Lee's Summit, MO October 2024

Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

Take Advantage of Open Enrollment

If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully.

First, look at your 401(k). Can you afford to increase your pre-tax contributions? Is your investment mix still appropriate for your needs? You may be able to make changes to your plan at other times of the year, but why not take action during open enrollment?

Next, how about insurance? Your employer may offer life and disability insurance at low or no cost, but these coverages may be insufficient, so you might need to add to them with outside policies.

You might also be offered a flexible spending account or a health savings account, both of which let you contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. To take part in a health savings account, you do need to be enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan.

Make the most of your benefits package — it can be a big part of your overall financial picture.

Making Memories In The Kitchen With Children

Cooking with young children offers numerous benefits that extend beyond simply preparing a meal. Engaging kids in the kitchen can be an enjoyable, educational, and bonding experience for both parents and children.

Some key benefits include developing fine motor skills, encouraging healthy eating habits, improving math and science concepts, enhancing lan guage skills, building self confidence and independence, promoting creativity, strengthening family relationships, encouraging patience and responsibility all within a fun environment.

Recently I discovered that my grandson’s love language is without a doubt, food. He will snuggle up close and nuzzle his head up to mine when I give him food.  His go-to play activity is pretending to cook with real pots and pans, spoons, and empty spice bottles with just enough residue left around the top to smell and taste. He always selects the largest possible pots or pans that are nearly his height to drag around.

It dawned on me that even though he is only 17 months old, that he might enjoy cooking something with real ingredients if I kept it simple and tangible for him.  I decided to make sweet potato biscuit bites with him. It was simple, healthy and would include mashing, rolling dough, as well as cutting them out into little shapes. I knew participation was the goal and I hoped he would make the connection with what he was stirring together with the final product.

It was exciting to see how focused and attentive he was. He loved the biscuits and clearly understood the process of placing them into the oven and then having a treat to enjoy.

Now when I visit he not only pretends to cook, but points to the oven and squeals with excitement!  I believe he is already beginning to attach foundational memories of fun, love, and joy over the cooking experience as well as time with Nana.

I would encourage you to find very simple recipes that you can experiment with your kids, regardless of their age.  Cooking with children is more than just about making food—it's about making memories. Whether it's a messy kitchen or a perfectly baked cake, every moment spent together counts. So grab your aprons, embrace the chaos, and enjoy every second. Happy cooking!

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Jenny Vergara

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

Whether you are in need of emergency repairs, want to be proactive with preventative maintenance, or are looking for a more energy efficient system which could lower your utility bills, we are here to help. Call us today and become part of the AFC family! We are proud to be a family-owned, local business.

For nearly 70 years, families all across the KC metro have trusted the team at AFC Heating and Cooling for their HVAC needs. We are honored to serve our loyal customers each and every day and are proud to be part of the community

city scene

November 15, 2024

6:00-9:00 pm

The Pavilion at John Knox

BOURBON

Sponsorships and Tickets available at feedLS.org

“

— Chuck F.

INSTILLING THE CONFIDENCE IN THE KITCHEN

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Cooking with Leo

Cooking with your children and allowing them the opportunity to try their hand at preparing food instills not only a love of cooking but also provides them with confidence. While a little patience is needed when first teaching a young child skills such as breaking an egg or measuring correctly, eventually through trial and error, the fine motor skills develop to prepare a recipe independently. The act of preparing a dish together with a parent or grandparent helps build long-term memories.

Smells associated with making a certain dish have a potent and influential marker for memories. Science proves that our sense of smell has the ability to evoke long-term memories because it is strongly tied to our autobiographical memory that is often tied to experiences that are created early in life. Oftentimes, just the smell of something as simple as pie baking in the oven or chili on the stovetop can bring someone back to their childhood kitchen table.

The trick is to start small. Let your children at an early age play with bowls, mixing spoons and measuring cups. Practicing the motions in free play all helps with fine motor development. Start with letting them scoop dry ingredients in a bowl or use a rolling pen to flatten cookie dough. As they get more comfortable with being a part of the process, add in more steps that they can do with assistance or completely on their own. It is okay if the measurements aren’t just right. Expect it to be a little messy and not perfect, and that will keep your patience intact and your expectations realistic. Positive reinforcement and encouragement about their efforts will just further increase the child’s interest in cooking, and eventually they will be independent and confident in the kitchen.

These simple and delicious animal crackers and alphabet sugar cookies are the perfect sweet treat to make with your young emerging little chef in training.

CONTINUED >

ANIMAL CRACKERS

Ingredients:

• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 cup oatmeal

• 4 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• 4 tablespoons buttermilk

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven (once the edges have browned) will get you a crisp cracker. Enjoy!

THESE SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS ANIMAL CRACKERS AND ALPHABET SUGAR COOKIES ARE THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT TO MAKE WITH YOUR YOUNG EMERGING LITTLE CHEF IN TRAINING.

SER VI NG UP S OUP

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.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

HAND ROLLED CIGARS & ACCESSORIES LARGE WALK IN HUMIDOR SMOKING LOUNGE

TOMATO BASIL SOUP

This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cans diced tomatoes

• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves minced garlic

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)

• ½ cup chopped fresh basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• DIRECTIONS:

Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread. CONTINUED >

CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

For a healthy dose of vitamin A, enjoy this creamy soup that boasts a robust, rich butternut flavor. For an easier assembly buy pre-cut butternut squash.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups cubed butternut squash

• 1 small onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups water

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon salt

• Pepper to taste

CONTINUED >

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the chopped squash, onion, garlic and red pepper, and place in a large pot. Add water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and simmer for about 30 minutes. Cool and blend mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer mixture back to pot and add heavy whipping cream and fresh thyme. Pepper to taste. Garnish with pepitas and fresh herbs.

The Cockrell Mercantile Tradition Continues

Anyone who has experienced the ambience and colloquial feel of the Cockrell Mercantile gets it. There is just something about entering the front screen door and stepping inside the delicious aromatic interior.

Since the 1990’s, generations of shoppers have made this locale a family tradition and destination for everything from birthdays, girls’ trips and afternoon outings. They continue to carry Fiestaware in its own cottage, while the main store carries so much. Kitchen gadgets, specialty foods, seasonal décor, a myriad of teas, aprons, tea towels…there is no end to the treasures you discover as you explore each nook and cranny.

“It’s truly ‘experience shopping’,” noted new co-owner, Sarah Tangblade.

She and her husband, Eric, have taken over the reins from Becky and Chris Glaze. Sarah’s story is a true Cockrell tale. She started working at Cockrell in 2004, at age 16.

“It was my first job! John Perucca hired me, and I ended up working on and off for 10 years. When I was in college, I worked weekends and summers,” she enamored.

During this time, she went to Baker University and UMKC where she earned her degree in elementary education. She taught preschool and elementary school and continued to work at her beloved Cockrell summers until she had her first baby.

Eric has moved his woodworking shop to Cockrell, and they now carry an assortment of his handmade charcuterie boards in the store.

“The Cockrell ladies raised me. You learn a lot during that time of life,” she mused.

So, it seemed quite natural, and a dream came true when she and Eric became owners. The couple started their side business hosting booths at local antique malls, including Greenwood and the West Bottoms. When she quit teaching full time, they leaned into that more, eventually opening their own store front in a historical building in downtown Pleasant Hill called American Dwelling.

CONTINUED >

There is no end to the treasures you discover as you explore each nook and cranny of Cockrell Mercantile.

“My husband did woodworking in the back, and we lived upstairs. We owned that over the last six years. It was a true family business,” she smiled. “Becky and Chris wanted to keep the integrity of the business going, and we knew what that meant. Eric and I are here full time now. We have known them a long time, and I used to babysit their kids. We stay in close contact. We feel honored and want to keep it a place people can visit for years.”

She is happy to let visitors know about some updates and several differences they are implementing so they can be competitive now and in the future. One of the first updates is making the Cottage much more of a boutique.

“It has changed a lot through the years. It was décor and gifts, switching a little toward clothing. We are offering more clothing options and Eric is building dressing rooms,” she explained. “We will continue to carry Vera Bradley bags and even more boutique clothing.”

They are passionate about working with local businesses and people, and will carry more local shirts and hats, continuing relationships they had at their other location.

They hold mini farmers’ markets on Saturdays during the summer, with food trucks, and are keeping customer favorite events going.

The Biggest event of the year is the Holiday Open House, a three-day event with lots of vendors, samples and door prizes. This will be held October 25th, 26th and 27th.

“We truly love the community feel of Cockrell. It’s like a homecoming for me, and I love working with the same people who were working here when I was younger,” she mused.

Visit cockrellmercantile.com or call 816-697-1923.

Ground Control

ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Chef Celina Tio is going back to her fine dining roots with the opening of Ground Control, her 20-seat tasting room, created to highlight a wide variety of cocktails made from her new spirits label, ANNX Spirits Co. and located in the newly remodeled lower level of the building where Tio also operates The Belfry and Gerard’s Pool Hall at 15th and Grand Boulevard.

The bar is intimate and just quiet enough to hold a conversation. It features white and deep blue painted walls with framed pictures of the artwork found on the ANNX Spirits Co. labels. A gorgeous live edge wood table floats in the middle of the room with high top tables with mid-century modern dark wood chairs scattered throughout. An elegant bar frames a colorful picture of David Bowie, who hangs in a place of honor directly behind it.

At Ground Control, named after David Bowie’s song Space Oddity, guests can enjoy a curated collection of cocktails made by bartender, John Phelps, with Tio’s own Moon Age bourbon whiskey, Boat House gin, 600 Acre vodka and Collection blended straight whiskey along with a menu featuring a handful of luxe small plates. There is also some mezcal and rum drinks on the menu, and a small list of quality wines by the bottle also available.

The current menu has a handful of dishes created by Tio personally, designed to complement the selection of cocktails. The $140 caviar plate features 30 grams of Osetra Molossal caviar, served with blinis and traditional garnishes. She is also serving her famous crab cakes, a roasted cauliflower with an English pea purée and white bean ragu, thick and tasty clam chowder and a wagyu smash burger.

“I wanted to get back to creating menus that come from a specific event. Sometimes it’s a trip, sometimes an ingredient I see, or a single wine,” explains Tio.

Additionally, she has also been quietly offering on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, a 5-course tasting menu for $120 per person (not including tax or tip) with drink pairings, that has Tio is hosting and cooking herself with help from her pastry chef and general manager, Darius Thompson.

“For those who have missed the “finer side” of my food, these limited and intimate evenings are just what you’ve been looking for,” says Tio.

Those that only know Tio for The Belfry, might be surprised to learn that fine dining is where her career in Kansas City started. After winning a James Beard award for Best Chef Midwest in 2007 and serving as the executive chef for The American for 6 years, Tio made the bold choice to leave her enviable post at one of Kansas City’s finest dining establishments, to strike out on her own.

The following year she opened Julian, her first restaurant, and much to the surprise of those who had eaten her fabulous fine food at The American, here she decided to specialize in what she termed “feel-good food,” with a menu that was more casual and approachable than fine or fussy, and a killer patio that everyone wanted to be seen on.

During her Julian years, she built a national following by appearing on television cooking shows like “Top Chef Masters” and “Iron Chef America,” and she also invested in her future by purchasing a handsome red brick building in the Crossroads at 1532 Grand Boulevard, where she would open The Belfry in 2014, her cozy bourbon, beer and burger bar.

“I wanted to get back to creating menus that come from a specific event. Sometimes it’s a trip, sometimes an ingredient I see, or a single wine.”

“For those who have missed the “finer side” of my food, these limited and intimate evenings are just what you’ve been looking for.”

Later, during the pandemic, she would sell the building to Denver developer, Ken Wolf, and together the two of them opened Gerard’s Pool Hall in the front of that space with Tio managing it.

Now, they are focused on activating every inch of space in the building with another room in the works that can be rented for private parties soon.

Ground Control is open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 pm, and reservations are suggested (especially for her first Friday and Saturday night coursed dinners) and can be made by emailing events@thebelfrylounge.com or by texting 816-471-7111.

Ground Control, 1532 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64108

PUMPKIN PERFECTION

Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

the CREEPY crawler

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.

Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.

realty report

Feed Lee's Summit

Feed Lee's Summit will be held this year on November 15th at John Knox Village by the Lee's Summit Rotary clubs to serve those with food insecurities. Proceeeds will benefit Coldwater, Lee's Summit Social Services, Meals on Wheels, One Good Meal, and Boost 4 Success.

Coldwater is a faith-based, non-profit organization that serves Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities. They operates a food pantry and a clothes closet, offer emergency food during the week and provide weekend backpacks for hungry school children.  coldwater.me/

Lee's Summit Social Services a nonprofit agency to benefit low-income families and individuals with basic needs such as food, utility and rent assistance, clothing, medical items, school supplies for children and holiday needs. lssocialservices.com/

Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels delivers hot nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled citizens of Lee’s Summit enabling them to enjoy a more independent lifestyle. mealsonwheelsls.org/

One Good Meal delivers meals to Lee’s Summit shut-ins and elderly. Monday through Friday volunteers serve up and deliver meals to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.  onegoodmeal.org/

Boost 4 Success helps those with food insecurities around the Lee's Summit area by deliveriing food to those in need. (314) 852-5001

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

Halloween is an exciting time for families.

Dressing up, trick-or-treating, and joining in festive activities bring joy to kids and adults. However, while Halloween is a night of fun and creativity, safety should always come first. Parents can ensure their kids have a safe and enjoyable experience with a bit of planning and awareness. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind.

Costume Safety

Costumes are a highlight of Halloween, but they can pose risks if not chosen carefully. Whether your child is dressing up as a superhero or a spooky creature, safety should be a priority. Here are some tips to keep costumes safe: Visibility: Choose bright colors or add reflective tape or glow sticks so your child is visible in the dark.

Flame Resistance: Opt for flame-resistant fabrics to avoid fire risks, especially around candles and jack-o-lanterns.

Proper Fit: Make sure costumes aren’t too long or baggy to prevent tripping.

Safe Accessories: Avoid sharp or hard accessories. Opt for soft, flexible items to prevent injuries.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Trick-or-treating is a fun tradition but requires planning to keep kids safe. Sometimes, children get caught up in the excitement and forget basic safety rules like watching for cars or staying on familiar routes. Here’s how to prepare for a safe night:

Supervision: Always accompany younger children. For older kids, set clear rules like staying in groups and only visiting familiar areas.

Route Planning: Stick to well-lit, familiar neighborhoods. Avoid dark or unfamiliar streets. Street Safety: Remind kids to use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street.

Group Trick-or-Treating: Encourage children to stay together in groups for added safety.

Candy Safety

Collecting candy is a highlight of Halloween, but not all treats are safe. Parents should inspect their child’s candy and be mindful of potential allergens or choking hazards. Here are some precautions to take:

Inspection: Check all treats for signs of tampering, such as opened wrappers. Be cautious of small candies that could pose choking hazards.

Stranger Safety: Remind kids to never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle, even if invited.

Allergen Awareness: If your child has food allergies, inspect candy carefully and have an emergency plan in place.

General Safety Tips

Trick-or-treating happens at night, which increases the risk of accidents. Parents should ensure their children are visible and aware of their surroundings. A few additional safety tips include:

Lighting: Equip your child with a flashlight or glow sticks to help them be seen.

Awareness: Encourage kids to stay alert and avoid using phones while walking, especially when crossing streets.

Safe Footwear: Make sure children wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes to avoid tripping or discomfort.

Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors or in a safe space to prevent stress from frequent doorbell ringing or unfamiliar costumes.

Alternative Activities

If traditional trick-or-treating isn’t the best option for your family, there are other ways to celebrate Halloween. Many communities host organized events that offer a safer, more controlled environment. These can be a great alternative, especially for younger children. Consider these alternatives:

Community Events: Check out local Halloween

Provider Spotlight: Dr. Joseph Lammert

As a parent himself, Dr. Lammert can relate to the challenges, joys, and questions of having a new child at home. He enjoys walking alongside his patients and families through their experiences.

Dr. Joseph Lammert is now seeing patients. Learn more and make an appointment online.

parties or trunk-or-treats where children can safely enjoy the holiday.

At-Home Celebrations: Host a Halloweenthemed scavenger hunt, movie night, or costume party at home for a fun and safe experience.

Home Safety for Halloween

If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters, it’s important to make sure your home is safe for visitors. A few simple steps can help prevent accidents and create a welcoming environment. Here’s how to prepare your home:

Safe Decorating: Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns to reduce fire risks. Make sure decorations are safe for children and pets. Clear Walkways: Ensure walkways and porches are well-lit and free from obstacles like cords or decorations.

Safe Candy Distribution: Consider setting up a well-lit area for handing out candy and offering non-candy treats for kids with allergies. Making Halloween Safe and Memorable Halloween is a time for fun and making memories. By following these simple tips, parents can ensure their kids stay safe while enjoying all the excitement the holiday has to offer. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure Halloween is a fun and safe experience for everyone.

Remember to talk with your kids about safety before heading out and share these tips with other parents. Together, we can make this Halloween both fun and safe!

At Community Choice Pediatrics, your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities, especially during festive times like Halloween. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, we’re here to help. Visit our website to schedule an appointment and ensure your child is well-prepared for a safe and fun Halloween. Let’s work together to make this Halloween a joyful celebration for everyone!