The Thankful Issue
The Giving Season
The season of giving is upon us. As the holidays start to ramp up and I obsess over what holiday traditions we haven’t done, or what cookies I haven’t made, or who I still need to buy a gift for, I try to remind myself to pause and remember all that I have and all that I’ve done.
A wonderful way to do this in your own community is to give back. This month, we rounded up a list of fantastic non-profits in the area — most of them in the Northland — that could use your help any time of year, but especially now! There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you want to donate your time to our local furry friends or volunteer at a local food pantry.
If you’re looking to put your thanks on paper? Well, thankfully, Amanda Wagner of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Junior Cotillion wrote us a great guide to the thank you note for our thankful issue! I don’t know about you, but I love a good handwritten thank you note, and Amanda is helping us keep that tradition alive with physical reminders of gratitude.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our cover story on the great Kareem Rush and his talented brothers, who recently launched a bourbon line highlighting the love of college teams, University Spirits. Kareem, who is a Northlander, talks in the story about his gratitude for those who gave him a chance early on, what he's been up to and how he’s giving back now.
Wherever November finds you this year, I hope you find time to pause and give thanks — and, you know, maybe read a few pages of the magazine. As one reader recently put it, it’s a fantastic digital detox!
Until next month,
KATIE CURRID, EDITOR @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Natalia Kreinbring
Natalia.Kreinbring@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Cyrus Logan, Diana Lambdin Meyer, Amanda Wagner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones Photography, Cyrus Logan, Bruce N. Meyer
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
LAKE FRONT
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
by
Verwers
business monthly
Park University to Host Exhibit by Kansas City Artist Bryce Holt
Park University will host What a Pretty Story, an exhibit by Kansas City artist Bryce Holt, Oct. 1–Dec. 19 in the Campanella Gallery on the Parkville campus. A co-founder of The Patrons, Holt invites viewers to step into each painting as storytellers, imagining what happens next. A reception will be held Oct. 17 from 5–7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Betty Rae's to open in Liberty
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, recently named “Best Ice Cream Shop” in Missouri, will open its 10th Kansas City–area location in Liberty in early 2026. Known for 26 core house-made flavors, rotating seasonal creations, and local collaborations, Betty Rae’s is a KC favorite for waffle cones, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and flights. The new Liberty shop will join nine metro locations and two franchise stores in Omaha.
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Wintering Together: A Retreat for Mental Health Professionals
This restorative retreat invites licensed mental health providers to step away from daily demands and reconnect with themselves through movement, journaling, somatic practices, art, and reflective circles. With shared lodging, nourishing meals, and a supportive community, it’s a chance to rest, recalibrate, and renew. The retreat is Dec. 4-7 at The Journey Home in Dearborn, Missouri. Find more information at www.myinnerknowing.com
Photography Courtesy of Park University. Art by Bryce Holt
Photography Courtesy of Page Communications
Photography by Courtney Hopkins
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Sincere Thanks, Made Simple
A GUIDE TO THE LOST ART OF THE THANK YOU CARD
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WAGNER
Thank you cards can feel like a lost art, but expressing thanks is an essential courtesy that acknowledges another person’s effort and thoughtfulness. By recognizing someone’s generosity, you are encouraging a spirit of kindness while demonstrating grace and emotional intelligence.
A verbal thank you is appropriate to acknowledge a small kindness and to show immediate appreciation, but, oftentimes, a written thank you is expected for gifts (both physical and as hospitality), formal occasions, in professional settings, and after any major favor. Sometimes this means you will need to provide a verbal thank you and then follow up with a written thank you card.
A simple “thank you” can sometimes come across as forced, automatic, or insincere. To guarantee that your sincerity is conveyed and understood, one should practice “thank you and…” Thank you and… is the idea that by including a specific detail of enjoyment you are showing that you are attentive, personally impacted by their effort, and truly appreciative of what was offered.
Thank you for the dinner invitation, those potatoes were delicious.
Thank you for the sweater, it is going to look so cute with my brown boots.
When it is time to write a thank you card, keep in mind that there are six parts to a well-constructed thank you note.
• To begin, date your note and write a greeting: ”November 12, 2025, Dear so-and-so,”
• Express your thanks clearly and specifically: “Thank you for my birthday gift. I appreciate your assistance with my project last week.”
• Add a personal touch or provide details. This is where you explain why the gift means so much to you or how it helped you: “Your advice was very insightful. I now feel confident in my college choice,” or “The book you chose was so heartwarming.”
• Share your desire to reconnect. While this step is technically optional, mentioning future interactions can reinforce a relationship and comes across as thoughtful: “Let’s plan to meet for lunch next month,” or “I’m looking forward to working with you again soon.”
• Restate your thanks once more time: “I am truly grateful for your support.” or “Thank you again for your kind generosity.”
• Finish with a sendoff, such as “Kind regards,” or “Sincerely,”
When you are writing a thank you note, only tell the truth, but focus on the positive. That new purse might just be the most hideous shade of orange you have ever seen, but you don’t have to share that thought! Your grandmother still spent her time and money selecting a gift for you and showing her affection. That is worth a thank you!
In every setting, gratitude is most meaningful when it is genuine, thoughtful, and timely. A thank-you does not need to be long or elaborate to be effective. What matters most is sincerity and attention to detail. If you consistently express gratitude — both in words and in writing — you will stand out for leaving others feeling truly valued.
Amanda Wagner directs the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Junior Cotillion, teaching etiquette and leadership to youth. Learn more or get involved at www.KCcotillion.com or email Amanda.Wagner@nljc.com
“When you are writing a thank you note, only tell the truth, but focus on the positive.”
BRIDGING HISTORY AND Good Times
THE NEW ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE PROJECT IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND SPACE
ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE N. MEYER
When, if ever, have you watched a competitive rowing event in person? Or enjoyed the creativity of plein air painting at 40 feet above a river? Or just sipped a cold one while wild ducks paddle below your feet?
We can now do these things and many more in a long-awaited fun new place, thanks to the imagination and indomitable spirit of one of Kansas City’s Northlanders.
The Rock Island Bridge Entertainment District is finally open to the public. And we have 1982 North Kansas City High School graduate Michael Zeller to thank.
The Rock Island Bridge is a former railroad bridge built in 1905 that crosses the Kaw River from the West Bottoms near the Hy-Vee Arena (formerly the Kemper Arena) into Kansas City, Kansas. Trains have not crossed the bridge since 1979, so it just sat there all rusted and ugly.
But one day, about 18 years ago, Michael, who now lives in Brookside, and some friends took a boat ride up the Kaw River. He remembers joking that someone ought to build a restaurant on the old bridge and name it Chicken on a Bridge.
As it turns out, Chicken on a Bridge is one of several yummy specialties at The River House, a 150-seat open-air restaurant on the bridge that features local favorites Arthur Bryant’s burnt ends, tacos with Spanish Gardens sauce, and steak soup from the Plaza III Steakhouse.
Arthur Bryant’s owner Andrew Miller and chefs Bradley and Brittany Gilmore of Lula’s Southern Cookhouse are coordinating their skills to bring a special flare to The River House and catered events in the upper level event space called the Royal Hall – a nod to the American Royal Livestock Show.
The bridge is technically owned by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. Michael signed the lease in 2017 and has been hammering away at details and obstacles ever since. No one has ever done what he and his investors have done.
Michael Zeller
“We believe this to be the only entertainment district on a bridge above a river in the world,” Michael said. “We’ve said that enough times that if it’s not true, someone on the internet would have called us out.”
The Royal Bar at The River House is 55 feet long and Michael believes it is the longest in the metro. No one has called him out on that yet, either.
To get to this point, the levee on the Kansas side of the river had to be raised and the bridge itself was raised about three feet to accommodate new Corps of Engineers flood standards. In doing so, the engineering firm discovered that the original gears, installed in 1905, still worked perfectly. Other than a little rust, the bridge itself is in great shape.
Eventually, vines and other greenery will cover much of the rusty spaces, but the design team specifically want to showcase the history of the region by maintaining as much original construction as possible.
donors and investors to the project. Michael’s travels around the world also contributed to the motivation and vision of this unlikely project.
“In much of Europe, they talk about the power of constraints, the idea of building something within limited frameworks and how that fuels creativity,” he said. “In Copenhagen, instead of tearing down old grain elevators, they turned them into apartment buildings, and it works.”
Michael was also inspired by visits to New York, where an abandoned freight railway on Manhattan’s West Side has been developed into a very popular public park with gardens, art and green space known as the High Line.
“We believe this to be the only entertainment district on a bridge above a river in the world.”
As the ivy grows, the bridge will host farmers markets, free concerts, makers spaces, art exhibits and more. The free wifi should satisfy everyone wanting to work away from the office for a day.
The second floor includes a private event space for weddings, corporate functions and the like. With so much complex engineering needed for a project like this, you would think that Michael has some sort of background in construction or engineering. That’s not the case.
For 17 years, he was the development director at KCPT. But that served him well in generating
The Rock Island Bridge is now a part of a nationwide group of infrastructure reuse projects called the High Line Network. The bridge is also a trail head for the Greenline, a 10-mile recreation trail around downtown KCMO and KCK. It connects to KCK’s 17 miles of levee top bike trails, so yes, you can ride your bike right through the first level of the entertainment district, grab a picnic lunch and continue on your way. Or stay for some music and a drink.
Even though the Rock Island Bridge is owned by the Unified Government, the only access to the bridge this fall is on the Missouri side via the West Bottoms near Hy-Vee Arena. By spring 2026, the KCK access should be complete.
The Rock Island Bridge will close in January and February.
For more information, go to rockislandkc.com
A Guide to Giving
If you’re looking to give back this holiday season, start close to home
It’s the season of giving, and while these organizations are there all year ‘round, you might be looking at ways you can give back during the holidays. While there are plenty of organizations that could use your help, we picked a few right in our backyard, most of them based right here in the Northland, so you can give where you live. Whether you prefer to donate objects or money or time, any of these local organizations would be appreciative of your help this season.
A Turning Point aturningpointkc.org
This non-profit, based in Gladstone, has been serving the Northland since 2017 as a food pantry and wardrobe. Their goal is to provide families with basic needs and educate them to equip them to become self-sufficient. They also offer the A Turning Point Academy to provide adults the opportunity to earn their high school diploma. Additionally, they host a weekly community meal at Chaumiere Park near Chouteau, which they serve picnic style. If you’d like to volunteer for A Turning Point, in addition to monetary donations, they accept donations to their food pantry and wardrobe. They also need volunteers to work and organize the food pantry, wardrobe and community meals, as well as volunteers who can tutor and mentor at their academy, and people who can provide maintenance to their facilities.
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID
Amesthyst Place amethystplace.org
The Amesthyst Place offers long-term housing to women and children recovering from generational poverty, substance use and trauma. The beauty of this organization is that it offers a no-pressure solution to women getting back on their feet — providing them a place to live with no timeline on moving out. While Amesthyst Place isn’t located in the Northland, it does serve Northland families, and they just opened a 32-unit campus so they can help more families. If you’d like to help Amesthyst Place, they need volunteers who can offer childcare and also people who can help women with the moving process and setting up their new apartments. They also have a wishlist for their “welcome home kits” that includes cleaning and essential household items, and also accept monetary donations.
Hillcrest Hope. Photo provided.
Boost KC boostkc.org
Formerly the Assistance League, Boost KC works with eight different philanthropic organizations to assist individuals with basic needs, no matter their age. They accept monetary donations and are always looking for volunteers, and you can also help by donating or shopping at their ReSale Shop, located off of North Oak in Gladstone.
The Global Orphan Project goproject.org
The Global Orphan Project, or GO Project, was started by a Northland family and aims to break the orphan cycle. The organization uses multiple preventative measures to stop children from falling into human trafficking, abuse, addiction or other scenarios. The organization aims to connect families with resources and a caring community to help them flourish. It unites local churches, organizations and community leaders under a shared mission. You can get involved or donate on their website.
Hillcrest Hope hillcresthope.org
You may be familiar with some of the Hillcrest thrift stores in the area (you can find them in Platte City, Liberty and Parkville) — but did you know that the thrift stores support a local charity? Hillcrest Hope has been operating for 40 years in the area and its mission is to empower the homeless, under-employed and working poor. They provide transitional housing, financial counseling, education and community support to help people get back on their feet. You can support Hillcrest Hope by donating items or volunteering at one of their thrift stores. They also welcome volunteers who can babysit for parents in the program, provide budget counseling, help with home repairs, offer mentoring, or assist with organizing the food pantry. And of course, monetary donations are always appreciated.
Hillcrest Hope. Photo provided.
Miles of Smiles. Photo provided by LevelUp Kids
Ian’s Rainbow Flu Foundation iansrainbow.com
After losing their infant son to influenza in 2003, the Moise family started Ian’s Rainbow Flu Foundation. The organization hosts free will flu vaccine clinics and offers education about the flu to help prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to their clinics and community engagement, Ian’s foundation also hosts a walk every fall in Parkville to raise money for the organization.
Kansas City Pet Project kcpetproject.org
The Kansas City Pet Project has an adoption center at Zona Rosa, where you can find your future furry family member. However, there are many ways to give back to local animals in need if you aren’t able to bring one home. You can choose to volunteer your time at the shelter, or one of KCPP’s events, or you can donate money or even items — the organization has a running list of needed items on their website. Lastly, if you aren’t able to bring home a pet permanently, you can always foster an animal until it finds its perfect home.
KCMO Angels kcmoangels.org
This foundation provides assistance to foster families and children in foster care. Their mission is to change the statistics affecting youth in foster care who experience homelessness, unemployment and incarceration. KCMO Angels can use help with monetary donations, but also intentional giving with their “love box” program, as well as those who can mentor the youth to encourage them to develop skills, passions and achieve goals.
LevelUp Kids levelupkidsinc.org
LevelUp Kids provides dental and vision care to children in Clay and Platte counties through their Miles of Smiles and ICare4Kids programs. They work with local schools to set up screenings and use their portable equipment and supplies to set up offices at schools to provide care to kids. As well a monetary donations, you can host a supply drive or volunteer your time sorting dental supplies. They also need volunteers to assist in vision screenings, for which they provide training.
The Global Orphan Project. Photo provided.
Miles of Smiles.
Photo provided by LevelUp Kids
Liberty Community Christmas Tree libertymissouri.gov/1466/ Liberty-Community-Christmas-Tree
If you’re looking to help provide a memorable Christmas to those in need this year, the Liberty Community Christmas Tree lends assistance to local families and adults. You can help by sponsoring a family by shopping for gifts for Christmas, delivering food to households without children, donating to their food drive or offering assistance with sorting during the food drive, or offering monetary donations.
Liberty Meals on Wheels libertymissouri.gov/1528/Meals-on-Wheels
In addition to providing nutritious meals to senior citizens, Meals on Wheels offers a familiar face and friendly safety checks. They also provide assistance to the furry friends of Meals on Wheels recipients by partnering with the Liberty Animal Shelter. The organization needs regular drivers who can commit to delivering meals once a week, as well as substitute drivers. They also have other ways to help, such as being a phone buddy to a senior citizen, or offering seasonal yard clean-up, from snow removal to leaf raking.
ICare4Kids.
Photo provided by LevelUp Kids
Synergy Services
synergyservices.org
This organization offers an immediate respite to those affected by violence, whether they are runaway teens or women and children experiencing domestic violence. They have many events that benefit their charity, such as the trivia event Quiz for a Cause, the comedy night Stand Up For Synergy and the youth art show Art Soup. Those looking to help can donate on their website, shop their Amazon wish lists, or volunteer time by planning a fun event at the shelter, providing childcare, offering landscaping maintenance or even cooking a meal for the shelter.
Valor Ranch
valorranch.org
This Smithville organization offers transition housing to homeless veterans. Their housing is set
on 14 bucolic acres in Smithville, offering a respite to those who need help re-entering civilian life with success. You can donate money or host a fundraising event, or offer to volunteer at the ranch.
Value Unconditional valueunconditional.org
Value Unconditional offers free restorative services to help local adults heal from sexual violence and childhood trauma. The organization seeks volunteers who can help with victim advocacy, fundraising event organization or even simply those willing to join their prayer team. You can donate monetarily or even attend their Friendsgiving Dinner on November 20 in Overland Park.
Have a local organization, charity or non-profit that you’re especially passionate about that we left off of this list? Please let us know by reaching out to us on our social media, or emailing the editor, Katie, at katie.currid@citylifestyle.com
ICare4Kids. Photo provided by LevelUp Kids
The Global Orphan Project. Photo provided.
ICare4Kids. Photo provided by LevelUp Kids
The Global Orphan Project. Photo provided.
2024 KC Stars Second Generation Builder
Founded in 2020, Stoneleaf Homes LLC is building high quality homes at multiple price points across the northland here in Kansas City. Owner, Alexis Miller Goin, is a second generation home builder and has implemented her knowledge for building and business in the same way her father and mother did for more than twenty years. She has fortified her building strategy to build cost-efficient homes, simplify the process for her clients, and maintain friendships with those she builds for while also maintaining great relationships with her subcontractors and vendors.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
A RUSH OF GRATITUDE
The Rush brothers are Kansas City basketball royalty
There’s something about Kansas City that breeds hometown pride and loyalty. It’s a city with deep roots, strong families, and the love of all things local, whether it’s jazz, barbecue, sports, locally crafted items or beloved legends. For the Rush brothers, JaRon, Kareem and Brandon, those roots ran deep enough to take three boys from the inner city to basketball greatness.
For those who remember the late ‘90s basketball scene, the Rush name still rings out with a certain reverence. Long before they played on college and NBA courts, JaRon, Kareem, and Brandon Rush were just three kids from the inner city, playing at the Boys & Girls Club gyms, unknowingly paving a way into local sports history. Their mother, working multiple jobs, would drop them off for safety and structure, but it quickly became clear that something special was happening, especially with the oldest, JaRon.
Photo provided
Provided
Photo provided
By the time JaRon was ten, he was dominating the court. He soon caught the attention of coaches around the city and met Tom Grant, a local Kansas City businessman who sponsored AAU programs and the team that became their launchpad.
“Mr. Grant, God rest his soul, was a key reason we got our start,” Kareem recalls. “That’s how we got noticed, and ultimately, how we landed at Pembroke Hill in seventh grade and eighth grade.”
Pembroke Hill, an elite private school, was a world away from their previous school environments. “It was definitely a culture shock,” Kareem says. “We were inner-city kids, so Pembroke was different for us, but our experience in AAU helped. We were used to playing with kids from all backgrounds, so we adjusted quickly. Pembroke was an amazing experience. All of my closest friends are still my Pembroke boys.”
“I’m proud of my basketball career, but I’m even more proud of how I’ve kept building since then—rebranding myself and launching my businesses, and just staying locked in on what really matters.”
The academic and cultural exposure at Pembroke changed their outlook. “It wasn’t just about basketball,” he adds. “Pembroke let me explore other interests. That shaped me just as much.” But basketball was always the headline. JaRon, the eldest, was a prodigy. Kareem followed closely behind, driven by classic sibling rivalry. “You always want to be better than your big brother,” he laughs. “And then Brandon came along, trying to one-up both of us.” Together, JaRon and Kareem turned Pembroke into a powerhouse. They delivered three state championship titles in a row and filled local gyms with fans who knew they were watching something rare. Scouts and coaches from the most prestigious college basketball programs frequently attended games.
All three brothers eventually took their own collegiate path, carving out unique legacies.
JaRon, the eldest, was one of the most heralded high school prospects in the country and landed at UCLA, where his game was a natural fit for the West Coast. Kareem stayed closer to home, choosing Mizzou over KU after the Jayhawks pulled back on recruiting JaRon—a move that had ripple effects through the Rush family.
“KU had stopped recruiting JaRon, so I told people I’d never go there,” Kareem says. “I probably would have followed him if they had. But when I stayed home and went to Mizzou, it worked out. Quinn Snyder had just taken over, and I felt a real connection.” Kareem was recently inducted into the Missouri basketball hall of fame for his impact and contributions to the program.
Brandon, the youngest, eventually broke the KU barrier, playing for the Jayhawks and becoming a key part of their 2008 national championship team. “We didn’t have a rivalry,” Kareem says. “It just made sense for Brandon. And for him to go on and win both an NCAA title and an NBA championship was special.”
The younger brothers made it to the NBA, both 1st round draft picks, Kareem with the Lakers in 2002, where he shared a locker room with Shaq and Kobe (including a Finals run in his second year), and Brandon with the Pacers in 2008 and most notably with the Warriors, where he was part of the Championship team in 2015. “Watching Brandon go on and win at both levels—it felt like a win for all of us.”
For a single Kansas City family, it was a remarkable feat.
LIFE AFTER THE GAME
JaRon is now deeply embedded in player development. He’s built a successful training program, Rush Training, and works with hundreds of kids, developing basketball and life skills.
Brandon has dabbled in coaching and training, keeping close to the game that gave so much to their family. Currently coaching his oldest son’s basketball team and is an avid golfer. Kareem, a deeply creative and innovative entrepreneur, took a different route. In 2023, Kareem launched his own bourbon label. What started as Educated Spirits has since rebranded as University Spirits . It’s a business rooted in nostalgia, legacy, and the spirit of college basketball.
UNIVERSITY SPIRITS
“I got pitched an idea to start a spirit brand,” Kareem says. “I’m a bourbon guy, so it made sense. But instead of doing it for just me, I thought: what if we built a brand around college legends? Around the rivalries, the fan bases, the schools we love?”
That idea took off. University Spirits now creates limited-edition bourbon collections tied to specific universities and their most beloved alumni. So far, KU and Mizzou have gotten the treatment. The brand will expand to include other
But what we’re really selling is the connection people have with their school. It’s about those Saturdays on campus, the March Madness runs, the tailgates. Bourbon just gives us a way to bottle that feeling.
schools, including Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Purdue, K-State, Wichita State, UMKC, and SLU. There’s also a broader retail rollout coming soon, starting with Gomer’s in Kansas City and hopeful placement in other Kansas City retailers like Made in KC.
Kareem isn’t just the face of the brand. He’s the designer, the marketer, the connector. “I’m involved in every part, from the mash bills to the bottle design,” he says. “Even the artwork on the labels—that’s all me.”
Each bottle is designed with thoughtful touches. There are also signature glasses and even “golden ticket” promotions hidden inside where fans can win a chance to attend games with former college stars. Premium gift boxes under the Giftitude label are available, a new business Kareem co-founded with his partner, Brooke Marsalla.
“The juice is great, we source from big brands like Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace and I loved crafting my own blend. It definitely stacks up with anything out there,” Kareem says. “But what we’re really selling is the connection people have with their school. It’s about those Saturdays on campus, the March Madness runs, the tailgates. Bourbon just gives us a way to bottle that feeling.”
University Spirits is expanding quickly, with plans to launch in major college towns across the country. Each new market opens up a chance to reconnect players with their fan bases and offer a product that feels personal, not just profitable.
Later this year, they’re debuting a mobile bourbon lounge, which is a tailgate-ready shipping container that converts into a bar, complete with a rooftop basketball hoop and cocktail station. “We’ll bring it to campuses, games, company events—you name it,” Kareem says. “It’s gonna be a whole vibe.”
Beyond bourbon, phase two of Kareem’s business plan includes University Roast, a coffee line created in partnership with Kansas-based PT’s Coffee. Just like the spirits, each roast will feature unique labels tied to different schools and players, with single-origin beans for the “legendary” tier.
Five percent of proceeds from University Spirits go toward scholarship funds at participating schools. Kareem still volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club and other youth programs and finds time to speak to kids about finding purpose after sports.
“I’m proud of my basketball career,” he says. “But I’m even more proud of how I’ve kept building since then, rebranding myself and launching my businesses, and just staying locked in on what really matters.”
Visit universityspirits.com for online ordering, custom gift sets, bourbon accessories, and upcoming releases. Local availability is expanding—starting with Gomer’s in KC. And yes, bottles will be signed.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CYRUS LOGAN
Festive Holiday Container
BUILD YOUR OWN HOLIDAY PLANTER WITH FAMILY TREE IN LIBERTY
Every November, Family Tree Nursery in Liberty transforms its retail store into a winter wonderland. The store is thoughtfully decorated with themed Christmas trees that showcase both unique and trending designs.
The showrooms are filled with permanent garlands, wreaths, and holiday picks, along with a wide array of ornaments and decorations. But the enchanting Christmas experience doesn’t end there. Upon entering the greenhouse, you’ll discover benches overflowing with cheerful holiday plants, including
poinsettias and holiday cacti, all homegrown by Family Tree Nursery. As you exit the greenhouse, you will find bundles of fresh-cut greens, Christmas trees, and ready-made holiday container combo pots.
One of the highlights of this festive season is a series of traditional events. These fun holiday activities kick off with the Countdown to Christmas Open House Event, held on Saturday, November 8th, featuring discounted tiered pricing, live music, adult beverages, tasting samples, and extended shopping hours.
Following the Open House event is the highly popular Holiday Container Workshops, taking place November 13th-16th. Visit the “Upcoming Events” tab at familytreenursery.com to register and reserve your spot. To round out the Christmas season, Family Tree Nursery in Liberty will host a Free Santa Visit, inviting kids and families to take pictures with the most incredible Santa, along with a beautiful backdrop.
The Holiday Container Workshops have become a major attraction at Family Tree Nursery, where four days in November are dedicated to this popular event. All materials needed to create a stunning holiday container are provided, allowing participants to craft the perfect outdoor pot for the winter season. Many attendees come in groups with coworkers, friends, or family. It has also become a tradition for some to purchase the materials separately to host their own workshop at home or in their workplace.
If you’re interested in hosting your own workshop or making a container on your own, here is a holiday container recipe with all the necessary items available for purchase at Family Tree Nursery.
14-Inch Container Recipe:
YOU’LL NEED:
• 1 - 14-Inch Emma Crescent Pot Filled with Potting Mix & Sand
• 1 - Spruce Top
• 2 - Skirting Bundles (Western Cedar)
• 3 - Bundles of Greens (You can choose from Port Orford Cedar, Princess Pine, Shore Pine, Silver Fir, Western Cedar, Incense Cedar, or Douglas Fir)
• 2 - Weather-Resistant Berry Picks
• 1 - Set of Picks, Such as Pine Cones or Snow-Tipped Pine Cones
• 2 - Birch Pole Logs
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Holiday containers can last through the holiday season and may even stay green into the new year if kept in the right environment. However, it’s important to remember that the greens are not alive and will eventually turn brown. Heat and direct sunlight can accelerate the browning process.
To prolong the life of your containers, place them in a location that does not receive full, direct sunlight. We also recommend using a product called Wilt Pruf® to spray on your greens. This product helps trap moisture, which allows the cut greens to remain vibrant for an extended period.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 15TH-16TH
Misteltowne Market
Parks & Recreation Center | 1201
Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City | 10:00 AM
A small, thoughtfully curated artisan holiday market filled with local fine art and maker goods — the perfect destination to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones for the holiday season. For more information, visit www.artsinthepark.org.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Zona Rosa's North Park | 4:00 PM
Zona Rosa kicks off the holiday season with its annual lighting ceremony! Enjoy live performances, skating under the lights, food trucks, giveaways, and festive photo ops with the Grinch & Cindy Lou-Who. The evening ends with Santa lighting the Grand Tree and historic crowns.
NOVEMBER 27TH
Parkville Turkey Trot
English Landing Park, Parkville | 9:00 AM
The Annual Parkville Turkey Trot Trail takes place on a beautiful, flat, and fast course along the Missouri River in English Landing Park. Sign-up options include a 5K or a 2-mile walk. The Turkey Trot gives 50% of the proceeds to Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. Find more information at facebook.com/parkvilleturkeytrot
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CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 28TH-29TH
Indoorsy Market
Zona Rosa | 11:00 AM
Indoorsy: A Weekend Market at Zona Rosa brings together Kansas City’s best small businesses in a cozy indoor space. Held one weekend a month, it’s a chance to shop, explore local vendors and activations, and enjoy samples, promos, and a coupon map highlighting Zona Rosa storefronts.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Small Business Saturday
Downtown Parkville | 9:00 AM
Join us in historic downtown Parkville on Saturday, November 29th to shop, dine and celebrate Small Business Saturday! Show some BIG love to the small businesses that make our community shine! Every purchase supports a dream, a family, and a future. Come shop local, enjoy sips and specials, and support or local small businesses.
NOVEMBER 29TH-30TH
Weston Wassailing Market
Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard | 12:00 PM
The Weston Wassail Market returns for its second year, bringing an oldworld Christmas experience to life. Enjoy artisan vendors, festive food, carolers, activities for all ages, and plenty of holiday magic — plus wassail, of course! Free admission, parking, and shuttles.
DECEMBER 5TH
Christmas on the River
Downtown Parkville | 6:00 PM
Celebrate the season at Christmas on the River in downtown Parkville. Enjoy the Christmas Market, holiday entertainment, Santa photos, kids crafts, live music, shopping, treats, and more — plus a dazzling fireworks show over the Missouri River at 8:45 pm. Free admission.
This November, we're embracing gratitude through mindful movement. Discover The Practice—Liberty's elevated yoga and Pilates studio where ancient wisdom flows into modern practice. Step into our thoughtfully curated space designed to inspire calm and clarity. As we enter this season of thankfulness, join us in honoring your body, mind, and spirit through transformative classes that blend timeless traditions with a fresh approach to self-care.
Our evidence-informed protocols align body and brain. At KCNPI, we combine EEG neurofeedback with the Shiftwave pulsed pressure waves to help sharpen attention, speed physical recovery and regulate stress. EEG neurofeedback builds clarity and focus; Shiftwave sessions promote circulation, relaxation and resilience. KCNPI pairs these with personalized therapy in a private setting for sustainable well-being in work, school, sport and life. Structured Packages for Sustainable Change.
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DECEMBER 6TH-7TH
Weston Candlelight Homes Tour
Throughout Weston | 12:00 PM
Weston is know for it's beautiful historic homes and buildings, including 100+ antebellum homes. Public tours of Weston's featured historic homes have been a tradition since 1960. Find information about the holiday-themed homes tour at westonmo.com.
DECEMBER 14TH
Afternoon Tea & Etiquette
The MT House, Liberty | 1:00 PM
Enjoy delicious treats while learning timeless skills that build confidence, polish and poise. Don't miss the chance to combine good manners with good company! This is a parent/child event designed for children aged 5-12. Reserve your spot now at kccotillion.com. Tickets are $89.
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