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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Laura Maxwell | laura.maxwell@citylifestyle.com

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Amazon did not exist. Procrastinators had to get their act together a little earlier, matching pajamas for the perfect post on social media weren’t a requirement, and our recipes for the perfect meal came from grandma’s cookbook rather than Pinterest. Reminiscing this month about the less hectic holidays of my youth led me to an epiphany - kids these days simply have no idea what they’re missing. They have a ton of bright, shiny objects that beep and whistle and do all the things, but think about it. They’re going to grow up without ever experiencing the eager anticipation of the JC Penney holiday catalog arrival. I could hardly wait for that beautiful book to show up in the mailbox; I’d spend hours earmarking pages and talking with my friends (on a corded phone in the kitchen!) about that year’s fashion trends and the must-have toys of the season. Simon Says, anyone?! Seriously though; while it’s fun to do a little time travel in my head, and it’s easy to romanticize the nostalgia, I realize the ‘good ole days’ weren’t any more perfect than the land we are living in today. They were different, but different doesn’t necessarily mean better. The ‘better’ part is up to us. If I want my kids and grandkids to have fond memories of this holiday season, it’s going to be up to me to be intentional about being present in the moments we are together. It’s going to be up to me to focus less on the gifts and more on the giving of time and attention. It’s going to be up to me to say yes more often to spontanaeity. I need to remember these things this season; perhaps we all do.

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Alicia Holecek, Judy Goppert, Mindy Hargesheimer CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Janie Jones, Robin Addleman

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

L AU R A M A X W E L L , E D I TO R I A L C O O R D I N ATO R @LEESSUMMITCIT YLIFEST YLE

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/LEESSUMMIT |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Lee’s Summit City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lee’s Summit area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lee’s Summit City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

22 Christmas Brunch

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Must See PR O FES S I O NA L S ERV I C E S

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

How To HO ME + DES I GN

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Artist’s Palette ST YLE + B EAU TY

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Locals Only LI FE + C U LT U R E

Easy, make-ahead recipes for your holidays

30 Tis the Season

Create your own ornament cluster

44 The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season

48 It’s a Wonderful Life With Mayor Bill Baird

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Gourmet Hot Chocolate by Angela Broockerd

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Give Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind Navigating through the difficult but unavoidable legal issues of life is so much easier with a knowledgeable pathfinder. For the past 30 years, the professionals at Paths Law Firm in Lee’s Summit have helped clients with legal issues such as blended families, special needs, business ownership, and elder law for seniors and their families—to preserve their assets and give them peace of mind for the unforeseen and inevitable.

With a third of its 12-member staff being family, Paths Law Firm helps clients feel at ease and comfortable during difficult legal conversations, adding a dinner table familiarity without sacrificing excellence. Russell “Rusty” A. Fracassa, managing attorney, uses the dinner table analogy as the touchstone of his practice. A former accountant who found no joy in his occupation, Rusty remembers when his wife Rene’ asked him what he wanted to do.

FAMILY-LED PATHS LAW FIRM GUIDES YOU AND YOURS THROUGH LIFE’S INEVITABLE LEGAL MATTERS

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

M UST SE E | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S

“I told her I wanted to sit at the kitchen table and help ‘ma and pa,’” Rusty remembers. That simple passion led him to law school and estate and tax planning. Today, Rusty oversees the firm, along with business partner and fellow attorney Kathleen Overton; his wife Rene’, financial manager; daughter Hilary Tichota, marketing manager; sister Jeane Fracassa, community liaison; and six other employees. Located at 5008 NE Lakewood Way, with a satellite office in Overland Park, Kansas, Paths Law Firm has earned a reputation for being “the most experienced and attentive elder law planners in the KC area.” They have consistent 5-star reviews for professionalism, compassion, responsiveness and legal knowledge. Legal services include Estate & Business Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid and VA benefits, as well as seminars and corporate training. The attorneys and entire staff undergo continued education/training, with frequent lunch-and-learns, daily attorney reviews of national issues, and significant investment in the best software and educational material. They use a three-step detailed review process for all plans and documents. “Clients can expect to receive personal and professional attention,” Rusty says. “Everyone with an urgent or crisis situation is given an appointment within 48 hours, followed by our ongoing attention to their needs.” Rusty knows firsthand the difficult issues surrounding family health challenges and tragic sudden loss of loved ones. While Rusty and Rene’ were living in China as missionaries, they received news that their eldest son Tyler had died on his 27th birthday.

“Tyler was married with four children but didn’t know of the fourth as the pregnancy was discovered the day after his funeral,” Rusty says. “Due to that, we returned from living abroad to help with his family.” Rusty adds that this year, René had serious surgical complications. “She was in and out of ICU for weeks, uncertain if she would recover. Then, we discovered she suffers from leukemia and continues to try to heal while on chemo. Rene’ is also the primary caretaker, along with her sisters, in caring for their 91-year-old mother. Basically, I understand well what it’s like to come home to a dark, empty house and the feeling of hopelessness, uncertainty and loneliness of not wanting to burden our children or friends.” Their other sons include Spencer and his family in Kingsville and Logan, who serves in the military. As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and former Christian missionary and pastor, Rusty enjoys converging his personal and professional life—working with families to protect their loved ones while easing the strain on the family caretakers. One client puts it this way: “I most appreciated the love and compassion we received during a very hard time in my life. Russell walked me through everything I needed to do to make it run smoothly. I’m confident if we didn’t have Russell do our mother’s trust before she passed, we would still be dealing with it four years later. If you don’t use their services, I promise you are missing out.” For more information or appointments, contact pathslawfirm.com.

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Thank you!!! Your Home Instead Lee’s Summit office thanks you for your generous contributions. Together we were able to help over 200 seniors in our community have a happier, warmer holiday!

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

Holiday Breakfast

The holidays are filled with family gatherings. Enjoy these easy, make-ahead recipes to simplify your holiday breakfast; they are sure to impress your guests.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

8 eggs 2-3 cups torn bread pieces 3 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 pound breakfast sausage, browned 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 cups shredded cheese of choice 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 teaspoon thyme Salt and pepper

directions: 1. Spray 9 X13 pan with cooking spray. Layer torn bread pieces on the bottom of the pan to cover completely. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over the bread. 2. Whisk eggs and heavy whipping cream and red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Add bacon and sausage on top of egg mixture. 3. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with rosemary and thyme. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until the center is done.

CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

Croissant Lemon Berry Delight ingredients: Casserole • 6 large croissants (from the bakery) sliced into cubes • 3 cups mixed berries • 1 package cream cheese, softened • 1 cup sugar • 5 eggs at room temperature • 2 cups half and half at room temperature • 3/4 tablespoon vanilla extract • 3/4 tablespoon lemon juice Lemon Glaze • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1 tablespoon butter, softened • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and toast the cubed croissants on a baking dish for 10 minutes. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, half and half, lemon juice and vanilla and mix until smooth. 3. Place the toasted croissants into a greased 9 X 13 pan and layer with 1 ½ cups berries. Pour custard mix on top and then add the remaining berries on top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. 4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake, covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes. 5. Set aside and make glaze by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Monkey Bread ingredients: • 18-20 Rhodes white frozen rolls • 1 regular box of cook and serve butterscotch pudding • ½ cup chopped pecans • 6 tablespoons butter, melted • ¾ teaspoons cinnamon • ½ cup brown sugar

directions: 1. Grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle chopped pecans around the bottom of the bundt pan. Next, place frozen rolls in the pan, evenly spreading them out. Sprinkle the rolls with the dry pudding mix. 2. Melt butter in a separate container, and add cinnamon and brown sugar and stir. Pour butter and sugar mixture over the rolls. Cover with saran wrap that is sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Place in a cool oven overnight with the light off. 3. Bake the next morning at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then turn the bundt pan over onto a serving plate and gently pry out of the pan, allowing time for the pecans and toppings to drip on top. Enjoy!

CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

Hashbrown Bites

ingredients: • • • • • • • •

20-ounce bag refrigerated hash brown potatoes 3/4 cup green onions, sliced ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup pepper jack cheese, optional

directions: 1. Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir. Evenly add mixture to each muffin tin and lightly press down. 2. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. These can be made in advance and reheated for convenience.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Eggnog Martini ingredients: • • • • • •

1 ounce vodka 1 ounce Kahlua 1 ounce brewed coffee cooled 3 ounces eggnog, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Dash of cinnamon

directions: 1. Add all ingredients together in a shaker and mix. 2. Pour into a glass and serve over the rocks.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate Add a little extra pizazz to your hot chocolate by using half and half instead of milk, sprinkle with cinnamon and top with a snowman made out of marshmallows and pretzel sticks.

ingredients: • • • •

1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup of cocoa powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional Milk or half and half

directions: 1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir. For individual servings, mix ½ cocoa mix with ½ cup milk. 2. Add desired amount of cocoa mix with milk to desired sweetness. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

• Storm damage insurance claims • Wills, trusts, powers of attorney Call NOW for a free consultation!

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Merry

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Ornament Clusters SUPPLIES • 22 gauge wire • Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes • Wire snips

STEP 1 Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”

STEP 2 Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 3 Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.

STEP 4 Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 5 Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!

Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful! For more inspiration visit www.porchandpatioco.com

H OW TO | HOM E + D ESIGN

ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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Gift Locally this Holiday Season A THYME FOR EVERYTHING Discover a world of culinary delights at A Thyme for Everything in historic downtown Lee’s Summit. Elevate your dining experience with our unique tabletop and barware; indulge in our gourmet foods and delectable chocolates;

find the perfect gift item for any occasion; or join a cooking class to unlock your inner chef. Come see what we have in store for you this holiday season! athymeforeverything.com

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COCKRELL MERCANTILE Cockrell Mercantile is a charming collection of historic buildings and homes transformed into a peaceful shopping destination unlike any other! Enjoy coffee or tea as you explore beautiful decor, delicious gourmet foods, kitchen gadgets and baking goods. Cockrell is a gift-givers paradise featuring clothing, jewelry, candles and décor. The passionate cooking enthusiast

and true connoisseurs of the culinary world can find everything for the kitchen including cast iron and non-stick cookware, an array of baking pans, and high-end ingredients. Trusted brands including Fiestaware, Le Creuset, Vera Bradley, and Nora Fleming mingle with locally-made goods to create a shopping experience all your friends will enjoy! cockrellmercantile.com

Mud Pie Albany leopard coat

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CONTINUED >

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THE TRUKC The Trukc is a boutique now open in downtown Lee’s Summit where you can shop apparel, accessories, home decor, furniture & gift items that are locally & regionally sourced. Sporting KC Soccer, Kansas City Royals, Kansas

City Chiefs, Lake Life, and local high schools are all represented. Looking for a unique KC Chiefs Graphics Tee? You will find them here as well! www.thetrukc.com

b.e. happe beanies- $48.00

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Trucker Hats, Ear Warmers, Gloves $12.00-$22.00

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Christmas T-Shirts $28.00

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THE LIVING STONE BOUTIQUE The Living Stone is a faith-based women’s clothing & gift boutique located in the heart of historic downtown Lee’s Summit. Whether you are looking for inspirational gifts, jewelry, baby items, fashion clothing, home decor, loungewear,

books & journals, gift cards, or candles, you are sure to find something to love! shopthelivingstone.com

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Call 816-524-3756 today! For a no-obligation quote. Advertisement produced on behalf of the following specific insurers and seeking to obtain business for insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance Company of Washington (Bellevue, WA) or affiliates. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company, Mid-Century Insurance Company of Texas or Texas Farmers Insurance Company. In NY: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company or Farmers New Century Insurance Company. Home office, Los Angeles, CA. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. List of all insurers and states where licensed at farmers.com/companies/state/. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, and discounts are available in every state and may vary by state. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. See agent for details.

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LET YOUR STYLE SPARKLE! Elle & Em Boutique elevates any look for any age woman

The holidays are the time to step your class and pizzazz up a notch. When you walk into Elle & Em Boutique in downtown Lee’s Summit, you are met with splashes of color and your mood is transformed. Each shop stylist is uniquely talented in pointing clients to that perfect piece. Rachel Roark Debelak, owner, is your personal style purveyor and fashion partner. She opened the boutique in February 2018. A Lee’s Summit High School graduate, Rachel attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning her business degree. After working for an accounting firm, she transitioned into non-profit working with a children’s advocacy center. In the spring of 2017, she was ready to move back home. “I took the summer to pause and reflect. After working for my childhood friend and her mother at another downtown LS shop, I realized how much I loved downtown! So, in October, I jumped to the space at 9 SW 3rd Street,” she smiled. “Our grand opening came after some renovation. I opened my shop to create a safe place for women to explore and celebrate who they are truly are, their unique and special qualities and personalities. I truly believe clothing has an impact on how

we feel and act and impacts our confidence and willingness to be ourselves.” Rachel selects clothing for her boutique with her mother, so there is a natural generational perspective there. The boutique offers quality pieces with good fabrics you would expect to last over time that have a small edge to them. “I call that classic with a twist,” she smiled. “I tell my customers I want the clothing you buy from here to be the go-to pieces in your closet. When Grandma, Mom and daughter come in and each find something, that is one of the best compliments.” Prior to the pandemic, women saw fashion as either/or - comfortable or fashionable, practical or fun. Now they expect both comfort and fashion, practical and fun, and they don’t settle for less. “There are more patterns, bold colors with so many classic silhouettes. Women are looking to the future and excitement of what’s next!” she noted. “My tip would be to go ahead and add some spark to your holiday wear. You wear the clothes the clothes don’t wear you. If you want to make a statement, make one! Come to Elle & Em and we’ll get you started.” Find them on Instagram @shopelleandem

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEST ELM PHOTOGRAPHY

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | STYLE + BE AUTY

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 44

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

D E CE MBE R 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Lee’s Summit. N E I GH BO RH O O D

LIST PR ICE

S O L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S 1

Hearne's Addition

$199,900

$217,000

108.55%

South Lea Addition

$195,000

$220,000

112.82%

Valle Vista

$229,000

$230,000

100.44%

2.1

Oxford Meadows

$260,000

$250,000

96.15%

1.1

Crystal View Estates

$285,000

$305,000

107.02%

2.1

Amber Hills

$349,000

$340,000

97.42%

Fountains at Raintree

$399,900

$381,000

95.27%

119

2 3.1

Eagle Creek

$465,000

100.00%

Park Ridge

$475,000

100.00%

Cobey Creek

$479,950

100.00%

391

Raintree Lake

$484,900

$495,000

102.08%

2.2

Hawthorn Ridge

$525,000

100.00%

208

3.1

Oak Ridge Meadows

$549,000

$530,000

96.54%

3.1

Lakewood

$535,999

$530,640

99.00%

Eagle Creek

$535,000

$540,000

100.93%

3.2

Siena at Longview

$556,000

$558,000

100.36%

Bent Tree Bluffs

$569,000

100.00%

3.2

Paddock at Richardson

$625,000

$620,000

99.20%

4.1

Raintree Lake

$600,000

$621,000

103.50%

3.1

Longview Farm

$649,000

100.00%

4.1

Winterset Valley

$690,000

$685,000

99.28%

Woodside Ridge

$749,950

$700,000

93.34%

Woodside Ridge

$782,500

100.00%

168

3.1

Belmont Farms

$775,000

$796,700

102.80%

3.1

Windmill Ridge Estates

$1,075,000

$1,015,000

94.42%

3.1

This data is a sampling of sold properties from October 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

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IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IN LEE’S SUMMIT

ARTICLE BY ALICIA HOLECEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

WITH MAYOR BILL BAIRD

LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE

In the heart of Lee’s Summit, Mayor Bill Baird leads not just with policies and ordinances but also draws on the wisdom of the classic holiday film, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” For Baird, the movie is more than seasonal nostalgia; he has woven the film’s essence into his personal and professional ethos. The Frank Capra classic first captivated Baird at the age of fifteen. Bill says, “I was totally enamored with the multiverse concept. There are so many butterfly effect movies today, but I still think that ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is the best of all. There is a point in the movie where George Bailey (the main character played by Jimmy Stewart) gets to see what the world would be like without him. He gets to see the difference he made.” George Bailey’s revelation of the impact of his existence resonates deeply with Baird. “He cared about others so much more than he cared about himself,” he notes, emphasizing the significance of the ripple effect and how each life intertwines, leaving an indelible mark when absent.

“I try to think in terms of George Bailey. I want to know that I am making life better for others,” Baird affirms. His self-described ‘obsession’ with the movie has become an integral part of the Baird family holiday traditions. Baird says he strategically introduced his children, now in their twenties, to the movie. “When they were young, I didn’t make them watch the movie. As they got older, I would encourage them to just watch certain parts—like I did as I grew up, not always catching it from the beginning. Now, they love the movie. They want to watch it every year.” In the spirit of doing for others, it isn’t a surprise that Bill embraces the tradition of gift giving during the holidays. Bill recalls an especially memorable hunt for the “perfect gift” for his brother Matt in the late 90s, which led to a bidding war with another user on Ebay. “I ran across a picture of Jimmy Stewart and Robert Kennedy. Matt is a history buff and Robert Kennedy is his favorite person, so I needed to get this picture. I was bidding, but someone kept outbidding me. I looked at the username, and even though it wasn’t his name, I somehow put it together and just knew it was Matt trying to buy the same picture as a gift for me. I withdrew from the bidding, and he gave me this great photo for Christmas. Since I thought it was coming, I wrote a letter to him explaining that I was the one he was bidding against. It was a really special moment.” Bill also incorporates his love for gift giving with his appreciation for downtown Lee’s Summit. “Downtown is definitely a gem,” he says. “It is charming and historic, but it is also experiential.” He enjoys the moments spent there, engaging with the community and reveling in the unique shopping options. Bill

and his wife Hillory often take the extra time to drive along Third Street to marvel at the decorated storefronts, festive greenery, and twinkling streetlights. A highlight for Bill and his family is the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Howard Park each year to kick off the holiday season. In 2018, his first year as mayor, Bill invited Karolyn Grimes, better known as ZuZu from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to help flip the switch. It seems the connection to the movie is never far removed from Baird’s experiences. The mayor’s favorite line from the movie is never spoken but is a quote hanging on George Bailey’s office wall, “All that you can take with you is that which you have given away.” Bill understands the inherent value of giving. Giving time, giving attention, giving joy, giving reverence. As Lee’s Summit gears up for seasonal festivities and the promise of a new year, Mayor Baird will continue to share his passion for “It’s A Wonderful Life” with others. Inspired by a timeless film, he strives to steer the city toward a brighter, more connected future, echoing the sentiments of George Bailey - making life better for others. CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L E E S S UM M I T

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN LEE’S SUMMIT Nov 22-Dec 31: 36th Annual Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake Sunday-Thursday 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday 5:30 - 11:00 p.m. December 9: Lee’s Summit Farmer’s Market Holiday Mart 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lee’s Summit City Hall December 9: 12ish Bars of Christmas (21 and older) 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House eventbrite.com for tickets December 16: Photos with the Grinch 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Stanley Event Space eventbrite.com for tickets December 16: Candy Cane Course Race starts at 9:00 a.m. Lee’s Summit City Hall runsignup.com December 16: Holiday Radio Show Lee’s Summit Symphony 3:00 p.m. The Pavilion at John Knox Village Lssymphony.org for tickets

LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE

A Guide to Nurturing Emotional Well-Being for Tweens and Teens Navigating the adventure of tween and teen years can challenge emotional well-being, bringing both excitement and its fair share of challenges. It’s common to feel anxious or down, but we’re here to help you and your parents manage these feelings together. Let’s explore five essential things to know for maintaining a healthy emotional state.

Taking Care of The Whole You When it comes to feeling your best, it’s not just about one thing – it’s about a bunch of things coming together. Eat Right and Get Moving: Believe it or not, what you eat and how much you move can impact your mood. Having a balanced diet and staying active can boost your mood. So, try to munch on colorful fruits and veggies and find activities you enjoy, like dancing, playing sports, or even just taking a walk with your pet. Talk It Out: If you’re feeling worried or blue, talking to someone you trust can be a game-changer. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with your parents or a friend can help you feel better. They offer a fresh perspective or a comforting presence that can make a big difference. Be You: You are totally unique, and that’s what makes you awesome! Embrace your interests, talents, and quirks. These are like your personal tools for feeling happier. Whether you love painting, writing, sports, or even just hanging out with your friends, these things make you who you are – and that’s something to celebrate.

Parents: Your Super Support Team Your parents are here to back you up and help you through anything. Here’s how they can be your support superheroes: Show the Way: Your parents have some cool tricks for handling stress, like deep breathing or taking time to relax. When you see them doing these things, give it a shot – it might work for you too! Remember, they’re learning from you, too, so if you share your cool ways to chill out, they might even learn something new. Talk Together: Sharing your thoughts and worries with your parents helps them understand you better. And they might have some great advice or solutions to help you. It’s like having a team that’s got your back, ready to come up with ideas together. You’re Strong Together: Your parents are there to guide you, but they also want you to become a pro at handling things on your own. It’s all about growing stronger together. As you learn how to tackle challenges and cope with feelings, you’re building skills that will help you both now and in the future.

Getting Expert Help Sometimes, a little expert advice can go a long way. Reach out for help when you need it. Talk to Pros: Doctors, therapists, and school counselors are like the superheroes of feelings. They’ve got special skills to help you understand and manage your emotions. Just like you might ask a teacher for help with a tough

homework problem, asking these pros for guidance can make a big difference in navigating your emotions. Check Out Cool Books: There are some amazing books and websites out there that are all about dealing with tough feelings. Exploring these resources can give you new tools to handle your emotions. You can find stories from people who’ve been through similar situations and learn from their experiences. Connect with Others: Joining groups where people are going through similar experiences can be really comforting. It helps you see that you’re not alone on this journey. Sharing your feelings and listening to others can create a sense of belonging and support, even when things feel tough. Community Choice Is Here For You At Community Choice Pediatrics, we’re here to support you. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals is ready to help with any health questions or feelings you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance or information about our new behavioral health center. We’re here for you. Remember, growing up has its highs and lows, but you’re Read the full article on our website never alone. You and your parents can use these tips to make your journey smoother. Keep shining bright, and don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it!

Big News: CCP Wellness Center Now Open The Behavioral Health Department, in our new CCP Wellness Center is now open to current Community Choice Pediatrics patients and families. Ask your provider for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our behavioral health experts and social work professionals.

Raintree • Blue Springs • Lee’s Summit 28 providers between three locations

Tel. (816) 524-5600 Fax. (816) 525-2697

communitychoicepeds.com

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AAMS™ 500 SW Market St. 816.358.3868

AAMS™ CRPC® CFP® ChFC® AAMS™ 3550 NE Ralph Powell Rd. CRPC® CRPS® 816.272.6219 200 SE Douglas 816.272.5650

CIMA® 200 SE Douglas 816.272.5650

AAMS™ 200 SE Douglas 816.272.5650

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

AAMS™ 120 SW 2nd St. 816.554.0074

AAMS™ 3500 NE Ralph Powell Rd. 816.347.8375