Northland, MO January 2023

A new way to wellness: WellWay at Norterre is where health care and health club meet

SHOPPING

B OARD GAM ES ARE A GRE AT ALTERN ATIVE TO SCREEN TI M E E N TE R TA I N M E NT

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A New Year A New Life Take a leap of faith and begin this exciting new year with us at McCrite Plaza!

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January 2023 PUBLISHER

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

EDITOR

A bright spot in a dark month

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

If I’m being honest, January is one of my least favorite months. I don’t dislike winter, but after Christmas, the season does lose a lot of its luster. It’s a long, cold, dark month, and plagued by bouts of seasonal affective disorder (and, likely, plenty of cold viruses), I struggle to make the month a joyous one.

My mission for January is often not just to muddle through it but to try to make it as enjoyable as possible. I fill the dark spots with twinkle lights in our home, and incorporate small, magical moments here and there, like indulgent, hearty dinners or by lighting candles to make things feel special.

And that’s my goal with our January issue, too — to try to bring a little magic to your January by not just counting down the days until spring, but by reveling in the time spent inside.

Speaking of special dinners, our resident food writer Tyler Shane put together a soup and bread recipe for us this month and challenges us to look beyond labels of “good” or “bad” when we think about how we nourish our bodies.

Our cover story this month is about WellWay, a company in Liberty that’s trying to do more to get folks healthy than just create a space to work out. I was so impressed during my visit to WellWay, primarily because I didn’t just see classically “fit” people working out there — there were folks of all ages and abilities, and I was especially encouraged seeing individuals use the chair lift to utilize the indoor pool space. They really have created a space for everyone, and I think their approach to health is one that we could use more of.

This is, of course, our health and wellness issue, and while it may be easy to think about our bodies when it comes to wellness, we often forget about our minds, too! Tiffany Killoren wrote a great story this month about how good board games are for our brains and for our relationships. We also take a visit to Mission: Board Games in Platte Woods to pick out some fun things to play.

And if you need more brain food than that, I talk about some of my favorite podcasts — all of them about Kansas City — in my “Listen Up” round-up.

I hope the things within our pages here can make your January even more enjoyable and provide a bright spot in a dark month.

Until next month,

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K AT I E C U R R I D, E D I TO R @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

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Katie Currid, Tiffany Killoren, Tyler Shane

Katie Currid, Morgan Miller, Tyler Shane

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland area’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.

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inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 It’s Your Turn!

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Experiences

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Mental Wellbeing

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Locally Sourced

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Healthy Lifestyle

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Culinary Creations

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Education Corner

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Fashion Forward

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Events

Roll the dice on family night and win every time

22 A New Way to Wellness

WellWay at Norterre in Liberty takes a holistic approach to wellness

30 Soup and bread: A perfect marriage Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months

36 Listen Up

A round-up of some of our favorite podcasts about Kansas City

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Morgan Miller Photography WellWay Exercise and Movement Specialist Matt Waller works with WellWay member Sue Valentine.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Children visit Santa Claus during Christmas on the River in Parkville on Friday, Dec. 2. 2: Davis Kettle Korn tends the kettle during Christmas on the River in Parkville. 3: Fireworks go off over Main Street in Parkville during Christmas on the River. 4: Students from St. Therese School carol on Main Street in Parkville. 5: Jillian Riscoe performs during Christmas on the River in Parkville on Friday, Dec. 2. 6: PHS Southside Girls performed during Christmas on the River in Parkville on Friday, Dec. 2. 7: The Graden Elementary 5th Grade Choir performs during Christmas on the River in Parkville.

Photography by Main Street Parkville

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C I T Y SC E N E

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1: Decorated cars drive through the Lighted Christmas Parade in Excelsior Springs on Nov. 19. 2: Santa waves during the Lighted Christmas Parade in Excelsior Springs on Nov. 19. 3: Tristan Sykes, Ryanne Wilkins, Ellie Wilkins, Gibson Wilkins, Jennifer Wilkins and Franki Wilkins during the Christmas Fashion Show in Excelsior Springs.

Photography by Lyndsey M. Baxter

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business monthly Committed to Excellence for 75 years!

For over 75 years, Oakhill Day School has provided the Kansas City Northland with student-first academic offerings that fit every family's needs. Experience firsthand the variety of options that Oakhill can provide for your family.

Whether you need an early childhood program for your child's first years of school, well-rounded K-8 academics, or flexibility for your busy high school student, we will help you find YOUR perfect fit.

Academics from infancy to adulthood On-site learning & social-emotional support for students Dedicated teaching staff A close-knit community with a family feel

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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Allied Arts Council Call for 2023 Sculpture Walk Artists The Allied Arts Council along with the City of St. Joseph invites regional, national, and international sculpture artists to enter a sculpture for the 10th annual St. Joseph Sculpture Walk. The Sculpture Walk is an exhibit of beautiful outdoor sculptures displayed for one year in Downtown St. Joseph, Missouri. The deadline for submission is February 10, 2023, with notification of acceptance on or before February 28, 2023. For more information, go to stjoearts.org/ programs_sculpture_walk.htm.

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Tour one or both of our campuses located in the heart of Gladstone, Missouri.

Learn more at oakhilldayschool.org/admissions | 816.436.6228 Oakhill Day School will seek diversity in its student body and welcome enrollment by students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law. It prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected category under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), specifically, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender or sex, race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in Oakhill Day School’s educational programs or activities.

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If you are passionate about helping others and supporting a healthy Northland community, come work with us! At Liberty Hospital, we offer competitive pay, great benefits and flexibility to fit your life. This is your team, and you’ll know it the moment you walk through our doors.

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

BY KATIE CURRID

With another busy year behind us, you owe it to yourself to take a breath, a break, and reset your physical, mental and emotional being. Enjoy these relaxing and rejuvenating local experiences to get you set for the year ahead.

Our Picks to Rest & Recharge OR ANGE EASEL SCHOOL OF AR T: Orange Easel has two locations — one in Liberty and one in Platte Woods — and they have DIY workshops for both kids and adults all year long. 249 W Mill St #107 Liberty, MO UNVEILED AESTHETICS : Save yourself from the dry, winter weather with a facial. 7211 NW 83 Street, Kansas City, MO BALANCE FITNESS STUDIO: Get your body moving with a variety of group fitness from this local studio. We especially love their yoga classes and dance fitness programs 108 Bridge Street, Smithville, MO HOBBY HILL PAR K: Hobby Hill has a lot to offer — it has a playground for little ones, a nice walking path, and even a disc golf course! 7700 N Broadway, Gladstone, MO FR ECKLED STONE BODYWOR K AND MASSAGE: Relax after the stress of the holidays with a nice massage. 420 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, MO , North Kansas City, MO

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Hobby Hill Park

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Katie Currid | @katiecurrrid Katie is the editor of Northland Lifestyle magazine and mom of two young boys. She works as a photojournalist, owns and operates the bartending truck Fizzolino with her husband, Tyler, and resides in Weston.

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It’s Your Turn!

Roll the Dice on Family Night and Win Every Time ARTICLE BY TIFFANY KILLOREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

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Oh, the anticipation as you rolled the dice and counted out those little squares. Would you land in the Peppermint Forest of Candy Land or fast track through Gumdrop Pass? Perhaps Friday nights were instead spent eating pizza while battling a sibling for the opportunity to yell “Sorry!” in a sing-song voice as you bumped their colorful pawn from its place on the game board. Whether you preferred a quick game of Chutes and Ladders or the longstanding saga of Monopoly, board games likely have a special place in your memories of simpler times with family and friends.

With locations in the Northland and in Kansas, Mission: Board Games' mission (pun intended) is to “bring back family game night!” A comfortable spot to hang out with friends and family for board game night, Mission: Board Games provides an opportunity to break out of your family’s routine and remember what it’s like to vie for a favorable position on whatever board you choose. With an impressive variety of board games to select from, this fun shop and gathering place hosts tournaments and events to embrace these long winter days. With both retail and gaming areas, visitors can bring in their own games or play those in the shop that they’ve been eager to try.

Mason Hans, owner of Mission: Board Games, understands the value that a simple board game can add to family and friend relationships.

“I love games and we need more human-to-human connection as we get more into a digital world,” Mason says. “If we can get everyone off their screens together and playing something that isn’t digital, it will keep us together.”

Although there’s something beautifully nostalgic about the brightly colored squares and little plastic spinning wheels of board games from years ago, games have matured with their audiences and are now an entertainment platform all their own. Bestselling games on the Mission: Board Games’ website include the survivalist game, Dead of Winter, a Murano Light Masters game inspired by the Italian glassmakers of the

13th Century and Concept, a game that will test communication skills by silently conveying concepts using visual clues. Popular modern games like this are quite different from the basic board game concepts that many of us grew up with.

Sure, it’s always fun to declare yourself the victor after an intense board match, but the benefits of game night reach far beyond bragging rights. The pandemic and related isolation resulted in a lot of time with family and, although intentions may have started out to use the time productively, the slippery slope of screen time provided an understandable reprieve during those long days. The negative impact of too much screen time is well documented, however, especially as it relates to children. Obesity, behavioral issues, sleep disruptions and poor academic performance are all notable concerns, and the echoes of family arguments about video gaming and screen time can be heard throughout our neighborhoods. The next time your children respond, “But, I’ll have nothing to do!” suggest a family game night – one that substitutes dice for a controller and a board for the screen.

The professionals at Embark Counseling, with locations in the Northland and throughout the metro area, guide families through life challenges and understand the wellness benefits that come with structured family time. One of its counselors, Sydney Heustis, LPC, explains the hidden – yet significant – benefits of time spent together.

“Board games are effective tools for strengthening family dynamics and bonds due to how they can reinforce attachment,” Sydney says. “When we play board games, we are often attuned to one another.

Attunement is at the core of attachment, so when we are attuned we are connecting emotionally and strengthening the neural pathways that are integral in forming healthy relationships and bonds.

“There is actually a lot of evidence that suggests video games and excess screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even PTSD,” Sydney adds.

“If we can get everyone off their screens together and playing something that isn’t digital, it will keep us together,” Mason says.

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“Board games are effective tools for strengthening family dynamics and bonds due to how they can reinforce attachment,” Sydney says.

“On a smaller scale, putting the video game down and doing something like playing a board game will encourage healthy interpersonal interaction, emotion regulation, and problem-solving skills. We will also see benefits around distress tolerance, impulse control, and attention span. Social interaction and support is an important part of maintaining mental wellness, which ultimately impacts overall health.

When families prioritize safe connection, it reinforces attachment and safety. As parents, we are prioritizing being our child's first point of contact when hard things happen.”

Mason agrees that board games can grow, solidify and expand on relationships in ways you would never expect.

“Playing games with people is the best way to learn about someone,” he says.

So, the next time your family claims boredom, suggest a game night at Mission: Board Games before reaching for those phones and isolating yourself with a screen. Kids will be reminded of the joy that comes with navigating their way through a board game’s challenges, and parents can reconnect with them across the table. Although kids have become used to virtual reality, this is the perfect time to introduce them to a game of Clue, Monopoly or Risk - the original multiplayer experience.

Visit Mission: Board Games at 7751 NW Prairie View Rd. near Platte Woods. They have a space to try out board games before you buy, and also have daily gatherings for game playing, such as meet-ups for Pokemon, Warhammer, roleplaying games, and general board game nights!.

You can find more information about their events on their website, M I S S I O N B OA R D G A M E S .C O M

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Board Game Bonding Here are some favorite board games from the employees at Mission: Board Games

ARTICLE AND PHOTOG R APHY BY K ATIE CURRID If you’re looking for some quality time, whether it’s with your kids, your partner, or a group of friends, board games are a great way to get together. Good thing the folks at Mission: Board Games love to chat about board games. It’s fun to browse the shelves there, but there are so many games to choose from, it can be overwhelming! We had employees at the store recommend their favorites to us for lots of different scenarios.

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Tenpenny Parks If you were obsessed with the PC game Roller Coaster Tycoon growing up, Tenpenny Parks is like that, but in a board game form. The goal of the game is to develop land and create the best theme park, and you get points for generating different emotions and for the most people visiting. The game can be played with 1-4 people, ages 14 and up.

The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine If you haven’t heard of cooperative games, you’re in for a treat.

While most classic board games are competitive, cooperative games actually have you working with your companions to beat the game together. The Crew is a great example of this. It’s a trick-taking card game, so it has a small footprint (great for traveling). The game centers around astronauts exploring an unknown planet, and you win after each player conquers their own individualized mission. It’s a quick game, with 20-minute gameplay for 2-5 players, ages 10 and up.

Ticket to Ride I like to call Ticket to Ride a “new classic.” It’s similar to your favorites growing up — Monopoly, Clue, Life — with classic game design but updated (and, honestly, does anyone really like Monopoly?). It’s also great for a lot of age groups, recommended for ages 8 and up, and can be played with 2-5 people. The goal is to lay as many of your tracks across the US as possible and also try to achieve secret routes that your competitors don’t know about to earn points. If you’ve tired of the original, there are even more versions in the series, such as versions for Europe, Asia, and the Heart of Africa.

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Wingspan Wingspan is popular for a lot of reasons. Players say it has great replay value, is easy to learn and teach how to play, and also has a lot of strategic depth. However, the most common praise for this game is its beauty — it has gorgeous illustrations. The game places you as a bird enthusiast looking to attract birds to your nature preserves. Wingspan can be played with 1-5 people and is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Cascadia Fans of Settlers of Catan will enjoy this game, which centers around building habitats for wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.

The game involves laying puzzle-like hexagonal tiles and drafting tokens to build up the terrain and populate it with wildlife. You can play solo or with up to 4 people, ages 10 and up.

Splendor Splendor is another game that’s quickly becoming a new classic.

Players are merchants during the Renaissance era collecting chips, acquiring gems, and developing their cards. The goal is to earn the most prestige points, which can be gained by wealth or even visits from nobles. The game can be played with 2-4 people, takes around 30 minutes, and is best for ages 10 and up.

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A New Way to Wellness WellWay at Norterre in Liberty takes a holistic approach to wellness

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

Chris Schultheis didn’t come up with the concept of WellWay overnight. There was no movie-like realization, no “ah-ha” moment.

The concept of WellWay at Norterre took Chris decades to curate and fine-tune.

“It was a slow realization because I’ve always been an exercise nut,” says Chris, the president and co-CEO of WellWay at Norterre.

“I grew up in sports. Exercise was part of my being. When I went into [the world of fitness gyms], it was out of the passion for what it does for other people. It took me a long time to start to realize that that element alone is just simply not enough.”

In Chris’s 24 years in the health and fitness industry, he was exposed to more beyond the gym, such as functional medicine and lifestyle management. When he started WellWay five years ago, he wanted to do more than just create another fitness gym.

“We’ve got a health crisis in America, period,” says Chris. “It’s undeniable. The statistics are actually super, super scary. It’s a part of why we suffered so much from the pandemic as well, because of our health crisis as a nation. We’ve got to think of a solve for that. Access to healthcare is important. But it’s not the only solve..”

America has more gyms than any other nation in the world. Chris argues that despite that, our nation is not healthier. The United States doesn’t even rank in the top 30 of the healthiest countries on our planet. This drives home Chris’s point that most of the people who go to gyms are already, for the most part, healthy. His goal with WellWay is to expand access to wellness — beyond the gym.

“Statistically, fitness centers do not improve the health of the communities they serve,” says Chris. “They tend to serve people who are already healthy.”

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Chris’s philosophy on health care breaks up the population into three groups of people. He says that 20% of Americans are “proactives” — or people who spend out-of-pocket dollars on wellness. These are people who you see regularly in the gym. The remainder of folks he divides into “reactives,” or people who seek help for a short period of time in reaction to an injury or an illness, and “reluctants,” people who haven’t found the value in out-of-pocket health and wellness. He believes that the majority of the health and fitness world caters to the “proactives,” and his goal with WellWay is to bridge the gap between proactive people and reactive and reluctant people — providing outreach and education to make health care more proactive for more people.

“Traditional care is reactive in nature,” says Chris.

“We need to educate people on how to help take care of themselves better. We need to get out and influence people’s thinking relative to nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle so they don’t get to that reactive state. And that’s a lot of where WellWay was born out of.”

You’ll hear Chris say often that WellWay is “where health care and health club collide.” WellWay at Norterre does have a gym and group fitness classes, but they offer much more than a beautiful space to work out.

WellWay’s goal is to holistically address an individual’s needs, and each customer meets with a wellness advisor — what Chris compares to a financial advisor but for your health — to provide support. The wellness advisors, who are registered dieticians by trade and health coaches by training, assess individuals to provide the right level of care and guidance. With the average American only receiving 10 minutes of time with their primary care physician during their annual physical (the most proactive health care visit our current medical system provides), Chris’s hope is that WellWay can act as a supplement to traditional American health care.

“We don’t believe in a fitness or nutrition program because programs have a beginning and an end,” says Chris. Chris doesn’t want people to think they have to follow a plan or else they’re failing. He wants people to understand that missteps are a part of life and a part of a person’s healthcare journey. “We believe in sustainable, habitual, behavior-based change.”

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“Traditional care is reactive in nature,” says Chris. “We need to educate people on how to help take care of themselves better.”

On top of custom health plans, WellWay also offers lab testing that is overseen by an integrative physician, chiropractic care, health and nutrition coaching, health assessments, and personal training. If you’ve never walked into WellWay, you’d be welcomed by one of the most beautiful health clubs in the Northland, featuring an indoor track, aquatic therapy and indoor lap pool, strength, circuit and cardio gym equipment, on-site childcare, and a bistro.

WellWay’s approach is to think about health and wellness by looking at one’s body like a cup, which is influenced by the philosophy of allostatic load, or measuring the wear and tear on the body. In the cup analogy, the body takes on inputs, which can be in the form of stressors — things like diet and pain. The goal is to have a balanced cup.

“Your health and wellness are more than your exercise,” says Chris. “It incorporates your nutrition, your lifestyle, your stress management, but it’s influenced by your environment and the experiences of that environment around you.”

Overall, Chris’s goal with WellWay at Norterre is to have a whole-health approach to wellness. He knows that it’s not as simple as having access to a gym. WellWay truly has

a team of people who are invested in every individual’s overall health.

“We’re not trying to sell a strip mall of activities,” says Chris. “We’re trying to understand you and apply what’s right for you.”

And Chris knows that doesn’t come without showing up and doing the work on WellWay’s end. He knows it takes time and commitment from him and his team.

“Our hope is that they have a community [that customers] love to keep coming back to,” says Chris. “The experience that we deliver there has to be best in class.

We want it to be a place that they love going to every day. But more meaningful than that is a place where they truly feel that their health and wellness care is supported. Our vision statement at WellWay is to be the most trusted name in health.”

WellWay's 65,000 square-foot Wellness Center is located on the Norterre campus in Liberty, located off I-35, adjacent to Liberty Hospital. Find out how WellWay can support your health goals. Stop in throughout the month of January for a tour of the facility, or get started with a complimentary custom plan at wellway. com/start. Membership is not required to utilize health services.

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SOUP AND BREAD: A PE R F E C T M A R R I AG E HEARTY FOOD NOURISHES THE BODY DURING COLD WINTER MONTHS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER SHANE

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As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food?

Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.

This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish.

Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a wellrounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.

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H A SSEL BACK MOZ Z A R ELL A BR E A D LOA F INGREDIENTS • 1 Italian bread loaf • 1 cup butter • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 tsp dried oregano • 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.

3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.

4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making not to cut all the way through.

5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.

6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture.

Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.

7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.

8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

I TA LI A N W EDDI NG SOU P R ECI PE 4 Servings INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs • ½ cup carrots, diced small • ½ cup celery, diced small • 1 cup onions, diced small • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 bay leaf • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp cooking oil • 48 oz low sodium chicken broth • ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle) • 1 tbsp kosher salt • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS 1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside.

Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat.

Add oil and butter.

3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.

4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.

5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.

6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes.

Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.

8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve immediately.

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C A R P E T - T I L E - V I N Y L P L A N K - H A R D W O O D - L A M I N AT E - N AT U R A L S TO N E

TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES FOR OVER 34 YEARS

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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

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ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID

LISTEN UP There’s a podcast for anything these days — and some of our favorites are about Kansas City!

I am a podcast junkie. I’ve been listening to podcasts for over a decade, and love the ability to dive really deep into stories — whether they’re about history, culture or crime — while I’m doing something else! It’s great being able to multitask while still expanding my mind. There’s a podcast for just about anything these days, so, of course, there are hyperlocal podcasts about our own city — Kansas City! Here are a few I love.

A Pe ople’s H istor y of K a n s a s Cit y

Hu ng r y for MO

by KCUR

by Sari Lowenstein

by KCUR This is one of my favorite podcasts of all time, and of course, the extra benefit is that it digs into hyperlocal Kansas City history and sometimes even state history. Favorite episodes include, “100 Years of the Plaza,” the history of how the Plaza was built and our relationship with it today, “A Toast to the Birthplace of Sliced Bread” about the food’s invention in Chillicothe, and “The Occupation That Saved a Wyandot Cemetery” about a native woman’s battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

36

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ENTE RTAI NME NT

K a n s a s Cit y C on f ident ia l

Another food-related podcast is also a KCUR podcast by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara, who explore cuisine all over Missouri — from St. Louis pizza to how Missouri saved wine to the invention of Springfield chicken, the Chinese food staple. It’s a perfect blend of culture and history, and we always love KCUR’s dedication to welltold stories — especially when they make us hungry in the process.

In this podcast, Sari Lowenstein, known as @kcbysari on social media, interviews the people behind some of Kansas City’s favorite businesses. The podcast interviews institutions like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, delves into issues like sustainability with its SOAP Refill Station interview, or simply entertains with its interview with comedian Jamie Campbell.

O verlooke d

by KCUR

Un se a le d : T he Tylenol Mu rders

O p en B el ly

by ChowNow

by The Chicago Tribute Retired Kansas City police detective Roger Gobulski was arrested in September of 2022 for violence against two women in 1990. But the problems were much deeper than that.

Reporter Peggy Lowe interviews people who were hurt by Gobulski over the course of many decades, and the podcast seeks to find accountability and justice for his victims that go beyond the recent charges.

If you haven’t heard of the Tylenol murders, it’s an unsolved case from the 1980s where people were poisoned with cyanide that was hidden inside Tylenol bottles before the bottles had protective seals. While the murders happened in Chicago, the investigation includes Kansas City detectives and a suspect who lived here.

Open Belly is a podcast that explores America’s “vibrant and diverse food culture.” While later seasons expand to different cities, the first season is a deep dive into the Kansas City food scene and features thoughtful interviews with some of the folks behind our most revered restaurants.

We especially love the episode about Queen Sweets & Bakery, one of our favorite Northland institutions.

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LEGGINGS 3 WAY S ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS

Our suggestions for styling faux leather leggings As we move through the season of spandex when most of us feel we’d rather not leave our stretchy pants, we wanted to feature three distinct looks using the same pair of Foil Snake Print Faux Leather leggings from Spanx.

Whether you’re brunching with the babes or getting ready for date night, these versatile leggings can carry you through from casual to chic. While there are endless ways to wear them, we’re going to show you three ways to start styling them today.

BRUNCH A FTER BA R R E

Snag some of the key details of the outfits here!

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FASH ION F OR WA R D | SHOPPI NG

Who doesn’t love a good brunch with the girls after your workout complete with mimosas to celebrate? Our suggestion is to layer your tank with loose layers and a light jacket to swiftly transition you from the barre to breakfast.

A hat is always a good option to have on hand in case you worked too hard and that hair is showing it. We opted for easy-to-slip-on sockless sneakers that breathe.

Lastly, don’t forget a cute tote or bag. Consider throwing in a clean tank and any makeup or face wipes you may need for freshening up on your way.

Whether you want a bit of a boost, a hint of a lift, or just a little tuck, you won’t go wrong with this versatile shapewear. And with these styling tips, you’re ready to throw them on for any occasion!

MOTO MAMA What we love about Spanx is their inherent ability to elevate your look, regardless of the occasion. Stretchy pants in a faux leather snake design? Say no more. Pair them with edgy booties or colorful pumps for a more elegant aesthetic. Playing with different textures is a good way to add interest and intrigue. Consider a chunky sweater with some unexpected details like the bare shoulder shown here, a thick boucle or intricate detailing. We love a good leather jacket with hardware details draped over the shoulder(s) for chilly evenings as you traverse the town. Pair this look with a gorgeous sparkly clutch and chunky bracelet.

SAT U R DAY SPORTS CH IC Whether you’re headed to a child’s sports game or a bar to watch the big game with your friends, leggings offer the structure and flexibility you’ll want as you find your spot among the fans in the bleachers or indulge in some lovely libations.

Layers are life for this look. We tied a button-down around the waist which is so nice through the colder winter months as both an outfit accessory and a layering piece. Fur-lined high tops provide practical footwear for this look — because who doesn’t love some killer sneaks? A shacket and crossover bag complete the look.

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY DAY

The Rink

ZO NA R O SA | 1 1 :0 0 A M The Northland’s newest ice rink is back at Zona Rosa this winter season. The Rink at Zona Rosa is open daily from early November through the end of January 2023 for public ice skating, pond hockey, special events, and more.

Come into Pepper’s to see our Salt Water Spas from Caldera Salt Water Tubs on Sale.

$400 off select in stock Caldera Spas.

6289 N. Oak Trafficway Kansas City MO 64118 816-216-1942

TUESDAYS

Lego Club

NO RT H KA NSAS C I T Y P UB L I C L I B R A RY | 6 :30 P M Join us after Storytime for some open-ended LEGO building/play!

Open to kids of all ages.

EVERY THUR SDAY-SUNDAY

Fence Stile Wine Tastings

F E NC E ST I L E V I NE YA RD S & WI NE RY, WE ST 1 24 T H ST RE E T, E XC E L S I O R S P R I NG S | 3 : 00 P M Visit Fence Stile for 2-for-1 wine tastings on Thursdays and Fridays and indoor live music on Saturdays.

JANUARY 10 TH

Total Weight Loss Health Fair

G L A DSTO NE C O MMUNI T Y C E NT E R , 6 9 0 1 NO RT H H O L ME S ST. | 4 :0 0 P M Join the Total Weight Loss Center’s surgeons, bariatrician, psychologist, dietitians, and other providers to explore how your weight can impact your overall health. Plus, get a free body composition analysis and blood pressure reading.

Free. Register at nkch.org/Class.

pepperspoolandspa.com CONTINUED >

40

EVE N TS

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EVENTS CONTINUED

HEATING AND COOLING SINCE 1948

GET SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

JANUARY 15TH

If Walls Could Talk

WE STO N UNI T E D ME T H OD I ST C H UR C H | 2:0 0 P M Join us in the spirit of unity and collaboration as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We'll explore the history of the Methodist and the African Methodist Episcopal Churches and how it relates to the town of Weston's early days and today, and rejoice in the Third Anniversary of the African American Monument at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

JANUARY 29 TH

High Tea

I NN O N C R E S C E NT L A K E I N E XC E L S I O R S P R I NG S | 2 : 00 P M $20 per person. Part of the proceeds go to the Clay County Historical Society and their museum. Reserve your spot by calling or texting 816-284-9927 FEBR UARY 4 TH

Chocolate Tour

DOWNTOWN E XC E L S I O R S P R I NG S | 1 1 :0 0 A M Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like chocolate! For just $20 you can sample scrumptious sweet treats at over 25 participating locations and have all-day access to the trolley courtesy of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.

Your family’s comfort is important to us here at Gladstone Furnace & A/C Co. That’s why we only install the very best Heating, Air Conditioning, and indoor air quality products available in Kansas City, MO. Our trained and seasoned staff is fully equipped to handle your HVAC equipment and indoor air comfort questions and needs.

(816) 452-0400 www.gfac1948.com 42

EVE N TS

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S TA R T T H E Y E A R

WITH A REFRESHING CHANGE OF PL ACE

Come embrace a brighter new year at Anthology of Burlington Creek, where inspiration’s around every corner and support is steadfast. Life flows effortlessly within our maintenance-free senior living community. First-class amenities and innovative programs help residents feel healthy and happy every day. See for yourself.

CALL TO TOUR OUR REFRESHING CHANGE OF PL ACE:

816-256-8105

ANTHOLOGY OF BURLINGTON CREEK 6311 N. Cosby Ave. / Kansas City, MO Assisted Living / Memory Care

AnthologyKansasCity.com

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