Lee's Summit, MO July 2023

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The Livin’ Is Easy…

Celebrating the Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite parts of summer. Growing up in my small little mid-Missouri community, I looked forward to the carnival that came to town around the holiday (skee ball, anyone?), but my absolute favorite was gathering up blankets and snacks on the fourth, arriving early to the park to get a prime spot, and waiting anxiously for dusk to settle enough for the fireworks display to begin. Lying there under the stars, watching the sparkling, glittering pyrotechnic bursts of color, life was good. Simple. Sweet. Colorful.

To this day, Fourth of July fireworks displays still evoke a sense of nostalgia for me. The world has changed dramatically in many ways since my childhood, and I’m acutely aware of the blessings we experience as members of a free country. As they say, we are the land of the free because of the brave, and so stories about those serving our country like the one of LSN grad Lynn Martin in the Navy make me grateful. Because of the commitment of people like Lynn, our kids are able to enjoy carefree summers filled with swim and ski teams, festivals and popsicles.

This month’s issue is chock full of ways to find your own childhood wonder, from traveling regionally to find a bit of Sweden to exploring downtown Lee’s Summit, where you’ll find a new entertainment venue in The 1909 Club and a patio worth pausing for at Calaveras. It’s the perfect time to soak up the sun, seek out some new adventures, and enjoy simple pleasures. After all, it’s summertime and the livin’ is easy.

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Laura Maxwell | laura.maxwell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Maxwell, Daniela Leon, Allison Swan, MIndy Hargesheimer

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

1 909 Club

The 1909 Club in downtown Lee’s Summit is where music, cocktails and history intertwine. This swanky hidden gem nestled within Libations & Company invites you to experience its charming and elegant music hall.

Seth Allen and Ryan Studer are the owners and managing partners.

“I founded Libations & Company in 2017, originally located next door to our current location,” says Allen. “The original business model was focused on providing a curated selection of spirits, bitters, tonics, syrups, glassware and barware to stock the home bar. I focused on cocktail supplies and the culture surrounding the history of cocktail lounges. The model evolved to provide educational classes on making cocktails and then evolved once again as we began making cocktails for our patrons and selling the goods necessary to make all our drinks at home.

“As another layer of entertainment, I began to offer live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights; however, the space was quickly outgrown by the immediate success of live music. At that point, I knew I had tapped into a much needed and wanted source of entertainment. College friend and future partner, Ryan Studer decided he also wanted to be a part of this exciting and evolving business. Ryan and I both have the desire to provide the highest level of hospitality, finest quality handcrafted cocktails and the absolute best in blues,

jazz, soul, R&B and funk music. That is what The 1909 Club is all about, combining the best of everything we do, in a unique and beautiful environment.”

Choose from three unique seating options to enhance your experience. The suite seating, featuring custom leather furniture, invites you to indulge in handcrafted cocktails and delightful charcuterie with your closest friends and family. For a more intimate setting, the cocktail table offers a cozy spot to engage in quiet conversations while savoring your favorite libations. If you prefer to be at the heart of the action, grab a seat at the bar and watch the skilled bartenders craft their cocktails.

“The 1909 Club is located on our second floor—it was created to be a room musicians would love to play in and a place where music lovers could have an intimate experience and truly enjoy the music being performed. Studer was very interested in installing the absolute best in professional sound equipment to deliver the right sound. Our music hall is filled with custom-made leather furniture, handmade by the same company that made all of the leather furniture for the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame! Every piece of art, the lighting and the antiques selected were done to create an environment that pulls you into the experience. When you purchase a ticket, you get a show, and there is not a bad seat in the house.”

Sip on prohibition-inspired creations. From agave-infused delights to bourbon classics, their expansive and curated menu guarantees a taste experience like no other.

“We have a cocktail menu that is designed to help the uninitiated find the perfect drink and also for veteran cocktail aficionados to be delighted with classic cocktails prepared with the absolute best spirits, bitters and freshly squeezed juices. Our whiskey selections grow each, week and we always have a seasonal menu to intrigue you to try something new. Beer, wine and classic bar cocktails are always available as well.”

The special meaning behind the name of the speakeasy celebrates the year of the building’s construction.

“The building was constructed in 1909 by Todd George, locally famous for being an influential and very productive mayor. We wanted to celebrate the historical significance of the building and its prominence in downtown Lee’s Summit.”

The 1909 Club is located at 25 SE 3rd Street in Lee’s Summit. They’re excited to announce new upcoming weekly events, which include Blues Jam Night, Comedy Club Nights and Cocktail 101 Classes, all of which will also be offered for private events. For more information, visit givedrink.com

NAVY STRONG

It takes most people an entire lifetime to figure out their calling, but at 17 years old, Lynn Martin knew what she wanted to do and was eager to make it happen.

Born and raised in Lake Lotowana, the now Petty Officer 2nd Class graduated a semester early from Lee Summit North High School and was ready to follow in her family’s military footsteps.

“My mom and dad were both Navy, they were both corpsmen and then my stepdad, he was also Navy,” explained Martin, ”and both my mom and my dad’s side, they all have military in them so it was just kind of in my blood to join the Navy.”

As a newly enlisted recruit, she headed off to boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center just north of Chicago, Illinois. After successfully completing basic training, she was sent to Pensacola, Florida where she specialized in MH-53E aircraft training, a nearly 100 foot long naval helicopter that focuses on airborne mine countermeasures and cargo or personnel transport missions.  For Martin, the aircraft’s complexity is what compelled her to specialize in it.

“It’s a very small community, it definitely stands out from all the other aircrafts, it’s huge; it’s like flying a school bus,” described Martin.

After finishing training in Florida, she conducted additional training through the military’s SERE (Survival Evasion, Resistance and Escape) program. After graduation from that program, she joined her training squadron to further advance her MH-53E training.

Eight years later, her naval career continues to take this Missouri native all across the globe. She did two tours in South Korea, experiencing deployment during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic while working with foreign military personnel. It was that experience which helped her persevere through a pandemic in another country.

“While I was deployed out there, we do the same mission, we tow our equipment through water looking for mines and neutralizing the mines; we also do lots of cargo missions and work with Korean marines and do paradrops  with them,” recalled Martin, “we’ll load up the helicopter with 15 to 20 Korean marines, fly them at altitude and drop the out back and that’s fun working with them, seeing cultural differences and working with another country’s military.”

Martin is currently in Norfolk, Virginia as an active naval aircrewman while serving as an instructor within the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12. She is responsible

“THE AMOUNT OF DETERMINATION AND MOTIVATION YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN STUDYING THE HELICOPTER, AND WORKING ON YOUR PHYSICAL FITNESS, JUST HAVE TO HAVE THAT MOTIVATION, IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT, NO MATTER IF YOU’RE A GIRL OR A BOY.”

for teaching her students all about the MH-53E aircraft and how its systems operate. She says the biggest takeaway she wants her students to understand is the grind is ongoing, but it pays off.

“The learning just never stops, even though I am an instructor now there’s stuff I am still learning,” admitted Martin;” it hasn’t been the hardest part but coming up as a student you realize there’s so much to learn and once you get to the fleet you can actually start applying that and it becomes really rewarding.”

Martin’s role puts female leadership within the military at the forefront. She says while there are female aircrewmen, it continues to be a male-dominated industry and her hope is for more women to keep joining the career she loves while making it an even playing field for everyone.

“The amount of determination and motivation you have to have in studying the helicopter, and working on your physical fitness, just have to have that motivation, it is really important, no matter if you’re a girl or a boy,” said Martin.

Summer! Time for Lake Lotawana kids to make a splash.

YOUTH SAILING

Since Lake Lotawana was formed, people have been enjoying water sports in this beautiful setting. Kids of all ages dive into the youth sailing and waterski clubs, learning new skills, socializing and making new friends, and anyone who lives at Lake Lotawana can participate.

The Lake Lotawana Waterski Club was started in the late 1950s, and Lotawana legend Don Thompson was one of the Lotawana kids recruited to ski for a Kansas City TV special.

“Since the 1960s the Ski Club has been an organized group of families who enjoy waterskiing and performing at the annual Lake Carnival, ‘Lotawana Day,’ Sarah Frashier, current president, coach and boat driver, says. “Many of the current club members have grandparents who skied when they were kids. The Ski Club was a huge part of my childhood growing up at Lotawana. I took a few years off from skiing while in college, traveling and having a few kids. Once my own children were skiers, we’ve been all in for the last 14 years.”

The club has around 150 members, and some 100 skiers of all ages. They practice two nights a week from June through August. A typical practice takes 10 to 15 adult volunteers who drive ski and safety boats, act as safety swimmers/coordinators, rope coilers, coaches, costume directors and show directors while also skiing.

AND WATERSKI CLUBS HAVE BEEN SWIMMINGLY SUCCESSFUL FOR GENERATIONS.

A three-hour practice has two boats pulling skiers non-stop while they learn new skills, practice show acts or just have fun with friends.

“The Lake Lotawana Waterski Club is a very unique type of sports team. Our club is one of the only sports around where all members of the family are encouraged to participate,” Sarah smiles. “At any given practice spectators will watch in awe as children as young as three interact with teens and adults as old as 75 with one similar mission - enjoying the sport of waterskiing. Our club prides itself on providing a safe, encouraging environment for families to come together to learn new skills and have fun on the water. An underlying theme for the ski club has always been to ‘pass it on.’ Teach the skills that someone taught you to someone new!”

Kids are impacted by these multi-age teams that are family oriented. leading to friendships and camaraderie within the community.  They learn to set goals, conquer new skills, work as a team, leadership skills, communication, volunteerism and the joy of active fun.

All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Many of our skiers with special needs find a sport where they fit in and get to shine, and many members have taken their waterskiing skills to the next level and skied for college teams.

“My favorite part of the club is watching teenagers lead trainings, challenge each other to learn something new and take new members under their wings. I always enjoy convincing parents to ski and participate. It’s way more fun than sitting on the sidelines!” she notes. “I enjoy seeing the pure joy on a kid’s face the first time he gets a dock start, makes it around the full loop, or climbs to the top of a pyramid and waves to the giant crowd on show day.”

Their annual show is July 22 at 1 p.m. and open to the public. Kristen Falkenberg is the Youth Sailing Coordinator for the Missouri Yacht Club. She is in a long line of lake residents providing sailing instruction for the youth at Lake Lotawana.

“Lake Lotawana ski club and sailing are so great. I love it because I love to be outside and in the sun. Helping the littles learn how to do all the fun things gives me so much happiness to see them succeed.” -Graysen Chamblin

“The Youth Sailing Program started around 1953 when several lake families purchased sailboats for their children and friends of their children so they could learn to sail,” Kristen notes. “My father Chuck, who is now 77, was part of that summer program growing up. Several of the moms coordinated lessons, then races, followed by a lunch by the water. The mothers who ran my father’s sailing program were Midge Robinson and Betty Claggett. Over the years many moms and dads have volunteered

to be the sailing instructors for the youth sailing program. Currently, I work with Jenny Wickstrom to facilitate the three youth sailing programs at our lake. An interesting fact is Jenny’s mother, Paulla Martin, was our sailing instructor when we were kids!”

Since its inception, the club has become more organized, and they now do training through US Sailing, the national governing body for sailing in the United States, to be more effective with more participants.

Kristen believes the number one impact is this sailing organization at the lake builds a sense of community.

“I am still friends with the kids I sailed with when I was a kid, back in the 1980’s. I am now ‘Aunt Chicken’ to their kids,” she smiles. “The other impact is sailing is challenging physically, mentally and requires concentration. Our races are about 15 to 20 minutes for our young kids, which can be quite challenging, especially if they struggle.”

The weekend sailors (adults) can have races as long as an hour to 90 minutes.

These programs are for lake residents and renters, their family members, including children, grandkids, nieces or nephews.

“We do offer one regional regatta for experienced youth sailors from other lakes the Friday before Summer Solstice, which this year was June 16th,” she continues.

“Lake Perry hosts a youth regatta at the end of the summer. We hope to develop a regional connection for our youth racers.”

Lake Livin’

FINDING - OR RENOVATING - YOUR DREAM HOME IN LAKEWOOD

It’s summertime, and the lake livin’ is easy. Lee’s Summit is fortunate to have multiple options for homeowners seeking the amenities of a lake community, whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a second home. Lakewood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago and Raintree Lake each have their own culture and vibe, and while you can find new construction in each area, there are also a number of properties available for renovation.

With the abundance and popularity of ‘fix and flip’ reality shows, it can be tempting to think finding and renovating a property is as easy as they make it look on television, but local realtor Renee Amey encourages prospective buyers to enter into the home buying search with eyes wide open and a helping hand, especially when considering a purchase of an existing home in a lake community, where comparing apples to apples isn’t always easy.

“Having a professional, experienced realtor is key when purchasing an older property. You want them to look out for you. People often think it’s simple - all you need to compare is the square footage and age of the home with similar properties, but all lake communities have a range of caliber of homes, and pricing is not just based on age and square footage. There can be a significant price discrepancy, even when two houses appear similar on paper,” she says.

With the right help, though, buyers can turn a lake home purchase into an investment opportunity. Two houses Amey recently assisted with renovating and selling in the Lakewood area doubled their investment by updating key areas such as the kitchen, master bath, and outdoor living spaces.

“In a lake community proximity to the lake is important, and these two homes had premium lake positioning. The homeowners also worked with professional contractors to update their properties, which is crucial. When buyers are looking for help identifying viable options, I encourage them to find a realtor who has both the experience with the lake community and the contractor/builder connections to help them successfully renovate the home once they own it.”

Amey also says ensuring the outside of the home is updated is as important as the key indoor elements, especially in a lake community. Outdoor kitchen and living areas are components that will add to the home’s value, and freshening up landscaping can breathe new life into the curb appeal. Pools have become increasingly popular as well.

Lakewood’s timeless appeal for homeowners is amplified by the fact that it is the only local lake community offering both golf and lake access. The master-developed community boasts a spectrum of amenities that includes multiple pools and clubhouses, wide body water and coves that add character to the lake. Additionally, with its proximity to Highway 470 and address options for both Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs schools, it’s a great commutable choice for young families.

If you’re ready to turn your lake living dreams into reality, Lakewood may just be the place for you to make a splash.

For more information visit leessummitlakehomes.com and lpoa.com

HOMES AND AMENITIES PICTURED ARE IN LAKEWOOD.

216 NW Locust St, sold recently $1,300,00 720 NE Seabrook Circle, sold recently $2,300,000

SUMMER REFRESHERS AL FRESCO STYLE

Enjoy a seasonal frozen drink on the new patio space at Calaveras. This gorgeous expansive patio space boasts a frozen drink bar with palm trees and hanging baskets to accentuate the summer beach vibe you are looking for. All drinks come with a silk umbrella, and floater shots are available if requested. Be sure to request the custom made frozen drink named after The Lee’s Summit Lifestyle Magazine, called The Lemondrop Lifestyle. If you are wanting to make a Calaveras frozen drink at home, they have you covered. Here are a few of their most popular frozen drink recipes for you to enjoy.

HIBISCUS MARGARITA

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila

• 1 ounce lime juice

• 1/2 ounce agave nectar

• 1/4 ounce curaçao

• 1.5 ounce hibiscus syrup

Rim glass with salt. Add all ingredients to a shaker. Fill your shaker with ice, and shake well for about 1 minute so your ice starts to break. Pour into rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy!

DAIQUIRI

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rum

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup

Add all ingredients to a shaker. Fill shaker with ice. Shake well for 1 minute, breaking the ice. Use strainer and pour liquid into glass. Float a sliced lime on top.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Lee’s Summit.

Weekender: Visit Lindsborg

“Valkommen to the City of Lindsborg!”

Consider this your warm welcome from ‘Little Sweden USA’ located right here in our home state of Kansas! Founded by Swedish immigrants in 1868, the town of Lindsborg is known for its iconic Herd of Wild Dala Horses ‘roaming freely’ throughout the town and its wealth of Swedishinspired experiences.

One of Lindsborg’s most notable festivals, which occurs every other year is Svensk Hyllningsfest, and is next taking

place on October 13-14, 2023. This biennial celebration honors the Swedish immigrants who settled in the Smoky Valley in 1869. Started in 1941, the festival features traditional arts and craft activities, ethnic music and folk dancing, entertainment, a parade, delicious food, and most importantly the famous smörgåsbord, aka Scandinavian feast!

For a small taste of Scandinavian culture a mere road trip away, enjoy perusing our top picks to explore this weekend getaway!

this your warm welcome from

Sweden USA’

WHERE TO STAY:

The Roseberg House: Located conveniently across the street from downtown, this charming Victorian home dates back to 1885 and serves as Lindsborg’s most colorful bed & breakfast, complete with modern amenities.

LOCAL EATS:

Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery: This historical, rustic coffeehouse transformed from a blacksmith shop offers locally roasted and delicious drinks, a warm ambiance, and breakfast and lunch menus to pair with beautifully packaged coffee beans to take home.

Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream: Oozing all the Swedish architectural charm and offering homemade flavors like Lingonberry Swirl and Snickerdoodle, take a break from your exploration and indulge in a few scoops of rotating flavors or grab an ice cream sandwich to go.

The White Peacock: Lindsborg’s organic, quiet, and ‘quirky’ coffee shop offers an extensive menu of caffeinated drinks and more, such as S’mores Mocha, Italian Soda, and Frozen Hot Chocolate. Pair with a selection from their delicious cafe breakfast and lunch menus.

“Consider

‘Little

located right here in our home state of Kansas!”

BEER & COCKTAILS:

ÖL STUGA: This legendary local tavern established in 1977 is known for beer, wine, cocktails and deli sandwiches. The Ol Stuga is the gem of Lindsborg, Kansas with a rich history full of community and traditions.

LOCAL DESTINATIONS:

Wild Dala Horses: One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs, these creatively painted works of art are iconic to Lindsborg and make for the perfect photo opportunity. Each Dala horse is uniquely painted and can be found all around town.

Hemslojd: This Scandinavian gift store and workshop crafts and personalizes Dala Horseshaped souvenirs along with handcrafting other Swedish-style glass and wood items, including custom etched glassware, plaques and ornaments.

Coronado Heights Castle: Receiving its name from Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who visited central Kansas in 1541 looking for the Native American community of Quivira, it was here he was told “trees hung with golden bells and ... pots and pans were beaten gold.”

“For a small taste of Scandinavian culture a mere road trip away, enjoy perusing our top picks to explore this weekend getaway!”

Sunscreen Usage in Children: Protecting Kids from the Sun

As parents, our goal is always to have happy and healthy children. While keeping them away from danger is top of mind, one aspect of daily life you may not consider to be dangerous is the sun. It’s imperative to understand how sunscreen usage in children keeps your little ones safe from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. You don’t have to keep your kids out of the sun to keep them safe, but you do need to have some tricks up your sleeve to help them avoid burns today and long-lasting effects in the future.

The Risks of Sun Exposure—Today and Tomorrow

The goal of protecting your child from the sun is to avoid potential sunburns. Not only are they painful today, but their effects can be felt far into the future. That’s because of the damage to the skin caused by the sun’s harmful rays. In most cases, you don’t see the pink (or red) of the burn until after sun damage has occurred. And did you know that a minor burn is considered a first-degree burn, while prolonged sun exposure can result in a second-degree burn? The latter presents itself with bubbles and peeling.

The more sunburns incurred during childhood, the higher the chance of having skin cancer in the affected areas as an adult. Plus, a child’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, which means she can burn faster and more easily than you can. Too much exposure to the sun—and accompanying sunburns—can result in issues other than skin cancer, including premature aging and sunspots.

The Importance of Sunscreen Usage in Children

Before you send your child out to play on a beautiful summer day, be sure to lather him up with sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum option that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum provides comprehensive protection against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate to the deep layers of the skin, leading to skin damage in the future, whereas UVB rays reach the top skin layers and result in that immediate sunburn. Since most kids are active, in and out of water, and sweating, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen. Remember to protect kids’ lips as well, which can get chapped and burned by the sun. There are several options for lip balms with added SPF, a good addition to your pre-play sunscreen routine.

Best Tips for Applying Sunscreen

Until your child gets the hang of putting on sunscreen correctly, be sure to supervise and provide direction. There is a right way and a wrong way to administer sunscreen usage in children. Follow these suggestions for applying sunscreen:

1. Use it generously and cover all exposed areas of the skin. This can include the obvious—face, arms, and legs—but remember to apply sunscreen on the ears, back of the neck, and top of the feet as well.

2. Sunscreen usage in children is most effective when applied prior to heading outside. Read the label on your bottle and you’ll find that most suggest applying 15–30 minutes before heading out to ensure the sunscreen is properly absorbed.

3. Reapply regularly. This includes after swimming and when the child is sweating excessively. When your child comes inside for a drink of water, it’s time to reapply sunscreen.

4. Don’t limit sunscreen usage in children to sunny days. The sun’s rays can be harmful even on cloudy days, and when reflected off the snow, they can burn even faster. Make a habit of using sunscreen year-round.

Lead by Example

Our children are sponges, and they love to mimic what Mom and Dad do. Show your child that you are putting on sunscreen before you go out. Not only will this help them learn to be responsible about sun protection, but it will help you as well! Moms, consider face lotion and foundation with added SPF and let your kiddos know that you base your purchases on whether the product includes sun protection.

Protection Beyond Sunscreen

Sunscreen usage in children is key to good protection from harmful UV rays, but it’s not the only way to ward off sunburn and skin damage. In addition to a regular routine of applying sunscreen, include other protective measures, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing (some of which comes with UV protection!). It’s best to avoid playing out in the full sun when it’s at its peak, typically between 10 am and 4 pm in the US. If you must be outside then, take regular breaks from the sun and be sure to cover up.

We Care About Your Children’s Skin

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we are dedicated to the wellbeing of your children. If you have any questions or concerns about sunscreen usage in children or any other pediatric-related topics, we’re here for you. Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment for your little ones to thrive.

Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth Vasquez MPAS, PA-C to our team!

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know how important quality of care is to our patients. And that’s driven by the people providing the care.

Learn more about Elizabeth on our website at communitychoicepeds.com/our-providers/ along with all of our dedicated practitioners.