Northland Lifestyle July 2014

Northland

july 2014

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Bite into Summer!

Gourmet Hot Dogs Entice at Clay’s Curbside Grill

High Five Station Keeps it Real for Runners Kathy Gates is Running Well in the Northland Om Prana Welcomes Yoga Mamas!

#PARKEXCUSES

You can keep making excuses to not go to college if you want to. But the fact is, Park University has removed all the real barriers. So all you have to do is get out of your own way and GO FOR IT. PARK.EDU/NLLS or call (888) 319-9522.

The School of Education at Park University is hosting an accreditation visit by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) October 26 through 28, 2014.

Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the visiting team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the party’s relationship to the educator preparation provider (EPP) (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). We invite you to submit written testimony to: Board of Examiners • NCATE • 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20036-1023 Or by email to: callforcomments@ncate.org Correspondence, which must be received by NCATE no later than three months prior to visit, will be submitted to the EPP for response via NCATE’s Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS). NCATE will not upload anonymous comments to the BOE team or EPPs.

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Editor's Letter

High Five Summer!

D

ear Readers, Summer is finally upon us in earnest. For some that means camp or playing cabbie to their kids’ summer activity schedule. For some it means picnics in the park. For a great number of us, it means that it’s time for road races in the summer heat.

It’s these races that I’m the most intrigued by this summer.

I’m not a runner. I mean, I am, when I have to be, but the idea of running doesn’t excite me, so much as fill me with dread. I don’t like running, but it’s a necessary evil in my ongoing struggle to get off the couch and stay healthy.

july 2014 editor Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Kendra Mathewson Connie “Crash” Humiston, Jennifer Higgins

contributing photographers Rudy’s Portraits of Style and Design, Lani Odell McKenna Mathewson, Mallorie McKernan, Joel Schneider

advertising sales Annie Jennings | AJennings@LifestylePubs.com

That’s why our feature story on the High Five Station was so interesting to me. This group, scared that the human connection element of racing would be lost after the violence at the Boston Marathon, began showing up at races to encourage people.

An outstretched palm became something more than just a hand. It became a bridge.

I’ve always enjoyed going and supporting my friends who are athletic. My friend Matt has completed an IronMan and his wife Ruth, my best friend, is a marathoner.

I admire their dedication and have cheered them on. But the High Five Station is doing that for complete strangers.

I love what the High Five Station stands for: encouraging people that have chosen to challenge themselves. They are being the friends that you need two miles into a race. And they are doing it because they put themselves in those runners’ shoes and said, ‘what would I find encouraging?’ The High Five Station is the embodiment of the Golden Rule.

As we hear more reports of terrible things going on in the world, let’s take a moment and think of what others need. More often than not, it’s simply kindness: a smile, a high five or just a little grace as we struggle with a bad day. Kindness is free and its impact is so wide.

Heather Getz | HGetz@LifestylePubs.com

copy editor | Kendra Mathewson Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting NorthlandLifestyle.com

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry regional director | Michael Arel, marel@lifestylepubs.com chief financial officer | DeLand Shore national editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd advertising director | Mike Baugher production director | Christina Sandberg regional art director | Sara Minor ad coordinator | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel national copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham

Be kind. Be awesome. Give a high five this summer!

application architect | Michael O’Connell

Cheers,

it director | Randy Aufderheide

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

on the cover Clay’s Curbside Grill is taking the

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| NorthlandLifestyle.com |

7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | NorthlandLifestyle.com Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland’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 Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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July 2014

26

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

18

Now Open

20 Your Neighbor 22

Locally Owned

36

Giving Back

38

Hot Spot

42 Star Student 45 Sold Properties 46 Lifestyle Calendar

26 High Five Station

50 Parting Thoughts

Encouraging runners, one hand slap at a time.

30 History Restored

Brad Rolf is bring the Gittings/Carr house back to life.

32 The Taste of Home

Pete Dulin tastes memories and makes new ones on a trip to Thailand.

30

32

38

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National Train Day

May 10 was National Train Day. Fans celebrated at the Kansas City Northern Railroad in Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park.

Avondale United Methodist Church Day of Service Church members made mats out of plastic bags as part of the Day of Service on May 17th (part of the “Change the World� weekend) and then delivered to the homeless in North Kansas City (in partnership with Operation Uplift).

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10 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

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Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Event Hendrick Buick GMC Cadillac hosted the first-ever black-tie event at the Overland Park Convention Center. Hundreds of guests enjoyed an elegant evening honoring 10 Kansas City business and community leaders for a lifetime commitment to excellence.

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Around Town Charles Bartonlino Wins No Roof Left Behind National program No Roof Left Behind in conjunction with Premier Roofing in Gladstone has chosen Gladstone resident Charles Bartonlino as the recipient of a new roof after winning an online voting campaign.

Bartolino suffered a life-changing back injury several years ago that left him with a disabling condition. He can barely walk with a cane and suffers from chronic back pain. The neuropathy from his diabetes has made it even more challenging to deal with this painful condition.

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people through membership and offer new programs for all ages.

The project was made possible thanks to a voter-approved, halfcent sales tax to fund the parks and recreation system.

“The Y is grateful for our partnership with Platte County that has allowed this expansion and the opportunity to serve more people,” says Garry Linn, district vice president for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “We look forward to impacting more lives through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

The City of Parkville is also a partner with the Y and Platte County on the project.

The county broke ground on the expansion in March 2013. Platte County Community Center North in Platte City is also undergoing an expansion that will be complete this summer.

151st Platte County Fair Opens July 22 The oldest continuously running county fair west of the Mississippi has so much fun planned they added another night! The fair will run evenings July 22-25 and all day and night July 26. Daily admission is only $10 (including parking on the fairgrounds as available.) Children 12 years and younger are admitted free. A huge carnival, queen contest, petting zoo, fiddle and talent showcases, 4-H exhibits, motocross, demolition derby, mud-a-thon, nationally sanctioned truck and tractor pulls, arts and crafts, horse and mule shows and more will await fairgoers. There will be food vendors and live music nightly. The fairgrounds are located at exit 18 or 20 off Missouri’s I-29.

For a full schedule of the events and activities at the fair and locations for pre-season ticket sales visit PlatteCountyFair.com. Follow the fair on Facebook! To contact the fair call 816.431.FAIR.

Winner Recognized During Excellence in Education Banquet The Northland has a lot to be proud of, and education is on the top of the list. The Excellence in Education Banquet held on April 23 is a unique event bringing together eight school districts, seven universities and two counties in Kansas City’s Northland, to acknowledge the important role that education plays in the economic development and quality of life in the region. The banquet honored 183 outstanding students, teachers, staff, volunteers and business supporters of Northland education.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2014 Christa McAuliffe Pioneer in Education Award. This award is given to one outstanding classroom teacher who exhibits the kind of innovation, motivation and spirit demonstrated by the late Christa McAuliffe. This 2014 award recipient was to Laura Gilcrest, 6th Grade Science Teacher of the North Kansas City School District.

Laura’s commitment to help her students achieve success in experiencing science class in creative ways truly shines in the Northland!

Soma and Simply Mac To Open at Zona Rosa Platte County YMCA Expands The Platte County Commission and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City invite the community to celebrate the completion of the expansion of Platte County Community Center South in Parkville.

The expanded Platte County Community Center South, owned by the county and operated by the Y through a unique partnership, will be able to grow from serving 12,000 people to more than 14,000 12 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

Apple’s premier retail and service provider - Simply Mac - will open its first store in the Kansas City metropolitan area at Zona Rosa this summer, as well as Soma Intimates, the third area location for the popular lingerie boutique. Simply Mac will open next month and Soma is set to open this summer.

Soma Intimates, a division of Chico’s FAS, Inc., offers lingerie, loungewear, dresses, fragrance and beauty products. The home

of personal service, Soma embraces women with luxuriously soft fabrics, innovative fashion and an always-perfect fit. Established in 2004, Soma now operates more than 200 boutiques across the country as well as a website at Soma.com. The new store will occupy 2,200 square feet and will open at 8729 NW Prairie View Rd. next to Clark’s in the Dillard’s District.

Founded in 2006, Simply Mac stores offer sales, personalized classes, trade-in programs, and in- and out-of-warranty service and repair for Apple products. At Simply Mac’s newest location, Northland shoppers can purchase a new Apple computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone, trade in their old products for credit, and purchase certified pre-owned Apple computers and iPads. Customers and businesses can also purchase accessories for their Apple device, service their Apple products (in or out of warranty) and receive a personalized customer experience with no appointment necessary. The retailer will occupy 2,500 square feet at 7109 NW 86th Terr. between PINK and the Buckle.

Rebuilding Together Clay County Partners With Royals Charities Royals Charities, the foundation of the Kansas City Royals, and Rebuilding Together Clay County partnered together to build a wheelchair ramp for a veteran in Excelsior Springs. Both of these organizations place a high priority on providing essential assistance to local veterans and on improving the lives of the military and their families.

Rebuilding Together Clay County began installing a new wheelchair ramp for a veteran in Excelsior Springs during the last week of May.

This veteran served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1964 as an electrician, and he was primarily based at Terminal Island in Long Beach, California. He served during the police action that was the precursor of the Vietnam War. Mr. Tucker’s main job was to keep the telephones and other inter-communication devices running properly on the Destroyer ships he sailed. In addition to his regular duties, he also volunteered to help in many other ways. One memorable moment was when he volunteered to fight a fire that arose in Japan.

Now 72 years old, he struggles mightily from having several strokes.

He has partial paralysis as a result of the strokes, which makes him susceptible to falling. He also lost his ability to speak which is a very frustrating challenge. He has a motorized wheelchair that would make his life much easier and safer, but he needs a ramp in order to take full advantage of this chair.

In the words of Clay McQuerry, executive director of Rebuilding Together, “We are very grateful for Royals Charities and their support of this worthwhile project. Their funding will enable us to make a significant impact on this veteran’s life.”

Find out more at RebuildingTogether.org.

Local Shoe Lovers Unite Against Domestic Violence Hot Stiletto and the local fashion community are teaming up for the “Hot Stiletto’s 4th Annual Stiletto Party Soiree,” a footwear fête to benefit Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter. Hosted by KPRS Morning DJ, Sean Tyler, the gala event will take place July 20. It is

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For event information, call 816.709.8625 or e-mail vicki@hotstiletto.com.

Park University President Appointed as Chancellor The Park University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Michael H. Droge, Ph.D., as Park University Chancellor, effective July 1. Droge arrived at Park University in 2002 and has served as president since 2009. He previously was the University’s provost and senior vice president.

As chancellor, Droge will be seeking to identify new academic partnerships for Park, with special attention to developing new external relationships. This new position will provide a greater opportunity to generate current and future resources for the University.

“Appointing Mike Droge as chancellor will provide a fresh avenue to greatly expand and strengthen internal and external relationships. This new position will provide the University with an extensive opportunity to identify and advance academic programs,” explains Park University Board Chair Ann Mesle.

An interim president will be appointed by the Board of Trustees and will be in place by July 1. The interim selection will allow Droge to begin in his new role as chancellor and allow adequate time to process a presidential search.

Giving Used Instruments a Second Life Music 4 Jeremy’s Cherubs Foundation (M4JC) was formed in 2009 after a brain tumor ended the life of Jeremy Frye. Jeremy had just graduated from Baker University and was prepared to begin a music teaching career. His family started M4JC to carry on the work he was passionate about, seeing

Around Town

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that children and youth would enjoy music in their lives. Donated instruments are rehabbed and provided to schools throughout the Kansas City area and around the world. Guitars are sent to injured soldiers for music therapy programs. To date, more than 800 instruments and more than 100 guitars have found new life. In addition, 24 scholarships have been awarded to music students and future music educators. M4JC used its experience in urban schools to help Band of Angels start its focus on suburban schools. Donors can send information to M4JC about potential instruments through its website at Music4JeremyCherubs.org.

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The View at Briarcliff to Hold Casting Call for ABC’s The Bachelor Visions KC, the event management company at the Courtyard Kansas City at Briarcliff is proud to announce that they will be the location of the Kansas City casting call for ABC’s The Bachelor on July 10th! Kelly Hoefer, owner of Visions KC is excited about this great opportunity to hold such a high profile event in their beautiful space, The View at Briarcliff, which has a fantastic view of the Kansas City skyline. The casting call will run from 5 to 9 p.m. If you or any woman you know would like to audition to be on The Bachelor, be sure not to miss out!

For more information, contact Visions KC at VisionsKC.com or call 816.820.2541.

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Now Open

Staying Grounded with Om Prana Yoga Studio New Yoga Studio Opens in Parkville Article Pete Dulin | Photography Provided

D

owntown Parkville’s community-oriented focus was the primary reason why Wendy Landry chose to open Om Prana Yoga there in late March.

“We love the neighborhood,” says Landry, a Parkville resident.

“It felt like home. Main Street businesses are supportive of each other. I wanted a community feeling for my students.”

The sound of automotive traffic and the occasional train passing by serve as a reminder for Landry and her students to meditate and focus during class. The distractions and timetable of the outside world are everpresent, ready to disrupt inner peace. In the studio, a vibrant quilt of Indian deity Ganesha, created by local artist Julie Walter, is mounted on a brick wall. The textile artwork brightens the otherwise unadorned small space painted in a coffee-colored earth tone to complement the smooth wood floor.

Om Prana offers several courses including the slower-paced Gentle Yoga and Restorative Yoga classes. Landry, who has studied and practiced yoga with several yogis for 14 years, loves to teach beginners. When she first began yoga, performing the exercises was difficult. A fellow student encouraged her and told her she would be sore but to come back. Landry didn’t quit and now uses her experience and knowledge to introduce the form to others.

“I’m good at teaching from the ground up,” says Landry. “I use props like blankets and bolsters with beginners to help open up and restore the body.”

Landry works in a high-stress role at her full-time job and is a mother as well. She referred to her figure as she sat on a bolster on the studio floor. “I’m not a stick figure yogi. Yoga helps me settle 18 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

back into my body. Yoga has taught me to trust in my intuition, be confident in my mind and body, and it keeps me grounded.”

Other instructors on staff exhibit a specific passion for what they teach. Instructor Carrie Dienhard teaches Mystic Mama Prenatal Yoga. ”This class is designed to help mothers adjust as their body shifts and help them connect with their bodies intuitively. Yoga helps maintain breathe control during pregnancy and the birth process,” Landry says. The exercises also aid with improving circulation, increasing energy, and building strength and flexibility.

“We teach mothers skills they can practice at home.”

A twice-weekly lunchtime class lasts 45 minutes per session.

Other classes span an hour and 15 minutes. Landry keeps the class enrollment capped at 13 students to ensure each person has oneon-one interaction with the instructor.

“The studio size and space was designed so we can give individual attention,” Landry says. “One student stated that she felt like she was the only one in the room during class. That’s what we’re going for.”

Landry’s initial plan for Om Prana Yoga was to keep the studio small and family-oriented so “people feel connected.”

Her eventual dream is to open a wellness center in a larger space where students “can get a full mind-body holistic approach to healing.”

Her business plans mirror the outlook she described about her 14-year path with yoga. “It’s a journey not a destination.”

For more information on class schedules and fees, visit OmPranaYoga.com.

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Your Neighbor

Northland Proud:

Meet The Running Well Store’s Kathy Gates Native Northlander is making her home a perfect place to work and play Article Lisa Allen | Photography Lani Odell

K

athy Gates describes herself as a Midwestern girl with a diverse background. Born in Kansas City and a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Gates spent part of her childhood in California and took a job in advertising in New York City after college before coming back home to the Northland.

During her time in New York, where she worked with global brands like Downy, Febreze and Intel, Gates learned about corporate strategy.

She loved the thrill and the competition of the industry, and her experience there taught her how to market products in a tight economy.

But it was what happened outside the client meetings that she truly enjoyed.

“A colleague and I were always in the hallway, talking about business ideas,” she says.

She returned to Missouri and spent a year working in advertising here. At the same time, she and her dad started an e-commerce business, making and selling products for runners. Knowing she needed help to grow the business, she took to Google and ended up having coffee with Bob Lafferty.

Lafferty owned Sports Medicine Store Metro Walk & Run, a brick and mortar store on Barry Road. Gates says they immediately connected and talked for three hours. Then Lafferty proposed that she purchase his store.

“I said, ‘Oh, Bob, you’re so funny!” says Gates. “But I knew that our connection wasn’t going to end with that one conversation.” After negotiations, Gates became owner of the Northland business.

She changed the name to make the store her own. Now with a staff of two full time and eight part time employees, as well as her personal assistant, running buddy and Wheaton Terrier, Otis, who normally comes to the store with her, Gates focuses as much on strategic partnerships as she does the business or running.

“We rededicated ourselves to running,” says Gates, “but what we offer isn’t limited to just runners. We work with a lot of walkers and with nurses, who are on their feet all day. We can still do a stride analysis at a walk and we want to educate everyone about what is going on with their feet,” she says. “Our sports medicine background helps us service a wide range of people.”

The stride analysis is a personalized process that involves walking on a treadmill in the store. The gait is recorded and analyzed, which results in better selection of shoes that will assist most with a person’s unique needs.

“We bring out all the brands in any given category,” says Gates,

20 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

“and let customers take them for a run on the treadmill. And, we offer a guarantee. Shoes have to be in salable condition, but customers can run in them for 30 days and, if necessary, bring them back to the store. We always want them to fit just right.”

Gates and her team also plan unique events that appeal to runners, walkers and those who fall someplace in between the two.

There’s the Yoga Run, which consists of 40 minutes of running and 40 minutes of yoga. Gates says the program is particularly important for runners because running is a predominantly repetitive motion, and the yoga sessions led by Michelle Derry of YMCA Platte County South Center are athletic, challenging sequences that promote flexibility and strength.

There’s also the Group Run Beer Run, a 3-4 mile run held the first Tuesday of every month that ends at a local favorite Cinder Block Brewery, which offers the runners a 15 percent discount.

Gates has also established the Northland Race Series, which celebrates everyone who runs in the Northland. There are currently 16 races included in the Northland Race Series, all of which are locally organized and raise funds that stay in the community.

“I am so proud of the Northland and I want to build relationships, not compete with each other,” says Gates. “Sometimes races are scheduled on the same days, and people have to pick and choose which charities they support. By doing the Northland Race Series, everyone is giving back.”

“The Northland is such an amazing community,” says Gates, “and I think it’s really come into its own. I love that I live and work in a place where people look each other in the eye and say hello. And it’s beautiful here! One of my favorite places to run is Line Creek Trail, because even though it’s right in the middle of Kansas City, it’s just gorgeous.

“I love the Christmas Light Run, and I am the run director. Last year was our first; 816 people registered and we raised $22,000.00 for Girls on the Run. I love this race not only because of that, but because we run Armour Road and then through a historic neighborhood to check out its Christmas lights. What could be better?”

For more information about The Running Well Store, The Northland Race Series and Gates’ other events, visit TheRunningWellStore.com

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Give it a Whack!

For some wicket good summer fun, try your hand at croquet with Kactus Creek Croquet Club Article Kendra Mathewson | Photography McKenna Mathewson

O

ne of the less common but wellknown sights and sounds of summer is a good, old-fashioned family game of backyard croquet. Who hasn’t enjoyed figuring out where to stick the metal U-shaped wickets to create the most challenging course for your friends and family?

Figuring out which swing will work best and trying to remember the rules of the game from the last time you played... the satisfying sound of the whack of the mallet against the ball, and the mutual “ooo’s” and “ahhh’s” accompanied by making it through the hoop, or not.

All that time you thought you were really playing croquet. However, that game we all know and love is called “9 wicket croquet,” a recreational version of the competitive sport of “6 wicket croquet” played around the world. It’s a “real sport.” Specially built courts and precision equipment (no wiggly wire wickets) set the stage for an addictive game that is actually full of skill and strategy—they say it is like chess on the grass.

But where can one go to learn this great game? Believe it or not, Kansas City has its 22 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

own professional croquet club—perfectly suited for one-timers to try it, or for anyone who wants to become part of the competitive croquet community.

Kactus Creek Croquet Club (KCCC) is located 5 minutes west of Zona Rosa on a quiet hill in the “back yard” of Matt Griffith, owner and club pro. Though it truly is his back yard, it doesn’t feel that way at all. A builder by trade, Griffith is a champion-level croquet competitor who loves and advocates for the sport. It’s been his passion for nearly 35 years. He loves the strategic aspect of the game.

“Croquet is not just shot making, you have to out think your opponent,” he says.

Over 15 years he used his skills and resources as owner of Griffith Construction to create the perfectly manicured court for himself and his friends to be able to practice in Kansas City. The aluminum and ornamental fencing his company specializes in frames the court nicely. He never expected to become a full-service croquet club but that’s exactly what has happened, thanks to “golf croquet.”

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13312 NW 76th Street Parkville, MO 64152 816.665.6762 Pay-to-Play: $30 for 3 hours for 4 people Check website for open play times Call Matt to book.

Wine & Wicket Wednesdays - $5 to play (1st night free), bring whatever you like to drink Like them on Facebook to learn of events throughout the season.

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The Casual Game of Golf Croquet

“We teach you a whole new game,” says Griffith. “Golf croquet is the easiest game in the world, it’s nice and easy for people any age or ability to play. The basics are easy to learn, yet there’s always a new level for those seeking a challenge.”

This fun, social version is different from backyard and competitive games. It takes 20-25 minutes to play a game. The goal for two teams of two people is to play to 5 points. One shot through the wicket scores a point and play moves on. Matt and other members coach and give tips until visiting players are comfortable.

The club welcomes newcomers and anyone who wants to come play for fun. A community of friendly, experienced members are happy to share tips or play a game with you. The club teaches members a variety of competitive croquet games for area and national competitions. Club members have full access to the facility to practice and prepare for competitions The KCCC court’s surface is golf course green quality Bermuda grass that requires daily grooming and attention to maintain a perfect playing surface. The court is equipped with lighting to allow play well into the late evening hours.

While croquet is primarily popular on the coasts, especially Florida, KCCC is a thriving part of the Midwest region, which also has clubs in Tulsa, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston and Kansas City. Griffith is vice president of the Midwest Region of U.S. Croquet Association. On September 19, KCCC will host the National 9-wicket tournament on the Liberty Memorial grounds, a fun event to put on

the calendar to watch. Players from all over the country and Canada will be here to compete.

Because it’s a social sport, croquet is perfect for parties. KCCC’s pergola and waterfall create a perfect atmosphere for groups, and the court can host four games simultaneously so 16 people can play at once. KCCC can be rented for networking events, picnics, reunions, birthday and employee parties. They can handle events up to 150 people.

“Putting on parties and playing croquet is living my dream,” says Griffith.

You can view a video at the U.S. Croquet Association’s website CroquetAmerica.com. Then give the new version a whack at Kansas City’s own croquet club.

What to Wear?

The word “croquet” evokes images of country-club types in all white attire. Tournaments and some clubs maintain that tradition, but at KCCC, come as you are and discover that people from all walks of life enjoy the game. Just make sure to wear flat shoes to protect the grass. The all-white attire stems from croquet’s shared history with tennis: Wimbledon actually started as a croquet club but at the turn of the century, tennis grew in popularity and croquet lawns became tennis courts.

Tennis was an all-white sport so croquet followed suit.

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Be Awesome Today: High Five a Runner!

Local runners band together against fear and for their fellow athletes.

Article Lisa Allen | Photography Provided

E

veryone needs a cheerleader.

For The High Five Station, the cheers come in the form of not only verbal encouragement, but in high fives for anyone willing to be on the receiving end of an encouraging palm slap as they put one foot in front of the other in the quest to cross the finish line.

Comprised of runners who were stunned by the bombing at the Boston Marathon in 2013, the group came together because each worried that attending races as runners and spectators might forever change because of fear. Instead of letting that fear keep them silent on the sidelines, they went to the Garmin Marathon in Kansas City—the first local marathon immediately following the Boston bombing—with signs in tow. They cheered and they high fived anyone willing to be touched.

“We had a blast,” says Karie Fahrenholz. Fahrenholz and her husband Dane Johnson and friends Scott Bowling and Tricia Kyler 26 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

Bowling are the original members of The High Five Station. “Even so, we didn’t do it again until the following year, again at the Garmin Marathon. Now we have a goal to do it at least once a month.

Our motivation is we know that some people really need some encouragement to keep going.

Some are motivated by music, others by seeing signs; we’re high fiving those who appreciate a more personal touch.

Some people are a little apprehensive at first,” says Fahrenholz, “and they probably wonder why we’re doing this. Our motivation is we know that some people really need some encouragement to keep going. Some are motivated by music, others by seeing signs; we’re high fiving those who appreciate a more personal touch.

Some people aren’t interested in a high five, and that’s perfectly fine,” says Fahrenholz. “Others approach us later and thank us, saying that they appreciate what we’re doing.”

The time commitment is small, says Fahrenholz. Each member high fives for a couple of hours, and on days when races overlap they try to target spots in which they’ll be able to encourage the largest number of people.

“We’re runners ourselves, so we get what it’s like to be in a race,” says Fahrenholz.

Fahrenholz started running with her husband eight years ago. She completed her first 5K then, and has continued to run. She has a 10K and a half marathon to her credit now, but admits that some days she still has to talk herself into getting started. She is currently training for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in Squaw Valley, Calif., and is also organizing KC Local Week in August, which aims to connect and raise awareness in the greater Kansas City area.

Her husband Dane Johnson is runner and tri-athlete, and is the “official town crier” of the High Five Station, which means he’s the one in front with the High Five Station sign at events. Johnson is a teacher who specializes in literacy education for at-risk readers.

Scott Bowling is a Boston Qualifier and Ironman as well as a blogger and software developer. His wife Tricia doesn’t compete but calls herself the ultimate athletic supporter. She makes pie on Fridays in the summer, blogs and has a background in theatre. She says she attends races to ogle other peoples’ dogs in addition to honing her high fiving skills.

Fahrenholz’s goal this year is to run 1,000 miles. She prefers running outdoors, because she can take in the scenery and says that she continually recommits to her running practice. Her advice to anyone who wants to run but thinks they can’t is simply to move.

“Do it slow,” she says. “Take small steps, work toward a goal and just keep trying. Running is a personal challenge, and you just have to be smart about it. Listen to your body and work at your own pace, and know your own schedule. I’m not a morning person, so I don’t try to push myself then. Everyone is different, and it’s fine to make running fit into your life instead of the other way around.”

Fahrenholz’s advice, combined with her passion for The High Five Station, reinforces the fact that even though running can be a very personal, solitary activity, a bit of community and encouragement can help even the most introverted runners press on.

“We quickly realized that giving a little bit of joy and laughter to runners to get them through to the next mile was even better than overcoming our own fear after the Boston bombing,” she says. “We love to see others out there running, and we love to cheer them on!”

The group is in the process of branding. A logo is in the works and they are designing t-shirts that say ‘Be Awesome Today’ on the back. They welcome anyone who wants to join them in offering high fives to runners, and they update their Facebook page with current schedules and information about upcoming runs.

“We love when people come to high five once, but we also love when people really get into it and come back to join us more than once. We welcome everyone who wants to spread a little bit of happiness through high fives to join us,” says Fahrenholz.

July 2014 | Northland Lifestyle 27

Gittings-Carr Home Under Renovation In Liberty Brad Rolf Construction renovates almost 150-year-old home.

Article Jennifer Higgins Photography Mallorie McKernan Archival photography provided by Brad Rolf

T

he corner of Leonard and Mill streets in Liberty once had a different feel: it was the intersection of two train routes with a mill on the northwest side. It was here in 1861 that Darius Gittings, the sheriff of Clay County and mill owner, started his house. This antebellum home, at 143 South Leonard, sat on the hill alone, not surrounded by other houses as it does now, and had a commanding view of his mill and the railroad depot. The house has since weathered a fire, a couple additions and was converted into apartments around 1922, but stayed in the family until recently.

30 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

“The original property was the whole block, while there may have been other buildings. The mill burned in the 1900’s, and houses began to be built around the area. One distinctive feature of the house is the three layers of brick that were common at that time period; the walls are 8 to 10 inches thick in the walls,” says Chris Harris, local historian and guest lecturer for the Clay County Archives and Historical Museum.

In September, Brad Rolf of Brad Rolf Construction took ownership of the house from Gittings’ great, great grandchildren,

Chery Holtman-Carr and Richard Carr, and is in the process of restoring and renovating the almost 150-year old home. Rolf is working with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office as well as the City of Liberty. After a rough winter that saw no construction on the house from Thanksgiving until mid-January, Rolf hopes to have the home finished mid-August. They are trying to preserve as many details of the original house as they can.

“I couldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t do this right. I don’t want it be like a classic car that someone comes in and monkeys it up; I want to do it right,” Rolf says.

Rolf’s crew is taking the time to not only update the house with features like indoor plumbing, air conditioning, a top of the line kitchen, and a three-car garage, but also to preserve as much as they can of the original house or to replicate it. The home will have the original trim dating back to 1865, they have preserved three of the five fireplaces in the house, showcased a beam that predated the house around a doorframe, recreated corbels from photographs, and unearthed the original cellar steps that had been filled in. One key feature of the home was the impressive front porch, and Rolf’s crew is working to replicate it.

“The front porch would have been the key feature of the home. The roof of the porch was sagging, so we brought in a crane to lift the roof 10-11 inches and put in two steel poles to support it. We have some men working on recreating the front pillars; there were eight on the first floor, and eight on the second floor, each made up of about 60-80 different trim pieces,” Rolf says.

Another impressive renovation is to the original shutters of the house. There were 20 pairs around the windows, along with

the original shutter hardware with a patent stamp of 1854.

“We have a couple guys taking the shutters apart and putting them back together.

When we started pulling them apart, we found roman numerals on the side of each to brand them. We have rebuilt 12 pairs of shutters,” Rolf says.

Rolf has discovered odd construction patterns as he has been renovating, along with finding unusual items.

“We have found wooden bricks inserted in wall cavities to fasten the trim. We’ve found hand forged nails and pins, an old coin from 1805. There’s no engineering to their construction; that’s just how they did it. In the cellar, you can really see the unusual construction in the way they put the beams together to hold up three floors of a brick fireplace,” Rolf says.

Chery Holtmann-Carr is the great, great granddaughter of Darius Gittings and oldest surviving member of the family, and until a few years ago, still lived in the home.

“I couldn’t even begin to name a favorite memory of that house. I grew up there as a child, got married and moved away, but came back and raised my own children here. The house was always full of family gatherings; that’s what I remember and love the most. Family memories throughout,” Carr says.

Carr is not worried about what might become of her former home.

“Brad is doing a fantastic job. He’s taking the time to do a great job, and he’s making it as nice as he can for an old house.

He’s into history, and it’s great to have it renovated. I hope I win the lottery so I can buy the house back,” Carr says.

Upon completion of the renovation, Rolf plans a 150-year celebration of the home.

Ruth Carr south of Leonard St. house with barns in back

Mother and Dick at Leonard house

July 2014 | Northland Lifestyle 31

Assorted dishes

At the Family Table A return to a far off homeland reconnects one writer with his palate and family.

Article and Photography by Pete Dulin

R

ecently, I ate more than 100 distinct dishes and foods during a month-long trip to Thailand while visiting relatives. My dual identity there as both family and farang, a foreigner, influenced my experience with Thai food in relation to my Thai relatives, customs and local culture. Also, I discovered challenges to the cherished memories and impressions I had formed on previous trips.

Eight years has passed since I last visited the family home located in Ban Song. The village is located in the rural-meets-urban district of Pranom Sarakham in Chachoengsao province, roughly two hours east of Bangkok. The region remained predominantly agricultural but changes had crept into nearby suburban areas in my absence.

Mere miles from the village, a Tesco Lotus store – the Thai-owned hyperchain similar to Walmart and Costco – and Cafe Amazon, where teen baristas sell coffee drinks, now served a steady stream of customers. For me, this modern com32 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

Chicken curry soup

mercialism intruded on the imagery of life in Thailand’s countryside that I once knew. Increasingly, busy Thais anywhere with purchasing power now paid for the convenience and increased offering of packaged goods and products. As a foreigner, who was I to object to this apparent progress?

Western restaurant and beverage chains in BangFried mackerel kok, Pattaya and other farang-friendly cities already catered to tourists as expected. It was hard to accept that this near-global commercialism in global urban and suburban areas would one day reach my family’s corner of the world. This way of life held appeal for local Thais just as much as residents in Liberty or Leawood. I wasn’t quite ready for a future where fried fast food, packaged goods and lattes replaced the home-style food I craved so close to my second home.

Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about when it came to home-cooked food. Two of my aunts are skilled cooks. My family, descended from several generations of farmers, remained closely connected to the land and it showed Steamed squash in their use of ingredients.

For example, my Aunt Pui cut bamboo shoots fresh from the jungle behind the house. Those shoots wound up in a light broth with boiled pork still on the bone and served with rice. Aunt Pong gathered clumps of oyster mushrooms from the backyard. She stir-fried the mushrooms and served them with herbs, sweet chili and a light soy sauce. Fresh-picked clusters of chaom, a fern-like plant with feathery leaves, were either used in a fluffy omelette or steamed and served with rice. Fish and shrimp bought at the market were steamed and then pounded by mortar and pestle into a curry paste. I made a point to hone my senses and absorb the flavor, aroma and texture of each dish I ate, knowing it wouldn’t be duplicated in Thai restaurants or my kitchen back home.

My family bought fresh produce, fish, meat and other ingredients on a nearly daily basis from the nearby outdoor market or from food vendors at stalls perched alongside the highway.

Made-from-scratch meals used these ingredients supplemented with herbs, vegetables and fruit harvested from the family land. When it was too hot to cook, meals were purchased from local food stands and restaurants to support families in the area that were neighbors.

During my entire stay, I never heard terms like organic, local, natural and sustainably grown.

It’s fashionable to tout these qualities in the food grown, raised, cooked and sold in U.S. restaurants and supermarkets, perhaps because our food system has strayed so far from its roots. Here, these Northern style stir fried words weren’t necessary vegetables with fried chicken for the meals I ate.

Whether it was guay thiew, a soup similar to Vietnamese pho, steamed squash, steamed squid stuffed with seasoned ground pork, or khao pad (fried rice), cooks prepared dishes using local ingredients sourced within a few miles from our home. I concentrated on how good the food tasted and smelled rather than be concerned Bamboo with chaom in broth about its pedigree.

Food in my family wasn’t mere sustenance. When someone announced “gin khao,” telling us to come eat, the meal served as a time for connection. Together, my strong-willed aunts and cousins discussed issues, joked, recalled stories, and debated fine points in rapid-fire Thai. Eating together broke up the hot days and reinforced social bonds. When I have dined at a Thai restaurant in Kansas City or elsewhere, I missed that camaraderie.

I have always longed for authentic Thai food in Kansas City, apart from my mom’s cooking. Unfortunately, it’s rarely cost-effective or practical for stateside restaurants to duplicate native Thai dishes. Fresh ingredients aren’t accessible due to cost or availability. Most Thai restaurant cooking balances food costs and cultural appeal with pleasing the widest possible audience.

One trick is to serve a pan-Thai menu. It’s a sort of greatest hits of Thai food that inevitably includes pad thai, pad see ew, tom yum, and July 2014 | Northland Lifestyle 33

at the family table (continued)

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several curries with origins from different regions of the country. Concessions to authenticity are also made to accommodate Western palates and expectations. [By the way, there’s no such level of heat as “Thai hot” in Thailand.]

For example, I ate fried mackerel or tilapia on a daily basis overseas. With head, tail and fins still intact, the fish is gutted, skinned and fried whole before plating.

Flaky meat is picked off the fish with a fork, taking care to separate the bones. The fish tastes far better prepared this way. In the U.S., fish served with bones would result in a lawsuit, or diners wouldn’t care for the less refined presentation.

Eating Thai food with my family in their home or at local restaurants was a completely different experience. The food wasn’t pan-Thai, but instead reflected a regional culinary style. Southern Thai cooking featured Indian and Muslim influences that differed from the central region, northern cities like Chiang Mai, and coastal fare. Also, food is made with respect to family influences, local ingredients and customs. For example, pad Thai is prepared and served dozens of different ways depending on the cook, local ingredients, and regional tastes. Certainly, dishes aren’t adulterated for farangs unless

it happens to be a Thai restaurant serving a tourist audience.

When I return reluctantly from a trip to my home away from home, I miss both family and the food in profound ways. The withdrawal is emotional, sensory, and cultural. Once in a while, I taste a bite of Thai food here that transports me across time and geography for a fleeting moment. Until I can return to Ban Song, I keep seeking that next magical bite.

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Giving Back

Riding the Rails Kansas City Northern Railroad Stays on Track Article and Photography Pete Dulin

F

ifty cents is a small price to pay for a ticket to ride a train at the Kansas City Northern Railroad. For a couple of quarters, folks can hop aboard and ride the sleek Southern Belle, The Eagle or the City of Kansas City. Each miniature train runs along a halfmile track and makes two loops. Passengers may not travel far, but the trip is still a journey worth taking.

Kansas City Northern Railroad, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization (KCNRR.com), works in partnership with the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department to operate three restored miniature trains at the depot located in Line Creek Park. Each train hauls up to 48 passengers. The trains traverse a scenic route through a stone tunnel, past Creekview, Groundhog Hollow, Waukomis Bend and over the High Bridge. Sound charming? The five-minute trip is worth every penny.

The history of the Kansas City Northern Railroad dates back to 1984, when the Parks and Recreation Department wanted to restore an old Swope Park Zoo train for operation. A group of volunteers organized, including current president of KC Northern Railroad Walter Ohrnell, to see what could be done.

He recalls that day 30 years ago when volunteers inspected the Kansas City

36 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

Southern, now named the Southern Bell.

“It was one cold day on January 4th,” says Ohrnell, a 33-year Northland resident. “The train was in terrible shape.”

The train entered service in 1953 at the Kansas City Zoo and ran in Swope Park until 1972 when it was retired. The train was stored initially in a North Kansas City warehouse. Parts were later stored until 1984 in Parkville and also near Worlds of Fun. Broken, rusted, and covered in red, green, and silver paint from its use as a Santaland ride at one time, the train’s restoration was a major undertaking. By 1992, volunteers completed the overhaul to working condition and the first train began running at the Line Creek Depot.

Since then, the organization has acquired and restored two more trains. The second train originally operated in 1955 as a locomotive at the Pittsburgh (Pa.) Zoo. It was secured from a group in Manhattan, Kan., where it ran in the city park.

The third train, a model dubbed the Missouri Pacific, once ran at the Ross Park Zoo in 1963 in Binghampton, New York. Kansas City Northern purchased the rusted

hulk in 2001. After extensive restoration, it was placed in service in 2005.

Each train has a distinct identity. The Southern Belle is painted black, yellow and red with a Kansas City Southern logo on its nose. The blue and cream model with a light yellow stripe is the Eagle and bears a stainless steel eagle on the engine’s nose. The City of Kansas City aka Kansas City Northern displays rich maroon and cream-colored markings. The trains are equipped with a horn and run 8-10 miles per hour.

Ohrnell explains how two of the miniature trains were manufactured in Indiana while the Allan Herschell Company in North Tonawanda, New York made the Missouri Pacific, with coaches two inches wider than its counterparts.

Approximately 40 volunteers at KC Northern Railroad take turns performing various roles during operating hours (Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun., noon–6 p.m., plus summer holidays, May through September) and in their spare time. A depot ticket agent collects fares.

The train conductor oversees the station and ensures the trains run on schedule. The locomotive engineer keeps the three beauties running smooth with support from mechanics and a track crew.

The railyard itself houses a workshop, office, conductor sta-

tion and train depot surrounded by a track that winds around bucolic park grounds. The trains are not the only items restored for use at the railroad.

Some equipment on the grounds was also salvaged and re-used, Ohrnell points out.

“The crossing signals were salvaged from the dump. Stones used to build the tunnel came from Paseo High School.

The 70-foot steel bridge was reclaimed from the old Armco plant,” he says. “The flagpole came from a McDonalds.”

Ohrnell’s interest in miniature and model trains reflects his former profession working for Chicago Burlington in Quincy, Ill., and later for Burlington Northern. He’s worked in many roles for full-scale trains and railroad companies in Illinois and Kansas.

Similarly, he’s performed every volunteer role at KC Northern Railroad with enthusiasm.

“I’ve always liked trains,” Ohrnell says. “Each train has its quirks.”

One of the shiny trains prepares to depart along the tracks.

While it skirts past green grass, trees, and a sloping hill that houses the tunnel, stories unwind and a journey of imagination, adventure and nostalgia awaits.

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Hot Spot

Clay’s Curbside Grill Serving Up Summer Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider

T

o me, there’s nothing that says summer more than a fat, juicy hot dog at a picnic bench. It conjures up images of being a kid, with no worries of waistlines or shirt drips.

Adam and Jennifer Clay are letting the hot dog grow up a bit with their gourmet twist on a backyard classic at Clay’s Curbside Grill. This hot dog stand with indoor seating is a lunchtime staple in North Kansas City at its location at 101 Armour Road.

Adam mans the stand while Jennifer takes orders at chalkboard full of possibilities inside the quaint eating space. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a hot dog doesn’t make a meal. At Clay’s Curbside Grill, they are taking hot dogs to the next level.

The menu is full of familiar classics and a basic all beef hot dog on a soft Roma Bakery bun will run you $3. There’s a variety of toppings available from your standard mustard and ketchup to homemade chili, freshly diced onions, bacon and more.

For many, the gold standard of gourmet dogs will be the Chicago dog, and they do it right here. The ¼ pound dog is fully dressed with tomato, mustard, fluorescent green relish, fresh onion, peppers and a dill pickle spear. It’s definitely a two-napkin experience. But I was looking for something more unique.

On my first visit, alone, and at 11 a.m., I was greeted by Jennifer at the counter who kindly explained the menu, adding tidbits about each one that I was considering. After choosing the Reuben dog ($8), she recommended a knife and fork and additional napkins. She was right.

38 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

While $8 is a bit steep for a regular hot dog, this was no regular hot dog. This was a hot dog that eloped with a Jewish deli. With a foundation of a rye hot dog bun, this was piled high with corned beef, kraut and 1000 island dressing with a split hot dog wedged in the middle. Honestly, the hot dog was the least influential as far as taste, but I was busy chomping on melted Swiss and corned beef to care. And trust Jennifer. You need the knife and fork, if only to divide and conquer this into a two piece experience.

Chips and sodas are also available, but due to concern for my arteries and waistline, I forwent them in favor of a bottle of water.

After eating the Reuben dog in what seemed like record time, I vowed to come back for some other intriguing combinations.

The next day, I came back at noon with my husband. We decided on the KC BBQ dog and the Hawaiian dog, both made with Scimeca’s sausages. Both were $8 but with the expectation of the prior experience, I didn’t flinch this time. Together with two drinks and a bag of chips, it was still an affordable and very filling lunch.

A word to the wise: Clay’s Curbside is not a secret if you work downtown in North Kansas City. Soon after we ordered, a fast moving line formed, with Jennifer knowing most people by name, joking and laughing with them.

In no time, we had two monstrous culinary masterpieces on buns in front of us. My KC dog was made with a Scimeca’s Italcontinued >

8781 n. platte purchase drive kansas city, mo 64155 tel 816.587.3200 fax 816.587.7644

Congratulations Pediatric Care North on 25 great years!

Looking forward to the next 25! www.pediatriccarenorth.com Susan L. Storm MD Laurie D. Riddell MD Ermalyn Kubart MD Stephanie A Marx MD Kathyrn Hauptmann MD Melissa J. Beard MD Stephanie R. Bays DO Heather J. Malone MD Kathleen Ballenger PNP

Hot Spot

(continued)

ian sausage, topped with no less than four full strips of bacon and slathered with Gates BBQ sauce. It came with fresh onions, which I opted out of, but I can see how the spice of onion might cut through the richness of the dog.

My husband’s Hawaiian dog was the true winner though.

Glazed with a tropical sauce, this Scimeca’s sausage must have thought it died and went to heaven. Topped with freshly grilled pineapple, sliced scallions and orange and red peppers, this is the dog for the most discerning palate. Like Hawaiian pizza? You ain’t seen nothing till you’ve had a Hawaiian dog.

Combined with a clean and bright indoor seating area, the friendly banter of Jennifer and Adam and the option to enjoy the breeze outside, I can imagine how this would be the perfect respite from a long day at the office. I’ll definitely be back when I want the gourmet taste of summer!

Clay’s Curbside Grill Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Closed Sundays.

101 Armour Rd North Kansas City, MO 64116 For more information, call 816.739.6543.

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Star Student

So You Think You Can Dance?

Sure do, sure can, sure did, still do, says SYTYCD Star Hayley Erbert Article Connie “Crash” Humiston | Photography Provided

F

or six years, Hayley Erbert, a 2013 graduate of Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, drove 180 miles round trip, three to four times weekly, to study at Priscilla and Dana’s School of Dance in North Kansas City.

A star student, she became a household name on last year’s season 10 of the hit Fox show, making it into the top three females before being voted off Aug. 27 by home viewers. Erbert always had the vote at P&D. “Hayley excels in all genres, which is extremely rare,” affirms instructor Teri Day. “In the flip of a coin, she can be a prima ballerina, street hip-hop dancer, playful musical theater performer, fierce tapper and emotional contemporary dancer.”

Her talent is a result of years of training and devotion to her art, Day relates, plus being further blessed with the ‘it’ factor, that indefinable quality that makes her so incredible.

From Oct. to Dec. 2013, Erbert took that ‘it’ factor on the road with a SYTYCD 45-city tour. Following her move to Los Angeles in January 2014, she’s taught master classes nationally and performed in a few small shows.

Recently, she was selected as one of 10 dancers to join “Dancing with the Stars” brother/sister duo Derek and Julianne Hough for their Move Live on Tour through the end of July, in which she performs a contemporary duet with Derek Hough.

For the May 28 tour opening in Wichita, Day and P&D Co-owner Dana McGuire were provided tickets due to their huge impact on Erbert’s life, says her mother Debbie Schwartz of Topeka. Indeed, it was well worth the drive from Topeka, affirms Erbert.

42 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

“P&D is my second family,” she says. “Dana, Teri, Joni, Andi and Stephanie, who have been my P&D teachers, plus my fellow dancers, have all inspired me in different ways. Not to mention Ms. Priscilla who has the kindest heart of anyone I have ever met.”

Besides high marks for P&D’s amazing staff and hardest-working dancers, Erbert learned so much more than dance.

“The studio was a place to find myself and develop lifelong friendships,” she says. “In high school it was the one place I knew I belonged.”

Her advice for aspiring students? “Push yourself beyond your limits. Never give up on your dreams. The main thing is to stay humble and true to yourself.”

Undeniably, Erbert is a superstar in these categories.

“She didn’t change a bit,” Day concurs. “I think the audience loved her humbleness and related to her genuine personality. I remember one day realizing she had more than 30,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter (@dance10hayley)—and she was still posting pictures of her family, puppies and dance teammates …. that’s Hayley!”

The whole world is now a stage for Erbert.

“Once the tour is over,” Erbert says, “I will be choreographing group routines around the Midwest and teaching master classes, including at this fall’s Dancers Inc. Convention. I hope to be auditioning for a new tour and traveling abroad in the future.”

And the world for P&D these days?

“We miss watching Hayley dance, but even more we miss her as a person,” Day says. “Her sweet disposition, charisma and individuality are as rare as her talent. She makes us so proud and she continues to represent Priscilla & Dana’s brilliantly!”

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Northland Properties Subdivision

Average List Price

Average Sold Price

%List To Sold

DOM*

Tiffany Greens

$733,900

$733,900

100%

NC

Thousand Oaks

$468,040

$460,693

98%

18

Riss Lake

$460,011

$449,234

97%

142

The National

$522,966

$501,333

96%

269

Copperleaf

$474,070

$479,080

101%

136

Staley Farms

$484,694

$487,494

100%

180

Pine Groves

$480,100

$539,451

112%

NC

Weatherby Highlands

$475,000

$435,000

92%

49

Shoal Creek Valley

$425,000

$410,500

96%

56

Montebella

$413,400

$432,708

105%

NC

Overland Ridge

$383,000

$383,000

100%

289

Bent Oaks

$390,000

$355,000

91%

70

Staley Hills

$362,753

$362,753

100%

NC

North Shore

$359,900

$355,000

98%

156

Aggregate Subdivision Sales per Heartland MLS 5/1/2014 – 6/1/2014 NC - New Construction

Briarcliff West 4509 N Hickory Lane $1,395,000 MLS# 1881226

*Average Days on Market

Riss Lake 8138 Clearwater Pointe $1,450,000 MLS# 1876452

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Russ Wolfe 816.564.4100

Connor Sweeney 816.217.7352

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The National 6837 N National Drive $1,199,999 MLS# 1869777

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6300 N Lucerne Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64151 816.746.2777 July 2014 | Northland Lifestyle 45

Lifestyle Calendar

July July 9

begin at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at approximately 9 p.m. No admission fee. (Please note pets are not permitted at the event.) 816.274.8444.

Free ACT Practice Test

July 12

College Nannies & Tutors Learning

4th Annual Northland Hot Trot

Center in Zona Rosa

NE 42nd Street & Chouteau Trafficway

Area high school students are invited to attend this free ACT practice test. What better way to beat the heat than to practice taking one of the most important tests of a high school student’s academic career? Local junior or senior students are invited to participate in this stress-free opportunity to take the ACT. Interested families can contact College Nannies & Tutors at 816-2565907 to save a seat!

The 4th Annual Northland Hot Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk is a benefit for Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. The event will be followed by a block-party style reception with recognition of the winning runners and a live concert by Abbey Road, with food and beverages provided. NNI.org/hottrot/

fair’s young and adult musicians representing the youth talent showcase, adult talent contest and professional entertainment.

Candidates for 2014 PCF Queen will be there, too. There will even be a drawing for a special family fair basket.

July 12 Second Saturdays Downtown Weston

Stroll into unique shops and galleries for late night shopping and enjoy in-store specials, local wine and beer, food samples and live entertainment. WestonMO.com

July 12, 19, 26, August 2 Free Saturday night movies Briarcliff at Mulberry Lake

Join us for free outdoor movies under the stars! Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy The Incredibles, The Avengers, Pitch Perfect and Despicable Me 2. Movies start at 8:45 p.m.

July 17-27 KC Fringe Festival Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops

July 9, 11, 12

Now in its tenth year, the KC Fringe Festival is a city-wide celebration of local, regional and national artists. Visit KCFringe.org for details about events to be held at Off Center Theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof

July 12

July 20:

West Platte Performing Arts Center

Annual Commons Block Party and

Ice Cream Social

Weston Community Theatre presents ‘Fiddler On the Roof’ with director Julie Nelson, music director Kirk Nelson, and choreographer Katie Whorton. As always, admission is free! Please join us for the show! WCTShows.org

BBQ Festival

Avondale United Methodist Church

Parkville Commons

Come for Ice cream and listen to Missionary Speakers - Rev. Kristy and Larry Schmitz, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(Larry and Kristy are AUMC members.)

July 11 WeekEnder- The Patrick Lentz Band & “Mean Girls” Crown Center Square

Cap off your work week with top local bands and favorite food trucks. Shop the wares of KC artisans and finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars. The July 11th WeekEnder features The Patrick Lentz Band and a screening of “Mean Girls.” Festivities 46 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

Join us for a day of good eating and celebrating our community. Join the block party at 5 p.m. with music by Charlie and the Stringrays at 7 p.m. Enter to win a Parkville Commons shopping spree. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the American Legion.

July 12 Platte County Fair Preview Day Zona Rosa

There will be singing, fiddling, and lots of musical fun when Zona Rosa hosts a sneak preview of the historic Platte County Fair.

Performing at the event will be some of the

July 21 Health Fair The Center (North Kansas City Community Center)

Meet with North Kansas City Hospital nursing staff about your health concerns. Get your blood pressure, BMI, height, weight and fasting lipid blood test (HDL, LDL and triglycerides). Call 816.691.1690 to register (required for the lipid test).

July 23 Free ACT Practice Test College Nannies & Tutors Learning Center in Zona Rosa

The new school year is just around the corner, which means the next official ACT test will soon follow. Local high school students are invited to attend a free ACT practice test on July 23 at College Nannies & Tutors in Zona Rosa.

Tests results will be shared with students and their families the next week. Interested families should contact College Nannies & Tutors at 816-256-5907 to save a spot!

August 1-2 Kansas City Antiques Expo KCI Expo Center

The Kansas City Antiques Expo (formerly the Overland Park Antique Show) is the premier show for high quality antiques in the Midwest. Featuring vendors from all across the United States, the Kansas City Antiques Expo features top dealers in the industry, including experts in glass, wristwatches, porcelain and silver. Admission to the two-day show is $8.

August 1-3 Tax Free Weekend Zona Rosa

Back-to-school shopping at Zona Rosa may be a little easier on the pocketbook during Missouri’s annual sales tax holiday weekend. Qualifying purchases are tax-free throughout this three day event. Restrictions apply. More details at DoR. MO.gov/tax/business/sales/ taxholiday/.

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August 3 Holy Trinity Ice Cream Social Holy Trinity Catholic Church

This long standing annual event features ice cream and cake, meals from the grill, and beverages. Attendees can browse the Country Store for hand-crafted items, baked goods, homegrown produce, and collectibles. Bingo and children’s games will be on-going throughout the afternoon. WestonMO.com

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816.256.5907 collegenanniesandtutors.com July 2014 | Northland Lifestyle 47

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Education

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48 Northland Lifestyle | July 2014

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Financial Services & Planning

Two Blind Girls budgetblindskc.com (816) 505-5515

Cornerstone Mortgage, Inc. cornerstonemortgage.com (816) 525-9910 Country Financial Parkville (Parkville Commons Block Party) countryfinancial.com (816) 584-0782

Insurance

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Parting Thoughts

The Art of the Picnic Words Rachel C. Murphy

I

’m not sure when I became so enraptured with the concept of the picnic. My childhood memories are flooded with examples of rough-hewn state park picnic tables spread with a red checked vinyl tablecloths topped with my mother’s awesome sandwiches, fruit and Pringles, the chip most conducive to traveling.

This spread of simple foods always seemed like more than it was because it meant that we were traveling. Mom packed coolers for canoe trips on the North Fork of the Current River, day trips to Ha Ha Tonka and the random Sunday drives that we took after church. If there was a picnic, there was fun involved.

Fast forward to adulthood. Today, if you want to completely make my day, tell me that we are going on a picnic. In my travels around the world, I’ve found that dining al fresco is something that the rest of the world does quite a bit of and Americans are missing out. For so many other cultures, taking your relaxation with a bit of a snack in a park is an essential part of their day.

Take, for example, Buenos Aires. On any given day, a city park surrounded by freeways and bordered by buildings is full of people taking a reprieve from their daily lives. While visiting my friend Karen, we would take a thermos of hot water, some empanadas and some yerba maté and enjoy reading in the park with dozens of other couples. It was an oasis of calm in a city that was big and loud and full of life.

Looking around, there were young couples, large families and sometimes, entire construction crews passing around a communal gourd filled with the bitter, herbal brew known as maté. For a few small moments, everyone in the park was taking a vacation from their day and enjoying the breeze.

In Paris, it is much the same. On our last day there, we joined our friends for a picnic on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower. Everyone

brought something to share: cheese, charcuterie, chips, bread and we lounged on the lawn that was dotted with hundreds of other people doing the same thing. There were bachelorette parties, drum circles and street performers, all swirling energy around our blanket full of culinary treasures. The fresh air and pseudo-natural setting made every flavor more acute and each moment worth savoring.

One of my favorite picnic memories is of one that I was able to give my mother for her birthday, which falls in July. As the tables turned, I was able to bring the sandwiches, fancy cheeses, fruit and sparkling lemonade together for a lazy afternoon of enjoying each other’s company, this time as adults. It seemed a fitting gift for someone that taught me to enjoy the time outside and the company of your family.

Today, I try to picnic as much as possible. Often on Sunday afternoons, you’ll find me in the park with a group of friends, taking a tiny mental vacation at end the week. It’s a free for all with food, with everyone contributing something and everyone enjoying time and attention with people that love them. And I still love dining on the rough-hewn picnic tables at national parks with my parents, although the opportunities are fewer and farther between. Because now, as it was then, a picnic means that we are having fun.

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www.MWLifetimeRoofSystems.com

Big enough to serve...Small enough to care.

We live and work in your community. We go to church here and our kids go to school here. We provide a first class service at a fair price and build relationships across generations. When you need a meaningful, personalized service that will honor the life of your loved one, why not call on someone you can trust? ~ Todd DeMint

Our Directors

Todd DeMint

Loretta Temple

Tyler Stingley

401 Main Street • Parkville, MO Blue Springs Chapel - (816) 229-3276

Parkville Chapel

(816) 741-0251

MeyersFuneralChapel.com

Available to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Full Traditional Funerals | Simple Cremations | Family Gatherings & Celebrations of Life Memorial Services of All Types | Pre-Arrangements | Monuments