Blue Springs, MO October 2024 by City Lifestyle

A Taste of Fall

Welcome to the Food & Drink issue! As the crisp fall air settles in, our cravings shift towards comforting, heartwarming foods. Although I love summer, I must admit that fall is one of my favorite seasons. The season brings routine, delightful weather, cherished family time, and of course, delicious comfort foods.

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the founders and owners of Essential Eats Grazing LLC, a new local bistro and catering company. We explored their incredible menu, and I promise your taste buds are in for a treat!

The smells of fall bring memories to my mind, like watching football with my family on Sundays after church. Those days were filled with the warmth of home, and one of my favorite dishes, chili, was always on the menu. Just thinking about it brings me back to those cozy moments in my parents’ living room, with the delicious smell of food filling the air.

The skill of preparing a flavorful dish that not only pleases our taste buds but also rekindles memories is a true art. The fragrance of particular spices and ingredients can instantly remind us of our childhood, offering comfort and a sense of warmth. Food has a special ability to bring us together, whether we’re sharing a meal with loved ones or dining out. These experiences create cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Thank you for joining us on this flavorful journey. We hope this issue offers a little something for everyone and inspires you to savor the season. See you around town!

AUSTIN BREWER, PUBLISHER

@BLUESPRINGSCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Austin Brewer | austinbrewer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katarina Brewer | katarina.brewer@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Cheryl Leppert

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cheryl Leppert, Katarina Brewer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Cason, Kayley Adams

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

city scene

WHERE

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Dr. Craig Lee, owner of iMove PT KC at the Senior Truth Series. 2: The Shaun Ashley Team received awards from 2023 as Top-Performing Real Estate Agents at RE/MAX. 3: Floral dreams come true at Fleming Floral Station. 4: Back to School LUAU at Indoor Par Fore. 5: Plaza Heights kicks off the 2024-2025 school year. 6: Outdoor Nature Hike at Cedar Crest Lodge for the Summer Yoga + Wellness Retreat. 7: Once Upon A Smile team renews CPR/BLS certification through CJCFPD.

IMOVE

INDOOR

THE SHAUN ASHLEY TEAM

Meyer knows Music enjoyment

MUSIC! At Meyer Music we’ve been teaching, supplying instruments and playing music as a family for 58 years. We know that learning to play an instrument has a positive effect on school performance and offers enjoyment that lasts a lifetime. Whether you are new to playing the piano or an advanced pianist, Meyer Music is proud to offer teacher-approved Yamaha Arius digital pianos through our month-to-month rent or rent-to-own programs. Come in to play it for yourself, and ask about our private music lessons for your student or for yourself. It’s never too late to learn something new!

business monthly

All In Physical Therapy Celebrates 4 Years of Exceptional Growth

Founded by Tommy Frevert four years ago, All In Physical Therapy provides exceptional, personalized 1-on-1 care. Based in Blue Springs, the clinic has established strong community connections and supports local schools. Therapy at All In is challenging and enjoyable, focusing on understanding each patient’s unique needs for a safe and timely recovery. Now expanded to Lee’s Summit and Belton, it proudly serves the entire southeastern Kansas City Metro Area with dedication and gratitude.

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Primal Flow + Elemental Renewal Yoga Wellness 2025 Retreat

Experience 6 days of transformation at Xinalani, Mexico’s top wellness resort and yoga retreat. Find an inspiring hideaway with beautiful rooms, healthy Mexican food, and eco-friendly activities. Xinalani is dedicated to spiritual growth and personal wellness with its inspiring yoga studios. Join us in paradise from June 2nd to 7th, 2025, and elevate your well-being. For more info visit: https://www.trinitywellnesskc.com/yoga-wellness-retreats.html

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Dazzling Divas: A Night of Fashion and Philanthropy

Dazzling Divas is a fashion show hosted by One Community Hospice & Palliative Care to benefit Cancer Action. This event features local community models, including cancer survivors, showcasing fashions from The Parlor and More Excuses, and designer Nataylia Meyer. Enjoy a cocktail hour with silent auctions and raffles, followed by dinner and a fashion show. Join us on Friday, November 1st at 6:00 pm at Adams Pointe Conference Center. For tickets and sponsorships, visit https://raz.mobi/CancerActionKC/ticketRegister?campaignId=1569

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Photography by One Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Photography by Trinity Wellness

Photography by All In Physical Therapy - Blue Springs

ARTICLE BY CHERYL LEPPERT

ESSENTIAL EATS GRAZING, LLC | A CAFE & CATERING KITCHEN

FOOD AS ART

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CASON AND KAYLEY ADAMS

“THE

“We believe that good food and good company help to fuel a positive and healthy lifestyle.”

Some people see food as, well… food! But Kayley and Tyler Adams, owners of Essential Eats Grazing, LLC, see food as a way to bring people together and a way to change lives.

“No matter what life throws at you,” says chef and business founder Kayley,

tableaus are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the tastebuds. Co-founder Tyler says they love showcasing quality, locally sourced ingredients, arranging them to highlight color, texture, and design. “Every item has a story,” he says. “It was grown somewhere, made somewhere, by people who care.”

Grazing! Essential Eats Grazing’s specialty “Grazing Table” options are curated spreads of charcuterie

FOOD IS AMAZING—THE BREAKFAST AVACADO TOAST BOX WAS SO GOOD!”

“at the end of the day, we all have to eat. Everybody. Every culture, every race, every person. It truly is essential.

“But eating can be so much more than simply taking in nutrition. Whether you’re gathering with your loved ones or business associates, getting married, or going on a first date – it can be a meaningful event that leaves a lasting impression.”

At their new cafe & catering kitchen, located on South 7 Highway, Kayley and Tyler take “grab & go” dining to the next level, with seasonal salads and fresh dressings, gourmet soups, assorted sandwiches on croissants or as wraps, plus sweets, gluten-free goods, quality coffee, and scratch-made coffee syrups. Pre-order what you want, or drop by the cafe on weekdays.

As caterers, they also go above and beyond. Their selection of high-quality artisanal and nutritious ingredients, freshly prepared meals, and culinary

and cheese items that are feasts for your eyes. You can create a custom table, selecting from fresh handcut meats and cheeses, fresh and dried fruits and nuts, honey, dark chocolate, fresh-made herb butters, hummus, chutneys, dipping sauces, and a variety of breads and crackers. Specialty Grazing Tables range from sushi to breads and spreads, cheese only, fruit, or crudité boards. Appropriate for five people or 500, they are perfect for celebrating a special occasion, watching a big game, or enjoying a fun date night in!

Dietary restrictions? No problem. Vegetarian and vegan options are on the menu, created with intention, not as an afterthought! Specialty ingredients include a selection of vegan meats, cheeses and herb butters, agave, and cornichons. Food allergies can be accommodated.

Fine Dining Where You Are. Want to impress your friends or host a fancy

dinner party? Essential Eats Grazing has you covered with beautiful & elegant place settings for up to 8 guests at your home or business, with seasonal menu options, executed by Chef Kayley.

Business Catering: These breakfast or lunch boxes or platters are not your usual bagels with schmear. Enjoy pearl sugar waffles with fresh fruit and nuts, or breakfast burritos - even avocado toast - for breakfast. Equally unique, fresh, and satisfying lunchtime grazing tables, boxes or platters are available for pick-up or delivery Monday-Friday.

Customers are already raving online, with comments like these:

“I love that you are using LOCAL products at their peak of freshness & taste.”

“This place is amazing! The food is fresh and the salad was fantastic. I highly recommend.”

The owners make a great team. Both began their careers and met while working in catering for corporate and higher education institutions – Tyler with a degree in hospitality and restaurant administration, and Kayley with a bachelor’s in Culinary Nutrition.

“I loved that the culinary degree program focused on plant-based culinary techniques, using nutritiously-sound (research-based) cooking methods, that allowed me to pursue a career as a nutritionist,” Kayley explained.

“FOOD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER & CREATES LONG-LASTING MEMORIES.”

“It was so rewarding to guide people toward improved health and well-being, through better nutrition,” she continued, “but my heart has always been in the actual preparation of the food. I am passionate about bringing food to life. I couldn’t wait to get back into the kitchen again.”

Tyler shared that their team works hard to understand what your event means to you, and they craft the menu to bring that out through food. “Dining together can create a memory, or re-create a memory. Who hasn’t smelled something cooking as they walked into a room and felt like they just stepped into their past?”

Together, Kayley and Tyler want to help cafe customers and catering clients, alike, create beautiful moments through dinner parties, catered functions, or even weekly meals, adding: “We hope to see you soon, and thank you for all your support in this new endeavor for us!”

DISCOVERING LOCAL FLAVOR

A Guide to Some of the Best Food Trucks in Town

Local food trucks have become vibrant symbols of culinary innovation and community spirit. Bringing diverse, flavorful dishes to neighborhoods, they showcase the creativity of local chefs and enhance our culinary landscape. These mobile kitchens celebrate local flavors and entrepreneurial spirit, turning everyday dining into a unique experience.

GOCHEW

GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich, Kansas City’s first Korean American fast food truck, was founded by Joohae “Chewy” Yoon. To introduce Kansas Citians to Korea’s irresistible flavors, Chewy has combined classic American favorites with sweet and savory Korean spices. “In college, I would cook Korean food for my friends. Over time, I learned how to adjust traditional recipes to make them more accessible,” says Chewy.

The name “GOCHEW” puts an American spin on “gochu,” the Korean word pepper - a key ingredient in Chewy’s recipes. His dishes infuse Korean-based sauces and flavors into American staples like burgers and sandwiches.

go-chew.com

Owner Keshia Clark is redefining the local food truck scene with KC’s WingBar. Specializing in high-grade chicken and offering over 12 unique sauces and seasonings, they cater to every palate with options ranging from spicy to sweet. The 1977 Chevy box van adds a nostalgic touch to their mobile dining experience, reflecting Kansas City’s rich culinary culture. With accolades like “Best Food Truck” at the 2023 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, and partnerships with major entities such as the NFL and Costco, KC’s WingBar blends passion and excellence in every serving.

kcwingbar.com

Dylan and Michael started working at the Melt Box as a fun side gig and fell in love with food trucking. After graduating from UMKC in 2020, they seized the opportunity to buy the truck from the original owners, Justin and Chris. Today, Melt Box features a storefront in the Iron District and two trucks. The Melt Box delights customers with 16 rotating flavors out of a selection of about 40, plus a complement of more than 20 toppings. “Nothing beats the joy of seeing our customers’ faces light up,” Dylan and Michael express.

meltboxkc.com

KC WingBar

Melt Box Ice Cream

Vee’s BBQ & Casual Catering, owned by Arthur Varner, might be a mouthful to say, but it’s certainly a feast for the taste buds. This award-winning food truck is renowned for delivering BBQ bliss. Staying true to the KC BBQ tradition, Vee’s cooks all meats low and slow over a pit, preserving that irresistible smoky aroma and flavor, and then coats them in a unique tangy BBQ sauce. Indulge in tender brisket, juicy chicken, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, each accompanied by homemade potato salad and crispy toasted bread.

veesbbq.com

Tierra and Shannon Miller, have served as pastors at The Cure Church Blue Springs for over two years, and always had a passion for food. After years of delighting friends and family with their cooking and catering, their supporters encouraged them to take their culinary talents to a food truck. This support inspired the creation of KC Bowlritos.

KC Bowlritos offers a flavorful mix of dishes, serving up burrito bowls, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas, adding a fresh and exciting twist to the local food scene.

Instagram: @kc_bowlritos

Nomad Coffee and Tea, a family-driven business in KC, was founded by high school sweethearts Halie and Stephen Jones, alongside Stephen’s parents, Mark and Cheryl. Starting with a tea booth at Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest, they transformed a 1970 camper into a unique mobile café during a 2020 family project. Their menu features hand-squeezed lemonade, specialty cold brew lattes, and seasonal creations like the Pina CoLATTE. With offerings ranging from simple cold brews to elaborate drinks with boba, they aim to provide something for everyone. At Nomad Coffee and Tea it’s more than just a drink; it’s about connection and community.”

Facebook: Nomad Coffee and Tea

Vee’s BBQ & Casual Catering KC BowlRitos

Nomad Coffee and Tea

GHOULS

JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

Your whole family is INVITED to join us for our very first Costume Contest! Everyone can enter to win! Just come by our store during regular business hours while in costume. We will take your picture and enter it into the contest. Entries will be accepted October 1st-30th, and the winner will be announced October 31st at our Halloween Party! No purchase necessary, and you don’t need to be present to win. Text/Call 816-383-3305 for all the details!

REMEMBER: We offer FACE PAINTING and Event Makeup!

ALSO! We would LOVE to “Put a Hex on You!” this month! Any purchase of two cosmetics or more, you will receive a FREE Hex Roll-On Deodorant! Conditions Apply.

MERLENORMANSTUDIO.COM/MO | 816-220-1248

ESSENTIAL PREP STEPS to winter-proof your home

HOW TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR COLD WEATHER

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER

As winter approaches, ensuring your home is ready for the chill is crucial. Local real estate agent, Amy Arndorfer, offers some essential steps to keep your space cozy and efficient.

1. INSULATE EFFECTIVELY

Cold Missouri air can sneak into your home and drive up utility bills. Start by inspecting your attic for any thinning insulation. If necessary, call an insulation contractor to enhance your home’s defenses. Don’t overlook weatherproofing windows and doors— install storm doors or door sweeps to help seal gaps and apply caulking to windows to prevent drafts and keep the warmth inside.

2. PROTECT YOUR PLUMBING

Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Prevent this by covering exposed pipes with pipe sleeves, available at hardware stores. Additionally, disconnect and store garden hoses, and insulate outside spigots to protect them from freezing temperatures.

3. SERVICE YOUR FURNACE

A malfunctioning furnace in the middle of winter can leave you shivering. Schedule a pre-season inspection to ensure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance improves performance, saves on energy bills, and extends the life of your system.

4. ADJUST YOUR CEILING FAN

To maximize heating efficiency, set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise during the winter. This helps push warm air down into your living area. In the summer, reverse the fan counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. A simple button on the fan’s side usually makes this switch effortless.

By following these tips, you’ll keep your home warm, efficient, and ready to handle the winter weather with ease.

PAWPORTUNITIES: transforming ANIMAL LIVES

Pawportunities is on a mission to transform lives through compassionate animal welfare. They serve our community with essential services like low-cost vaccination clinics, and trap/neuter/ return programs for cats. They also assist people with pet food and run various educational programs within our local school districts.

Their adoption process involves a detailed application, ensuring pets are well-matched with families. By carefully aligning each animal’s needs with potential adopters, they aim for successful, lifelong placements.

Despite their efforts, Pawportunities faces significant challenges: declining adoptions, increasing surrenders, and the return of euthanasia due to overcrowded shelters. Addressing these issues requires a collective community effort. Simple actions like spaying and neutering pets and avoiding abandonment can make a big difference.

Pawportunities has diversified funding sources to sustain its mission, including mobile grooming services and an upcoming low-cost veterinary clinic. Donations are crucial, particularly for the specialized medical needs of animals in their care. Their future vision includes a comprehensive animal welfare complex in Blue Springs, offering everything from veterinary services to a modern dog park.

Pawportunities recently added a mobile grooming service to diversify our revenue and stabilize the variations in adoption income.

Community support is vital. Pawportunities offers a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities, including shelter cleaning, dog outings, walking dogs, caring for cats at their PetSmart partners, participating in adoption events, and assisting with fundraising. Beyond hands-on animal care, roles are available in marketing, event planning, fundraising, and educational programs. Join Pawportunities and find a volunteer position that aligns with your interests and skills!

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER

Leading the Way in Life-Changing Animal Welfare

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER

What Those Dashboard Lights Really Mean

Christian Brothers Automotive’s Guide: How to Read and Respond to Your Vehicle’s Warning Lights

Have you ever wondered what a light near your car’s gauges means? You’re not alone. Your car’s computer manages many complex functions, and understanding these lights can be crucial. Tim Porter, from Christian Brothers Automotive in Independence, offers a guide to help you decode these indicators and decide on the appropriate actions.

1 Check Engine Light: This indicates that the engine’s onboard computer has detected a malfunction, which could range from minor to major. Without further investigation, it’s hard to assess the severity.

2. Battery Light: This light signals a problem within the entire charging system, not just the battery. It usually means you’re at risk of being stranded soon, so it’s best to find a safe place to pull over and park as soon as possible.

3 Coolant Temperature: This light indicates that the engine is running hotter than recommended. If you continue driving it could cause further damage, so check to see why the engine is overheating as soon as possible.

4 Oil Pressure Warning: This light suggests low or stopped oil flow. Turn off the engine immediately, as it could be due to a faulty sensor/switch or a serious engine issue.

5 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This light indicates a tire is over- or under-inflated, or that the system has lost signal from one or more tires, especially if you’ve changed tires without updating the settings. A flashing light suggests a lost signal.

6 ABS-Traction Control-Stability Control: A solid light indicates a malfunction in the wheel speed or brake system. A flashing light means low traction on the road, so proceed with caution to maintain control.

Always use your best judgment to ensure your safety when pulling over, and let these tips assist you in making informed decisions to maintain and get the most out of your vehicle.

Tim Porter grew up in the automotive industry and was influenced by his father’s role as a Phillips 66 Service Station Manager. Tim began his career at Auto Parts in 1997. Tim joined the Christian Brothers Automotive organization and has been serving the metro area since 2013.

SER VI NG UP S OUP

Fall’s most notable comfort meal

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)

• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded

• 5 celery stalks, sliced

• 8 carrots, sliced

• ½ onion diced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ cup half and half (optional)

• 1 package egg noodles

• Salt and pepper to taste

•

DIRECTIONS:

In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.

Pumpkin Cuties

• Cutie Mandarin Oranges

• Celery Sticks

Peel the cutie mandarin oranges and cut celery sticks into 1-inch long sticks.

Cut each slice of celery into thirds or fourths and insert celery sticks into the center of the peeled oranges.

Oreo Spiders

• Oreos

• Candied Eyes

• Chocolate Chips

• Pretzel Logs

Break pretzel rods in half and stuff them into the Oreo cookies to form the spider legs. Melt the chocolate chips until smooth.

Use a toothpick to place the melted chocolate onto the Oreos where the eyes will go.

Immediately place the eye candies onto the melted chocolate. Place the Oreos in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.

cuterie SPOOK-

A SPOOKY SPIN ON THE CLASSIC CHARCUTERIE

ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS

Spook-Cuterie is a cutie Halloween snack for pre- or post-trick-or-treating. This spooky spin on the classic charcuterie board will excite the kids and provide a few nutritious nibbles before they fill up on too much candy. Whether you bring this to the school party or set it up while everyone gets in their costumes, fun MUMMY-ries will be made.

Nutter Butter Ghosts

• Nutter Butter Cookies

• White Melting Chocolate

• Mini Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

1. Gather together the items.

2 .Arrange and style according to your party aesthetic.

3. Add extra items, such as crackers, chips and cheeses.

Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 15-second increments. Stir between increments until the chocolate is fully melted.

Dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place the coated cookie on wax paper to dry.

Press the mini chocolate chip to make the eyes and mouth before the chocolate dries.

Blackberry Bats

• Bat Shaped Cookie Cutter

• Blackberries

• Candied Eyes

Place the cookie cutter on the charcuterie board and fill with blackberries. Place candied eyes to make the eyes of the bat.

4. Fan out additional fruits and veggies.

5. Celebrate and make the days leading up to October 31st memorable!

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

OCTOBER 1ST – 31ST

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Merle Norman - Blue Springs | 10:00 AM

Attention all witches, goblins, and ghouls! Unleash your spooky spirit in our thrilling Halloween costume contest! Visit us at Blue Springs Merle Norman Cosmetics from October 1st to 30th in your costume for a chance to win a special treat. Our judges will pick the best look! Winners announced at our Halloween party on October 31st. No tricks—just treats!

OCTOBER 1ST – 31ST

Pumpkin Hollow

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 10:00 AM

Be sure to visit the charming Pumpkin Hollow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead for an exciting family fall adventure. Open throughout October, enjoy a horse-drawn hayride with a hay slide and a pumpkin-picking patch. Tickets are available on-site. For more details, visit www.artsandrec-op.org/farmstead/pumpkin-hollow/

OCTOBER 12TH – 13TH

Dozer Day

Truman Sports Complex - Gate 6 | 11:00 AM

Dozer Day is an electrifying adventure where kids can operate massive construction machines with a pro by their side! It’s a dream come true for kids and a blast for the whole family. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the world of construction and connect with industry careers. For tickets and more information go to www.kansascity.dozerday.org

OCTOBER 12TH

Brew at the Zoo

Kansas City Zoo | 6:30 PM

Head out to the Kansas City Zoo for an adults-only night of live music, food trucks, and samples from over 35 local breweries and wineries. This year’s Brew at the Zoo highlights the Matchie’s Tree Kangaroo. Your ticket also includes access to GloWild: Legends & Lore. All the details can be found at www.kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo

OCTOBER 27TH

Yoga + Brew at East Forty Brewing

East Forty Brewing | 11:30 AM

Join Trinity Wellness for a 60-minute Yoga + Brew session at East Forty Brewing. Experience a fun, chill, Vinyasa flow with guided breathing and upbeat music, suitable for all levels. Enhance strength, flexibility, and focus while relaxing your mind. Not into craft beer? Enjoy kombucha, cold brew coffee, ginger beer, delicious pizza and appetizers!

OCTOBER 31ST – NOVEMBER 3RD

American Royal: World Series of Barbecue

The Kansas Speedway

Dive into barbecue paradise at the world’s largest barbecue contest! Catch top competitors from around the world as they battle for the Grand Champion title while you savor food, drinks, and music all weekend long. The American Royal offers weekend passes for $40, but only for a limited time. Visit www.americanroyal.com/bbq to purchase tickets.

Investing in and suppor ting our communities

Working together to make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and the community. For more information, contact your Edward Jones Financial Advisor.