HEAD
TO TOE GLOW
w w w . n a t i v e a t l a s . c o m - O U R G I F T T O Y O U -
F R E E B o t a n i c a l
F r a g r a n c e
R o l l e r i n
N o v e m b e r w i t h
a n y o n l i n e
o r d e r
C o d e : L i f e s t y l e
Some Things Never Change
Can you believe it is already November?! That is a heavy pill for me to swallow this year. I remember just seven months ago, right before my daughter Theodosia (Teddi) Grace was born, I looked at my husband and said, “In just a handful of months, we will be celebrating the holidays with a baby!” While this year will look much different for us as a family, it also will feel very much the same. That’s the beauty of Thanksgiving. It reminds us of the things in our lives that are constant--family, food, faith and, yes, change. Change is definitely a constant! I am beyond excited for our little girl to experience the time of year when we pause and reflect on all of the things we have learned, enjoyed and overcome, teaching her to be grateful for the good, the hard and the mundane.
Even though this is my first Thanksgiving season as a mom, I can’t help but feel like a kid again when the leaves start falling and the family fills the house. As my favorite singer-songwriter Ben Rector says, “Funny how this all looks different, but it feels the same. Like how life never stops changing, but some things never change.” It amazes me how two seemingly conflicting thoughts can be true together. Different and the same. Old and new. Bitter and sweet. It’s possible to embrace it all!
Be present with your people this year. Let the memories made fill you up to overflow. Thank God for another Thanksgiving Day.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
VICTORIA MOORE, EDITOR
@MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill Brandmeyer, Ryan Warren
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessica Roark, Nate Sheets, Social Apex Media, Special Olympics Kansas
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley Learn
Local photographer Jessica Roark
Kendra Scott hosts
Two
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Old Prairie Village Macy’s building will see new life
The vacant, old Macy’s building along 71st Street and Mission Road is set to be revitalized with development approved for the beginning stages. A Hen House grocery store will anchor the first floor with other retail businesses occupying the second. No timeline has been announced for the completion of the project.
Photography by Nate Sheets
JESSICA in PARIS
Local photographer Jessica Roark captures moments of Olympic history
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA ROARK
Paris in late summer was a sight to see. The streets were filled with fans and cultures from across the globe. The smell of freshly baked croissants roamed around every corner. Each day held an inspiring performance of a lifetime. While most Olympic enthusiasts absorbed the fortnight through their screens, Kansas City fine art photographer Jessica Roark was there, taking it in from behind her lens.
“I was hoping to convey the anticipation which was seen and felt by all,” she said. “I also wanted to convey the beauty of the Olympics as one of the only public events that brings all nations together, unified for the same purpose.”
A photographic dream–Roark considered the invitation to capture the 2024 Olympic Games a serendipitous moment. Booking a spontaneous trip to the City of Lights a few months prior, she was excited to photograph something along the
Seine River. Roark returned home full of incredible memories but disappointed nothing transpired by the water. However, the opportunity was not lost. One connection from Paris, freelance journalist Carole Schmitz, published a story about Roark’s water photography. Next thing she knew, an invitation to capture the Olympics Games was sitting in her inbox.
“I immediately googled the opening ceremony only to see that it’s being held on the Seine River!” she exclaimed. “I was very excited about this because the opening ceremony has
never been held outside of the Olympic stadium. I’ve always wanted to photograph a historic event.”
Roark certainly made the most of her second trip to Paris, finally capturing moments along the Seine. While the poor weather that day slightly interfered with her vision of the opening ceremony, she was able to pivot and chase other beautiful aspects of the Olympic Games while wandering around.
“I scoured the city, finding gems of historic beauty and completely turned the experience around,” she said. “My favorite captures were
“I was hoping to convey the anticipation and the beauty of the Olympics as one of the only public events that brings all nations together, unified for the same purpose.”
nothing I had planned going into the trip, rather, they were captures that fell into my lap.”
Roark recognizes the honor it was to be in the midst of history. Her photos serve as a reminder that she is one of the few to say “I was there.”
“My gratitude stems from a place in my life where I can act on these moments. I’m grateful I get to set an example for my kids that they too can achieve their dreams, that taking risks is incredibly life-giving when done with prudence, and that the world is full of adventures waiting to be experienced,” she said.
“I’m grateful I get to set an example for my kids that they too can achieve their dreams, that taking risks is incredibly life-giving when done with prudence, and that the world is full of adventures waiting to be experienced.”
OLIVIA STRONG
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Robinson family
Four-year-old Olivia Robinson is living her best life. She enjoys dancing, gymnastics and being a big sister. From the outside looking in, her lifestyle is that of a typical preschooler, but just one year ago, her everyday life looked incredibly different.
Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2023, a shock that altered her life and the course of her entire family.
“You truly don’t realize how precious life is until you’ve gone through something like this, because you truly don’t know when your world could change,” Olivia’s mom Breanna Robinson said.
Olivia was rushed into emergency surgery the very next day and immediately began treatments that lasted almost a year. As word about Olivia’s fight spread throughout the Kansas City area, it fell into the hands of Alyson Jacobsmeyer, a connection to Breanna through the Chi Omega sorority and a Regional Marketing and Philanthropy Manager at Kendra Scott.
The popular jewelry brand is known not only for its identifiable jewelry, but also for its exceptional philanthropic heart. One of the ways it supports the
Olivia - October 2024
communities where its stores are located is by hosting “Kendra Gives Back” events. Jacobsmeyer is instrumental in planning these local events and was essential in Olivia’s special day at the Leawood store in May.
“Hosting events like we did for the Robinson family makes my job not feel like ‘work.’ It’s a unique experience when your personal passions align with your career, and for me that is fashion and giving back,” Jacobsmeyer said.
Lots of family members and friends came out to support Olivia and were surprised to see the Chick-fil-A cow in attendance too. The event doubled as Olivia’s fourth birthday party and included many personal touches, one being a specially designed purple Kendra Scott necklace for Olivia, her mom and little sister Stella.
“I was very humbled that so many people would come for our daughter that I didn’t even realize were following Olivia’s story,” Breanna said. “I was very grateful knowing they could make that connection to her through a necklace and part of what they were buying that day went back to her.”
Since 2017, the Leawood store has donated over $365,000 to the Kansas City community and hosted 978 events similar to Olivia’s. This day also gave the Robinson family more opportunities to spread their story about enduring childhood cancer.
“She is fighting a battle that not many people experience, but it should be known what they are going through. Childhood cancer receives four percent of funding from our national government and that’s not enough,” Breanna said. “It’s so powerful to raise awareness because we can do better for our children.”
Today, Olivia is in remission. The Kendra Scott necklace she, her mom and sister share reminds them of the love and hope that have held them together this last year. But above everything, Breanna attributes her family’s strength to their faith in God and power in prayer.
“Many prayers throughout the journey were answered,” Breanna said. “We didn’t know if she would wake up from surgery, talk or if she would lose her hearing or ever walk again. There are so many things that could have happened but didn’t. We can’t live a day without saying, ‘It’s because of Him.’ Leaning on our faith and on Him is the only way that we got through it.”
To learn more about Kendra Scott’s “Kendra Gives Back” events, contact Alyson Jacobmeyer at alyson.jacobsmeyer@kendrascott.com
Kendra Scott store in Leawood
Olivia with mom (Breanna) and sister (Stella)
Olivia meeting the Chick-fil-A cow
Playbook of Gratitude
ARTICLE BY BILL BRANDMEYER & RYAN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOCIAL APEX MEDIA, SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS
TWO LOCAL SPORTS-CENTERED ORGANIZATIONS EMPHASIZE THE HEART OF GRATEFULNESS IN OPERATING SUCCESSFUL NONPROFITS
Photo by: Social Apex Media
““This gratitude drives us to continue the mission of building a world where all people are valued and respected for their unique contributions.”
SHAREWAVES
Gratefulness is at the heart of ShareWaves’ mission to bridge the gap between resource-rich and under-resourced youth in Kansas City. We recognize that access to quality sports is often a privilege reserved for those with financial means, leaving many deserving children without the opportunities they deserve. Our gratitude extends to the community partners, donors, volunteers, and mentors who help us dismantle these barriers, ensuring that every child can enjoy the transformative power of sports.
It motivates us to continue expanding our programs such as the GameChanging Grants, allowing them to participate in high-quality sports experiences that foster their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It encourages our athletes to give back to their communities, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared vision of building better humans through sports.
Photo by: Social Apex Media
Photo by: Social Apex Media
SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS
Gratefulness is at the heart of Special Olympics. From the athletes and coaches to the volunteers and families, everyone involved understands the importance of being part of a supportive, inclusive community. We celebrate the abilities of every athlete and are thankful for the opportunities we have in creating a space where everyone can shine. Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do and we wholeheartedly recognize this. This gratitude drives us to continue the mission of building a world where all people are valued and respected for their unique contributions.
To learn more or to volunteer with ShareWaves, email Bill Brandmeyer at bill@sharewavesfoundation.org
To learn more or to volunteer with Special Olympics Kansas, email Ryan Warren at warrenr@soks.org
Photo by: Special Olympics Kansas
Read about three volunteer opportunities around Kansas City during the month of November
Prioritize Giving Back This Thanksgiving Season
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
Shelter KC
Serve the homeless population of Kansas City in various ways this holiday season. Shelter KC is a rescue mission in the heart of downtown that meets the basic needs of those who are less fortunate by providing shelter, meals and care. Whether through your time and talents in volunteering or through physical or monetary donations, your contributions will assist the mission in making this Thanksgiving a success. Visit shelterkc.org/ to learn how to donate for care packages, volunteer your time or help stock their food pantry.
Seaton Center
Help the day-to-day operations of the Seaton Center leading up to the holidays. Seton Center is a human services agency that helps break cycles of poverty. They provide dental, social and educational programs to address current community needs, and tools to help support people in transforming their lives. Your time may be spent sorting and packing bags in the food pantry, sorting clothing and restocking the thrift store, stuffing envelopes for mailings, holding food drives or collections of personal hygiene items and preparing toy bags, food boxes, gifts, and clothing distributions for the Christmas Sharing Program. Visit setonkc.org/ to apply to be a volunteer.
Mother’s Refuge
Mother’s Refuge shelters and educates homeless, pregnant and parenting young women by providing comprehensive services that empower them to make successful life decisions for themselves and their babies. There are three major ways to get involved in their mission: donate monetarily to see the lives of young mothers and their children change for the better; volunteer as a role model to young women by encouraging them to be good parents and productive citizens; give in the form of material donations. Diapers, teen female clothing, wipes, baby clothes, soaps are just a few of the common items needed on a regular basis. There is also an Amazon wish list with the most recent needs of the shelter. More information about where to start can be found online: mothersrefuge.org/
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
Thanksgiving Blessing Mix
• 2 cups Bugles
• 2 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup M&Ms chocolate candies
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 cup craisins or raisins
• (optional) 2 cups of Chex
• (optional) Hersey Kiss candy
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed and store in a covered container or immediately measure out into individual, zipped top or tied bags. Enjoy each and every time, with a whisper of gratefulness.
Keep a Jar Full of This Popular Snack for Family and Give Bags to Neighbors, Friends, and Colleagues.
THANKSGIVING BLESSING POEM
• Bugles: shaped like the cornucopia, the horn of plenty.
• Pretzels: arms crossed and folded in thanks and prayer.
• Nuts: the promise of a future harvest if seeds are planted and tended with care.
• M&Ms: memories of those who came before us to guide a blessed future.
• Candy Corn: the sacrifices of the first winter.
• Dried Fruit: the bountiful fruits of the earth, gathered at harvest time.
• Hersey Kiss Candy (optional): to make a special version for immediate family, add these kisses to remind of the love felt.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Crown Center Ice Terrace | 6:00 AM
Rise and shine and skate! Kansas City’s original public ice skating rink opens for its 52nd season on November 1 at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled winter activity through the end of the year. For more information on times and admission, visit crowncenter.com/iceterrace
NOVEMBER 20TH
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM
Get ready to experience The Nutcracker in a completely different way! Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic; smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Tickets are available online: tickets.kauffmancenter.org/
NOVEMBER 21ST – 24TH
Kansas City Holiday Boutique
Overland Park Convention Center | 10:00 AM
Holiday shopping has never been easier! Back for its 14th year, the Kansas City Holiday Boutique features hundreds of local vendors ready to help you check off that gift list in a one-stop shop. The show is open for four full days with special pricing for a multi-day pass. Visit kcholidayboutique.com/information to purchase tickets and learn more.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 23RD
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Kansas City Convention Center | 10:00 AM
You can count on a unique experience at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo in downtown Kansas City. Hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses will surely have something weird for everyone. Expect items like taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/Halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, animal skulls/bones, funeral collectibles and more. Visit odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com/na-home for more information.
NOVEMBER 26TH – DECEMBER 20TH
Shawnee Indian Mission’s Annual Tree Sale
Shawnee Indian Mission | 12:00 PM
The Annual Christmas Tree and Greenery Sale will open on November 26 until supplies last. The Foundation personally visiting countless tree farms and assures residents a selection of the freshest premium trees, wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. Have yourself a good ole’ fashion Christmas experience and pick out your own tree.
NOVEMBER 27TH – DECEMBER 1ST
Cirque du Soleil - ‘Twas the Night Before...
Kansas City Convention Center | 7:00 PM
Create memorable moments with your entire family with Cirque du Soleil’s take on a beloved holiday poem. ‘Twas the Night Before... utilizes thrilling acrobatics and lovable characters to spread the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. To purchase your tickets to one of eight shows, visit cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before
