TODAY Kansas City - Fall 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | FALL 2021 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 3

ARCHITECTURE | AUTOMOTIVE | FOOD | FASHION | NONPROFIT | KC ORIGINALS | DESIGN | ROAD TRIPS

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

by MARION BATTAGLIA

Unprecedented.

The culture of this auto group is something that I am extremely proud of; a culture that has at its core building relationships with our customers.

Today we are faced with unprecedented times in the automotive industry: inventory shortages and an ever-increasing demand for vehicles.

I must say, it is stressful not being able to accommodate your wishes in a new vehicle. That does not mean, though, that we are without alternatives for you: • We can offer you an extension of your current lease.

This will act as a bridge to when a vehicle that fits your needs is available.

• We can try and expedite the building or the shipping of the vehicle of your choice.

• Or we can come up with an alternative that gives you an interim solution until your next vehicle is in our inventory and we can deliver it to you.

Yes, it is stressful, but it also is an opportunity to use and build on what we have created, a relationship of trust and working together to satisfy your automotive needs.

Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.

Marion Battaglia, President

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C R O W N C E N T E R , L E V E L 3 • 816 . 274 . 32 2 2 MON – SAT: 10 AM – 6 PM • SUN: 12 – 5 PM

EDITOR'S LETTER

by ROBERT HELLWEG

My Hope – This Is A Beginning.

This issue of Today Kansas City is a reflection of Kansas City, what we are, the amazing things we do, and the gifts we are given both at home and in very close proximity to the city.

When we put this issue into planning, the area was headed to opening up, and we were looking at getting back to the events and the places we love that are signatures of Kansas City and the area. I made the decision to go forward with the plan, even in light of the growing strength of the Delta Coronavirus.

The centerpiece of the issue is the photoshoot we did at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This has been a location the Soave Automotive Group has been involved with since before it opened and has been the building sponsor for 10 years.. It is an icon for the performing arts in our city. I hope you find the beauty of the setting a reminder of what we as a city have at our front door.

You will also find the return of an events section. It lists some of the performing arts series that are on the schedule for the fall and winter months. It’s up to all of us to make these events happen. We, as a city, as friends, neighbors, parents, siblings, and partners, need to take the necessary steps to help these venues put events on their stages once again.

Please take this opportunity to protect that future by getting vaccinated. It will mean our city can get back to growing, to performing, to standing ovations, to galas, and to being next to someone you love, and not be worried for them or for yourself. We can once again experience everything that our area offers together, and together makes the experience so much richer and so much more meaningful.

I hope you enjoy Today Kansas City, and tomorrow.

SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP MARION BATTAGLIA President KEVIN KILLILEA Vice President ANGIE LEWITZKE Controller CHUCK DAVIS Service and Parts Director ROBERT HELLWEG Marketing Director SCOTT SWENSON General Manager Factory Relations LARRY MILLER Inventory Director GEOFF BEDINE General Manager Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City DAVID HUGHES General Manager Aristocrat Lee's Summit KRIS NIELSEN General Manager BMW | VW of Topeka FERNANDO RICCI

Finance & Insurance Director

NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGERS DAVID ANDREWS Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz KIRK WILLMS Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City CHUCK OBRIEN Porsche Kansas City,

Maserati | Alfa Romeo of Kansas City JOE SIRNA Jaguar-Land Rover PRE-OWNED MANAGERS JK CORNELIUS Aristocrat Motors ROSS STRADA Mercedes-Benz Kansas City MIKE REID BMW | VW of Topeka DAVID FISER Aristocrat Lee's Summit SERVICE MANAGERS CHARLES FRIEDMAN Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz |

Maserati | Alfa Romeo Porsche Kansas City KEVIN SMELL Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam ISAAC NICHOLS BMW|VW of Topeka JOHN DOOLITTLE Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City RODNEY PARKER

PARTS MANAGERS BILL WELLS Aristocrat Motors DAVID BARNES Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City RICK WITT

Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam BMW | VW of Topeka

JAY GILLIHAN

ROBERT HELLWEG

Editor | 913.677.7414 ALLYSON ELLIS Sales Director | 913.634.3838 KATHRYN CREEL Creative Director MARCI LINN Copyeditor KENNY JOHNSON Photographer AMANI SKALACKI Stylist TODAY KANSAS CITY is a quarterly publication by Soave Automotive Group – home of Aristocrat Motors, Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, BMW of Topeka, and VW of Topeka. Address: 9400 W 65th St, Merriam, KS 66203, 913.677.3300, aristocratmotors.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

4 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

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FALL 2021

Features 13 ARCHITECTURE

Celebrating Culture and Brand in the Workplace.

by Erik Linebarger, Emily Payne, Peter Sloan

18 FOOD

Strang Hall and the Rise of Downtown Overland Park.

by Emily & Stewart Lane

24 AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway Van: Ready to go Camping?

by Tom Strongman

33 FASHION

Falling in Love with Fall Fashion. photos by Kenny Johnson | styling by Amani Skalacki

45 INTERIOR DESIGN Get Outside.

by Patricia O'Dell

50 NONPROFIT

Geeks For Kids Puts Kids With Mobility Challenges in the Driver's Seat.

by Kelsey Cipolla

56 ROAD TRIPS

A Cozy Glamping Getaway at Camp Long Creek.

by Anna Petrow & Patrick Mulvihill

62 KC ORIGINALS

More Than Just Cars.

by Anne Kniggendorf

69 HEALTH

Too Many Pandemic Instructions Caused You to Tune Out?

by Dr. Linda Moore

74 INTERVIEW

A Presentation Like No Other.

by Joel Nichols

80 EVENT CALENDAR 6 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

CONTENTS Attire, FALL 2021 Halls Jewelry, Meierotto Jewelers Sunglasses, Eye Style

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attire HALLS jewelry MAZZARESE JEWELRY glasses EYE STYLE

automobile 2020 PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO attire HALLS jewelry MEIEROTTO JEWELRY glasses EYE STYLE model ALI of Voices& hair by KATYANNE TRAFFAS | bijin salon and spa makeup by SHAYLA NASH | shaylanash.com location THE WESTIN KANSAS CITY AT CROWN CENTER

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 7

Peace of mind.

Every Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) vehicle is covered by the MBCPO Limited Warranty1, which runs for 1 Year with Unlimited Mileage2, and any remainder of the vehicle’s original 4 Years/50,000 miles Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Warranty. We know unforeseen bumps in the road can happen, which is why we also offer a Mercedes-Benz Certified PreOwned Extended Limited Warranty program to help cover you once your MBCPO Limited Warranty expires.

1. For full details, including all limitations, ask your dealer for a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty and optional warranty extensions. Coverage does not duplicate Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

2. If this vehicle is still covered by the New Vehicle Warranty at the time of MBCPO purchase, this coverage continues from the vehicle’s original in-service date and will apply until four years from the original New Vehicle Warranty start date or 50,000 total vehicle accumulated miles, whichever comes first. MBCPO Limited Warranty coverage will then apply for 12 additional months for unlimited miles. If the New Vehicle Warranty has expired prior to MBCPO purchase, MBCPO Limited Warranty coverage will apply for 12 monthsfrom MBCPO purchase.

9400 West 65th St | Merriam, KS | 913.677.3300 | aristocratmotors.com

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ARCHITECTURE

words by ERIK LINEBARGER, EMILY PAYNE, PETER SLOAN

Celebrating Culture and Brand in the Workplace.

In today’s evolving office, many companies will need to manage a blended workforce of remote and on-site staff.

Even before COVID-19, companies were beginning to offer employees more flexibility in how and where they work. The pandemic only has turbocharged the trend – the future of work is here.

Most organizations we’re talking to report that, even after it’s safe to bring their people back into the office, some will continue working remotely at least one day a week. They will need to manage employees occupying an entire ecosystem of spaces including traditional office hubs, homes, and spokes like coworking centers.

The challenge for company leaders will be to sustain their culture and brand across every part of this hybrid workplace while empowering their people with the options they need to succeed.

The good news is that the pandemic has demonstrated that culture isn’t tied to a specific place. It’s more of a mindset that, when nurtured, enables employees to bring to life their company’s brand in their interactions with coworkers, clients, and customers.

IN THE OFFICE In the last 18 months, employee expectations have changed, work processes have evolved and the purpose of the physical office has transformed. Most companies want to ensure that people will not be returning to the same spaces they vacated. In addition to the expected changes related to accommodating physical distancing (fewer workstations and more open spaces) and instituting new health protocols to prevent infections, it’s now essential to offer people access to experiences and tools they simply can’t get while working remotely. Company executives want to give people reasons to want to be in the office – and choices about how to work when they are there.

The ability to once again interact in person with colleagues and clients is one obvious benefit. As effectively (and remarkably) as people been able to work from home, there is still great value in face-to-face collaboration. We’ve all missed the creativity and collaboration that comes from casual encounters and coffee pot discussions.

The pandemic forced us to adjust to regular video calls in lieu of the audio-only calls of 2019. In turn, single-camera conference rooms and predominantly open-office layouts aren’t conducive to the way we now meet. Technology and space planning strategies will have to adjust accordingly.

In addition to well-planned meeting and private work spaces, companies can entice people with branded environments like social spaces, cafes, high-tech conference rooms,

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 13

and curated experiences that build the culture and reinforce the brand.

What previously had been “nice to have” amenities have become more like “must haves.” Offices will need a higher percentage of gathering, collaboration, and private meeting rooms moving forward. And because a certain percentage of employees won’t be in that office every day, the brand messaging in these spaces needs to be less nuanced and more direct – and clearly celebrate the organization’s mission and values.

Additional tech tools for people returning to the office can include wayfinding, check-in apps, health-screening apps as well as concierge and desk and conference room booking apps, all of which should be part of how employees and visitors alike experience an organization’s brand and culture.

REMOTE ENGAGEMENT For people who aren’t in the office, culture and brand must now transcend the physical workplace. As we’ve all seen since March 2020, it’s the individual people working toward common goals – even when doing it from their kitchens or bedrooms – who are the company. And companies who are using at least a partial remote workforce still want to position themselves as great places to work.

Organizations can support the virtual experiences of their people working at home or from remote spokes with the same intentionality they use for the physical experience. Leaders will need to treat all staff equitably and consistently, regardless of where they are working.

From videoconferencing with Zoom or Microsoft Teams (with curated work from home spaces) to using Slack for chatter, a variety of collaboration tools help build camaraderie and maintain culture among remote workers.

Frequent communications and virtual events will help them feel engaged.

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A more inclusive virtual work community starts with how we design the office environment. Poor audio technology in conference rooms means remote workers are often unable to hear the full conversation in the room. Existing video technology displays a room full of people, making it hard for virtual participants to read body language or discern who is speaking. These previously minor inconveniences are now major hurdles in ensuring remote workers’ contributions aren’t marginalized with the return to the office.

Technology integration will need to adjust quickly to make virtual participants feel welcome. Video displays in conference rooms could still showcase faces (in person and virtual) in the “Brady Bunch” grid format that people have become all-too-familiar with over the past year.

Eric Linebarger

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Emily Payne

THE RIGHT BALANCE Though this is far from the end of the office, companies have realized that where people are located – if they want the best and brightest – is no longer relevant. With this influx of remote team members, we can expect greater rigor in how we design for culture, brand, and employee autonomy.

The moment is now. How we define culture is shifting, and companies can capitalize on this moment to strengthen how they convey their identity. As HOK’s interior and experience design teams help organizations prepare to bring some people back into offices, we’re working with them to identify the key elements of their cultures and brands. We then can suggest changes to their physical spaces and remote environments that celebrate these characteristics.

Peter Sloan

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Eric Linebarger is a senior project designer in Kansas City. Emily Payne is a KansasCity-based regional leader of Experience Design. Peter Sloan is director of Interior Design in Kansas City.

/2021

IMG_4713.jpg

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FOOD words by EMILY & STEWART LANE | photos by ANNA PETROW

Strang Hall and the Rise of Downtown Overland Park.

Emily Lane: A great culinary movement is sweeping the nation with roots in the great bazaars and markets of old. The modern food hall is an interpretation of an ancient concept, and Strang Hall in Downtown Overland Park captures the spirit of the short line that connects community and food.

Named for William B. Strang Jr., a railroad magnate who founded and developed Overland Park, this new addition to the downtown Overland Park landscape has been an instant hit.

cheese, and a vibrant cilantro pesto. From tortilla to toppings, each bite was an expression of Chef Brett’s culinary vision and talent. Then you can walk over to Tora Zushi, and chase the tacos with The Boss Roll, tempura-fried tuna, salmon, and yellowtail; and the Strang Roll, tempura-fried crab and cream cheese, topped with avocado slices, tuna, minced cucumber, tobiko, and a yuzu togarashi aioli finished with a smoked ponzu sauce, to start your Strang Hall food experience.

Stewart Lane: Strang Hall is my dream, a collection of incredible chefs in a small area offering delicious cuisine from around the world with unique styles and stories. Whether you feel like sushi, tacos, pizza, or all-American comfort, they have you covered with top-notch cocktails and craft beers to keep the party going. We honestly could not decide what to eat, and, luckily, we did not have to choose.

Emily and I created our own progressive dinner, eating our way around the globe from a barstool with a cocktail in our hands.

Chef Brett Dehart has a long list of culinary accomplishments (notably “Best Burger in Utah 2016” and final four contender for North American Chef of the Year) and has two concepts in the hall, Fénix and Tora Zushi. Never one for convention, Chef Dehart creates new and bold flavors with familiar ingredients and unique pairings. At Fénix, we went for a sampler featuring Pastor, eight-hour roast pork, sweet onions, and pineapple slaw; Hot Chicken, a take on the Nashville chicken sandwich with a crispy and juicy beer-battered chicken breast, fresh jalapenos, melted cheese, shredded cabbage, and a barbecue salsa; and the Costilla, shredded beef shortrib with tart, pickled red onions, crumbled cotija

EL: Depending on your appetite, you could stop your meal right there (but, don’t worry, we didn’t), and Stewart has more mouthwatering food descriptions to share. Even if you pop over just for a quick lunch, you’re sure to recharge your batteries sitting on the lawn of Strang Hall enjoying the community that’s been created there. It makes me think about community in the greater context of downtown Overland Park, and how food is really at the core of its identity, with locally owned restaurants, the farmers’ market, and the culinary center, all located between 78th and 83rd streets off Metcalf Ave.

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SL: As Emily suggests, we didn’t stop at the first two places. Chef Anourom Thomson has an incredible story. From refugee to head chef and owner, he brings the gastronomic stories of his culture to our tables. Anousone features Laotian fare that is anything but standard. Curries, steamed buns, noodles, and banh mi sandwiches feature along side tuna poke, adobo ribs, and fried Brussels sprouts in a sweet chili herb sauce. Vivacious, playful, and delicious are the best ways to describe Chef Anourom’s dishes. I dived into the stir-fry noodles, with sauteed bell peppers onions, napa cabbage and fresh herbs, heavily

studded with crispy, yet juicy, pork-belly bites, while Emily savored the steamed buns with slaw, fast pickled cucumbers, scallions, and three-spice hoisin sauce with-sauteed beef.

Chef Erin Basset is everything the hospitality industry strives to be. She’s done nonprofit work, providing meals to those in need, vocational culinary training, and is driven by a desire to showcase the best produce from local-owner farmers. Solstice is her embodiment of that vision. The Apple Crunch Salad, tender spinach, Maytag blue cheese, walnut brittle, cranberry, shaved fennel, and a tart-cider vinaigrette is a perfect balance of savory and sweet that kept us diving in for more. We had to try the Fried Cauliflower, soft, yet crispy, florets affectionately seasoned and finished with lemon and parsley with a sumac yogurt dipping sauce. Each bite was lively and bright, with a fantastic mix of textures that were complemented by the sauce. As the seasons change, so will the menu at Solstice, almost making me look forward to winter!

EL: And that brings up another interesting part of Strang Hall – it’s ever changing. At the time of this writing, we know that more concepts are coming to keep things fresh, so your visits to Strang Hall will never be identical. The rotating food hall is foolproof against falling into a food rut.

SL: Let’s round out the evening. Norcini, or “butchers” in Italian, is a tribute to the great meat cutters from the old country.

Cured and roasted meats highlight the menu, with the star of the show being the pizzas made on a crust of 72-hour cold-fermented dough and sandwiches piled high with exceptional imported and domestic cuts. Classic pizza flavor combinations like the Incendio, mozzarella, basil, chili flake, garlic, blistered tomatoes, salsa rossa, and EVOO, mixed with inventive creations such as the Crab Rangoon, sweet chili, cream cheese crab filling, mozzarella, green onion, and Calabrian chili. We dived into the

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THE ICON. EVOLVED. The best things come in threes.

Introducing the 2020 BMW 3 Series: An icon that lives on like never before, available in three motor variants.

You could choose the state-of-the-art 330i, which combines intuitive technology and high performance for the most advanced and dynamic 3 Series yet. Or dare to take the adrenaline-inducing M340i, loaded with the exhilaration of race-inspired M performance.

That leaves the electrified 330e, with all-electric range long enough for local trips, backed up with a powerful gas engine.

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Italiano, featuring Tuscan sopressata, mozzarella, peppadew peppers, green olives, artichokes, and salsa rossa. The crust was the ethereal combination of chewy and soft with the perfect amount of char.

And finally, Chef Eli B. Neal has Midwest flavors and charm in his blood. Through a life of midwestern adventures and the influence of his Great Granny Thelma, he has honed a modern American menu that creates the best versions of Americana classics. Chef Eli does not mess around with his sandwiches: chicken-fried steak with black-pepper aioli, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, or his catfish po’boy with wheat-beer-battered catfish nestled in a soft bun with all the fixings and house-made remoulade. We could not say no to the Fried Chicken Sandwich, featuring citrus-brined fried chicken breast and accented with thick slice of tomato, pickles, and the house special sauce. It was served with thick-cut fries that were crispy, golden and fluffy inside and tossed with house seasoning.

EL: After recovering from our indulgent adventure in food hall dining, I spoke with a few friends who are regulars at

Strang Hall, asking them why they return again and again, and they had similar responses. They love the variety of places to dine through the food market concept and the atmosphere that suits everything from date night to lunch with the kids, but, more than anything, they echoed the sentiment of loving what it has done for downtown Overland Park.

I couldn’t agree more with that last statement. I think back on how much downtown Overland Park has grown and changed in the past decade, with new eateries, impressive new living spaces, all while maintaining the quaint downtown with small businesses we’ve known for years. Not to mention for potential residents, this is one of the most affordable and up-and-coming areas of Johnson County. We hope you find some time to check out Strang Hall and all downtown Overland Park has to offer.

Strang Hall, located at 7313 W. 80th St. in downtown Overland Park, is open Tuesday through Sunday. For detailed hours and more information, please visit stranghall.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Emily & Stewart Lane are Kansas City natives who have an affection for hospitality.

Stewart, a former executive chef, makes his career at SMG and loves to cook for friends and family, and Emily manages community impact and philanthropy at JE Dunn Construction. Along with their daughters, Evie and Catharine, they live a life filled with food, culture, and creativity.

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AUTOMOTIVE words and photos by TOM STRONGMAN

MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS GETAWAY VAN

Ready to go Camping?

Try camping, they said. Smell the flowers, get away from the city, commune with nature. It’ll be fun, they said: And they were right.

“They” are the thousands of RV and camper van owners who regularly ply the open road in search of serenity and scenery. And I’ve secretly wanted to be one of them, soothing a sense of wanderlust without sacrificing some of the conveniences of home.

That sounds like a contradiction, and in some ways it is, but I’m no longer interested in sleeping-bag, hard-ground tent camping, so a camper van seems like a more obvious solution.

Full-size Class C motorhomes are just that: fullsize. Something smaller, and more nimble, such as the Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway van conversion, hits the sweet spot, especially considering it can also be used as a daily driver with seating for four or five people and a footprint that is hardly larger that a minivan. It’s true that with a camper van you forego a few creature comforts such as toilet, a fridge, or a sink, but that’s the compromise for a vehicle that can fit in your garage and be driven every day.

The rear-wheel-drive Metris Getaway is like the reincarnation of Volkswagen’s beloved pop-up campers from years ago. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine has 208 horsepower and it connects to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Metris van conversion is the product of Driverge Vehicle Innovations in partnership with Peace Vans. It can be ordered directly from the Mercedes-Benz dealer. Driverge, in North Charleston, South Carolina – adjacent to the new Mercedes factory – builds these camper vans and ships them

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 25

MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS GETAWAY VAN Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with 208 hp Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 126 inches Van Price: $45,886 With Getaway conversion: $86,270 MPG: 20 in the city, 24 on the highway

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AUTOMOTIVE to dealers. The price of this wellequipped Metris van was $45,886.

The Getaway package was an additional $40,474, bringing the sticker price to $86,270.

Other options include upgraded audio and navigation, mosquito screens for the rear hatch and sliding doors, a tent that attaches to the rear lift gate, roof racks, and a pull-out rear kitchen. Integrated solar panels can be used to add charging capacity for extended trips.

Because I have daydreamed about a van camper for years it was with great anticipation that I picked up the Metris Getaway van for an overnight campout. My wife and I are truly neophytes when it comes to camping. Friends who are avid campers and own several vintage models suggested we try a small quiet campground at Lone Star Lake just outside of Lawrence, Kan. It took less than an hour to drive there. An overnight stay without an electric hookup is $11.

At the campground I picked a quiet spot under a shade tree with a view of the lake. We didn’t need an electrical hookup so we could be flexible in picking a location. Think of the Metris camper as a four-wheeled tent and you get the idea. The Metris has dual batteries and several USB ports for charging phones, laptops, tablets, etc. A plug for an electrical hookup is optional.

The top of the camper pops up to reveal three large windows and add plenty of headroom for standing.

A second bed pulls down from the top, and, while it is claimed to be big enough for two, I think it seems best suited for youngsters.

The camper’s back seat is a clever piece of engineering. It slides fore and aft on tracks in the floor and there is storage space underneath. When pulled forward it folds out into a fullsize double bed with a two-inch foam

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 27

mattress. A small cabinet at the back of the van has drawers for incidentals as well as a place for a small two-burner camp stove that comes with the conversion.

Once in our parking spot we opened the roof and unrolled the eight-foot side awning that became our porch. A long handle made it easy to crank in and out. The legs that prop up the awning didn’t look overly stout so a couple of additional tie-downs would be in order if there is wind.

The front bucket seats pivot 180 degrees so they face the rear seat. A small folding table may be mounted between the front and rear seat or used as a standalone unit

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outside. We used it outside with lawn chairs because of the view.

Reflecting our spur-of-the-moment preparation, our camp dinner was an unusual combination of hot dogs and corn on the cob cooked over a portable charcoal grill along with pasta salad and a glass of chardonnay. Hardly gourmet, but typical of camp food.

As new campers without a packing list and in a rush to leave home we forgot a few things such as a camping lantern, flashlights, paper towels, etc. But that didn’t hinder our experience.

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The two-inch memory-foam mattress was not bad but a bit more padding would be welcome.

As a vehicle, the Metris has sophisticated safety features, good fuel economy, a 15,000-mile service interval, and a tow rating of 5,000 pounds. Standard Metris features include a rearview camera, crosswind assist that

stabilizes the van in gusty wind, electronic vehicle stability control, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitor.

Our brief experience with the Getaway van whets my appetite for another outing. Next time I’ll make a packing list and swap hot dogs for something a bit more exciting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Strongman has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri and was formerly the director of photography and then the automotive editor of The Kansas City Star. Tom, a member of the Missouri Press Association Photojournalism Hall of Fame, has written about and photographed cars for more than three decades.

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Make your own roads.

Whether you’re in the city or off the main road, you can run up against situations you can’t control, like bad weather or rough terrain. You can try and avoid them, or meet them head-on with the on-demand 4-wheel drive option. The Sprinter 4x4 features a higher wading depth, a low-range gear, and a standard V6 turbo diesel engine that can power you through even the toughest conditions. The Sprinter 4x4 option is available in select Cargo, Crew, or Passenger Van configurations. Start your own adventure today at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City.

13851 Madison Avenue | Kansas City, MO 816.943.7000 | mbofkc.com Member of the Soave Automotive Group

The Levante will take you to higher grounds. Find yours.

Levante. Yours. From $78,290* Maserati of Kansas City 9400 W 65th Street, Merriam, KS 913.677.3300 | maseratiofkansascity.com *MSRP excludes taxes, title and registration fees. Starting price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.

To get full pricing details, see your dealer. ©2020 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

FASHION photos KENNY JOHNSON | styling AMANI SKALACKI

Falling in Love with Fall Fashion. dress by Gown Gallery

male & female attire HALLS jewelry MEIEROTTO glasses EYE STYLE model ABBY & LEE of Voices& makeup by CARO BENITEZ, Caro Benitez Makeup Studio hair by ALEXIS PISENO of bijin styling assistant RILEY MORTENSEN

dress by Gown Gallery

ON LOCATION The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a performance venue that attracts some of the world’s leading artists in music, dance and theater. It also provides a state-ofthe art home for three of the region’s leading arts organizations: the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Lyric Opera, and the Kansas City Symphony. In addition, since September 2011 more than 100 other arts organizations have entranced audiences in its two halls. The Kauffman Center has been embraced as a spectacular landmark and acclaimed by global authorities on architecture and acoustic quality as one of the most beautiful performance halls in the world.

ABOUT OUR COVER MODEL Abigail Stahlschmidt is an internationally recognized acoustic and electric violinist, composer, actress, and professional model. Signed in the U.S. and Milan, her modelling has been featured in publications such as Elle Bulgaria and Vogue. As a composer and performer, Abigail has been featured on PBS and various TV specials. Her musical experiences and creative ability have taken her across many genres, allowing her to perform in many venues throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Locally, Abigail had the honour of composing and recording a musicvideo with Kansas City Ballet Street Project (including members of the professional KC Ballet Co.) which was featured on PBS. She also has been the featured artist and composer for “America’s Birthday Parade” two years in a row. This year, Abigail received the distinguished award from St. Louis Magazine as “St. Louis’ Top Musician of 2021."

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Contact Trent Gallagher for a consultation.

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ID.4 electric SUV

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INTERIOR DESIGN by PATRICIA O'DELL

Get Outside.

The challenges of 2020 brought a lot of people renewed perspective on work, home, and family. With so much uncertain, home – previously the spot from which we came and went without much thought – became haven. And as our wanderings were limited – mountains, oceans, and landmarks suddenly unavailable – we began to make the most of our own backyards.

Many of us recognized our outdoor spaces – whether big or small – as sanctuaries for the first time. The vacant nursery lots reflected a zeal for planting and we began to push the

furniture around, literally or figuratively. Certainly, expanding outdoors – not necessarily in square footage, but in opportunity – can change the way you live.

“I always suggest that people consider how they could use their outdoor space year-round,” Kristopher Dabner, president and creative director of The Greensman, says. “With both landscape and hardscape.”

While people may see the wisdom in creating structure in their garden with evergreens – firs, yews, and hollies – that will hold up under our midwestern winters, they may overlook

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 45

HEATING THINGS UP Being outside isn’t all about sticks and stones. Gracious living means having just the right thing on hand when friends drop by, whatever the weather. Here are a few ideas from our favorite shops to keep you and your guests cozy this fall.

Pinon Wood is many a fire starter’s favorite. Pinon lights easily, burns cleanly, and has a distinct pine scent that repels insects. Available for pick up at Southside Wood Company at Woodyard BBQ, 3001 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kansas. southsidewoodcompany.com

house itself or stone walls, which are great ways to extend your opportunities to be outside as it gets cooler,” Dabner says.

While he doesn’t like to dictate, he finds he suggests ideas to make the most of outdoor living in every season more than he’s asked.

“It just never occurs to some people that they’ll use their patio beyond spring and summer, but they end up loving it.”

Still, he doesn’t dictate.

“Ultimately, it’s always about how the client wants to use the space.”

He does recommend adding a fire element – whether it’s a portable fire pit or an outdoor fireplace built to reflect the architecture of the house – as a way to extend your time outside.

“I like a fireplace if the space and budget allow,” Dabner says. “The architecture can make it integral to the house, but if space doesn’t allow, a raised gas fire element – like the kind you see in restaurants – can be a great solution.”

He notes that it’s not only patios that offer three season respite.

“I love a screened room that people can use for three seasons. With a ceiling fan for spring and summer and ceiling-mounted heaters for the cooler months; it’s ideal.”

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The Dorsey cashmere throws come in six colors reminiscent of the landscape and would make the perfect wraps for your friends gathered under the stars. Find your favorite at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home near the Court of the Penguin Foundations on the Country Club Plaza. terrasi.com Your favorite soup (whether you cook it or simply spoon it yourself out of the carryout container) will warm hands and hearts in Le Crueset soup bowls.

Several colors to choose from at Pryde’s in Westport (though the author’s favorite is turquoise.) prydeskitchen.com

601 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 rsvpkcy@rothliving.com | 816.556.3322 www.rothliving.com

curate your kitchen escape.

INTERIOR DESIGN

A little planning is key to using your yard nearly year-round.

Dabner is not all about sitting and lounging, however.

“It depends if you have a more active lifestyle. Besides sitting and eating, I’ve designed spots for volleyball, lawn bowling, and even a bocce court. My clients find they take advantage of the outdoor activities all the time when friends come over.”

This year as we head into the cooler months, we’ll be fortunate to have the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Hopefully, we’ll be mindful of taking the best of our experiences from the last year and carrying them forward – inside and out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.

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BESPOKE FURNITURE | HOME DECOR | INTERIOR DESIGN

4101 N. Mulberry Drive, Kansas City, MO 64116 www.nellhills.com | 816.746.4320 | info@nellhills.com

NONPROFIT by KELSEY CIPOLLA

Geeks For Kids Puts Kids With Mobility Challenges in the Driver’s Seat.

For kids with mobility challenges, a ride-on toy car can mean so much more than a few minutes of fun: It’s the key to independence, learning, and connection they may otherwise struggle to experience.

Enter LEARN Science & Math Club, a nonprofit providing kids from the Kansas City metropolitan area with rich science and math experiences through the use of robotics, engineering and programming projects, and laboratory experiments.

Rebecca Kidwell, president of LEARN, says a biomedical project undertaken by the organization’s middle school and high school robotics team motivated LEARN to look at other ways to add meaning to the work being done.

Then they came across GoBabyGo!, a grassroots initiative out of the University of Delaware that shared details on how to modify ride-on cars for

kids with disabilities and encouraged communities around the world to adopt the mission.

In 2017, LEARN students and adult volunteers built a car for a 2-year-old with spina bifida as a test to see if the team would feel excited and inspired by the work. The answer? A resounding, yes. They built a dozen cars the following year, 18 the next, and 30 last year – and in 2021, they’ve built 36 cars, so far.

“For grownups and kids, the reaction universally is, ‘I’m making a difference,’” Kidwell says. “We are changing kids’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

BEHIND THE BUILDS Over 500,000 American kids under the age of five have mobility problems, and few have access to devices that give them free movement. Without it, these kids may struggle to grow and learn as their peers do, playing and

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 51

NONPROFIT

interacting with the world around them, and developing strength, coordination, and decision-making skills.

Geeks for Kids adapts off-the-shelf toy cars to meet kids’ unique needs. There’s a version with a “go” button in place of a gas pedal; kids with limited upper-body strength and dexterity can use a model featuring a joystick or control panel; and children with little ability to move their bodies have head control and remote-control options. Each car also includes a variety of features for safety and comfort based on the child’s measurements.

“I try not to wax poetic, but it’s very moving to see a kid – who, oftentimes, hasn’t moved independently, on her own, ever – experience those first minutes of movement and freedom. It is lifechanging for them, and kind of for us, too,” Kidwell says.

Take Jeremiah, a two-year-old who met with the Geeks for Kids team last year. His parents didn’t think he would be able to operate a car by himself, but the team encouraged them to try a joystick during a visit to see what he would respond to.

After getting some measurements in the car, Kidwell helped

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him push the joystick, and he laughed riotously. They continued the pattern until he was driving on his own – the team was ecstatic, but Jeremiah’s parents were crying.

“They had just learned a couple of weeks before they met us that their toddler had spastic paraplegia and had been working to reconcile themselves to the fact that he might not do the kinds of things that they imagined doing with their child, like go to prom and play baseball,” Kidwell recalls. “That day, they realized he would do things they hadn’t imagined that he would do.”

COMMUNITY POWERED Geeks for Kids gives all cars to kids for free. Depending on the complexity of the car, each build costs between $750 and $2,175, money the organization raises through direct donations, crowdfunding campaigns, and sponsorships.

Community members play a critical role in the mission, as Geeks for Kids is an all-volunteer organization. Professional techs work with high school and college student roboticists, engineers, and programmers to design and build the cars,

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an arrangement that allows students to apply skills they’ve been learning, make innovative decisions, and experience first-hand the difference they can make in the lives of others.

Before the pandemic, the organization also hosted five or six big build events where community members came together to help with a variety of tasks, no technical expertise required.

In 2019, Geeks for Kids had 215 volunteers helping to produce the cars. Unfortunately, last year that number dropped to just 11 people doing the bulk of the work.

“We’re really excited to return to normal someday and reengage with our broader community,” Kidwell said, adding, “We need more people – our goal is to do more and more and more, so we need more and more people.”

That includes more people applying for cars. Many families are referred to Geeks for Kids by Children’s Mercy, Ability KC,

Advent Health, and other local physical therapy programs for kids, which Kidwell worries might keep families without the financial resources for physical therapy from learning about the program.

“One of our big goals is to break through and make more people aware that we would make a car for their child if they’d like us to,” Kidwell says.

She encourages families to apply for a car even if they’re not sure if existing adaptations would work for them – the Geeks for Kids team is constantly working on new ways to address needs that arise, including a forthcoming prototype designed to accommodate older and taller kids.

To learn more about Geeks for Kids, including how to apply for a car, make a donation or volunteer, visit geeks.learnscienceandmathclub.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kelsey Cipolla is a local writer, editor, and social media specialist. Kelsey has covered everything from the Kansas City culinary scene to home design, health, fitness trends, hidden gems, and nonprofit in the Kansas City community.

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ABOVE & BEYOND CAPABLE LUXURY ON OR OFF ROAD

The Land Rover lineup lives up to its name.

Introducing our most agile, dynamic and responsive model range ever. Decades of innovation have taken us Above and Beyond. We’ve navigated uncharted territory with a firm grasp of where we started – the unique marriage of capability and composure, which distinguishes every vehicle bearing the Land Rover badge.

Test drive the new Land Rovers at Land Rover Kansas City.

Land Rover Kansas City 9400 W. 65th Street, Merriam, KS 913 677 3300 landroverkansascity.com

See your participating Land Rover Retailer for complete details, visit LANDROVERUSA.COM or call 1-800-FIND-4WD / 1-800-346-3493. © 2021 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

ROAD TRIPS words by PATRICK MULVIHILL | photos by ANNA PETROW

A Cozy Glamping Getaway at Camp Long Creek.

Take a short drive south of Branson, Missouri – just 20 minutes past the vacation destination defined by its fudge shops, wax museums and amusement parks – and you’ll find yourself cruising through the hilly confines of Ridgedale, the last parcel of Missouri before you cross into Arkansas. This seemingly quiet border town is nestled in between U.S. Route 65 and the southern arms of Table Rock Lake, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Ozark mountains.

Standing in stark contrast with Branson’s neon signs and Dolly Parton Stampede billboards, Ridgedale has carved out its own one-of-a-kind attraction: the world-renowned wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge. Better described as a tourist escape than a trap, Big Cedar was inspired by the stunning topography and breathtaking vistas afforded by the Table Rock Lake region.

When Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris purchased Big Cedar Lodge in the late ’80s, the resort was nothing more than 42 acres of motel units and cabins. Since then, the native Missourian and lifelong conservationist has branded the resort as “America’s premier destination for outdoor

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ROAD TRIPS adventure,” expanding the property to the 4,600-acre resort we have in our backyard today.

While Big Cedar Lodge is best known for its world-class accommodations, including private log cabins, charming cottages, and a state-of-the-art hotel complex, its recently opened rustic retreat, Camp Long Creek, boasts perhaps the most unique stay you’ll find in all of Southern Missouri. Situated on a peninsula five miles from Big Cedar Lodge, the camp can best be defined by the recently coined term “glamping” (think glamorous camping), which combines the thrill of camping with the comforts of home.

Everything within the campsite feels as if it were pulled straight from the set of a Wes Anderson film. Painted wooden oars, vintage canteens, faded photos, and an assortment of taxidermied animals adorn every wall. Don’t let these seemingly modest huts, cottages, or canvas tents fool you; the accommodations are all beautifully furnished and come equipped with impressively powerful furnaces and HVAC systems, offering the privacy and comfort you’d expect from luxury hotels. And don’t worry: Camp Long Creek is dog-friendly. They even have their own dedicated dog park.

Although the Big Cedar resort has plenty to offer, Camp Long Creek is built so you don’t have to leave. The camp is conveniently located next to Long Creek Marina, a full-service dock and landing site perfect for first-time fishers and seasoned anglers alike. The marina offers boat, watercraft, and water-sport equipment rentals, as well as fishing services and guides. It even has its own mini Bass Pro Shops store and sundry. Next to the marina, the sandy beach and heated infinity pool call for Camp Long Creek guests to catch some rays lakeside or poolside. And while many of the accommodations include kitchen and dining areas, the Long Creek Canteen offers classic American grub for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served out of a vintage Airstream. For a fun, family-friendly nighttime activity, the camp’s two bocce courts are equipped with string lights, allowing for the heat of competition to proceed well into the cool Ozark nights.

Outside of Camp Long Creek, Big Cedar has been designed to provide fun for the whole family. The 50,000-square-foot Fun Mountain offers year-round fun for all ages, including a ropes course, arcades, and the Kids’ Nature Discovery Center, while Cedar Creek Spa is the perfect excuse to unplug and unwind.

Big Cedar is also home to The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy, as well as some of the most remarkable public golf destinations in the entire country, including Payne’s Valley and Ozarks National.

No trip to Big Cedar is complete without a visit to the famed Top of the Rock, which offers sweeping views of Table Rock Lake.

For history buffs, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Osage Indian artifacts

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MARINER

WEALTH ADVISORS RANKE D

TOP FIVE

NATIONALLY RANKED. LOCALLY BASED. Mariner Wealth Advisors has been nationally ranked in the top five 2016 - 2020 RIA Firms by Barron’s. While we are thrilled with this recognition, we believe the true measure of our success is helping our clients arrive at their financial destination.

Because putting clients first isn’t just our motto – it’s our mission.

Why not have a conversation with a top-ranked firm?

913-647-9700 | www.marinerwealthadvisors.com 5700 W. 112th St., Suite 200, Overland Park, KS 66211 *Barron’s awarded the 2020 #5, 2019 #4 and 2018 #3 Top RIA Firms rankings to Mariner Wealth Advisors based on data compiled for Mariner Wealth Advisors and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings to Mariner Holdings based upon data compiled for Mariner Holdings’ registered investment adviser subsidiaries. The number of firms included in the rankings were: 20 (2016), 30 (2017), 40 (2018), 50 (2019) and 100 (2020). Barron’s publishes rankings based upon a number of criteria and the firms’ filings with the SEC were used to cross-check the data provided. The listing includes numbers of clients, employees, advisors, offices and state locations. The award is not indicative of future performance and there is no guarantee of future investment success. For additional information visit www.barrons.com.

Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”), is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. MWA is in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which MWA maintains clients. MWA may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. Any subsequent, direct communication by MWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

ROAD TRIPS

and artwork in the world, and it brings visitors face-to-face with a woolly mammoth, giant sloths, a saber-toothed cat, and other prehistoric creatures who used to roam the Ozarks. And don’t miss out on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail Cart Tour, a one-ofa-kind, self-guided journey through breathtaking fall foliage and awe-inspiring terrain.

While committing to a full weekend of camping might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Camp Long Creek provides a happy middle ground for people who want to unplug without fully going off the grid. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend for two or a full family getaway, Camp Long Creek is the perfect destination for outdoor trailblazers and city slickers alike. So pack up the car, and maybe consider that pitstop in Branson for some fudge, if only to make the quiet serenity of your Ridgedale glamping adventure that much sweeter.

ABOUT THE WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Petrow and Patrick Mulvihill call Kansas City home, but have been known to find themselves off the beaten path. Born and raised in Kansas City, Anna is a culinary and lifestyle photographer with a knack for letting her camera lens guide her travels. Patrick is a writer, an enthusiastic travel companion, and a proud St. Louis native who uses each new trip as an excuse to eat five meals a day.

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Heavy mettle.

Sometimes a few letters speak loud and clear. This is one of them.

The Panamera GTS. With a sleekly appointed interior with race-inspired Alcantara® touches and model-specific finishes. A standard dual Sport Exhaust that amplifies all 453 hp supplied by a twin-turbo V8 engine.

And with a 0 to 60 time of 3.9 seconds, you’ll want to play it loud.

Experience the Panamera GTS.

Porsche Kansas City 9400 West 65th Street Merriam KS 66203 (913) 677-3300 www.porschekansascity.com

©2021 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

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KC ORIGINALS by ANNE KNIGGENDORF

More Than Just Cars.

Cars aren’t just about getting from A to B. They can’t simply be categorized as gas-guzzlers or eco-friendly, hot rods or mom cars, old or new. Cars are pieces of history, functional forms that tell stories about the technology, priorities, and aesthetics of a people.

For decades, the roughly 500 pieces in the Armacost Museum’s collection that illustrate those tales have only been available to the public on rare occasions. A recent decision by the Peterson Manufacturing board of directors will change that.

Currently, the collection is under the care of Peterson Manufacturing in Grandview, Missouri, owned by the Armacost family since 1956, but over the next three years, it will transition to the newly formed Armacost Brothers Foundation.

“What’s new is our status,” says Armacost Museum events coordinator and curator Brian Neher. The museum will soon operate as a 501c3.

The museum will continue a tradition of hosting up to 24 fundraising events free of charge in the museum’s banquet hall.

“This sets the foundation apart. I don’t know of any other group in the United States that does what we do here,” Neher says.

The section of the museum used for fundraisers feels like stepping into an early episode of Happy Days, complete with black-and-white tile flooring where a sock hop might break out at any moment.

The hall mostly houses British cars, like two 1960s-era Sunbeam Tigers and MGs that were restored in-house, but also two cars the Armacost shop built from scratch: a teal-flame-decorated hotrod they call the cabriolet and a wood-paneled station wagon referred to as the woodie.

“Each one of these vehicles, there’s a personal connection to the boys.

For example, the reason we have this Tiger right here is because Don Armacost Jr. wanted one of these when he was a teenager,” Neher says, indicating a red car parked next to two restored Skelly gas pumps.

“He couldn’t afford one, so he got the cheaper model, which is the grey one on the other side of it,” he says.

The majority of the collection is housed in the other two parts of the 44,000-square-foot museum. The main level’s display includes a 1931 Detroit electric and two Ferraris, but most others in that section are Studebakers dating back to a 1910 International.

Studebakers feature so prominently because the Armacost family had a dealership in Indiana, then one in Kansas City, as well as the western states distributorship for the make until 1956.

The first three cars in the museum were all Studebakers: a 1947 Starlight, a 1953 Commander, and a 1939 President. The museum was born

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KC ORIGINALS

in 1980, when Don Armacost Sr. built a shop for the restoration of their growing collection.

The brothers eventually amassed an assortment of vehicles that went far beyond the Studebaker to include other makes, bicycles, electric bicycles, motorcycles, and toy cars; they’re still buying and selling items on a regular basis.

Toys include tiny motorcycles from a carnival ride and all manner of children’s push cars. A small blue metal car up against a wall appears to be made for a child, but Neher says it was retrofitted with a powerful engine.

He says it’s meant as a practical joke. “It dumps you off and keeps going.”

That can just as easily be said about all the other vehicles in the museum: they “keep going.”

Neher tells about a 1978 Corvette that had 102 miles on it when the brothers acquired it. The car was part of a limited number of Indianapolis 500 pace cars, and the original owner bought it as a gift to himself after a divorce.

“He thought it was going to be worth a fortune someday,” Neher explains. Instead, the man grew ill, and after years of neglect in a barn, his son sold it to the museum for less than its 1970s purchase price.

Most items are associated with happier memories. A 1961 Corvette drag racer is the only car with its original paint job.

The first owner was a farmer in Warrensburg, Missouri,

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ARISTOCRAT MOTORS IS GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF HISTORIC LEE’S SUMMIT. Lee’s Summit is one of the fastest growing communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area and we are proud to be a new part of it’s history. We are grateful for the warm welcome by our new friends and neighbors. David Hughes, our General Manager, and his professional staff look forward to meeting you and presenting a wide variety of pre-owned cars, trucks and SUV’s.

Starting your search for your next vehicle?

Stop in for a COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE APPRAISAL AND CAR WASH.

704 SE Oldham Court | Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 (913) 677-3300 | aristocratmotorsls.com Member of the Soave Automotive Group

David Hughes General Manager

KC ORIGINALS

whose daughter loved riding in the car. The worn spot where her father’s arm rested is intact.

“All the other vehicles, we’ve removed the patina. So, we’ve touched up the paint, we’ve buffed it out, we’ve cleaned up the chrome, we’ve replaced anything that was worn on it. Not everything is new, but everything looks polished and ready for sale. But this one is not; it’s an oddity in the collection,” Neher says.

After the museum’s change in status, an endowment will pay operating expenses; the foundation will donate proceeds from the $10 admission for individuals in tour groups of 20 or more to the Grandview Assistance Program.

The museum will remain closed to walk-in traffic.

Prospective visitors can contact Neher through PetersonCarMuseum.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anne Kniggendorf is a Kansas City-based freelance writer and the author of Secret Kansas City. She's a regular contributor to KCUR 89.3 and other local publications like the Kansas City Star and The Pitch. Her work has also been published by the Smithsonian, National Public Radio, the Saturday Evening Post, and other national publications.

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ARTISTS’ ORIGINAL WORKS — LOCAL TO INTERNATIONAL. PAINTINGS | SCULPTURE | CERAMICS | GLASS | JEWELRY | HANDCRAFTED GIFTS

“The Sky Moves Sideways” by Ken Wilson. Original oil painting on birch, 40 x 40

ARTIST SHOWS AND WORKSHOPS | IN-HOME ART CONSULTATIONS SPECIAL COMMISSIONS | PET PORTRAITURE | CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN 4020 INDIAN CREEK PARKWAY | OVERLAND PARK, KS | 66207 | 913.341.FIVE | GALLERYVFINEARTS.COM

HEALTH by DR. LINDA MOORE

Too Many Pandemic Instructions Caused You to Tune Out?

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Full self-disclosure:

There are so many people in my profession writing, talking, and podcasting about what to do for your best self care that I’ve had to take a break from reading and listening. It gets challenging to pay attention. Consequently, as we enter another phase of pandemic warnings and advice, I understand if you’re experiencing “what to do” overload.

For many, if not most, long-term confusion reigns. Reality: we have not experienced this kind of a crisis in health and well-being – locally, around the country, and around the world – in our lifetimes. And even as we see attempts to return to and redefine some kind of normal, when honest, confusion dominates the minds of most.

Therefore, I have only general and simple reflections. Try what feels comfortable and useful. Disregard things that annoy you but perhaps pay attention to the “why?”

Primarily, perhaps simplistically, go slowly as often as you can. If you’re a gregarious, outgoing, highly active

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person, the suggestion probably won’t set well and I suggest: try it anyway. Experiment. Test the idea.

Going slowly simply allows time for your brain, your good judgment, and your ability to weigh positives and negatives to click in. That’s what, ultimately, works best for most of us. Our first thought of “what to do” is typically determined by a protective “stress alert” from our minds and bodies and, much of the time, heads us in the wrong direction.

A good and truly simple start: 1) Identify a list of things to do that help you relax and reflect; and 2) a list of things that are fun, active, and fulfilling. Then evaluate each idea in terms of your environment, and the information you have about what will keep you safe and healthy.

Remember what other people do or don’t do does not necessarily apply to you. Reflect and discuss with family, close friends, and coworkers when you are in doubt. And, remember, many authorities hesitate when it comes to making blanket recommendations. As I read what organization leaders and consultants say about work, there

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HEALTH is significant hesitancy to say what is best. I speak with enough people to hear a wide variety in what the work world is going to look like – from a return to full time in person, to remaining full time remote, to everything in between. That means leaders, in general, are weighing options, considering all possible sources of information, conducting surveys, and, hopefully, making choices that work for everyone, both for individual well being and a successful, profitable organization. In other words, very few leaders are saying they confidently know what is best.

Leadership differences and a wide variety of decisions and recommendations also vary depending on what part of the state or country you live in. Confusing! It would be a relief to get consistent, reliable information, but change is constant.

That makes it important for you to read, discuss, and contemplate … and, again, go slowly when making decisions that can potentially impact your health and the health of your family, friends, and coworkers.

Reflect on what a “new normal” means to you. It’s a term frequently tossed around – a catch phrase to honestly indicate most of us don’t know what it means to emerge slowly and intelligently from this health risk across our country. One thing to acknowledge is figuring it out, slowly and thoughtfully, will benefit each of us.

Resist diving back into life in exactly the way you once did.

It’s tempting; however, take time to reflect on the things/ activities you choose as you navigate what the new normal looks and feels like. Establish priorities, eliminate things that put you at risk, and plan carefully for the things you love and enjoy. The more extroverted/outgoing you are, the more challenging this suggestion is. If the extrovert label fits you, as it does for about 75 percent of the population, you are energized and recharged by the activities and the human interactions you have historically engaged in. So going slowly can feel fatiguing, as well as irritating. It’s about measured decision-making versus doing what you usually do.

Introverts will find this “slowing down” easier, simply because, for them, extra time to process and make decisions feels more comfortable. And, fewer activities can feel better, as well. Navigating those differences in couples, in families, and with colleagues can be quite challenging. A perhaps obvious point: things that were challenging a year and a half ago are more challenging today.

Here’s one window into a social change in the way we do things. A recent invitation to a gathering had a detailed attachment with the following information: The number and names of people attending; confirmation that all attending were vaccinated; a request to bring and wear a mask while inside unless eating and drinking; and the comfort to remove the mask while outside; and, finally, the availability of masks from the hosts in case you forgot to bring one. Certainly, not your typical invitation … but welcome. It’s an example of how many are changing both behavior and the process for decision-making. I suggest keeping that difference in the foreground, at least for now.

Read, reflect on medical and scientific data – and avoid the political discussions – and bottom line: write about what you feel, talk about what you feel. Getting thoughts out of your head on paper or in a conversation reduces stress. Talk to friends, family, coworkers, a therapist, or any person you hold in high regard for being thoughtful and insightful. Reflect on the people who are good for you to be around.

And, in closing, pay attention. Our midwestern states are once again at high risk. Maintain a sense of balance as often as you can, and please don’t hesitate to tell someone you trust that you are confused, conflicted, perhaps angry, and even struggling to hang in there.

Things will get better when we all head in the right direction together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Linda Moore has been in practice in the Kansas City area for over 25 years and is a published author on personal and family issues.

72 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

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INTERVIEW words by JOEL NICHOLS | photos by ROY INMAN

74 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

A Presentation Like No Other.

Since 2008, the president and CEO of Union Station, George Guastello, has brought dozens of eye-popping displays to Kansas City. However, the current exhibition, “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away." is unlike all the rest.

Telling this story has changed the storyteller.

I had to grow up. I can’t talk the way I usually talk. I can’t laugh the way I usually do. In this particular instance, I have to choose my words carefully. I have to be prepared. The stories of these people, and the survivors, deserve all I can give.

I grew up in a primarily Jewish neighborhood. My friends were Jewish. I was five years old going to the Jewish Community Center on a bus for summer camp. Little did I know that the monument we drove by would mean so much today.

This exhibit calls for a totally different tone; doesn’t it?

Almost anything we’ve ever done here is like a Broadway show. An opening number. A plot filled with twists and turns.

Characters. Stories. We take you on a journey. We play a movie in your mind.

I take great pride in being called P. T. Barnum. But I never had my Bailey until I got here, Union Station, with this staff. These are the people that are the Bailey. They’re the ones that make it all happen.

Starting with the railcar out front. Six thousand miles. That’s how far the 1916 German-made railway freight car, the kind used to transport innocent victims to the camps, travelled from Spain to New York to the front of Union Station. When it was delivered and installed, there were two Holocaust survivors here.

That was a moment I felt, “Okay, we’re are doing this the right way. For these two strong women and their lost friends and family. We are telling their stories.”

These people. These men and women who were murdered, in the end, they won. Yes, they lost their lives, but Hitler’s final solution never came to reality. Came very close, but in the end, these individuals, their spirit, their soul, the seed that they placed in other’s lives, is now blossoming. It is a David and Goliath story. So many perished, but, in the end, evil did not win.

FALL 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 75

INTERVIEW

“Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away." with its 700 artifacts, 400 photographs, story after story, is only being seen in two places in this country, New York and Kansas City. How did that come to pass?

My mom would always say people are sent to you for a reason. You won’t know why they were sent to you at the time. Years later, you’ll look back and you’ll see all those individuals and how they led you. You never know what that seed is that was given to you. But many years later, it comes to fruition. Every connection is vitally important.

The success of Union Station is about relationships. That is how this exhibit came here. I met a young man named Luis Ferreiro six years ago. Luis lost his brother just a few years before that and had been given the book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. It recounts Frankl’s experience in the Nazi camps. Luis knew he had to share that story and began creating this exhibition. When Jerry Baber (VP/COO of Union Station) and I met Luis and heard about his vision, we knew we had to be part of it. It has been a six-year courtship, and, now, it is here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joel Nichols has been interviewing fascinating people from Kansas City and around the nation for 35 years. Today, he does freelance work for a number of area organizations, as well as emcee events in our town. Please, visit Joel Nichols Communications, online.

76 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

Michael Stern, music director

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Jeffrey Kahane, piano

Our New Season Begins!

MAHLER’S “TITAN”

WITH KAHANE’S WORLD PREMIERE PIANO CONCERTO

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Saturday, September 25 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m.

Michael Stern, conductor Jeffrey Kahane, piano

In Actual Person Live for Real Tour

Symphony Pops Concert

Tuesday October 5 at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 6 at 7 p.m.

Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m.

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Sunday, October 24 at 2 p.m.

BEN FOLDS WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation. Joined by your BEETHOVEN Overture to Kansas City Symphony, Ben Folds The Creatures of Prometheus brings his first-class melodies and irony-laced lyrics from his greatest GABRIEL KAHANE Heirloom Piano Concerto (world premiere, Kansas City hits to Helzberg Hall for two incredible October evenings.

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Michael Stern, conductor Randall Goosby, violin

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78 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021

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EVENT CALENDAR KANSAS CITY BALLET All performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 10.15–24

Celts

12.03–24

The Nutcracker

02.18–27

Dracula

03.24–27

New Moves

05.13–22

The Wizard of Oz

THE LYRIC OPERA Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, unless noted 11.13, 14

Lyric Opera Goes to Hollywood

12.2–12

Amahl and the Night Visitor Paul Mesner Puppets Frost Production Arts Building

Photo courtesty of artist @ Pink Martini Performs September 30 in Helzberg Hall.

03.11–13

The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs

04.30-05.08

Puccini’s Tosca

The Kansas City Symphony All Performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts FOLLY THEATER 09.24–26

Mahler’s “Titan” with Kahane’s Piano Concerto

10.05, 06

Ben Folds with the Kansas City Symphony

40th Folly Jazz Series

10.22–24

The Music of John Williams

09.17

John Pizzarelli Trio

10.29–31

Brahms’ First, Bruch’s Violin Concerto

Guitarist/Vocalist

11.05–07

Scheherazade! Plus Strauss

Karrin Allyson

11.26–28

Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto

Vocalist

12.10–12

Handel’s Messiah

David Benoit Christmas

12.16–19

Christmas Festival

Tribute to Charlie Brown

12.22–24

Home Alone (film and live orchestra)

Jeff Lorber Fusion Trio

01.07–09

“Revolution”: The Music of the Beatles

Keyboard, Composer

01.14–16

Shostakovich’s Fifth, plus Gershwin’s Piano Concerto

Anat Cohen Quartetinho

01.20–23

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert

Clarinetist-Saxophonist

01.28–30

Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration

Paquito D’Rivera Quintet

02.04–06

Prokofiev’s Fifth, with Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

Clarinetist

02.10–13

Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi in Concert

An Evening with Eliane Elias

03.03

Kansas City Symphony Chorus Concert

Pianist/Singer/Composer

03.04–06

Elgar’s first, plus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24

03.13

Buckets N Boards

Folly Americana Series

03.25–27

La Mer and Brahms’ Violin Concerto

11.13

Sam Baker Trio Live

04.01–03

Pétrouchka, plus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

Singer and Songwriter

04.07–09

Sinatra and Friends

Richard Thompson

04.12–14

ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Guitarist, Songwriter, Singer

04.22–24

Rachmaninoff’s Fourth Piano Concerto

Eileen Ivers “A Joyful Christmas”

05.20–22

The Music of Queen

American Fiddler

06.03–05

Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony

Mark O’Conner Duo

06.09–10

The Music of the Rolling Stones

Grammy Winning Violinist/Composer

06.17–19

Sleeping Beauty with Sibelius Violin Concerto

Allison Moorer

06.24–26

Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth

12th and Central Kansas City, MO

10.09 12.10 01.15 02.02 03.12 04.16

11.21 12.7 02.08 03.05

Writer, Singer/Songwriter

80 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | FALL 2021