TODAY Kansas City - Summer 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | SUMMER 2021 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 2

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

The power to awaken your dreams.

For generations, few cars have inspired desire like the SL. For 2021, it’s as inspiring as ever. Flowing LED headlamps sweep back from a shapely grille. Sculpted lower body styling wraps around 19-inch wheels. And with its retractable hardtop, it’s perfectly proportioned as a sleek coupe and as a classic open roadster. Come visit Aristocrat Motors or Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City and awaken your dreams.

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

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

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

by MARION BATTAGLIA

An Eventful Summer and Fall.

One of the signatures of the Soave Automotive Group over the last decade has been the regular invitations to our customers and the city to join us for special events.

From Charity Food Truck Competition to “Ride and Drives,” events have been a constant part of our marketing and outreach efforts.

These gatherings came to an abrupt halt last year, and we have been waiting to renew some of our favorites and maybe add a couple of new ones.

This summer, we will continue the tradition. As an example, in May we invited the Porsche Club to share the excitement of our new Lee’s Summit Pre-Owned facility.

Sixty-five Porsches and almost 100 people showed up to participate in the festivities.

We will have car club shows, charity events, and fundraisers at our other dealerships and, yes, we will attempt to bring back the popular Food Truck Showdown for Harvesters at the Aristocrat Campus.

These home-grown events will be supplemented with events out in our community as we open back up. We are looking forward to having a display at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and being a sponsor for the Stems Event for the Overland Park Department of Parks and Recreation, Ali Kemp Foundation, and many others.

What we are really looking forward to is the simple act of welcoming you back into the dealerships.

We have so many of our loyal customers who we have not seen for a year and, in some cases, two years.

I speak for your salesperson, your service advisor, and everyone in the dealership when I say…

Welcome Back!

Marion Battaglia, President

2 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

GOLF | LIFESTYLE | ACTIVEWEAR

C R O W N C E N T E R , L E V E L 3 • 816 . 2 74 . 3 2 2 2 MONDAY – SATURDAY: 10 A .M. – 6 P.M. SUNDAY: NOON – 5 P.M.

EDITOR'S LETTER

by ROBERT HELLWEG

Welcome to the Transition.

“As the World Turns” was a daytime drama that my late mother used to watch when I was a child, but I think this last year has been a remake of that show 365 times over. The great news is that we are starting to leave those days behind.

This issue of Today Kansas City pays homage to this period of transition, from the picnic-food showcase, to the reintroduction of an all-electricpowered Porsche, to the frustration that has occurred in our lives during the pandemic. The good news is that society is opening back up, actually faster than expected in some quarters and too soon in others. The big message is that opening is happening. Will it be “normal”? And what is “normal”? It’s being redefined every day.

Many of you have gone back to restaurants, and while the shortage of servers is very real, and, in some cases, very acute, the experience of being back at your favorite haunts, with your favorite chefs, is a real step forward.

As most of you know, the Soave Automotive Group is a long-time supporter of the arts in Kansas City. The shutdown of the stages across the country, from Broadway to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, did not miss our city. But these venues are ready to come back, and their reopening will depend on you to be in the audience.

The Kauffman Center, the T-Mobile Center, the Midland Theater, the Folly, the Gem, all will be opening in August and September with LIVE performances.

These venues will take precautions to make it comfortable for you and safe for everyone that is in attendance.

My hope is that you will embrace the reopening spirit of these venues and attend. Tell them how much you missed them by being in the audience, and when the curtain rises, you will rise, also, and give them a standing ovation for being there, for presenting worldclass performers, and for weathering the storm.

Kansas City’s world is turning. Thank you for being a part of this new episode.

Robert Hellweg

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SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP MARION BATTAGLIA President KEVIN KILLILEA Vice President ANGIE LEWITZKE Controller ROBERT HELLWEG Marketing Director KRIS NIELSEN Sales Operations 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 FERNANDO RICCI

Finance & Insurance Director

NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGERS DAVID ANDREWS Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz KIRK WILLMS Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City KRIS NIELSEN

Maserati | Alfa Romeo of Kansas City

CHUCK OBRIEN Porsche Kansas City JOE SIRNA Jaguar-Land Rover BRIAN MAYER BMW | VW of Topeka 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 CHUCK DAVIS Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City CHARLES FRIEDMAN Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz |

Maserati | Alfa Romeo Aristocrat Motors | Porsche KEVIN SMELL Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam ISAAC NICHOLS BMW|VW of Topeka 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.

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SUMMER 2021

Features

16

60

10 ARCHITECTURE

48 INTERVIEW

by Erin Nybo

by Joel Nichols

16 FOOD

52 KC ORIGINALS

by Emily & Stewart Lane

by Patricia O'Dell

22 AUTOMOTIVE

60 ROAD TRIPS

Promoting Healing Through Design

Sunday in the Park with the Lanes.

Porsche Taycan: The Newest Member of the Taycan Family has Rear-Wheel Drive, $79,900 Price.

by Tom Strongman

31 FASHION

Bring on the Sun. photos by Kenny Johnson | styling by Amani Skalacki

44 NONPROFIT

Adventures With Moxie!

Kansas City Seen as Creative City of Music.

Drive East for the Gateway to the West.

by Anna Petrow & Patrick Mulvihill

68 INTERIOR DESIGN

Hunting for Treasures.

by Stacy Downs

75 HEALTH

Madam President Will See You Now.

When the Anger in Our World is Frightening, Turn to Self Examination.

by Kelsey Cipolla

by Dr. Linda Moore

6 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

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ARCHITECTURE

words by ERIN NYBO

Promoting Healing Through Design.

Kansas City’s nonprofits play a vital role in advocating for the social and economic well-being of the community’s most vulnerable residents. But what role does the built environment – the physical spaces occupied by nonprofits – play in aiding the missions of these organizations? And how can the design process help identify and support their long-term goals and growth?

You don’t have to look further than Brookside for the answer. With programming that covers a holistic continuum of care, The Children’s Place is a national leader in providing trauma-responsive care for children. Since its founding in 1978, the organization has supported the developmental and mental health needs of young survivors of abuse, neglect, and trauma.

In 2016, The Children’s Place hired HOK to explore its organizational goals and to develop criteria to select a potential new building that would allow its mission, staff, and children to flourish. Though the organization had grown substantially over nearly four decades, its space hadn’t grown with them.

The first step in the design process didn’t involve sketches or floor plans. Instead, it focused on talking and dreaming. A visioning session included exercises that encouraged participants to identify the most important qualities for the space. Through this, the project objectives were illuminated: to create a welcoming, collaborative, and transformational environment where children and families feel safe, supported, valued, loved, healthy, and healed.

“This was a truly collaborative and fun process,” said Ann Thomas, president and CEO of The Children’s Place. “For many of the children and families we serve, their lives have

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 11

been chaotic and unpredictable due to traumatic experiences. Having a space designed to meet their needs is a dream – and what a difference an intentionally designed space makes to the staff, clients, and visitors.”

Coupled with a deep dive into the organization’s’ goals and pain points, these exercises helped identify four primary goals that became part of the nonprofit’s new strategic vision document: • Increase Visibility • Provide Program Excellence • Celebrate Culture • Expand Services These long-term priorities provided guiding principles that stakeholders used to weigh decisions against throughout the design process.

During the visioning session, an adjacency activity allowed staff and board members to move potential spaces around like puzzle pieces, thinking strategically about programming. This simple exercise helped the design team prioritize specific adjacencies and new spaces. It also solidified that collaboration needs to be reinforced by the architecture. Classrooms, for example, were located directly next to the child and family therapy offices to increase collaboration among staff, clinicians, and teachers. View rooms with one-way mirrors were added to each classroom to enable therapists, teachers, and parents to observe a child’s behavior and strategize before they interact. Each classroom includes a direct connection to an outdoor learning space, and safety was prioritized with a separate bus drop-off entry for day treatment.

Next, the design team conducted meetings with each user group. This informed boththe practical square footage requirements and the overall aesthetic. Words like “welcoming,” “safe,” “inspired,” “healing,” and “hopeful” surfaced repeatedly in these conversations.

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One consistent message across all user groups was the importance of the space feeling like a secure, healthy home for children who may not have had that experience. In response, each classroom includes a “front porch,” “living room,” “back porch,” and “backyard.” The “front porch” uses clear wayfinding strategies with simple colors and letters to help children of any age identify their home base. Inside the classroom, flexible zones for play and learning comprise the “living room.” The “kitchen” includes a staff meal-prep area and child-height sinks to encourage autonomy. A small quiet zone inspired by the structure of a house is complete with a child-height window and door and gives children a place to decompress and compose themselves when feeling overwhelmed. The “back porch” surrounded by a wooden fence creates a valuable outdoor learning environment. As

with many homes, the backyard is a space for fun and activity. An expansive, private outdoor playground promotes dreaming, healing, and learning. And that signature bear sculpture most Kansas Citians recognize from the Children’s Place’s former location on 59th Street? Although it didn’t make the journey, the tradition is alive with a new bear outside the kids’ bus entry at the Rockhill Road location.

Since opening at the end of 2020, the nonprofit has been able to serve 30 percent more children and families. The interactive, user-centered design process helped ensure the creation of comforting space for vulnerable children.

“To have a light-filled, soothing space with child-friendly colors and an intentional layout created a calm, predictable, and safe space,” said Thomas. “It’s the very kind of environment a child needs to experience to heal.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Erin Nybo is an interiors practice leader at HOK, leading the design and delivery of innovative, patient-centric healthcare facilities for the firm’s Kansas City studio. She is active with IIDA Mid-America, Kansas City Sports Commission and Kansas City Area Healthcare Engineers.

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

Sunday in the Park with the Lanes.

Emily Lane: On March 11 at 11:49 a.m., Stewart and I welcomed our second child into the world. It felt fitting to be celebrating this new life as things were finally starting to warm outside. There were buds on our favorite magnolia tree and life felt hopeful. As any good researcher would do, I promptly did a Google search to see if anything significant in history had happened on March 11, and I wasn’t thrilled with what I discovered. The first hit, “March 11, 2020 marked the day the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.” Our pandemic baby was quite literally born on the anniversary of this strange mutation to our current reality. However, it also gave me time to reflect on how far we’ve come in this year, that we’ve learned to adapt and find new ways to enjoy life, and that most certainly includes our love for food. So as the days continue to warm and we move into the summer months, we hope you’ll follow our lead, get outside for a picnic, and enjoy some of the delicious (and portable) foods from two of our local favorites: André’s Confiserie Suisse and Caffetteria Modern Café & Marketplace.

Stewart Lane: I have always loved a picnic. Eating my dad’s classic macaroni salad and deli sandwiches under the shade of a giant tree in Loose Park was one of the most special memories of my youth. The air is warm and the shade keeps you cool, as a gentle breeze passes over your blanket loaded with treats. It’s a tradition I intend carry on with my family, and Jo Marie Scaglia, the brilliant culinary mind behind Caffetteria Modern Café & Marketplace in The Shops of Prairie Village, makes creating the perfect picnic lunch simple and delicious.

EL: In addition to Caffetteria, Scaglia is also the name behind The Mixx, another Kansas City mainstay, which would make for great picnic fare, as well. We are impressed with how well she adapted her model at Caffetteria for the pandemic, offering a huge selection of grab-and-go items in tandem with her creative and diverse menu.

SL: Caffetteria offers an impressive variety of homestyle comfort foods with a healthy slant and plenty of charm. The rotisserie slowly rotates seasoned birds to golden brown perfection, creating juicy and flavorful chicken that is then used in their signature chicken-salad sandwich with tart granny smith apples, dried cranberries, arugula, and a house-made aioli on seeded grain bread. A classic roast-turkey sandwich is anything but boring: the pastry crackles, the turkey is tender and moist, the peppery arugula, and creamy avocado are balanced by the acid of the tomatoes and slices of Monterey Jack cheese. We couldn’t stop eating a plate piled high with homemade potato chips and a green goddess dip that is creamy, savory, and irresistible.

A departure from traditional picnic fair is the one of Scaglia’s newest creations, the Polynesian Poke Bowl, with fresh yellowfin tuna resting on a bed of spicy greens with chilled rice noodles, avocado, marinated seaweed salad, julienned carrots, pickled ginger, and sweet, fresh cucumbers topped with black sesame seeds and a ponzu vinaigrette. Served with a

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Emily and Stewart Lane, sharing a picnic with their daughters, Evie and baby Catharine.

Picnic basket, plates and decor provided by Nell Hills.

Caffetteria’s Polynesian Poke Bowl featuring fresh yellowfin tuna.

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Caffetteria’s house-made chips with green goddess dip, their chicken-salad sandwich, and an assortment of cookies sharing a plate with André’s Matterhorn and lemon tart. The brioche sandwiches from André’s are an elegant finger food.

side of Thai peanut sauce for an added kick, this dish accelerates picnic experience into the modern age.

The Caffetteria Market has your beverage needs covered, as well, with sparkling French lemonade, artisanal sodas, and splits of Prosecco and sparkling rosé. And of course, you must indulge in the bakery case for your alfresco dining experience. Breads, giant cookies, bars, and donuts fill the shelves, and it feels unfair to only select one. Our eldest daughter, Evie, could have made her entire picnic lunch on Jo Marie’s cookies alone! At least, until she fixed her eyes on our pastry selections from André’s…

EL: When I’m asked to share my favorite restaurant in Kansas City, it’s a shockingly easy decision for me. André’s Confiserie Suisse has been part of my life since birth, and part of the Kansas City landscape since 1955. André Bollier, a master pastry chef who trained in Switzerland, and his wife, Elsbeth, opened André’s to satisfy their desire to bring European-style handcrafted chocolate and pastries to the Midwest. The business has stayed in the family, with subsequent children learning the trade and keeping a fierce eye on the quality and tradition of the products they create. André’s offers a picturesque Swiss Tea Room where you can dine from

their Prix Fixe menu; however, for our picnic, we snagged our meals (and pastries) to go from their a la carte menu.

If you’ve been there before, you know the menu at André’s is predictable in the best way possible. Each day, they offer two types of quiche (Lorraine and the vegetarian cheese pie) along with two sides, which could include green salad with their iconic house-made oil-and-vinegar salad dressing, sliced tomatoes or beets, or my very favorite carrot salad, which is not to be missed. Then, there are usually two rotating specials on the menu, often Swiss specialties such as the Vol-au-vent, with puff-pastry shells filled with chicken and mushrooms in a cream sauce, or the irresistible Croute Zurichoise, which features toasted French bread topped with tomato, melted cheese, and mushroom cream sauce. And, of course, the most important part of your lunch is the choice of pastry to accompany your meal. I always struggle to depart from the Matterhorn, chocolate cake whipped with chocolate buttercream, but other favorites include the Dobash, with thin layers of yellow cake and chocolate ganache, and the Lemon Tartlet, with lemon curd and buttercream in a butter cookie shell. Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible to go wrong with your selection of pasty at André’s – and every single one has years of perfection supporting it.

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 19

André’s famous quiche and carrot salad.

Caffetteria’s Monterey turkey sandwich on croissant with house-made pickles.

SL: Husband’s edit: I learned very early on in our relationship the best way to celebrate any occasion with Emily was bringing her a box of André’s chocolate raspberry hearts. Take note, they’re a winner every time! It’s hard to go wrong with any of the chocolates that line their display cases.

my mother enjoyed years ago, sometimes with me tagging along. Perhaps maybe even on a picnic.

So as we welcome warm summer days, it seems we’re also welcoming hope and life as we slowly move into yet another new normal. And what better what to celebrate any occasion, big or small, than gathered on a grassy lawn with people you love and some irresistible bites to eat. Perhaps we’ll see you outside this summer – we certainly hope to!

EL: When I say André’s has been part of my life since birth, I truly mean that. My mother brought me there at a few weeks old because she was craving quiche Lorraine, carrot salad, a latte, and a change of scenery in those early newborn days. She’d then take me to André’s for my birthday each year, and now that she no longer can, I have started the tradition of the André’s birthday lunch for my daughters. I take great comfort in enjoying menu items that have stood the test of time, and that I know

Caffetteria Modern Café & Marketplace is located in The Shops of Prairie Village at 25 on the Mall. More information and menus can be found at caffetteriamoderncafe.com.

André’s Confiserie Suisse is located at 5018 Main Street in Kansas City, with a second location, André’s Rivaz, located at 4929 W. 119th Street in Overland Park. More information and menus can be found at andreschocolates.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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A feeling first. A power source second.

Introducing the Taycan. An 800-volt system architecture lets you drive the way a Porsche should be driven. Iconic Porsche design DNA is apparent in every detail. An interior that is timeless yet light years ahead. Once you feel it, you won’t want to let go.

Experience true electrified performance.

The Porsche Taycan. Starting at $79,900*

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. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S. *Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options, taxes, registration, delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. Some models may be eligible for a federal tax credit up to $7,500. For more information visit energy.gov.

AUTOMOTIVE words and photos by TOM STRONGMAN

PORSCHE TAYCAN

The Newest Member of the Taycan Family has Rear-Wheel Drive, $79,900 Price.

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2021 PORSCHE TAYCAN Battery: 79.2 kWh lithium-ion, 402 horsepower Transmission: 2-speed automatic rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 114.2 inches Curb weight: 4,566 pounds Base price: $79,900 As driven: $98,430 MPGe rating: 76 in the city, 84 on the highway

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 23

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AUTOMOTIVE Porsche’s all-electric sedan family has grown by one. The Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S are now joined by a rear-wheel-drive model, now simply called Taycan. Because there is no front power unit, this variant weighs about 200 pounds less and that should manifest in greater agility. Driving fun is what you expect from Porsche.

The new model has a base price of $79,900, not including a $1,350 delivery fee, and it qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The base Taycan comes with a 79.2 kWh Performance Battery with a range of 200 miles and an average of 79 miles-per-gallon equivalent. The EPA’s rating is conservative and, in my experience, it is possible to exceed projected range by driving moderately. That’s not easy, however, because electric motors deliver maximum torque at the slight touch of the accelerator, so it’s tempting to give the pedal a quick jab now and then to feel the surge.

The standard battery Performance Battery provides the power to produce up to 402 horsepower (300 kW) and 254 pound-feet of torque. The optional Performance Battery Plus lets the motor deliver up to 469 horsepower (350 kW) and 263 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of battery configuration, the Taycan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and has a top track speed of 143 mph. With the standard battery, the Taycan covers the quarter mile in 13.7 seconds, while the larger pack shortens the sprint to 13.5 seconds.

Charging time is another important aspect of an electric car. Porsche is the first company to use an 800-volt system instead of the usual 400 volts. The Performance Battery can charge at up to 225 kW. When connected to a high-speed DC fast charger, it can take just 22.5 minutes to reach an 80-percent charge. Home chargers will take longer.

The Taycan shares the same rear power unit and battery architecture as the Taycan 4S. It has a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a rotor diameter of 245 mm and length of 130 mm, as well as a 600-amp pulse inverter. Porsche is the first electric car maker to use a two-speed transmission because it offers more relaxed cruising. The car usually starts in second gear in normal mode but full throttle engages first gear.

The Taycan comes standard with 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels, six-piston front brakes, and four-piston rear brakes. The car I drove had

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 25

optional 20-inch Sport Aero Wheels. As on other Porsche Taycan models, Porsche Surface Coated Brakes and Porsche Ceramic Coated Brakes, as well as 20- and 21-inch wheels are optional. Regenerative braking via the brake pedal remains, as does its class-leading 265 kW recuperation rate.

The standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adjusts the dampers from soft for comfortable highway cruising to stiff for the track or mountain road.

The suspension setting can be controlled independently via the touchscreen or dash button or together with powertrain calibration via the touchscreen or optional steering-wheel-mounted mode dial. Adaptive air suspension is also an option.

The chassis rides on a 114.2-inch wheelbase. The profile is a cross between a 911 and a Panamera sedan. The battery pack resides under the floor and helps give the car a low center of gravity and near perfect weight distribution for sports-car handling. Rear-wheel drive contributes to handling that is crisp and responsive.

The drag coefficient of 0.24 means this is the most aerodynamically efficient production Porsche and that means longer range and quieter cruising. Wind noise at highway speed is minimal. The optional air suspension lowers the

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car slightly at speed for even greater efficiency.

The interior is typical Porsche. Comfortable seats with a relatively tall center console cradle the driver and front-seat passenger. All of the instruments are digital and they can be reconfigured in several ways to suit the needs of the driver.

Two touchscreens are located in the instrument panel – one in the center and one in front of the passenger. The passenger can control navigation, audio, and climate from his or her own screen. The console also has a touchscreen.

The car I drove had the basic all black interior that was so subdued I think it would look richer with more bright trim.

The same features found on other Taycan variants are all here: Porsche Connect with Apple CarPlay, Function on Demand, Plug and Charge, Apple Music, over-the-air updates, and three years of free Electrify America charging – all included with the car as standard. Taycan owners can purchase various convenience and assist functions even after having taken delivery of their new car via over-the-air updates. For example, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM) is already available as a Function on Demand. Active Lane Keep Assist and Porsche InnoDrive (available for cars equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control) will also be added.

Customers can choose whether they want to purchase

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the respective function permanently or subscribe on a monthly basis. If they opt for a monthly subscription they will get a three-month trial. For 2021, four functions will be available for purchase and three will be available as monthly subscriptions.

The car I drove had a base price of $79,900. Options included white metallic paint, black and Bordeaux Red leather interior, heated steering wheel, 20-inch Sport

Aero wheels, ventilated front seats, rear 2+1 seats, Porsche crests on front and rear headrests, Lane Change Assist, LED headlights, BOSE surround sound, Porsche Electric Sport Sound, 14-way power seats, all-season tires, and the Premium Package that consists of ionizer, ambient lighting, fixed panoramic glass roof, storage package and surround-view cameras. The sticker price was $98,430 including delivery.

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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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.

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

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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

Bring on the Sun.

attire HALLS jewelry MAZZARESE glasses EYE STYLE model TRIANA & JOHNATHAN of Voices& hair & makeup by SHAYLA NASH | shaylanash.com Thank you KRISTIN MALFER and STEPHANIE MURPHY for providing the fashion shoot location.

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MalferKC.com SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 31

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Madam President Will See You Now. Lee Smithson Burd had nothing against princesses. But 10 years ago, as she watched her daughter perform in a recital at the end of the princess-themed camp she attended with friends, curtsying as she was announced to the audience and singing a song about being nice, Smithson Burd wished her daughter had spent a week pretending to be secretary of state instead.

A doctor of psychology who works with management consulting firm CMA, Smithson Burd shared the sentiment with Pam Kelley, a veteran of the film industry she knew through philanthropy.

“Secretary of state?” Kelley said in response. “Why not madam president?”

The pair brought that vision to life with Madam President Camp, a five-day, nonresidential camp experience that empowers girls ages 10 to 13 to learn and practice leadership skills and get engaged in their community. The camp launched in 2012 with support from Julie Warm, who holds a doctorate in nonprofit management and serves as associate director of University of Missouri’s Institute for Human Development. Warm joined Kelley and Smithson Burd in the venture and helped narrow down the age range where they could make the biggest impact.

Girls between 10 and 13 are thinking more about the world around them and their own identity, explains Smithson Burd.

“What the research shows is unfortunately at that same time, girls often experience a pretty precipitous decline in self-esteem,” she says. “Pam and Julie and I thought, ‘Those are the girls we want to reach. We want to potentially have an intervention for these girls and teach them that they have value, that they have a voice, and that their communities and their country need them – they have a role to play, even as youngsters.’”

Warm developed the curriculum, which allows the girls to build trust in one and other, learn how government works, and to hear from guest speakers who share their experiences as women in their industries. Lessons about communication and self-confidence are imparted along the way. Leadership is committed to providing the camp experience to girls of all socioeconomic backgrounds and offers scholarships to cover costs for some participants.

Campers also spend the week developing an independent project of interest to them, whether that’s planning a student council campaign, raising

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 45

NONPROFIT by KELSEY CIPOLLA

money for a charity, or volunteering for 100 hours. The girls are paired with mentors at the end of camp who can help them follow through on their projects but also serve as resources later in their lives, and camp culminates with participants presenting about their projects to parents, staff, and donors.

“We don’t care if it’s 40 seconds; we don’t care if it’s four minutes – that’s not a big deal,” Kelley says. “What we’re really looking for is the girls now have confidence to get up and talk about what they’ve worked on.”

Kelly recalls one student whose application said she was tired of being shy and had something to say. Staff worked with her throughout the week of camp and by Friday, when Warm asked who wanted to present first, her hand was the first one raised.

“We were all in tears because we really felt like we affected that young girl’s life,” Kelley says.

Camp leadership has data to show the impact is also being felt more broadly. Warm conducts a survey of campers and their parents at the beginning and end of camp to measure things like their leadership awareness and confidence; every year, they see a marked increase in those self-reported metrics at the end of camp.

Unfortunately, Madam President Camp was cancelled last summer due to the pandemic, but this year, it’s back and bigger than ever with two in-person sessions that sold out this spring as well as three virtual sessions, an option designed in response to COVID-19 programming challenges.

The virtual option has the added benefit of making Madam President Camp accessible to a greater number of girls as well as those outside of the Kansas City area. Kelley and Smithson Burd say there has long been interest in the program from other parts of the country, and in addition to the virtual program, they hope to someday be able to license their curriculum to others in order for girls everywhere to reap the benefits.

Because it’s not just the girls participating in Madam President Camp who benefit from the experience – girls feeling empowered, using their talents in our communities, and getting involved in making decisions that affect them ultimately creates healthier communities, Smithson Burd explains.

“We just know that we’re making a difference,” Kelley adds, “And that we can continue making a difference.”

To learn more about Madam President Camp, including ways to provide support, visit MadamPresidentCamp.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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INTERVIEW words by JOEL NICHOLS | photo by ALLISON CARENZA

Adventures with Moxie!

Moxie is the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. That’s one definition. Here’s another: Moxie is a three-year-old mini-goldendoodle who happens to be part of a dynamic duo with her human friend, Katie Harris. Once you hear the story of Katie and Moxie, you’ll want to help them in their mission to provide service dogs to people who need them. You can start by visiting adventureswithmoxie.com or finding them on Instagram and Facebook.

You were always a very active, athletic person growing up, right?

I played tennis. I was a black belt in martial arts. I played softball, volleyball.

But I kept getting injured. It almost became a joke, like I was so clumsy. Finally, I was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic with Ehlers-Danlos, which is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues supporting skin, bones, blood vessels, and organs. I was in a wheelchair for two and a half years because I had no feeling in about 90 percent of my body. Never know what’s next.

When did Moxie come into your life?

I had no intention of getting a service dog. I didn’t think I was disabled enough.

I thought that was more for blind people or quadriplegics. Then, I fell in love with my Dad and stepmom’s goldendoodle. That’s when we set out to find Moxie. She was nine weeks old. Fortunately, we know somebody who trains service dogs and she assessed Moxie because it takes a special dog to do this work.

Were you a “dog person” before Moxie?

Not at all! I was terrified of dogs growing up because I’d been bitten by one.

Right near my eye. Had stitches and everything. Came close to losing the eye!

Then, Moxie changed your life!

She saved my life. Literally. When Moxie was about four months old, I reached a point where I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t do my job as a high school social worker. I wanted to kill myself. It was moment by moment fighting to just hang on. I was up in my room doing that ugly cry.

Moxie came sprinting in, jumped up, and wrapped her little paws around me. I looked at her and it was in that moment that I realized I had got to stop focusing on all the things that I can’t do anymore and find what I can do. I had to find my “why.” I knew there were so many people out there who could benefit from a service dog but can’t afford it or can’t wait on the wait list or can’t do the training.

I came up with a crazy idea to raise the $20K, or more, per dog and get a fully trained service dog to somebody in need.

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INTERVIEW Moxie is such an outgoing, friendly pup. But she’s always keyed into what you are going through or need, isn’t she?

One time, at school, she wouldn’t get down from my lap. My colleagues and I were sort of laughing about Moxie being so needy. Three minutes later, I fell out of my wheelchair. She wasn’t being needy or disobedient. She was letting me know, ‘Hey, you’re about to have a seizure.’ This was not part of her training, but she picked up on something, my mannerisms or behavior, and warned me.

A couple months ago, I had an episode at home.

I couldn’t see. I couldn’t walk. I was in excruciating pain. I told Moxie to go find my phone. I heard her rummaging all over the place. Next thing I know she dropped my phone in my lap; then she brought my shoes to me. She just laid on my legs until paramedics came.

What’s the next Adventure with Moxie?

I’m writing a children’s’ book about Moxie. We want to visit schools to tell the story. Of course, we need to raise money to get these dogs to people who need them. We’re always looking for fund-raising ideas and corporate support.

You couldn’t have found a better partner than Moxie.

Resilience is one of my favorite topics. I have a palm tree tattoo. In a storm, the palm tree gets bent all the way down while other trees are uprooted. Palm trees are stronger after the storm. I love that analogy because we all have to go through the storm to be able to build that strength.

Moxie and I are both resilient. We have the same personality. We also love people. We really do make the perfect team.

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.

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52 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

KC ORIGINALS by PATRICIA O'DELL

Kansas City Seen as Creative City of Music.

Locals may know the significant contribution that Kansas City made in the development of blues and jazz, but thanks to two activists who worked toward its recognition as a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Music that history and culture is center stage across the globe.

Jake Wagner, Ph.D., associate professor of Urban Planning and Design at UMKC, began exploring the designation process in 2016 as part of a project with his students.

“We were interested in how we could get students engaged,” Wagner says. “I had gotten my Ph.D. at the University of New Orleans. I was surveying the neighborhoods and went to see [jazz pianist] Jelly Roll Morton’s house. The whole neighborhood is a historic neighborhood. New Orleans is so good at celebrating their history of jazz.”

When Wagner began teaching planning and historic preservation in Kansas City, he researched where the great jazz musicians had lived.

“I went to find [saxophonist] Ben Webster’s house. He was born and raised in Kansas City. The whole neighborhood had been demolished.”

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KC ORIGINALS

Wagner, based on his experience in New Orleans, thought Kansas City could do a better job promoting and preserving its musical heritage. In 2016 he teamed up with Anita Dixon to develop an urban planning studio to explore the process of having the Mutual Musicians Foundation, as the birthplace of jazz in Kansas City, become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Mutual Musicians Foundation was formerly known as Musicians Local No. 627, which was established in 1917. During segregation, Musicians Local No. 627 was located at 18th & Highland Avenue, a thriving community of Black residents.

In the process of the research, Dixon and Wagner discovered the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and the opportunity to join as the first UNESCO City of Music in the United States. The UCCN promotes international cooperation among cities that have identified creative solutions for sustainable urban development. There are a total 246 designated cities in seven categories – crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. Forty-seven cities in 36 countries are recognized for music. Kansas City is the only UNESCO Creative City of Music in the United States.

Following the studio project, Anita Dixon, who was executive director of the Mutual Musicians Foundation at the time, began the application process. Wagner and Dixon agreed that the UNESCO designation as a City of Music would elevate Kansas City’s cultural capital and its perception.

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“We didn’t want to talk about problems,” Wagner said. “We wanted to explore the idea of opportunities through culture.

We are not investing in the historic neighborhoods that put Kansas City on the map. People come for the excitement about a place – a connection between past and future. Kansas City can market that as no one else has with food, heritage, and our musical history.”

The application deadline was June 2017. Dixon and Wagner knew that support from the mayor’s office would be critical to the success of the application. She began working with Kim Randolph, chief of staff at Mayor Pro Tem Scott Wagner’s office, who was instrumental in driving the application process.

While they discussed postponing submitting the application until the next submission date, which would not have been for another two years, Dixon did not want to wait.

“It had to be written and translated into two languages, but we made it happen. We were 26 days from the deadline, but I said, ‘I’m going to do it.’ We made the case and it won. We were the only music site in the United States selected that year.”

Dixon says the city’s history itself was key to the application’s success.

“We have the cultural capital,” she says. “The city itself had done the work. It was just a matter of putting it on paper.”

Wagner adds that Kansas City also has the track record on

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sustainable urban development and climate action – we just need to use creative approaches to make these processes more equitable and inclusive.

Dixon sees the designation as critical to not only connecting to other countries and other cultures, but as a resource for musicians in Kansas City.

“We’ve been to eight countries. We are initiating meetings about cryptocurrency for artists in the Midwest. Copenhagen will be throwing a huge party with all Kansas City music and barbecue. They want people to be able to sample all the different Kansas City sauces. We have what the world wants.”

She notes that the world is moving so fast and cultural capital will become more critical.

“Language will no longer be a barrier as digital translation becomes easier and easier. Cryptocurrency will change the way we handle fees and payment. There’s a huge demand for masterclasses. This gives creators the opportunity to own their own works and gives them tools to make more money.”

Dixon wants to see 18th and Vine as vibrant as it was in its heyday.

“I was the main speaker at a theatre in Copenhagen that sold out two showings of YouTube videos of old jazz.

They had me sign autographs. We can turn Kansas City back into a place that people want to go. Our cultural capital is the key to entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development through creative industries.”

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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KANSAS CITY

Where to Stay For accommodations, look no further than the Four Season Hotel St. Louis. This resort-style hotel, situated on the banks of the Mississippi just a short walk from the Gateway Arch, boasts some of the most luxurious rooms in the entire state of Missouri.

Be sure to request an Arch-view room, then enjoy a laundry list of amenities, including panoramic views of the river and skyline on the Sky Terrace, a worldclass spa, an impressive rooftop pool with private cabanas, an expansive fitness center, the Topgolf Swing Suite, and more. Don’t forget to snag your reservation at Cinder House, the pride of James Beard award-winning chef Gerard Craft, where you’ll find bold furnishings and even bolder flavors. Speaking of which…

Where to Eat and Drink Whether you’re a casual restaurant-goer or a fullblown foodie, St. Louis has plenty to offer for everyone.

Kick off your drive into the city with a pit stop at the famous World’s Fair Donuts – walking into the shop is like going back in time. Get a whole bag, you won’t regret it!

You can’t talk about St. Louis’s food scene without mentioning The Hill, St. Louis’s famed Italian-American neighborhood. This historic neighborhood has everything you could ever want, from family-owned delis, sandwich shops and bakeries to upscale trattorias, and Italian eateries. For a quick snack, Gioia’s Deli or Milo’s Bocce Garden. For sweet treats, grab traditional Italian cookies at Missouri Baking Co., or check out the darling confections at Pint Size Bakery.

It’s no secret that St. Louis was built on barley and hops, but the scene has so much more to offer than the King of Beers. Founded in 1991, Schlafly Beer boasts a tap room a couple blocks from St. Louis Union Station, and a larger bottleworks location just a couple miles west of downtown in Maplewood. Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, too, has a small and intimate “biergarten” just north of St. Louis University, as well as an expansive “bierhall” in The Grove, a diverse and colorful “Bohemian Paradise” just a short drive from downtown. More into hop-forward IPAs? 4 Hands Brewing in Soulard and Side Project Brewing in Maplewood are frequently regarded among the nation’s top microbreweries.

If cocktails are more your cup of tea, head to Planter’s House, where a cozy ambiance and inventive ingredients (in the summer, you’ll find fresh herbs like dill and refreshing flavors like cucumber) make for a memorable drinking experience.

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ROAD TRIPS words and photos by ANNA PETROW and PATRICK MULVIHILL

Drive East for the Gateway to the West.

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ROAD TRIPS

For a truly excellent meal to remember, search no further than Olive + Oak. One of the stars of the St. Louis culinary scene is tucked into the unassuming neighborhood of Webster Groves, this restaurant has gained wild popularity thanks to its fantastic rotating selection of house cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, fun appetizers, and a perfectly upscale, yet comforting, vibe. This is the one spot we never miss on a visit to St. Louis – you shouldn’t, either.

And if you find yourself craving their food again in the morning? Just return next door, where you’ll find its sister restaurant, The Clover and the Bee – a popular spot for brunch and lattes with homemade, seasonal flavors.

What to Do Just south of downtown, you’ll find Soulard Farmers Market, one of the oldest public markets still operating in the United States. Since 1779, Soulard has provided St. Louisans with fresh produce, locally sourced meat, home-baked goods, and plenty of good times. Order a drink and wander up and down the stalls that have fed the city for generations.

For a more scenic walk, the Missouri Botanical Gardens has provided St. Louisans and visitors with 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display for more than 150 years. The nation’s oldest botanical garden includes a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, an original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. After your visit, take a drive around the historic and vibrant Shaw and Tower Grove neighborhoods, which St. Louisans have

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ROAD TRIPS

called home since the early 1800s. If all that walking works up your appetite and the mood strikes for a patio and some light Mediterranean fare, nearby Olio is a lovely spot to grab housemade hummus and aperitifs.

No visit to St. Louis is complete without a visit to Forest Park, often referred to as the “Heart of St. Louis.” This urban park is more than twice as big as New York’s Central Park, and famously hosted the 1904 World’s Fair and 1904 Olympics. For anyone with kids in tow (or for the kid at heart), the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum all make for fun afternoons. And have I mentioned they’re all free? Forest Park is also home to America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. The St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre, otherwise known as “The Muny,” first opened its gates in 1917 and seats 11,000 for plays and pageants throughout each summer.

Where to Shop St. Louis is home to darling local shops in all kinds of unique settings. If you want to spend your afternoon shopping and enjoying some beautiful St. Louis architecture, one of the best places to do so is the Central West End, where you’ll find shops like Left Bank Books, East|West, and a local favorite in Bowood Farm, an urban nursery and home goods store.

Among the trees, flowers, and succulents at Bowood, you’ll also find beautiful jewelry, striking coffee table books, and a wide array of gifts perfect for any recipient.

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ROAD TRIPS Further west, reshaping the Old Orchard historic district, Civil Alchemy first opened its doors in 2016, and has offered its shoppers functional, quality and inspired goods ever since. From housewares and apparel to specialty foods and beverages, Civil Alchemy is your one-stop shop so you can grab some goods for a picnic and snag a keepsake to commemorate your trip. The area itself boasts several other shops, cafés, and art galleries within walking distance.

For serious shoppers, Plaza Frontenac features what is perhaps the most upscale shopping experience you’ll find in Missouri. This nearly 500,000-squarefoot mall located 10 miles west of the riverfront is anchored by Neimann Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and it offers additional fine dining, a six-screen independent movie theater, and a number of local and national brands that are sure to scratch that shopping itch.

Whether eating, shopping, or strolling your way through this great city, one thing is for certain: we’re lucky to have such a beautiful and historical place such a short drive from Kansas City. Happy travels!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS 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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INTERIOR DESIGN by STACY DOWNS

Hunting for Treasures.

The time is right – and safer – to be on the lookout for antiques and fun finds.

For more than a year, I have been itching to get out of Dodge.

I know, in talking to my friends and family, I’m not alone.

The weather is warmer, vaccines are on the rise, and I feel the urge to hop in the car, drive around, and look for interesting things for my home. I’m fairly minimalist these days and don’t need anything. But I find there’s thrill in the hunt for antiques and vintage pieces, and it does give a home character and individuality.

Just a few of the things that always catch my attention are Art Deco picture frames, Art Deco anything, cocktail glasses, cocktail tables, and classic modern chairs – not to mention wall art, vintage board games, and books.

Sure, it’s easy to shop online. But it’s much more rewarding when you take a chance to venture out in person. Sometimes you uncover a prize or three; sometimes you come home empty handed. But at least you can make a day trip out of it and get lunch or dinner out on a pleasant day. That’s a win every time.

West Plaza Art and Antique District You should absolutely check out the three blocks of the 45th Street and State Line Road stores if you’ve never been – or return now if you haven’t been in a while.

Christopher FIlley always has a pleasing, eclectic mix of art, furniture, and objects. SID & Co., by interior designer Mark Sudermann, sells new home accessories as well as American vintage and European antiques. These are just a few of the stores – you’ll have to stroll the sidewalks.

Insider tip: Check out the hours; some of the stores aren’t open the typical 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. retail hours.

Where to eat: The Country Club Plaza with its mix of local and chain restaurants is nearby, but so is Joe’s Kansas City Bar-BQue, the original gas station location.

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SID & Co.

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Nova's Vintage

Columbus Park/River Market These two locations are within a few blocks of driving distance from each other, and it’s fun to get out and stroll around the neighborhoods.

Go to Nova’s Vintage in Columbus Park; owner Nova Engle favors a tropical Hawaiian style with rattan, clay pottery, and lots of plants. On the River Market side, check out the River Market Antique Mall, a 30,000-square-foot warehouse filled with more than 150 dealers.

Insider tip: While the lively City Market is fun on Saturdays, head out on different days for a more relaxed experience.

Check out the hours of the stores and restaurants you want to visit.

Where to eat: Try the Neapolitan pizza from Il Lazzarone for a late lunch/early dinner and get a scoop or two from Betty Rae’s Ice Cream.

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Cactus Creek

Weston It’s about a 30-minute drive north from Kansas City to Weston, where the city’s Main Street is made of pre-Civil War buildings.

I enjoy Cactus Creek, stocked with vintage finds, cowhides, and clothing and strolling the other stores on Main Street in their fascinating mid-1800s spaces.

Insider tip: If you enjoy hiking, stop at Weston Bend State Park along the way. Don’t forget a change of shoes if you’re going to dinner.

Where to eat: I love Green Dirt Farm, and the café is a scenic spot to share a cheese plate on a picnic table. One of my favorite places for dinner in the whole Kansas City area is Noah’s Cupboard on Main Street – because it’s a small space, make reservations. Also get a pint at O’Malley’s 1842 Pub, the space is amazing!

Glenwood Antique Mall, Curious Sofa

Glenwood Antique Mall For those who miss Mission Road Antique Mall, the Glenwood Antique Mall is a pleasant addition. It’s located in a strip shopping center just north of the former beloved Glenwood cinema.

Insider tip: There are a lot of vendors, so stop by the front

desk for a map, and ask for guidance from an employee if you’re looking for something particular.

Where to eat: Head north down Metcalf a few blocks to Downtown Overland Park to Strang Hall, a food parlor with numerous eateries including sushi, Italian, street tacos, and more. It features delightful outdoor seating.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stacy Downs writes about all things design and is a partner at MAD Creative, a branding and communications firm in Kansas City.

EDITOR’S NOTE The rigors of work, family and the refocus that comes from what we have all been through has had an effect on our team of contributors. At her insistence, I tried to talk her out of it, Stacy Downs is leaving us with this issue. I want to say thank you to Stacy for the amazing work she has done over the course of her tenure at Today Kansas City. She has helped us make this a publication to be proud of and to look forward to. Thank you Stacy.

72 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

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HEALTH by DR. LINDA MOORE

When the Anger in Our World Is Frightening, Turn to Self Examination.

When anger erupts in our world – political discord, demonstrations, and terrifying mass shootings – all exacerbated by the Covid pandemic – managing feelings on a day-to-day basis is challenging. Consequently, it’s important to examine in more depth what we feel.

Our anger tells us “something is off” – not right, out of sync – and produces a need to do something. It’s a sensation that “biologically” motivates us to “fight, flee, or freeze” as a way to resolve the alarm bells. Today demands important self-examination – reflecting on how you handle and express anger. Outbursts don’t work.

Stuffing the feelings doesn’t work. That leaves what’s genuinely difficult for most – Talking about it.

Most of us need a “re-do” when it comes to managing angry encounters. The task, then, is to determine how and what to change.

Start by reflecting on what you saw and learned growing up. How did the adults in your life manage anger? Think about your parents, an athletic coach, teachers, family friends, and neighbors.

We, typically, one, copy what we saw and experienced, or, two, resolve to do something totally different.

SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 75

It’s important to examine in more depth what we feel.

Next ask: How often do you feel angry? How do you express it? Or do you try to avoid angry feelings?

• My anger surges quickly and I frequently lash out without examining what’s going on with me.

I can even quickly resort to physical action.

• I’m shocked by my angry feelings and have trouble deciding what I need to say or do.

• I don’t understand my feelings, don’t know what to say or do, and, consequently, say little to nothing.

• I’m slow to anger, and able to focus on negotiating and resolving conflict.

• I try to pay attention to my own feelings so I can take care of myself in the interaction.

Next be specific about your reactions when anger is directed at you from others.

• I’m immediately defensive, quick to anger, and don’t hesitate to lash out in return.

• I freeze in place, can’t think or speak clearly, and find ways to distance or retreat rapidly.

• I become calm, clear headed, listen carefully, and try to diffuse the situation.

76 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

Reflect and consider your own unique responses.

Most importantly, start a process of thinking about what you do and say – how you conduct yourself. Our assessments are important when there is a heightened sense of polarizing anger in our communities and relationships.

Bottom line: Anger is a “signal” from our system that something is “off” and needs clarification. There’s nothing inherently wrong with an angry feeling. The challenge arises in how each of us manages what we feel – and what we choose to say and do.

A straightforward and calm statement: “I feel angry about this _____” can lead to both your internal understanding as well as a start on conflict resolution with the person you are talking to. Sounds impossible to some, or simply too hard. But it’s still a reasonable option once you get more connected to understanding your feelings.

Anger can mask fear and create bravado; and it can also mask sadness and grief. If access to sadness and grief is hard, anger will sometimes surge as a protective feeling. It’s off in terms of what’s really going on, but that is often hard to recognize, let alone label accurately. Fear, grief, and anger are legitimate feelings. The challenge is appropriate expression.

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New HEALTH

So try a few more reflections.

• Has the isolation caused me to feel a change in the level or intensity of my anger? Am I more easily annoyed or moved to stronger feelings?

• Who am I typically angry with?

• How have I expressed anger? Outbursts? Unreasonable requests or demands? Retreating or withdrawing and refusing to talk things through?

• Have I “stuffed it”? Do I have physical symptoms – headaches, clinched jaw, tension in head, neck, and shoulders?

• How would my family, friends, colleagues describe how I manage anger?

• Am I falling back on old behaviors? Am I inconsistent? Are my reactions exaggerated by the isolation?

Try New Behavior.

• Always pause before speaking or acting when angry.

Remember the feeling is not what’s wrong; it’s how you choose to manage, express, deal with it.

• Take a breath. Take a break from the conversation, and say, “I will clear my head and return.” Set a minimum of 5 minutes and stick to the time you establish.

• Step away and breathe and think. What are you feeling?

What do you want to say and do versus what is the best course of action after reflection?

• Give yourself permission to say, “I’m angry.”. Just the words can diffuse the intensity you feel.

• Think of a sensitive and caring way to describe what you are legitimately upset about.

• Ask for feedback. “Do you understand what I’m saying?

Do I need to clarify?”

• Create a dialogue and listen to what the other person is saying.

• Make sure you keep breathing.

• Ask if a resolution, clarification, is possible.

• Ask for feedback.

It’s important to consider what your peaceful contribution might be in a time where conflict and anger seem to threaten the possibility of resolution. And keep in the foreground that anger is normal. The way each of us chooses to express it can lead to resolution or create even more disruption. Imagine you are capable of choosing your reaction rather than being controlled by unexpected, unresolved feelings.

With tension high, we truly can’t afford to lash out at one another right now. The majority of us are tender hearted, caring, and hopeful of being connected to others; and inappropriate anger simply gets in the way of the expression of those feelings. Conflict and legitimate feelings can be expressed in ways that encourage understanding across differences and create more connection; and when we actually listen – to ourselves and to others – we learn something.

If these ideas are challenging, consider sharing, discussing, and finding some new ways to resolve feelings that are, from time to time, too confusing. If you need resources, call my office for information.

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.

78 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2021

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