Northland December 2016

Northland

DECEMBER 2016

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Have Yourself A

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! s a m t s i r Ch 99 HOPS BETS ON BEER A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS—A WISH LIST RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH SONG AND DANCE!

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Donate your good taste.

One’s trash is another’s treasure.

Donating is life changing for everyone! ...So take those clothes you never wear, that china you never use, the garage packed with stuff you don’t need, and transform your stuff into a hero! From timeless treasures you don’t have space for to gently worn fashions you don’t have a need for, consider our arms right here in The Northland open and paying it forward! Your items will find more than a good home, they’ll create a source of revenue to support the nonprofits right here in our Northland community as well as people in need abroad.

www.savers.com 9-9 M-Sat, 11-7 Sunday ASK YOUR LOCAL SAVERS HOW THEY CAN HELP YOUR GROUP WITH FUNDRAISING EFFORTS! YOUR BARRY ROAD SAVERS - 816.436.0411 2251 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64154

YOUR LIBERTY SAVERS - 816.792.4477

300 South Street-Rt. 291, Liberty, Missouri 64068

Lifestyle Letter

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. . .

W

e may be a bit short on chestnuts but Jack Frost is finally nipping at our nose here in Kansas City. It's the holiday season and I couldn't be more excited! December is always a time of celebration with lots of parties, family gatherings, and shopping to keep us all busy. Sometimes we need a little reminder to slow down and enjoy the holiday season instead of letting it pass us by!

In this issue, we explore some of the great parts of the holidays. Our rundown of holiday performances and experiences will be a great guide to family friendly events that could become traditions to be treasured. I know that there is nothing like the opening strains of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to make me feel like a kid again.

For those making their lists and checking them twice, My Favorite Things will give you some great ideas for everyone on your list. And best of all, every single item is available from a local retailer. As much as I love the convenience of Amazon, there's something so much more meaningful when you can tell your loved one that you supported a local business in the process of gift giving.

The holidays are one of my favorite times of year--the music, the food, and the camaraderie are simply irreplaceable. Now that I have a child, my excitement is doubled. I can't wait to show her how magical the holidays can be. It also gives us a chance to truly focus on what we have been given--a Savior, our families, and the opportunity to express love and gratitude. In a year that has been filled with contention, let's make the holidays mean even more by truly spreading peace and good will to all. So adopt a child, donate to Harvesters or your local food bank or volunteer in some other way. Give back because we have all been given so much already.

DECEMBER 2016 publisher

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com editor

Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com account manager

Andrew Unrein | Andrew.Unrein@LifestylePubs.com Kelly Cummings | Kelly.Cummins@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Peggy Parolin

contributing photographers

Joel Schneider, Pete Dulin, Mallorie McKernan

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

| Nicole Sylvester | Janeane Thompson

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour, Chad Jensen

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

| Nicolette Martin, Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph

DESIGN SPECIALIST

Peace be with you, my friends!

Rachel

| Steven Schowengerdt

| Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 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.

We Make Health Care Easy Quality care from doctors you trust.

With conveniences like same-day appointments, extended hours, virtual house calls, online scheduling, urgent care and seven Northland clinics, Mosaic Life Care makes it easy to access the health care your family needs.

Mosaic Life Care was also the first health-care organization in Missouri to belong to the Mayo Clinic Care Network, connecting our doctors to Mayo Clinic expertise when you need it most.

For an appointment, call

800.447.6820 or visit myMosaicLifeCare.org/easy.

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS | ONLINE SCHEDULING | VIRTUAL HOUSE CALLS EXTENDED HOURS | URGENT CARE | MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

December 2016

38 16 Departments 22 Tradition Rolls on at Weston Tobacco

Zeb Hopper takes matters into his own hands

28 My Favorite Things

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Hot Spot

22

Locally Owned

44

Legal Compass

46

Lifestyle Calendar

50

Parting Thoughts

A Locals Only Christmas Wish List

38 Celebrate the Season!

10

Local performing arts groups ring in the season

22 28

xx

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Minnesota | Missouri Montana | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

Your Northland Fine Home Specialists!

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#1 Resale Team in the Northland Candi Sweeney 816.591.5590

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6300 N Lucerne Avenue ~ Kansas City, MO 64151 816.746.2777 WolfeSweeney.com

Good Times

Assistance League of Kansas City 30th Anniversary Dinner ALKC celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Courtyard KC at Briarcliff on October 6. ALKC is an all volunteer organization whose mission is to serve children and adults in the greater KC area with philanthropic programs funded by proceeds from their thrift store, THE ReSALE SHOP.

Gary and Ann Barnes, Dr. and Mrs. Utpal Goswami

Tom and Jackie Schiller, Barb and David Elling

Marianne Montgomery, Penny Merrill, Karen and Mike Mollohan

Jolene Newkirk, Ann Davenport, Sue Padget, Cookie Green

Mary Ann Pfitzner, Carolyn White, Karen Moreno, Carolyn Ascencio, Lynn Lanning

Patsy Triplett, Marvin Weishaar, Amy Kanning

Steve and Marianne Montgomery, Becky and Ron Clark

Theresa Hupp, Mark Tomes, Gary Barnes

Shelly Knight, Judy Chastain, Clif Knight

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

Shawn Garland and Beth Stiefer -- as some of the first few artists selected to have their creations featured in the unique multigenerational neighborhood. For these women, the opportunity to enhance the lives of people of all generations brings great purpose to their life’s work and passion. Hundreds of pieces of art will inspire and motivate those who live, heal and play at Norterre. The development’s leadership believes the hand-selected art will spark dialogue and stimulate the senses through an emotional connection both inside and outside across the neighborhood.

Shawn Garland started painting as a child alongside her grandmothers who were both accomplished painters. She went on to study art at the University of South Florida, but started creating art more consistently about 20 years ago. Her primary medium is acrylic and acrylic gels, but she also works in stained glass, silk painting, watercolors, pen and ink, caricatures and wood burning. Norterre selected three paintings from her “Affirmation” series of floral acrylics depicting a Magnolia, Peace Lily and Bird of Paradise.

Beth Stiefer, the second Liberty artist, loves the historic charm of the area, which inspires her watercolor artwork. She paints scenes of life in Liberty, depicting the buildings, streets and statues that give the city its charm. Stiefer enjoys showcasing her artwork, and she is

SYNERGY SERVICES OPENS DOORS OF NEW CHILDREN’S CENTER

honored to have it placed in city buildings in Liberty, such as City Hall, through connections she established in the area, like Joe Crownover with Four Corners Framed Art.

Doubling its capacity to serve the area’s most vulnerable children, Synergy Services recently opened the doors of a new Children’s Center located at 2501 NE 46th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

The new 10,000 square-foot facility which sits on six peaceful acres provides shelter and support services to children throughout the metro who have experienced abuse, neglect or serious family crisis.

At least 16 children can be housed at the shelter at any given time, while also providing support services to additional families in crisis through the program center.

The new center opens amid growing awareness and concern for the long-term consequences of childhood trauma cited most notably in the comprehensive ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente.

TNK CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TNK Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013, is proud to announce that Stacie Bratcher has joined the

Synergy board members Tom Isenberg and Greg Personelli led

agency as its new Executive Director to lead the administrative func-

the fundraising charge to raise the $3 million necessary to build

tion, manage operations, and fully develop and implement a strategic

the campus. Blackbird Design Studio, which recently merged

plan to raise funds for the organization.

with Helix Architecture & Design, designed the campus and JE Dunn Construction built it.

Learn more about Synergy’s work or get involved at SynergyServices.org.

LIBERTY ARTISTS CHOSEN FOR NEW MULTIGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY From across Missouri, Kansas and other parts of the Midwest,

TNK Co-Founder, Staci Upham-Tubbs, who will now assume the position of Chairman & Chief Executive Officer says, “Stacie came highly recommended. Her wealth of experience and nonprofit knowledge has already made her a key addition to the TNK Children’s Foundation family. We view her appointment as a sign of our commitment to provide support for parents caring for children with cancer, and it is very fortunate that we were able to secure someone of Stacie’s caliber to fulfill this role and take us to the next level.”

artists submitted hundreds of pieces covering all subjects and

Before joining TNK Children’s Foundation, Stacie oversaw develop-

mediums to Norterre for consideration during its recent “Call

ment efforts for Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD), where

for Art.” Developers are proud to announce two Liberty artists –

she was responsible for building and executing the development CONTINUED >

12

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Full Service Design/Build Full Service Landscape Maintenance Patios/Outdoor Kitchens/Walls Water Features /Lighting Irrigation/Plant Health Care

Financing Available!

SEE OUR WORK AT

MyHeritageLandscape.com (816) 741-0000

Around Town

OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL

(CON TI N UED)

plan, and implementing the information technology systems to support the function. Prior to CDD, she worked as Associate Executive Director for Immacolata Manor in Liberty, where she was extremely involved in the day-to-day operations, served on all major committees, and provided exceptional leadership and assistance in the strategic planning for the Manor.

Stacie has a BA in Communications from William Jewell College, and is a Fellow of the Pryor Center for Leadership Development, Doniphan Leadership Institute. She and her husband, Rob, reside in Liberty, MO with their three children. For more information about TNK Children's Foundation, visit HuggedAndKissed.org.

PARK UNIVERISTY NAMED 'BEST FOR VETS' Park University has been selected as Oakhill Day School is excited to embark on a 22,000 square foot expansion for Grades 4 - 8 scheduled to open in the fall of the 2016 - 2017 school year!

By offering STEAM based electives, advisory groups, student government, honors programs, service learning, and increased responsibilities like daily recycling and composting, this challenging environment encourages Middle School students to explore, be well rounded, and embrace new life experiences.

5 - 6 p.m.

Military Times in its “Best for Vets: reflection of the services and support the University provides to active duty military, veterans and their families.

Military Times, an independent source for news and information for the military community, and its associated newsweeklies, Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times, also ranked Park No. 5 overall in the “online

Middle School Admissions Coffee Thursday, January 26

and nontraditional” category (schools that serve military students primarily online or through a network of campuses).

7:30 a.m.

The publication recognized Park’s 12-to-1

For more information or to RSVP for one of our Admissions events, please contact:

LEAH GIPE

university in the country, as announced by Colleges 2017” rankings. The ranking is a

We invite you to come see how Oakhill Day School prepares Middle School students for success in high school and beyond.

Middle School Info Night Thursday, November 10

the No. 4 “Best for Vets” private college/

student-to-faculty ratio as the lowest among

Director of Admissions leah.gipe@oakhilldayschool.org

those schools ranked in the top 20, and it gave Park 3½ stars (out of four) for its staff support. The staff support distinction rates

EARLY CHILDHOOD EVENTS The Oakhill Day School Admissions Office hosts several events throughout the year for families looking for a competitive private co-educational program for their Toddler (age 2) through Prekindergarten students in the Northland! We invite you to come to one or all of our upcoming Early Childhood events to get a first hand look of the learning that happens at Oakhill!

Early Childhood Info Night Tuesday, November 8 5 - 6 p.m.

Open House (All Ages) Toddler - Eighth Grade Saturday, November 12 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Early Childhood Admissions Coffee Tuesday, January 24 7:30 a.m.

the number of staff members dedicated to veterans issues in proportion to its military and veteran student population, the amount of time staff spend on veterans issues, and the scope and frequency of military-related training for instructors and administrators.

For

more

information

about

University’s military and veteran services and programs, visit Park.edu/military.

14

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Park

Hot Spot

GOOD BEER MEETS GOOD FOOD

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER CONTINUED >

16

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Meyers Northland Chapel Our Difference is Our Staff

Todd DeMint

Dennis Meyers

Loretta Temple

Tyler Stingley

Brad Preston

Ben Wood

Kourtney Meyers

As we near the end of our eighth year as members of this community, we sincerely express our gratefulness for your friendship and trust. —Todd, Nikki, Evan & Avery DeMint 401 Main St. Parkville, MO

MeyersFuneralChapel.com 816.741.0251

Hot Spot

(CON TI N U ED)

et's get one thing straight--I've never been a big fan of casinos. It's not that I have anything against gambling, except that I'm bad at it. I really enjoy getting something tangible for my money. Luckily, at Argosy Casino, I can now guarantee that I can get a great meal with a fine craft beer. That's a good bet.

While normally a restaurant connected to a national chain would barely turn my head, the 99 Hops House has one thing that caught my eye--an extensive craft beer list. Not only do they have a selection to rival the beer bars south of the river, they also have the city's second self-serve draught wall. True to the name, the bar and restaurant features at least 99 selections of brew on tap and in bottles.

If you're not a gambler, then don't worry. 99 Hops House isn't actually inside the casino, but just outside. The sleek dining room features seating for 112 at comfortable booths or tables. And although the Kansas City location may be the fourth in the country, the menu has a few unique offerings that reflect its midwest location.

The Kansan Flatbread is a great example. The flatbreads are the 99 Hops House version of pizza, perfectly sized to be a meal for one or an appetizer if shared. The Kansan taps into the midwestern love of BBQ with Guinness braised beef, sweet corn, and pickled onion and is topped with shaved parmesan, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette drizzle. Another local nod comes in the KC Sausage, a Krizman's bratwurst and polish sausage boiled in KC Bier Company's Dunkel then grilled. With a side of red cabbage, mashed potatoes and German mustard, it's hearty fare to stand up to a high alcohol beer.

The menu is fairly extensive with offerings of burgers, salads (try the wedge), dinners, sandwiches and even breakfast for lunch.

The burger and sandwich game is strong with the braised beef sandwich taking the top prize for me. The amount of butter soaked into the grilled sourdough may have helped sway me but the stout braised beef was also topped with caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and fontina cheese. Served with a San Marzano tomato soup, it was a perfect cold weather meal.

If you're looking for just a bite and a beer then the 99 Hops House is a perfect spot. In addition to their normal appetizer menu, they 18

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

feature a snack menu with the bar noshes that you crave--marinated olives, caramel corn coated in chocolate (perfect with a high octane stout or barleywine) or waffle cut potato chips. The deviled eggs are a winner. Each order comes with two varieties, one topped with salmon and the faint zing of wasabi and one with bacon and cheddar.

But let's talk about beer. That's why most will come to 99 Hops House and it's with good reason. On the evening that I visited, the self-service tap wall, which charges by the ounce, was loaded with sour beers, including 14 different offerings from Jolly Pumpkin out of

NEED A FAVORITE

CHARITY?

Dexter, Michigan. For those that don't drink sours, there were other options such as the Deschutes Black Butte 25, 26 and 28. Local favorites Crane and KC Bier company were represented as well. For the non-beer snobs, they had quite a few cider options. Add a full bar and everyone could be happy with the beverage selection.

Beer snobs are notoriously hard to please but 99 Hops House gets it right where it counts--location (Northland), food (tasty, hot and fresh) and beer selection (geek-drool worthy). So try your luck at the casino sometime soon. If nothing else, you'll leave with a full stomach and pleased palate. Check out the menu at ArgosyKansasCity.com.

Check out Patriot Outreach®, a grassroots charity combating Suicide, Stress and creating All Green Assisted Living Communities.

Visit us online to learn more about our programs.

To donate or learn about our programs visit:

PatriotOutreach.org

or contact COL (R) Jack Shafferman at

(913) 240-1261

#33784

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

19

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Locally Owned

Loose whole tobacco leaf.

Zeb Hopper smoking a hand-rolled cigar.

The humidor at Weston Tobacco stocks 700 facings, or boxes of cigars in various styles and sizes.

22

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Tradition Rolls on at Weston Tobacco ZEB HOPPER TAKES MATTERS INTO HIS OWN HANDS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PETE DULIN

T

he rich, earthy aroma of tobacco smoke provides a clue about the Main Street location of Weston Tobacco, a retail shop located on the lower level of a corrugated metal building. At the end of a long, wide hallway, owner Zeb Hopper sits in a chair and leans over a table topped with a batch of loose, whole tobacco leaves and implements.

He proceeds to carefully wrap the body of a cigar with a light tan-colored tobacco leaf to finish hand-rolling it.

Outside, a plaque identifies the historic building as the Weston Burley House. Burley refers to light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production. A tobacco warehouse first operated on this site when the Weston Loose Leaf Tobacco Company opened in 1911.

After it

was destroyed by fire in 1936, the Weston Burley House was established a year later and has served five generations of tobacco farmers.

In 2002, the last tobacco auction was held in the building.

For generations, Weston farmers grew and cured burley tobacco in the area. They continue to produce much smaller quantities now. Most of the tobacco crop for cigarette production is grown in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and other southern states.

Meanwhile, Weston Tobacco sources its premium, Grade A tobacco leaves from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The leaves have been aged for five years. While honoring the history and tradition of local tobacco farming in the area, the shop has cultivated its own market for cigars made from fine tobacco.

Corey Frisbee and Colton Frisbee, respectively the father and brother of Zeb Hopper, established Weston Tobacco in 2010 as a place to produce and sell premium hand-rolled cigars. Corey learned cigar-rolling techniques in Austin, Texas, from a Cuban woman who was one of the key cigar rollers at premium cigar maker Romeo y Julieta. When Colton died, Hopper sold his construction company and took over ownership and daily operations of the family-run cigar shop. He learned how to handroll cigars from his father, who still helps roll cigars by hand in-house.

“We also roll fresh cigars for the public at events,” says Hopper.

The Weston shop has a large humidor that carries a Owner Zeb Hopper selection of about 700 facings, or brands in boxes, rolls a cigar. with varying styles and sizes of cigars.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

23

Locally Owned

(CON TI N U ED)

The four styles hand-rolled and sold by Weston Tobacco.

Each hand-rolled cigar is made from three parts – a filler, binder, and wrapper – with different tobacco used for each layer. The filler is encased in a tobacco leaf as a binder. This step takes roughly ninety seconds. Next, the cigar is pressed for three to four hours in a metal form with tube-shaped slots for the cigars. After pressing, Hopper wraps each cigar with a hand-trimmed tobacco leaf as a finishing step that also takes about ninety seconds. He points out that it doesn’t take long to hand-roll cigars, but it is difficult to do well.

“We hand-roll whole cigars from start to finish for consistency of quality,” says Hopper. “Some people buy pre-made fillers and then wrap them.”

Weston Tobacco buys direct from a vendor that sources tobacco from the same farms in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua so there’s no variation in overall quality. Once the tobacco leaves arrive, Hopper sorts the leaves to confirm Grade A quality and then conditions them.

“I let the leaves sit in a humidor for one to two weeks, and check them until they reach the right humidity,” explains Hopper.

Hopper produces four blends: Maduro is full and rich with a smooth finish, Sumatra is medium-bodied with a spicy f lavor, Connecticut Shade is smooth and mellow with a creamy finish, and Sweet Connecticut builds on that smoothness with a mild, honey-scented sweetness.

Following industry standards, the cigars are made in four sizes – Robusto, 6x60, Corona, and the longest, Churchill, topping out at 7.5 inches long.

A well-made cigar that is properly stored may last for years. In fact, aging helps the various tobaccos used in the cigar to blend and the flavors to mellow.

Weston Tobacco’s hand-rolled cigars run $6 to $10. The on-site humidor carries a wide selection of price, size, flavor profile, and style. The shop also sells tobacco pipes.

The lounge is open daily, 10 am to 8 pm, where customers may shop in the humidor, smoke in the private lounge, and observe the hand-rolling process. Weston Tobacco also hosts poker nights at Wednesdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm.

Weston Tobacco, 357 Main St., Weston, 816.386.4086,

WestonTobacco.com

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

®

Give the Extraordinary.

N

ow is your chance to take your friends and family on a magical journey! Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of myths and legends through the universal language of music and dance. With action-filled adventures and tales of courage and faith, Shen Yun transcends cultural boundaries and promises a performance that everyone will enjoy.

‘Tis the season of giving—so why not give your loved ones a heartwarming and unforgettable experience? Join Shen Yun to revisit age-old traditions and discover new hope for the future.

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

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My Favorite s g n i h T Make the holidays happy with these local favorites

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

R

aindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ... or is it more Oprah's favorite things that you're looking for?

Either way, Kansas City, and especially the Northland, has a few of my favorite things. This holiday season, find what you're looking for at the shop around the corner instead of just online. Here are some ideas for great gifts for everyone on your Christmas or Hanukkah list.Â

28

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

For the men in your life, 107 Main in Parkville is more than an address, it's a destination. Find unique gifts like this triple Edison Lamp or a hand-tooled leather wallet. Slice the apples for your Stonebreaker Whiskey and Cider cocktail on a beautiful hard wood cutting board.

Stop in or call 816.210.7041 to find a gift that no one else will think of! CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

29

MY FAVORITE THINGS (CON TI N U ED)

Santa loves cookies from the French Bee! Their holiday offerings are a tasty way to say, "You are loved". Pictured here are shortbread cookies topped with buttercream and 'fairy dust', raspberry almond bars, and giant macaroons, all displayed on hand thrown pottery by Tricia Sasz of the Parkville Artisans Studio. For a full menu of cookies and classes, visit TheFrenchBeeBakery.com and ParkvilleArtStudio.com, respectively.

30

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Make every shower a chance for luxury by upping the ante on your bath products!

The Bittersweet Apothecary and Little Soap Company features more than 100 handmade products, from soap to skin care to room sprays. Find the perfect scented soap for your loved one and present it in a vintage inspired box for a perfect stocking stuffer. Has someone been bad? Give them a lump of coal--charcoal that is! Try Bittersweet's charcoal soap with tea tree oil for a refreshing and unexpected clean.

Want more than just suds? Try the Rye Porter Soap, a collaboration with Rock and Run Brewery featuring their Rye Porter beer. Find more and store hours at BittersweetApothecary.com.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

31

MY FAVORITE THINGS (CON TI N U ED)

All that glitters is not gold and Nickel and Suede proves that! Although many of their selections may glimmer like metal, all of their jewelry is actually lightweight leather.

With earrings that are light as a feather and cuff bracelets that are soft as silk, you'll have the most comfortable holiday party season yet. Learn more at NickelandSuede.com.

32

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Looking for something for your furry friend? How about a beer? You can pour one out for your canine friend if it comes from Beer Paws. This pet-centric company celebrates dog lovers and beer lovers alike. Give your pooch some doggie beer or treats made from spent grains from brewers. Or maybe your pooch wants to declare their love for their local brewery with a bottle cap collar.

Beer Paws has you covered. And 10% of all sales go to animal welfare organizations.

Merry Christmas to all indeed! Find them at BeerPaws.com.

If you want a little variety, then check out The Middle Kansas City in Parkville. All of the items at The Middle have one thing in common--Kansas City! Here you can find Park University attire, locally made BBQ sauce, art from local artists, KC-centric baby clothes and more. Wear your love of Kansas City with pride! TheMiddleKC.com.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

33

MY FAVORITE THINGS (CON TI N U ED)

To wind down your holiday shopping, stop in at Headrush Roasters for one of their seasonal lattes or take home a pound of your favorite coffee beans roasted fresh while you wait. Once you have drink in hand, gather the kiddos to read the 12 Joys of Christmas.

This new take on the 12 days of Christmas leaves the French hens at home and focuses on activities that young and old can appreciate--ice skating and holiday baking among them. The book, by local author Tom Seibold and illustrated by his wife, Sheri McCulley Seibold, is available at Made in KC stores and at Amazon.com.Â

34

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Relax with a cocktail after a long day of shopping. Restless Spirits Distillery in North Kansas City has the holiday season covered with a cocktail using their Builder's Gin. YOU'LL NEED:

1 oz. Builder's Gin 1 oz. Pomegranate juice .5 oz lime infused simple syrup .5 oz Cointreau 1/2 lime 5 mint leaves

Mix all ingredients and stir vigorously with ice to combine. Strain into your glassware of choice and top with pomegranate arils.

Garnish with lime and mint.

The best dental experience for children and adolescents from 0-18!

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December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

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37

Celebrate z

Season!

LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS RING IN THE SEASON ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Dancing and singing and tubas, oh my! The Christmas season might be full of shopping and obligatory office parties, but there are also opportunities for the young and the not-soyoung to take in a show, watch a ballet, take a picture with Santa, and sip champagne with some of Kansas City’s most talented musicians.

While this is, by no means, a complete list of what the Kansas City art scene has to offer this season, it’s a small peek. Remember to check each website for more complete information.

KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE

The professional theatre in residence at UMKC, KC Rep offers two holiday shows: SantaLand Diaries and A Christmas Carol. This is the fourth and final season of SantaLand Diaries; Shana Jones will return for her fourth season as Harper Elf, and Claybourne Elder, will play Crumpet the Elf. Based on David Sedaris' hilarious memoir of his time as a department store elf, this show is sure to make even the coldest grinch laugh.

A Christmas Carol, KC Rep’s most popular play of the season, is in its 36th year. The production includes richly textured sets, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking visual effects that transport the audience from present-day to the world of Ebenezer Scrooge. The goal, as always, is to remind us all of what’s truly worth celebrating at the holidays—or anytime. KCRep.org 38

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Kansas City

Repertory Theatre

Kansas City Ballet KANSAS CITY BALLET

The 30-member professional ballet company offers shows throughout the year that range from classics to contemporary ballets. In addition to shows at each of its two locations, one at Union Station and the other at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City Ballet orchestrates community service programs and reaches more than 20,000 students and adults each year.

The Nutcracker, which launched in 2015 to great critical acclaim, returns in a completely reimagined telling of the classic tale, complete with grand sets, elaborate costumes, and captivating choreography. Show runs December 3-December 24. Â KCBallet.org CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

39

CELEBRATE THE SEASON (CON TI N U ED)

Kansas City

Sympohony KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

winter through Mozart’s Divertimento in

Formed in 1982 and now under the lead-

F Major, Vivaldi’s “Winter,” and Vaughan

ership of Music Director Michael Stern, the

Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves. A com-

orchestra boasts 80 full-time musicians, all

plimentary glass of champagne or wine—

area residents. The holidays are a veritable

and time to mingle with Symphony musi-

bonanza for music lovers as the symphony

cians—follows the performance. Most tickets

offers five shows. One is sure to suit your

$25; performance on December 7.

Jim Brickman with the Kansas City

musical palette. KCSymphony.org Handel’s

Messiah:

City

Symphony: hear new music, holiday favorites,

Symphony and Symphony Chorus join the

and the hits that made Jim Brickman the most

Independence Messiah Choir to celebrate

charted Billboard® Adult Contemporary artist

100 years of performing Handel’s Messiah.

and two-time Grammy® nominee. Tickets

Tickets start at $25; show runs from

start at $40; performance on December 9.

The

Kansas

December 1 – December 4.

Symphony’s

Christmas

nium players are invited to play and family,

season includes stunning arrangements of

friends, and the general public are encour-

traditional Christmas carols, exciting guest

aged to attend a lunch-hour concert.

vocalists and musicians, and an early visit from

Advance registration and a small fee required

Santa. A jewelry prize from Helzberg Diamonds

to ensue performance participation; shows

will be awarded at each performance (no

on December 2 and December 12.

purchase necessary). Tickets start at $30

Classics Uncorked: Vivaldi’s “Winter” and

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

City

Festival: The grandest holiday concert of the

Greensleeves: Experience the icy thrill of 40

Kansas

TubaChristmas: all area tuba and eupho-

for adults, $15 for children; performances on December 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20.

The

Coterie Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre

THE COTERIE

Founded in 1979 by University of MissouriKansas City graduate students Judith Yeckel and Vicky Lee, this children's theatre is located at Crown Center and offers educational and community outreach programs, as well as a full season of live theatre.  TheCoterie.org Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a colorful musical adventure that teaches us that what makes each of us different is what makes each of us special.

Performances run until December 31.

Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

41

CELEBRATE THE SEASON (CON TI N U ED)

Atkins-Johnson

Farm & Muserum ATKINS-JOHSNON FARM AND MUSEUM

Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum in Gladstone started as a two-story log cabin with a half-story sleeping loft and now offers a gorgeous trail to the historic Big Shoal Cemetery and an heirloom garden, apple orchard, and pumpkin patch. With a mission to encourage a greater awareness of and appreciation for local history and farm-to-table concepts, the AtkinsJohnson Farm and Museum collects and preserves cultural material for future generations and uses a multifaceted approach to sharing Clay County farm history with visitors. AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com Cookies and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus: this annual event features an opportunity to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a traditionally decorated setting, complete with cider and cookies.

Admission is free; each family photo is $5.

December 10.

Holiday Night: A free night filled with music and carolers, crafts, spiced cider, vintage toy display, selfie stations, and a writing station with letters to Santa and vintage Christmas cards. Santa will make an appearance and the farmhouse will be decorated. Be sure to leave enough time to walk the holiday luminary trail. Event is free. December 10.

42

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

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December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

43

Legal Compass

EST ATE PLANN ING Even When There's A Will, There's Not Always A Way AVOIDING PROBATE COURT USING THE NON-PROBATE TRANSFER LAWS ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN

44

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

If you’re like most people, you spend more time planning vacations, birthday parties, weddings, and retirements than you do thinking about estate planning. It’s not especially fun, can be annoying for those that don’t like to plan ahead, and not especially uplifting as it requires thinking about your mortality.

“On the upside,” says attorney Bill Quitmeier, “estate planning offers peace of mind. You don’t want someone else deciding how to split up your assets or making end of life decisions for you. It’s not just about planning for your death; it's also about planning your life.”

“Estate planning, simply put, is legal documentation of a plan you create to ensure your wishes are carried out in case of death, or even an illness or accident that might leave you unable to make financial, medical, or administrative decisions for yourself. In planning your estate, you designate whom you want and trust to make these decisions for you both in life and death.”

Quitmeier suggests these decisions are not ones you want to leave to be solved by your grieving heirs’ guesswork. A litigation and transaction attorney with particular emphasis in estate planning, real estate, and contracts, he has practiced law in Kansas City’s Northland for 40 years. He has prepared hundreds of estate plans for people of all ages and incomes. The common denominator remains the misperceptions.

Many believe only the wealthy need estate plans. That’s incorrect. If you own furniture, a car, a home, other real estate, financial accounts or personal belongings, you have an estate.

“Another common misperception,” adds Quitmeier, “is that a will is good enough. It’s not. A will is a ticket to probate court. If the assets are all jointly titled with someone that actually survives, you can avoid probate, but if both individuals should pass away simultaneously, the estate would have go through probate. A will is definitely necessary and important in designating guardianship for

minor children, otherwise, a will is nothing more than instructions for a probate judge on how to divide your assets."

“Probate can be costly and slow,” Quitmeier continues. “There are court fees, lawyer’s fees, administrator’s fees and time lost to work for court appearances. The role of the probate court is to ensure the debts of the deceased are paid and their assets go to those named in the will. Probate can delay heirs getting their properties and in some cases, much-needed funds. By creating a trust and utilizing non-probate transfer documents (TOD and POD and proper benef iciary designation) in your estate plan, you can avoid interference by courts if death or disability occurs.”

How about this one? Think estate planning is only for old people or retirees?

Think again. Anyone over the age of 18 can consider estate planning. Accidents and disablement are not age-specific. Planning includes advance directives, power of attorney and release of information documents.

If you don’t plan for yourself, someone else will plan for you after the fact, when you have nothing to say about it.

If the legal system sounds complicated, it’s because it is. There are do-it-yourself kits and online forms for wills, trusts, and advance directives, but part of knowing the right answers is knowing the right questions to ask. Quitmeier can guide you through the process to ensure your wishes will be honored during your life and upon your death.

Professional estate planning is one of the easiest and most important things you can do. The service is affordable and can be tailored to fit your needs. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.

It’s a gift.

Quitmeier Law Firm is located near Zona Rosa at 10150 N Ambassador Dr #100, Kansas City, MO. For an appointment, call 816.891.6300 or email Bill@wmQlaw.com.

December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

45

Lifestyle Calendar

December

DECEMBER 11 DOWNTOWN DAZZLE CROWN CENTER The VIP Shopping Trip will connect shoppers between Crown Center and the Power & Light District with a third stop at Union Station for the 6th Annual Holiday Swing, an artisanal fair featuring more than 100 vendors. Crown Center and the Power & Light District retailers and tenants will feature specials and offers for VIP Shopping Trip guests. DazzleKC.com

DECEMBER 17 SKATE WITH SANTA LINE CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER Skate with Santa during public skating today at Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena! Pay only $4 if you donate a non-perishable food item. Regular Admission $6, Skate Rental $2. kcparks.org

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

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business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION Art & Frame Warehouse-Northland (816) 584-8009 afwkc.com

Falun Dafa Association of Kansas City (913) 360-9602 shenyun.com

J. Schneider Photography (816) 738-6085 JSchneiderphotography.com

Oakhill Day School (816) 436-6228 oakhilldayschool.org

BankLiberty (816) 407-9200 banklibertykc.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BANKING

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Assistance League of Kansas City (816) 455-4485 ALKC.org

Patriot Outreach (866) 967-8766 patriotoutreach.org

Savers Liberty Store (816) 792-4477 savers.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

Dentistry for Children (816) 548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com

Dr Michael Byars DDS (816) 781-8222 byarsdental.com/northland

Gordon Dental (816) 505-2222 kcgordondental.com

48

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Equity Bank (816) 587-4322 bankpuppet.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Martin City Brewery (816) 918-1550 martincitybrewingcompany.com

Epic Vision Eye Centers (888) 749-7755 epicvisioneyecenters.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS SunSource Homes (816) 783-3863 SunSourceHomes.net

HOME SERVICES

Budget Blinds of the Northland and Kansas City (816) 505-5515 budgetblindskc.com

Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

HOSPITALS

New Liberty Hospital District (816) 792-7190 libertyhospital.org

INSURANCE

American Family Insurance Toby Breedlove (816) 468-1300

LANDSCAPING

Heritage Landscape (816) 741-0000 myheritagelandscape.com

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

Rock And Wall Landscape (816) 392-7262 rockandwalllandscape.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE

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

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Fairway Eye Center (913) 491-9123 fairwayeyecenter.com

Liberty Orthopedics (816) 781-6066

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

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

Saint Luke's Health Systems (816) 932-5100

Visiting Nurse Association (816) 531-1200 vnakc.com

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

OTHER

Mano's Gifts and Custom Wine (816) 471-2744 manoswine.com/

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

The Missing Link KC (816) 599-8577 TheMissingLinkKC.com

REAL ESTATE

Wolfe~Sweeney & Courtney (Reece & Nichols) (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

Woodneath Farms - A Hunt Midwest Community (816) 781-7925 huntmidwestkc.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Senior Helpers (816) 455-9300 seniorhelpers.com/ kansascitynorth

Stonecrest at Burlington Creek (816) 505-3030 stonecrestatburlingtoncreek.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Heavenly Olive Oils Northland (816) 382-3377 heavenlyoliveoils.com

Katydids and Grasshoppers (405) 341-9663 katydidsandgrasshoppers.com

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December 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

49

Parting Thoughts

Christmas Through Fresh Eyes ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY MALLORIE MCKERNAN

I

am a very traditional person. I don't mean that I'm stodgy or old, but at the ripe old age of oh, let's say 21, I knew how the holidays should happen. My grandmother should magically appear at our house (someone had to drive six hours each way to get her, but it wasn't me). The tree should be set up in the corner of my parent's living room. There should be Christmas Eve snack smorgasbord while my sister and I gorge ourselves and watch Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman.

We could open one present but the rest had to wait for Christmas morning. I would fall asleep in the left corner of my parent's couch until someone woke me to go to bed.

Fast forward a decade and change and my traditional nature has been challenged. Marriage will do that. Now, each year is a tug of war between families for who gets Christmas Eve and who gets Christmas morning. Each side wants both but gets one.

There's the question of who will get grandma and who gets to (or has to) cook dinner? Add the same questions to my sister's family and my sister-in-law's family and what should be a simple celebration can turn into a nightmare of logistics.

So this year, I'm going to try to carve out a little bit of time for my family--the one that I chose. My husband and I welcomed our daughter into the world this fall and all I can think about it how much fun Christmas will be again as I get to experience it through

50

Northland Lifestyle | December 2016

her eyes. There's so much that I want her to experience, all of which she won't remember except through digital pictures as she'll only be three months by the time Christmas rolls around.

But that doesn't deter me.

Here's my promise to her: I promise that I won't let family schedules get in the way of Christmas magic. I won't let the gifts get in the way of the message. She wasn't the first baby that was seen as a gift. I'm sure that Mary thought that Jesus was a perfect present too. Marveling at his tiny hands and feet, being grateful that her labor was over and meeting the child that she would someday call Lord must have been an amazing feeling. Although I know that my daughter isn't the messiah, she is a miracle and I see her as one even in the midst of the challenges of parenting.

I promise to sing carols with her and make sugar cookies, even though mine aren't very good. I promise to show her only the good Christmas movies. I promise to take her ice skating even though I fall down more than I skate. I promise to make her laugh and surprise her and try to show her how to hold onto wonder. I promise to live fully and take her with me. I promise to find a traditional that is just hers and her father's and mine to share and hold onto it forever.

So maybe this is how I get my traditional side back--through my daughter. After all, even traditions have to grow and change a little bit. They will be all the sweeter with her by my side.

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