Mission Hills, KS September 2023

Maybe I'm Biased.

What a time it is to be in Kansas City! I was talking to another business owner the other day about how incredible this place is. As someone who grew up here, left for a few years to live in California, Lima, Peru and traveled to various other nations, I can truly say like Dorothy, "There is no place like home!" My wife will be the first person to tell you when we started dating, I told her my desire was to make Kansas City home. Luckily for me, she didn't push back because we probably would have started a City Lifestyle publication in Virginia if she had. But, I digress.

I love this city, and during that conversation with my friend I said, "Maybe I am biased, but the biggest influence on Kansas City is this community we live in." I know there are other major reasons why Kansas City is so incredible, but I believe that our little chunk of Northeast Johnson County is a major wave that makes our city as special as it is.

It is truly a privilege for Victoria and I to be a voice in the community and share stories from all around Kansas City with you.

In this issue, we have the honor of sharing stories about an incredibly talented local athlete,  people who help those in need throughout the metro and beyond, and much more. I believe that as this community goes, so goes the city.

But again maybe I am just biased.

Thank you again for being a community worth investing in. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more stories!

COOPER MOORE, PUBLISHER @MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Cooper Moore | cooper.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Victoria Moore | Victoria.Moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kara Kersten

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Nate Sheets

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

Photography by Cassidy Drury Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @missionhillscitylifestyle

1: Laura Clark, owner of the new intimate event space The Juliet 2: Guests enjoy The Juliet's open house in July 3: Vendors spoke to guests about trends in the wedding industry 4: An intimate moment during The Juliet's styled shoot 5: Flowers provided by Blush and Blossoms Co. 6: The theme of the open house was "Summer Garden Party" 7: Live painter Rebekah Lynn captures the perfect pose for her canvas

Johnson County Libraries Go Fine Free

Johnson County is working to eliminate barriers to its libraries by doing away with fines for overdue materials. Overdue fines are no longer enforced, however, fees for damaged or lost materials are still active. The county is following a nationwide trend of libraries hoping to improve access to library services and find a better way to encourage returns. Accounts with unpaid fines more than seven years old will be forgiven. jocolibrary.org to learn more.

(913)

Sharpen your game and get in a workout at the same time through

2020Fit's SwingFit class! One of the ten different group fitness classes offered Monday through Friday, SwingFit is specifically designed to apply functional movement patterns to make your golf swing more efficient. Sign up today or start a free trial by visiting 2020fit.com

Scan to read more.

Strang Hall set to open new location on the Plaza

With a projected end of summer opening date, Strang Hall's newest venture the Strang Chef Collective is creating quite the anticipation for Plaza regulars. This offshoot of the popular Downtown Overland Park food hall will feature four chef-driven concepts and two bars. Situated on the corner of 46th Terrace and Wornall Road in the Cascade Hotel just north of the Plaza, the Strang Chef Collective will also include patio seating overlooking the Plaza.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissionHills

Abigail Long: In It For The Long Haul

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAC MOORE & KENNA HARRINGTON

Captain of the girls’ varsity basketball team, eye on a tennis state doubles title, academics at the forefront and a legacy to leave behind–the pressure is on for Abigail Long in her senior year at Shawnee Mission East, but that’s just how she likes it.

“I love pressure situations,” the senior emphasized. “Some people may say the opposite, but I love standing on the free throw line when it’s loud and you have to make that shot.”

Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Long has had exposure to the competitive world of athletics since she can remember, playing a handful of different sports in her lifetime. However, when the time came to choose a focus, both basketball and tennis won the battle for her affections.

“We have a basketball hoop in our driveway, so I spent three or four hours a day shooting and playing," she said. “COVID really started to change how much I loved it with the time I was by myself in our driveway.”

Both sports have given Long incredible opportunities at Shawnee Mission East, not only in athletic success, but also early lessons in leadership. As a sophomore, she found herself as captain of the girls’ varsity basketball team.

“I had always been some sort of a leader, but going from a team with nine seniors to a team

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST SENIOR HAS BIG PLANS AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

Photo by Kenna Harrington

with me being the only returning varsity player as a sophomore was a lot,” Long said. “I think it really taught me how to be a leader and how to talk on the court.”

Little did she know at the time, these pressure moments would prove wildly beneficial for her post high school career. Long’s success on the court and in the classroom has secured her a spot on Yale University’s women’s basketball team, something she sees as another stepping stone for growth.

“I think one thing I’m excited about is seeing how much better I get and how much better I can get,” she said. “As a freshman, there’s going to be a lot of pressure–new on the team, a new style, a new way of playing, fitting in on the team. I think a little bit of pressure will help me adapt and learn the new ways of that team.”

But first, Long has unfinished business in her final year as a Lancer. On top of defending her tennis singles state title and finally securing that state doubles title she has been seeking for three years, she wants greater things for her basketball team.

“I really really want to finish with a winning record,” Long said. “We were 500 my freshman year. The past two years have been kinda rough and we haven’t done super well as a team, so I would love to bring the team back up to where it used to be.”

Pressure can make or break a person, and Long is clear about what type of person and player it will make her.

“One thing people don’t realize is when you put a lot of pressure on yourself, you don’t perform or play as well,” she said. “If I’m not having fun, I either take a break or I don’t play it for a little bit. I think it’s really important as you’re going through high school to make sure you’re having fun in everything you’re doing.”

"I think it’s really important as you’re going through high school to make sure you’re having fun in everything you’re doing.”

Photo by Mac Moore

Being the Community

GET TO KNOW THREE ORGANIZATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AROUND JOHNSON COUNTY

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

You don't have to look very far to encounter the various needs that exist in our community. Some are more noticeable, while others live behind closed doors. Mission Hills City Lifestyle desires not only to enhance the lives of its readers but to create opportunities for awareness and action within the Northeast Johnson County area. Take a few moments to read about each of these organizations and how you can partner with them to make a difference in the Kansas City Metro.

KC KANSAS ANGELS

According to the Adoption Council, 50% of foster homes close within the first year. KC Kansas Angels fight against this statistic by walking alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community and offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. One of the ways you can get involved is by sponsoring a family through a love box. You will be matched with a family to support each month through the items you place inside the box and by being involved in their lives. Visit  kckansasangels.org to learn more about what you can do to help!

GIVING THE BASICS

Providing over 500,000 people with personal care items, Giving the Basics has been tackling hygiene insecurity in Kansas City and the surrounding counties since 2009. The need for basic care items is great, especially for children. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, Giving the Basics has served 610 locations, 401 of them being schools. There are multiple ways you can serve with this organization. Become a Hygiene Hero through monetary donations, give of your time by volunteering to pack products in the warehouse and sign up to host a Dignity Drive to help collect products. Visit their website givingthebasics.org

KANSAS CITY HOMELESSNESS

Kansas City’s Office of Unhoused Solutions is dedicated to reaching and maintaining a functional zero through its strategic plan, Zero KC. They are developing a system to ensure sustainable solutions for all folks currently affected by homelessness and preventing future risk. If homelessness does occur, the goal is for it to be rare, brief, and non-recurring. With the right investment and the right commitment, Kansas City believes it can end its homelessness. Stay tuned for more information from the city as this strategic plan unfolds.

VESTED AND INVESTED

A local coffee shop honors the history of the once booming Kansas City Garment District

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Hundreds of customers walk through its doors every week, order their caffeine fix, flash a smile to the barista and continue on with their day. But if you linger long enough in Vested Coffee in the Kansas City Garment District, you will walk away with much more than a cup of joe. Its walls are covered with representations of what used to be and the name Vested itself is a nod to the heritage of its location.

The term means to clothe with authority, power, or the like; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow. The definition could not have been a better fit for combining history and community into a thriving downtown coffee shop, exactly what owners Susan and Nolan Dees envisioned when they opened Vested in March 2019.

“We Googled synonyms for 'Garment' and 'Vested' was one of the answers. We also liked vested because we wanted to be 'invested' in the neighborhood and in our customers,” owner Susan Dees said.

The neighborhood draws in plenty of people, more than just those who live and work in the district. Denise Morrison is the Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs at Kansas City’s Historic Garment District Museum and sees lots of foot traffic from history seekers.

“I’m fascinated with how many out-of-towners know about our district and particular businesses within the district,” Morrison said. “Granted it’s older folks, but I really enjoy talking to those people who come to the museum. I think it was a much bigger deal than many people in KC today realize.”

This neighborhood, stretching roughly from Sixth to Eleventh Streets and from Washington to Wyandotte, has seen much change throughout the years. Kansas City’s Garment District took off in the 1920s and became the second largest garment district in union memberships only to New York City by the 1950s. Blue jeans, dresses, sailor dresses and suits were some of the more popular offerings in Kansas City.

After World War I and through the 1940s, the area employed more than 4,000 people and boasted one out of every seven women in the United States purchased a Kansas City-made garment.

The Nelly Don Label was instrumental in the success of sustaining and growing the garment district. Her factory alone was making five thousand dresses per day and earned over $3.5 million in sales, according to the University of Missouri’s Historic Costume and Textile Collection. During World War II, Nelly Don was one of the largest manufacturers of women’s military and work clothing.

“The district developed a method known as the ‘section system,’ in which each worker was assigned to make only one part of a garment, over and over,” Morrison said. “This meant not everyone hired had to be perfect seamstresses. Some credit Nelly Don for this; she took note of how Henry Ford made cars and put that method to work in her company.”

Nolan and Susan Dees

In the building occupied by Vested Coffee stood Bond Shoe Company, a men’s shoe store that was built in 1899. This little known fact is marked only by a simple copper plaque on the side of the building and the way Susan Dees does not let the history of the Garment District go unnoticed.

“It was a time KC should be proud of,” Dees said. “Customers enjoy the vibe and the architecture of our shop and the neighborhood. Our wifi password is ilikeyouroutfit and gives us another opportunity to share about the area when customers ask for the password.”

The participation of citizens like Susan and Nolan working in tandem with the Kansas City Historic Garment District Museum is certainly keeping the history of this district and its people out of only history books and on the forefront of minds.

“I hope Kansas Citians will take pride in knowing their city helped clothe the nation at one time,” Morrison said. “And so many of our visitors come because a family member worked in the district, so I hope having something visible for them to see keeps their family members alive for them.”

If a history lesson is your cup of tea…or coffee…you know where to go!

From Summer to Fall

Making your favorite warm weather clothing pieces last past the season

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE AND ERIN OLIVA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN OLIVA

Can you feel it? Fall weather is knocking on our door! Exciting for some, but an adjustment for others and their closets as the weather takes a cool turn. It can be a costly headache to replace an entire summer wardrobe with autumn warmth and style. The Pretty Posy Boutique in downtown Overland Park suggests it can be a lot easier and

Summer errands to business as usual:

1 Start with a simple tank paired with mom jeans and braided leather flip flops for summer errands and days out with the kiddos.

2. Add a blazer with a classic print (like this herringbone blazer) over the tank + black cigarette pants and heels for business meetings or networking events in the fall.

more cost effective than people realize to transition clothing with the seasons. Instead of doing away with every summer piece, adding some staples and adjusting some details can change the entire dynamic of an outfit. Follow along with these examples for inspiration on building outfits out of pieces you already own or need to add for this fall.

Girls' night out on the town to sleek office attire:

3 Find a versatile lightweight long sleeve top in a pretty color with a slightly cropped cut (make it fun with an interesting detail like the gathered wrap front on this top) + high waisted ecru linen shorts and wedge sandals for a fun summer day or night.

4 Keep the top and replace the bottoms with cream colored cropped flare trousers and black heels to dress up the fall.

Casual summer dinner and drinks to fall coffee date:

5. Lay the foundation with a simple tank dress and wedge sandals to enjoy the warm summer evenings.

6. Add a coordinating duster cardigan and black boots to inject some fall staples into your wardrobe.

LEARN MORE: Erin Oliva is the owner of The Pretty Posy in downtown Overland Park, a feminine, sophisticated boutique specializing in handpicked collections and an easy and fun shopping experience. She seeks out the best, unique products from across the country that are high quality and a good fit. Visit in person or online!

Summer errands to business as usual:

Girls’ night out on the town to sleek office attire :

Casual summer dinner and drinks to fall coffee date:

Hot Spots to Cool Down

The Paleta Bar and Fairway Creamery put fresh spins on delectable snacks

The first of it's kind in the Midwest, the Paleta Bar is creating delicious Mexican gourmet treats with flare in Downtown Overland Park. Opened in June 2023, the word has been spreading and business is on the rise for this Kansas hot spot. Paletas (Spanish for ice pops) are made with fresh fruit or other rich ingredients, but that is only the base to the Paleta Bar's spin on this Southwest favorite.

CUSTOMER-ORIENTED

Above any other city in the Midwest, the owners were drawn to the peaceful, community feel of downtown Overland Park. Building a loyal customer base through excellent service and fresh ingredients is their top priority.

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

UNIQUE FLAVORS

Beyond the fruit flavors of a traditional paleta, the Paleta Bar also crafts cream based bars using sweet cream and milk. Some of the crowd favorites include mango, strawberry, Oreo and mixed berry and cream. New flavors are added each week and posted on the Paleta Bar's Instagram. No need for anyone to miss out on a sweet treat! By avoiding the topping temptations and cream based flavors, a plain fresh fruit paleta is a natural healthy option.

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1: Choose a plain handmade paleta. Fresh fruit and cream base options are available daily. Make your way to the colorful case to start the process. Step 2: Decide on a dip. A coating of either white chocolate and dark chocolate can be applied to the whole or half of the paleta. Step 3: Endless toppings! The topping bar is stocked with sauces, drizzles, nuts and candies to take your paleta from basic to baller. Step 4: Add fresh fruit. Pieces of melon, berries, mangoes and more contribute to brighter flavors. Step 5: Drop some drizzle. Last but not least, top it all off with a chocolate drizzle!

FAIRWAY'S FALL FLAVORS

The ever-popular Fairway Creamery is fully embracing fall mode with its flavors and activities this September. Butternut squash, (which surprisingly enough makes a killer ice cream) is a flavor hitting the menu soon. Some non-ice cream fall favorites you can expect are - cinnamon sugared donuts, apple pie flavors, fun cider floats, and local collaborations.

CONTINUED >

LUNCH MENU

The creamery is a great stop for food as well. The lunch menu is coming back this season with seasonal fruits and vegetables pulling in those autumn flavors.

DISCO BURGER NIGHT

Mark your calendars for dinner at the creamery on September 8. The folks at Fairway are hosting a disco burger night. Experience a new smash burger concept popping up around town. Their burgers are very specific in style (only using Velveeta cheese for example). Nothing screams America more than ice cream and burgers! Join the community for a fun night and new addition to the neighborhood.

ARTICLE BY KARA KERSTEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS

Making A Bold Statement

HOW LARGE PATTERNED WALLPAPER CAN ADD TEXTURE AND CHARACTER TO ANY SPACE

Kara Kersten Designs' recent work with bold-patterned wallpaper reveals a new trend in modern design. Larger scale patterns or solid textures seem to be the way to go with wall coverings right now because they're either creating a bold statement with one easy fell swoop, or they're adding character and texture to a space while staying a solid color for the most part. It's fun to use in powder baths because people aren't as scared to be bolder in a small space that guests see, but it's also great to use on ceilings, dining rooms, and accent features.

Photo by Nate Sheets

Photo by Nate Sheets

CALL NOW 913.229.5169

CALL NOW 913.229.5169

MIDWEST PRO Handyman & Remodeling is a small business that is thriving and growing simply because what we do. With over 40 years combined experience, we are able to provide numerous renovation and remodeling services while keeping costs low without cutting corners.

MIDWEST PRO Handyman & Remodeling is a small business that is thriving and growing simply because what we do. With over 40 years combined experience, we are able to provide numerous renovation and remodeling services while keeping costs low without cutting corners

We provide FREE CONSULTATION, RENDERING & ESTIMATE.

We provide FREE CONSULTATION, RENDERING & ESTIMATE.

"

At Midwest PRO Handyman & Remodeling, if you can dream it, we can build it."

We are committed to keeping all our jobs in-house. So the quality of our work is consistent and reliable. No remodeling is too big or too small. With operations focused on your neighborhood (Roofing, siding, and decking, to indoor renovations like flooring, bathroom and kitchen, and basement) We are a one-stop shop.

We are committed to keeping all our jobs in-house. So the quality of our work is consistent and reliable. No remodeling is too big or too small. With operations focused on your neighborhood (Roofing, siding, and decking, to indoor renovations like flooring, bathroom and kitchen, and basement) We are a one-stop shop.

"At Midwest PRO Handyman & Remodeling, if you can dream it, we can build it."

Skilled Concrete Tradesman

Concrete | Patios | Slabs | Driveways

THE little BLACK DRESS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

ALTHOUGH BLACK IS A timeless, classic LOOK, THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT GOES WITHOUT personality . YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUR OWN STYLE BY accessorizing TO INFUSE NEW LIFE INTO A DRESS THAT YOU ALREADY OWN.

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2023

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

8TH - 10TH SEPTEMBER 9TH SEPTEMBER

- 24TH

Art Westport

WESTPORT NEIGHBORHOOD | 3:00 PM

An attraction that has been going strong for 43 years, Art Westport is home to the largest exclusive showcase of juried, high-quality Kansas City-regional artwork. From Friday to Sunday, browse the streets of Westport with guests from across the Midwest for a weekend of exceptional artistry. Event is scheduled rain or shine. For a list of participating artists, visit westportkcmo.com/artwestport/

Prairie Village Jazz Festival

HARMON PARK | 3:00 PM

Celebrate the love of Kansas City jazz in the heart of Prairie Village with a full evening of live music and food trucks in Harmon Park! The lineup features five artists, leading up to the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at 7:45p.m. Adult admission is $5 and kids under 18 are free. Visit  pvkansas.com/things-to-do/things-to-do/ jazz-festival for more information.

Plaza Art Fair

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA | 5:00 PM

The Plaza Art Fair hosts a crowd of over a quarter of a million and covers 9 city blocks. Spotlighting 200+ artists, the Plaza Art Fair is one of the top-ranked, national art events. It features 20 restaurant booths and has three stages with live music being performed. You don't want to miss it! For more information visit plazaartfair.com

Louisburg Cider Fest

LOUISBURG CIDER MILL | 8:00 AM

The smell of apples and kettle corn from miles away guide you to the perfect day! The Louisburg Cider Fest is back for two weekends of family friendly, fall inspired activities and treats. Enjoy sipping old fashioned apple cider while shopping local vendors and listening to live music. Oh, don't get lost in the corn maze! Read more at louisburgcidermill.com/ciderfest/

American Royal: World Series of Barbecue

THE KANSAS SPEEDWAY | 3:00 PM

Immerse yourself in barbecue heaven for three straight days during the largest barbecue contest in the world! Watch some of the top competitors from around the world battle for the Grand Champion title while enjoying food, drinks and music all weekend. The American Royal offers weekend passes for $35 each with prices rising every week. Visit americanroyal.com/bbq to purchase tickets.

Forte - Kansas City Symphony

SHIRLEY BUSH HELZBERG SYMPHONY HOUSE | 5:30 PM

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissionHills