Northland, MO September 2023

THE STYLE ISSUE:

JO MARIE SCAGLIA'S WESTON HOME IS PROOF GOOD STYLE IS TIMELESS

A PLATTE CITY RENOVATION IS AN ODE TO GENERATIONS THAT CAME BEFORE

FASHION DESIGNER KENYA MARTIN SHOWCASES HER FIRST COLLECTION AT KCFW

Three Words for Style

September is our style issue, and with it, we like to take a big, sweeping definition of the word “stylish.” While, yes, style can be fashion (and there’s plenty of fashion in our pages this month!) it can also refer to design or form, so we’ve got plenty of beautiful spaces here, too.

I’ve actually been thinking about my own personal style a lot lately. Mostly, I’ve thought about my style as it pertains to how I get dressed, but in attempting to define my style, I started thinking about how my home is decorated and my personal photography style and started realizing it’s not much different from my clothing style.

I’ve been obsessed with the “three-word method,” a popular stylist tool to help curate a closet that can also help you when you shop for clothing. Your three words are supposed to define the way you dress and they’re supposed to be a pretty timeless reflection of what you gravitate toward. I feel like this is easier to define in others than ourselves, and it’s a fun exercise to try to come up with the three words of celebrities. For myself, I think I’ve settled on classic and comfortable but I’m having trouble with my third word — is it cool? Whimsical? Retro? I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

This month’s issue is oozing with style as we bring you stylish spaces and people from throughout the Northland. We’ve got two beautiful homes — the White Farm renovation in Platte City which is an ode to the generations that lived before and the art-filled second home of restauranteur Jo Marie Scaglia in Weston. We also talk to Annie Austen, a mid-size fashion influencer who just opened a shop at Zona Rosa, and Kenya Martin, a Platte City-based designer who will have her designs in Kansas City Fashion Week this month.

I hope you find some style inspiration in our September issue!

Until next month,

KATIE CURRID, EDITOR @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Brandy Reed | brandy.reed@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Allison Swan | allison.swan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diana Lambdin Meyer, Tiffany Killoren, Jordan Whitworth, Shauna Ward

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Meredith Gutshall, Mosi Jelani, Patricia Johnson, Bruce N. Meyer, Hannah Schreiner, Shauna Ward, Jordan Whitworth

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

1: The Platte County Fair celebrated its 160th year this July. 2: The fair included a rodeo, demolition derby, Evans Midland carnival, petting zoo, kids games and more. 3: The fair also included 4-H exhibits open to the public at the Floral Hall.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @northlandcitylifestyle

KATIE CURRID KATIE CURRID

KATIE CURRID

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

University Health unveils glass art installation by Northland artist

University Health unveiled its donor wall featuring an enameled glass art installation called "Blossoms of Hope" by Northland artist Cheryl Eve Acosta.  The permanent installation is a beautiful representation of the hope, resilience, and strength that the families and staff of University Health’s NICU demonstrate every day. The 14-foot installation is made up of 102 intricately handcrafted pieces that include enameled flowers over copper in varying shades of white, pink, purple, and blue.

2023 Fall Parade of Homes to be Bigger than Fall 2022

The Fall Parade of Homes held Sept. 23 through Oct. 8 offers the opportunity to see one of the largest and most impressive displays of new homes in the country. Sponsored by  Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling , the fall parade will feature 337 homes in eight counties built by 100 of the KC area’s finest builders.  Homes will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit KCParadeofHomes.com

Parade of Homes

Being the Northland’s premier provider of health and well-being is all about you – and giving you the best in everything we do.

From life-changing moments to uniquely personalized care, we believe good health is a comfort everyone can enjoy. That’s our commitment to you, delivered with excellence every day.

We are Liberty Hospital, and this is where health happens.

The premier patient experience you just won’t find anywhere else.

local experiences

Whether you are looking to refresh your closet, your home or just want a stylish place to eat, you will find a place on this list to meet your needs.

LOCAL EXPERIENCES 12

rOOTS

ROOTS KC PLANT SHOP: Good plants and good vibes only here! You can also pick out a planter and get your plant potted before you leave! 7102 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64153

SHOP LEN BOUTIQUE: This sister store to Lucca Collection just opened in Zona, and it is a must-stop for a wardrobe refresh! 7207 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64153

TWILL BOUTIQUE: This Parkville boutique has casual and dressy clothes for every occasion. And the decor is uber stylish, too! 6325 Lewis Dr Kansas City, MO ACRE: Exquisite food and atmosphere, yes please! This has been such a great addition to the Northland — perfect for your next date night. 6325 Lewis Street, Parkville, Missouri 64152

KCI AIRPORT: Take time to soak in the attention to detail next time you fly. It’s bursting with design inspiration. So proud of our city! 1 International Square, Kansas City, Missouri 64153

for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Shauna Ward | @shaunawardinteriors

Hi! My name is Shauna, and I am proud to say that I was born and raised in the Northland. Four years ago, I moved to Weatherby Lake with my husband and 3 kids. We feel so lucky to be living in such a hidden gem of a community! I started my own interior design firm in October of 2020 after renovating the interior of our home. My focus is home reno design and project management. I love to infuse a space with color, texture, art, and plants! I am so happy to have these stylish spots in the Northland.

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Empowered by Design

KENYA MARTIN WILL BE SHOWCASING HER FIRST COLLECTION AT KANSAS CITY FASHION WEEK

ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE COLLECTION YOU’LL BE SHOWING AT KANSAS CITY FASHION WEEK?

I’m inspired by Africa’s captivating culture and my collection, The Beauty of Africa, is my way of celebrating its rich diversity. Africa is known for its jaw-dropping beautiful print textiles, bursting with vibrant colors and bold patterns. With this collection, I’m bringing those stunning elements to life, fusing them with modern silhouettes to create something truly unique and unforgettable.  After all, I was named after one of the most beautiful countries in East Africa — Kenya.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SEWING AND DESIGNING CLOTHING?

Oh, let me tell you how sewing and designing clothing are an absolute wonderland of possibilities for me! The sheer freedom to play around with fabrics, patterns, and styles makes my heart sing with joy. I get to unleash my creativity without any bounds, and it’s truly enchanting to witness my ideas come to life as I work on each stitch. Designing is like a soulful journey where I can pour all my passion into my work, finding solace in a serene “happy place” where stress simply vanishes.

Photo by Mosi Jelani

YOU FOUND SEWING LATER IN LIFE. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO DECIDE TO LEARN HOW TO SEW?

After years of corporate work and modeling, I realized that financial security is most important to me, but I also wanted to keep my passion for fashion alive even after retirement. So, I took a leap and decided to learn how to sew! I attended The Academy of Patternmaking and Draping and The Sewing Lab as an apprentice. It’s been a game-changer, not just for my fashion journey but also for my soul. Now, with this new skill, I can explore new paths like launching my own clothing line, teaming up with brilliant designers, or even becoming a fashion entrepreneur!

DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE PROCESS? HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

My creative process is a beautiful mix of structure and spontaneity, allowing my imagination to run wild. It all starts with setting up a special space in my studio, where I can completely lose myself and allow my creativity to flow freely. But you know what? Some of my most original ideas come to life during those quiet moments of self-reflection. Sketching and brainstorming play a critical role in organizing my thoughts and turning my visions into reality.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL IN DESIGNING CLOTHING FOR THE PERSON WHO WILL BE WEARING IT?

My goal in clothing design is to make everyone feel extremely confident and empowered, regardless of what life throws at them. I want my brand to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for everyone who wears the clothing that I create. Oh, and here’s the exciting part: I’m excited about giving new models who have never walked in KC Fashion Week an amazing chance to strut their stuff and reveal my creations! Inclusiveness and diversity are important, so I feel you deserve to shine on that runway regardless of your background, size, or shape.

You can see Kenya Martin’s collection at Kansas City Fashion Week on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Union Station, and you can see other designers and models during KCFW from September 16-23. You can learn more about Kenya at kenyamartin.com or follow her on Instagram at @k.made.it . You can also find the KCFW schedule at kcfashionweek.com.

Designing is like a soulful journey where I can pour all my passion into my work, finding solace in a serene "happy place" where stress simply vanishes.

Photo by Patricia Johnson of Blessed Events

A Whole New World

A new aquarium adds underwater exploration to a day at the Kansas City Zoo

ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE N. MEYER

At the entrance to the Kansas City Zoo, a huge banner shouts out appreciation to residents of Clay and Jackson counties for their support. As a resident of Platte County, I wondered why our neighbors in Clay County are getting all the love.

I found out. I’ll share more on that later and how Platte County can get in on the good times.

But I was at the zoo to visit some of its newest critters, including a green sea turtle named Tortellini and an orange lobster named Larry.

They are among the 8,000 residents of the brand-new Sobela Ocean Aquarium that opened Labor Day weekend. At the same time, the zoo changed its name to the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.

Just a few steps away from the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium is also a gift from the Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation. The name, Sobela, represents the first initials of their six grandchildren.

The habitats include a mangrove forest where a toco toucan and cotton-top tamarins, a critically endangered primate, bring a real-world dimension to the exhibit. Touch tanks allow kids and adults the opportunity to hold hermit and horseshoe crabs, sea stars and sea urchins. Tropical lagoons, coral reefs and kelp forests bring the total number of exhibits to 34.

“Our goal is education and to remind the public that even though we are in the Midwest, far from an ocean, what we put in our rivers here eventually ends up in the ocean and affect these animals,” says Sean Putney, executive director of the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.

Among the more celebrated animals in the aquarium is a rare orange lobster found this spring in a seafood delivery in Hamburg, NY. Rather than selling him for dinner, employees named him Larry and donated him to the Aquarium of Niagara, who found him a permanent home here in Kansas City. Only one in 30 million lobsters are orange.

There’s also a wonderful green sea turtle named Tortellini. Tortellini was hit by a boat and now has floating issues, so she

can’t dive for food. She will rely on employees at the aquarium to provide the fish, squid and clams to munch on. And get this: Tortellini likes her vegetables, including broccoli, peppers, zucchini and the like.

Tortellini lives happily with bonnethead sharks and southern stingrays and teaches about the frequent harmful interaction of humans with ocean wildlife.

A giant Pacific octopus fills one tank and two rescued sea otters play happily together. They also have their own tank because it turns out that despite their adorable cuteness, sea otters can be rather mean and don’t play well with other animals.

Admission to the aquarium is included with zoo admission. A timed entrance will minimize overcrowding for the first few weeks. Find details at kansascityzoo.org or (816) 595-1234.

So here’s the deal on Clay County residents getting free admission, and what Platte County residents can do.

In November 2011, Clay County voters approved a 1/8 cent zoological tax, along with Jackson County voters, creating the Zoological District. Among the perks Clay County residents receive are:

• 50% off daily admission

• Four free admission days throughout the year

• Free mobile zoos to bring animals to your school or library

• Free field trips for schools.

Clay County residents should receive a “Postcard to Adventure” in their mailboxes four times a year. The next one will be sent in October and will be good for free admission on any day in November or December. More information at kansascityzoo.org/about/zoological-district

So how can Platte County residents get in on the deal? Talk to your county commissioners. Back in 2010 and 2011, zoo officials reached out to county leadership in five metro counties to place the matter on the ballot. Platte County commissioners at the time had concerns

about language in the legislation and chose not to place it on the ballot.

If you’re wondering what distinguishes the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium from the SeaLife Aquarium at Crown Center, well, plenty. Opened in 2012, SeaLife features both freshwater animals from the Missouri River and oceans. It has about 5,000 animals in 30 exhibits compared to

Sobela’s 8,000 animals in 34. SeaLife is 260,000 gallons compared to Sobela’s 650,000 gallons.

But SeaLife comes with LegoLand next door. visitsealife.com/ kansas-city ; (816) 471-4386.

Both make a wonderful experience for families throughout the Northland.

Touch tanks allow kids and adults the opportunity to hold hermit and horseshoe crabs, sea stars and sea urchins. Tropical lagoons, coral reefs and kelp forests bring the total number of exhibits to 34.

timeless style

There’s a philosophical thought experiment called the Ship of Theseus. In Greek legend, King Theseus rescued the children of Athens from Minos and the minotaur, escaping by boat. To commemorate the victory, the Athenians would sail the ship every year on a sort of pilgrimage. The celebration went on for centuries, and the ship, of course, required repairs throughout the years. This led philosophers to ask the question — if every part of the old ship was replaced with new parts, was it still the same ship?

I couldn’t help but think about the Ship of Theseus analogy while I was touring the Weston home of Jo Marie Scaglia. Jo Marie is the restauranteur behind the The Mixx , with two locations — one near the Plaza and one in Overland Park — and Caffetteria

Civil Rights

1964 (Title VI), Title VII

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

table, and couch. Jo Marie’s specialty is collecting secondhand pieces, and she trolls garage sales, antique markets, and estate sales for them.

“It’s pretty characteristic of me and the way I design things,” says Jo Marie. “It’s buying used things and repurposing them, even if it’s not the purpose that it’s used for. Everyone’s trash is someone else’s treasure.”

Jo Marie loved repurposing pieces from the original house into new objects. The tables on her back porch are actually doors original to the home, and atop them sit candlesticks made from the column that held up the original front porch. She made another side table from the porch pillars, too, using them for the table’s legs, and also repurposed brick from the original chimney to lay floors in the shed.

Another thing that’s hard not to notice from Jo Marie’s decorating is her impressive art collection.

“When I moved from San Francisco when I was 22 to Kansas City, I made a promise to myself that I was only going to buy original artwork,” says Jo Marie.

This is a promise she has clearly kept to herself, and the small home’s walls are filled with art, from beautiful fine art paintings to torn-up maps to eclectic garage sale finds of semi-trucks.

“I buy everything I love,” she says. “If you buy what you love then you’ll love what you have. When you put it together, most likely, it is going to work well.”

There’s no questioning Jo Marie’s exquisite taste when touring her home. Your head will be swiveling as you take in all the art on the walls, the impressive glassware on the shelves, and the perfectly-mixed vintage furniture. Jo Marie uses the Weston home as a place to host and relax, and that’s clear by how peaceful it feels there — especially on the back porch with the fireplace going. She starts her weekends in Weston with coffee on the porch at sunrise and loves putting together creative breakfast boards for herself and her teen daughter, Star.

“I call it my escape sanctuary — the padded room so I don’t have to go the insane asylum because my work is so busy,” jokes Jo Marie. “I needed a place where I could come and retreat and rest and calm down.” The place also serves as a creative refresh for her, allowing her to enjoy the slow art of cooking food, enjoying drinks, and gardening.

When considering a home in relation to the Ship of Theseus, it is clear to me that it is not what an object is made of that makes it meaningful to us. A home is not made up of the studs and sheetrock that allow it to stand, after all. A home is made up of the memories we make inside the walls — the meals we make, the games we play with our friends and family, and the relationships forged there. Does it matter if the walls are made of the same materials that have been there all along? It is not the walls that hold our memories and the meaningfulness they have to us — it is us.

"If you buy what you love then you’ll love what you have. When you put it together, most likely, it is going to work well.”

Shine Bright

ARTICLE BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER

ANNIE AUSTIN'S JEWELRY SPARKLES AT HER NEW STORE IN ZONA ROSA

Life rarely goes according to our design. The pandemic reminded us of this fact and the need to remain resilient when the unexpected happens. In actuality, the alternate paths paved by life’s detours can sometimes lead to more beautiful places than the original design itself.

Annie Austin knows a little something about design. A lifestyle influencer who showcases style for women in all shapes and sizes, you can feel Annie’s effervescence as soon as you walk into her self-named jewelry store in Zona Rosa. Mabel, the sweet dog she literally rescued when found walking along a highway the week before, greets customers alongside her owner wearing a soft pink harness with eyes that twinkle with profound gratefulness and newfound love. Dogs are considered great judges of character, so you can trust that Mabel knows she’s somewhere special when she invites you in, tail wagging.

Formerly a fixture of the corporate world, Annie and her brother Matt — a pipeline worker — started designing and constructing mask chains when their mom kept losing her mask during quarantine. What started out as a fun little project to fit a temporary need turned into a full-time endeavor designing tarnish-resistant, nickel-free and hypoallergenic jewelry that captures the same bubbly energy that Annie brings into a room.

“It’s been a flail forward experience,” she says, joking that she flails through life when others might gracefully fall in

their pointed direction. “We stumble into the things we stumble into.”

The Annie Austen jewelry collections are mystical with a touch of whimsy, both meaningful and timeless in their design. Take the Celestial and Fate collections, for example, which incorporate constellations and tarot cards into wearable works of art that are subtle, yet eye-catching. If you’re in need of a little protection, there are even a number of pieces focused on the evil eye to ward off negative energy. Or if you’re looking for something with a bit more teeth , the Fauna collection is for animal lovers, complete with moth pins, serpent rings and an adorable pin of a squirrel embracing a flower. And, with a very reasonable price point, the jewelry is a perfect gift idea that leaves enough in the budget for a little sparkly something for yourself

So much more than a jewelry store, the shop also features carefully selected vintage glassware, handbags and a piece of artwork or two, one of which sits in a gilded gold frame with a note from another time scrawled in grandmotherly cursive on its back. Annie finds each and every piece something to celebrate.

“Every day is special enough to add a little something to your wardrobe,” Annie says. “I’m a fairly eclectic person at the end of the day. I love pretty and meaningful things.”

Passionate about women of all sizes owning and celebrating their worth, Annie embraces the title of “influencer” if it means she is an effective reminder to women that we are all enough.

“It’s so important to break down mental blocks,” she says. “Everyone is either outwardly or secretly going through something with our bodies.” A believer that our bodies are the least interesting things about us, Annie walks the walk when it comes to self-love, giving a wink in thanks to the universe when it reminds her she’s on the right path.

“Every day is special enough to add a little something to your wardrobe,” Annie says. “I’m a fairly eclectic person at the end of the day. I love pretty and meaningful things.”

As for Mabel, she’ll be the star of her own success story when Annie Austin launches a pet-jewelry line in her honor — the best true underdog story we’ve ever heard. Until then, swing by the Annie Austen store at Zona Rosa and lose yourself in the positive vibes for a while. Who knows, maybe you’ll be pulled in the direction of

an evil-eye-inspired piece. As Annie reminds us, “We all want a little bit of protection.”

Annie Austen

7116 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City at Zona Rosa shopannieausten.com

Instagram: @shopannieausten and @annie_austen

A HOME TO HOUSE GENERATIONS

A Platte City family renovated the home on their legacy farm, honoring those that came before them

When you drive up the lane to Meredith and Brandon Gutshall’s home in Platte City, you may be wondering if you’re in the right place. A wrought-iron archway sits in the middle of the circle driveway, reading “The Whites,” which may be confusing as the Gutshalls live there with their four children. But the Whites are still very much present on the farm.

The archway is a remnant of Brandon’s grandparents, Herman and Jeanee White. But they weren’t the first Whites on the land. Brandon Gutshall’s great-grandparents, James and Blanche White, came to the 330-acre plot in the 1920s as sharecroppers. They worked the land for years until they saved up enough money in 1947 to buy it, naming it White Farm, which is still honored in the sign welcoming you to the property today. Herman, the son of James and Blanche, was born at White Farm and lived there until his death in 2017 — the wrought-iron “Whites” sign was made for him and his wife.

After Herman and Jeanee passed away, the family was faced with the task of what to do with the family’s incredible legacy and the sizeable home. J.D. White, the son of Herman and Brandon Gutshall’s uncle, was the primary farmer of the land, but, as a bachelor, he had no need for the large 1970s home on the property.

That’s when Brandon and Meredith stepped in. They would live at White Farm — but what would they do with the home?

Brandon and Meredith mulled over the decision for months. They didn’t feel right bulldozing the home and building new, but renovating the house to fit the family of six felt like quite the undertaking.

“There’s scripture that talks about God making all things new,” says Meredith Gutshall. “That was kind of the mantra going into this — we’re making things new here, not making new things.”

The decision to renovate instead of build anew was very much rooted in the legacy of the property.

“My husband’s grandfather was born here, literally, and died here, literally,” says Meredith. “It’s the American dream. This farm is so special. So we were going to do a new construction out here. And then his grandmother passed away, and it just never felt right.”

After interviewing many builders, the Gutshalls landed on working with Owen Homes.

“We came in with a really strong vision for this house and for this whole project,” says Meredith. “Owen Homes was really humble and helped us achieve exactly what

ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH GUTSHALL

we wanted without pushing any sort of agenda. I don’t think every builder would have done that.”

While Meredith was anxious about finding a builder that was the right fit for White Farm, she felt that the team at Owen Homes understood the assignment. She especially enjoyed working with Luke Owen, one of the owners of Owen Homes who works with homeowners to create their blueprints and help develop the architectural design for the project.

“I will say working with him was my very favorite part of the whole process because, from the beginning, he was like, ‘This is a generational farm. You’re nodding to all the people that came before you,’” says Meredith. “He really listened to me. He wanted us to have what we wanted. There are a lot of quirky things about this house, and he made sure those ideas happened when it would have been easier to build a straightforward plan. I really appreciated that about working with Luke.”

Meredith had a clear vision of what she wanted the home to look like. She wanted to keep what they were able to keep but expand the square footage of the home to fit her family. They actually kept the exact perimeter of the home, only expanding the roofline to increase the ceiling height from 8 feet to 10 feet and then adding an additional half story with three bedrooms, turning the one-story ranch into a 1.5-story home. They even added an additional building, which they call the “gentleman’s quarters,” onto the home to house Brandon’s uncle, J.D. White. J.D. farms the 330 acres and is an invaluable resource to the family, who depend on him regularly for wisdom and advice and just generally love having him nearby.

Meredith’s inspiration for the home was largely influenced by all of the family’s ancestors — both her husband’s family and also her grandmothers who lived in Kentucky. However, she agonized over what her husband’s grandparents would say as she made decisions, wondering what they would say if they were still alive today.

“It was really important to me to maintain something of this house,” says Meredith. “I kept thinking about Herman, Brandon’s grandpa, saying, ‘What the hell did you do to my house?’ Like everything I picked, everything I did was trying to pay honor to them.”

Two of the main features the Gutshalls kept as an homage to Herman were the original brick fireplace that sits in Brandon’s office today, and also the brick façade on the exterior of the house. Herman actually bought the brick from the Kansas City Stockyards, bringing truckloads of it back to Platte City. He was so proud of that brick that the entire exterior of the home was made from Stockyard brick.

Though the house is on a farm, Meredith was not trying to emulate farmhouse style, but a more antebellum-inspired home that you might find touches of in Kentucky, where Meredith’s family is from. Meredith’s style throughout the home is quite traditional, especially with the exquisite millwork, but also filled with whimsy, with fun wallpapers and antiques throughout.

The whimsical parts of the home don’t just refer to the decor, but also touches Meredith worked with Owen Homes to add throughout the house, such as a closet under the stairs that is almost hidden by beautiful trimwork, or a secret passageway between two of her children’s rooms. Meredith added details

The original White home

in her home that her children will remember into adulthood, emulating memories she has of her own grandmothers’ homes.

But as much as Meredith loves her home and the memories she is making with her husband and four children there, she especially appreciates feeling the love of the people that came before them represented there. Soon after moving into her home, Meredith decorated the dining room table and felt that.

“I took a picture of it and I sent it to my mom and Brandon’s mom,” says Meredith. “And I was like, these are Mom Dot’s plates. These are Mama Lee’s candle sticks. These are Grandma B’s glasses and it’s Jeanee’s home. All of our grandmothers are represented at that table.”

Honoring those past generations wasn’t an easy task, but it’s one that made it worth it for the Gutshalls in the end.

“Honestly, it is the sentimentality of it all,” says Meredith. “I am a story person and knowing that this is the house that raised generations — this is important. And so I didn’t want to just come bulldoze a house down and start over. I mean, yeah, it would have been 100 times easier. It would have been cheaper. But I love it. I love knowing that I walk through these doors and everybody’s here.”

“I love knowing that I walk through these doors and everybody’s here.”

GET SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

events

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

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Girls' Night Out

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

LIBERTY | 4:00 PM

Ladies, treat yourselves to a night filled with shopping and treats. Enter your name at participating shops for a chance to win $100+ in gift cards. Shops are open until 8 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8TH AND 9TH

Briar Fest Levee Days

MACKEN PARK

Briarfest is a two-day family-friendly music festival benefiting the Midwest Music Foundation, Synergy Services, and North Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Briarfest has raised over $250,000 for charity and is looking to surpass that goal in the years to come! Join us for a weekend of music, brews, food and fun! Free general admission! VIP passes available.

SEPTEMBER 8TH-9TH, 15TH-17TH

Jesse James Festival

JESSE JAMES PARK IN

KEARNEY | 6:00 PM

Join the Jesse James Festival in Kearney for a carnival, 5/10K runs, demolition derby, barbecue cookoff, pageant, arts & craft vendors, mud volleyball, a parade, and more! For the full schedule of events, visit jessejamesfestival.com

SEPTEMBER 11TH

Liberty Hospital

Foundation’s Golf Classic

STALEY FARMS GOLF CLUB |

10:00 AM

This is sure to be a day of friendly competition, delicious food, and prizes on the beautiful greens at Staley Farms Golf Club. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support health, wellness, education, and care of the Liberty Hospital community!  Register at:  www. libertyhospitalfoundation.org/golf

SEPTEMBER 22ND-SEPTEMBER 24TH

Liberty Fall Festival

HISTORIC LIBERTY SQUARE |

11:00 AM

The festival has over 200 artists & vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and local artists! Kids of all ages can play in the carnival. And, of course, the shopping is second to none with art, unique gifts, handmade quilts, jewelry, pottery, and even treats for your furry friends. Admission is free.

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Main Street Fall Festival

DOWNTOWN PLATTE CITY |

5:30 PM

Come celebrate the start of fall with live music, local vendors, food and drink and community appearances.

Where every child is one-of-a-kind

SEPTEMBER 29TH-OCTOBER 1ST

Gladfest

LINDEN SQUARE | 5:00 PM

Gladfest: Voted the "Best Annual Fair/Festival in the Northland", this major Northland event has drawn huge crowds bringing enormous publicity for the City of Gladstone and Linden Square.

The event features food and vendor booths, entertainment from local talent and community groups, the Saturday morning parade, a carnival, and many more activities and attractions.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Mug Shots

DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR

SPRINGS | 12:00 PM

Just as the breeze of fall weather begins to set in, join us in roaming the streets with fellow craft beer lovers! You’ll sample a different craft beer at each participating location throughout the eateries, drinkeries, shops, boutiques, and galleries of downtown! For just $20 you can sample over 20 great craft beers.

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DELI DELIGHT

FETTERMAN'S IN PLATTE CITY SERVES UP HIGH-QUALITY, MOUTH-WATERING SANDWICHES

Fetterman’s is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This family-owned deli and specialty store offer an array of delights, from their mouthwatering sub-sandwiches to their premium Boar’s Head meat selections. The attention to detail and commitment to quality make this establishment a standout in the area’s dining scene.

One of the highlights at Fetterman’s is undoubtedly their Italian sandwiches. Crafted with precision and care, these sandwiches are a symphony of flavors, combining high-quality baked bread, savory meats, and delectable toppings. Whether you opt for the classic Italian or indulge in the delicious Rueben, each bite is a revelation.

At the core of Fetterman’s success lies their dedication to using only the finest ingredients. The Boar’s Head meat selection is a testament to this commitment, boasting a range of premium cuts that ensure every sandwich bursts with flavor. From their tender roast beef to the perfectly seasoned turkey, each meat option is a culinary masterpiece. My personal favorite? The hot capicola.

In addition to sandwiches, head over to Fetterman’s in the morning for some breakfast. They have a full menu ranging from on-the-go sandwiches to biscuits and gravy to cinnamon rolls. Fetterman’s also serves Messenger Coffee, a local favorite known for its exceptional quality and rich flavors.

Beyond their exquisite sandwiches and breakfast, Fetterman’s offers an array of other delectable treats. The candy and fudge counter is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, and they offer more than 160 grab-and-go drinks. For those seeking a refreshing beverage, Fetterman’s proudly serves kombucha, a fermented tea known for its health benefits and effervescent flavors.

With all this said, the best part of Fetterman’s is the smile and welcome you receive when you walk in the door. The only thing that tops their food is the people that run the place. The owner, Scott Fetterman, shows a passion for his high-quality food that will make you want to continue to come back. I can only explain this passion in one word: Style!

Follow Jordan along on Instagram at @jwhitcooks, where he shares what he’s eating and cooking.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JORDAN WHITWORTH

DISHES I RECOMMEND:

Fetterman’s 2405 NW Prairie View Road, Platte City fettermans.com

Italian sub, kickin’ chicken (spicy), hot capicola meat, loaded breakfast burrito