Leawood May 2015

Leawood

MAY 2015

LeawoodLifestyle.com

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PADDLING THE BOUNDARY WATERS THE GIRLS GRANT PROJECT LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER INSPIRATIONAL WEDDINGS

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Editor's Letter

Wedding memories.

A

s I sit around living rooms and kitchen tables with friends who have children of marrying age, I’m learning that there are two kinds of weddings. There are the ones that meet the wants and desires of the parents who are footing the bill and then there are the kinds of weddings where the bride and groom make all of the decisions.

It’s an interesting conversation, and I’ve observed that opinions are strong.

I suppose I had the former kind of wedding. My parents graciously offered to pay for a lovely, somewhat formal occasion with a sit-down dinner in a country club atmosphere. There were no Pinterest-inspired bedazzled sneakers to wear under the wedding dress for comfortable dancing and there was no denim or DIY in sight. And it all worked perfectly for me because it was important to me that my parents loved everything about that special day. They were throwing a celebration in our honor and we were oh-so-grateful.

And 24 years later, as I look at the photo album from that day, I love everything about the venue, the meal, the flowers and the formal-ness of it all. Well, I do have some regrets about the bridesmaid dresses, but who doesn’t?

What I remember most is the gathering of the people who made it a priority to be there. In the summer of 1991 when we gathered in my hometown for the ceremony, my parents had lived in that same suburb where I was raised for 20 years. Two decades worth of friends, neighbors and co-workers were there to congratulate the boy from Kansas who had won the heart of this girl they all seemed to know. (A note to brides and grooms everywhere—if the groom is from out of state, it will feel like HER party from start to finish. There’s no avoiding it when you only know 27 people at the reception.)

People joke about saving ‘all of that money’ and eloping in Las Vegas, or planning a destination wedding for a group of only a dozen on a beach. But I wouldn’t change a thing about that (very hot) July day. Planning that day was something my parents loved being able to do for my groom and me. And these were the same friends and neighbors who gathered in that same church sanctuary years later at the memorial services of my mom and then later my brother. These special friends and neighbors are the memory makers of our lives, so for me, at least, no amount of whimsy in Las Vegas or on a Hawaiian beach could replace the memories of that day.

Enjoy this season of weddings and I’ll see you around town!

MAY 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 Mary Bush, Ann Butenas, Andrea Grist, Hannah Motley, Charles Redfield, Denise Snodell, Kimberly Winter Stern, Tom Strongman contributing photographers Alexis Cook, Mike Freeland, Susan Motley, Tom Strongman, Chris Wilborn, Robb Yagmin

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, Samantha Engel layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting LeawoodLifestyle.com

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ON THE COVER Located just twenty five minutes from Leawood, Lake Lotawana's Marina Grog & Galley is the perfect location for a nautical-themed wedding. Read more on page 34.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FREELAND

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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.

May 2015

28 34 Departments

28 A Labor of Love

Handmade wedding straight from the Old West delights

family and friends.

Area lake offers a picturesque nautical wedding setting.

40 Boundary Waters Bound

Good Times

16

Around Town

20 Your Neighbors

34 Seaside Splendor in the Midwest

11

A wilderness adventure will create a lifetime of memories.

22

Giving Back

24

Home Matters

26

Open House

46 Terrific Teacher 48 Star Students 50 Wedding Bells

40

52

Page Turners

54 History 101 56

Driver's Notebook

59

Sold Properties

60 Lifestyle Calendar 66 Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Leawood Egg-stravaganza

Leawood Parks & Recreation helped residents welcome in spring with its 21st annual event at Leawood City Park.

Lyric Opera Circle Champagne Ball The KC Convention Center was transformed into a setting of old world elegance and entertainment highlighting arias of toasting and celebration from some of the world's most beloved operas performed by the Lyric Opera Chorus with featured guest artist Liam Bonner.

Anna Price (left) and Rachel Peterson, Carolyn Price, Ball Co-Chairman; Ann Dickinson, Honorary Chairman; Young Friends of Opera, with Liam Bonner, Julia Irene Kauffman, Mary Leonida, featured performer Ball Co-Chairman

Pat McCown, Beth McCown, Suzanne Shank, John Middelkamp, Ginger Frost, Michael Frost Jackie Middelkamp, Lyric Opera Circle President

Elvin Knight, Judi Knight, Anne Elsberry and The Lyric Opera Chorus and Apprentices raised Mayor Peggy Dunn with one of the many items their voices and glasses singing an aria of toasting Howard Elsberry from the auction that raised substantial funds. to the evening.

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

G R E AT B R A N D S, FA B U LO U S FAS H I O N .

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Good Times

9th Annual Wabash CannonBall

Nearly 800 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center to celebrate purple pride at the black-tie event hosted by the K-State Alumni Association to raise money for scholarships for future K-Staters from the Kansas City area.Â

Willie Wildcat, Doug, Caryn, James, Betty, Brad & Kathrine Firebaugh Cheryl & Jordan Reinhardt and Maddie Musil

Kent & Karen Zernickow, Barb & Lee Harris

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Jon & Christi Stewart, Wanda Wilkinson, Kevin & Dianne Honomichl

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

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Around Town SCHEELS OPENING SOON Scheels, opening in Overland Park in late June, is a 220,000-squarefoot sporting goods destination store with a Ferris wheel and salt water aquarium inside the building. This state-of-the-art store specializes in the largest variety of sports, fashion and footwear under one roof. Currently, Scheels is in the process of hiring a number of part-time positions throughout the store, including sales associates and cashiers. Scheels is an employee-owned company and provides the best training in retail for its career associates. Our people make us special and Scheels associates are experts in their field. Scheels also actively looks for ways to give back to the local communities they serve.

a combination of on campus and online courses and a capstone project at the end of their program. We are also well aware that students who are passionate learners are happier, healthier and more successful in and out of school. Students are paired with a mentor in the community to execute their capstone project in their selected "strand" or "area of emphasis." These strands include; 21st century communications, engineering, architecture, environmental sustainability, globalization, social justice, international politics and mind, body and health. If you are interested in learning about the mentor process, contact Suzanne Slepitza at suzanne. slepitza@barstowschool.org.

CHAMBER EXPANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

GET OUT THERE AND RIDE! May is national bicycle riding month so dust off that two-wheeler, buy yourself a new bell (vintage is IN!) and enjoy some of the dozens and dozens of miles of paved bicycle paths that we are so very fortunate to have surrounding our communities.

Did you know that the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department has created four different trail guides for area fitness enthusiasts? You can view the regional guides at Jcprd.com/Parks_Facilities/TrailGuide. cfm. If you would rather pick up a copy of the guides, visit the JCPRD office in Antioch Park, Ernie Miller Nature Center or the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park.

NEW PROGRAM OFFERED AT BARSTOW SCHOOL The Barstow School launched the Certificate of Emphasis (COE) program in the 2014-15 school year. COE provides students an advantage in the increasingly competitive college admissions process by allow students to pursue their individual passions through 16

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

The Leawood Chamber of Commerce has contracted with the City of Leawood to provide expanded economic development services beginning in 2015. Chamber President and CEO, Kevin Jeffries, and the Chamber’s Economic Development Council (EDC) are broadening efforts related to recruiting and retaining businesses.

“We want to ensure that Leawood is top of mind for businesses as they consider expanding their current operations in Leawood or relocating their business to Leawood,” says Jeffries.

The 10-member EDC committee includes several members of the City Council and area business leaders.

The Chamber and EDC will dedicate more time and resources to a formal business retention program, including personal visits with Leawood employers to identify their needs. They will also focus more strategically on relationship building with local commercial realtors, site consultants visiting town, and other members of the development community.

Later this year, the Chamber’s website will be enhanced to provide easy access to information about available real estate, economic and demographic information. The website will also continue to promote Leawood as a lifestyle choice, emphasizing the advantages of living, working and shopping in Leawood.

NOW OPEN IN LEAWOOD Catalyst Health Center, formerly Bisson Chiropractic, recently celebrated their grand opening and a ribbon cutting ceremony with more than 250 people in attendance including, Leawood Mayor, Peggy Dunn, city council members, patients, friends and family.

Catalyst is a fully integrated wellness clinic that utilizes the best of medical and chiropractic expertise to fully evaluate each patient based on their condition and needs, creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

Catalyst Health Center specializes in spinal correction and physical therapy, as well as nutrition counseling, weight loss, massage, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Joint and Trigger Point Injections.

Catalyst Health Center hosts a free “Dinner with the Doc” the second Monday of each month at 6:45 p.m. at Hereford House.

Please call the office at 913.345.9888 to make a reservation.

DID YOU KNOW? The new Leawood dog park, aptly named "Leawoof Dog Park," has been an overwhelming success with more than 40,000 visitors to date. Fundraising efforts continue for the addition of more benches and dog waste receptacles. If you haven't yet visited with your furry friend, make plans to do so this spring. It is located at the east end of the Leawood City Park.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Leawood Foundation at 913.663.9248 or send your donation to The Leawood Foundation, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, 66211. All donations are tax deductible.

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LEAWOOD STUDENT CROWNED Caroline McVay, of Leawood, was recently crowned the first Miss Kansas Teen Amazing at the state pageant held at the University of Central Missouri. She also earned their inaugural Spirit Award. Miss Amazing, a national pageant mirroring the Miss America pageant system for girls and women with disabilities, age 10-35, focuses on allowing the participants to reach their full potential and encouraging further inclusion for individuals with special needs.

Miss Amazing is currently in 27 states.

Each participant earns a trophy and is crowned Princess for her skills in interviewing and eveningwear poise. There is also an optional talent portion. The six queens, representing different age divisions, go on to represent their state for the following year at local and state events.

The 2015 state queens will represent their states at the National Miss Amazing Pageant in Los Angeles in July. Â They will also be part of the Opening Ceremonies for the World Special Olympics being held in Los Angeles and will volunteer at the games as well.

Caroline is the daughter of Bill and Shelly McVay.

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Around Town SHAWNEE MISSION ANIMATION STUDENTS EXCEL Several students who are enrolled in Shawnee Mission’s Animation Signature Program earned top honors at the recent eMagine media festival, a statewide digital media competition. Logan Jenkins took first place in the 3D Organic category and first place in the 3D Mechanical category. Griffen LaTessa and Darius Reasco earned second and third place in the 3D Organic category.

Justus Kasunic earned second-place honors in the 3D Mechanical category and Sophia Minnena earned third place in the Character Animation category.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM The Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

The Leawood Fire Department works with established C.E.R.T. teams as a training partner. If you or your organization are interested in joining a team or coordinating a new one and need training, please contact the LFD at 913.681.6788 x14. Leawood.org/fire/cpr. aspx or email ColinF@Leawood.org.

DRAGON DASH: MAY 2

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

The Dragon Dash, a family friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit Corinth PTA, will be held at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the run. The 5K chip-timed course begins and ends at Corinth Elementary School at 8301 Mission Road, and winds through beautiful Leawood and Prairie Village.

Breakfast and snacks will be served after the race, as well as water stations along the course.

Funds raised at the event benefit Corinth PTA which helps pay for the school counselor and Spanish Language teacher.

For more information or to register, visit CorinthDragons.com or call the school at 913.993.2900.

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Your Neighbors

Three Local Girls Realize Success at the Tip of Their Fingers ARTICLE ANN E. BUTENAS PHOTOGRAPHY PARKER HARRISON

T

hree area students have proven that, despite the challenges of visual impairment, they can clearly see a bright future for themselves, as evidenced by their recent standout performances in a high-profile competition designed specifically for the visually impaired.

The Braille Challenge® is an annual event conducted in multiple sites nationwide and is open to visually impaired students throughout the U.S. and Canada. The preliminary round is open to students of all skill levels, with the top scoring 60 contestants progressing to the final round in Los Angeles in June.

This competition is not for the faint of heart, either. It involves an entire day of intense competition in various categories, including reading comprehension, braille speed and accuracy, proof reading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs.

This past February, Briarwood Elementary fourth grader, Audrey Bethay; Shawnee Mission South sophomore Ashley Thao; and Nativity Parish School second grader Brooke Petro all earned a first place ranking in their respective age groups and are positioned to potentially compete at the national level in June.

Even though these young girls may have certain limitations, they remain unafraid to defy those limitations and are proving daily that just because one cannot see does not mean they cannot achieve amazing things in life.

“Braille is the only way that kids who are visually impaired are going to be able to do that,” notes Brooke’s mom, Lyn Petro of Leawood.

Brooke originally participated by special invitation in the challenge while in kindergarten for the experience only and by the following year, proved her academic prowess. In 2014, she earned the highest score in the reading comprehension part of the Challenge among all 60 contestants at the 2014 National Braille Challenge, 20

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

Audrey Bethay, Ashley Thao and Brooke Petro.

for which she was awarded the Braille Superstar Award. Additionally, she stood in the spotlight the last two years by winning first place in her age division at the Regional Braille Challenge.

Working just as diligently, Audrey has received the highest score out of all of the students competing at the Kansas Regional Challenge the last two years, something truly noteworthy considering she is only in the fourth grade.

And to understand how impressive these accomplishments are, an elementary lesson in Braille is important. Created in 1824 by 15-yearold Louis Braille, this particular style of reading and writing is less of a language than it is a code, which consists of characters represented by patterns of raised dots felt with the fingertips. There are 189 letter contractions and 76 short-form words that are used to reduce the amount of paper needed to reproduce books in Braille.

“Each page of regular print is the equivalent of three pages of Braille,” explains Petro. “It is almost like a secret code that the child has to contextually figure out.”

Petro went on to explain that speed is the most important aspect of The Braille Challenge and that Brooke currently reads approximately 112 words per minute.

“Ninety percent of what a sighted child learns is visual,” says Petro. “However, learning to spell is different for kids who are visually impaired. A sighted child can see words used in every day situations which help to reinforce the proper spelling of a word, whereas a visually impaired child cannot.”

It definitely requires a certain level of determination and perseverance to excel as a visually-impaired individual, not only in this competition, but also in every day activities.

“What is fantastic is that the girls work so hard to accomplish their goals,” says Petro. “However, what is most important to shed light on is the importance of Braille literacy, not just the competition.

In fact, only 10 percent of people who are visually impaired are literate in Braille.”

Brooke, Ashley and Audrey may have certain stumbling blocks in their lives, but they do not allow themselves to trip over them.

Instead, the simply turn them over into stepping stones to greater opportunities.

If any or all of the girls adoringly referred to by Petro as “The Triple Threat from Kansas,” advance to the nationals early this summer, they have their work cut out for them, but Petro emphasizes that the best part of it all has less to do with the work and more to do with the fun these young ladies have in the process and the friendships that are forged along the way.

“Brooke has had a great time these past couple of years,” adds Petro. “She has met some amazing kids and has made new friends. It also provides a great support system for us with other families of visually impaired children.”

Additionally, this challenge gives the students an extra confidence boost and the knowledge that they can succeed in life.

“These kids work so hard and really have to learn to adapt to all situations in ways that are completely different for sighted kids,” explains Petro.

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

21

Giving Back

A Formula to Inspire Success PREP-KC HELPS SOLVE A MULTI-DECADE EDUCATION CHALLENGE FOR UNDERSERVED URBAN STUDENTS ARTICLE KIMBERLY WINTER STERN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBB YAGMIN

I

f former high school teacher, principal, and well-known educator Susan Wally had a hashtag to describe her life’s mission, it might be #transformation.

Changing kids’ lives is exactly what the Leawood resident has devoted her career to, from the classroom to educational philanthropy at one of the world’s foremost entrepreneurial think tanks, to the nonprofit sector.

In 2005, following a 15-year stint at the Kauffman Foundation, where Wally had worked directly with Ewing Kauffman managing his Project Choice—an urban high school dropout prevention and scholarship program—she launched PREP-KC (Partnership for Regional Educational Preparation Kansas City). The 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s overarching goal: Inspiring and motivating kids at the grassroots level.

“We support urban school districts to increase college and career readiness for students,” says Wally. “My life has been dedicated largely to urban education. At PREP-KC we are partners with principals, teachers and employers and their employees from across the metro.”

Now in its ninth year, PREP-KC is the region’s urban education intermediary, a program essential to more than 50,000 mostly low-income kids in the underserved, often-overlooked urban core. It fundamentally strives to increase academic rigor and, unlike some initiatives where the emphasis is on the best and brightest, to raise the performance of all students in five of Kansas City’s bi-state urban school districts, which includes 10 traditional high schools and three charter schools: Kansas City, Missouri; Center; Hickman Mills; Grandview; and Kansas City, Kansas.

“Regardless of where these kids are, we meet them, right there,” says Wally.

“PREP-KC’s footprint focuses on school districts serving the region’s highest percentages of low-income students.”

Funded through grants and donations from foundations, organizations, and individuals committed to improving the

22

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

education and employment opportunities for urban youth, PREP-KC works directly with the five school districts to provide critical resources, including time, talent and funds.

Investors in PREP-KC range from large foundation grants to smaller private donations.

“We strategically use our funds to directly impact students,” explains Wally. “Accountability is created for private dollars while leveraging public funds on behalf of the students being served by Kansas City’s urban school districts.”

At its heart, PREP-KC supports a more rigorous math curriculum, provides students the opportunity to earn college credit in high school, and offers career-readiness experiences to prepare students for future employment.

One of PREP-KC’s successful programs is the Career Jumping experience.

“Think of it as the speed-dating concept applied to education,” says Wally. “Perhaps we are focusing on students interested in engineering— our employer investors such as Honey well and other firms come into the school’s library, and sit at a table while kids rotate, asking questions such as what would help prepare them for a job in the engineering field.”

Wally is excited about PREP-KC’s future of transforming kids’ lives. In fact, stickers were just designed for Career Jumping participants to wear when they go back to the office after working with students.

“They say, ‘My Story Changes Lives,’” says Wally. “Our volunteer-professionals understand the value of sharing their experiences with these kids. It’s a powerful, priceless collaboration that’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

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our garage is calling….and it is tired of its appearance and how it has been neglected over the years. As a space that represents up to 20 percent of your home’s total size, the garage is often overlooked as a home improvement candidate. Yet, the garage is used and visited or used by homeowners nearly every day and often serves as the primary entry point for visitors entering the home. For this reason, many discriminating homeowners are looking for solutions to upgrade their garage.

With home values continuing to appreciate, many homeowners are looking for other areas of their home to improve that will be a solid investment. One area of the home that continues to gain popularity is improving the garage space and more specifically – the garage flooring. Most people are only aware of the concrete paints, stains and water-based epoxy kits that are typically available at local paint stores or home improvement centers. These products are typically water based products that cannot handle the abuse that a professionally installed, 100 percent solids epoxy-based product provides.

It is the belief of Greg Slicker, owner of the Prairie Village-based Granite Garage Floors, that if today’s homeowners were aware of an alternative to the normal deteriorated concrete, oil-stained surface, or peeling gray paint – that they would jump on the opportunity to upgrade their garage floor surface.

“If you think about it, there isn’t another surface inside or outside of the house that takes the abuse of a garage floor. From the constant weight of cars on the floor to hot tires, to snow and road salt, the garage floor takes a beating,” say Slicker.

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

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The days of allowing a garage floor to deteriorate and reflect poorly on the remainder of a home have now made way to industrial-quality, epoxy-based flooring systems that provide a durable, long-lasting, and cosmetically appealing coating alternative to the dreary garages of the past.

Choosing the appropriate means to install an industrial-quality, garage flooring system is crucial to the floor’s longevity, durability and aesthetics. Slicker explains the unique aspect of a professionally installed approach.

“We specifically focus on the preparation of the garage floor using an industrial diamond grinding process to remove all previous coatings and stains in order to get the floor porous and mechanically clean, which maximizes the adhesion of the coating system to the concrete. The floor preparation is paramount as we guarantee against hot-tire peeling, which is the number one failure that most people experience when attempting to have a coating applied to their garage floor. After extensive preparation, our proprietary system utilizes commercial grade product and we then add decorative polymer flakes at varying rates to create the look of granite or quartz depending on the homeowner’s chosen finish.”

Once completed, the new flooring system installed in a garage will provide the homeowner with an “interior feel” in an area that has traditionally been treated like an exterior space. The durability of an Epoxy Flooring System should last customer decades while also protecting the concrete. The garage can now serve as a beautiful entrance that a home owner will promote when welcoming visitors while increasing the value and perception of the entire home.

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Open House

From WeddingDress Memories to Baby Bedding HOW I GAVE MY BABY GIRL’S ROOM AN HEIRLOOM DÉCOR

ARTICLE MORIAH SCHOWENGERDT PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINA SANDBERG & PROVIDED

T

here has never been a time in my life where I felt more beautiful than on my wedding day. Wearing that gorgeous, white gown made me feel like a real princess. The only sad thing about wearing that beautiful dress w as knowing that I would wear it for just one day.

Like most brides after their wedding, I considered preserving my gown. But the thought of it sitting in a box at the back of a closet seemed not only pointless, but like a big waste of money.

That’s when my mom and I had a great idea.

The idea came just months before I conceived my first child.

My mom was looking at the train of my dress and said, “Wouldn’t this make a beautiful baby blanket?” It hit us both at the same time: My wedding dress would make the most beautiful baby bedding. And so we were off to find someone with the talent to make that very thing happen. And then we met Marilyn Arnold.

Arnold has been sewing since she was a teen-ager. When we met her at a networking event, she told us how she turned wedding dresses into beautiful heirloom pillows that become a special keepsake for women.

“I see women cry when they first look at the pillows I made from their wedding dresses. It’s very moving,” says Arnold. We asked her how she felt about turning my dress into a baby bedding set.

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

She was excited about the project from the start. Since it was her first time with this kind of a effort, she took extra special care and paid very close attention to how I wanted it to look. Some people might think it took some nerve for me to trust someone with my wedding gown and a pair of scissors. I’ll admit I was more than a little bit nervous, but I am so glad I did it.

After completing the set, Marilyn shared her own excitement.

“Creating the baby bedding was so exciting for me. This bedding is a combination of two of the most amazing days of a couple’s life, their wedding and the birth of their first child,” says Arnold.

In our opinion, she absolutely knocked it out of the park. When I first laid my eyes on the finished project I was astounded. It was perfect for our baby girl’s room. She would be arriving in just a month and the bedding was just what we needed to put the final touch to her room. With just a few “mommy adjustments” to the bumper, her nursery looked complete. It was just as I had imagined: soft, elegant and dreamy.

Today our little princess is seven months old and loves to snuggle up to that cozy bumper. We have received so many compliments about how beautiful her nursery is and mostly how elegant and stunning the baby bedding is. It brings me great joy to see that my wedding dress is being used on a daily basis in our home.

Not only is it getting used by me, but with care through time, I hope to pass it on to my daughter to use with her own babies.

Visit MarilynArnoldDesigns.com for more information on Arnold’s company.

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Handmade Wedding Straight from the Old West Delights Family and Friends ARTICLE MARY BUSH | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS WILBORN

W

hen Overland Park residents and artistic craftsmen Jacqueline Greene and David Buell decided to marry, they envisioned a different sort of celebration.

“We wanted it to be casual so our guests would have lots of fun, yet elegant and in keeping with my favorite mantra, ‘It has to be pretty’," says Greene. "We also wanted it to come from us.”

Greene, a floral and event designer, and Buell, an engineer with Burns & McDonnell, are both artistic, creative and swing a mean hammer.

Not surprising since each grew up with very artistic mothers and inventive fathers who could build anything the artists dreamed up.

"I learned a lot of carpentry skills from my father and had just completed a remodeling project on my home when I met David,” explains Greene. “We were a perfect match. He was the first man I met that had as many tools as I did!”

Their wedding inspiration sparked when Greene noticed how well a piece of weathered wood went with some china and silver pieces that were sitting on her counter.

“Looking at those things together, the light bulb went off,” says Greene.

“I envisioned rustic tables with elegant place settings in a casual, fun atmosphere. Our

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

Kansas roots run deep so the idea of an old-fashioned western wedding sounded meaningful and fun.”

The couple looked at several possible wedding sites, but connected to the Alexander Majors Barn on State Line Road in Kansas City.

“It just felt right," says Greene. "The Majors Barn with its Conestoga wagon, saddles and history fit what we had in mind beautifully.”

What the couple had in mind was greeting their New Year’s Eve guests with a sparkling, wintry scene straight out of the old west. Guests walked into the lively, old-fashioned setting that included snow-covered trees covered with twinkling lights surrounding the Conestoga wagon.

“David went to recycling centers after Christmas and gathered up lots of used trees,” says Greene. “We added some split rail fences and a crescent moon and the effect was magical.”

The barn was further transformed into the colorful Red Dog Saloon with its handmade, rustic nine-foot bar and player piano that pounded out honky-tonk tunes all evening.

"I saw it at an estate sale and it just made me smile. I put a low bid in and couldn’t believe I got it," says Greene. "I soon found out why. The cost of moving the piano more than made up for its low price!”

The Red Dog’s sign bears the names of both the bride and groom’s late fathers as "proprietors" and hearkens back to David’s hometown of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, which transforms into a frontier town every five years when it hosts an American Indian Peace Treaty re-enactment. David’s grandfather and father drove wagons in the pageant for many years and were the bartenders at the festival's Red Dog Saloon.

Adjoining the saloon was an intimate dining area the couple created by building weathered, wall sections. Guests dined on rustic dinner tables built from reclaimed wood set with china plates on oversized chargers, etched, crystal stemware and vintage, silver-plate flatware. Centerpieces were collections of silver candlesticks along with a sea of white hydrangeas, ranunculus, roses and snowflake mums flowing out of vintage engraved silver ice buckets and vases, some which were family heirlooms.

The menu included grilled steaks branded with a “Rockin-B,” chicken grillers, jalapeno corn-bread baked in vintage pans and other chuck-wagon fare. Wedding cake, macaroons, rock candy and other sweets were served at “P.M. Johnson’s Cakes and Pies,” an area made to resemble the window of an old-time confectionery. Buell hand painted the sign which was a nod to Greene’s late grandmother, a wonderful pastry maker. The confectionery also offered a stack of powdered sugar donuts in honor of Buell’s late father who always had a stash of them in his truck.

The couple said their vows in the barn’s loft adorned with twinkling lights, trees and a stained glass window added by Greene’s mother.

CONTINUED >

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

29

A LABOR OF LOVE (CONTINUED)

The bride, dressed in a tiered and ruffled skirt, lace top and bustle was escorted by her two daughters, Ashley Rettenmaier of New York City, and Chelsea Dean from Brookside, Missouri. The groom, dressed as a western gentleman in a long, frock coat stood with his brother Jack Buell, who traveled from California to attend. Buell’s daughter Madeline was also in attendance.

“The greatest fun of the evening was that all our guests dressed in western garb,” says Greene. “Our invitation specified the evening's dress as 'Old West Casual to Stagecoach Couture.' There were can-can girls, cowboys in spurs, rowdy gamblers and even Zorro.”

Guests marveled throughout the evening at the couple’s ingenuity and creativity but for the newly married Buells, it was business as usual.

“One of the many things David and I love about each other is that we work so well together,” says Greene. “We wanted a fun, memorable wedding and with the combination of our talents, it came together beautifully encompassing many things we love. Our dads would have been delighted.”

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

ARTICLE ANDREA K. GRIST | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE FREELAND

D

id you know there is a place right here, on the edge of Kansas City, that can give you the look and feel of being at your favorite seaside eatery? The Marina Grog and Galley at Lake Lotawana boasts of world-class cuisine and a scenic atmosphere year round at the water’s edge.

Our photo feature of a nautical-inspired wedding features the backdrop of Marina Grog and Galley. Rich tones of red, blue, and yellow are featured, along with design elements on the cake inspired by a day sailing at sea.

The lovely f lower arrangements include beautiful local dahlias, calla lilies, roses, snapdragons and delphinium with touches of rope to add a nautical touch.

We worked with a great team of wedding professionals, all of whom are listed on the next page. The perfect images are courtesy of Freeland Photography. I thank them all for helping me create this beautiful feature as they CONTINUED > each added amazing personal touches and details. Â

SEASIDE WEDDING (CONTINUED)

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

Floral Art: Andrea K. Grist AndreaKGristFloralArt.com Styling: Above & Beyond Weddings & Events AboveBeyondWeddings.com Hair Styling: Lisa Wallace Makeup: Kathy Phelps B-Envied Salon BEnviedSalon.com Cake: Baked Expressions BakedExpressions.com Photography: Mike Freeland FreelandPhotography.com Gater &Custom Embroidery: The Garter Maker TheGarterMaker.net Wedding Dress: Laura’s Couture LaurasCouture.com Location: The Marina Grog & Galley MarinaGrogAndGalley.com Jewelry: Mease-Tique Measetique.com Model: Tiffany Marie Buckley

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Boundary Waters Bound Get out of the grind with a wilderness adventure sure to create a lifetime of memories.

ARTICLE KIMBERLY WINTER STERN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

S

ummer in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area—the pristine expanse of wilderness that hugs and spills over the Canadian border in northern Minnesota—is a sharp departure from the long, raw winter season where color is stripped from the landscape

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

and snow-shoers dominate the frozen tundra. Pine, fir and spruce co-mingle with leafed-out birches, aspens and maples and brilliant wildflowers. Mosquitoes and the mournful call of the loon are plentiful; cornflower-blue skies stretch across the horizon.

What seems like an infinite number of meandering island-studded lakes, bogs, rugged trails and primitive back roads attracts families, couples, groups of women, gaggles of men, and Boy Scouts from all points of the globe. The adventurers, regardless of

Photo courtesy of Ely Outfitters

age or gender, are anxious to dip their toes, fishing rods and paddles in the waters where motors aren’t allowed, the gentle wind is a welcome friend and unparalleled beauty is around every bend.

Ely, Minnesota, the departure point to the great 1,090,000-acre strand of wilderness and resorts, bustles with warm-weather activity and mini traffic jams as cars and trucks loaded with Kevlar canoes and oodles of camping gear inch along Sheridan Street.

Shoppers stocking up on maps, food, drinking water, and other backwoods’ necessities congregate in the outfitters that line the street. People decked out in thick socks and hiking boots, anxious for one last homecooked meal and a slice of state fair-worthy pie before setting off for a rendezvous with nature, jockey for tables at the Chocolate Moose and quaff pints of craft beer at the Rockwood Restaurant and Lounge.

The Boundary Waters is an experience unlike any other in the lower 48 states—a place where you can unplug, unwind, and untangle

The Boundary Waters is an experience unlike any other in the lower 48 states—a place where you can unplug, unwind, and untangle yourself from daily obligations and deadlines.

yourself from daily obligations and deadlines.

And whether you’re packing the SUV with the family or embarking on a couples-only road trip, the destination rewards with lifetime memories—and a bug bite or two that will disappear by the time you get back home.

GETTING THERE

Ely is about a 10-hour drive from Kansas City—a chance to stop off in the Twin Cities for an overnight to break up the long car ride.

If you’re traveling with the kids, book a stay at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America, conveniently located in the same building as Water Park of America. There’s plenty to do besides splashing in exhilarating water rides or playing arcade games—mom can choose from a myriad of treatments at the on-site Trillium Spa or opt for a shopping excursion at the world-famous Mall of America, just a short trip from the hotel. The dining options are diverse to suit every taste, ranging from the Sleepy Eye Café for a hearty breakfast or the Split Rock Grille for a casual dinner.

CONTINUED >

BOUNDARY WATERS (CONTINUED)

If it’s just you and your sweetheart, check into the Aloft Minneapolis in the trendy riverfront Mill District. Stroll through the adjacent Gold Medal Park for stunning views of the Mississippi River, hop on a bike to explore the trails running along the river, or take the nearby light rail to enjoy a museum, theatre, or sports experience.

Walk across the street to Wasabi Fusion Restaurant for a sushi experience and end the night in the hotel bar with a glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail.

Next morning, on the way out of town, seek out some of the city’s best homemade buttermilk and cornbread pancakes and migas at The Neighborhood Café in St. Paul.

Situated in a quaint enclave off the main 42

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

drag of Snelling Ave., you’ll mix comfortably with the locals who tuck into generous portions of comfort food and engage in lively conversation while sipping local Dunn Bros Coffee from thick, white mugs.

Fortified for the nearly four-hour drive up north, do a bit of sightseeing along the way.

Pull off I-35 Exit 237 in Cloquet, Minnesota, for a priceless picture opportunity—the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed service station built in 1958, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and still in operation.

STAY

The Ely area has traditional hotel-lodging accommodations, but when you’re up north, choose from one of the old-fash-

ioned resorts or cabins that are throwbacks to a different era.

Fenske Lake Cabins is a picturesque, quiet collection of private cabins nestled among towering pines at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the 105acre spring-fed Fenske Lake. Family-owned and operated, the boutique resort boasts nine one- to three-bedroom cabins are perched along one-half mile of the beautiful Fenske Lake shoreline. Enjoy modern kitchens, a private dock and charcoal grill; a communal authentic Northwoods sauna; and a canoe that comes along with the rental. The grounds also have a fish cleaning house (fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and perch on

the lake) and a modern shower house (cabins have cold running water only).

has built its success on helping scores appreciate the solitude and beauty of the area.

OUTFIT

EAT

Outfitting companies and guide services, where you can rent superlight canoes, sleeping bags, fishing rods and reels, private guides and much more, abound in the Ely area.

Ely Outfitting Company, operated by owner and guide Jason Zabokrtsky and located on Sheridan St., is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s splendors.

Offering everything from complete and partial outfitting packages to shuttles and transportation and canoe and gear rentals to specially designed menus, the business is also a fly-in trip expert. Zabokrtsky’s company is dedicated to no-trace ethics, wilderness stewardship and protection of the wild.

Piragis Northwood Company, which opened in 1979, is located off the beaten path of Sheridan St. Part retail, part rental, part outfitter, part guide service, this iconic business

When in Ely, a meal at The Chocolate Moose is a must. The Northwoods décor and ambience enhance the food, which is served seasonally. Don’t miss a slice of the homemade pie a la mode. Down the street is the Rockwood Restaurant and Lounge, known for cold beer and plates of freshly prepared walleye, juicy burgers, and stuffed meatloaf. If it’s purely imbibing and chatting with local residents you want, pull up a stool to the bar at the Kwazy Wabbit.

VISIT

After a full day of fishing, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, hiking or snapping wildlife pictures, take in Ely’s fascinating museums and sites. The Dorothy Molter Museum recounts the life and legacy of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s last non-indigenous resident. Exhibits and

tours preserve and interpret the region’s heritage as inspired by Molter, alternately nicknamed the Root Beer Lady or Nightingale of the Wilderness, who lived for 56 years on Knife Lake and made homemade root beer to sell to thousands of canoeists passing through the are.

The 20,000-square-foot International Wolf Center provides a captivating glimpse into the survival of wolf populations through exhibits and education and maintains a live wolf population.

Immerse yourself in the bear’s world at the North American Bear Center whose mission is to champion the long-term survival of bears through educational myth busting. Bears live in 2.5 acres of national forest that include manmade dens and a pond.

For more information on planning your Boundary Waters Canoe Area vacation, visit Ely.org.

YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT TO PREVENT STROKE Stroke is the No. 1 cause of long-term disability and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. But did you know 80 percent of strokes can be prevented? Knowing your risks could save your life: • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Unhealthy diet and inactivity • Smoking Are you in danger of a stroke? Find out today and learn more at kumed.com/stroke.

The University of Kansas Hospital – the first Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in Kansas City and one of the first in the nation.

Terrific Teacher Luke, Ed, Vince, Ann & Jordan Fritz

Basketball is in Their Blood ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

he Fritz family of Overland Park knows the game of basketball.

Husband Ed is the boys’ basketball coach at Blue Valley Northwest and wife Ann is the girls’ basketball coach at Blue Valley North.

And both come from sports families.

Ann’s dad, Vince Costello, played for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants in the NFL and is in the Browns’ Hall of Fame. He was on the Browns’ 1965 championship team.

Ed’s dad, Dr. Harry Fritz, was a college football coach and executive director of the NAIA here in Kansas City. His brother Willie is the head football coach at Georgia Southern.

“All seven children in my family attended college on some type of athletic scholarships in a variety of sports,” says Ed. Ann played at Shawnee Mission East. Her Lancers won the state basketball title in 1983 and she was a member of two state championship volleyball teams. Her Lancer girls’ basketball team won the state title by 40 points and became the first Shawnee Mission school to win a state title in girls basketball.

She played basketball at Nebraska following her high school career at SM East.

Ann has done well in her 20 years at BVN. There was a stretch where the Mustangs made it to the state tournament 13 consecutive years. The Mustangs have won three state titles in her tenure and been second once and several third-place finishes.

Ed had a big run at BV Northwest. The Huskies placed second at the Class 6A state boys’ basketball tournament three years in a row from 2010-2012. And the Huskies captured the state title in 2013 and 2014. His 2013 team was undefeated.

“We were 94-6 in a four-year span (2011-2014),” Ed says.

And three of their five kids are involved in the sport.

Vince was a freshman basketball player at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, sophomore Jordan played for Ann at 46

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

BVN and Luke played eighth grade basketball at Oxford Middle School. He will attend BVNW next school year.

“Basketball runs in our family. Vince’s first word was ball. We have a lot of basketball on the TV because we just enjoy it,” says Ann. And what is it like to coach at schools that are bitter rivals?

“Ed and I ended up at rival schools, but it has been fun,” says Ann. “When Vince played against BV North at BV North, the student section chanted, ‘Daddy’s boy.’”

“We just always enjoyed the experience of our kids’ activities as any other parent and never took anything personal. We try to support our kids in whatever they do and do not push basketball on them.”

The couple has been married for 19 years.

They are often asked what is it like to coach your own kid.

“I watched the NCAA basketball tourney (March 20-23) with Georgia State and listened to that coach talk about coaching his son,” says Ann. “I think I feel the same way about coaching Jordan and Ed felt the same about coaching Vince.

“You coach them as a coach and as a regular player as much as possible, but sometimes you have to step back and enjoy coaching as a parent.”

“I have five kids, two from my first marriage,” Ed says. “Ann is my wife and my best friend.”

Ed just finished his 13th year as the Huskies boy’s basketball coach. Before that he was the head coach at Center High School for 15 years. He was the head coach at Baker and an assistant at Nebraska-Kearney before that.

Ann’s only coaching job has been at BV North. She was on staff as a Physical Education teacher at Center.

It should come as no surprise that the basketball community brought them together. Both were teaching at Center High School in Kansas City when they met and the rest, as they say, is history.

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May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

47

Star Students

The 2014/2015 Girls Grant Project team.

The Girls Grant Project TEACHING YOUNG WOMEN TO LEAD AND SERVE ARTICLE HANNAH MOTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN MOTLEY

“W

ho’s your favorite Disney princess?” Not exactly the type of question I was expecting as I sat down at a long, crowded table in the conference room of the Women’s Foundation. Just a few weeks earlier, I’d sent off a detailed application for the “Girls Grant Project” not quite knowing what I’d be getting myself into.

Advancing to the interview phase, I became certain of one thing: this was no ordinary leadership program.

The session was conducted by a panel of smart, confident and well-spoken young women, whose demeanors made it hard to believe they were only seniors in high school. Along with a handful of other applicants, I was forced to think on my feet, responding to these types of outside-the-box questions. No two girls were asked the same thing, and many of the panel’s inquiries seemed to have little to do with our qualifications or skills, as we’d been expecting.

Leaving the Women’s Foundation, I had no idea if I’d make the cut.

Four long weeks later, a letter arrived confirming my acceptance onto the 2014-15 Girls Grant team. By then, I’d done some research on the program and discovered it was developed by members of the Women’s Foundation in 1999 as a way to mentor girls across the area who showed an interest and aptitude for leadership and philanthropy. Once selected for the team, girls can remain on the team until high school graduation, usually two or three years.

At a kick-off event, I was introduced to the 27 young ladies who would be my teammates. They came from schools all over the metropolitan area. I guess those silly interview questions had done their job, because I soon discovered every girl I spoke with radiated confi-

48

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

dence, eloquence and ambition. I felt encouraged about the path the year would take, confident I was in good company.

Over the following months, we would grow closer, participating in leadership training and team-building activities.

However, our team’s most important function was choosing a recipient for a $15,000 grant that the Women’s Foundation awards annually, hence the name “Girls Grant Project”.

“The whole thing is really about growing philanthropists by teaching young women the culture of giving, showing them needs in the community, and empowering them to make a difference through grant making,” explains Wendy Doyle, president and CEO, and the head of the program.

The team only considers grant applicants whose agendas benefit women or include elements of girls’ leadership. Over a six-month period, we carefully evaluated the applications of eight different organizations, listened to agency presentations and attended site visits for top contenders.

“I think this is the most impactful thing we’ve done,” says team member Maya Hill, a junior at Pembroke.

The evaluation process was intensive and we learned about some very deserving organizations. We make our final recommendation to the Women’s Foundation Board this month and then this year’s grant recipient will be announced.

As my first year on the Girls Grant Project comes to a close, I realize there have been great opportunities for personal growth and the program’s goal of encouraging leadership and empowerment has certainly been realized.

“I think Girls Grant has helped me by teaching me when to take the lead and when to follow others,” says Katharine Swindells, a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School. “It’s taught me how to work as a team and assert myself in a large group.”

This unique cycle of women supporting women is one of the features that initially drew me to the program, and it’s why I’m ecstatic to see us reaching even more young women. This March, Girls Grant Project received twice as many team member applications as last year. The new team will be announced in May and continue the strong tradition of philanthropy established by years of impressive girls.

Hannah Motley is a sophomore at Blue Valley North High School.

Wedding Bells

&

Wiedeman Dorman B

ill and Christy Wiedeman of Leawood, are excited to announce the engagement of their daughter Madison to Taylor Dorman, son of Case and Jennifer Dorman, also of Leawood. Proud grandparents include John and Dainty Wiedeman, Dave and Carolyn Curnutt, Jack and Delores Fiorella and Barbara Goodrick.

The future bride is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Avila Nursing School. She works in the PICU at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

The future groom is also a graduate of the University of Kansas where he earned a degree in marketing with a concentration in entrepreneurship. He is a regional vice president at Cognios Capital.

A wedding is planned for August at Saint Peter's Catholic Church.

To share your engagement or wedding news with our readers, email Lisa@ LifestylePubs.com. There is no charge for this service.

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

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May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

51

Page Turners

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER WHAT SHE SAID THEN, WHAT WE’RE SAYING NOW EDITED BY ANN IMIG

I

n 2010, Ann Imig organized a live-staged reading event in Madison, WI, to bring together her community—mothers and non-mothers alike—and provide a forum for a diversity of voices to share their personal stories. These readers spoke honestly and openly about motherhood, family, childhood, and parenting. And so, the Listen to Your Mother movement was born. This one event quickly grew into an annual national performance sensation, with nearly 40 nationwide events scheduled for May 2015. Now, in Listen To Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now Imig brings to the page what she helped bring to the stage five years ago with this collection of 56 candid, funny, poignant, unexpected and soul-bearing essays.

The contributors to this powerful anthology bravely share their stories, ranging from hilarious to heartbreaking, showcasing the experiences of ordinary people from a broad spectrum of racial, gender, and age backgrounds. With a roster of writers that includes first time essayists and New York Times-bestselling authors, Listen To Your Mother reflects our diverse contemporary lifestyles and rapidly changing definitions of motherhood.

While some are paeans to the mother we might not have appreciated as children, unaware then of how hard a task motherhood can be, others fully embrace the power of their family matriarchs. A wom-

an faces the painful truth that there is nothing she can do to save her mentally ill, homeless mother from the streets. A military mom raises her baby alone when her husband is deployed to the Middle East. A mom tries to hold it together while battling cancer. One mother recounts the elation and ultimate heartbreak of an unplanned pregnancy in middle age, while another shares the years of sadness that accompanied her decision to give her baby up for adoption.

Listen To Your Mother delivers the collective voice of mothers among us and celebrates less conventional arrangements. Mothers write of their personal struggles in the day-to-day job of mothering, of trying to raise a child who is not spoiled, of navigating single motherhood after divorce or death, and of dreading the body image issues that will one day inevitably undermine a young daughter’s confidence.

“Listen to Your Mother. It’s a cliché, it’s the sixth commandment, and it’s an imperative for curbing children young and old from poor life choices like jaywalking and sixty-four ounce sodas,” Imig writes.

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May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

53

History 101

Blue Valley School District Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The original Stanley High School.

ARTICLE CHARLES REDFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

he district came about because the Kansas Legislature in the early 1960s passed a law forcing school unification. In June 1965, the unification of the Stilwell Consolidated District #8, Oxford District #112 and Stanley District #4 took place.

The unified district started out as Southeast Johnson County School District #229. The new district had 573 students and two high schools - Stanley and Stilwell. And the two high schools were bitter enemies.

“They hated each other,” says Rick Taylor. “If you beat the other you could say you had a good year.”

Taylor graduated from Stanley and was coaching at Stilwell.

He was a long time boy’s basketball coach and physical education teacher at Blue Valley.

The decision was made to combine the two high schools into one high school located at 159th and Lamar. But the question was what to call the new high school.

“Some people in Stanley area wanted to call the school Stanstill, people in the Stilwell area wanted to call the new school Stilstan,” Taylor says.

It was Superintendent Jim March who made the decision on the new high school. He reasoned that the Blue River ran between the two high schools and it was in a valley. Hence the new high school was Blue Valley.

Jim Thompson came over from the Shawnee Mission District to become the district’s third Superintendent in 1974 and his first day on the job was memorable.

“My secretary said that it was time to get the payroll out,” he says. “I asked her where the button was to push and crank out the paychecks.”

He was informed that he had to do the checks by hand. The district had around 100 employees, but was growing quickly. The district had 852 students in 1970 and 2,873 in 1980. There was need for another high school but it the community resisted.

“Despite growth that continued during the early years one of the most controversial issues was the splitting of the high schools

54

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

for the first time,” Thompson says. “When we proposed a bond issue to build a second high school, it failed because people doubted the need and did not want to split Blue Valley High.”

Thompson was eventually able to get a bond issue passed and BV North opened in 1986.

The district continued to grow in the next 15 years, adding 10 elementary schools and five middle schools between 1986 and 2001. The district opened two new high schools with Blue Valley Northwest opening in 1993 and Blue Valley West in 2001.

Russ Kokoruda was hired to be the first principal at BV Northwest.

“I remember the excitement of the community over the beautiful building and the attached District Activity Complex (DAC),” says Kokoruda. “Of course, it took us awhile to convince our community that the DAC was a district facility and not just for the (Blue Valley Northwest) Huskies.”

The opening of BV West was special for Randy Lowe. He came to the school as a physical education teacher and head wrestling coach. He is still the wrestling coach, but is a PE teacher at neighboring Pleasant Ridge Middle School.

“When West opened, I was extremely proud to be back teaching and coaching in Blue Valley, especially since it was built about a mile from where I grew up and on land that I hunted all the time,” he says. “My great grandmother had owned and lived on the land were Pleasant Ridge sits.”

The highly-regarded CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Study) started in 2008 and moved into its own building in 2010, the same year that the fifth high school, Blue Valley Southwest opened. The idea for the CAPS program came from present Superintendent Tom Trigg.

“The curriculum was written by our teachers, college professors and industry experts,” Trigg says.

The program gives young people a chance to look at the career paths they are thinking of pursuing and a chance to see what the real world job would be like.

Driver's Notebook

Mid-Year Changes Enhance Volvo’s S60 ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

A

fter last year’s styling tweaks to the S60, Volvo has given the car a midyear update that includes more technology and in-car connectivity.

One example is Volvo On Call, a smartphone app that lets you lock and unlock the car, read the fuel level, odometer, average speed and average fuel consumption remotely. It was most handy on a recent cold morning because I could start the car in my driveway so it could warm up but still keep the doors locked.

Volvo calls their system Sensus Connect, and it is a subscription service that comes with six months free. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car for passengers to connect smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The 7-inch color monitor in the center of the dash can display navigation information as well as on-screen owner’s manual. Several cloud-based apps such as Pandora, Stitcher and Yelp are also available.

S60 prices begin at $33,750 for the T-5 and top out at $46,950 for the T6 all-wheeldrive R-Design Platinum. I drove a T6 Platinum from Volvo’s press fleet and its sticker price was $46,525.

The S60 is available with one of four engines. The front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 56

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

240 horsepower; the all-wheel-drive T5 has a turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 250 horsepower; the T6 Drive-E has a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder with 302 horsepower; and the allwheel-drive R-Design has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 325 horsepower.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.

I drove the T6 that manages to pump 302 horsepower from just 2.0-liters, a number that would have been an impressive number for a racing engine not many years ago. Volvo is able to achieve this level of performance by utilizing both a supercharger and a turbocharger. The supercharger provides extra power at very low speeds while the turbo kicks in extra zip at high speeds. The result is an engine that feels twice its size. It delivers excellent power from idle to top end

and is rated at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway.

Fuel economy is aided by a start/stop function that shuts off the engine when the car stops. The driver can select the Eco + mode that activates coasting when the throttle is released and disconnects the air conditioning compressor from time to time. I don’t like the jerkiness

of the start/stop feature and I always turned it off.

The S60 can be equipped with a suite of safety technology features, several of which take control if the driver is not paying attention. A pedestrian/cyclist detection system alerts the driver to a person or cyclist in the road and, below 22 miles per hour, will automatically apply the brakes. City Safety will automatically brake the car to a stop below 31 miles per hour to avoid a collision. Lane keeping will tug the car back into the lane if it wanders. Other features such as blind-spot detection system, cross-traffic alert for the rearview camera, stability control, anti-lock brakes and corner traction control are useful driver aids.

The suspension is tight but not harsh and the handling is responsive and athletic. I was impressed with the lack of noise on the highway.

The S60’s cabin is spare but elegant in a Scandinavian style. The test car’s two-tone color scheme was bright without being gaudy. The seats were excellent.

PRICE: The base price of the test car was $39,000. Options included Sensus Connect, 19-inch wheels, metallic paint, heated front seats, blind-spot detection and the Platinum package. The Platinum package includes a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with full auto brake, pedestrian/cyclist detection with auto brake, driver alert, lane keeping aid, rear park assist and retractable side mirrors. The sticker price was $46,525.

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57

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Leawood Properties NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL LIST

SOLD $$

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM*

BDRMS

BATHS

HAZELWOOD

$1,149,000

$1,114,000

96%

8

5

4

LEAWOOD

$1,065,000

$1,066,065

100%

NA

4

3

PAVILIONS

$925,000

$860,000

95%

137

4

5

CAMDEN WOODS

$575,000

$550,000

95%

131

5

4

LEAWOOD HERITAGE

$625,000

$536,500

93%

186

5

4

LEAWOOD

$575,000

$525,000

91%

5

5

3

VILLAGE AT IRON HORSE

$524,950

$514,000

97%

3

4

4

LEAWOOD

$525,000

$502,500

95%

59

3

2

CAMDEN WOODS

$519,000

$500,000

98%

99

4

4

PAVILIONS

$550,000

$487,000

97%

120

4

4

LEAWOOD COUNTRY MANOR

$499,500

$487,000

97%

2

5

3

WILSHIRE PLACE

$495,950

$457,500

98%

116

5

4

WATERFORD

$494,900

$453,000

96%

89

4

3

PAVILIONS

$575,000

$450,000

94%

178

5

5

PAVILIONS

$500,000

$450,000

100%

186

4

4

Compiled by SUZY GOLDSTEIN, BETTER HOMES & GARDENS/KANSAS CITY, MLS Stats from 02-01-15 through 02-28-15. *DOM=Days on Market.

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

59

Lifestyle Calendar

May MAY 1-24

MAY 9 ARTIST EXPO KC “FLASH GALLERY” ROSANNA SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER

Artist Expo KC will host a “FLASH GALLERY” from 10 a.m-6 p.m courtesy of Kanza Hall. This is an indoor and outdoor

voted his music career to the uniquely American sound and stories captured in the "Golden Age" of American popular music. Inspired by Frank Sinatra, the infamous Rat Pack, and the cool, mod big band sound of the 1960s. JCCC.edu

CONTAINER GARDENING EXHIBIT

MAY 10

OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION

& BOTANICAL GARDENS

NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

Displays from garden organizations and volunteers will inspire and motivate you to build creative container plantings for your own patio, window boxes, entryway and back yard. OPKansas.org

The 9th annual Mother’s Day for Mother Earth Celebration includes a giant puppet show on the south lawn of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Additionally, enjoy Brunch at Rozzelle Court Restaurant - Seatings every 30 minutes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Last seating is at 2:30 p.m. Brunch cost is $33 for members/$37 for non-member/$16 for children 12 and under.

event featuring local artists from around the metro. Food, drinks and televised sporting events will be available. 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.

MAY 9-JUNE 7 46TH SYMPHONY DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE HYDE PARK

Step inside the historic Hyde Park home (96 Janssen Place) transformed by the area’s top designers. The KC Symphony Alliance will host the 46th Symphony Designers’ Showhouse Spring Tour, which is the longest running fundraising Showhouse in the country. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information visit HowHouse.org.

MAY 8 MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER WITH THE KC

MAY 11-25 COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER PARADISE PARK

5-4-3-2-1...the Countdown to Summer has begun at Paradise Park in Lee’s Summit.

We know you’re ready to get out and play.

We’ve partnered with the Lee’s Summit Visitor’s Council to provide fun packages and give-aways highlighting the laser tag arena, go karts, mini golf, and other major attractions at Paradise Park. Paradise-Park.com

SYMPHONY

MAY 15 & 16

KAUFFMAN CENTER

DISNEY FANTASIA LIVE IN CONCERT

Mary Chapin Carpenter joins the KC Symphony for a very special evening of music from her debut orchestral record "Songs from the Movie." This winner of multiple Grammy Awards is still breaking new ground, promising a unique and memorable evening. KCSymphony.org

KAUFFMAN CENTER

60

Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

Photo Bill Mathews

MAY 9 MICHAEL FEINSTEIN - THE SINATRA LEGACY JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Michael Feinstein, a multi-platinum selling, award-winning entertainer, has de-

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation. Magnificent music from the original 1940 version will be performed while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. KCSymphony.org

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Lifestyle Calendar

MAY 16 SCOUT STRONG CHALLENGE 5K & HALF MARATHON SPORTING PARK & KANSAS SPEEDWAY

All are invited to participate in this family-friendly 5K and chip timed half marathon. Enjoy an impressive view of Village West's Sporting Park and the Kansas Speedway. Races start at 7:30. Details and registration at ScoutStrongChallenge.com.

day, invite your friends or family and help support their beneficiaries Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. Mail your $30 p/p reservation to Christy Towle, 11415 Manor Road, Leawood, KS 66211 (Reservations due by May 25) More information, Marnie Robinette 913.451.2484.

JUNE 6 NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

MAY 23

IRONWOODS PARK

Gridiron Glory is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on America’s favorite sport and will include more than 10,000 square feet of 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. UnionStation.org

Join the Leawood Parks & Rec department as they celebrate national trails day with this free event. Stop by the Nature Center, pick up a trail map, a light snack and then explore the trails at Ironwoods Park. A great event for young scouts. 913.681.0902

JUNE 1

JUNE 7

LADIES OF CHARITY DESIGNERS SHOWHOUSE TOUR

TOUR DE CURE FOR DIABETES

KANSAS CITY

PARKVILLE

Join Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City at the 46th Symphony Designers Showhouse for a tour of the home, box lunch, boutique and raffle a.m. from 10:30 to 1:00 p.m. Make it a special

Help stop diabetes by participating in the cycling event for riders of all levels. The fundraiser helps fund research to find a cure for diabetes. To register call 1.888.DIABETES or visit Diabetes.org/KCTour.

GRIDIRON GLORY OPENS UNION STATION

Corks, Community, Culture Sip, snack, and socialize at Stems: A Garden Soireé, hosted by The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This annual summer celebration features fine wine, good food, and live music – all topped off by a fireworks show you won’t want to miss.

Choose your tickets: Patron – $250

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.

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

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

a garden soirée

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through V Wealth Management, LLC a registered investment advisor. V Wealth Management and V Wealth Management-Metcalf Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.

May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

63

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

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Artist Expo KC (913) 451-6328 artistexpokc.com

Paper Planes Photography (816) 519-0928 redcouchphotos@gmail.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

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

DRY CLEANERS

Design Connection Inc (913) 851-8776 designconnectioninc.com

VanBrock (913) 341-7273 vanbrock.com

Budget Blinds Of Overland Park Saint Luke’s Medical Group (913) 402-1600 budgetblinds.com/overlandpark (913) 317-7990 golifekc.org/south Seasonal Concepts University of Kansas Hospital (913) 642-4999 (913) 588-1227 seasonalconceptsonline.com kumed.com/stroke Unruh Furniture Visiting Nurse Association (816) 813-1066 (816) 531-1200 unruhfurniture.com vnakc.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING ETF Portfolio Partners, Inc. (913) 851-1100 etfpp.com Metcalf Partners (913) 214-3728 metcalfpartners.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Emergent Care Plus (855) 598-1481 emergentcareplus.com

Natures Touch (816) 942-3240 greenearthcleaning.com

Healthy Meals Inc (816) 587-6325 healthymealsinc.com

Tide Dry Cleaners (913) 534-4569 tidedrycleaners.com

Reflections Body Solutions Body Contouring and Medical Spa (913) 322-3433 reflectionsbodysolutions.com

EDUCATION

The Barstow School (816) 277-0413 barstowschool.org/visiting

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Blue Valley Recreation Commission (913) 685-6000 bluevalleyrec.org

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

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

Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

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

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

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Marilyn Arnold Designs (816) 503-9979 marilynarnolddesigns.com

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

Overland Park Reginal Medical Center (913) 397-1000 kcfaster.com

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

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefinishings.com Container Creations Plus (913) 302-7646 containerscreationplus.com

HOME SERVICES

Granite Garage Floors (913) 752-9906 granitegaragefloors.com Legacy Flooring Gallery (913) 780-6060 legacyflooring1.com LuLu & Mimi’s Cleaning (913) 649-6022 luluandmimis.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com Scott’s Lawn and Landscape (816) 984-9558 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

Kansas Medical Clinic, PA (913) 451-5934 kmcpa.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) 239-2033 marshamonica.reeceandnichols.com The Communities at River Ridge (816) 898-5477 lettinann.com The Kim Yuille Team (913) 558-9533 kimskeytokc.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Corner Bakery and Cafe (913) 766-0486 cornerbakerycafe.com EBT Restaurant (816) 942-8870 ebtrestaurant.com Red Door Grill (913) 227-4959 reddoorgrill.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

CF Lane Management LLC (Villa Medici) (913) 649-5050

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live MuSic THurSday THru SaTurday May 2015 | Leawood Lifestyle

65

Parting Thoughts

The Invited Wedding Crashers Will Attend

WORDS DENISE SNODELL

“W

hen was the last time we’ve been to a family wedding, on my side?”

“I don’t know. Was it…ours?”

“Yep. That was 21 years ago.”

I had this actual conversation with my husband last spring. I was holding an invitation in my hand. One which came from people we both knew: The bride, the MOB, the FOB and even the BOB (brother of the bride). They weren’t family, but they were dear friends.

Maybe this was a sign my own family wedding drought would finally be over.

Wrong.

Even though we’ve been to a recent trickle of cousin-y ceremonies on my husband’s side, I’m noticing how my own family is living up to current statistics: Couples are waiting later to marry. Some are skipping the whole scene all together. Crickets.

It might be a while until I’m standing in a china department, catching an actual relative’s warm registry sheets from a store’s overworked printer. There’s not even a distant rumor of any proposal. Not one date to save, despite having nieces, nephews and cousins all at the right age or life stage

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Leawood Lifestyle | May 2015

to plunge. The Egyptian cotton towels destined for people in my gene pool will have to remain on the shelf a while longer.

So, I make myself content with I-don’treally-know-the-bride-or-groom weddings. The ones when the spouse’s coworker’s stepchild ties the knot. Or an uncle-in-law’s half-sister flies into town for her own nuptials. I’ll go to these events, and frankly, they’re AWESOME. Why? There’s nothing to worry about.

At these acquaintance ceremonies, my husband and I feel very much like Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn in the movie Wedding Crashers. We simply order a gift online (with free shipping), sit back and enjoy the show. No requirements to pose in any pictures. No toasts to write. No outfits to coordinate to any theme. Not one tear to shed remembering how it was just yesterday when the bride was a cherubic sandcastle builder in a pink ruffled swimsuit.

We show up last-minute for the juicy stuff. The back pew or last row is fine.

We’re first to see the preschool flower girl’s rogue swagger and the bride walk down the aisle. At the Mr. & Mrs.

Whozawhatsitz receptions, we sit at the coveted back table, near the restrooms and/or exits. Yet we can still hear the music, taste the tenderloin and smell the roses. If red wine spills on our laps, who cares? We will not be in any pictures.

Parsley, meet bicuspid. Stay a while.

My favorite D-list activity is the guiltless fashion critique I do in my head. Some things never change—the bridesmaids’ dresses aren’t as “wut?” these days, yet still vaguely hold the traditional promise of never being worn again. Some things do change—I remember when wedding gowns had sleeves. Sleeves! They’re curiously gone now, even in winter months.

(And with that commentary, you have just witnessed a columnist cross the “solid middle age” threshold.)

But even as perpetually invited wedding crashers, my husband and I are starting to feel a vague pressure. I think we might be taking notes for our own children, subconsciously. Sure, they’re in the early years of college. But time flies.

Droughts end. The dream lives: A conga line, linking all my DNA.

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