Northland January 2016

Northland

JANUARY 2016

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Fresh Starts! welcome

2016

THE LAUGHING PLACE BAKERY WELCOMES ALL GLADSTONE MASTERS SWIM CLUB WORKS YEAR ROUND RUNNING RACHEL: MORE THAN A MOM BLOG

Donate your good taste.

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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Lifestyle Letter

New Year, Fresh Start O

h, January. By the end of December's daze of parties and excess, it seems like almost a relief to turn our minds to the task of undoing all the festive damage of the holiday season. This month's focus on health and fitness gives me a chance to clear my head, strap on the workout gear and remind myself to get moving!

Gym attendance is at its height the first two weeks of every new year but that's no reason to skip it for fear of waiting in line for a cardio machine. Two of our stories this month focus on people who are getting their workout in without ever hitting the treadmill.

RunningRachel.com is one woman's look into the life of a busy wife and mother. Rachel Steffen doesn't fit in workouts when she has time; instead she plans them out like another meeting. For her, the mental release of being on the road is worth the sacrifice of sleep and convenience, no gym membership required.

Doug Hayden, coach and founder of the Gladstone Masters Swim Club, finds his fitness in the pool. His love of swimming translates to the folks who come to him for encouragement and guidance, whether they are new to swimming or keeping their competitive streak alive from a lifetime in the water.

January is a great time to look forward and plan for the year ahead: who will you be? What will you accomplish? And it's not just physical health that's important. Take some time to check in with yourself, your partner or your kids; mental health needs a tune-up now and then too. Let's take this opportunity to stretch ourselves and see what the future holds!

Namaste, Rachel

JANUARY 2016 editor

Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com sales director

Lori Lapka | Lori.Lapka@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales

Carey Welsch | Carey.Welsch@LifestylePubs.com Andrew Unrein | Andrew.Unrein@ LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Peggy Parolin, Kenneth Kieser, Katherine Bontrager contributing photographers

Joel Schneider, Lani Odell, Pete Dulin

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

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ART DIRECTOR

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Rachel Murphy, Editor

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WEB DEVELOPER

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Correction: In December's 'Beauty Through the Lens,' photographer Joel Schneider's name was misspelled. His website is JSchneiderPhotography.com/nature. We deeply regret the error.

by Community ™

NorthlandLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Rachel Steffen laces up and heads out all year long. Read more on page 30.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANI ODELL 6

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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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.

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January 2016

16 26 Departments 20 Gladstone Masters Swim Club

From beginners to seasoned swimmers, a club for all.

26 The Laughing Place Bakery

A special spot for delicious treats.

30 Running Rachel

A local mom keeps it moving with a family, career and blog.

20 30

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Your Neighbor

30

Who’s Blogging?

32

Giving Back

34

Locally Owned

37

Sold Properties

38

Lifestyle Calendar

42

Parting Thoughts

xx

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Good Times

The Whole Person's 5th Annual Celebration Awards Luncheon

The Whole Person (TWP) held its 5th Annual Celebration Awards Luncheon on November 6 at the Grand Street Café, honoring individuals and organizations that are working to further TWP’s mission to assist people with disabilities to live independently.

Keynote Blessing Offor with guests after the luncheon.

Fox4 anchor Phil Witt served as luncheon emcee for the 4th year.

Paul H. Levy Founders Award Winner Susie Haake with Maggie Shreve, TWP’s first Executive Director.

TWP staff members Roxana Shaffe, Becky Wil- Mark Gash, Chairman of the Persons with Disabili- The Paul H. Levy Founders Award winner liams and TWP Board member Michelle Ford. ties Advisory Board (PDAB), accepts the Civic Leader Susie Haake with TWP CEO Julie DeJean and Award from TWP CEO Julie DeJean and TWP Board TWP Board President Rick O’Neal.

President Rick O’Neal.

Rosalind Reeves, Vice President of Talent Management for AMC accepts the Corporate Leader Award from TWP CEO Julie DeJean and TWP Board President Rick O’Neal.

Leon and Tina Jackson, with daughters Miss T. and TaMara accept the Individual Contribution Award for their work with the Quest for Rest Respite Care Events at Abundant Life Church from TWP CEO Julie DeJean and TWP Board President Rick O’Neal.

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

Keynote speaker, singer, songwriter Blessing Offor with TWP staff member Letiah Fraser.

Morning Day Cafe Art Jam

Shawn Stewart entertained crowds as audience members bid on art pieces by Farmers' Hands Photography at the monthly Art Jam held November 28. A silent auction, expanded cocktail list and new dinner items drew crowds for the event.Â

Shawn Stewart

Kahla Huntgate and Marshall Hylton

Steve, Patti and David Stark, owners of Serenity on the Square

Farmers' Hands Photography

John Wallace and Ellen Stewart

Craig and Brenda Williams

Derric Vincent

Morning Day Cafe owner Miranda Barchers

January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

11

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE NAMED APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

GIRLS IN TECH: NORTH KANSAS CITY STUDENTS TAKE PART IN HOUR OF CODE One hundred female North Kansas City Schools students (50 from middle schools, 50 from high schools) participated in Girls in Tech KC’s “Hour of Code” on December 7, at Commerce Bank downtown. The Hour of Code movement encourages students to explore the basics of coding and computer science. The students learned how to create their own computer programs. The event was sponsored by Commerce Bank, Cerner, The Women’s Foundation and KC STEM Alliance.

Mayor Sly James has declared December 7 as Girls in Tech Day.

William Jewell College has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2015-2017, recognizing Jewell for its access to integrated technology and engaged learning.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

“We are excited to provide students a technologically sophisticated learning community that supports the academically challenging atmosphere William Jewell is known for,” says David Sallee, William Jewell College president. “ The Pryor Learning Commons, opened in 2013, was designed to provide access to all the tools needed by today’s learners in an atmosphere that supports creativity and collaboration. The Jewellverse initiative expanded those principles and practices to include every student in a fully integrated living and learning experience.”

The College recognized that the lack of a common platform, as well as the social and economic inequity among students, would become

KOSMOS SINGLES HOST JANUARY MIXERS Kosmopolitan (Kosmos) singles is an independent social group formed in 1990 to provide social activities, fellowship, and support to

a barrier to the best teaching and learning.

“Putting an iPad device in the hands of every student, faculty and

singles north of the river. While we are primarily a Northland group,

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our membership is open to all singles, age 40+, throughout the great-

community of learners identify difficult problems and create innova-

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tive solutions,” says Anne Dema, provost.

CONTINUED >

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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Around Town

(CON TI N UED)

The group has weekly mixers every Thurs-

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day evening at various restaurants throughout the Northland. Members gather around 5:00 pm for a social hour(s), and many stay for dinner. On weekends, there is at least one organized activity which can include dances, movies, sports events, game nights, local events, biking trips, etc.

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other singles for fun and fellowship rather than sitting at home evenings and weekends. While some have the goal of meeting someone special (and there have been many Kosmos' marriages), others are there just for the fun and fellowship. Locations for January include Minsky's, #9 Saloon, Side Pockets and The Draft Pick. For more information, visit KosmosSingles.org.

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DRAGONFLY TEA ZONE OPENS IN NORTH KANSAS CITY DragonFly Tea Zone happily opened its second location in the Kansas City area and the first location in the Northland with a ribbon cutting on December 3 at 315 NE Englewood Road. The locally owned tea shop specializes in bubble tea, loose leaf tea, coffee, fresh squeezed juices, smoothies and crepes. For more information, visit DragonFlyTeaZone.com.

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

VASCULAR SURGERY GROUPS COMBINE TO FORM MIDWEST AORTIC AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE Two physician groups are combining to form the largest vascular surgery practice in the area. Kansas City Vascular, P.C. (KCV) and Vascular Surgery Associates, P.C. (VSA) have had a collegial relationship for many years and in January began sharing emergency call coverage at several area hospitals. In August, the five physician owners of the two groups (Drs. Mike Waldschmidt, Karl Stark, Michael Deiparine, Scott Kujath and Robert Carter) began working through a due diligence

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process toward merging their practices.

Their shared clinical and business philosophies moved things forward quickly and they have now signed the agreements that will create the Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute (MAVI) effective January 1, 2016.

“Having a larger practice will allow us to maximize practice operations efficiencies, improve the physician’s quality of life by reducing their call coverage commitments, strengthen the financial viability of our independent practice, enhance patient care through increased clinical collaboration and improve our ability to grow and expand services,” says Stark, who formed KCV in 1984.

Kansas City Vascular, P.C. is already the region’s leader in vascular device and biologic research, currently participating in 11 clinical trials. MAVI will continue this tradition as a

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leader in vascular innovation. MAVI will have four office locations in Independence, Lee’s Summit, Liberty and North Kansas City, Mo. Three exist today and the office location in Lee’s Summit will open in February.

In addition to the seven vascular surgeons, MAVI will employ four nurse practitioners, four ultrasound technicians and 31 additional staff members. Jimmy Foster, MD, will join MAVI on July 1, 2016, following the completion of his vascular surgery fellowship in Iowa City, Iowa.

January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

15

Your Neighbor

Jeff Ehlrich: Park University's Best PARKVILLE RESIDENT CONQUERS HIS HEART ISSUE ARTICLE KENNETH KIESER | PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

Imagine taking control of a 140-year-old renowned college shortly after heart surgery.

A heart issue flared up just weeks before Dr. Jeff Ehrlich was appointed interim president by Park University’s Board of Trustees.

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending.

Ehrlich served on the faculty as Faculty Senate president and associate dean of Park University, located in Parkville. His qualifications to serve as interim president of this historic college were second to none, except for an unknown health issue. The professor was shocked when a checkup discovered his condition after living a life of healthy diets and strenuous exercise. A serious hereditary heart issue caught up with Ehrlich at this important time of his life.

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

“My family doctor thought I should have a heart scan during my physical,” Ehrlich says. “The scan prompted a cardiologist visit. He acknowledged my healthy living style but found a serious heart issue that required a quadruple bypass.”

The operation was successful and Ehrlich returned to work in ten days, was running in five to six weeks and riding his bike long distances two months later. His former healthy lifestyle, with a little help from his friends, likely cut a difficult recovery time in half.

“I believe that a positive attitude was my first aid in coming back,” Ehrlich says. “I was very involved in yoga before and after my operation. Wendy at Om Prana Studio in Parkville taught me how to relax and breathe

correctly. My wife, Donna, used aromatherapy, different kinds of oils that helped me breathe and relax. I think yoga, the aromatherapy and the medication sessions brought

me back very quickly. I have no doubt that yoga practice was highly beneficial to my recovery. I have continued to do a lot of cardio work, including on my bike until it got too dark to ride, after work. So now Donna and I walk three to four miles each evening.”

Good heath is a requirement of Ehrlich’s demanding job. His average day starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends between 5 and 8 p.m. He attends a lot of meetings and constantly deals with hundreds of different college issues, plus manages 42 campus centers nationwide, including military academic sites from coast to coast and online programs.

Today, plans are being made for several construction projects.

“Park University is going through some significant growth,” Ehrlich says. “We are doing additional building and remodeling. We are moving our library back to the old Carnegie Library on our campus, a library built with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. We just added a new academic education center in the underground cave section that will be the nursing and health care school.”

Enrollment is part of the job that requires a lot of planning. Many universities' enrollments are down and Park University is no exception. Many from the international community attend Park, including students from approximately 75 countries.

“Enrollment means money for the University,” Ehrlich says. “Being a private, independent university means we don’t get federal funding. So we are reliant on student tuition to drive our revenue. How to increase enrollment is probably one of the problems that keeps me up at night, but we have to increase it in the right way that is valuable to our students. That is a delicate balance to keep that rhythm going to put all the numbers together to equal the right product.”

Ehrlich has been proud to help uphold Park University’s heritage. Colonel Park dictated 140 years ago that students needed a school where there will be no judgement for race or ethnicity. This once caused a community stir when Japanese students attended Park in the 1940s after World War II. Peo-

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January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

17

Your Neighbor

(CON TI N U ED)

ple actually stormed the campus and backed down when the student body blocked them from reaching the Japanese students.

“I hope we never lose sight of educating all students who deserve an education,” Ehrlich says. “I hope we are never too good for anyone, including international students. I am extremely proud of Park University for maintaining these standards. It’s important that we invite back students that attended classes and were not able to finish. Hopefully I put the pride back in being from Park University for employees, graduates, students and anyone involved. My wife and I tried hard to redevelop relationships across campus. I get chest bumps and the secret handshake from my students. I believe in making the students part of this university.

Without the students we are nothing.”

Park University has always been a great school with notable leaders. Ehrlich has proven to be one of the best!

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GLADSTONE

MASTERS

SWIM FOR FITNESS Masters Coach Doug Hayden Leads Swim Group Coach Doug Hayden brings his joy of fitness to the pool.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PETE DULIN

L

ight shimmers off the water in the indoor pools at the Gladstone Community Center. The scent of bleach in the warm air is unmistakeable. A group of swimmers gather at one end of the pool, adjust goggles and suits, jump in the water and begin warm-up laps.

Masters swim coach Doug Hayden observes as the Gladstone Masters Swimmers ease into their routine. Hayden started this masters swim program seven years ago.

“When the community center was built, I spoke with the facility director about starting a masters program here,” Hayden says. “Once we decided, Megan Herren and I co-coached for two years and split the workouts.”

Hayden continues as the sole coach for this assembly of swimmers. He swam at a master level in his twenties after college. Prior to coaching at Gladstone, Hayden coached at the Clay-Platte YMCA. He has coached swimming for more than two decades.

The masters swim group, ranging in age from 23 to 93, falls into three basic categories of people: Beginner, Advanced, and Triathlete. Overall, the swimmers attend for the purpose of fitness and fun.

Some members train for goals and competition. Accordingly, the workouts vary depending on what each person strives to accomplish.

“The motto is ‘Do as much as you can or as little as you like,’” says Hayden, emphasizing the low-pressure approach of the group.

“We promote adult fitness through swimming. Workout routines are suggestions not requirements.”

Weekly workouts begin with warm-up laps of easy swimming that focus on kicking and pulling drills. Kicking involves holding onto a floatable kickboard while working only the legs. When pulling, a

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

floatation buoy is placed between the legs and only the arms are used to propel. Workouts ensue with a series of laps that focus on the butterfly, back, breast and freestyle strokes.

Depending on skill level and endurance, the workout time and difficulty level varies.

“On average, the swimmers do 3,0004,000 yards, or about two miles, in one-anda-half hours,” Hayden says. “Triathletes don’t necessarily practice all of the strokes. Some of them are all freestyle, some just try a few strokes. A beginner might only be able to do one length of the pool. We work on getting their breathing rhythm and body position down and build up to a workout. When they can participate more, then I push them.”

General workouts also include training on individual medley, distance and speed.

“We’ll also work on starting off the blocks, relays and doing fun stuff," says Hayden.

The Gladstone Masters Swim group is comprised of 40-50 consistently active swimmers. Approximately 20-30 people usually show on a given night. More than

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“It’s a great group. It began with five people,” Hayden says. “Three years later, it became a strong group. We also do local swim meets four to seven times a year, CONTINUED >

January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

21

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competing at all ages and levels. You have to be a U.S. Masters Swimming member.”

The swim group also maintains ties out of the water through four to five social events each year. The group has attended brunch, holiday parties and nightlife events together.

“Good friendships have been made,” Hayden says “Six babies have been born within the group.”

Hayden has remained an active swimmer for most of his life and with good reason.

“When I was 40, I became a stay-at-home dad. I got fat and out of shape,” Hayden says. “Getting back to swimming saved me. I worked out at the North Kansas City Community Center. When the Gladstone center was built, my goal was to get a Masters group here.”

Hayden is motivated to keep swimming and coaching with no signs of slowing down.

“Swimming is a major part of my life,” he says. “The body is made to move. When not moving, the body is not happy. If I can help people, then that’s what I like to do.”

Age is no impediment, Hayden insists.

“I swim smarter now because of my experience,” he says.

A series of swimmers thrust arms and legs and churn through the lanes of water. Hayden stands at the edge of the pool, watching, socializing and offering tips. He demonstrates to a swimmer how to better position the arms and hands on a stroke. Coach Hayden imparts knowledge to several generations of master swimmers moving their bodies toward a lifetime of fitness.

For more information, visit NorthlandMastersSwimming.blogspot.com or Gladstone.mo.us/CommunityCenter/aquatics.php.

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Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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 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!

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

Four Area Metro Locations: Kansas City • Liberty • Excelsior Springs • Raymore January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

25

The Laughing Place Bakery A bakery where everyone is welcome.

ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

T

his is a story about a dream. A dream of a place where families gather. A dream of a third child. A dream of a place where the knowledge that has been forgotten can be gained again. It's also a story about a bakery. But I digress.

Alicia Hammon occasionally tears up when she tells her story. We are meeting to discuss her new bakery, The Laughing Place Bakery, close to Linden Square in Gladstone. But the story she tells me is much more than just about flour, water, yeast and salt. It's about health, listening to God's calling and trusting Him. The Laughing Place Bakery opened in November. The small space is developing slowly, with a small menu of favorite items.

Hammon spent much of her adolescence in upstate New York, so the baked goods she makes reflect a childhood of watching her Grandfather turn out 20 loaves of bread every Saturday or watching one of her grand26

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

mothers work on their famous pumpkin or lemon meringue pies.

"We are so busy rushing from one thing to the next that I think a lot of the 'homearts' have really been lost. I learned to bake at my Grandfather or my aunt's knees. Those are the things that make a home a home. We live in an economy where both mom and dad have to work, and sometimes that's what the mom is called to do anyway. But what gets lost in that is learning how to make a pie and learning how to make bread," says Hammon.

Hammon says that the best piece of business advice she has received is informing her slow but steady growth.

"I received a lot of good business advice but the best was this, 'Do one thing and do it better than anyone else. Don't spread yourself too thin.' And I don't know that I'm doing anything better than anyone else yet, but I'm trying and learning so that I can have

the best in the area. That's why I'm keeping the menu small and only including things that I really love," she says.

So far, that includes a rotating list of savories and sweets. Saturdays feature bread, just like Grandpa used to make. Mondays and Thursdays feature Shepherd's Pie, Tuesdays and Fridays feature beirocks and Jamaicans.

Wednesdays and Saturdays also feature quiche.

Hammon says her cinnamon rolls, which take at least two days of prep time, are some of her best sellers. Once they are gone, they are gone.

Another addition to the menu that you won't find at many bakeries is the inclusion of paleo and gluten-free items. Hammon herself lives a '98 percent paleo lifestyle'.

She tries to make sure that people living with allergies or by dietary restrictions can still have a treat that doesn't break the bank.

The move to a paleo lifestyle happened after a long struggle with infertility. Hammon

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and her husband had two children but felt that their family wasn't finished. They began fertility treatments which included some fairly invasive drug therapies. After a medical complication almost resulted in a blood transfusion, Hammon's mother suggested that she try to paleo diet.

"It was really a 'I'll try anything' kind of thing. And I'll be really honest with you, that first week was really hard. I had a solid week of migraines from the sugar withdrawals. I'm a comfort eater and it was so hard knowing that I can have that cookie and feel better but then I'll have to go through the detox again," Hammon says. She stuck with it.

After a few weeks, she began to feel better.

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January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

27

THE LAUGHING PLACE BAKERY (CON TI N U ED)

˝Do one thing and do it better than anyone else. Don’t spread yourself too thin.˝

Alicia Hammon welcomes you to The Laughing Place Bakery .

I didn't know I was depressed until I wasn't anymore. For the first time in years, I could eat a meal without feeling nauseous. It was an amazing difference," says Hammon.

As she went on, her energy level increased and she started running. She set a goal to run a 5k every month for a year. She dropped weight. But after a visit back home to see family, her fatigue returned. She still ran a 5k in Buffalo, New York. Upon returning home, she had a suspicion that she knew why she was tired. After quitting the extensive fertility treatments and clearing her body of toxins, she was pregnant.

Hammon says that changing her diet was such an immediate change that it was shocking. For her, sugar was the culprit. While Hammon and her family try to eat organic whenever possible, she says that sometimes it is cost prohibitive.

"I think the key is to do what you can and don't beat yourself up about it when it's out of reach. I'll be honest, we ate a lot of carrots and celery there for a while, because that's what we could afford. It was worth it," she says.

28

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

So how does a paleo baker exist? Hammon says while she bakes conventional items most of the time, and that the Laughing Place Bakery could not be considered a true gluten-free bakery (she mentions that if you are sensitive to airborne gluten, it is not a safe place for you), she makes sure that there are a few items for those with other dietary restrictions.

Her favorite item? The ugly scone, which is chock full of flax, dried fruit, honey and oats.

So far, the bakery is edging toward the success Hammon knows is possible. She lives down the street and says that Gladstone is a community she sees becoming a place where people can walk to the bakery on a Saturday morning and then enjoy activities in the surrounding area, especially Linden Square. In December, she offered cookie decorating for kids on Saturdays and she says she hopes to offer more classes in the future.

"I think that family and community can be healed by connecting to one another. The way that my family did that was with food. I want to be the place where people know they are welcome." she says.

She's well on her way.

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January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

29

Who’s Blogging?

R

achel Steffen is a woman on the run.

Whether she’s running for fitness, for fun with her three sons, or taking someone to soccer practice, she’s always running somewhere.

Running has been a part of Steffen’s life since grade school, long before she had children, before she married her college sweetheart, before she became known for her popular blog RunningRachel.com.

Blogging about running has been a part of Steffen's life since 2005. After moving to California from the Midwest, away from family and friends, and pregnant with her first child, she began blogging as a way to stay connected to those back home and as an outlet for her words each day.

Later, as the mother of three feisty toddlers, Steffen shared tales of fitting in fitness, especially running, as a part of her daily routine, along with family, faith and of course, fun!

“Training or exercise is usually the first thing to go when we get busy,” explains Steffen. “What it comes down to is a matter of making time for fitness. I’m not going to sugar coat it and say that it’s easy. It’s not. There’s always something vying for your time and attention.

For me, making time for fitness is as simple as scheduling it before hand, like a doctors appointment. If I know I’m going to wake up at 5 a.m. to do a 30-minute DVD or run on the treadmill (that I don’t own), then I’m more apt to be successful in making that happen. Making a plan and sticking to it is what works for me.”

Though Steffen researches and writes about all aspects of running on her blog, she insists she’s not an expert.

“I’m just an over worked, over tired mom trying to make a positive impact in the lives of those I meet” she says. “Running is my happy place. It’s what I do when I need to unwind and de-stress or f ind calm. Running is my exercise soul mate.”

Fitness Lifestyle Keeps Stay at Home Mom on the Go Running, Writing and Relaxation 30

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

Steffen, who ran in the Boston Marathon last year as well as many half-marathons and races along the way, looks to her family and friends for her inspiration. As for secrets about how she pulls it all together, she admits it helps greatly that her husband and children are huge outdoor fans.

And, while she insists she wears no magic cape, Steffen does admit to having her favorite brands of gear for training and competition.

“I prefer Polar (for heart rate training and GPS technology based needs), ASICS (favorite running shoe and brand), Pro Compres-

sion (compression tights and socks for those long runs and recovery times),” she pauses, “and Nuun Hydration, (delicious sugar free electrolyte tabs), to help me stay hydrated while on the run or on the go with my boys."

As for favorite places?

“Anywhere,” says Steffen. “As long as I’m running, I’m happy.”

Learn more at RunningRachel.com or log in to some of her favorite fitness websites: Competitor.com, Metaboliceffect.com, and Fitfluential.com.

January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

31

Giving Back

Treating the

WHOLE PERSON One Individual at a Time

LOCAL ORGANIZATION HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LIVE FULL, INDEPENDENT LIVES ARTICLE KATHERINE BONTRAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

F

or Jim Leach, it was a battle with bipolar disease. For Aaron Price, it was a devastating car crash that led to being paralyzed. Each man had a very different challenge that lay before him, but each was able to turn to the same place for help: The Whole Person. This incredible local nonprofit aids people with disabilities so they can live independently—all while trying to impart change within the community to expand opportunities for such independent living.

32

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

The organization reaches out to people with physical and mental disabilities, their spouses and family members, as well as schools, businesses, and local government agencies.

Its aim? To connect people like Leach and Price to the support and resources they need, so that they have the choice to stay out of institutions and nursing homes and instead live meaningful, independent lives.

For each individual, this means something different. For Leach it was managing his illness with proper medication and regular psychiatric visits.

“I credit my ongoing wellness to having found the peer support group sponsored by The Whole Person,” Leach writes. “This group allowed me to accept my illness, demonstrated that I was not alone and gave me the knowledge it is okay to be bipolar. I cannot overstate the value this has been and continues to be for me personally as well as my family, friends, and coworkers.”

For Price, there was much to learn about coping with his injury upon his release from the rehabilitation hospital.

“I’m constantly running into new obstacles and issues,” he writes. “Thanks to the peer group at The Whole Person, I’m given the information to deal with those obstacles in a constructive, easy manner. The group also keeps me connected to the spinal cord injury community in the Kansas City area and the activities available to us. The best part about the spinal cord injury peer group at The Whole Person is that it

provides me with a safe place to talk about my injury with others who know exactly how I feel. I couldn’t think of a better place to go for answers to my questions about living with my injury, and I’m looking forward to attending many more meetings in the future.”

This one-of-a-kind agency improved the lives of more than 2,000 individuals in 2015, in a wide range of ways. Whether it’s providing up-to-date information on services and support regarding adaptive equipment, transportation, accessible housing, offering one-on-one training to help adults with disabilities develop skills needed to live independently, peer mentoring, or advocacy on the local, state and federal level, The Whole Person takes a systematic approach to tackling this very real need. Another focus for this organization? It’s helped approximately 1,200 people avoid institutionalization by making them aware of real living options within the community.

Yet this is only part of the picture. The Whole Person also aids families that have children with disabilities. Be it free sign language instruction or helping high schoolers transition out of school upon

graduation, the organization is there every step of the way as its participants progress through life.

Funding for this very unique program is garnered through grants, United Way campaigns and individual, foundation and corporate support. Opportunities for volunteering and financial support are always welcome, as The Whole Person seeks to empower not only its participants, but also the greater community as a whole, so that there are equal opportunities for every person.

“The Whole Person’s goals are to promote empowerment, independence, self-reliance, and inclusion for people with disabilities,” says Julie DeJean, CEO of The Whole Person.

For Leach and Price—and countless others—that goal is met again and again as this unique organization enables those in need, regardless of their disability, to feel whole and independent once again. It’s something many of us take for granted—but something a special few ensure all of us get to enjoy.

For more information, visit TheWholePerson.org.

January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

33

Locally Owned

Family Owned, Results Driven

AR

LEN | PHOTO TICLE LISA AL

SCHNEIDER

GRAPHY JOEL

MEET THE FATHER-DAUGHTER

TEAM BEHIND RITION

THYME CAPSULE NUT

and Evie Father-daughter duo Bill . rks wo at wh are focused on

I

f you’ve not yet shopped at Thyme Capsule Nutrition, you’re in for a surprise.

The specialty store stocked with quality supplements, vitamins, natural aromatherapy essential oils, herbs and more is in a nondescript building—between a Quik Trip and a Sav-A-Lot—and seems, from the outside, small and just a bit ordinary.

But inside is a different story.

“People are surprised when they come in for the first time,” says co-owner Bill Salyer. “They say the store is larger than they thought it would be and that it’s warm, pleasant and welcoming. That’s important to us; we don’t hover, but we’re always within earshot to answer questions or to chat.”

Salyer bought the store in 2001. His daughter Evie worked at the store part-time in the beginning and now co-owns the store with her father.

“She had little ones at home then,” he says. “Now that her kids are teenagers, she has more time to devote to the store.”

The father and daughter team focuses on service and simplicity; integral to good service, he says, is a clear understanding of which products work and which are only marketed well. Simplicity hinges on staying specialized and focusing on each client, not the sale.

“We don’t believe our own press,” he says.

“A celebrity endorsement of a product doesn’t mean it works. We carry things that we know work and that have an established track record.”

Still, some categories are more popular than others.

“We see a lot of folks with gut issues, inflammation, cholesterol and joint problems.

Some people come in because family and friends suggest trying natural remedies instead of conventional medicine, but some people come in because their doctors have sent them. There’s so much research now about natural options that don’t carry the same side effects of prescription medicine.

Probiotics and anti-inflammatory products are consistent needs because when our guts are out of balance, we’re not healthy,” he says.

Salyer is quick to point out that they’re not doctors; still, they keep up with the latest research and, perhaps more importantly, actually listen when someone talks.

“We never try to play doctor,” he says.

“We’ll listen and suggest they get checked CONTINUED >

34

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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Locally Owned

(CON TI N U ED)

out first, then give supplements a try. What most people don’t realize is that some things don’t change and many of our modern diseases are a result of gut bacteria and our diets. That’s why so many people look for probiotics and anti-inflammatory options.”

Part of what makes this store different than box stores—other than health food store quality brands—is its ongoing commitment to always keep things fresh. The store regularly offers new services and products.

“We stock the only true locally-sourced honey product,” he says. “It’s fresh honey from a little family operation in Easton, Kansas. Customers love it because it’s a genuine single source honey, not a blend that you likely see from other places.”

He added pure, natural, essential oils when customers asked. And there are five massage therapists that operate on location.

“There are some common misconceptions about mom and pop specialty stores,” says Salyer. “One is about price—that we’re more expensive than other places. That’s not true; we don’t aim to be the cheapest, but we operate on a smaller margin than bigger stores because we’re committed to bringing the best quality products to our customers.

We also make sure we know what we’re talking about by keeping up with the latest research, and we offer a true guarantee. You can bring anything back, for any reason. We call it ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ or ‘guaranteed to work.’”

Salyer is excited to add a new line of products to the store in January. Nature’s Purist offers 36

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

specialty formulas that come in glass, not plastic. The prices are good, he says, and the quality is exceptional. The formulas will join the other products customers have come to love and know they can’t find anywhere else in the KC area, like those made by Nature’s Sunshine.

“You know, I’ve probably lost a few sales because I’m a little too logical, too low-key,”

Salyer says. “But I can promise one thing: when you come in, you don’t have to go looking for us, and you don’t have to worry about a sales pitch. We’re here because we want to be here, and we love to chat.”

For more information visit ThymeCapsuleNutrition.com or call 816.472.7035.

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37

Lifestyle Calendar

January with students and alumni, as well as a parent testimonial. Tours will be provided along with special showcases of various offerings that are special to Oakhill.

JANUARY 14 TEENS CREATE: TEEN WRITERS' GROUP

costumed guests to include Darth Vader,

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC

Chewbacca, C3PO and Storm Troopers —

LIBRARY-BOARDWALK

plus, a laser light show!

Are you an author of fan fiction, poetry, novels or plays? Teen Writers come together

JANUARY 24

every month to workshop, collaborate and

TRACY MORGAN

inspire new ideas.

VOODOO LOUNGE-HARRAH'S CASINO

JANUARY 16 JANUARY 9

Laugh it up with Saturday Night Live alumni and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan. The Picking

PROFESSOR I DROP,

Up the Pieces tour will reinforce that nothing

THE JUGGLING SCIENTIST

can stop this comedy force.

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC

THE HISTORY OF COFFEE: THE BEAN,

LIBRARY-RIVERSIDE

JANUARY 25

THE WHOLE BEAN AND NOTHING BUT

Jay Cady combines his love of science with

WARDING OFF THE WINTER

THE BEAN

circus skills in this interactive workshop. Top-

BLUES WITH TURNING POINT

MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC

ics include famous scientists, potential ener-

AND GILDA'S CLUB

LIBRARY-NORTH OAK

gy, density, and chart making. The big finale

NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL

Have you ever wondered where your cof-

is the "Four Box Mystery."

MEDICAL PLAZA NORTH

fee comes from? Early Europeans referred to

Find out some of the contributing reasons

coffee as "wine of the bean" and used it to

JANUARY 16

jumpstart international trade. Taste and learn

ICM PRESENTS: SIDE BY SIDE

ter and use Stephen Ilardi’s six-step pro-

as Emily, a manager at the Barista de Casa

GRAHAM TYLER MEMORIAL CHAPEL

gram to keep depression at bay. Taught by

Cafe inside Woodneath Library Center, takes

AT PARK UNIVERSITY

Susan Rieger, MSW, LCSW. Free but regis-

you through coffee's fascinating history.

The International Center for Music pres-

tration is required. Go online at NKCH.org

ents a concert of its esteemed students

or call 816.691.1690.

JANUARY 13

playing along side their teachers. The pro-

PAINT AND PARTY WITH CLUB W!

gram includes works by Strauss, Bach and

BLANC PALETTE

Tchaikovsky. Admission is $10.

Grab your girlfriends and nurture your artistic

why depression increases during the win-

JANUARY 29 FEBRUARY 21 THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

side. Share wine and snacks and go home

JANUARY 21 - 23

with your own masterpiece.

KC SYMPHONY PLAYS THE MAGICAL

THEATER--SPENCER THEATER

Free. Register at NKCH.org or call 816.691.1690.

MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS

The most personal aspects of Anne Frank’s

KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PER-

story went untold until newly-discovered

FORMING ARTS

writings became part of a Pulitzer Prize-win-

OAKHILL WINTER ROUND UP

No one writes more recognizable scores

ning play, adapted for stage by Wendy Kes-

OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL

than John Williams. This musical celebra-

selman. This adaptation tells the chilling sto-

This winter Open House is open to Oakh-

tion includes favorites from “Star Wars,”

ry of Nazi persecution and the hopes of a girl

ill families, as well as prospective families.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Harry Potter,” “Ju-

who inspired generations with her unwaver-

There will be a question and answer session

rassic Park” and “Schindler’s List.” Special

ing faith in humanity.

JANUARY 14

38

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

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39

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

AUTOMOTIVE

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

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS Savers in Liberty (816) 792-4477 savers.com

The Whole Person (816) 627-2220 thewholeperson.org

CHILD CAMPS, CARE & TUTORING The Nibble Nook, LLC (816) 560-9270 thenibblenook.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Burleson Orthodontics (816) 533-7566 burlesonorthodontics.com Dentistry for Children (816) 548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com

College Nannies & Tutors (816) 256-5907 collegetutors.com/parkvillemo OakHill Day School (816) 436-6228 oakhilldayschool.org

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Show-Me Shooters Indoor Range (816) 452-4867 showmeshooters.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Bank Liberty (816) 792-6621 banklibertykc.com Carnes CPA (816) 489-7878 carnescpa.com Equity Bank (816) 587-4322 bankpuppet.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Muscle Metrics (816) 591-6610 musclemetrics.zone

HOME SERVICES

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

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

Gordon Dental (816) 505-2222 kcgordondental.com

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

40

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

INSURANCE

Allstate - Gladstone (816) 420-0500

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Fairway Eye Center (913) 491-9123 fairwayeyecenter.com

Pediatric Care North (816) 587-3200 pediatriccarenorth.com Visiting Nurse Association (816) 531-1200 vnakc.com Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa (816) 640-2762 wfcmedspa.com

OTHER

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

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Geiger Elite Real Estate Group (816) 721-9400 geigerelitehomes.com Residences Burlington Creek (855) 999-1358 maac.com/missouri/kansas-city/residences-at-burlington-creek The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com

Wolfe-Sweeney & Associates LLC (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com Woodneath Farms - A Hunt Midwest Community (816) 781-7925 huntmidwestkc.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE The Rim (816) 883-8996 the-rim.com

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SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

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January 2016 | Northland Lifestyle

41

Parting Thoughts

Man in the

Mirror

WORDS RACHEL C. MURPHY

2

016. If this year really was a baby wearing a top hat and sash, it should probably also have a comic conversation bubble that reads, ‘Hold on to your butts!” In an election year and in the wake of some pretty tumultuous world events, my resolutions are of a less aerobic nature this year. Of course, I will always use January 1st to kick-start an exercise routine but in my eyes, there are a lot more important things to focus on than my jeans size right now. So here they are, so that I can’t take them back.

• I will not be afraid. Bad things happen in the world and with increasing frequency. I don’t know the perfect answer to defeating terrorism or stopping mass shootings. I don’t think that most of the politicians do either. But I know this: I can only choose the actions and feelings of one person—me. So when I walk down the street, I will do so without fear. Life is too precious to waste a second of it waiting for it to end.

• I will be kind. In the age of social media, half-formed opinions and snark seem to rule the day. It means nothing to insult someone from behind a keyboard in the safety of your living room. Instead, I will state my views, if necessary, with kindness and compassion for other viewpoints. I can’t think of a single time that someone’s opinion has been changed by brute force. Conversation, though, is a powerful tool. I don’t know about you, but I don’t willingly engage with people in conversation who start from a place of aggression. Listening is as important as talking; this is something that I struggle with.

• I will educate myself. I love the brevity and expediency of social media and the Internet as much as the next person, but I feel like limiting myself only to short snippets of information about complex subjects is as bad as no information at all. You know the phrase, ‘I know just enough to be dangerous’? I see an entire generation of dangerously under-informed people unwilling to read more than two paragraphs about anything going on in the world. Long form journalism is a gift and we need to take advantage of it.

• I will be conservative. Now don’t misinterpret this as a political stance. For me, being conservative means taking only what I need, not what I think I might want. It means using all of the produce that I buy each week and not buying more that goes to waste. It means saving more and spending less. It means savoring small moments instead of just looking forward to big ones. I will recycle, walk instead 42

Northland Lifestyle | January 2016

of drive, use reusable bags and turn off the lights. I’ll make sure that I appreciate my surroundings.

• I will volunteer. The middle class is shrinking, while poverty is on the rise. I don’t have excessive amounts of money to give but I do have time. I want to help others, whether that’s reading to someone in the hospital or donating a bag of food to a local animal shelter or picking up trash along the side of the road; I will try to do whatever I can to help my fellow man. That doesn’t have to mean donating a whole day at a time to an organization. It could be as simple as volunteering for an event at church or offering a ride to an elderly neighbor. I know that if we all did one thing to help someone, even weekly, that it would make a huge difference in our community.

I suppose that these are more than my resolutions; they are my challenges to you. If we all did these things, we could have conversations instead of fights, communities instead of just housing developments. If we could give each other a little bit of grace each day, then the world would be a better place. As Michael Jackson said, I’ll start with the man in the mirror.

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