Northland March 2015

Northland

MARCH 2015

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Sing, Dance, Paint, Create!

HEATHER MANNING PROVES THERE'S NO DAY LIKE TODAY KATO SUSHI THERE'S MORE TO JAPANESE THAN SUSHI BOOK CLUBS: FIND YOUR FIT

THE BUSINESS OF

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YHO O 2015

Contact Nathan Marticke at nathan.marticke@park.edu or (816) 584-6200 for sponsorship information.

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Editor's Letter

Make art.

MARCH 2015 editor

Dear Readers,

Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

Do you remember the first time you were really inspired by a piece of art? I do, in a vague, fuzzy way. I grew up going to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with my family. My sister and mother both enjoy art but don't linger over it. Instead, it was my dad and me, reading the signs of pieces that stood out to us, gazing in wonder at the intricate icons or the majestic Bierstadts chronicling the American West. But it was probably the seated Buddha or the temple wall from the Chinese Temple Gallery with its coffered ceiling and faded reliefs that made me stop in wonder.

It's no real surprise then that I chose to pursue an artistic field. In today's modern age, art comes in many forms and people express themselves in myriad ways.

Dancers, visual artists, writers, actors and directors are all trying to make their way through life while providing beauty and inspiration where they find it.

Even here in the Northland, there are artists among us. In this issue, we meet Mark Ballard. He loves to share his experience in the rock and blues music world with younger students, the standard bearers of the cause. At the same time, he's offering entertainment options for Northland residents, free of cost.

For Lisa Allen, one of our treasured writers, rediscovering her love of reading for pleasure inspired her to seek out a book club that would fit her tastes. With so many to choose from, there's something for everyone in KC and she found several options both in person and online.

And then there's Heather Manning. This precocious and hard-working 16-year old has already published her first novel before most of us have figured out which college to attend. Her ambition and drive is an inspiration to us all.

Art can be found almost anywhere if you're looking for it, whether you discover it or create it yourself. Take some time to let creativity flow today. I think you'll be glad that you did!

sales director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com

advertising sales Marie King | MKing@LifestylePubs.com Alex Dallmeyer | ADallmeyer@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Jennifer Higgins Kenneth Kieser, Becky Blades, Peggy Parolin

contributing photographers Joel Schneider, Lani Odell, Mallorie McKernan Baileah Arant, Brian Blake 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 chief financial officer | DeLand Shore production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Cheers,

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

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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.

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March 2015

32 26 Departments 22 Heather Manning

Success comes early for teen author and actress.

26 A Region of Riches

Kansas City distinguishes itself as a destination for the arts

28 Here a Club, There a Club,

Everywhere a Book Club

Find your niche, page by page.

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28

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Artist's Palette

16

Giving Back

18

Hot Spot

32

Locally Owned

36

Local Limelight

40 Animal Tracks 43

Sold Properties

44 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Parting Thoughts

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Good Times

Pinewood Derby Race

The Heart of America Council North Star District held their annual event where 159 Cub Scouts, grades 1-5, gathered to see who was the best of the best. Scouts enjoyed the race and look forward to new challengers next year. PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BLAKE

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

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Around Town ed by Edward Jones: Honor, Old Glory and Legacy. Each package includes a flag flown at the National World War I Museum, a certificate signed by the President and CEO of the Museum and a member of Congress, and a photograph of the flag being flown at the Museum.

All flags are flown on the Museum’s south flagpole, which is a World War I memorial dedicated in 1948 in honor of the 89th Division.

For more information, call 816.888.8129.

PARK UNIVERSITY SELECTS EFL ASSOCIATES TO LEAD PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

NORTHLAND BUILDERS TARGET “GOLDILOCKS” DESIGN A significant national homebuilding trend is evident in a Northland development.

“Downsizing” is most often linked to baby boomers that no longer need their large home and the work that goes with it. For many, the emphasis is also on “rightsizing” and maintaining the quality of their current home. In the Northland, there’s also a desire to remain in one of Greater Kansas City’s best areas.

Long-time area businessman Dan O’Dell and builder Bob Sanders are addressing this trend.

“People want to downsize, but they still want the quality they’re accustomed to,” explains O’Dell, a Liberty native and area business leader for 20 years.

“They’re moving from great locations like Riss Lake or Weatherby Lake, and they want to keep that quality.”

Partnering as Midland Construction, O’Dell and Sanders have created Villas at Tiffany Woods. Located just north of 96th and Ambassador Drive, the Villas have some counterparts in Johnson County and areas of both U.S. coasts.

For more information, call 816.287.0055 or visit Tiffany-Villas.com.

WWI MUSEUM OFFERS CENTENNIAL FLAG PROGRAM The United States Flag is a symbol of patriotism, pride and respect. The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial offers the opportunity to receive a U.S. flag flown at the Museum as an incredible gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or as an opportunity to honor a veteran or Scout.

There are different flag packages available through the Centennial Flag Program present10

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

Park University has retained EFL Associates Inc., an executive search firm based in Leawood, Kan., to conduct the search for the University’s next president.

EFL Associates, which specializes in academic, business and nonprofit executive searches, founded its higher education specialty practice in 1999, and serves institutions ranging from small, privately-held college and faith-based universities, to large, world renowned schools.

“We believe their unique combination of skills will be particularly beneficial to Park as we engage in this search,” says Ann Mesle, J.D., chair of Park University’s Board of Trustees. “We have had extensive discussions with EFL and are excited to be working with such a talented firm.”

Park University, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, will be hiring the 16th president in its history. David Fowler, currently serving as interim president of the University, previously indicated he would not be a candidate for the permanent position.

A new president is expected to be hired for the start of the University’s 2015-16 academic year, which begins on July 1.

LIBERTY HOSPITAL RECEIVES ‘SHOW ME 5’ AWARD Liberty Hospital has received a Show Me 5 Award for best breastfeeding practices from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The Missouri Show Me 5 Hospital Initiative: Taking the First Steps to Being Baby-Friendly recognizes the success of Liberty Hospital’s implementation of the following five practices: • Helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour; • Having infants stay in the same room as their mothers; • Giving no food or drink other than breast milk to babies, unless medically indicated; • Giving no pacifier or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants; and, • Fostering support groups and referring mothers to groups upon discharge.

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March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

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Around Town

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LIBERTY ARTS SQUARED SEEKS ARTISTS

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The 6th Annual Liberty Arts Squared Festival is now accepting applications from visual and literary artists to participate in the twoday arts festival, June 5 & 6, 2015.

The festival will begin with an evening of fine visual arts and crafts booths and headlining musical entertainment in historic downtown Liberty on Friday evening, June 5. Saturday, June 6, will feature a full range of exhibits and activities with live music, interactive and children’s activities, visual arts and fine crafts, and a chalk art contest.

Entries are juried and merit cash awards are given in the visual and folk arts and crafts, with a Best Overall Festival Exhibit, Best Individual Fine Visual Exhibit, Best Individual Fine Crafts Exhibit, among others. Judging will take place on Friday evening, June 6.

More than $3,000 in prizes will be awarded.

Information about the festival can be found at LibertyArtsSquared. org. Fine artists must apply through Zapplication.com. To be included in festival print materials, application must be accepted by May 1st. BOMH members who have not applied before receive $10 off their application fees.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

Musical Theater Heritage (MTH), the Kansas City professional theater company specializing in musical theater productions, has signed an exclusive lease to occupy the 243-seat Off Center Theatre on Level 3 of the Crown Center Shops. MTH, with its large casts and live music has become a local theater favorite for its intimate and engaging concert-style productions of book musicals and cabaret shows.

"We've enjoyed a tremendous relationship with MTH for many years," says Zahid Nana, Crown Center's Vice President of Marketing and Hospitality. "It's been exciting to watch them grow, and we're looking forward to the wonderful entertainment they'll continue to bring to Crown Center."

MTH is quite ready for this giant step. Last year they provided employment for 289 actors, singers and theater technicians, bringing 11,500 theatergoers to Crown Center. Having a permanent home will certainly be a way for them to continue their phenomenal growth.

NEW CEO BRINGS POSITIVE OUTLOOK TO LAWSON BANK Veteran area banker Randy Baker has been named president and CEO of Lawson Bank.

Baker brings more than 22 years of banking experience to his new post. For the past six years, he served as senior vice president

of corporate development for Citizens Bank & Trust Co. Before that, he worked with Hillcrest Bank, First Federal Bank, BankLiberty and Kansas State University Federal Credit Union. He says Lawson Bank’s financial strength and community focus are key reasons for his move.

Baker will work from the bank’s Gladstone location, which is strategically located in the heart of the Northland.

“That is a prime location,” he says. “It’s perfect for serving Gladstone, Platte County, Liberty and the Northtown area.”

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MORNING DAY CAFÉ EXPANDS OFFERINGS Liberty Squares’ favorite coffee shop is putting on its little black dress for its expanded nighttime offerings. Nite Bites offers a selection of small plates for sharing, innovative cocktails featuring small batch, organic and apothecary style ingredients and live music. Nite Bites is available Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. For more information, visit MorningDayCafe.com.

EQUITY FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP HOSTS WINE TASTING Equity Financial Services Group, a subsidiary of Equity Bank, will host a private client event, “Income for What’s Next, ” a retirement seminar featuring complimentary wine tasting on March 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Wines By Jennifer, 405 Main St. in Parkville.

Keynote speaker will be Bill Kerns, regional vice president from Franklin Templeton Investments. Sponsored by EFSG and Franklin Templeton Investments. For more information on EFSG, or how you can attend the seminar, please contact Ted Broker at 913.202.2036, or visit Equity Bank at 6200 NW 63rd Terrace at Burlington Creek.

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Artist's Palette

Meet Debbie Wetschensky WITH PEN OR BRUSH IN HAND, WETSCHENSKY SPEAKS FOR THE ANIMALS

N

orthland artist and retired middle school art teacher Debbie Wetschensky has made a name for herself as a lover of animals. With her amazing mastery of pen and ink or paints, she makes them spring to life through her art. So what inspires her art?

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE NORTHLAND?

I accepted an art teaching position at Maple Park Middle School in the North Kansas City District in 1971. Thirty years later I retired from that very school. During my career, as an art teacher, I fell in love with the Northland area. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I married and raised my family here. It is and always will be a wonderful place to live and work.

DESCRIBE YOUR ART:

I work in a number of mediums, however my roots are in drafting and I tend to gravitate towards pen and ink. In this medium I am able to be as detailed as I like. When I paint, I mainly work in acrylics although once again find myself striving to work out the smallest of detail. My work is mostly realistic however I sometimes let myself go with large canvases and large brushes.

I am a huge animal advocate. I have done many animal portraits over the years and I never tire of them. Animals are so unique and I strive to make each one as special as they really are.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by my patrons and their enthusiasm when they purchase my work. Yes, the money is always gratifying but the real high is when I know my work is in a home or a private business where it is appreciated. I accept commissions because they are a challenge to me. Commissions push me to do my best.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY ART?

While I have a degree in art education, but my training in the fine arts was more from the association with artists who mentored me as well as private lessons I took well after my college days. It is an invaluable experience to learn with others that share your same passion.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE VIEW YOUR ART?

I am proud to be a longstanding member of the Northland Exposure Artists Gallery in the historic downtown area of Parkville. My work is on display as well as the work of 40 other outstanding local artists. Find out more at NorthlandArtists.com.

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March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

15

Giving Back

Culture through CHARITY PROVIDES FREE BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY BAILEAH ARANT AND PROVIDED

B

allroom dance has been in the blood of retired William Jewell professor Will Adams, Ph.D., since the age of 13 in 1943 when his mother taught him the waltz. Since then, he continued to learn, and he has taught dance lessons in some capacity since 1951. Then the 2005 movie Mad Hot Ballroom inspired Adams, his late wife Eleaner, and his dance teaching partner Paula Marie Daub, to begin their non-profit charity, Culture Through Ballroom Dance. Their goal is to teach public school students the joy of ballroom dance. Since 2006, the instructors with the charity, under the leadership of Adams and Daub, have taught hundreds of students not only how to ballroom dance, but how to become more confident as well.

The pilot program began in 2006, with KCMO public schools, and included four schools, lasted 12 weeks, and featured 75 kids in an end-of-the-season festival.

“This program was well-received. We taught swing dance, merengue and the tango. It was a joint effort with the FACS (Family and Consumer Services) program; the kids in that class made costumes for the dance at the festival,” Adams says.

After that pilot program, the program flourished with classes in 15 different schools and three different school districts. There are many options available for interested schools, from a one-time lesson to 22 classes throughout a semester. They have taught high school juniors and seniors in preparation for dancing at prom to teaching students Latin dances for Cinco de Mayo. The possibilities are endless.

Adams feels strongly that he is not just teaching ballroom dance, but rather he’s doing social work through the lessons, reaching students that possibly can’t be reached in other ways. He tells the story of a 5th grader named Steve, who was so shy and socially awkward that no one wanted to dance with him. Adams’ partner Daub had Steve assist her in teaching the steps and the student's confidence soared throughout the lessons. He began playing with other kids at recess, and his grades went up.

“Of course, it's not learning dance steps that does this; it's the socialization and self esteem. Other activities can produce the same effect--team sports, band, orchestra, even close order drill (the Marching Cobras). But ballroom dancing does all that these activities accomplish and teaches students in the early stages of puberty to work as a team with a member of the opposite gender.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

The immediate goal of our program is to teach people to dance.

But we often end up doing social work as well,” Adams says.

Inspired by a similarly named William Jewel College ball, the first annual Boogie Ball was held on February 14 at the Signature Air Flight Support hanger housing the TWA History Museum. It was a fundraiser for Culture Through Ballroom Dance to continue to sponsor dance lessons for schools both north and south of the river for 5th graders through high school students.

“Our idea for the Boogie Ball is to raise funds to offer free dance lessons to as many area schools as possible,” Adams says.

You deserve more time outside with your fa mily!

More information can be found on their website CultureBallroomDance.

com/. Any school interested in having the program serve their students should call or email Paula Marie Daub at 816.454.2419, pmarie@cultureballroomdance.com to get on the list. They will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Hot Spot

Kato Sushi A SLICE OF JAPAN LURKS ON BARRY ROAD ARTICLE BY RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

W

hen it comes to hidden gems, the Northland has plenty.

There are hidden diners, tucked into strip malls, dive bars with surprising beer selections and bakeries that should be the envy of the entire metro area. And then there’s Kato Japanese Cuisine, Sushi and Teriyaki. It employs the tactic of ‘hide in plain sight’ by nestling in on the busiest thoroughfare in the Northland: Barry Road.

I say that it hides because this unassuming building nearly fades into the hustle and bustle of the commercial development on the east side of 29 Highway. What may seem to be a detriment has always seemed like a benefit as I can sneak into Kato and have a quiet and relaxing lunch or dinner here with great service and superior food.

Being on the third coast (the Missouri River) means that many don’t think that quality sushi is really possible in the Midwest. I’ve found the opposite to be true at Kato. While most people do come for the sushi, they also have a wide array of more traditional and terrestrial dishes reminiscent of Japan.

On a recent snowy lunch, I decided to try one of these options. Lunch is one of the best deals in town with generous bento boxes featuring a choice of 12 main course options along with salad, rice, crab Rangoon and vegetable tempura for $10.95 or specials ranging from $8.95-$11.95. You can also choose any two rolls with a house salad for $9.50. Either way you go, you aren’t leavCONTINUED >

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

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19

Hot Spot

(CONTINUED)

ing with empty pockets or an empty belly.

My choice was of the lunch special, Katsu Curry. Katsu is a very traditional dish of lightly breaded and fried pork cutlet served with a Japanese curry sauce full of vegetables. While curry is mostly associated with Indian or Thai food here in America, it is also wildly popular in Japan. Japanese curry more closely resembles brown gravy flavored with onions, carrots and potatoes. It is immensely satisfying on a cold winter day.

My special ($9.50) came with a house salad, which is iceberg lettuce and a mayo-based sauce, an inauspicious beginning but standard fare at most Japanese restaurants in the States. The curry, however, was perfect, calling back memories of lunch counters in Kyoto. The pork retained its crispiness and crunch despite the liberal dousing of curry sauce.

At the same lunch, I tried one of their signature rolls, the Oceans roll ($11.00).

The spicy crab and avocado roll was topped with fresh, raw tuna, salmon and a honey wasabi sauce. While it sounds like it would have a fair amount of kick, the heat never really materialized, leaving me able to actually taste the components, which I consider a good thing.

On another lunch outing with colleagues, I tried the Sushi and Sashimi Combo ($13.95). After switching the 20

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

house salad for the onion soup, I was presented with a beautifully composed plate featuring a California roll, four pieces of sushi and four slices of assorted sashimi. It was the perfect light lunch.

Perusing the rest of the menu, I see many things that I’ll go back for. While ramen is hot right now on the culinary scene, udon and soba have always been staples for Japanese noodle lovers. Both are available at Kato, as well as fried rice and hibachi favorites such as teriyaki chicken, steak and shrimp.

One of the best times to go to Kato has to be for their happy hour from 4:30 pm.6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They feature a laundry list of maki rolls, nigiri, and appetizers for prices around $3.95$5.95 with the purchase of a drink.

The component that keeps me coming back to Kato, beyond the food of course, is the friendly and consistent service. I’ve always been greeted with a smile, served promptly whether at the sushi bar or in one of the tables and had nothing but pleasant conversation.

During one of my lunches, I observed the sushi chef engaging with patrons at the bar jovially, all the while slicing away.

If you’re looking for a consistent product with a welcoming atmosphere, then Kato should surely be on your list of must-try places. I know I’ll be back. The soba is calling my name.

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

21

Heather Manning:

Success Comes Early for Teen Author and Actress Imagination Makes Published Novels and Plays a Reality

ARTICLE BY PEGGY PAROLIN|PHOTOGRAPHY BY MALLORIE MCKERNAN

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or high school student Heather Manning, turning 16 was sweeter than ever, but not for the reason you might think. For most teens, it’s the year they can legally drive a car; Heather was more concerned about driving the sales of her first published novel.

As the youngest attendee at a writers’ conference, Heather seized the opportunity to pitch her novel to the publishers and literary agents on site. She shared her story about a young lady who stowed away on a pirate ship to escape an abusive husband, only to fall in love with the ship’s captain. Set in Colonial times, the inspirational historical romance’s elements of adventure, intrigue and betrayal caught their attention. Two publishers and an agent requested the manuscript be sent to them. Astrea Press responded with an acceptance letter and a contract. Suddenly, Heather was 16 and published.

Heather’s debut novel, Swept to Sea, published in November of 2013, received rave reviews. The title enjoyed more than 100 days on the Amazon bestsellers list, a major feat for any author. For those who know Heather, this accomplishment came as no surprise. Age has never been a prerequisite for creativity or success for this talented young woman.

“I’ve always loved writing," shares Heather. “Even before I knew how to write, I was asking my family to write down on paper stories for me that I had invented in my head. Later in school, 22

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

I was very fortunate to have an absolutely wonderful English teacher who really encouraged me to continue writing. She was involved with not just my writing, but she really gave confidence in my skills. She truly believed in me.”

Fueled by a vivid imagination and with the support of her mother, father, two siblings and an “amazing” English teacher, Heather began gathering ideas for Swept to Sea in middle school. “Between the fifth and 8th grade, I wrote some partial novels, but I truly began focusing on completing my published novel during my 8th grade year.”

Now, nearly two years later, the 18-year-old literary phenom already has completed book two of her trilogy. Last November, Heather signed a book contract for Carried Home, which is scheduled for release on April 28th.

Can a third book be far behind? “It’s already in the works,” smiles Heather. “It even has a name. I’m calling my third novel Tossed Together. It’s of the same genre as the first two stories, and expands upon the characters I’ve already introduced. The first chapters are outlined and I work on the piece a little each day.”

As great as it may seem, being such a young published author isn’t always the easiest, Heather admits. “The biggest challenge has definitely been people not taking me seriously. I can’t even count the times people have assumed that my book was self-published or something of the like because I am so young.

"Still, it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s exciting when people read my book and give it a positive review. Of course, there’s the inevitable: seeing a much-dreaded unhappy review. I know every book is bound to get at least one, but no matter how much you prepare yourself, I don’t think you can ever be ready to read that one review from a person who did not like your book. Your book is like your baby, so it is tough to hear some people’s opinion on it."

Not unlike other high school students, Heather has homework to balance along with her writing and extra-curricular interests. A straight-A student honored as Student of the Year, she somehow manages to do it all and do it all quite well.

In addition to writing novels, Heather is an accomplished actress and playwright. She is an active member of the local American Christian Fiction Writers and contributes to the Coterie Theater’s Young Playwrights’ Round Table. Heather’s play, “Letters to Romeo and Juliet,” was performed on the Coterie stage; she also performed in another young playwright’s production. When not acting at The Coterie, Heather takes part in Park University and Weston Community Theater productions.

Most recently, Heather found out a piece she wrote for the Coterie has been selected to be turned into an "opera moment" by UMKC composers and then performed by the Lyric Opera. The work will be featured in a newly created offering called "Words + Music."

“When I am not writing or going to school, you can usually find me at a local theatre, either seeing a play or performing in one. Theatre is my other passion, besides writing," Heather says.

“I love to be around shows and enjoy participating in community theatre; both are great outlets for my ideas and imagination.

Writing plays and novels allows me to bring my own stories to life; acting allows me to bring others’ stories to life.

"Between acting and writing plays, I spend much of my time surrounded by creative people. I’m certain this contributes to my ideas and success as a writer,” Heather reflects. "Even when I’m not acting or writing plays, I always try to engage in some type of creative activity, whether it’s reading books, watching movies, or looking at awesome photography on Pinterest. There’s always something that inspires me, that makes me want to get out my computer or a pencil and paper and write.”

As a mentor of young writers, Heather advises them to “read, read, read, and write, write, write. If they continue to do these things, they will gradually improve. Also, once you think you have perfected your piece as much as you think you can perfect it, you can attend a writer’s conference where you can meet other aspiring authors, industry professionals, and get a chance to pitch your work to agents and editors, just like I did.”

What’s next? Graduation from high school, of course, then, college, and much more writing and acting. Heather plans to attend Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., where she will major in theatre.

“Five years from now I hope to have at least three more novels published and to have successfully finished college. Hopefully, I will be acting professionally and maybe teaching acting to young actors.”

If the past is any indication of the future, Heather Manning will be doing all of this and much, much more.

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

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A Region of Riches How Kansas City’s Arts Scene Can Add Wealth to Your Community and Your Weekends

Keep adding up the artsy treasures Kansas City has to offer and you get a combination of diverse cultural riches – and their promriches unmatched by ise to never again call Kansas City a ARTICLE BECKY BLADES “flyover town.”

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED any city under While some still come here expecting a hat are we doing tonight?” asked sleepy, backwards cow town, one weekend at four million “W my out-of-town guests. a time the word is getting out about Kansas City. people. It’s making news and making some great lists: The The Phoenix couple had made their first trip to Kansas City to see the internationally celebrated Plains Indian exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I could tell they thought they had seen the best Kansas City had to offer.

“What kind of a mood are you in?” I asked. We had already walked for hours around the museum, through its sculpture gardens and on to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. They were in the mood for sitting.

“Choose a seat,” I said. “Will it be the Kauffman Performing Arts Center with our world-class symphony or the corner table in the Blue Room jazz club in the 18th & Vine historic district? Or we could settle into an old sofa and watch an edgy new play at the Living Room Theater.”

My husband piped in, “How about watching Hands On A Hardbody?” at the Unicorn Theater?” The fun musical won out over Tchaikovsky and jazz, and we ended a dazzling day with smiles on our faces.

Driving our friends to the airport on Sunday, they gushed about our weekend and debated their favorite parts. Our favorite part was easy: the surprise of our guests as they discovered our city’s 26

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

Coolest Cities in America, 20 Cities You Must Visit in Your 20s, and America’s Most Underrated Cities for Millennials, to name a few. But to get the true picture of this arty, five-county metro, look at some other less-hyped lists.

For example, did you know Kansas City shows up on the SOB list? It’s not what you think: SOB stands for Symphony, Opera and Ballet. Sustaining resident companies of just one or two of these classic arts institutions requires serious cultural muscle. While other cities struggle to keep their SOB institutions alive, ours are financially stable, collaborative and at the top of their games. Cities that have all three, as Kansas City does, are on a very short list of only about 15 cities.

Big-league arts assets are uncommon for a city our size. Consider this: The five-county area that makes up the Kansas City metropolitan market has a population of nearly two million people, making our metro the 30th size market. So to be one of 15 SOB cities means we support arts with smaller audiences and fewer financial resources than others on the list.

But these highbrow riches are only part of what thrives here.

Look at the opposite end of the spectrum, the edgy, innovative

side of performance art, and you’ll again see our metro playing at the top. For example, Kansas City is on a growing list of U.S. cities with Fringe Festivals. In the KC Fringe, hundreds of independent, unjuried performances over 10 days in July range from Shakespeare, to comedy, to campy burlesque. Kansas City was one of the first and smallest cities to launch a Fringe Festival, and today it’s a leader, growing at more than 15 percent a year.

If you overlay SOB cities with Fringe Festival cities, you’ll get a list of only nine or ten. But don’t stop there. Overlay that list with Shakespeare festivals, jazz and blues festivals, folk and contemporary music festivals. Did you know K.C.’s exploding Middle of the Map Fest is being compared to the early days of Austin’s South by Southwest? And that we are home to the International Folk Alliance?

Keep going. Overlay our world-class visual arts venues, arts education institutions, and professional theater companies. Overlay thousands of individual artists, galleries, and the ecosystem they create in dozens of cities within our city.

Keep adding up the artsy treasures and you get a combination of diverse riches unmatched by any city under four million people.

If only there were a balance sheet to tally and value such things, many believe Kansas City would best even the largest cities in America.

This is why we can dare to call the Kansas City region ‘America’s Creative Crossroads.’ It’s why civic leaders are working together to make sure our arts riches benefit the entire five-county region. It’s why ArtsKC, the regional arts council, is leading the creation of the Regional Cultural Plan, OneArtsKC, to map an even more arts-rich future.

We all know that assets are no fun sitting on a list or a balance sheet. Engaging in the arts is fun, but it also impacts other assets like education, cross-community collaboration and business innovation. As the world is starting to get the word about Kansas City, let’s make sure we enjoy the treasures in our own back yard.

Take your guests, take your kids, and take yourself out for the weekend. The arts are among those powerful assets that grow by using them.

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

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Here a Club, There a Club, Everywhere a Book Club

Finding your niche, page by page.

ARTICLE BY LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

T

his is a tale of four book clubs. It started because I’ve recently fallen back in love with reading for fun. After years of reading to my children and for school, I’d started to regard books as merely utilitarian. As I challenged myself to read more just for the sake of reading, I remembered the joy of getting lost in worlds other than my own.

I also longed to talk to others about what I was reading. So I took to Google and started looking for a book club. With a little digging I found that there are countless opportunities to connect with other bibliophiles. In fact, between March 1 and May 31, there are more than one hundred public library-sponsored book club meetings in the Greater Kansas City area. More than a half-dozen groups organize through Meetup.com. There are also online book clubs--some tiny and others with hundreds of members--scattered across the globe.

Clubs exist for just about every interest: the classics, stories about vampires, romance novels, mysteries, biographies and memoir, business topics and more. In the Kansas City area, there are groups that meet during lunch and after hours; a group that incorporates a love of quilting with a love of books; groups that focus only on books written by authors of color.

This is a glimpse into four groups: two in-person and two online. The beautiful thing is this: as diverse as each club is in terms of personality and structure, every club is unified by a love of reading and a deep respect for community.

THE 4TH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

Caitlin Taggart, Information Specialist with Johnson County Library, runs two clubs at the Corinth Library location: one traditional, the other called An Edible Discussion.

Taggart’s traditional club follows the typical book club blueprint: each attendee reads the monthly selection prior to the meeting. Discussion starts with observations about the book.

Taggart shares information about the author and researches backup questions and discussion topics in case conversation stalls.

Taggart opts for a mix of genres to include contemporary fiction, non-fiction, young adult and biographies.

“I had many people comment they weren’t initially excited to read a young adult title when I chose OK for Now,” she says. “But after reading it, many said they were surprised at how much they enjoyed the book. It prompted them to think about their own youth, and pushed them out of their reading comfort zone.”

AN EDIBLE DISCUSSION

“This is a book club in the loosest sense,” says Taggart.

“Instead of choosing a cookbook each month, we feature a certain cuisine, technique or theme. Attendees bring a potluck dish to share, and we have a featured speaker. Sometimes that expert is a chef, sometimes it’s a cookbook author. We’ve 28

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

even had dieticians and managers of local restaurants.”

The theme for March is cheese and the scheduled expert is Lincoln Broadbooks with The Better Cheddar. In April, Heather McFeely, author of Metas 1942 Meal Blog, will talk about family favorites. After food, introductions, and the presentation, Taggart opens the floor to questions.

Attendance at An Edible Discussion is greater than the typical book club, says Taggart. While there are some people who attend each month, the membership ebbs and flows depending on the topic.

The group started with an off-hand remark at a meeting, says Taggart. She loves to cook, and jokingly suggested that a cooking club-cum-book club would be fun. To her surprise, her manager agreed, and Taggart set out to find interesting experts in a wide range of topics. She works with the public relations department and creative services team to plan the events, and actively seeks out presenters.

“This group is so much fun, and interesting, because it is always different," says Taggart. "We always learn something; we’ve even been privy to a trade secret for perfect hamburgers.”

PATTI DIGH’S 37 DAYS BOOK CLUB

Patti Digh, author of Life is a Verb, hosted book clubs in Asheville, North Carolina, for seven years before starting an online book club four years ago.

“In person book clubs are fabulous,” she says, “but the logistics of meeting in person can be challenging. Being online allows people from all over the world to gather together, and opens discussions that we likely wouldn’t have otherwise.”

At first, Digh contemplated using the club as an extension of her business by focusing on practical and self-help books.

She settled on fiction because it’s what she loves to read.

“I like to hear what others have to say, and it’s fascinating how diverse the

opinions can be on one subject. We have members from Europe, Australia and the United States, all sharing a unique point of view. It’s my job to give them a safe, respectful place to share those opinions,” says Digh.

She does that by having a monthly call, and by encouraging members to interact in a private Facebook group. Sometimes the discussions are very personal and involved, and members will suggest resources to each other. Sometimes the author of the selection participates in the monthly call.

TRAVELING BOOK CLUB

Freelance writer and photographer Kristen Doyle runs the popular blog Dine and Dish. Through the years, she’s shared favorite books with readers both in blog posts and through Goodreads.com. One day she offered—via Facebook—to mail anyone interested a copy of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. So many people responded, she said, that she thought of creating a traveling book club.

“I would love nothing more than to get together in person with readers all over and talk about books every month,” she says. “But that isn’t realistic. This seemed like the next best thing: a discussion from afar, but still a way to connect.”

Doyle posts information on her blog, then picks four respondents at random to participate. She mails them each a book and requires that they commit to reading within a short time span—usually a week or two—and then be ready to discuss.

Doyle chose her first book club selection It Was Me All Along because she could personally relate to the story, and she thought that the subject matter would prompt honest conversations. She plans to pick books from a different genre each month.

For more information visit JoCoLibrary.com/ Events, KCLibrary.org/book-clubs, LifeIsAVerbStore.com, DineAndDish.net.

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

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“I feel like a new me.”

— Dan, 25

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile — that feels great, too.

Dustin Burleson, DDS & Associates Kansas City • Liberty • Excelsior Springs • Raymore Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 4135 N Mulberry Drive Kansas City, MO 64116 (816) 533-7566 www.BurlesonSmile.com © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists.

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Locally Owned

KC Music Man MARK BALLARD CREATES FULL-SERVICE MUSIC RESOURCE

ARTICLE BY PETE DULIN | PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

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or those about to rock, play the blues, or perform odes about country roads and pick’em-up trucks, KC Music (6506-B NW Prairie View Road) is the place to chase your muse. Professional performer and music industry veteran Mark Ballard opened KC Music in October 2014 to offer complete resources as a full-service music store and concert venue.

KC Music hosted a multi-act concert on opening day with a bevy of acts across different genres, including Uncountable Kings, Riverrock, Brian Ruskin, Lonesome Hank and Red Velvet Crush.

“It was very fun and exposed us to many Northlanders and area musicians,” says Ballard.

Since then KC Music has featured Victor & Penny, E11even, The Matt Cook Collective, Casi Joy, Modern Friend performing a benefit for Harmony Project, and local legend Bob Walkenhorst of The Rainmakers on stage.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

KC Music's Mark Ballard

Ballard says, “Our awesome in-store stage, lights and monitor system make having concerts here a snap. People really enjoy the high level of talent we present for free.”

The Northland store also sells instruments for band and rock music, professional audio gear from brand names such as Roland, Ampeg, Tama, Luna and Fender, as well as custom sound installation. Further, KC Music also offers individual, 30-minute lessons for voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, violin and many other instruments.

Ballard draws from a deep reservoir of experience; his professional music performance background dates back nearly 40 years.

“When my first band, Fields, formed, we instantly became a Kansas City favorite and worked five nights a week for many years,” says Ballard. “We also toured with many big name acts like The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Murphy, The Pure Prairie League, Vince Gill and Merle Haggard.”

Ballard, a singer, also plays harmonica, guitar, bass and “about anything with strings that does not require a bow.”

“I continued to play music during my 22 years in the radio business and retired from performing live in 2004 when I started ROCK U, KC's first rock music school,” he says.

Ballard sold ROCK U to the large national chain, The School of Rock, in 2007 and continued to work for them until June 2014. The intent of selling the business was to give the students more national opportunities.

“That was a mistake because so few kids benefited from the national thing that we simply had to make our own musical magic,” Ballard says. According to him, School of Rock offered students their famous name. Chicago management “kept all of the great opportunities for the kids in their market.”

Kansas City-based students at Rock U did share the same bill with high-profile rock acts like Journey, Foreigner, The National, Arcade Fire, Skid Row, The Steve Miller Band, Heart, Jason Bonham, Chaka Kahn, Kansas, Ted Nugent, Styx, Daughtry, Tower of Power, The Broadway cast of Rock of Ages, Pat Benatar, Tesla, Queensrÿche, RATT, Night Ranger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, Steely Dan and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters.

“The kids also headlined The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland twice and were the pre-game entertainment at Kauffman Stadium for every Sunday Royals home game this past championship season,” says Ballard. “No other School of Rock has achieved that success. I am very proud that I was able to give hundreds of kids some amazing and thrilling lifelong memories.”

Ballard intends to develop musical talent and create opportunities with this new venture. Music lessons won’t begin until June 20, a condition of compliance Ballard must uphold with School of Rock’s non-compete contract. He is in the process of lining up his team of instructors.

“We do have them in the wings and they are amazing, inspirational teachers,” says Ballard. “After June 20, we will commence with individual instruction for all ages on most instruments. A student can take his or her individual lesson elsewhere and still be in our concert groups, or they can enjoy a lower cost for lessons if they do both programs here.”

Beginning in late June, KC Music will house three schools in different genres. Two nights a week will be rock-focused at KC Rock University aka ROCK U. KC Blues Academy and KC Country Music Academy will each dedicate one night a week for lessons in their respective genres.

“We are actively seeking a satellite location in which rehearsals will be held. I do see a strong and growing demand for active music education,” says Ballard. “By active, I mean instruction that includes execution but not recitals. Actual concerts performed by the kids at area live music clubs and arenas.”

The store will host a free ukulele club called The Ukulele Ninjas on the first Tuesday of every month. The club welcomes all skill levels. Ballard plans for the club to include free "flash-mob" performances at local businesses.

For more information, contact KC Music at 816.505.5005 or visit KCMusicStore.com.

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

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Local Limelight

They Call the Band Cherry Bomb NORTHLAND BAND IS BRINGING IN THE CROWDS ARTICLE BY KENNETH KIESER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

once told a friend that the secret to a successful bar or restaurant is excellent live entertainment. The food can be mediocre.

Shortly after that he brought in a popular singer and his business boomed. I was not even offered a free drink or a mediocre sandwich for my advice.

Giving the crowd what they want is the key to entertainment success, and the exact thinking of Northland band, Cherry Bomb. They are not trying to be nationally known or famous, they just have fun entertaining locally and the public is responding.

“The show is great for a variety of people, they bring a lot of energy,” says Mandy Sharp, Northland resident. “I would love to see them perform all the time.”

Cherry Bomb, a six-piece, show-dance band from Kansas City, Mo., features two female front singers. Cherry Bomb plays a variety of dance music comprised of retro 70s-80s and 90s as well as pop hits from the past 10 years. Venues are often packed when this popular band is performing.

“We purposely perform songs people want to dance to,” says Will Puckett, Cherry Bomb keyboard player. “We have two beautiful ladies up front that are like watching two tornadoes, side by side. You never know what they are going to do.”

Cherry Bomb’s song catalog is more than 100 songs. Add a fun side to their professionalism on stage and you get top entertainment that has landed top gigs in Kansas City Venues.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

“We’ve been together about 13 years,” says Gene Declue, founder of Cherry Bomb. “I started with the same two girl singers while doing a lot of high energy cover stuff. We did a lot of disco and classical rock songs.”

Cherry Bomb has a solid background in music. Declue has been around the music business several years. He owned and operated a sound company/rehearsal complex, a booking agency, as well as producing several major events.

Puckett teaches guitar lessons in Parkville at Bentley Guitar Studios. Occasionally he is called upon to repair amplifiers for Parkville’s School of Rock. He currently plays for the Kansas City Ballet. He has recorded and produced artists in both the Northern California and Kansas City areas.

Amy Casey and Natalie Wessel, who started with Declue about 13 years ago, perform lead and dual-lead vocals and have plenty of formal training.

Wessel started singing in early school musicals and choir through high school and community college. She started with Cherry Bomb and also sings with the classic rock band, Sun King.

Casey was heavily influenced by gospel music and studied classical voice in her undergraduate work. She has a college degree in music education with a vocal performance emphasis. She started with Cherry Bomb and works in public education.

Cherry Bomb is always looking for opportunities to perform and recently a surprising offer surfaced.

Patient of the Month For 12-year-old track-running, trumpet-playing, honor student Sydney C., getting braces at Burleson Orthodontics has been an easy and comfortable experience. Sydney and her family have been so happy with the service that her whole family has joined her in orthodontic treatment (excluding the family dog)!

Here is what Sydney and her mom have to say about Burleson Orthodontics and having braces...

1.) Why did you choose Burleson for your orthodontic provider?

“We are working a cruise this year, June 9-14,” Declue says.

“A local travel agent has built a cruise package around the band. We leave for the Bahamas and go to various spots for four days.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises says, “Cherry Bomb fans can look forward to a private set-sail cocktail party with the band, a beach day at the private island Coco Cay, a full day in Nassau, with an optional microbrewery tour and beer tasting with Cherry Bomb’s own Gene DeClue, who co-owns Rock & Run Brewery and knows his microbrew. The final event is a private onboard dance party the last night of the cruise.”

Although they are expanding to the high seas, the popularity of this band is centralized in the Kansas City North area, at least for now.

"Our band played all over Kansas City the past few years, but economic downturns eliminated live music in most areas except the Northland,” Declue says. “Cherry Bomb will soon perform at Zona Rosa, Liberty, Gladstone and other areas—all north so check our website for more playing dates.”

Declue expects the live venues around Kansas City will open again because this has happened before. Sometimes it takes six months and sometimes a year. But for now, Northlanders have the band and the band has a focus.

“We are staying very busy,” Puckett says. “We are basically a band that wants to get people up and dancing. We are not excited about reproducing like a tribute band, nothing serious, just a lot of fun.”

Cherry Bomb is doing exactly what they like to do, working the local circuits, weddings and corporate gigs. They don’t have any plans besides having a good time while the audience has a good time, too.

We scheduled a complimentary consultation with Dr. Burleson for Sydney when she was 7 years old and in 2nd grade. She was upset because her fellow classmates were commenting on how her teeth were coming in crooked.

Dr. B educated us on the benefits of early orthodontic treatment and Sydney was excited to get braces!

For more information about Cherry Bomb shows, check their website at:

Four Area Metro Locations: Kansas City • Liberty • Excelsior Springs • Raymore

CherryBombRocks.com or call 877.886.6915.

2.) How has your experience with Burleson Orthodontics been?

Fabulous! Sydney is finishing up her second phase of treatment. I completed orthodontic treatment as well and soon Sydney’s sister, Molly Grace will be starting as well!

We currently live 3.5 hours away from the office and the staff always is eager to accommodate our needs! We are extremely impressed that Dr. B follows all of his patient’s cases even when he is away from the office.

3.) How has your new smile given you more confidence? (i.e. sports, singing, playing an instrument, other opportunities, etc) Look at Sydney’s smile! It is pure confidence! Recently, Sydney got her first instrument, a trumpet. At first she was nervous to play because of her braces but was encouraged by her music instructor and the Burleson Ortho staff and now she is confidently playing her trumpet.

4.) How did you feel about your smile before braces? How do you feel about them now?

Sydney has a contagious smile! We feel as a family that Dr. Burleson’s recommendation of early treatment helped Sydney from hiding her beautiful smile and shortened her time in braces overall. We tell all of our friends and family about Burleson Orthodontics!

4135 N. Mulberry Drive Kansas City, MO 64116

816-533-7568

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

37

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Animal Tracks

Meet Girl Scout G

irl Scouts are busy delivering cookies, and this Girl Scout would love to visit your house (and stay). Her current home is the Parkville Animal Shelter, but she would love a comfortable lap and a home of her very own.

She was adopted from the shelter as a kitten in 2009 and then unfortunately returned in August 2013 due to a family member developing allergies. Imagine being with a family for four years and then starting over in a strange environment. Luckily, she is taking it in stride.

When she came back to the shelter she was overweight and walked with difficulty because of her size. Shelter volunteers helped her with grooming because she was so large. Now, more than a year has passed and Girl Scout looks great in her uniform thanks to controlling her portion sizes and eating the proper food. She’s trimmed down, moves with ease, but still loves to eat. Volunteers often catch her stealing a morsel or two from another cage.

Girl Scout is declawed and will celebrate her 6th birthday in April. Make this her best birthday ever by giving her a home to call her own. Every pet deserves a forever home. Go to ParkvilleShelter.com to complete an adoption application, call 816.587.0918

to make an appointment or stop by the cat shelter on Saturdays, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter (FOPAS) began in 1999 and is located at 1356 NW 9 Highway in Parkville. Dedicated volunteers carry out the FOPAS mission to provide shelter, care, medical treatment and permanent homes for abandoned and stray dogs and cats primarily in Clay and Platte counties. This wonderful work is financed through donations and fundraising events.

Learn more about FOPAS and see other adoptable dogs and cats at

ParkvilleShelter.com or call 816.587.0918.

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Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

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Soccer & Sports Parties Dance Parties Wiffle Ball Dodgeball Lock-Ins

WE CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO WEATHERIZE AND AIR SEAL YOUR HOME TO KEEP Practice fields for soccer, lacrosse, YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER SEASON

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baseball/softball are also available for rent.

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Adult Sports Parties, Corporate Teambuilding & Over-The-Hill Parties Onsite snacks, bar, and lounge with multiple flat panel tvs, comfortable seating and more!

8201 NW 97th Terrace TAZ also offers

Just North of Zona Rosa at I-29 concessions, a sports and Tiffany Springs Parkway lounge and bar, a music system and adult FoutchAthletics.com fitness programs.

info@FoutchAthletics.com March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

41

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Endodontics | Periodontal Treatment | Whitening Crowns & Bridges | Bonding | Veneers General Family Dentistry | Pediatric Specialty

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amily De n t is ry F tr

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Dr. Michael P Berry

6004 N. Highway 9

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Parkville, MO 64152

816-746-5437

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Dr. Michael Kemmling General Family Dentist

ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL

childrenstoothdoc.com parkvillefamilypediatricdentist.com

u High expectations for student behavior & achievement u 98% of SPX graduates go on to college u Faith based curriculum/value-centered approach in every class u Exceptional academic achievement & athletic success u 90% of SPX students are involved in one or more of our 35 sports & activities u College credit classes u Cultivation of leadership skills through classes & activities

we want

SPX High School 1500 NE 42nd Terrace Kansas City, MO 64116 www.stpiusxhs-kc.com 42

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

YOU it.

to live

love it.

be A WARRIOR!

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Northland Properties Subdivision

Average List Price

Average Sold Price

Highlands of Weatherby

$795,000

$768,000

97%

210

The National

$637,450

$580,000

91%

168

Forest Lakes Estates

$600,000

$572,000

95%

31

Riss Lake

$600,000

$600,000

100%

25

Thorn Hill

$590,000

$594,000

100%

21

Timber Ridge

$499,900

$459,850

92%

116

Shoal Creek Valley

$499,900

$465,000

93%

NC

Staley Farms

$480,233

$480,233

100%

NC

Thousand Oaks

$404,250

$381,000

94%

235

Copperleaf

$399,000

$399,000

100%

5

Woodneath Farms

$379,000

$365,000

96%

137

Staley Hills

$357,900

$357,900

100%

NC

Pembrooke Estates

$349,000

$372,150

106%

NC

$339,950

$380,000

111%

NC

Benson Place

%List To Sold

DOM*

Aggregate Subdivision Sales per Heartland MLS 1/1/2015 – 2/1/2015 NC - New Construction

WE NEED LISTINGS...

*Average Days on Market

Russ Wolfe 816.564.4100

Kathleen Smerchek 816.589.0925

CALL US TODAY!

weeney W olfe- S & Associates Call Today for a Market Analysis !!! www.WolfeSweeney.com Ashley Sweeney 816.728.2253

Candi Sweeney 816.591.5590

Kristine Courtney 816.590.1664

6300 N Lucerne Avenue • Kansas City, MO 64151 • 816.746.2777 March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

43

Lifestyle Calendar

March Carrington toured for 20 years with luminaries Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, Stan Getz, David Sanborn, Clark Terry and others. In the late 80s she gained recognition on late night TV as the house drummer for the Arsenio Hall Show; then again in the late 90s as the drummer on the Quincy Jones late night TV show, VIBE, hosted by Sinbad. 816.474.8463 or AmericanJazzMuseum.org.

MARCH 15 2ND ANNUAL SHAMROCK & RUN 5K LIBERTY COMMUNITY CENTER

Join the 2nd Annual ShamRock & Run 5K. After the race, the awards ceremony will be held at Rock & Run Brewery and pub.

Rock & Run Brewery will be having special menu offerings in celebration of St. Patrick’s as well as their house brew seasonal ShamRock Red. So stop by after the race and enjoy some great local food and beverage. ShamRockAndRun.org.

MARCH 4-8 SPRINT CENTER

FLOOR PAVILION

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to four magical destinations all in one action-packed ice adventure!

Join Gilda’s Club Kansas City in the Northland as we discuss both meditation practices and complementary practices, such as lifestyle factors that promote good health. The discussion will include the physiological benefits of meditation as well as different ways to practice. It doesn’t matter if you are religious or nonreligious— these programs provide you a way to help find your sense of calm and serenity. Free. To register, visit GuildasClubKC.org or call 816.531.5444.

GEM THEATER

The American Jazz Museum's "Jammin' at the Gem" series continues with Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer and bandleader, Terri Lyne Carrington, and some of the most celebrated female instrumentalists and vocalists.

44

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

COMPREHENSIVE HOSPICE CARE; LUNCH & LEARN NORTH KANSAS CITY YMCA

Facing a life-limiting illness can be overwhelming. Finding hospice care that meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of a loved one is essential. Clay Anderson, MD, discusses the specialized care programs and services that NorthCare Hospice, an affiliate of North Kansas City Hospital, offers patients and their families. FREE. Registration is required. Go online at NKCH.org or call 816.691.1690.

MARCH 26 2015 MEN OF HOPE BOULEVARD AND BBQ BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY

Join us for the 2015 Men of Hope Boulevard & BBQ, a premier men's event benefiting Hope Faith Ministries: A Day Center for the Homeless. Enjoy Jack Stack Barbeque, Bouldevard Beer, Hand Rolled Cigars, Raffle Items, Big Screen TV Drawing, Souvenir Pint Glasses and Live Auction. Register online at HopeFaithMinistries.org under the News and Events tab.

MEDITATION PROGRAM NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL; 1ST

THE MOSAIC PROJECT

THE INS AND OUTS OF INNOVATIVE &

MARCH 19

DISNEY ON ICE PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE

MARCH 14

MARCH 20

MARCH 29 PALM SUNDAY BRUNCH AVONDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The annual Palm Sunday Brunch sponsored by the Contemporary Life Class of Avondale United Methodist Church will be from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The menu includes sausage, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, pastries and bever-

The Best Choice for Iron Spindles • Showroom

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What’s on our Website? past issues - Business Directory contest registration get your news in our publications

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

45

Lifestyle Calendar

Live Where You Play!

Golf homecourse availa sites ble so on!

ages. Proceeds will help with class mission projects. Suggested donation of $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children 3-10. 816.452.3518.

APRIL 4 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT SCIENCE CITY UNION STATION

Exce commlulent ameni nity ties!

Kansas City’s science center, Science City, is hosting their second annual Easter Eggstravaganza from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Guests will be invited to hunt more than 3,000 eggs, color Easter eggs, make Easter projects in the Maker Studio, participate in an Easter egg drop, take their photo with the Easter Bunny and more.

Price includes all day Science City admission $13.50 Adults / $11.50 Child. ScienceCity.com

APRIL 4 PARKVILLE CRUISE NIGHTS HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PARKVILLE FARMERS MARKET

Find your ultimate dream car while you listen to the cool tunes of yesterday. Take in a little shopping and grab a tasty bite at one of Parkville’s terrific eateries.

Parkville Cruise Nights are held the first Saturday of each month (April thru September with the exception of July), 4 – 8 p.m.

APRIL 4 KANSAS CITY EASTER PARADE

HOMES FROM THE UPPER $300s Model Homes Open Daily Located in Kansas City, MO on Flintlock Rd. just north of MO-152

816.781.7925 Woodneath@ReeceNichols.com HuntMidwestKC.com

ZONA ROSA

This free community event features the Easter Bunny, a bestdressed contest for the whole family featuring Spring/Easter finery, (the Best Dressed Family wins $1,000!) a live performance by Mr. Stinky Feet, and much more!

APRIL 7 NEW NEIGHBORS NORTHLAND WELCOME COFFEE TIFFANY GREENS COMMUNITY CENTER

All ladies new to the Northland are welcome to join us for coffee held the first Tuesday of every month at Tiffany Greens Community Center. NewNeighborsKansasCity.org.

46

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

GALLERY QUALITY FRAMING AT WAREHOUSE PRICES. Come in today and save.

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At Art & Frame Warehouse, quality framing at the lowest possible cost is our goal. And our gallery selection has thousands of frames, oils, art, and mirrors.

Get your mismatched but perfectly stylish socks here.

We specialize in: -Shadowboxes -Rare & limited editions -Corporate design -Designer accounts -Military memorabilia -Cross stitch -Home consultations -Sports memorabilia -Unique art

Call to schedule a residential or corporate art consultation

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8642 N. Boardwalk Avenue Kansas City, MO 64154

816-584-8009 www.afwkc.com

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March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

47

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE Wild Birds Unlimited (816) 415-4303 libertymo.wbu.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art & Frame Warehouse-Northland (816) 584-8009 afwkc.com J. Schneider Photography (816) 738-6085 JSchneiderphotography.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Precision Collision Center (816) 781-9630 precisioncollisionkc.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Antioch Dental Group (816) 452-9700 fredbaileydds.com

Berry Sousa Dental (816) 746-5437 childrenstoothdoc.com Burleson Orthodontics (816) 533-7566 burlesonorthodontics.com Dentistry for Children (816) 548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com Jim Anderson, DDS (816) 454-3336 jimandersondds.com

EDUCATION

Northland Catholic Schools (816) 453-3450 stpiusxhs-kc.com Park University (816) 584-6200 park.edu/ballyhoo 48

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Foutch Athletics/ Tiffany Athletic Zone (816) 746-9100 foutchathletics.com

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com Kansas City Zoo (816) 595-1234 kansascityzoo.org

Complete Hardscapes LLC (816) 984-0525 completehardscapes.com KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

Rock And Wall Landscape (816) 392-7262 Visions KC at Courtyard Marriott rockandwalllandscape.com (816) 820-2541 Safe Haven ADT visionskc.com (816) 205-4166

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Equity Financial Services (913) 202-2036 equityfsg.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Liberty Hospital (816) 407-2300 libertyhospital.org

Anu Aesthetics (816) 359-3310 anuaesthetics.com

Mosaic Life Care (800) 447-6820 mymosaiclifecare.org

WestGlen Gastrointestinal Consultants (816) 221-9898 westglengi.com

Pediatric Care North (816) 587-3200 pediatriccarenorth.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

HOME SERVICES

Advanced Home Energy (913) 226-3201 advancedhomeenergykc.com Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City (816) 505-5515 budgetblindskc.com

Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa (816) 640-2762 wfcmedspa.com

OTHER

Meyers Funeral Chapel (816) 741-0251 meyersfuneralchapel.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development (816) 781-7925 huntmidwestkc.com

The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com Wolfe-Sweeney & Associates LLC (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

SALONS & SPAS Sunlight Day Spa (913) 754-0831 sunlightdayspa.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff (816) 888-7930 mccritekc.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Great Guns (816) 078-12323 greatguns.com

TRAVEL & LEISURE The Elms Resort & Spa (800) 843-3567 elmshotelandspa.com

Weston Family Clinic and Medical Spa • Family Practice (Infants to Geriatrics) • HCG Weight Loss Program • Cosmetic Injections by Physician Botox®/Dysport/Juvederm/Voluma XC • Esthetician Services / Laser Spa Services

March Specials!

Debra C. Keith, D.O. Family Practice

Take Advantage of our Spring Specials!

• $500 OFF SPA PACKAGE OF $1500 OR GREATER • $50 OFF BOTOX - 20 UNIT MINIMUM Offers Expire 3/31/15 | Gift Certificates Available!

Taking appointments for HCG Weight Loss Program and Spa Services-also at our Creekwood Location!

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TOW SERVICE

816.291.0497 Available 24/7

March 2015 | Northland Lifestyle

49

Parting Thoughts

Box-1, Actress-0 WORDS RACHEL MURPHY

T

here comes a time in every young actress's life that you realize that maybe your current path might not be your longterm goal. Mine happened in act one of the musical South Pacific as I battled the apple box that would be my undoing.

I have always been a dancer. I studied ballet from a fairly young age and while I was lanky and probably too awkward and unfocused to ever merit any real potential, I have always loved to dance. From forcing my sister to do choreographed routines to the Rocky soundtrack to writhing on the floor doing 'interpretive dance,' I have always had a mind towards movement.

Fast forward a decade. I'm now in college, a junior. After losing out on the favored role of Nellie Forbush, the Little Rock native navigating the ins and outs of an interracial relationship in the midst of WWII, I was cast as one of her singing nurse cronies. If you're familiar with the musical, this gaggle of female stereotypes is basically one kick line away from a Rockettes gig. There's not a lot of emotional depth and little in the character to distinguish yourself. At least, that's what I thought.

During the number, "There is Nothing Like Dame," our chorus line of nubile nurses was supposed to run through the scene, distracting the earnest sailors singing of their loneliness. The stage was scattered with what theater folk call apple boxes, or crates that are painted to resemble actual set pieces. (Side note: to show how much attention to detail there wasn't, all the apple boxes were painted with the phrase 'US Army,' even though it was clearly a Navy unit.) We lined up in the wings, ready to trot across the stage, giggling and flirting with the men that were forbidden to us.

We awaited our cue, thinking that this would be just another eye candy scene, over and done with in three minutes. I was the last girl

50

Northland Lifestyle | March 2015

out of the wings and I took off with gusto. Our direction was, "skip or jog through the scene, waving and flirting in time to the music."

Friends, I've apparently never taken a direction so closely to heart. I'm out there, waving, giggling, flirting my little culotted butt off and as I'm jogging backwards to wave at a sailor, it occurs to me that I might be running out of stage. As I turn around, an apple box jumps (I swear it wasn't there a second before and this clearly couldn't have been my fault) in front of me.

I crumple like a dampened tissue over the box. My entire body makes contact, forming a human tablecloth over the set piece. I stopped. The sailors stopped. I swear that the music stopped like a scene from a sitcom, complete with scratching record sound.

Looking back, I actually hit it so hard that a piece of the box flew off and across the stage. But, like the true professional that I was, I jumped back up and kept waving and played it off as if it was a part of the show. As I trotted/limped off stage, I could hear laughter reverberating through the audience.

As an audience member, you can never grasp the amount of activity that is going on backstage. There is a hive of people that make any theatrical performance work and at that moment, all of them were focused on seeing if I was okay. I was, sort of. I was bruised, my ego battered and my hipbones, which had come most directly in contact with the box, were skinned. But I was okay. However, when the director, after being assured that I wasn't seriously injured, asked if I could do the fall in five more shows, I declined.

Talent and willingness are two very different things. I will always be willing to dance. What I learned in South Pacific is that maybe I shouldn't, at least not without a floor cleared 20 feet in all directions. But as they say, the show must go on!

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