TODAY Kansas City - Fall 2024 by TodayKansasCity

KANSAS CITY

THE GLC SUV

Styled to make an entrance. Engineered to make an escape.

Everything in perfect proportions: Flowing lines and precise edges are smooth to the wind, rugged in the rough, and elegant everywhere. The GLC SUV’s design reflects the confidence and comfort within. Artificial intelligence and real ingenuity join forces in the GLC not just to bring you to the forefront of innovation, but to keep you there. Its technologies look out for you, listen, and can even learn.

The New GLC Hybrid is coming soon! Ask your Aristocrat Motors or Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South sales consultant for details.

We Share a Very Special Place.

As this year has progressed, one of the takeaways that I have once again realized about our town is that it is a very special place. This metropolitan area is a livable city with so many offerings in the areas of the arts, sports, and food.

Kansas City has a culture of kindness, courtesy, and respect that are shared with each other. The phrase “midwestern values” comes to mind: treat each other as you would want to be treated, respect each other as you would expect to be respected, and help one another when one of us needs a helping hand.

I think that philosophy, or that culture, is the reason why Kansas City has the reputation as a giving community. We, the residents, support such a wide range of charities and very meaningful charitable causes.

Our reputation reflects in the support we garner, both within and outside our community. Look at the Kansas City Current’s new stadium, or the fact that when one of our signature areas, the Country Club Plaza, was offered for sale, it was an outstate developer with Kansas City ties that “came home” to invest in our values.

This belief in treating people with respect is a core principle of our auto group. Treating our customers as we would want to be treated has resulted in mutual trust and mutual respect. You trust us for what we stand for and you recognize those values in our associates. I also believe this culture of respect is why we have as many incredible long-term associates in our group.

Our goal is to continue our dedication to treating our customers as we would want to be treated, and to continue to be part of this culture of kindness and respect.

Marion Battaglia, President

"Kansas

City has a culture of kindness, courtesy, and respect that are shared with each other. The phrase 'midwestern values' comes to mind: treat each other as you would want to be treated, respect each other as you would expect to be respected, and help one another when one of us needs a helping hand."

Inspired by Today Kansas City.

There are two “hidden gems” in this issue’s contents. One is a reflection of what an amazing people the members of our community are and the incredible charitable gifts they provide to all of us. The other is an educational institution that offers such a wide variety of courses, which many of us may have not known about.

I guess I am stating that this publication teaches me something new about Today in Kansas City with every issue we share, and that’s the most feel-good part of this endeavor.

Anne Hull, you are a hero! Beginning in 2001, you created a business model where adults with disabilities are encouraged, instructed, and supported to be part of our community.

This is a story that has happened over and over in our region, where one person has an idea to help another and enlists the best, most-dedicated people to make the idea a reality.

I encourage you to read Matt Lancaster’s article and be prepared to be touched and inspired to do more in our community.

Additionally, Johnson County Community College instructs the next generation of great people in our community and beyond. This institution also offers a secret treasure trove of historical importance that almost no one outside of the Fashion Merchandising and Design Department might know about. Author Anne Kniggendorf opens the door on this department’s vintage fashion collection, and Alison Barnes Martin’s photographs and Department Chair Joy Rhodes expert curation provide you a brief glimpse, a teaser, into the collection.

I would be remiss in not also mentioning the great work by Kathryn Creel and Amani Skalacki in presenting our Fashion section for fall. Their work combined with Alison Barnes Martin’s images, once again, give you a snapshot of Today.

SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

MARION BATTAGLIA, President

KEVIN KILLILEA, Vice President

ANGIE LEWITZKE, Controller

CHUCK DAVIS, Service and Parts Director

KRIS NIELSEN, Director Sales and Manufacturer Relations

LARRY MILLER, Inventory Director

LINDSEY BENEFIELD, Internet Manager

FERNANDO RICCI, Finance & Insurance Director

JORDAN SCHLOTZHAUER, Human Relations Manager

HANNAH REESE, Marketing Director

CHUCK OBRIEN, General Manager Aristocrat Motors Topeka

JK CORNELIUS, General Manager Aristocrat Lee’s Summit

NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGERS

DAVID ANDREWS, Jaguar - Land Rover Kansas City

JOE SIRNA, Porsche Kansas City

JOE LEMBERGER, Alfa Romeo and Maserati Kansas City

KIRK WILLMS, Mercedes-Benz Kansas City South

KRIS NIELSEN, Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz

RILEY HARMON, Aristocrat Motors Topeka

PRE-OWNED MANAGERS

JK CORNELIUS, Aristocrat Motors

DAN BOYER, Aristocrat Motors Lee’s Summit

DAVID HUGHES, General Sales Manager Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South

DAVID FISER, Aristocrat Motors Lee’s Summit

BARRY MULLIN, Aristocrat Motors Topeka

SERVICE MANAGERS

CHARLES FRIEDMAN, Aristocrat Motors Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Alfa Romeo

RODNEY PARKER, Porsche Kansas City

KEVIN SMELL, Jaguar – Land Rover Kansas City

ISAAC NICHOLS, Aristocrat Motors Topeka

JOHN DOOLITTLE, Mercedes-Benz Kansas City South

PARTS MANAGERS

BILL WELLS, Aristocrat Motors Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Maserati, Alfa Romeo

DAVID BARNES, Mercedes-Benz Kansas City South

JOE LAWHEAD, Jaguar – Land Rover Kansas City

KIP NASH, Aristocrat Motors Topeka

ROBERT HELLWEG Editor | 913.677.7414

KATHRYN CREEL Creative Director

MARCI LINN Copyeditor

ALLYSON ELLIS Sales Director | 913.634.3838

AMANI SKALACKI Fashion Director

ALISON BARNES MARTIN Fashion Photographer

30 AUTOMOTIVE

Range Rover Sport SE The Motoring Equivalent of a Tuxedo with Hiking Boots. by Tom

Strongman

A Food Tour of Kansas City, Kansas.

Stewart Lane: One of the first dates I ever took Emily on was to a little hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas. I thought, Where can I take her that is unique, has delicious food, and would give me a chance to talk her into a second date? That little hole in the wall was Slap’s BBQ, which has had a meteoric rise to fame and is a spotlight for the incredible food scene that has existed in this community for generations.

Emily Lane: I’m pretty sure we ate that meal on the hood of Stewart’s car. It was an appropriate beginning of our relationship, because the date and Stewart’s company was comfortable and effortlessly enjoyable, just like the barbecue at Slap’s.

It’s no secret that KCK is home to some iconic and craveable food. So, today, we invite you to hop in your car and take a trip with us as we explore some of the best bites in the area.

SL: The railroad played a large part in shaping the culture and ethnic landscape of Kansas City. During the early 1900s, many railroads, such as the Rock Island, Pacific, and Topeka rail lines, recruited workers from rural areas of Mexico. The next several decades of international turbulence led to whole families following the original immigrants and created thriving communities with rich cultural and culinary traditions.

One of those culinary traditions is the almighty, delicious, and versatile taco. Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio is the first stop on our KCK gastronomic tour. Whether you need tacos, meats, vegetables, tortillas, chili roasters, Jarritos sodas, or groceries, this place has what you need. While we didn’t order any of the fresh and bubbly chicharones or crispy fried turkey tails, we did indulge in what I consider the best al pastor taco in the city. The pork was incredibly juicy and full of flavor with the bright snaps of fresh pineapple, cilantro, and diced white onions. The Asada, or grilled beef, delivered tender slices of beef with grill-charred edges. If you are wanting a bigger bite, they also serve quesadillas,

burritos, tortas (sandwiches), and tamales; and, on the weekends, you can try their famous menudo. Authentic and highly satisfying, you can always find something you’ll enjoy here.

EL: A short walk across the street takes us to a place that lives by the saying, “Do one thing and do it really well.” El Pollo Rey serves woodfire-grilled chicken and chicken wings with sides of beans, salsa, rice, tortillas, and pickled onions. Stacks of wood run the length of the building feeding the massive grills that are perpetually full of split chickens. The dining room was packed but we found a table and quickly dug in. The chicken was juicy, with bold flavors of spices and smoke. A little pickled red onion and squeeze of lime complemented and enhanced the spices while cutting through the smoke and char to create the perfect combo bite.

While I’m partial to the half chicken, Stewart thinks their wings really steal the show. I think the house-made hot sauce, which strikes a balance of heat and vinegar, is in large part why my hot-sauce-connoisseur-of-a-husband is obsessed. Next, a return to the scene of our first date, and some of the best barbecue in the Midwest.

SL: Slap's BBQ opened in 2014 and has been a runaway success ever since. In 2014, you would be lucky to get your hands on a slab of ribs, brisket, or sausage, because they sold out every day, usually before lunch even started. The brothers, Joe and Mike Pearce, have continued to expand the business while still actively competing in over 25 competitions every year. Today, Slap’s (which hilariously stands for “Squeal Like a Pig”) has expanded to include covered dining, picnic tables, and a more extensive menu with some of the best barbecue sides in the city. Emily and I made our way through the serpentine line and placed our order. Food in hand, we snagged some seats at a crowded picnic table and dug into the smokey goodness.

I ordered the Southern Comfort, a pulled pork sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw and dressed with

their signature sweet sauce. The sauce, a key to their success, is unlike most of the sauces in the barbecue scene and must be experienced. More molasses and vinegar forward with a backbone of tomato and hints of chilies, this sweet and glossy sauce makes the meats shine and enhances the complexity of the smoke and rub. If you can’t decide on what to try, the sampler platter featuring brisket, pork, turkey, and sausage with two sides, is the right choice for you. We had the baked potato casserole and bacon-studded mac and cheese, both indulgent and comforting. Our final stop on the tour will dive into the future with a chef who brings his love of the sea and his home to KCK.

EL: Carlos Falcon, a native of Veracruz, Mexico, brings the often-missed flavors of his home to his destination restaurant, Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood. The brightly colored building, adorned with murals of sea creatures, such as an octopus wearing a Panama hat and big-eyed fish, draws you in and sets the stage for an experience that will convince you that the beach is just on the other side of the parking lot. Chef Falcon’s dedication to getting only the best seafood from around the world coupled with his

culinary expertise and talented staff have worked together to curate a diverse menu of coastal Mexican flavors.

A delicious ceviche is the way to my heart and the Ceviche Jarocho is everything I wanted. Fresh, tender white fish is seasoned expertly and dressed with tangy lime juice, thinly shaved onion, and cilantro. The Drowned Shrimp has been a signature dish since the doors opened, and it’s truly a showstopper. Do not be afraid of the shell and heads, these shrimp are packed with flavor and swimming in a sauce of fiery spices, butter, and herbs. Straight from the grill, charred baby octopus is served with grilled onion, jalapeno, and cilantro and hits a balance of tender meat and crispy darkened edges. From ceviche to paella, enchiladas to whole fish, Jarocho is the closest you can get to Caribbean beachside dining without a passport.

SL: Kansas City, Kansas, is truly on the rise (and has been for a while) so we’re hoping you’ll find time to stop at one or two of these unique local spots. The innovative residents and rich culinary and cultural traditions, as well as a vibrant history, make KCK a destination to see, eat, and connect with the community.

Slap’s BBQ is located at 553 Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or until sold out). More information can be found at slapsbbqkc.com.

Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio is located at 830 Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Call 913-281-6433 for more information.

El Pollo Rey is located at 901 Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00

EL: So whatever plans your summer holds, we hope you add a visit to Blu Hwy to your list, and take a journey through their menu without leaving the city limits.

p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 913-371-4243 for more information.

Blu Hwy, located in the South Plaza area at 5070 Main Street in Kansas City, is open Monday through Friday for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and Saturday and Sunday for brunch, happy hour, and dinner. More information and reservations can be found at BluHwy.com.

Jarocho is located at 719 Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday but open the first Sunday of each month for brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. More information can be found at jarochokc.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Emily and Stewart Lane are Kansas City natives who have an affection for hospitality. Stewart, a former executive chef, makes his career in business development and loves to cook for friends and family; Emily is a communications strategist with an arts background. Along with their daughters, Evie and Catharine, they live a life filled with food, culture, and creativity.

Emily and Stewart Lane are Kansas City natives who have an affection for hospitality. Stewart, a former executive chef, makes his career with SMG and loves to cook for friends and family, and Emily is a marketing communications manager with an arts background. Along with their daughters, Evie and Catharine, they live a life filled with food, culture, and creativity.

Warm woods, worn leather, and textured fabrics span the bar, dining room, and outdoor patio at Blu Hwy.

“Kelce | For the Win” - Artist signed and numbered limited edition print by Ken Wilson.

"You look at a picture, you look at what people are wearing, and you should be able to gauge what's going on, whether it's rationing fabric during the war or getting rid of the corset, and what was going on with the suffrage movement."

If Fashion Could Talk.

In a space the size of a roomy walk-in clos et on the campus of Johnson County Com munity College, over 1,500 pieces of ap parel hang in neat – but crowded – rows. Spanning from the mid-1800s through the 2000s, the collection includes pieces from high-end fashion hous es like Versace, Dior, and Armani, but also mid-century American designer Norman Norell, Kansas City’s Nelly Don, and many his toric examples indicative of womenswear styles through out the decades.

While the clothing and accessories tell the story of local women, fashion history, and the history of apparel design, the pro fessors in the Fashion Mer chandising and Design Department, in turn, want to tell the story of the collec tion. They want to raise awareness for this priceless asset to help preserve it for the future.

Britt Benjamin, one of the department’s professors, says she knows that people sometimes think of fashion as frivolous.

But, she points out, what people are wearing is an indicator of what’s going on in that period.

“You look at a picture, you look at what peo ple are wearing, and you should be able to gauge what's going on, whether it's rationing fabric during the war or getting rid of the corset, and what was going on with the suffrage movement,” Benjamin says.

rare opportunity for the public to enjoy and study the pieces.

Michaelis talks about how the curated garments of that exhibition reflect the anti-consumerism and “forget the man” mentality of that era and show how the women who wore them worked to create unique identities.

“All of those things from history are tying into the clothing. That's really what makes the collection so fasci nating,” she says.

Joy Rhodes, the department chair of Fashion Merchandising and Design, explains that the col lection not only deserves more storage space but museum-qual ity preservation and the opportu nity to be shared with the public in a safe way.

“One of our goals is to raise funds to support a space that is conducive to preserving the col lection so that it can be used and enjoyed for many generations to come,” Rhodes says.

As it is, the current stor age area lacks temperature, pest, humidity control, and the proper storage systems to protect the pieces from dust and damage. And, Rhodes adds, “the current light ing is terrible.”

Jeanne Mathews, a fashion buyer for the defunct Kansas-City-based Jones Store, helped establish the collection in the 1970s through Fash ion Group International.

Almost since the beginning, the college has wrestled with storage op tions. When Benjamin started at the college 17 years ago, the clothing was housed off campus and moved several times before finding its current home in the Midwest Trust Center building on the JCCC campus.

“We've done a lot as far as adding more space for it within this space, like trying to figure out how many more racks we could put in there, and archival boxes, correct padded hangers,” she says.

But with the room “bursting at the seams” as Michaelis puts it, hangers don’t quite address the issue.

The Johnson County Community College Foundation is trying to help. Joy Ginsburg, the foundation’s executive director, says that when she took the position two years ago, she seemed to find something new at the college every day; the fashion collection was one of the biggest surprises.

Ginsburg says, “This is such a treasure that we have on our campus. It's unique, certainly to a community college, but this collection is one of many gems here.”

MEAN MULE POMEGRANATE GIN FIZZ

Rhodes says that there are several sizeable collections throughout the surrounding areas but none quite like this one in the Kansas City metro. One of the ways JCCC’s collection stands out from the others is that it is predominantly donated by greater Kansas City society women and includes so many Norman Norell pieces.

Makes 1 cocktail

2 oz Mean Mule Agave Gin

1 ½ oz POM 100% pomegranate juice

½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

¾ oz simple syrup

1 egg white

Ginsburg wants to see the garments preserved as much as those in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program do. The first step is to raise $40,000 to help ensure the team has the tools it needs to keep the collection at its best. However, to make that happen, she must reach donors who connect with the collection the way she does. The way Rhodes, Britt, and Michaelis do. The way the students do. Rhodes beams when she talks about the students’ reactions to the items.

1 oz soda water

Garnish with rosemary sprig

Instructions:

Combine gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake like you mean onds (no ice). Then add ice and shake like you really, really 30 seconds until cold. Strain the drink into a glass and gently soda water as the egg white rises to the top. Then add the sprig garnish.

botanicals in about 100 combinations before they found

What they landed on does include juniper – for legal purposes – but also white peppercorn, cardamom, lemon zest, coriander, and, mostly strikingly, persimmon.

“We had an enormous persimmon tree on our property,” Meg says about her childhood home near Hermann, Missouri.

“The students exclaim ‘oh, my God!’ and they want to come back in here all the time. We make them wear gloves; they’re not allowed to touch everything,” Rhodes says. “But they can learn a lot. They just don't make things the way they used to. Students can learn by looking inside some of these old pieces and analyzing how they were constructed. What tech niques did they use? Comparing them to what they see in the stores today is a great learning opportunity.”

Michaelis says that people relate to clothing.

She says they wanted to bring in elements from their farm and heritage and even experimented with cornhusks and other things that grew all around them.

It’s a way people can learn about and engage with history; it’s tangible in a way not much else is.

“Persimmon just really came out with something that we loved and have good memories around. Grandma used to

If you are interested about learning more about how to donate to the JCCC Historic Fashion Collection, reach out to Joy Ginsburg, jginsburg@jccc.edu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Kniggendorf is a staff writer/ editor at the Kansas City Public Library. She's the author of Secret Kansas City and Kansas City Scavenger, and a freelance writer for various local and national publications. Visit her website: annekniggendorf.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Moving forward, the Evanses plan to add another element to their business: growing their own agave. chased 40 acres in Arizona and will plant this coming though, Jeff says, it’ll be nearly seven years before they’ll

Meg says the goal is to be a single-estate manufacturer. ery part of the process of being single estate is important.

If it takes off, theirs will be the first large-scale agave the United States, which sounds not only like great

Anne Kniggendorf is a staff writer/editor at the Kansas City Public Library. She's the of Secret Kansas City and Kansas City Scavenger, and a freelance writer for various and national publications. Visit her website: annekniggendorf.com.

• Kansas City’s Top Agent List, number 96 out of Top 500 Agents

•Licensed in both Kansas and Missouri

Driving

Kansas

City Forward: The Partnership Between Centric and Aristocrat Motors

In the heart of Kansas City, two captains of industry, Centric and Aristocrat Motors, have forged a remarkable partnership over the past six years, redefining the landscape of luxury automotive experiences. This collaboration has resulted in an impressive array of projects that showcase excellence in design and construction, culminating in their latest venture: a new 68,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz dealership in Merriam, Kansas.

Originally conceived as an addition and renovation to the existing Aristocrat location, this ambitious project underwent a transformative evolution thanks to Centric and its long-time architectural partner, Slaggie Architects, Inc. Together, they recognized the need for a vision that was more fitting for the Aristocrat brand, one that would truly embody the sophistication and luxury associated with Mercedes-Benz.

Through stunning renderings, detailed cost models, and comprehensive site and logistics plans, Centric and Slaggie Architects presented a compelling case for a brand-new building designed specifically for the Mercedes-Benz customer. This visionary

approach paved the way for a dealership that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of luxury car buyers in the region.

The new Mercedes-Benz dealership stands as a testament to this partnership’s commitment to quality and aesthetic excellence. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the dealership features state-of-the-art finishes that reflect the sophistication associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. From the moment customers step through the door, they are enveloped in an atmosphere that embodies luxury and performance. High ceilings, expansive showrooms, and carefully curated displays create an inviting space that encourages exploration and engagement.

One of the standout elements of the dealership is its emphasis on customer experience. The design integrates comfortable lounges, private consultation areas, and interactive displays that allow customers to immerse themselves in the brand. Aristocrat Motors and Centric have reimagined the car-buying process, transforming it into an experience that mirrors the elegance and innovation of the vehicles themselves.

The collaboration also extends beyond showrooms; it encompasses a shared vision for community impact. Both Centric and Aristocrat Motors are committed to enriching the Kansas City metro area, investing in local initiatives and supporting charitable endeavors. This partnership has not only brought architectural beauty and construction excellence to the region but has also fostered a sense of community engagement and corporate responsibility.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the partnership between Centric and Aristocrat Motors remains a shining example of how collaboration can lead to remarkable results. The new Mercedes-Benz dealership stands as more than just a place to buy a

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

car; it is a destination that celebrates the art of automotive excellence. The attention to detail in both design and execution showcases the level of care and commitment that these two companies bring to every project.

Looking ahead, Centric and Aristocrat Motors are poised to continue their partnership, exploring new ventures and pushing the boundaries of design, constructability, and innovation. Their collaborative efforts have already made a significant mark on the Kansas City region, and as they embark on future projects, they will undoubtedly continue to set the standard for luxury automotive experiences.

Kate Ross is the Marketing and Creative Director for Centric. With a degree in graphic design and fifteen years of creative marketing experience, she has dedicated the last seven years to managing the Centric brand, communications, and culture.

RANGE ROVER SPORT SE

The EquivalentMotoring of a Tuxedo with Hiking Boots.

The third generation of the Range Rover Sport, all-new in 2023, redefines sporting luxury with enhanced on-road performance and even more refinement than the previous model. It continues to be tweaked for each new year. The taut-surfaced body maintains a stylistic connection to the previous model. The understated exterior, with flush windows and flush door handles, exudes elegance that has come to be expected from Range Rover. The car I drove, dressed in Carpathian Gray paint with dark tinted windows, had a stealthy vibe but the 23-inch alloy wheels added just the right amount of bling to the monotone exterior. It was an eyecatcher. As handsome as the Range Rover Sport is, I can’t look at it without thinking that in addition to its leather and luxury that it is capable of slogging through mud, clambering over rocks or puttering down forest fire roads just as comfortably as it is being valet parked

at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Now, few owners will ever do that with their expensive vehicles but the ability to conquer off-road obstacles is part of the vehicle’s DNA, and knowing the vehicle can do almost anything or go almost anywhere provides a feeling of security.

As much as a Range Rover is designed to deliver uncanny luxury and comfort, I recall a time, perhaps a dozen years ago, when I participated in a day-long Land Rover Experience North Carolina, located on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. This off-road driving school in the beautiful wooded Blue Ridge mountains showcases Land Rover’s chops. Under the tutelage of an experienced coach, I was able to experience various types of terrain, from rocky trails to fire roads to mud bogs and small streams. The Land Rover Experience today has a variety of options, from a couple of hours to

a full day, with your own vehicle or with one of Land Rover’s current models. It is the perfect way to get familiar with your vehicle and understand why it is built the way it is.

The Range Rover Sport is available in four models. The Sport SE starts at $83,700; the Dynamic SE starts at $90,700; the Autobiography plug-in hybrid starts at $118,700; and the SV Edition Two with 523 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-8 starts at $180,700. Except for the twin-turbo V-8, the other models use a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder mild hybrid engine. The Sport SE has 355 horsepower, and the Dynamic SE has 395.

I drove a Dynamic SE with options of 23-inch wheels, Meridian sound system, black roof, black exterior package, heated windshield, heated and ventilated seats, and Garnet/Ebony Windsor leather seats. The sticker price was $104,057.

The dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine has 24 valves, aluminum block, and direct fuel injection. It is smooth and strong, thanks in part to an electric motor that harvests energy while braking, stores it in a 48-volt battery, and then feeds the extra energy back to the engine through an “electronic supercharger.” Throttle response is quick and strong.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The Range Rover Sport’s standard air suspension has adjustable air springs and twin-valve active dampers for agility, control and composure. The ride is smooth and compliant, but the optional 23-inch wheels and low-profile tires transmit a bit more roughness than the standard 21-inch wheels. A Stormer Handling Pack is optional.

A host of driver-assistance features are standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree exterior camera system. The Range Rover Sport uses Land Rover’s latest terrain response system, which intelligently applies the most appropriate settings for the terrain. The adaptive cruise control also functions off-road to help drivers maintain progress according to ground conditions. That’s a feature I would love to see in action.

Whether you’re driving around town or in the country, the cabin is where you spend the most of your time and the deep bucket seats and soft leather upholstery make you feel coddled, as you should in a car of this class. Sustainable materials are used throughout the cabin and a unique textile option extends to the dashboard and door detailing. Luxurious leather is an option.

fine-tune the aerodynamics and arrive at a chassis that has a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds.

The carbon-fiber chassis makes use of underbody aerodynamics that help keep the top of the car sleek and sensual with rounded contours that echo classic design. The nose contains a grille that is recognizably Maserati complete with the Trident emblem.

Upward-opening “butterfly” doors pivot forward to so the driver and passenger can get into the cabin with a minimum of interference. The cabin is understated, and driver focused. The interior shapes are simple, with few sharp corners and the upholstery and interior materials are black to prevent reflections on the steep sloping windscreen. Plus, black lends a feeling of understated elegance. There are two LCD screens in the instrument panel, one in front of the driver for gauges and one in the center above the console. Maserati emphasizes that “everything is laid out just like the cockpit of a racing

The instrument panel has two large digital screens, one for gauges and one in the center for operating climate, audio, navigation, and other vehicle settings. Land Rover calls the interface PiviPro, and using the large touchscreen for every function, including navigation, adjusting cabin temperature, turning on the heated seats or making audio selections, takes time to learn. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard so you can be connected to your smart phone. A wireless charging pad is located just under the screen. The 29-speaker Meridian audio system incorporates speakers in the front and rear headrests. The steering wheel has numerous fingertip controls as well.

car, with functionality and visibility paramount.” The central tunnel is clad with carbon fiber and only carries the switches that are necessary.

Maserati and Sabelt collaborated on the design and creation of the MC20 seats. A composite structural shell, equipped with power adjustments and lumbar system, represents the essence of the MC20 project: sportiveness at a high quality and performance level.

Function is important and to that end the Range Rover Sport offers 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Drop the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats and the cargo area 53.0 cubic feet.

The MC20’s Sonus faber audio embodies the translation of its name, “handmade sound” that illustrates how both brands desire to pair innovative technologies and skillful craftsmanship.

The newest Sport, improved by sleeker styling and the addition of a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, will continue to evolve and eventually include an all-electric model.

Committing the MC20 to production is a bold statement from Maserati about how it sees itself, both today and in the future when an all-electric version will be available. That forward vision is necessary for a company that has such a long and storied history.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

26 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2022

Over one hundred years of leadership brought us to this. It’s the Sprinter that hauls cargo, stows gear and raises standards. It’s the Sprinter that’s ready for anything, wherever your work or your lifestyle takes you. And dependability comes standard in every van we’ve ever made. Check out the lineup today at Aristocrat Motors or Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South.

Office to After Dark–Fall Trends to Keep YouFabulous.Looking

photos ALISON BARNES MARTIN

fashion director AMANI SKALACKI

creative director KATHRYN CREEL

makeup CARO BENITEZ

makeup assistant ALLIE JASMINSKI

hair styling MADDIE FREYRE

model ANNA of Voices &

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Road America:Tripping An Unforgettable Visit to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

When people think about the quintessential American road trip, a couple things usually come to mind: nostalgic drives along Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, or Florida’s A1A. Griswold-esque station wagons packed to the gills with suitcases and people. Truck stops, gas stations, convenience store snacks, and unscheduled bathroom breaks. But for some, the ultimate road trip concludes at what is undeniably one of America’s greatest inventions: our National Parks.

The National Park Service currently manages 430 park sites covering 85 million acres in the U.S, including battlefields, memorials,

monuments, preserves, scenic byways, and other areas recognized for their environmental or historical significance. Out of these, only 63 sites are officially designated and protected as National Parks – the crowns of our national interior.

Getting to one of these parks from Kansas City is no small task. The smallest of our National Parks, the 192-acre Gateway Arch National Park, is a four-hour drive east on I-70. Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park is located 400 miles to our south. In fact, three out of four National Parks are located west of the region, meaning you’ll spend 10 hours in the car at minimum before you hit one.

Eager to knock a couple of these off our bucket list, we recently flew west and rented a car to visit two of the country’s most-visited National Parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Calling Jackson, Wyoming, home for a couple nights, we stayed in a motel a block from the town square, placing us just miles from the southern end of Grand Teton.

Jackson – better known as “Jackson Hole” – is a charming mountain town with much to offer for visitors of all backgrounds and budgets. The Cowboy Bar, known for its eclectic interior that feels more like a time capsule than anything, is a must visit for

a beer and a bowl of chili. The Kitchen’s simple, clean menu is known for memorable presentation and an unsurpassed attention to detail (don’t sleep on the trout crudo). Persephone Bakery has stellar baked goods that are key to staying fed during long drives through the parks. Teton Tiger offers a refined but affordable take on Thai, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Indian cuisine. And Snake River Brewing’s smoked trout dip and expansive beer menu is perfect for a pick-me-up after a long day of hiking.

The key to an enjoyable visit to any of these parks begins with an early morning wake-up call – especially during peak season

TRAVEL words by PATRICK MULVIHILL | photos by ANNA PETROW

from June through August – to ensure you beat the crowds. The first stop of our trip was at the Jenny Lake Ferry – a 15-minute trip across the 1,200-acre glacial lake – to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This hike led us through stunning trails up Cascade Canyon, where we found ourselves face-to-face with several moose feeding on low-hanging Aspen leaves.

Grand Teton is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of landscapes and activities worth the visit. Mormon Row at the southern end of the park is known for its historic homesteads with the iconic Moulton Barn. For those seeking to enjoy the park from the comfort of their cars, the Jenny Lake Road scenic byway provides breathtaking views of the Grand Teton range, while Signal Mountain Summit offers panoramic vistas of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley without the hike. At the south end of the park, Phelps Lake, with its beautiful waterfalls and rivers, makes for a flat and easy hike. Park your car at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and take the 3.5-mile hike to view the lake or commit to the 6.4-mile loop around the lake. For all these hikes, remember to be “bear-aware” – we stumbled upon

a small grizzly cub along the Phelps Lake shore, but couldn’t spot its mother, so we beelined it out of there, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

Perhaps the most memorable moment from our visit to Grand Teton happened en route to Yellowstone National Park, which is located immediately north of the park. To avoid the crowds of Yellowstone, which had 4.5 million visitors in 2023 alone, we woke up at 4 a.m. under a canopy of stars, visiting Grand Teton’s Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, and Jackson Lake Overlook as the sun rose over the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The result is as breathtaking as it is indescribable: the early morning light slowly illuminates the nearly 14,000-foot snow-capped peaks of the Grand Teton range to the west in hues of pink, orange, red, and gold.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly our visit to Yellowstone National Park, which is not only the first U.S. National Park, but is widely credited as the impetus for the founding of the National Park System. With no state government in place to manage and protect the area (at the time of its founding in 1872, Wyoming was

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just a U.S. territory), Ulysses S. Grant sought to manage the area directly by dispatching army troops to the area.

In 1916, 44 years after the official designation of Yellowstone, the National Parks Service was established. Since then, it’s estimated that more than 150 million tourists, adventurers, and scientists have visited the 2.2-million-acre park, which has long been known for its unique geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes

Entering Yellowstone from the south, we made our way to the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful and a host of other impressive geysers. Witnessing Old Faithful’s eruption in the quiet morning hours –free from the throngs of other tourists – was magical. Equally as impressive was witnessing the Grand Geyser – the world’s tallest predictable geyser – erupt shortly after.

We continued north to explore the park’s geothermal wonders, from the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring to the bubbling Excelsior Geyser Crater. We also fortuitously visited the Biscuit Basin’s Sapphire Pool, Black Diamond Pool, and Coral Geyser just one month before its July 23 hydrothermal explosion – now closed for the remainder of the season.

Our clockwise tour of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop led us to Gibbon Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The canyon’s dramatic vistas, 1,200-foot drops, and thundering waterfalls left us in awe. Hayden Valley’s expansive plains offered fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, including herds of buffalo and elk.

Our final stops included the Mud Volcano, with its mesmerizing, bubbling mud pots, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin, set against the serene backdrop of Yellowstone Lake. The lack of crowds in these areas provided a peaceful end to our park tour.

To close out each afternoon of our threeday trip, we strung our camping hammocks on the trunks of evergreens lining Grand Teton’s String Lake, offering a serene, scenic, and sunny spot for a quick, cold plunge, a moment to read, or a well-deserved nap. Returning to Jackson each evening, we had nothing on our minds except our reflections on the incredible journey and mesmerizing natural wonders we’d seen. Despite the early mornings and long days,

the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences made every moment worthwhile. The combination of rustic charm of Jackson and the dominating views of the Grand Teton range, and the otherworldly landscapes in Yellowstone created a trip of a lifetime.

For anyone seeking to explore these iconic national parks without the stress of crowds, remember to set those alarm clocks early and enjoy the ride. This approach promises a rewarding adventure filled with stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, and memories to cherish forever.

ABOUT THE WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Anna Petrow and Patrick Mulvihill call Kansas City home, but they 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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Employees are the Heart in Heartstrings.

Anne Hull was a special education teacher and a volunteer with the Blue Valley School District, focusing on transition programs. Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities often need help navigating life after graduation, and Anne recognized a need in her community.

One morning in 2001, she gathered a group of her friends and family around breakfast and shared her plan. She laughs as she remembers the concerns about cost, the amount of work it would take, and the scope of the project. “I told them, ‘Well, we don’t have anything to worry about, because each one of us here is going to write a check today.’”

That year, Hull launched Heartstrings, an organization that today serves over 50 adults with disabilities. She started with just two individuals, working out of her basement, the Jewish community center, and, sometimes, the bowling alley.

"We were trying to fill that huge void for people who want to be part of the community and want to be productive but can’t handle it on their own… they just need a little extra support."

“When we started, there weren’t any choices like ours,” Hull says. “These folks could go to a workshop or get a job independently and try to keep it, which is a little unrealistic. We were trying to fill that huge void for people who want to be part of the community and want to be productive but can’t handle it on their own… they just need a little extra support.”

The crown jewel of Heartstrings Community Foundation is their employment program. Currently, Heartstrings operates three

businesses staffed by adults with disabilities: Goody Delivery, Sacks on Santa Fe, and Heartfully Made. Through these businesses, employees gain valuable work experience, interact face-to-face with their community, and receive support from an organization aligned with standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Heartstrings started with Goody Delivery, their snack delivery service for office complexes in the metro. “Our people had been a little separated from the general population,” Hull says, speaking of the difficulties that people with disabilities face in school. “That can lead to fear of interaction.” Goody Delivery employees interact with their clients in a recurring, controlled manner, leading to friendships and sponsorships from local businesses.

Hull fondly recalls taking a few Heartstrings employees on a sales call to a local business. While she was presenting, her employees kept interrupting with pertinent details. At one point in the meeting, Hull told her audience “I’m so sorry – my job was to drive the van, and these gentlemen would like to tell you about their business.” Her team closed the sale, and on the way back, asked her “Our team just developed that account… do we own that account now?” The business acumen and language that these employees had learned in such a short period of time was a testament to the value that they – and their partners – placed on their skills and work ethic.

Sacks on Santa Fe is a boutique specializing in high-quality men’s and women’s clothing along with some high-end furniture and décor. A team of eight work every day accepting and sorting donations, laundering and inspecting clothing, greeting customers, working the register, tidying, cleaning, and organizing the showroom floor, stocking, and providing tailored customer service. Hull is proud to report that “we have quite a few repeat, steady customers, but also new people who have never experienced us before.”

While these businesses have employed Heartstrings folks for

over a decade, 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic presented their challenges. “Both of those businesses had a real dip,” Hull says. “We had to find a way to keep people employed.”

Out of this hardship arose the newest Heartstrings business –Heartfully Made. Artists employed by Heartstrings create décor, home goods, and a wide variety of other items for sale at Sacks or by special request.

For instance, Heartfully Made boasts its own all-occasion greeting card line. Hand designed, crafted, and signed by the artist, these cards are popular for office holiday parties.

Artists also design and produce their own scented candles, sugar scrubs, and bathing salts. These have become so popular that customers will call to place an order by a specific Heartstrings artist. Indeed, it is a sense of pride in their work and a belief in the inherent value and talent that each person brings to the table that ties together Heartstrings employees, customers, and community members. And though Anne Hull has led the organization since the beginning, she is quick to claim that “this is not just my achievement. This is a masterful team we have working together, united in their goals. They operate with high integrity, and they’re all in on this concept that everyone has abilities and skills they can share with the community.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Every person who comes to work here has a personcentered plan – their goals, their fears, and their dreams."

In addition to supporting the three Heartstrings businesses, folks can join Heartstrings for Good News Tuesdays – coffee one Tuesday a month at the office in Olathe (dates can be found at heartstringscf.org/coffees). The organization will also be putting on its annual Topgolf Fundraiser on October 3, a car and bike show on October 12, a sales booth at the Louisburg Cider Fest, and maintaining a presence at Third Fridays in Overland Park and Fourth Fridays in Olathe.

“Every person who comes to work here has a person-centered plan – their goals, their fears, and their dreams,” says Hull. And she couldn’t ask for a better community to help these talented folks succeed in that plan.

Though originally from a small town outside of Kansas City, Kansas, Matt Lancaster lives in Lawrence with his wife, son, dog, and cats, where he works as a program director for the University of Kansas School of Business.

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"Life continues to present us with challenges –crossroads and turning points that can push us beyond our capacity to manage effectively. "

Questions I hear frequently from clients, friends, and sometimes from colleagues, and those I sometimes ask myself are, “Will there ever be a time when I don’t have to make hard decisions? Is there a “cut off? A time to be here and now, to relax and not have to think too much?

Legitimate questions. Every one of us needs a “stretch of time”… a respite… a time free from challenging or pressured decisions where we sometimes label a “tough call.”

Reality: Life continues to present us with challenges – crossroads and turning points that can push us beyond our capacity to manage effectively. And since that’s not likely to change, it’s good to take some time and reflect on how we’re doing, both historically, as well, as in the present moment.

Writing always helps me. And reflections divided into those big and challenging times in life can sometimes help as you dig into the memory bank. This list covers the territory most of us have had to navigate. Consider giving yourself space for writing about these decisions, crossroads, and turning points.

• Education: when, where, how much

• Career: choices and changes

• Relationships: including possible marriages and divorces

• Children: yes, no, or when decisions

• Geographical moves

• Developing, evolving, ending relationships and friendships

• Retirement

• Change in general

• Any category special or unique to you and your life/situation

Consider devoting at least a page for each category, even if you believe you don’t have that much to write/record. The space allows you lots of room for returning to a section and adding thoughts and feelings.

Once you’ve generated this list, review and reflect with some questions in mind:

1-What, if any, patterns do you detect? For example, do you take lots of time to make decisions or act fairly quickly?

2-How do you make big life-changing decisions? On your own? A consultation with someone you trust? Some combination?

Next, take a break from reflection and later return to your list and ask these questions:

1-What decisions/choices have been good?

Ones that you embrace?

2-What decisions do you regret? The question can be challenging, so if it helps, take a break and reflect. The regrets in life typically have lessons for us, and, sometimes, they take extra time and energy for open reflection. There is typically helpful learning/information in that regret category, which is not for giving yourself a hard time. It’s for what you can reflect on or think about going forward.

3-Do you see a pattern in your choices or a particular approach you take for decision making?

4-And are there decisions that cause you to consider “what if?”

As you reflect, consider this possibility... I doubt there are many of us who can say we don’t have decisions or choices we regret or even

Imagine time away where reflection is the primary objective – with a journal and pen close by for recording thoughts and feelings. Writing with pen on paper creates a valuable connection to the brain. However, if you feel better with a laptop, go for it.

For a simple start, a first step if you’ve never tried meditation, is simple breathing exercises. The most simple, and you might try it now, just as an experiment, is the following exercise: Breathe in to the count of four, hold your breath to the count of seven and release very slowly to the count of eight … release through pursed lips, like preparing to whistle. Repeat this four times. Then do it again. And take a minute to pay attention to how you feel.

"Talking to someone, like a family member, friend, colleague, or perhaps a professional, can be insightful."

You may confirm doing exactly what you are doing is great; and you may reflect on new things, options for going forward, or something right in between. It’s simply finding your own renewed sense of direction. And if you discover all you need is to stare at the water, mountains, or woods and rest somewhere other than the comfort of your home, own it. Meditation can simply affirm we are on the right path. Or, it can open hearts, minds, eyes, to something new, slightly new, or dramatically different. Meditation, retreating, allows whatever to surface.

wish we could re-visit. If/when you reflect on some of those, try to recall who you were at the time of the choice. If the person we are now judges the person we were when making the choice, it’s usually not with grace and fairness. Most of us would do some things differently today than when we made a specific choice in the past. Remember, this is reflection intended to help rather than for judgments.

Meditation techniques range from simple breathing exercises like this to silent repetition of a mantra (a word or phrase) to listening to guided instructions for deep relaxation and resting the mind.

Next, ask yourself what you are learning from the reflection. And, most importantly, the bottom line takeaway is, what changes right now would be helpful as you consider future decisions and, perhaps, a necessary new direction,.

Meditation also helps with healing. Far too many have experienced tragic loss during this difficult time and both emotional and physical healing is needed. Understanding what you think, feel, want, and need is important to determine what changes are both desirable and possible. The more you reflect, meditate, and write about what you think and feel, the more clarity you’ll achieve. The challenge is to make these two difficult years have a positive outcome when and where possible.

As you read, reflect, and write, consider if you need reflection beyond the writing. For many of us, writing is a purge, a clarification, and even a soothing of any thoughts or feelings we might be

To what end? When the mind is allowed to truly quiet down … especially when applied after long term, persistent stress … feelings and thoughts emerge that are truly helpful to each of us as we contemplate where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to venture forward today and in the future.

My personal easy getaway is Timber Creek, a quite elegant retreat center an hour drive from Kansas City. The website, timbercreekretreat.org, has information for options across the country. My wish is for you to take good care of yourself, recognizing the past two years have been a challenge that we are still trying to accurately evaluate.

struggling with. For many others, talking to someone, like a family member, friend, colleague, or perhaps a professional, can be insightful. One of the things I’ve experienced with some former clients is they felt they needed simply to “check in” and “test” how they think they’ve handled the past few years. Regardless of the specific challenges, many of us do need a “touchstone,” a person who knows us well and will provide honest, straightforward feedback. Some people who keep journals, find it useful to look back at significant turning points in life to observe how they handled things a few years ago. There are always challenging decisions and forks in the road, so give yourself the necessary space to honor those times, to reflect, and use your past successes and failures to guide you into your future…the future you want.

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.

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Art in Bloom.

Rain Harris is a sculptor living in Kansas City, Missouri. Her work ranges in scale from diminutive pedestal objects to grand, sprawling installations. The common theme in her work is flora and foliage. Rain’s mother was an avid collector of early American pottery featuring grand floral motifs. These works of art inspired her from a very early age and throughout her undergraduate work at Rhode Island School of Art and Design and during her master’s degree work at Ohio University.

Plants are the primary inspiration in Rain’s work, whether she is making her diminutive pedestal objects or in the sprawling installation pieces. She freely borrows stylistic embellishments and motifs from various cultures, combining incongruous elements to create work that pushes decorative eclecticism to a point of overindulgence.

Rain’s most current work is inspired by an artist residency in China. She has always pushed herself to step out of her comfort zone while in an artist residency, choosing something not normally experienced in her daily life. While in China, she chose to study the traditional folk art craft of silk flower making. The repetition process of flower making inspired her interest in forming pieces created from separate parts, yielding a batch of single pieces, fired one at a time, and later used to create larger works of sculpture or installation in the future.

As I walked through Rain’s studio, I was met with stacks and stacks of bins full of different varieties of handmade clay flowers in black onyx and white porcelain. Each bin was similar to those found at a flower market, buckets and boxes overflowing with blooms. Rain produces these flowers and leaves by rolling clay into thin sheets then cutting and shaping each petal, embellishing the surface of the petals and leaves with various tools and wrapping each petal of wet clay around an armature wire. The completed flowers are fired and set aside until she is ready to begin the final process of using these flowers in larger tiles or in-

stallations. She then selects specific flowers from her boxes and bins and secures them to clay tiles or organic clay forms that will be fired for the final time. The results are timeless tile flower-scapes and installations that capture your attention and beg to be looked at a bit longer – sometimes refined and stark in all black or all white and other times in jarring color combinations that invite the viewer to question the validity of where beauty ends and excessive overindulgence begins.

Rain Harris’ work is included in national and international collections including the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art; Icheon World Ceramic Center Museum, Korea; Keramikmuseum, Denmark; International Museum of Ceramics, Italy; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, Texas, among others. She is locally represented by Sherry Leedy Fine Art and the Belger Arts Center.

Amani Skalacki received her degree in art history and studio art from Kansas State University with post-grad work at The Art Institute of Chicago. She brings her talent and intellect to Today Kansas City magazine in our art department, where she will explore and discover talents within our community. Find her on instagram @amani.styleKC

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