The KC Current facilities are a world first
SISTER WILHELMINA'S MIRACLE BRINGS PILGRIMS TO GOWER
ANNA MARIE'S TEAS IS EVERYONE'S CUP OF TEA
Because wood flooring requires fewer chemicals to make and install, it helps promote healthier living and work environments.
The EPA found that hardwood floors improve air quality because they are less likely to harbor dangerous microorganisms, pesticides, and allergens, such as dust, mold, or pet dander.
Vinyl flooring will last only a decade or two, while quality wood flooring can last more than 100 years.
Wood floors will stand up to foot traffic and will maintain their color finish with proper maintenance. Vinyl flooring, however, will last only a decade or two and fade dramatically over time when exposed to sunlight.
Wood floors are easy to maintain and can be repaired with relative ease. But vinyl typically needs to be replaced completely if it’s damaged.
Wood is a zero waste product. For example, old wood from flooring can be turned into other products or simply bio-degrade.
Other flooring types, such as vinyl, are made from plastics or synthetic fibers that take multiple decades to break down and decompose. Recycling companies typically reject old vinyl flooring because it’s not profitable for them. And, the alternative form of disposal - burning - releases harmful phthalate chemicals into the air.
Many homeowners love the look of hardwood flooring and other features in their home. But they are also concerned about the initial expense of installing wood.
Putting wood floors into your home is truly a good investment. Real hardwood floors add to the resale value of your home. The average return on investment is 70 to 80%!
Welcome to my favorite month of the year — May!! This month, we begin to see the spring season in its prime with beautiful flowers and lush landscapes. However, this also serves as a reminder of new beginnings. They say April showers bring May flowers and I’m all about “giving people their flowers while they’re here.” The May issue is our women’s issue and I hope you enjoy reading about how you, too, can give women in our commu nity their flowers.
Did you know that Kansas City is home to the first professional sports stadium designed for women in the world? In this issue, we highlight our women’s soccer team, the KC Current, and their embodiment of resilience, skill, and the spirit of champions by captivating audiences with their exceptional talent on the field. They are a source of inspiration, all while breaking barriers in the pursuit of excellence. As we talk about excellence on the “field,” we are also honored to highlight Sister Wilhelmina, a nun whose service and spirituality have inspired many people to pilgrimage to the rural community of Gower to pray at her empty gravesite among the cornfields.
Looking for ways to celebrate with the women in your life? We sat down with Travel Unrivaled as they shared their experience on an African safari. If you aren’t the adventurous type, consider sippin’ tea at Anna Marie’s Tea’s in Liberty. They have a great selection of tea options and host monthly themed tea parties.
I started off this letter by mentioning that May is my favorite month of the year —why, might you ask? Because it is my birthday month and this year is a milestone birthday!! I am so grateful each day to connect with the Northland community on this platform. It's in these connections I find joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, enriching both my life and the fabric of our community. I believe that through Northland City Lifestyle I am contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone's voice is heard and valued — and this is the most rewarding birthday gift!
Lastly, happy Mother's Day to the mamas and a recognition of Memorial Day to all the servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice – both here with us and in our hearts forever. Your love and legacy continue to shape our lives in beautiful ways.
Peace & Love,
BRANDY REED, PUBLISHER @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Brandy Reed | brandy.reed@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Currid, Tiffany Killoren, Diana Lambdin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Currid, Bruce N. Meyer, Jordan Savage, Hannah Schreiner
CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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1-7: The 7th annual Liberty Half Marathon/Jewell 5K presented by Hy-Vee was held on Saturday, March 23 throughout Liberty. The race brought in over 2,000 runners, walkers, sponsors and community members to the Northland despite being the second coldest year on record. Together with the community, over $70,000 was raised for vital programs within the Liberty Hospital community for the Liberty Hospital Foundation. Photography by Jordan Savage, Savage Photography and Design, LLC
Monday thru Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm $349 per week Register
8 creative camp themes to choose from!
PLATTE WOODS
7617 NW Prairie View Rd Kansas City MO 64151 816-216-7216
LIBERTY
249 W Mill St Ste 107 Liberty MO 64068 816-407-9266
The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural America opens at the MidContinent Public Library Kearney Branch on May 10 through June 21. “Crossroads” explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. To learn more about “Crossroads” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org
Care for a spot of tea?
Chances are, you read that sentence with a British accent. Many are still inclined to think of “tea” as something that people partake in across the pond, a cup and saucer accompanied by a chocolatey biscuit in the middle of the afternoon with pinkies raised. And, for some, that describes the quintessential tea experience. For others, however, a soothing cup of green tea or white champagne blend takes the place of the cup of coffee that others rely on to get them through the day.
Anna Marie’s Teas in Liberty is a valuable resource to educate yourself about the beverage and pick up fun accessories that heighten the experience. So, drop those pinkies and open your mind to the role that tea can play in your day, your health and special occasions that call for a tiered tray of sweets and brimming cup of comfort.
If you think that black and green tea are your only tea options, you probably fall into the Tea: 101 class for beginners. Walk into Anna Marie’s Teas and a world will open up to you. Almond Lemon Parina Cotta Formosa Oolong. Mango White Pear. Subtle or strong, floral or spicy, there is a loose leaf just right for you waiting to be discovered.
“OUR TEA PARTIES ARE AN OASIS FOR PEOPLE TO connect .
THAT’S WHY WE KEEP DOING IT. WE FEEL LIKE WE’RE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.”
Owner Brenda Hedrick originally owned an antiques and gift shop in Liberty that featured various teas and accessories, and later opened the charming shop in Liberty’s historic downtown area for tea lovers who are looking for their favorite blends or just in the mood to try something new. Anna Marie is a beloved family name, and the shop and its well-known tea parties are a true family effort, with daughters Sarah and Selena both involved, as well as granddaughter Molly.
The shop’s rooibos tea selection is among the most popular; the South African plant has no caffeine, low tannins and is rich in antioxidants. With various blends like gingerbread chai, coconut almond, chocolate rum and carrot cake, the rooibos tea options are as abundant as the flavor.
If you’re really looking for something special, the blueberry lemonade blend is a combination of rooibos, honey bush, black tea with blueberry and lemon bits.
For those looking to embrace the traditional tea experience, the Hedricks host tea parties throughout the year tailored to specific themes. Held at their beautiful 1913 home in Liberty, the entire first floor is transformed into a classic tea room with individual tables that need minimal decoration given the beauty of the house itself.
“The world is progressively getting harder and harder to live in,” Sarah says. “Our tea parties are an oasis for people to connect. That’s why we keep doing it. We feel like we’re giving back to the community.”
With everything from Spring Time Teas to Shabby Chic Porch Parties and Spooky Tea Times to welcome the falling of autumn leaves, guests can attend multiple events and feel like they have a completely different experience. And, as wonderful as they all are, there’s something special about the Christmas time teas that offer a chance to sit and simply enjoy the magic of the season. True to traditional tea parties, the beverage is accompanied by a three-tiered tray consisting of savories (typically tea sandwiches), scones and sweets.
Everything about the tea experience is sweet (literally and figuratively), including the sweet send off in email exchanges with Anna Marie’s Tea Shop – “until we steep again.”
Fun fact: Afternoon tea was reportedly first introduced in 1840 by the Duchess of Bedford because, well, she was hungry. Dinner wasn’t served until around 8 p.m., so she began to ask for tea and snacks delivered to her room around 4 p.m., a practice that eventually started including her friends as a social get together. By the 1880s, it was a daily custom, with women wearing hats and gloves for the late afternoon tradition.
Anna Marie’s Teas 9 W Franklin Street, Liberty (816) 792-8777 annateashop.com
Solar Shield is locally owned by Tim & Denise Sanders. With 20 years experience in window treatments, they have focused on building amazing customer service experiences. Because of this, Solar Shield has become the highest rated window treatment company in the KC Metro on Google with more than 470 5-Star reviews. Solar Shield is not brand or product specific, so they can offer the best solution for any type of window treatment project imaginable. Their team is made up of professionals who value customer experience as much as Tim and Denise. They are always excited to earn new clients and would love to help you too!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILL DAVIES
Each member of the group brings her unique strengths and perspectives, contributing to the collective tapestry of experiences.
You may think the most appealing girl’s trip or women-only vacay would be a spa or relaxing all-inclusive destination. But when the circle of life is unfolding before your eyes, a bond can be formed that you never imagined. That’s exactly what happened when a group of random strangers came together with the help of a local Kansas City travel company Travel Unrivaled and returned from the wild with a new perspective.
With the vast plains of Tanzania’s Central Serengeti offering endless possibilities, a group of gals who came to be known as the “Sassy Safari Ladies” set out for an extraordinary journey. To get the full experience, the itinerary unfolded in 14 full days. This is not merely a tale of wildlife and wilderness but a story of camaraderie, adventure, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and the rhythmic pulse of the Great Migration, a small group of women from varied parts of the USA formed a new sisterhood and strengthened existing bonds through the common thread of nature and its wonder.
The Serengeti, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and dramatic wildlife spectacles, serves as the stage for this adventure. The Great Migration, one of the most awe-inspiring events in the natural world, unfolds here with an unmatched grandeur. Millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the Serengeti in search of greener pastures, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of movement and vitality. Against this backdrop of natural wonder, the bonds of friendship among the travelers deepen and flourish.
At the heart of this journey lies the synergy between the women, echoing the harmonious coexistence witnessed among the wildlife. Each member of the group brings her unique strengths and perspectives, contributing to the collective tapestry of experiences. Like the zebras and wildebeests that rely on each other for survival during the migration, these women found strength and support in their companionship.
As they traverse the Serengeti’s rugged terrain in custom safari vehicles outfitted by tour operator Nature Horizons, the women are captivated by the endless expanse of the savannah. Dust clouds rise in the distance, signaling the approach of the migrating herds. Excitement mounts as they anticipate witnessing this natural phenomenon up close, a shared sense of wonder binding them together.
In the midst of their journey, the women find moments of reflection and connection amidst the serenity of the wilderness. It’s in these intimate moments that the true essence of friendship reveals itself, transcending language and cultural barriers. Some of the greatest moments of this type of trip are often unplanned, like when rain formed a pool of mud and the safari vehicle got stuck, these Sassy Safari Ladies chose to drink champagne, laugh and wait for the rain to pass! To their surprise, they would then be greeted by a full rainbow painted in the sky and, soon after, a rarely-seen lioness carrying her brand newborn baby to the safety of their den. Lions and hyenas prowling within steps of their tents and Masai tribal men guarding the campground made the ladies’ adrenaline rise and emotions strong. These scenes couldn’t have played out any better by any scriptwriter. Timing is everything and “everything happens for a reason” became the ladies’ mantra over their two-week journey together.
Among the highlights of their journey is witnessing the dramatic river crossings from the vantage point of a hot air balloon, where the herds brave crocodile-infested waters in search of fresh grazing grounds. Approaching one of the few remaining black rhinos and watching herds of elephants traverse through the terrain as a parade is etched in their minds. The women hold their breath as they watch the spectacle unfold, marveling at the courage and determination of the animals. In these moments, they find inspiration in the resilience of nature and a renewed appreciation for the bonds of friendship that sustain them.
In these moments, they find inspiration in the resilience of nature and a renewed appreciation for the bonds of friendship that sustain them.
As their journey draws to a close, the women reflect on the profound impact of their time in the Serengeti. They depart with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and a renewed sense of gratitude for the natural world. Though they may part ways geographically, the bonds forged in the heart of the Serengeti will endure, a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
In the end, their journey to the Central Serengeti transcends mere adventure—it becomes a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
If you are interested in booking your own safari adventure with Travel Unrivaled, you can find more information at TravelUnrivaled.com, or contact Jill Davies at Jill@travelunrivaled.com or 816-520-4843.
ARTICLE
DIANA
“I took this job to be a part of history.”
At Dani Welniak’s office in Riverside, it’s not uncommon for the floor to shake and rumble. No, it’s not an earthquake, but it is a big one.
Dani is the communications director for the Kansas City Current and her office is on the second floor of the women’s soccer team’s practice facility in Riverside. Just below her is the weight room.
“The music starts pounding and Lo’Eau Labonta starts pumping and the whole building is filled with the energy and power of this team,” Dani says.
Much has been said this spring about the opening of the CPKC Stadium on Kansas City’s riverfront, the first sports stadium in the world built specifically for a professional women’s team. But before the stadium came this Northland practice facility, also the first in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team.
“People ask what makes it different because it’s a women’s facility, a women’s stadium,” Dani says. “Nothing. It’s equal, and that’s what’s so amazing. It’s not an auxiliary space, not a left-over or handme-down. It’s equal to what has ever been built for a men’s pro team.”
The practice facility, visible from I-635 and Horizons Parkway, includes two practice pitches, weight rooms, massage spaces, whirlpools, a dietary center and everything you’ll find at Sporting, the Chiefs and the Royals training spaces.
The equality is what it’s about.
But a couple of other things that make it and the team special is that the office staff — all of those people who sell tickets, manage operations, travel schedules, statisticians, public relations — are just upstairs. This is not the case in most NWSL operations.
“It’s equal to what has ever been built for a men’s pro team.”
“If a player has something on her mind, like wanting to get involved in the community or partnering with some project, they can just run upstairs and have a chat,” says Dani. “It creates a tight bond between everyone and it’s all to support the players.”
The practice facility opened on June 21, 2022. By 2026, just in time for the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City, co-owners Chris and Angie Long and Patrick and Brittany Mahomes plan an expansion that will provide ten youth soccer pitches and supporting facilities in Riverside.
From the pitch, you can almost see the Missouri River. You can almost see the Kit Bond Bridge and the CPKC Stadium. You can see the fireworks when the game begins. Listen closely. You might hear the train whistle when the Current scores a goal.
And they’ve been doing that a lot lately.
The 11,500-seat stadium has been sold out and is almost as loud as Arrowhead on game day. While the season tickets sold out long before the March 16 home opener, Current management withheld 2,000 single-game tickets for fans throughout the season.
Steven Archuleta of Liberty is one of those season ticket holders, but unfortunately, he’s not seen much action on the pitch yet. He works part-time in guest services operating an elevator and directing those unfamiliar with the new space to where they want to go.
“I took this job to be a part of history,” Steven says. “It’s about the bragging rights that I’m a part of this first season.” His 22-year-old daughter Serena sits in the family’s season seats, and that’s just fine with him.
But before you take your seats, take time to look around. On the northwest side of the stadium, just around the corner from the team store, pay your respects to The 85’ers. These are the 17 women who played on the 1985 U.S. women’s national soccer team, the first U.S. women’s soccer team.
Their photos are on the wall and a short video tells the team’s story. You can find a detailed look at each woman’s story on the KC Current app.
An interior hallway includes an exhibit from Chris and Angie Long’s personal art collection. Called “Line of Sight,” it features the work of female contemporary artists with a Kansas City connection. The collection was selected based on its representation of “unstoppable passion, pride, strength and determination that exists when women come together to aim high, share a common goal, and achieve a collective vision.”
But get to your seat early and join the celebration. You may want to consider ear protection for yourself or little ones. With the fireworks, the train whistles, the drums, and the cheers, it gets loud. As it should.
This is KC! BAY BEE!
Title IX is a 1972 amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits gender-based discrimination in schools and other educational programs that receive federal funding.
The greatest impact was in high school and college athletics. For example, if a public school provides funding for a boys’ basketball team, it must provide equal funding for a girls’ basketball team. Some studies report as much as a 450 percent increase in the number of high school girls participating in organized athletics with the implementation of Title IX.
The result is a professional women’s soccer team and a stadium purpose-built for them, finally, in Kansas City.
The path to better health is guided by primary care teams who provide connections and personalized care for all ages. With several convenient locations, same-day appointments, urgent care and more, Liberty Hospital Primary Care is the premier choice in the Northland for whole-person care.
libertyhospital.org/primarycare
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster died in Gower, Missouri in 2019 at the age of 95. She was buried in a humble wooden casket with no embalming in a shady corner on the grounds at the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus, where she had founded the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, an order of Catholic nuns. A Black woman born in St. Louis, she had lived most of her long life as a devoted nun, joining a convent at the age of 17.
Four years after her death, the sisters in her order exhumed her body, with plans to reinter her inside a shrine in the chapel’s altar. However, upon the exhumation, when they had been told to expect only bones because of the burial process and length of burial time, they found their foundress’s wooden casket caved in and, inside, Sister Wilhelmina’s body and religious nun’s habit intact and without decay. In the Catholic church, this was a sign of incorruptibility — a sign of divine intervention in an especially holy person.
News of Sister Wilhelmina’s incorruptible body spread fast, and within a month, 25,000
visitors from all over had come to see the miracle in Missouri in the small town of Gower.
Originally, Sister Wilhelmina’s body was displayed uncovered, and people laid their hands on her habit and body, sometimes hoping for miracles of their own. In September 2023, her body was enclosed in a glass case, but it did not quell the mass of pilgrims.
Still today, visitors flock to see her body, hear about her life, attend the conservative Catholic Latin mass and hear the beautiful voices of the devoted nuns of the Benedictines of Mary, the order she founded.
Explore Oakhill, an independent private school in Northland Kansas City, where students thrive and potential unfolds.
From Pretoddler (18-months) through Grade 12, our community empowers growth, values uniqueness, and inspires excellence in every student
Pretoddler (age 18-months) - 12th Grade
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MAY 11TH
English Landing Park, Parkville | 9:00 AM
Equal Start invites you to participate in the 9th Annual Northland Mother's Day 5K. The event will raise money to purchase school supplies for eligible children. The 5K is a fast course with under 20 ft elevation gain, and with minimal turns, and also features a kids' dash run with prizes. For more information, visit equalstart.org.
MAY 11TH
Short Street, Weston | 10:00 AM
During the Polish Pottery Festival, it’s all about food, music, dance, history, artisans, vendors and, of course, the Polish Pottery! There's fun for the whole family, so come celebrate with us! The festival takes place inside Renditions Polish Pottery Shop and outside on Main and Short Streets in Historic Weston, Missouri.
MAY 17TH-18TH
Linden Square, 602 NE 70th Street, Gladstone | 5:00 PM
Listen to live blues music in the park! Admission is a suggested $5 donation. On Friday, the park opens at 5 p.m., with live music at 6, featuring Drum & Dye, Nace Brothers and the Lionel Young Band. On Saturday, music starts at 5 p.m., featuring music from Mighty Phonics and more to come.
CONTINUED
MAY 18TH
201 Main Street, Platte City | 9:00 AM
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Saturday of every month, starting at 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. We're bringing the market indoors to make your weekends sizzle! Discover unique treasures, local crafts, farm-fresh produce, delicious treats, and so much more! From artisanal goodies to must-have finds, it's a shopper's paradise.
MAY 18TH
Weston Brewing Company | 12:00 PM
There is no better way to celebrate spring than with live music, amazing food, and a huge selection of Missouri wines. Tickets start at $35 and feature live music and wineries from the area, such as Pirtle, Fence Stile, Vox, Jowler Creek and more. For more information, contact Pirtle Winery at (816) 640-5728.
MAY 31ST-JUNE 2ND
Zona Rosa | 5:00 PM
Enjoy an amazing assortment of Italian food favorites, and great entertainment at this longtime local ethnic festival, as well as an Italian Motorsports Show, Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair (new this year!), bounce houses for kids and much more. The event is Friday from 5-11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
