TODAY Kansas City - WINTER 2021 by TodayKansasCity

A PUBLICATION OF THE SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | WINTER 2021 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 4

FASHION

Ageless: Look & Feel Fabulous at Every Age FOOD

European Comfort in Midtown KC AUTO

MercedesBenz S580 is a Tech Marvel HEALTH

Tools for Holiday Peace & Quiet

Confidence in all conditions. From winter storms to tight corners, 4MATIC all-wheel drive maximizes traction by engaging all four wheels, so you can always put your best foot forward. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive is fully integrated into your vehicle, so it reacts instantly and adjusts to any scenario. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available in virtually every Mercedes-Benz model. So whether you’re in snow where grip is scarce, on a slick surface in rainy weather, or simply on dry terrain looking for a sportier drive, 4MATIC makes sure you’re equipped for the ride.

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

The Gift of Giving. As this year draws to a close, I am grateful for so many things the year has brought; while it has been unprecedented, there have been things that have reminded me of how resilient we can be when tasked. Our associates never cease to amaze me by the generosity and caring they display every day of the year. When an associate’s family was faced with mounting medical bills, many of our associates donated their vacation days to help, a practice that has been repeated many times when there was a need. This type of caring happens every day in a multitude of ways within our organization. Our associates, our people, make this one of the finest companies to work for in Kansas City. This level of caring is also reflected in the role we take in our community. The Auto Group has continued to support not only the performing arts with our sponsorship of the Kauffman Center and the Kemper Museum but also those who care for others: Children’s Mercy, Kansas University Medical Center, Topeka Boys and Girls Club, Sleepyhead Beds, our first responders, family services and protection, and countless others. Our culture is one based on support, growth, and caring, the belief that you are judged by your actions and not just your words. Have a safe and joyous holiday season.

Marion Battaglia, President

2 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

"I am grateful for so many things the year has brought; while it has been unprecedented, there have been things that have reminded me of how resilient we can be when tasked."

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EDITOR'S LETTER

by ROBERT HELLWEG

A Celebration.

SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Enjoy the holidays, the time you spend with family, with friends. It is a special time every year, and this year it takes on many different and enhanced meanings for each of us. As you take time to relax, I hope you will spend a little time with Today Kansas City. As you will notice, we made a couple of design changes to this issue, from the cover to the table of contents. We also have a couple of twists in content. The cover is the gateway to one of those twists in content and also features design changes. Together with our Creative Director extraordinaire, Kathryn Creel, we moved the content to a more prominent position and gave it a deserved position on the cover. As you page to the table of contents, the content is now the star, with a montage of images from the articles in the issue. We also give you a preview of the fashion section, featuring winter fashion for women across the age spectrum. It is a project that I have wanted to do almost since our inception, along with Amani Skalaki, our stylist, Kathryn Creel, and the fantastic eye of our photographer, Paul Versluis. We hope you like the concept and final product. As we close out the year, I wish each of you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season, leading into a successful new year.

SCOTT SWENSON General Manager Factory Relations

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

Finance & Insurance Director

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

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

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

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

Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam BMW | VW of Topeka

JAY GILLIHAN

ROBERT HELLWEG

Robert Hellweg

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

4 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

EXPERIENCE LUXURY. EXPERIENCE THE MALFER WAY. We believe in delivering end-to-end expert service that treats your goals as if they were our own. Your new home should be connected to your goals, your dreams and your ideal community. Our many services and offerings, including: staging, robust marketing, and national listing exposure, ensure that every path leads to success. #3 Top Producing Real Estate Team in Kansas City as ranked by The Kansas City Business Journal #61 in the Nation in sales volume as ranked by RealTrends, Wall Street Journal

913.800.1812 | MALFERKC.COM Malfer & Associates is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Realty Group, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

INSIDE WINTER 2021

Features 10 ARCHITECTURE

Going Green At Home and in the Office. by Vanessa Hostick

16 FOOD

European Comfort in Midtown KC. by Emily & Stewart Lane

22 AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes-Benz S580 4Matic: The All-New Flagship Sedan is a Technological Marvel.

by Tom Strongman

30 FASHION Ageless.

photos by Paul Versluis | styling by Amani Skalacki

43 INTERIOR DESIGN

Midwest Maven on the Move. by Patricia O'Dell

49 NONPROFIT

Forty Years of Serving Kansas City. by Kelsey Cipolla

54 ROADTRIPS

Make the Most of the Cold Winter Months Ahead. by Anna Petrow & Patrick Mulvihill

61 KC ORIGINALS

Kansas City is Home Base for Project C.U.R.E. but Touching Lives Abroad. by Anne Kniggendorf

67 HEALTH

Defusing Holiday Tension. by Dr. Linda Moore

73 INTERVIEW

The Power of Words. by Joel Nichols

76 EVENT CALENDAR 6 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

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ARCHITECTURE

words by VANESSA HOSTICK

Going Green: At Home and in the Office. The average American spends more than 93 percent of his/her life indoors. And buildings  – residential and commercial  – are one of the largest contributors to global carbon  emissions,  responsible for nearly 40 percent of all CO2 emissions annually. Whether at home or  in the  office, one thing is certain: the spaces we occupy have a direct impact on  the environment and  our well-being.

A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT  The investment in green infrastructure has proven financial, environmental, and social benefits. Green buildings boast lower operational and maintenance costs. And  sustainable design  solutions  – like biophilia and access to natural light  – are proven to increase productivity  and job  satisfaction. Sustainably – designed spaces also bolster community, with people  reporting  a  stronger sense of  connection  with colleagues. So what can you do to make your home or office space a bit greener? Vanessa Hostick, senior sustainable design specialist with HOK, shares simple strategies that can reduce your personal  environmental footprint, improve your health, and leverage the power of  sustainable design.

BRING ON THE PLANTS  Humans innately desire to be connected to nature – and they experience benefits like enhanced  creativity and productivity when they are. Biophilic design incorporates natural materials, light, vegetation, and views of nature into the built environment. Evaluate your space and consider opportunities to better connect to the outdoors. Introducing  potted  plants, which naturally filter toxins and improve air quality, is an easy  solution. Living walls can serve as an Instagrammable design feature and reap health rewards for staff. If it isn’t possible to bring greenery into your space, consider incorporating photos and graphics that depict nature, which are proven to have similar benefits. Natural light is also critical to biophilia. If you’re in a large office space but not by a window, take  matters into your own hands. Use communal seating areas, meeting rooms, and gathering areas that have windows as often as possible.

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CONSIDER  YOUR  WASTE

GET MOVING

Waste isn’t fun to talk about, but  managing it  is essential to reducing your environmental  footprint. Offices have an opportunity to make simple but effective decisions on behalf of staff  that help reduce waste.  Investing in reusable tableware, reducing the availability of single-use plastics, incorporating a  compost bin, and discouraging printing can help make staff aware of their impact on the  environment. Recycling bins at each workstation and simple, educational signage can reinforce  efforts. These same strategies can be easily implemented at home.

If you’re still working from home, consider scheduling regular breaks to step outdoors, midday  walks, and investing in a sit-to-stand desk or a walking pad to keep your body active and engaged.     At the office, opt for the stairs when moving between floors. Prominent feature stairs   are often   strategically placed to encourage  activity.  Employers can also provide a variety of spaces,  formal and informal, for people to work. Giving staff choice and autonomy  – and supporting a culture that allows people to work how they want  – are also critical

12 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

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to encouraging movement that have a direct impact on wellbeing.

EMBRACE GREEN SPACE  Open green space  – whether in your backyard, embedded in downtown, or incorporated into a  corporate campus  – is essential for the health of occupants.  In offices, outdoor meeting rooms  can encourage staff to collectively step outdoors. Terraces adjacent to workstations make it  easier for people to get fresh air. And outdoor amenities  – from

a system of trails to bocce ball  to outdoor café seating  –  can create  connectivity to nature. If you’re working from home, consider how you can use green space more effectively. Step outside for  calls  or set up an auxiliary workstation on a porch or patio.  The links between sustainability and wellbeing have never been clearer. These simple design  strategies aren’t the only solution, but they are  a step  in the right direction. Whether at home or  in the office, people deserve spaces that are restorative and positively impact their environment

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vanessa Hostick is the sustainable design leader for HOK’s Kansas City studio. She has dedicated her career to lessening the impact of buildings on the environment and creating healthy spaces for occupants.

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

European Comfort in Midtown KC. Stewart Lane: Food is a very personal affair. As a former executive chef, I can promise you that every dish made for a guest contains a part of your past, a piece of your soul, and a connection to you on an intimate level. This is no truer than for those brave enough to start a restaurant of their own. Chef Amante Domingo and Heather White, also of The Russell, pour their creative talents and their own personal story into their newest venture, Tailleur, located at the corner of Westport Road and Main Street in midtown Kansas City. Emily Lane: The building that now houses Tailleur was constructed in 1928 and is effortlessly cozy and chic. Heather has adorned much of the space with riding boots and other equestrian details, an homage to her horseback riding past. This Ralph-Lauren-esque style is mixed with marble tabletops, a leather banquette, an expansive glass pastry case, and mismatched toile plates from which dishes are served, making you feel that you are a guest in a boutique European hotel. SL: Heather greeted us warmly and whisked us to our table on the brick patio, which Chef Amante laid himself by hand. Our server, Alec, quickly arrived with short glasses of wine as he shared some of the highlights of the menu. We couldn’t start our meal without some Pomme Frites, super-crispy skinny fries, dusted with house seasoning and a touch of truffle, served with house-made ketchup and a mustardy aioli. We followed this quickly with a steaming bowl of mussels nestled into a deep pool of unctuous broth with crushed red and yellow cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, onions, and white wine. I had to order some extra bread, house made, of course, to ensure none of that delicious liquid went to waste.

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EL: Sitting at our table, I observed many of the others around us, and I was captivated by the slower pace of dining, the conversations between tables and with servers, and the general ease that was on display. It was such an important reminder that places like Tailleur exist to help us relax and unwind. Unquestionably, the past 18 months have been stressful for most everyone, and in that moment my worries seemed to slip away, even if just for a bit. You can tell Heather has a gift for creating a community atmosphere where anyone is welcome, and she will happily come sit with you to help you warm up to a new environment. And, of course, she’ll happily give suggestions on what to select from Amante’s European-inspired menu. SL: On the day we visited, we ordered generously (perhaps what was more appropriate for four people than two, but we couldn’t resist!). We started with Seared Salmon Niçoise Salad and the Chicken Paillard. The Nicoise was a classic in composition and elegant in execution. Perfectly seared and finished salmon laid on a bed of crisp greens with marinated haricot verts, sweet tomato wedges, and hard-boiled eggs. The potatoes were served two ways; petite fingerlings were roasted for a crisp outside and delicate inside, while the purple potatoes were deep-fried, resulting in a beautiful crunch and pillowy soft texture. Chicken Paillard, a dish after my own heart, was stunning in presentation and flavor. A thin chicken cutlet, breaded and crispy fried, topped with a salad of peppery arugula, red and yellow cherry tomatoes, shaved onion, and fried capers, all dressed with fresh lemon and olive oil. Chef Amante knows how to build flavors without creating an overwhelming dish.

Salmon Nicoise with roasted vegetables, potatoes, green beans, egg, and herb balsamic

Then, we also tried the French Dip, which is one of those sandwiches where everything can go wrong if just one ingredient is not up to snuff. With Chef Amante’s French Dip, nothing is left to chance, and everything is made in-house. Tender shaved roast beef with a mustardy horseradish sauce on house-made bread that has just the right structure for soaking up the ethereal au jus. This sandwich is the embodiment of the love and dedication the team at Tailleur put into every dish they make. EL: I have a reputation for ordering more than one dessert, and luckily for me, Tailluer doesn’t make you choose. We enjoyed the dessert trio, where you select three items from their impressive pastry menu. Our favorites were the “24 Karrot” Cake and the Flourless Chocolate Torte, both of which were indulgent but not cloyingly sweet. By this point I wasn’t sure if I needed a long walk, a nap, or both. We were satiated by the food, the charming atmosphere, and the kind people making Tailluer such a welcoming place. With plans for an upstairs lounge area, which will also operate as

18 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

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an event space, Heather and Amante have set their newest endeavor up for success in the future as well as the present. Put this one on your calendar for a night you need a local escape, courtesy of the fine team at Tailleur. Tailluer is located at 3933 Main Street in Midtown Kansas City, and is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00am-9:00pm. More information can be found at tailleuronmain.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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Scan to Shop the Entire Christmas Collection

please drink responsibly

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AUTOMOTIVE words and photos by TOM STRONGMAN

MERCEDESBENZ S580 4MATIC

The All-New Flagship Sedan is a Technological Marvel.

It only takes a few blocks behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz S580 to realize that this is a car of unique character. The experience starts when you open the door. Deeply cushioned leather seats, subtle wood trim, and ambient lighting provided by strips of LEDs beckon you to enter. Once underway, the car wafts along as if it’s just barely touching the road. Wind and road noise are minimal. Nose out into the flow of the freeway and the cabin feels like a personal quiet space. Tune some classical music on the optional Burmeister audio system ($6,730) and 30 speakers deliver a 4D sound experience that includes individually adjustable acoustic massage through the seats. The hustle and bustle of the highway suddenly seems less intrusive. Around 70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz laid the foundations for the S-Class model series with the model 220. Since its market launch in 1951, more than 4 million S-Class sedans have been delivered to customers around the world. The designation “S-Class” was officially introduced with the 116 series in 1972. Consequently, redesigning a flagship vehicle is a daunting challenge. The goal is to create a vehicle that reflects the company’s technology, vision, and expertise all the while maintaining qualities consistent with the model’s DNA. In that light, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan successfully blends performance, elegance, and luxury with top-shelf technology to create a driving/ownership experience that befits a car at the top of the Mercedes model range. There are two S-Class models: The S500, which has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 429 horsepower and a base price of $111,000; and the S580 with a 4.0-liter V-8 with 496 horsepower and a base price of $117,350. Both engines have a nine-speed automatic transmission. Styling is the first thing that catches your eye. The body is smooth and sleek, with a drag coefficient of 0.22 that makes it one of the most aerodynamic production cars. The slippery shape contributes to better fuel economy and less wind noise. The body

WINTER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 23

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ S580 4MATIC Engine: 4.0-liter, Biturbo V8 with 496 horsepower Transmission: 9-speed automatic All-wheel drive Wheelbase: 127 inches Curb weight: 4,775 pounds Base price: $117,300 As driven: $136,085 MPG rating: 17 in the city, 25 on the highway

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AUTOMOTIVE makes extensive use of aluminum, now up to 50 percent by weight, while the central passenger cell uses high-strength steel and extruded aluminum for crash protection. Body panels fit together so tightly it looks as if the gaps were cut with a razor blade. Flush-fit door handles pop out as the driver approaches the car. Both the new 3.0-liter six-cylinder and the 4.0-liter V-8 are turbocharged, and each has what Mercedes calls EQ Boost, an integrated starter motor, alternator, and electric motor, that is situated between the engine and transmission, essentially making the S-Class a mild hybrid. Acceleration is smooth and strong right from idle due to the fact that the EQ Boost unit virtually eliminates turbo lag and delivers additional torque and horsepower. EQ Boost also enables coasting when the vehicle is in Eco mode. The MBUX, or Mercedes-Benz User Experience, supports 27 languages for voice commands. There are five screens throughout the interior and the system now has 50-percent greater computing power than the previous generation. Many functions may be personalized. A 12.8-inch central touchscreen stretches from the central console up into the instrument panel. It is used to control many vehicle functions with an interface that is surprisingly intuitive. A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel houses the gauge display as well as a very clever 3D navigation map. The Head-Up Display (HUD) uses augmented reality that shows animated turn arrows projected onto the road and I found them to be extremely helpful in heavy traffic. Ten different seat massage programs are available in the new S-Class. The comfort levels of front-seat passengers are assisted by up to 19 motors (eight for adjustments, four for massage, and five for ventilation, one for the lumbar support, and one to move the monitor when in reverse). The seats have 10 different massage settings. Vibration motors that enhance the effect of a relaxing massage with added warmth. Seat heating is combined with

WINTER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 25

the inflatable air chambers that are close to the seat surface and easier to feel and control. The climate control system utilizes 17-step motors to regulate temperature and airflow. Handling is remarkably agile for a vehicle of this size, thanks, in part, to the adjustable air suspension. The optional rear-axle steering adds agility and helps reduce the turning circle. Safety is a priority, and, to that end, there are numerous driver-assistance functions, such as lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Rear airbags help pro-

26 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

tect passengers in a frontal collision. Next year the optional active body control suspension will be able to detect a pending side collision and raise the body by up to three inches for better side impact protection. The car I drove had a base price of $117,300. Optional equipment included diamond white paint, Nappa leather interior, 20-inch wheels, Burmeister surround-sound system, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear center armrests, heated door armrests, power outboard rear seats with memory, and the 3D augmented-reality head-up display. The sticker price was $136,085.

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.

WINTER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 27

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FASHION photos PAUL VERSLUIS | styling AMANI SKALACKI

Ageless. Look & Feel Fabulous at Every Age.

female attire HALLS jewelry MAZARESSE glasses EYE STYLE models CHRISTINE & TAYLOR of Voices& model HEATHER self represented makeup by CARO BENITEZ, Caro Benitez Makeup Studio hair by LANCE DAVIS, Owner, Cheveux on Main styling assistant RILEY MORTENSEN

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33 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SPRING 2017

More luxury, more comfort. The elegant details of the GT trim gracefully illustrate what it means to travel in grand style.

Levante GT. Priced From $79,400* Maserati of Kansas City 9400 W 65th Street, Merriam, KS 913.677.3300 | maseratiofkansascity.com *MSRP excludes taxes, title and registration fees. Starting price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer. ©2020 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

H A P PY HOLI DAYS ! Thankful for another wonderful year! Wishing you all health and happiness during this holiday season.

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INTERIOR DESIGN by PATRICIA O'DELL

Midwest Maven on the Move.

Restauranteur Jo Marie Scaglia serves up midwestern hospitality with a modern dash Jo Marie Scaglia opened her first restaurant, The Mixx, in 2005. Through economic downturns and upswings, she’s stayed the course. Ten years later, she opened a second Mixx location at 119th and Roe. Her toddler, Caffetteria, launched in Prairie Village in 2018, just in time to gain a following before the COVID-19 virus changed everything. But even before the stresses of the pandemic set in, Scaglia was planning a rural escape. “I’d been obsessed with finding a farmhouse for 10 years,” she says. “This house in Weston came up for sale before and someone bought it right way. But in the end, it needed a lot

WINTER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 43

INTERIOR DESIGN

of work and they decided not to move forward.” When the house was listed the second time, Scaglia snapped it up. She knew it was going to be a big project. “I wanted a project. I knew the plumbing was collapsed and the electricity was all cobbled together,” she said. “But I thought I was going to be replumb and rewire and move my antiques in and have a cute and charming cottage.” As it turns out, it was not quite that simple. While friends and relatives suggested she tear down the house and build new, Scaglia was committed to the renovation. “As we were cleaning things up and taking things apart to be repaired, we found so much that I saved. There were old salt and pepper shakers in the ground, amazing window weights

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INTERIOR DESIGN

and old axes. I’m planning on using everything. They may be in a collage or something.” Scaglia is passionate about repurposing. “I’ve had a 100-year-old white milk-glass light fixture in my basement for 20 years. Someone gave it to me because it was in the La Rocca Italian grocery store in the River Market. It was old school, with dry goods on the shelf.” The fixture will now light the way for visitors as they come into the main room. “I found a 1920s Missouri school map in the house. I know there are new replicas, but I wanted the old one. I framed it in wood the color of the barn. It’s huge.” Beyond what Scaglia has discovered and reused in the house, her new neighbors have brought things that they bought at the estate sale to her as house-warming gifts. This growing sense of community and continuity that she felt as she began to renovate and reclaim this house spurred the idea for Midwest Maven. “I see Midwest Maven as a broadening of the brand and a way to tie all the companies together. I’ve been thinking about doing that for five years, and 2020 seemed like the right time.” Scaglia started an Instagram account at @mwmaven and began a visual journal of renovating this house. She feels this move makes sense personally and professionally. “I’ve been creating menus, creating a vibe, and creating

space for years. Maven ties it all together. It’s my alter ego. When I designed the kitchen, I designed it with the thought that we might be filming up here.” White backgrounds outside and in are punctuated with linear black accents, as crisp and clean as an architect’s sketch come to life. Refined natural wood and the occasional dash of brass and galvanized metal add warmth and texture. Outside, Scaglia reused brick on the property for the chimney and what she calls “the conversation patio.” This space and the new screened porch provide ample outdoor living spaces to make the most of her time at the house, both by herself and with friends. Scaglia’s daughter, Star, did not share her enthusiasm initially. “She said, ‘I’m allergic to wheat and I don’t like the country.’ So, I knew this was not the kid who was going to be digging for worms. But she did want to have her friends come up and watch movies, so we set up a 100-inch movie screen and brought a projector for the backyard.” This is exactly how Scaglia had envisioned living in the house. “This house is meant for entertaining and sharing with my family. I want my mom and my sister and friends to come up and play cards. People are asking if I want to do small group dinners. I think that would be great.”

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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Happy HoLIdays!

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NONPROFIT by KELSEY CIPOLLA

Forty Years of Serving Kansas City. This year marks reStart Inc.’s 40th anniversary helping the homeless in Kansas City. But what started in a church as a shelter for single men has evolved over time as the number of people experiencing homelessness has grown and demographics have changed, says reStart President Stephanie Boyer. “reStart has been an agency that’s shifted to meet the needs of those different populations over the years,” she said. “It expanded to today to provide services for single adults, men, and women; families; unaccompanied youth; transition-age youth; veterans; LGBTQ individuals – really, everyone.”

A CONTINUUM OF SERVICES reStart currently offers emergency shelter for single adults and a dedicated shelter program for families, both of which are available for up to several months to ease stress, introduce stability, and help individuals enter permanent housing. It provides rental and utility assistance, legal services, child care, and more, to veterans and their families. And the organization also offers the metro’s only emergency youth shelter for those ages 12 to17 and transitional living program for youth ages 16 to 21 who have no safe home to return to. “Our work really happens now over an entire continuum,”

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NONPROFIT

“The biggest barrier really is the lack of affordable housing.” Boyer explained. Wraparound services are an important part of that continuum, and clients in reStart programs are served by staff therapists, substance abuse counselors, a housing and employment specialist, and numerous case managers who assist them in developing individualized, strengths-based plans. reStart also does street outreach, with staff working to connect with people who are sleeping in encampments, vacant buildings, cars, and under bridges. Teams try to get them into shelters but also provide help and case management that will link them to the services they need regardless of their location. Street outreach is important yearround, Boyer said, but in the winter months, reStart ramps up how frequently it’s paying visits, making sure people have items they need to try to stay warm and providing education about what the beginning of frostbite looks like.

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS reStart serves around 2,500 people annually through its programs, but there are many others who the organization isn’t able to help because of a lack of resources. “We simply cannot meet all the need with our current level of staffing or finances,” Boyer explained. “We end up having to turn a lot of people away – we would love to be in a place where we don’t have to do that and to be able to have solutions for people.” Monetary donations are always appreciated, along with donated items like sheets, towels, and blankets, which clients use while they’re sheltering at reStart and will often take with them when they’re able to move to a more permanent home.

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Boyer also encourages Kansas Citians to consider volunteering, which allows staff to both support the organization and hear people’s stories. “There are a lot of different life circumstances that happen to people that can lead them into needing a place to stay,” Boyer says, adding that there are many myths about homelessness, including that it’s a result of drug or alcohol abuse and that people experiencing homelessness are unemployed. “The biggest barrier really is the lack of affordable housing,” she says. “We see people struggle to get out of the shelter simply because they cannot find housing that they can actually afford.” Many people in reStart’s programs are working, but securing permanent housing is a challenge when rent often requires such a significant portion of their income. All it might take is a sudden crisis, like a health emergency or lost job, to dramatically change a person’s living situation, according to Boyer. “As a community, we have to come together to start working on real solutions,” she says. “Sort of ‘Band-Aiding’ people every day isn’t getting us anywhere.” So what might a solution look like? Boyer says public and private developers could come together to build more income-based housing. Expanding housing vouchers could also make a big difference. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Vouchers Program is the federal government’s major program for assisting low-income families. It allows participants to find housing anywhere

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Many people in reStart’s programs are working, but securing permanent housing is a challenge when rent often requires such a significant portion of their income. All it might take is a sudden crisis, like a health emergency or lost job, to dramatically change a person’s living situation. the owner will rent to them under the program, which pays the landlord a subsidy on behalf of the renters. Participants are then responsible for paying the remaining cost. Boyer said the Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri, currently has 11,000 people on the voucher waitlist, but the city could create a similar voucher program on a local level to help meet current needs. “Without a voucher or being able to get into an income-based apartment, it’s really challenging,” Boyer says. “That’s why we see so many people kind of get stuck

in homelessness, which then leads to chronic homelessness. We don’t want people to have to get to that status. “I think as a community, we really have to focus on how we’re creating more affordable housing options so we have lots of different exit paths for people coming out of shelter; or if they’re at risk of homelessness, they have a more affordable option to move into.” To learn more about reStart, including how to volunteer or make a donation to the organization, visit restartinc.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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MAKE EVERY DAY LEGENDARY The generous configuration and premium features in the 2022 BMW X7 SAV evoke a feeling of spacious freedom while the engineering ensures driving comfort from the inside out. There’s plenty of room for all in the largest BMW SAV ever. Enjoy seating for seven with second-row bench seats as standard, or opt for the optional six-seat configuration with all-electric Captain’s Chairs. With premium luxury features and room for everyone, the 2022 BMW X7 SAV proves to be larger than life. TEST DRIVE AT BMW OF TOPEKA TO FIND YOUR X7. BMW of Topeka 3030 S Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66611-2233 (785) 266-8480 www.bmwtopeka.com

ROAD TRIPS words by PATRICK MULVIHILL | photos by ANNA PETROW

Make the Most of the Cold Winter Months Ahead. Minneapolis has always made the most of its colder winter months. The larger half of the Twin Cities metro area has long been home to a resilient and diverse population that has thrived in frigid temperatures and piles of snow. But even the the most delicate among us should consider Minneapolis for a cozy weekend getaway, with cozy accommodations, world-class shopping, and ample food and drink options to keep you warm. So bundle up and take in everything this city has to offer this holiday season with a weekend excursion to what many consider to be the heart of the Midwest. First up: where to stay? The Hewing Hotel, a rustic winter wonderland, makes for a perfect place to hang your hat (as well as your scarf, gloves, and jacket). Rich leathers, woolen plaids, and exposed brick and timber give a nod to the building’s roots – a farm implement warehouse. Nordic and Scandinavian influences are apparent throughout the building, from the cuisine at the hotel restaurant, Tullibee, to the rooftop sauna and hot tub pairing, which have all been inspired by the city’s rich Nordic traditions. In the snowy months, the hotel often hosts unique experiences like ice sculptures and ice shuffleboard to help its visitors make the most of the weather. With well-appointed rooms (each one unique, due to the historic nature of the building), every

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ROAD TRIPS guest has the perfect place to warm up after an adventure in the cold. These colder months can take much of the credit for the Minneapolis’s surprisingly memorable cuisine – after all, there’s nothing better to do on a chilly night than sitting down for a long meal in a lively restaurant. James Beard award winners and superstar chefs abound, and the local startup food scene is just as exciting. For a higher end night on the town, snag a reservation at Spoon and Stable, one of the darlings of the Minneapolis food scene, known for its French-inspired New American fare and jaw-dropping, mouth-watering plating, all set in a vintage carriage house. For a meal just as acclaimed (but a slightly hipper vibe), Young Joni hits the spot. Founded by Chef Ann Kim, the restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas and a diverse array of globally influenced dishes. Their speakeasy can be tough to get into, but is well worth the wait. For a more casual yet equally memorable night on the town, visit Hai Hai, where unique drinks and a floral atmosphere have redefined all expectations for Vietnamese cuisine. Order as much as you possible can – each dish is the making of delicious vacation memories for years to come. And if your sweet tooth is calling to you after dinner (or you crave ice cream year-round), Sebastian Joe’s is a colorful neighborhood joint churning out fresh and unexpected flavors. Looking for a drink to warm up or kick off your weekend getaway? Cobble Social House, which is just a short walk from the Hewing Hotel, offers an intimate cocktail experience. Order off an expertly curated menu, or chat up the bartenders, who are happy to mix something to your liking. For a full circle experience, check out Tattersall, a local distillery making top notch concoctions out of the spirits distilled on site. The giant chandelier hanging over the bar is the perfect glittering backdrop for a nightcap. And for those in need of some coffee to jumpstart the day, Spy House Coffee has multiple locations and has quickly become a Minneapolis mainstay since it opened its first location more than 20 years ago. Looking for something quick to drink on-the-go? Chicago-based favorite Fairground Coffee has a location near the Hewing, as well. Finally, it’s not a true weekend getaway without some shopping. Of course, the famed Mall of America is a short drive away, but boutiques of all types surround the area near the hotel and scattered throughout the expansive city. Don’t miss Parc, a minimalistic and thoughtfully curated women’s boutique carrying impressive independent designers. Martin Patrick 3 boasts one of the best

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913-647-9700 | www.marinerwealthadvisors.com 5700 W. 112th St., Suite 200, Overland Park, KS 66211 *Barron’s awarded the 2021 and 2020 #5, 2019 #4 and 2018 #3 Top RIA Firms ranking to Mariner Wealth Advisors based on data compiled for Mariner Wealth Advisors and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings to Mariner Holdings based upon data compiled for Mariner Holdings’ registered investment adviser subsidiaries. The number of firms included in the rankings were: 20 (2016), 30 (2017), 40 (2018), 50 (2019) and 100 (2020 and 2021). Barron’s publishes rankings based upon a number of criteria and the firms’ filings with the SEC were used to cross-check the data provided. The listing includes numbers of clients, employees, advisors, offices and state locations. The award is not indicative of future performance and there is no guarantee of future investment success. For additional information visit www.barrons.com. Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. MWA is in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which MWA maintains clients. MWA may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. Any subsequent, direct communication by MWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

ROAD TRIPS

selections of men’s apparel, shoes, and furniture that you’ll likely find anywhere in the Midwest. And for your home, stop into Foundry Home Goods, a warm shop with exposed brick walls and natural solutions to all your home, cleaning, bath, and beauty needs. Year-round, Minneapolis has so many merits. Whether you’re biking or cross country skiing, cooling down or warming up, the city truly has so much to offer. Whenever you do plan your visit, be sure to take in all the local gems the city has to offer – from its world-renowned art institute to its historic riverfront to the many neighborhoods defined by the richness and diversity that make Minneapolis one of the gems of the Midwest. If you’re brave enough to check it out in the winter, you’re bound to head home with full stomachs, full shopping bags, and full hearts, just in time for the holidays!

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

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THE AVANT-GARDE RANGE ROVER

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KC ORIGINALS

Kansas City is Home Base for Project C.U.R.E. but Touching Lives Abroad.

by ANNE KNIGGENDORF

Sister Andrea Kantner’s journey of serving others took a sharp turn with a shipment of Pepto Bismol in the early 1990s. For over 17 years, the Franciscan sister from Independence, Missouri, had lived and taught in Brazil and, on a visit home, gathered a modest assortment of medical supplies to send back. From that initial shipment, her project grew steadily until the scope was so large she needed more hands and more space. She joined forces in 2019 with the Colorado-based nonprofit Project C.U.R.E., and Kansas City is now home to one of seven warehouses for the organization. But on that visit to Missouri 1993, armed with only a list of supplies wanted by her community in the rainforest, a giant medical supply operation was not on her radar. All she knew was that those she served needed basic items – a popular one being the “pink stuff.” “Why would you be concerned about sending supplies like Pepto Bismol?” Kantner asks. “Well, what happened is many, many of the people have a lot of stomach problems. And the Pepto Bismol was helping to coat the stomach lining so that they wouldn’t get bleeding ulcers.”

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KC ORIGINALS

After that initial shipment, the community she served continued to ask if she’d arrange more. When she permanently returned to Independence in 1995, she did just that, minus the pharmaceuticals. For decades, she worked out of garages and basements to collect donated supplies like beds, gauze, and surgical tools from area hospitals – items that would otherwise be disposed of after equipment upgrades or due to rules about not keeping even unopened portions of surgical packets. Kantner filled 40-foot containers, first directing them to her fellow sisters in Brazil, then later to 31 additional countries, until the enterprise ballooned, forcing a move to a 9,000-squarefoot warehouse on the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist’s grounds. And because the work had grown and touched so many lives, it should have been no secret. Kristin Robinson, the Kansas City Project C.U.R.E. warehouse’s executive director, says, “No one knew about [the sisters’ mission]. It’s kind of like one of those best kept secrets in Kansas City.” And that may still the case even after the merger of the two organizations. At the time they came together, Project C.U.R.E. was coming off a year in which they’d shipped nearly $50 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to over 12,500 patients in 48 developing nations.

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KC ORIGINALS

In a nonpandemic year like that, the organization’s 35 employees rely on more than 25,000 volunteers nationwide – a sure way to get the word out about any organization. But before set-up was even complete in Kansas City, the focus switched to supplying personal protective equipment to domestic locations in need and was unable to accept a high number of volunteers. Robinson says that since late 2020, Project C.U.R.E. has returned to its original mission with its partner organizations like Children’s Mercy, the University of Kansas Medical Center, North Kansas City Hospital, and others. And Kantner’s involvement continues, as well. She now sits on the Kansas City Project C.U.R.E. board, but she’s also hard at work writing down every shipping story she can remember. She says every container is different. “I’m the only one right now that has had that long connection with the shipping. I need to get that done, so people will see how small the world has become by the shipping of medi-

cal supplies,” Kantner says of her new writing project. She remembers one time when a nursing home had ordered new beds and said that the sisters could have all the old ones as long as they picked them up. However, when volunteers arrived, they discovered they had too few mattresses for the number of beds. Those with no mattresses would do no good. Then Kantner had a call. An Independence nursing home had received a shipment of mattresses it didn’t need and wanted to donate them. “We got them, because the same man who was delivering the new beds at the nursing home was the same ones delivering those new mattresses at this other nursing home,” Kantner says. “He called and said, ‘Can you use these?’ and I said, ‘Yes, we’re missing that many matresses.’ The number lined up.” Kantner says that these seemingly chance connections have kept the enterprise strong and allowed it to become what it is today.

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

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“The Western View” by Mary Johnston, 50” x 70” original oil painting and cold wax on canvas.

“The Western View” by Mary Johnston, 50” x 70” original oil painting and cold wax on canvas. “The Western View” by Mary Johnston, 50” x 70” original oil painting and cold wax on canvas.

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HEALTH by DR. LINDA MOORE

Defusing Holiday Tension.

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Listening to so many people discuss life changes and challenges during the past two years, I’m aware of the questions many have around holiday plans. Travel? Tuck in and stay home? Stick with traditions? Try something totally different? How about simple peace and quiet? Regardless of the specific decision, most of us will have a family dinner, a work-related event, a neighborhood gathering, a few parties, and, regardless of the specific setting, it will be hard to avoid a few people who will want to argue about politics, or perhaps anything if enough “holiday cheer” is consumed. Consequently, and regardless of the actual topic of conversation that becomes potentially challenging … and indeed it could be about almost anything, I'm suggesting facing the challenges by feeling prepared, psychologically prepared. So I’m recommending a few suggestions to keep celebrations on a positive track, because, regardless of what you do for the holidays, you deserve relaxation and fun. Imagine enjoying a gathering where the most controversial

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comment possible is directed at you. The range of topics is vast these days, so just imagine basic controversy. (I think of an uncle who liked to demonstrate how much more he knew about psychology than I did; it had the impact of setting my hair on fire!) Distressing comments, both challenging and sometimes loaded, trigger the amygdala in the brain, similar to setting off the alarm system in your home or car. It sends an energy surge through your body and mind, preparing you to fight, freeze, or flee. And, unfortunately, that same energy can travel directly to your mouth. If you give the feeling a voice, things rapidly disintegrate in the majority of such interactions. Consequently, being prepared is the best possible solution. That means you are ready with one or two, or more, “automatic responses” for things said to you that are likely to annoy, stress, or upset you and motivate you to draw a line in the sand, determined to make your own point. Arguments can range from politics to an age-old family dispute, to an ongoing, divisive, work-related issue.

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Handel’s Messiah

Patrick Dupré Quigley, guest conductor Kansas City Symphony Chorus Charles Bruffy, chorus director Nola Richardson, Soprano Clara Osowski Mezzo-Soprano Andrew Owens, Tenor & Kenneth Kellogg, Bass The power of nearly 200 instruments and voices combined with the impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall provides a triumphant experience of Handel’s majestic choral masterpiece. Tickets from $30.

Christmas Festival

Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Kansas City Symphony Chorus Presented by Charles Bruffy, chorus director Your Symphony and Symphony Chorus present cherished Christmas carols, songs of the season and our exciting guest vocalists — Broadway star Ashley Brown and KC favorite Lee Langston. Enjoy a healthy dose of Christmas cheer! Tickets from $25.

Home Alone

Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor A true holiday favorite, this comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed by your Kansas City Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Tickets for the full-length film start at $40 for adults.

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HEALTH Even if you anticipate a totally peaceful holiday, and hopefully you do, here are a few conversational suggestions to help your holiday celebrations stay on a positive track, because regardless of what you do for the holidays, you deserve relaxation, celebration, and the pleasure of the company of those you celebrate with. If even minor conflict emerges, imagine you have a new way to respond to absolutely anything you know you disagree with or that sparks your annoyance, anger, and may possibly cause you to reply negatively, perhaps even confrontationally. Your response is: “Really? Tell me more about that.” Yes, say that. Make yourself say that, and then take a breath, sit back, and wait for a response. That short sentence from you can actually get the person to back off. But, if not, if the person just keeps talking, repeating an idea and attempting to draw you into their conversation, just stick with that semi-stoic level of interaction and follow up with: “I’ve never thought of that; can you tell me more?” Okay, these suggestions are driving you a little crazy? Regardless, see if it might just have the potential to calm you down. The reality is that the majority of people do not have the backup information for the commets they make, especially if controversial; and this suggested approach does mean you have of goal of calming tension. With this response, hopefully, you will begin to relax, because you are diffusing an argument before it can begin. The goal of the experimental response is: Diffuse the intensity. Avoid an argument. Decrease your own level of worry, annoyance, or anger. Increase moments of calm. Enjoy the dinner, party, event, conversation versus feeling tense and angry. Feel at ease and in charge, not in control. (You truly can’t control challenging people who want to argue versus have a conversation, but you can be in charge of what you say

and do in response to someone who wants to argue or simply stir up controversy.) If this sense of being in charge of the interaction appeals to you, here are more one liners to keep conversations on track versus escalating into argument: “You might be right.” If this one sounds a bit harder, remember you are saying “might” versus agreeing. “That is really interesting, can you suggest something where I might read about it?” “Is there a reference you’d suggest or a source you’ve found really helpful?” “Give me a minute to think about that.” And if you feel things are calm and you want to genuinely see if conversation is possible, try: “Are you interested in my thoughts about that?” “I hear what you are saying, and I’m glad to discuss it.” “I’m not sure I agree. Do you want to hear what I think?” The goal is to relax and enjoy the holidays, your family, friends, or colleagues that you want to spend time with. So do what you can to feel in charge. Express your interests and desires well in advance of the holiday event or gathering. Be in touch with what has meaning for you, what is genuinely fun and pleasurable. Be prepared to negotiate, because many of the people you know and love have their own ideas in mind for the best way to celebrate, especially this year. It truly does help when you think and plan ahead and create realistic and shared expectations. We all need a holiday that fits who and where we are in this quite different environment that we are managing. And, hopefully, managing more and more effectively. A final thought: Remember the holidays typically come with some guaranteed stress, so self-care is simply a good basic plan to have in place. Have a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year, and, as always, if you have questions or are looking for more information, you can always reach out to me directly.

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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The Power of Words. Stanley Banks is a poet. He’s published five books and won countless honors including the Langston Hughes Prize for Poetry. He’s also a professor at Avila University. But before all that and still, in your heart, you are the treasured grandson of a bootlegger grandmother. I write a lot about my grandmother, Georgia. She was a bootlegger but held the family together. She held the neighborhood at 10th and Vine together. I’ve had people, all races, say she sounds like their grandmother, or they wish their grandmother was like that. Forget telling me that you like my rhythm and the technical stuff, that’s the best compliment. My grandmother was always telling me that I was going to be somebody. To everybody else I was just a sloppy little kid. She was speaking me into existence. When I went to

college, people would say “Boy! Georgia said it about you, and, hey, you actually did it.” You know, I’ve said before, when they make my tombstone, whatever else it says, it has to start with “the grandson of Georgia Banks.” In addition to being a poet, you are a teacher. Teachers have a special place in your life, don’t they? Eleventh grade at Southeast High school changed my life. The teachers lifted me up. Ms. Gale in Current Affairs gave me freedom to be creative. I am still in touch with her to this day. She’s like a surrogate mother to me. Another teacher, Ms. Kizine, had the nerve to teach Shakespeare to a bunch of inner-city Black kids. Macbeth! “…a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury. Signifying nothing.” I was the idiot! I didn’t have a plan. It made me realize I had to find my way.

WINTER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 73

INTERVIEW I went back to Southeast to do my student teaching. Eight weeks for no pay. I had been away for about three and a half years, and, for some reason, these students had heard my name. In those days there was a popular TV show called “Welcome Back, Kotter.” I walked in the classroom and the students started singing, “Welcome Back … welcome back ...” Was it in 11th grade that you decided this poetry thing was your path? I was chosen to write the poem for my junior prom. So, I wrote about the traumas of life. Murder. Suicidal thoughts. Gunplay. Well, I had to sit down with about seven teachers. It was like an intervention. They said, we like what you’ve done here but a prom poem is supposed to be uplifting and positive. So, could you write something else. Now, my artistic self was insulted. But, then, I thought, People actually care what I write.

end of summer, I read 50 books. Miss Bartlett said, “I’m gonna write your report and say y’all should never been in this class.” But I should have because I really didn’t appreciate books until then.

What sets a teacher apart from the rest? A great teacher will make you do something great. The summer between 3rd and 4th grade, they sent a note to my grandmother saying I needed to be in summer school. I wasn’t reading the way I should have been. I was crushed because there goes my summer of playing baseball. The note said they would provide graham crackers and orange juice. I loved graham crackers and orange juice. The first day, Miss Bartlett, another amazing teacher, said, “Come in here babies. I hear you don’t like reading but I’ve got all these books up here about dogs and mountains and so many things.” Then, after we’d read, she had us talk about it. She made it so easy and nonjudgmental. By the

What is your process like when you sit down to write? There will be something that serves as inspiration, but when I really start making concrete progress it’s usually after midnight. I attribute it to my bootlegger blood. I’d be up with my grandmother, listening to the voices in her bootleg beerhouse. I heard the German voices, the Italian voices, the Jewish voices, the Polish voices. So, today, I think those midnight hours take me to that place. Over the last few years, for good and ill, we have all seen the power of words. For a poet, it must come as no surprise. Selection of words. What you can do. You can motivate them or depress them. You can either destroy people or pump them up.

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.

74 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

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EVENT CALENDAR

FOLLY THEATER 12th and Central Kansas City, MO 01.15 Jeff Lorber Fusion Trio, Keyboard, Composer 02.12 Anat Cohen Quartetinho, Clarinetist-Saxophonist 03.12 Paquito D’Rivera Quintet, Clarinetist 04.16 An Evening with Eliane Elias, Pianist/Singer/Composer

01.07–09

“Revolution”: The Music of the Beatles

01.14–16

Shostakovich’s Fifth, plus Gershwin’s Piano Concerto

01.20–23

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert

01.28–30

Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration

02.04–06

Prokofiev’s Fifth, with Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

02.10–13

Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi in Concert

03.03

Kansas City Symphony Chorus Concert

03.04–06

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

03.13

Buckets N Boards

FOLLY AMERICANA SERIES 12.17 Eileen Ivers: “A Joyful Christmas,” American Fiddler 02.18 Mark and Maggie O’Connor Duo, Grammy-Winning Violinist/Composer 03.05 Allison Moorer, Writer, Singer/Songwriter

03.25–27

La Mer and Brahms’ Violin Concerto

04.01–03

Pétrouchka, plus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

04.07–09

Sinatra and Friends

04.12–14

ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

04.22–24

Rachmaninoff’s Fourth Piano Concerto

05.20–22

The Music of Queen

06.03–05

Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony

06.09–10

The Music of the Rolling Stones

06.17–19

Sleeping Beauty with Sibelius Violin Concerto

06.24-26

Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth

KANSAS CITY BALLET All performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 12.03–24 The Nutcracker 02.18–27 Dracula 03.24–27 New Moves 05.13–22 The Wizard of Oz THE LYRIC OPERA Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, unless noted 03.11–13 The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs 04.30–05.08 Puccini’s Tosca THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY All Performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 12.10–12 Handel’s Messiah 12.16–19 Christmas Festival 12.22–24 Home Alone (film and live orchestra)

76 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2021

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Just in case… 01.30

Conference Championships

02.13

Super Bowl

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Hope springs eternal… 02.14

Pitchers and Catchers Report to Spring Training

02.26

Kansas City Royals Spring Training Opening Game

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TODAY Kansas City - WINTER 2021

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