Lifestyle Letter
Letter from the Creative Director
I
nspire comes from the Latin word that means to “enflame” or to “breathe life into.” Doing things that inspire us energizes us and makes us feel more alive. Inspiration doesn’t always have to stem from natural talents and abilities but instead is something that motivates us and is about connecting with what we are passionate about deep within.
Music is that for me. I have been musical ever since I can remember, and it has always come very natural to me. As a little girl, I constantly made up songs and loved to go to friends houses who could teach me how to play whatever instruments they had at their house, and I would often daydream about when I could have an instrument of my own. I still remember getting my first piano, and later, as a teenager, my first guitar and spending countless hours playing. I have always played by ear over reading music, but that may have been out of necessity, as growing up in a large family didn’t lend itself to endless music lessons. Thankfully, I could hear a song and play it pretty quickly by messing around on the keys or strings for a little bit. Music has always played a huge roll in my life and has inspired and invigorated me in a way that is unique from all other interests I have ever had. It makes me feel alive. We all have something that inspires us in a unique way. In the busy stages of our life where it’s hard to even find time to sit for 10 minutes, those things often get pushed to the side. I don’t sit down on the piano or pick up the guitar very often these days, but music is on almost constantly at my house, filling me up in a different way. I have always had a desire to learn to play the cello, and so maybe one day when my kids are older and time allows, I will accomplish that goal, but for now, I am helping my kid facilitate what inspires them. We are featuring music and dance in our August issue. It was so fun to discover so many unique ways people are expressing themselves around the city. Artists and musicians reveal so much of themselves through their work that it exposes a vulnerability that is refreshing and invigorating, and I appreciate the creativity and honestly behind unveiling a part of themselves through their craft.
AUGUST 2017 PUBLISHER
Laura Paszkiewicz | Laura@LifestylePubs.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Angela Broockerd | Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
Paul Versluis | Paul.Versluis@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Natalie Fieleke, Judy Goppert, Becky Hillyard, Lauren Korte CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Bruce, Travis Carroll, Christine Hines, Janie Jones, Paul Versluis
CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF SALES OFFICER
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
| Brad Broockerd
| Janeane Thompson
EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL
| DeLand Shore
| Sara Minor | Nicolette Martin
| Victoria Perry, Lindsey Howard
AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS
| Chad Jensen
| Cyndi Harrington, Andrea Thomas Alicia Huff
LAYOUT DESIGNERS
| Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph
PUBLISHER SUPPORT
I hope you enjoy learning about them as well.
| Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
| Melanie Carlisle
EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS
| Randa Makeen
| Michael O’Connell
| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne
Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com
CORRECTION FROM OUR JULY ISSUE:
On page 32 "Local Fire Fighters Serving Together Overseas" "Ben's dad is a retired Fire
LeesSummitLifestyle.com
Chief " should be changed to "Ben's dad was a retired Fire Chief." His dad passed in 2015. ON THE COVER: Marissa Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN BRUCE 6
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | August 2017
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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Lee’s Summit’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 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.