Johnson County, KS June 2023

Letter from the Editor

We have always been a soccer family. When my second son developed an interest in baseball, I didn’t realize how much I would grow to love the game nor did I realize the incredible impact this game would have on his life. When Jack was in fourth grade he started to watch the Royals, and what started as an interest grew into an obsession. He couldn’t get enough of baseball. He consistently watched game highlights for every team in the MLB each week, learned as much as he could about the game and spent every waking minute that he possibly could in the backyard practicing and imitating what he saw in those highlights. Jack wasn’t naturally athletic when he was younger, but he loved the game so much that as time went on, the constant time he put into the game paid off, and what was once challenging to him became natural. Once he joined a team, the obsession grew, and he would ask his coach after every practice what he could do at home to develop into a better player. If he wasn’t eating or sleeping, he was relentlessly practicing. He lived and breathed baseball and his work ethic and drive made up for any inadequacies he had at that age as he developed athleticism.

His coach noticed he had the potential to be a pretty darn good pitcher, and with being a lefty, it ended up being a good fit for him. Watching him on the mound was so special to me because Jack sometimes struggled with confidence and could get anxious at times, but never playing this game. He could be put into any situation to help his team get out of a bind without ever feeling rattled. It always baffled me to see how much confidence he exuberated on the mound in any situation, and I realized it was where he felt most comfortable. Watching him play is one of my favorite things to do, and now that his last high school season is over, I am mourning the loss of something that I grew to love more than I can ever explain.

Watching him play this game showed me how much that work ethic, dedication, heart and grit can get you in life. Jack was offered a scholarship to play at the college level, and although he essentially decided to go a different direction, the fact that he was offered the opportunity is a testament to what hard work, great coaching and love of the game can do.

The men who coached him throughout his time at 3&2, Natural Baseball Academy and his 4 years for his high school team have been incredible role models for him and were a huge part of his journey and the person he is today.

Our June issue is dedicated to celebrating the men in our life. If you have a male role model who made an impact on you, reach out and let them know just how much they have made a difference in your life.

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, D. Leon, Judy Goppert, Lisa Moyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE

“ The rapid growth we are experiencing has necessitated more space for current employees, as well as for the significant number we anticipate adding over the next few years. We believe Airshare is one of the best places to work in Kansas City, and our new office at Aspiria will enhance our efforts to attract and retain the best talent in private aviation.”

The annual Big Slick weekend is back to support Children's Mercy

Big Slick hosts, Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner and Heidi Gardner are back for the 14th year to raise funds that directly benefit Children's Mercy pediatric cancer patients and their families. Over the years, the attention that Big Slick has brought to Children's Mercy has helped with their recruiting efforts attracting top medical and research talent from around the globe. For information on this year's events and to purchase tickets visit bigslickkc.org/events

"BioFit - Therapy Based Fitness Now Offers Group Fitness Classes in New Blended Formats!

From yoga to mat pilates, barre, and kickboxing, these uniquely blended classes will keep coming back for more. With over 200 years of combined experience, their instructors provide guidance with all the gains, without the pains. BioFit believes that exercise should not be a burden. You only have one body and deserve the best. Visit BioFitKC.com to learn more!"

GoodVets announces the addition of Dr. Boone

GoodVets, with animal hospitals in Prairie Village, Mission Farms, and Lee’s Summit, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Boone to its team of veterinarians. Dr. Boone practices both primary and urgent veterinary care, including a special passion for orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery. Dr. Boone lives locally in Kansas with his wife and children and their two pets, Bell and Brax. All first exams with Dr. Boone are currently completely complimentary.

The Art of the Cigar

Cigar lovers often wax poetic when describing the pleasures of a good cigar. Their experiences are tactile. Cigar smokers have frequently compared cigar smoking to romance. And it’s not just men who frequently pine over the virtues of lingering over a Perdomo or Montecristo.

Cigar smoking has grown in popularity. Many people enjoy the socializing aspect of it while some prefer to use it as a source of relaxation. As with wine, what people are looking for in a cigar can vary among individuals. Each person’s palate is unique, and each experience with a cigar is distinctive. When people buy a premium cigar they are looking for quality craftsmanship and often something that has specific taste, aroma or even burn characteristics. Every cigar is a beautiful, handcrafted piece of art.  Kansas City has a variety of cigar lounges around the city, and we wanted to share a few of our favorites.

DIEBEL’S SPORTSMEN GALLERY

Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery offers Kansas City’s most extensive selection of premium cigars, cigar accessories and gifts for men. The company is noted for its emphasis on service and its expertise in tobacco products.

426 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO

THE CIGAR ROOM

The Cigar Room, located in downtown Lee’s Summit, is your destination for premium cigars and cigar accessories. They offer a large walk-in humidor and smoking lounge with flat screen tv’s, Wi-fi and refreshments.

108 SE 3rd St. Lee’s Summit, MO

OUTLAW CIGAR AND BREWERY

With the opening of the North Kansas City location, Outlaw Cigar boasts craft brews, over 150 whiskeys and bourbons, live music, 13,000 square feet of leather lounge seating, 18 large flat-screen tv’s, a large humidor, cornhole gaming area and more. Visit the Overland Park location for lounge seating, poker tables, cigar lockers, large screen tv’s, a massive humidor and more.

309 E 10th Ave., North Kansas City, MO

OUTLAW CIGAR

13700 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS

FIRESIDE CIGAR

Fireside Cigar serves cigar lovers with a comfortable, relaxing, and refined lounge complete with several distinct seating areas, including luxury seating surrounding a unique 6ft fireplace, an enclave for small meetings and private conversations, two bars/workstations, outdoor sidewalk seating, and more.

15999 S Bradley Dr Olathe, KS

joy in WOODWORKING

As many artists can confirm, inspiration and passion are awakened early in life. With Glenn Daniels, it began with his grandfather who felt happiest when he was building. His father was also a woodworker. Now, in retirement, it is fulfilling his own life.

“My grandfather was a fairly gruff person unless you were interested in building things,” he smiles. “I can remember when I was around eight years old, I tried to build a chair out of spare wood from his workshop. It was one ugly, rickety piece of work. But my grandfather kept it sitting in the corner of his shop until he died, never breaking it down because I had built it. I still have some of the wonderful pieces he created such as a miniature grandfather clock with a pocket watch in it and a toy monkey. I also have some of the pieces my dad made including a folding table, a jewelry box and a waddling penguin toy he made for my first daughter’s birth. I copied the design from the penguin for one of my first projects.”

CONTINUED >

Originally from California, he attended a small college in Iowa where he met his wife, an Iowa girl. He taught four years at a very small school in Iowa, Scranton, where he was the entire science facility. He also coached everything from baseball and basketball to track.

He continued teaching in Iowa for 15 years before moving to Kansas to teach a year at Shawnee Mission South High School, then joined Olathe East where he coached cross country and track, and taught Physics, as well as classes in Chemistry, Astronomy and Student Naturalist for 21 years before retiring last year.

“I really enjoy making things from either recycled wood or branches I find on my walks or in forests. One of the things I have been building currently are what I call ‘craft beer bottle openers’ from branches. I have also made bird houses from 60-year-old cedar fencing. I have made quite a few charcuterie boards from black walnut I get from a local man who mills his own lumber,” he continues. “I enjoy finding weird pieces of wood and figuring out something I can turn them into.”

Daniels works either in his garage or driveway with his own tools, some he has had over 25 years. He has recently added to his collection, and when he sells some of his pieces, he will keep himself in wood and tools.

He is continuing his love of track meets and filling his time starting meets in both middle and high schools, and he and his wife work as field event officials at college meets.

So far this spring, he has started playing in several softball leagues, and plans to get back out on the golf course.

“I always attempt a garden every year, but I do not have a green thumb,” he muses. “I know retirement can be hard on some people, but I’m finding the key is staying busy by doing the things I like. So far, I am finding this retirement is a nice gig.”

His venture is called “Making Sawdust,” and he is working on a website. For more information and to see his work, email him at gcdan913@gmail.com Be sure to watch for him at local craft shows.

A New Way To Think About Boating

Do you love boating, but hate cleaning, maintaining, storing and insuring your boat? It’s commonly joked that the best day of a boat owner’s life is the day they buy the boat, and the day they sell it. No Coast Boat Club eliminates that mentality and brings the dream of boat ownership to reality. Members pay an initiation fee and monthly dues, in exchange for unlimited reservations and access to both Clinton and Perry Lakes. No more fighting the boat ramp traffic, cleaning, maintaining, storing or insuring your boat.

“New boaters, experienced boaters, retired boaters, families, couples of virtually all ages, are already loving the membership experience No Coast Boat Club provides. All you do is show up and go boating, everything else is taken care of for you,” Co-Founder Travis Andregg stated. The concept of a boat club is not a new one, as there are over 450+ clubs nationwide, and NCBC co-founders, Peter Meuisi and Travis Andregg, decided it is time to have the first Boat Club in the Kansas City Metro area. After the success of their inaugural year last season, and in preparation for the 2023 boating season, they doubled their club locations and fleet size.

NCBC prides itself on providing two locations at Lake Perry and Clinton Lake, as well as providing the club members with a wide vessel variety. Two wakeboard boats, a tritoon sport boat, two double-decker tritoons with slides and

a fishing crossover boat. All of these boats can be used universally. You can use all of them to fish, tube, wake surf, or just drop anchor and hangout. NCBC will be upgrading the boats every couple of years to ensure the members have access to the newest and best vessels on the market. The club provides training for all of its members, personalized for any level of boating experience, and focuses on members’ needs. “The most important thing about the club is making sure everyone feels at home and comfortable,” said Andregg.

“We are hyper-focused on our customers’ experience, and as avid boaters, it’s easy for us to put ourselves in the club members’ shoes. Eliminating the stresses of boat ownership and maximizing the dream of a flawless boating experience” Meiusi added. The club’s unique reservation software

system allows its members to pre-order food, drinks, toys and a variety of other items. “The member just shows up, we’ve got the boat loaded with everything they need for the day, and they go out and have fun. At the end of the day, we handle all the cleaning, fueling, and storage of the boat. You just hand us the keys and head out!”

So, while you are dreaming of warmer days just remember that joining a boat club is an excellent alternative to boat ownership for those who want to enjoy the boating

lifestyle without the high costs, responsibilities and hassles. With the No Coast Boat Club, members can have access to a variety of boats, prime locations, and social opportunities, all without the need for costly maintenance and repairs. So, whether you are a seasoned boater or new to the sport, NCBC can provide a great way to enjoy the water and create new memories.

Visit our website at  nocoastboatclub.com for more information or give us a call at 785-766-2987.

“The member just shows up, we’ve got the boat loaded with everything they need for the day, and they go out and have fun. At the end of the day, we handle all the cleaning, fueling, and storage of the boat. You just hand us the keys and head out!”

Behind the Paintbrush

A Kansas City artist is creating a new path after being given a second chance at life.

Wes Benson has been sober for six years now.The KC native remembers feeling hopeless, sleeping on couches, and having his focus center around getting his hands on a glass of vodka or oxycontin.

“I was really addicted back then, and then thanks to the help of many and the recovery world, I was able to get out of that rut and really start moving forward in a major way,” said Benson.

He decided to end this chapter of his life once and for all by seeking mental health treatment and decided to trade booze for a paintbrush and the painkillers for a canvas.

To Benson, this new chapter needed to tell a brighter story and his  lifelong passion helped him visually see it. The University of Kansas grad grew up drawing, and would routinely be featured on his high school and college newspapers. Even though he was certain he’d get into illustration, he ended

“Being an artist requires an almost psychotic persistence in order to carry on against the odds, it’s rewarding but it’s far from easy.”

“What they all share in common is light, which is, the number one component of everything visual, I’m trying to take an image and make it somehow better.”

up graduating  with a bachelor’s degree in History of Art. His passion eventually took him to the east coast where he went on to get his masters from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

“Being an artist requires an almost psychotic persistence in order to carry on against the odds, it’s rewarding but it’s far from easy,” added Benson.

The former Kansas City Art Institute and Park University instructor now paints exclusively with oils, creating representational works of art on subjects that he says are often disregarded. For example his latest pieces feature a crushed Diet Coke can and an array of gummy bears. The backgrounds are colorful and filled with vibrancy.

“What they all share in common is light, which is, the number one component of everything visual,” explained Benson, “I’m trying to take an image and make it somehow better.”

His current portfolio showcases his versatility as an artist, from landscapes, pools, to profiles, each piece unique but always matching in dynamic color and mark marking technique.

Benson says the secret and true challenge in being an artist is having a drive in creating pieces that outshine previous work. Currently, Benson’s  pieces can be found inside homes around the globe, fine art galleries in Leawood, magazines, and reality television like  ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

“If I’m completely satisfied with my work then I’ve stopped growing,” said Benson. “Five years from now my work should look better. That’s the goal.

While his work continues to be recognized and praised, sobriety carries a lasting impact on Benson. Inspired by his own journey, twice a week, he runs an AA group that helps men get back on the driver’s seat of their lives.

“I’m very passionate about recovery, because drugs and alcohol affect way more people than most people, will let on or think or know,” said Benson.

SMILE, YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR DENTIST APPOINTMENT

If your idea of the dental experience is uncomfortable, cold, and confusing, it’s time to give Leawood Dental a try.

“From the front desk to the treatment chair, we put patient comfort as the foremost priority, while accepting nothing less than excellent outcomes,” says Dr. Luke Joliff of Leawood Dental.

Leawood Dental has been privately owned and serving the Leawood community for more than 35 years. Since 2019, Dr. Joliff has been leading the 12-member team that also includes dentist Dr. Meghan Hamilton.

“Patients can always expect us to put them at the center of everything we do,” Dr. Joliff says. “We don’t just tell you but show you what we’re seeing with your oral health, explaining the pros and cons of all treatment options. Using the most up-to-date technology, patients can see every aspect of their oral health that we can observe clinically.”

With general treatments, cosmetic treatments, orthodontics and children’s dental care as well as emergency services, Leawood Dental offers full services, including tooth-colored fillings, periodontal treatment, root canals, fluoridation, crowns/bridges, dental implants, whitening and more.

“We give each patient individual attention and uncompromising care surrounded by an environment of honesty and professionalism,” Dr. Joliff says. “Our patients feel comfortable, cared for and welcome. We offer noise-cancelling headphones, impression-free scanning, televisions and the most comfortable oral sedation techniques. We utilize 3-D X-Rays, Smile Scans, and Intra-Oral Photography to explain everything that we see and all treatment options, including a comprehensive array of specialty procedures.”

ADVANCED TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

• Dental implants – the new standard care for missing teeth with creative options to restore dentition with more comfort and longevity, including “New Teeth In a Day” solutions, avoiding or converting from wearing dentures.

• Clear aligners - through reinforced and more discrete aligner material, more movement is accomplished in shorter time without uncomfortable, full-bracket braces.

• Impression-free 3D scanners - give more accurate clinical results without the outdated goopy impression material.

• CT Imaging - 3D scans through teeth result in more accurate diagnoses and safer treatments.

• Zirconia-infused porcelain - provide clinically stronger crowns with better esthetic results.

• Zoom! In-office whitening deliver dazzling results in patients’ smiles.

As the links between oral health and overall health continue to be documented, good dental care equals good self-care. “Restoring function and esthetics can dramatically improve a patient’s nutrition, self-confidence and longevity,” he says.

“WE DON’T JUST TELL YOU BUT SHOW YOU WHAT WE’RE SEEING WITH YOUR ORAL HEALTH, EXPLAINING THE PROS AND CONS OF ALL TREATMENT OPTIONS. USING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY, PATIENTS CAN SEE EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR ORAL HEALTH THAT WE CAN OBSERVE CLINICALLY.”

Dr. Joliff is a graduate of UMKC School of Dentistry. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from the University of Kansas. Before joining Leawood Dental, Dr. Joliff practiced dentistry in Oklahoma. Having grown up in Topeka, he is excited to be back in Kansas serving the Leawood community. He enjoys spending time with his wife Taylor, daughters Margot and Louise, and golden retriever Mac. When not focusing on dentistry, Dr. Joliff enjoys cycling, golf and cheering on his beloved Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawks.

Dr. Joliff is passionate about building beautiful smiles and great relationships with his patients. As a member of the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, he regularly pursues continuing education so he can offer the most up-to-date procedures and techniques in dentistry.

“Truly, the most rewarding aspect of my job is developing relationships with our patients. I love getting to know each patient, hearing about their background and life. I care for my patients on a personal level and find so much enjoyment in helping to improve their health and confidence.”

Leawood Dental is accepting new patients at their location at 11551 Granada St., Suite 200 Leawood, KS 66211. For more info, visit leawood.dental.com

CREATING A CORPORATE CULTURE OF GIVING

To adopt a culture of giving, the businessmen began with a purpose statement and their core values of growth, consistency, excellence, unity and service to others.

“A loving and giving culture is not taught but rather caught. This is the heartbeat of our company, and it helps us to stay focused on blessing others in both big and small ways.”

HOW A LOCAL COMPANY BUILT THEIR SOARING COMPANY ON INTENTIONAL GENEROSITY AND HOW YOU CAN TOO

Arise Homes Business Partners Austin

Chamberlin and Matt Mabe have created a culture of intentional giving, and it’s a non-negotiable tenet at their successful Overland Parkbased company.

“As a company that is passionate about giving back to the community, Arise Homes encourages everyone to look outside their own world, help those less fortunate, and be a part of something bigger than yourself,” they say.

In 2009, Matt and Austin started a property development company. Then, in 2018, while attending a Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) meeting, they met speaker Rick Betenbough, whose Texas company ranked in the 50th largest homebuilders nationwide. That relationship led them to start Arise Homes in 2019 with a new way of doing business, transforming their hearts for “marketplace ministry” and greatly impacting their families, team members and business outreach.

“Even though financial growth is important and rewarding, it comes when you get the other things right first,” they say.

Matt and Austin add that giving doesn’t always mean writing a check. Furthermore, they don’t wait for people to ask for help, they seek them out.

For example, they gave a single mom a new minivan because hers kept breaking down. They’ve coordinated meals for the hungry and served the homeless alongside Scraps KC. They give to their employees’ needs and match their employees’ gifts to others. Last year, they set aside a portion of profits to fund a giving account, donating more than $100,000 to non-profits and ministries.

Most exciting are the all-expenses-paid “Vision trips,” provided to employees and their families after employment of one year. “These trips foster growth and enhance relationships while experiencing the impact of what God is doing with mission partners locally and around the world.”

Vision trips have included working with the Palau Ministry Festival in Argentina, Narrow Gate Ministry in Tennessee, and Youth With a Mission Homes of Hope in Costa Rica.

“Traveling to Costa Rica to work beside a deserving family and YWAM staff to build a 16- x 20-foot home in four days for a family that lives in a shack is life-changing for them and for us. Putting a roof over their head, a lock on their door and working electricity provides shelter, comfort and protection, but it also helps change the family’s mindset from poverty to hope for generations.”

HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF GIVING AT YOUR WORKPLACE:

• Giving will look different for every company, so define your Purpose Statement to guide you. Then, simply be intentional. It’s one small step followed by another.

• Give from the first fruits of your business, not what’s left over. Whether it’s a good or bad market, pre-decide to be faithful to bless others.

• Generosity cannot be a seasonal fad. It must pump as the lifeblood of your organization, and it must start with the leadership.

• Meet monthly to discuss giving, ask for suggestions from your team, allowing them to be hands-on in working with not-for-profits.

• Remember, it’s truly more blessed to give than to receive.

“While we were worried about not having our coffee this morning, someone else was worried about not having a meal today. When we were worried about our cabinets being outdated, someone else was worried about finding a safe place to sleep tonight. This is the bigger picture we all struggle to see and are in constant need of reminders to maintain our perspective.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Theater in the Park Live Theater

SHAWNEE MISSION PARK | 8:30 PM

Enjoy live theater under the stars at Theater in the Park. Gates open on movie nights at 8:00pm. Movies begin between 8:30pm and 8:45pm

Disney's Freaky Friday, A New Musical June 2 - 10

Meet Me In St. Louis June 16 - 24

For more information visit theatreinthepark.org

Midwest Design & Furniture Fair

6000 COLLEGE BLVD. OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211 | 10:00 AM

Whether you are a designer searching for new products and ideas, a business owner seeking new suppliers, a manufacturer looking to increase sales, or a industry professional wanting to establish valuable connections – MWDAFF is the place to be.

DATES & TIMES

June 3 : 10 am - 7 pm

June 4 : 10 am - 6 pm

Grinnin' & Groovin'

IRONWOODS PARK AMPHITHEATRE | 9:30 AM

Join us every Tuesday in June for our popular Grinnin' & Groovin' series featuring concerts and entertainment for kids of all ages.

June 6 • Live Music, Mr. Stinky Feet

June 13 • Animal Amigos, What if Puppets’ Mike Horner & Jerry Mañan

June 20 • Better Together, Inspryal Circus

June 27 • Ringo's Sing Along Road Trip, What If Puppets' Meredith Wolfe

Youth Fishing Derby

SAR-KO-PAR TRAILS PARK | 9:00 AM

Youth Fishing Derby is a great way to share one of America's favorite pastimes with kids 13 and under. Participants will fish at Rose's Pond in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The catch-and-release event is free, but registration is required. Prizes for most fish caught smallest fish and largest fish. Register at Lenexa.com/GetActive by June 8.

Brunch and Bingo: Chicken N Pickle

CHICKEN N PICKLE OVERLAND PARK | 10:00 AM

Enjoy Sunday brunch and free Bingo every Sunday at Chicken N Pickle.

Stems: A Garden Soiree

THE OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS | 7:00 PM

Stems is a lovely garden party in the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the premier networking event in Johnson County! Sip wine, taste delicious food from top restaurants and caterers, enjoy art, music, fireworks, beautiful surroundings, and more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty

Custom Homes

Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.