Thankful for the Journey
LOCALS REFLECT ON HOW THEY VENTURED INTO THE WORLD OF ART
Reimagine the Possibilities
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GLOW INTO THE SEASON
NOVEMBER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REFRESH YOUR SKIN.
REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN WITH LUXURY.
STEP INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON GLOWING.
TREATMENTS DESIGNED TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE, RADIANCE, AND BALANCE.
and
E M M A L E E R A T H S A M
BE thankful.
Thankfulness isn’t just something we practice once a year. It’s a perspective—a way of being. It’s a choice to focus on the blessings instead of the chaos, to hold space for appreciation even when things don’t go perfectly.
This year, I have so much to be thankful for. At the top of the list is my upcoming wedding to my fiancé, a milestone that fills me with both excitement and appreciation after all the years of thinking I’d never find my person. I’m also thankful for my sweet fur babies, who have been by my side through every chapter of my adult life. They’re more gray in the face these days, which is a bittersweet reminder of how precious time is, and how lucky I am to share my days with them. I’m thankful for the daily experiences that life throws my way—the unexpected challenges, small victories, and even the quiet moments.
I’m equally grateful for my seven-year journey working with City Lifestyle magazines. It’s been a chapter that has shaped me both personally and professionally. What began as just another job, has grown into a true passion, connecting me with incredible people and inspiring stories along the way. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Mission Hills team and to celebrate the places and people that make our community so special.
In this issue, we take a closer look at thankfulness from a variety of perspectives—from the artistry of our local creatives, to a business’s commitment to people-first values and rounding it out with our local partners reflecting on what they are thankful for.
This season, take a moment to slow down and embrace it all. Be present. Give thanks. Cherish the small moments that are often easy to take for granted, because they may not last forever.
KATIE BODE, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @MISSIONHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Sarah Johns | sarah.johns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Rebecca Spears | rebecca.spears@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Sarah Elise Seidel | sarahelise.seidel@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Emmalee Rathsam | emmalee@emmaleerathsam.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Rita Strickland | rita.strickland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Bode, Jodi Mathews, Bev Weidner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brandon Bowens, Marissa Naggi, Anna Petrow, Emmalee Rathsam, Mike Sinclair, Sarah Vaughn, Bev Weidner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Happy Holidays!
BG Wealth Advisory, LLC
Locally owned, independent investment advisory firm committed to putting your needs first by creating individualized, tax-efficient retirement plans.
We are an official drop-off site for Toys For Tots and we are beginning our second annual toy drive for Toys For Tots. Visit our website for more details with convenient ways you can give, or come by our office and drop off a gift in person. We would love to see you!
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mission Hills City Lifestyle raised money to benefit The Next Paige Foundation. 2: The Next Paige Foundation empowers and equips young talent to pursue their dreams. 3: Elaina Paige (The Next Paige) and Tucker Walser (Genesis of Kansas City) participated in a panel. 4: Guests enjoyed making connections and dancing to fun tunes by DJ Q. 5: Young dancers from The Next Paige’s Creative Camp stole the show with fun performances. 6: Penny’s in the Village served cocktails and appetizers while guests toured Genesis luxury vehicles. 7: Genesis of Kansas City parked three of their luxury vehicles for tours throughout the evening.
Photography by Naomi Hill Photography
An ageless spirit lives within all of us. Addington Place of Prairie Village is the perfect place to discover youthful energy and forge meaningful connections with kindred souls. Our vibrant Assisted Living and Memory Care community offers chef-prepared, homestyle dining, personalized care, and a vibrant social calendar featuring weekly happy hours with live music and scenic walks in the park, ensuring hearts stay forever young and days brim with excitement. Join Addington Place of Prairie Village, where life becomes a celebration of the young at heart.
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
BY EMMALEE RATHSAM, CHRISTINE CASO & NATHAN LATA
THANKFUL FOR THE JOURNEY
LOCAL COLLECTORS, GALLERY OWNER AND PAINTER SHARE THEIR DIFFERENT JOURNEYS INTO THE WORLD OF ART
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam
Art by Ashley Lata
“...I’m reminded daily that art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about people, emotion, and the connection that it makes everyday.”
This year, Prairiebrooke Arts celebrates 35 years of their art gallery in Downtown Overland Park. Owner Megan Hoban grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has a distinct love for watching art connect different generations. She desires to see their gallery impact people’s lives in profound ways. This includes connecting with local organizations like Supporting Kids Foundation that helps battle pediatric cancer and consulting in healthcare spaces after losing two friends to cancer.
HOW DOES ART PRODUCE A FEELING OF THANKFULNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
“Working in the gallery, I’m reminded daily that art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about people, emotion, and the connection that it makes everyday. Personally, I’ve found deep fulfillment consulting in healthcare art spaces. I’ve seen how thoughtfully placed artwork can bring calm, strength, and even moments of peace to patients, caregivers, and families alike. I’m continually inspired by those around me—and I’m thankful to play even a small part in the healing process through art.”
Megan Hoban - owner of Prairiebrooke
Arts
Photo by: Christine Caso
John and Sharon Hoffman - art collectors
John and Sharon Hoffman started collecting art when they got married and moved back to Kansas City. The senior curator of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art at the time took them under his wing and taught them how to collect museum-quality work. They began with small pieces of pop art and gradually moved to collecting ceramics and works from the Realism period. In the late 1990s, they collected many up-and-coming artists whose works represented social justice and spoke to their aesthetic.
HOW DOES ART PRODUCE A FEELING OF THANKFULNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
“We are thankful for the dimension it has added to our lives. The friendships we have made with the artists, other collectors, dealers and museum people across the country. And the opportunity for so many people to view the work either in our home or at the Nelson.”
Ashley Lataabstract artist
Preschool teacher by day and artist by the rest--Ashley Lata is quite unique in her approach to painting. Client input is woven into her customized process, from start to finish. Each piece begins with hand-stretched canvas and color selection, which she curates based on the space where the painting will live. Once the final stroke has been placed, she gets to work on the custom framing process. When someone commissions Lata for a customized piece, they are truly getting a unique, one of a kind work of art.
WHAT MOMENTS ALONG YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR?
“I look back and think, ‘Had this not happened, would I be painting professionally today?’ It was COVID. I had just gotten back into painting after a long hiatus (teaching, raising kids- having little time to myself). Without my knowledge, my husband took some photos of my recently completed art and sent them to his friend who was interested in what I had been painting. In my mind, it was all terrible and was never meant to see the light of day. After some reflection, I decided to start an Instagram page solely dedicated to my art. I wanted to own it and not be afraid of what others thought. Six years later, I am solidly booked out for the entire year. That risk, putting myself out there, has completely changed my life! I am beyond thankful for my journey, regardless of how it started.”
Instagram: @ashleylata_art
ARTIST’S
Photo by: Emmalee Rathsam
Photo by Nathan Lata
Interior Painting Season is Here!
While the weather may cool down, your home projects don’t have to. In fact, Winter is one of the best times to book an interior project!
If you’re thinking about refreshing a room (or several), updating that outdated paint color, or finally making your home feel more like you, now’s the time to start planning.
We’re offering 10% OFF interior projects booked by December 31st, 2025 and scheduled for January through March 2026.
PARTNER’S
Review
In just six months, my advertisements with Mission Hills City Lifestyle have directly resulted in three new clients and have been instrumental in keeping my services top-of-mind with my existing clientele in the area
Barb Wright Travel Wright with Barb
Did You Know... The Dog Training Industry Is Unregulated?
Anyone who likes dogs can pose as a trainer and accept money from unsuspecting clients. Dogs have been injured, and some have died, in the presence of uneducated trainers.
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, or CPDT-KA, I had to:
• Complete an accredited dog training program
• Accumulate 300 contact hours training dogs
• Fulfill an apprenticeship with an established dog trainer
• Pass a 3-hour multiple-choice exam
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I possess the knowledge to help you achieve your dog training goals.
ARTICLE BY JODI MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA PETROW AND MIKE SINCLAIR
THELMA’S Kitchen
A TABLE OF DIGNITY AND CONNECTION
On Troost Avenue—long recognized as Kansas City’s dividing line—Thelma’s Kitchen is working to flip the narrative. Rooted in the legacy of Thelma and her husband, Father Alexii, the café carries forward a spirit of radical hospitality that began over 30 years ago when their table was always open to hungry neighbors. What started as simple acts of mercy has grown into a social enterprise café and catering venture operated by Reconciliation Services.
At Thelma’s Kitchen, every plate served and every catering order fuels more than just a good meal—it helps fund programs like mental health counseling, housing assistance, and ID recovery. But perhaps even more powerful is the way food itself becomes a bridge. When people gather at the same table, strangers become neighbors, stereotypes fade, and dignity is restored.
Today, Thelma’s Kitchen is a place where people eat well, do good, and experience thetransformative power of connection. Chief Impact Officer Jodi Mathews shares more about how food opens doors to reconciliation.
“Sharing a meal has a way of breaking down barriers. Titles and stereotypes fade when people sit at the same table.”
Photo by: Anna Petrow
Can you share the story behind Thelma’s Kitchen?
Thelma’s Kitchen was born from Thelma’s legacy of hospitality. She and Father Alexii began their outreach by feeding neighbors in need, and we wanted to continue that spirit on Troost. Every meal or catering order supports vital programs at Reconciliation Services. It’s more than a café—it’s a social venture where neighbors gather, eat well, and build community together.
How does food open the door to reconciliation?
Sharing a meal has a way of breaking down barriers. Titles and stereotypes fade when people sit at the same table. Proximity matters—being close to those we may see as “other” opens the door to empathy and understanding. In a divided city, food becomes an antidote to isolation and a catalyst for reconciliation.
Can you share a story of impact?
One woman came in with a pay-it-forward token for lunch. She returned, brought a friend, and eventually, we invited her to volunteer. She was deeply moved, saying she never thought anyone saw her as someone with “something to offer.” Today, she’s a regular volunteer. That single meal grew into a place of belonging and dignity.
How do you ensure every guest feels valued? Dignity is at the heart of everything we do. Whether someone pays $1 or $15, they receive the same quality and care. By serving fresh, healthy, locally-sourced meals, we send a clearmessage: every person deserves to be nourished in body and spirit. Every guest matters, and every guest belongs at this table.
OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE THELMA’S KITCHEN:
• Have lunch with us —ThelmasKitchen.org Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm
• Volunteer with us —ThelmasKitchen.org/volunteer
• Order Catering —ThelmasKitchen.org
Photo by: Anna Petrow
a People-First mentality
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TATE CARDINAL AND BECCA SPEARS
The sleek look, the textured interior, the luxury built into everyday life–a Genesis’s job is to empower and elevate its driver and the standard of what a vehicle should be.
Even with an incredible product, a Genesis dealership had never quite established a footing in the Kansas City Metro until last year. The very first true Genesis model was released in 2017, and building brand awareness takes time. This opportunity attracted Tucker Walser, the general manager of Genesis of Kansas City, to take a chance on the long term.
“It’s a very infant brand,” Walser said. “I think one of the things that probably sets us apart is that we are here for the long run. Even though we’re in a temporary spot at the moment, we actually are starting construction on our new location this month.”
Currently located off Metcalf and 78th Street, their new dealership is set to open in August 2026, as a part of the hub of vehicle shopping on Frontage Road and just off I-35.
Photos by: Becca Spears
A member of the Walser family from Minnesota, Tucker Walser has been surrounded by automotive sales his entire life. But even as the “new kids on the block”, the Walser Automotive Group and Genesis of Kansas City are wasting no time making a positive name for themselves in the Midwest.
“My team is really set on taking care of people,” Walser said. “We really do our best to treat everyone with a level of respect that might not be normal in this industry. We’ve had people comment that they’ve never had such a transparent, effortless experience, where they felt no pressure and didn’t feel like it was combative. It’s special to see that we’re doing good.”
The way Walser leads his team and business is a direct reflection of how the Walser Automotive Group operates wherever they open shop. They see business through the lens of humanity, and that perspective is top-down.
“The way I view it is putting my employees first and foremost. And if I do that the right way, they’ll treat our guests the right way, who’ll then treat the store the right way,” Walser said. “It really starts with, I believe, taking care of the people that are within your charge, and if you do that the appropriate way, then the rest just falls into place.”
Taking care of people and doing good in their communities is paramount for the Walser family. In 1995, Walser’s grandfather, Jack Walser, started the Walser Foundation, generously donating 5 percent of all pretax earnings to local nonprofits focused on education and workforce development.
Today, the Walser Foundation continues that legacy, supporting communities where Walser operates nationwide. In 2024, the Walser Foundation gave more than $1 million in grants, scholarships, and donations. Coming up on their first full year of business in Kansas City, Walser has adopted this mission and is ready to connect and make an impact in the Kansas City community.
“Education is a big one, just empowering people, bettering people,” Walser said. “My grandfather felt strongly that the best way to impact a life was through a good education and a great job. We’re proud to support organizations that make that possible.”
With everything that could easily overtake Walser’s day-to-day thoughts–the beginning stages of construction, getting settled into his new city, and the everyday tasks and sales responsibilities–he is still intentionally set on leading with thankfulness for the people he gets to manage and the people he has the privilege to serve.
“It’s actually not even the business part that gives me joy. It’s the ability to lead a team I’m so proud of, to see people’s lives change as a result of the way we treat each other, and the opportunities that we’ve been able to give to my team, just in a matter of a year and a half,” Walser said. “That has been the most rewarding thing for me.” To learn more about the Walser Foundation—how they give, their mission and application deadlines—please visit: WalserFoundation.com
Photo by: Tate Cardinal
Photo by: Tate Cardinal
Photo by: Becca Spears
Photo by: Tate Cardinal
it starts with gratitude
FOUR BUSINESS OWNERS REFLECT ON HOW THEY STAY GROUNDED AND GRATEFUL IN THE MIDST OF SUCCESS
This Thanksgiving season, we are taking a moment to highlight four of our incredible and successful business partners who apply the spirit of gratitude to their every day lives and leadership styles. So often, it is what we prioritize and practice in our personal lives that lead to great businesses and relationships. We believe their answers will add inspiration to your lives and work as well. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
WE ASKED THIS QUESTION: On a personal level, what are you most thankful for, and how does that sense of gratitude influence the way you approach your work and leadership?
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Dr. John Humphrey Jr. DDS, KC Dental Works
I am deeply thankful for God, whose presence and faithfulness form the foundation of all that I that I am and all that I have. My faith gives me strength, direction and purpose each day. I am profoundly grateful for my beautiful wife, whose love and partnership fill my life with joy, and for my three amazing children, who bring energy, laughter, and
light into every moment. I am also thankful for the meaningful work I am called to do-caring for people, walking with them in their wellness journeys, and witnessing healing that extends far beyond the smile. This spirit of thankfulness shapes the way I lead and serve, reminding me to approach each day with gratitude, humility, and a heart for others.
Photo by: Brandon Bowens
Doug Bates
On a personal level, I am most thankful for the people closest to me - especially my family, who support me and my business through the good and the bad days! I started my painting business in college with my father. Those early years of working summers with my dad taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and trust. Even as the company has grown, it still feels like a family, and I’m grateful every day for the relationships with my team and with customers that make the work meaningful. I’m also incredibly grateful for the creative side of what I do. The chance to take someone’s artistic vision and help bring it to life brings me great joy. That combination of gratitude and creativity shapes how I lead: with encouragement, respect, and a focus on lifting others up while building something together.
Mary Sloss
Realtor, RE/MAX State Line
I’m most thankful for my family. My husband, Richard, is my biggest advocate and supporter, and my kids, Ricky and Pearl, are constant reminders to enjoy life’s smallest moments. This gratitude is absolutely ingrained in my profession as a realtor. I bring a relationship-first approach to every client I serve, leading with authenticity and humility, while always having a little fun along the way. This deepens our trust, and ultimately, I treat my clients more like family and friends than a single transaction. After all, we do business with people; so, I prioritize our relationship, not pushing paper.
Owner, Bates Painting Company
Photo by: Marissa Naggi
Photo by: Sarah Vaughn
Barb Wright
Founder + Luxury Destination Advisor, Travel Wright with Barb
I’m most thankful for the connections I’ve made through travel — the shared meals, traditions, and stories that remind me how beautifully interconnected we all are. Experiencing different cultures has deepened my gratitude for our shared humanity, and I bring that sense of oneness into every journey I design. It’s not
just about where clients go, but how they feel while they’re there — inspired, seen, and connected to the world around them. That gratitude guides my leadership too, encouraging authenticity, empathy, and a deep respect for the people and places that make travel so transformative.
Sugar House Yangshuo, China
CLEAN. COMPASSIONATE. HOLISTIC HEALING. FROM YOUR MOUTH TO
YOUR WHOLE BEING.
JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS
JOHN HUMPHREY JR DDS
Meet Dr. Humphrey—A devoted husband and proud father of three, Dr. Humphrey brings more than 20 years of experience as a board-certified Biological Dentist. He is passionate about helping clients achieve total body wellness through a holistic and biological approach to oral health. Known for his warm, compassionate care, Dr. Humphrey and his team create an experience that is empowering for everyone who walks through his doors.
Dr. Humphrey has been caring for clients since 2003, committing himself to developing a depth of knowledge in holistic care. His passion lies is seeing how biological dentistry can contribute to optimal health and total body wellness.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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COCONUT PUMPKIN RICOTTA CAKE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEV WEIDNER
Pizazz
your pumpkin dessert in
the
Thanksgiving lineup
It’s something else, this little cake. Not a dense bite in sight. We’re talking light and fluffy but with sass.
ingredients:
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbs. baking powder
• 1 Tbs. pumpkin spice
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbs. pumpkin extract
• 1 Tbs. coconut oil (olive oil or butter)
directions:
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350.
Step 2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice seasoning, the coconut and a pinch of salt. Whisk to incorporate.
Step 3. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, two eggs and pumpkin extract. Whisk until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir to combine.
Step 4. Grease a small pan or skillet with the coconut oil. Pour the batter into the skillet and top with a little more shredded coconut. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5. Slice and serve!
Step 6. Serves 6.
Follow Bev on Instagram: @bevcooks Bev’s blog: bevcooks.com
