition This friendly, family-oriented fun club offers a relaxing respite from the hurried city life.

• Private dining in rustic elegance of country setting • Rolling hills, woods, streams and meadows • Members-only events • On property stables and marked trail riding • Exceptional boarding and care • Cross country hunt course • Private riding lessons • Private shooting instruction • Air-conditioned stable lounge • Social, equine and shooting memberships • Private trap, skeet, 5-stand and sporting clay courses • Reciprocal amenities with other Kansas City clubs For more information or if you'd like to come see the property and visit the club, email Jeff Henderson at jeff@ saddleandsirloin.com.

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Leawood Properties neighborhood

list price

sold $$

%sold/list

dom*

bdrms

baths

$1,100,000

$1,050,000

95%

8

4

4.2

Hallbrook

$819,950

$805,000

98%

5

5

4.1

Berkshire

$825,000

$782,500

94%

53

4

4.2

Leawood

$750,000

$751,000

100%

4

4

3.1

Hallbrook

$785,000

$740,000

94%

106

4

4.1

Pavilions

$775,000

$680,000

87%

159

5

5.1

Leawood Hills

$689,950

$650,000

94%

48

5

4.1

Wilshire Place

$675,000

$650,000

96%

222

5

5.1

Linden Place

$569,950

$550,000

96%

118

3

3

Saddlewood

$525,000

$525,000

100%

3

5

5

Pavilions

$550,000

$522,315

94%

106

5

5.1

Patrician Woods

$530,000

$515,000

97%

1

4

3.1

Pavilions

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 04-01-15 through 04-30-15. *DOM=Days on Market.

June 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

51

Lifestyle Calendar

June THROUGH JULY 12 DINOSAURS: ANCIENT FOSSILS, NEW DISCOVERIES MUSEUM AT PRAIRIEFIRE

Prepare to take a journey of discovery into the exciting world of modern paleontology. New dinosaur fossils are being discovered faster than ever before. Advanced technology allows scientists to look at these fossils in fresh ways. And researchers are gaining surprising insights into these amazing animals. New discoveries, new technology, and new ideas are helping today's scientists piece together what these living, breathing dinosaurs were really like.

can benefit individuals, their families and their favorite charities. To register for this free event, please contact Greg Hockenberger at GregH@Heart.org.

JUNE 19 MIDNIGHT RUN 5K LEAWOOD JUSTICE CENTER

This fundraising event for the Kansas Special Olympics starts at 11 p.m. ends at Midnight at Leawood Justice Center.

JUNE 19-21 KANSAS CITY REGIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER

Quality hotels and restaurants surround the center, which allows you to have a home base while attending the festival. The quilting style will range from traditional to modern, functional, artistic and conventional. Rita Briner will be on hand from Quilter's Station at booths' 507, 509 and 511 for inspirational tips. KCRQF.com

JUNE 6 - 29 KICKIN' BACK IN AN ADIRONDACK OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

The fabulous exhibit features 10 new solid oak Adirondack chairs, custom-painted by local artists available for purchase with an on-line auction. Visit the Arboretum during June to admire all the imaginative designs and vote for your favorite--then go online and purchase your favorite chair for a special spot in your garden. Interested artists should email Katharine.garrison@opkansas.org.

JUNE 13 FARMSTEAD DAIRY DAY

JUNE 19-20

DEANNA ROSE FARMSTEAD

JAZZ IN THE WOODS

Learn why milk really does do the body good at Dairy Day, a celebration of healthy kids and National Dairy Month at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Enjoy dairy activities such as live milking, dairy crafts, farmer photos and much more.

CORPORATE WOODS

THROUGH JUNE 14 SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION MISSION

Inspired by a true story. An affluent New York couple, upper class art dealers, find their lives touched, intruded upon and confused by a mysterious young black man who is never what or who he says he is. The young man tells the couple he is the son of actor Sidney Poitier, that he has just been mugged, has no money and that he knows their son in Harvard. Captivated they invite him to stay with them. The show is rated “R”. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased at TheBarnPlayers.org

JUNE 16 ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR ROSE ESTATES ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Whether your estate is over or under a million dollars, this free estate planning seminar offers crucial planning insights that 52

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

Each year, three local charities that specialize in helping area youth benefit from the proceeds raised with Jazz in the Woods. In 2015, Operation Breakthrough, Growing Futures, the Sunflower House, and the Overland Park South Rotary Foundation will be the recipients. JazzInTheWoods.com

JUNE 21 FATHER'S DAY AT THE ZOO KANSAS CITY ZOO

Celebrate Dad with a relaxing day at the Zoo. Dads will receive complimentary admission on Sunday, June 21 in celebration of Father's Day. It's all about Dad at the Kansas City Zoo this Sunday. KansasCityZoo.org

JUNE 24 TACOS & BEER ON THE BOULEVARD BOULEVARD BREWING CO.

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Lifestyle Calendar

(CONTINUED)

Boulevard Family Health Care, a non-profit safety net clinic which provides over $1 million of charity care annually to residents of both Kansas and Missouri. Reservations are limited. For more information contact Shari at 913.722.3100, x272. Sponsorships available or purchase tickets for $50 per person at SwbFhc.org

JUNE 27 FLIPPIN’ SWEET MEMORIAL DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT THORNFIELD DISC GOLF COURSE

Play 36 holes of disc golf on this top-rated private disc golf course located in Stilwell. Pro and novice tees, groups or singles, lunch, drinks, snacks, goodie bag, prizes and custom disc all for $50. Ring of Fire and Raffles $1 each. The Tom Karlin Foundation is a Lenexa-based foundation that works with the prevention of teen suicide and depression awareness. Register at TomKarlinFoundation.com/events.

JUNE 27 STEMS: A GARDEN SOIREE OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is thrilled to celebrate the community with its signature event. The gardens will blossom as a perfect setting for you to enjoy two bands, dancers, artists, over 20 featured restaurants, fine wines and beers, fireworks

54

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

and a photo booth experience to entertain everyone at this fun summer party (rain or shine). OPKansas.org

JUNE 27 MICHAEL FELDMAN'S WHAD'YA KNOW? JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE YARDLEY HALL

LIVE BROADCAST! Come be a part of the two-hour comedy/quiz/ interview show heard on public radio stations across the country!

Host and quiz-master Michael Feldman invites contestants to answer questions drawn from his seemingly limitless store of insignificant (but also somehow, important) information. JCCC.edu

JUNE 28-29 MAKERFAIRE UNION STATION

Kansas City celebrates things people create themselves as science enthusiasts, tech hackers, robot designer/builders, Lego architects, independent manufacturers, urban farmers, graphic and visual artists, food artisans textile and clothing designers, photographers and woodworkers. Many school and university clubs, Scouts and other youth makers get involved by demonstrating their projects, too. This family-friendly event attracts over 12,000 visitors and demonstrates what and how people are inventing, making and creating. MakerFaireKC.com

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business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE Puppy’s Playpen (913) 648-3647 puppysplaypen.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY HEALTH & WELLNESS Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS City Union Mission (816) 474-9380 cityunionmission.org

Heartland Habitat For Humanity (RESTORE) (913) 648-6001 heartlandhabitat.org/restore American Hearth Association heart.org/handsonlycpr Stems a Garden Soiree (913) 322-6467 stemssoiree.org

DRY CLEANERS

Natures Touch (816) 942-3240 greenearthcleaning.com Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

& REMODELERS Koenig Building (816) 457-9445 koenigbuilding.com

LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com

Larson Building Company (913) 221-0880 larsonbc.com

Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

Tabernacle Homes, LLC (913) 706-4500 tabernaclehomes.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com Container Creations Plus (913) 302-7646 containerscreationplus.com Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

Town Center Plaza (913) 498-1111 towncenterplaza.com

Elegant Outlook, LLC d/b/a Budget Blinds Of Overland Park (913) 402-1600 budgetblinds.com/overlandpark

VanBrock (913) 341-7273 vanbrock.com

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Ten Thousand Villages (913) 642-8368 overlandpark.tenthousandvillages.com

ETF Portfolio Partners, Inc. (913) 851-1100 etfpp.com

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Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

HOME SERVICES

Kahle Appraisals (913) 912-9122 kahleappraisals.com Granite Garage Floors Reflections Body Solutions - Body (913) 752-9906 granitegaragefloors.com Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 Legacy Flooring Gallery reflectionsbodysolutions.com (913) 780-6060 legacyflooring1.com HOME BUILDERS Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

Unruh Furniture (816) 813-1066 unruhfurniture.com

Snowbird Maintenance (816) 723-7439 snowbirdmaintenance.com Summit Flooring and Turf (816) 886-2747 summitflooringandturf.com

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

HCA Midwest Health (913) 397-1000 kcfaster.com Kansas Medical Clinic, PA (KMC) (844) 562-3376 kmcpa.com Saint Luke’s Health Systems (913) 317-7139 golifekc.org Saint Luke’s Medical Group (913) 317-7990 saintlukeskc.org/south

University of Kansas Hospital (913) 588-1227 kucancercenter.org

OTHER

Divorce Settlement Professionals LLC (913) 522-4859 divorcesettlementpros.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City (913) 345-8877 goldsteinteam.com Gail G. Dicus Keller Williams Realty (913) 709-1060 gaildicus.com Reece & Nichols - Marsha Monica (913) 269-0036 marshamonica.reeceandnichols. com The Kim Yuille Team (913) 558-9533 kimskeytokc.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE EBT Restaurant (816) 942-8870 ebtrestaurant.com Gaslight Grill (913) 897-3540 gaslightgrill.com Red Door Grill (913) 222-4959 reddoorgrill.com

SALONS & SPAS Sunlight Day Spa (913) 754-0831 sunlightdayspa.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE The Elms Resort & Spa (800) 843-3567 elmshotelandspa.com

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57

Parting Thoughts

Mike Brady: The King of Groovy Dads WORDS JIM COSGROVE

S

everal years ago, our daughters became hooked on episodes of The Brady Bunch.

They were fascinated by the characters and their 70s outfits and the fact that the family had a rotary dial telephone with a cord hanging on the wall of their kitchen. They especially loved the theme song, which they sang often and loudly.

We knew that their new passion was serious when our girls started to include the Brady kids in their bedtime prayers and our older daughter dressed like Cindy for Halloween. They both still think that Carol and Mike are the grooviest parents ever.

And the Bradys were indisputably groovy, what with Carol wearing her mod skirts and high heels around the house, and Mike in his paisley shirts and plaid sport coats. But beyond their flare for fashion, they were quick-witted, even-tempered, and always prepared to deliver a wise monologue embedded with a monumental life lesson.

They were nothing like real parents.

As a father, I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance trying to live up to the standards of a smart, successful, well-rounded guy like Mike Brady. But seriously, TV dads have rarely realistically portrayed the nuances and complexities of fatherhood.

On one end there were the super dads like Mike Brady and Cliff Huxtable, who were paternal remnants of the Ward Cleaver era.

These characters helped set an unrealistic bar for how a good father should conduct himself.

Then along came the likes of Al Bundy and Homer Simpson, who sent the pendulum swinging in the other direction. Pretty

58

Leawood Lifestyle | June 2015

soon most sitcoms featured fathers who were portrayed as hapless buffoons, kept out of trouble only by the well-timed actions of their intellectually superior, infinitely patient and forgiving spouses.

I applaud the fact that TV moms have shaken their June Cleaver images to become stronger and more complex characters. But it seems that in the process, fathers have been relinquished to the role of court jester.

Although I can do some pretty dumb things, I’m pretty sure that I don’t have to act foolish in order for my wife to look good.

She can shine on her own without my help.

I suppose that ordinary, everyday dads don’t make for very good sitcom material.

These are the dads who consider parenthood a true partnership and who actually enjoy changing diapers. These are dads who get their kids dressed in the morning, tie their shoes, and walk them to school, and dads who let their giggling daughters paint their toe nails. These are stay-at-home dads and the dads who only see their kids on weekends and the dads who are separated from their kids for months at a time and still give everything they’ve got. These are dads who sometimes get overwhelmed and yell and go through periods of serious doubt about whether or not they’re being a good father.

I’m confident that these dads really don’t need TV and other media to set the standards of a good father.

My guess is that these dads already know that some days they’re Mike Brady and some days they’re Homer Simpson, and most days they’re effectively maintaining somewhere in between.

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