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Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!
My dad was one of the best. Just the other day, I gave him a call for advice on the future. He took time to share his thoughts and listen to what we are going through as a family. The last thing he said to me on that call was, “Buddy, whatever you decide, I am proud of you. And remember, you will always have a soft place to land here with me and your mother.” The confidence that puts into us as a family to take risks, and chase dreams goes beyond what we can even begin to imagine. Even at 34 years old, knowing my dad is on my side and proud of me for taking things on is a comfort and an encouragement to keep chasing after what I feel God has called us to do!
A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:
• A father’s strength can be powerful
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive
• A dad’s physicality can be challenging
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
Happy Father’s Day!
PUBLISHER
Cooper Moore | cooper.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Victoria Moore | victoria.moore@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mindy Hargesheimer, Stephen Roberson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anthony Glassman, Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Hometown heroes Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, David Koechner, Eric Stonestreet and Heidi Gardner – plus their team of generous celebrity friends –returned to Kansas City for another successful Big Slick Weekend. All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research at Children’s Mercy. The annual event ensures kids battling cancer receive the latest treatments and drug therapies. Big Slick has raised more than $21 million through ticket sales, sponsorships, auction items, and online fundraising campaigns.
Does your stone countertop need to be cleaned, sealed, polished, or repaired? Kansas City Countertop Repair specializes in making your countertops new again with their top-of-the-line service and abilities. In addition to correcting seams, filling chips and resealing, their team also corrects years of exposure on indoor and outdoor fountains. Trust the best with your stone and schedule a free quote by visiting their website: kansascitycountertoprepair.com
Since 2005, Gaumats International has been serving homeowners and builders the best stone materials to give kitchens, bathrooms and other projects a finishing touch. They carry more than 125 colors in granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, and limestone. Currently, Gaumats is offering a deal of 20% off bathroom countertops when added to a kitchen remodel. Call their showroom today for a free quote and to schedule a visit: 816-219-2148
KANSAS NATIVE PROMOTES MIDWEST ADVENTURE WITH OPENING OF RETAIL STORE
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY GLASSMAN“Rep the brand that reps you. “
Kansas. It would not typically be high on an adventure seeker’s bucket list, especially if they are looking for easy beach access or intense mountain hikes. But if you ask outdoorsman Anthony Glassman, adventure is still out there, even in the Midwest.
“We really have to go out and seek adventure due to what we are limited to topography-wise, but making the most out of 50 feet of elevation shows so much commitment and tells a more compelling story,” he said.
His commitment to adventure has turned this lifelong biker and clothing buff into a business owner, opening a Midwest-inspired and outdoor retail store in 2023.
“I wanted to combine my love for both clothing and the outdoors into a lifestyle brand that could take risks and evolve,” Glassman said. “ I based it in the Midwest market due to knowing how much outdoor activity we have that doesn't get the attention like in Colorado or California.”
Known for its prairies and rolling hills, Kansas offers a more mellow biking experience, something that Glassman took advantage of when learning how to bike river trails as a kid in his hometown of Hays, Kansas. The experience of biking Midwest terrain for many years has profoundly influenced Glassman and is reflected even in the name of his store.
“It is essentially the way I see riding a bike in the country,” Glassman said. “We're not sailing on water, we're ‘Prairie Sailors’.”
Located on Johnson Drive in downtown Mission, Kansas, the Prairie Sailor storefront is stocked with all that a shopper could ever need when planning their next Midwest adventure.
“Although we have a healthy amount of it, we aren't just a bike clothing brand. We are a Midwest outdoor lifestyle brand. Our denim alone is one of our best-selling products,” Glassman said. “I personally have designed and built not only the store, but also each stitch and graphic of everything we offer in the store. Oh, and we have beer!”
“I truly believe that being outdoors is the best way to spend your free time.”
Glassman’s personal touch in the details stems from his love of clothing and style from a young age, admitting how he watches movies and shows for the sole purpose of analyzing their fashion choices.
“I will completely miss the plot lines and just focus on the clothing,” he said. “ I had to watch James Bond: Quantum of Solace at least six or seven times in the theatre…the clothing and style that was designed for that movie was just very motivating and interesting to me.”
Riding the waves of owning a business can be extremely stressful. While Glassman has felt the weight of responsibility with his store, he has also felt the weight lifted thanks to the support of his community.
“I will say it a thousand times, I have the best customers. They care about what we are doing, and they help share the story of what we are trying to do,” he said. “ I just want the chance to keep growing the community and making better and better clothes and products season after season. I want to serve the customer quality so they can brag about what they are wearing and where they got it from. Rep the brand that reps you.”
Seeing the Prairie Sailor brand in the Kansas City Metro area is a dream come true
for Glassman. Waiting for the right time to invest in a store took many years and lots of hard work. While the temptation to think about expanding in the future is very real, focusing on growing their flagship store is what Glassman’s sights are set on.
“I have never been happier and more passionate about my work. I get to do exactly what I have dreamed about and built toward for a long time. Plus, I get validation from people coming in and asking questions while they are shopping,” he said. “I can't thank those enough who have helped me get started, and we hope to be around for a long, long time.”
Even though life managing the store is busy these days, Glassman will always make time to hit the prairie for a chance to soak in the great outdoors. After all, the great outdoors should be just that.
“I truly believe that being outdoors is the best way to spend your free time. Being able to escape with friends or by yourself really seems cathartic to me,” he said. “ I don't compete in many events or make it stressful. I want the outdoors to be fun and relaxing, just like riding the river trails used to be.”
GATHER THE GENTS FOR A GOOD TIME IN THE CITY
ARTICLE BY STEPHEN ROBERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDEDHomegrown - Kansas City | Start the day off right with a made-from-scratch breakfast at their new Power and Light location. I recommend the coffeecake and Honey Bee latte.
Made in KC Cafe | Nothing better than shopping local. Buy a new KC-themed t-shirt or cocktail glass.
Puttery | Challenge your friends or take it easy on three courses, all with different themes. Pro tip: once you pay, you get all-day access. Explore the Plaza, then go back!
Percheron Rooftop Bar | Enjoy a few cocktails and small bites while taking in the city’s captivating skyline at the Crossroads Hotel.
Slaps BBQ | Arguably the best BBQ in the city! A friendly neighborhood feel, you have to try the ribs, burnt ends or both!
MONTH’S CURATOR
Stephen Roberson uncovers all of Kansas City's best kept food and entertainment secrets for his 35,000 Instagram followers. From yummy eats to exciting weekend vibes, he spotlights the classic places and the new hangs in weekly reels. Stay in the know and ahead of the game when it comes to Kansas City fun. Give Stephen a follow - @steve.n.kc
At STITCH Salon, you’ll find more than just a hairstyle—you’ll discover a deeper connection. We believe in understanding who you are to bring out the best version of yourself through expertly tailored hair artistry. It’s not just about the look; it’s about feeling understood and seen.
Join us in our vibrant, teaching micro salon environment where teamwork and client care are at the heart of everything we do. Our skilled stylists collaborate to ensure each visit is a welcoming and transformative experience, making you feel safe and valued from the moment you walk in.
Follow our journey on Instagram at @EmmaStyleStudio and @STITCHSalonKC or visit us at www.EmmaStyleStudio.com. At Stitch Salon, we’re not just any salon next door—we’re your partners in beauty and style, dedicated to making every hair flip fabulous.
ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
For car racing enthusiasts, World of Racing opened its doors to Kansas City this spring as the first of its kind, local car simulator experience to immerse yourself in the thrill of the track! With over a dozen full-motion sims and courses to lean into, drivers can choose from the 30-minute Quick Race, 55-minute Full Race, or the 55-minute Nordschleife Hotlapping Experiences that will challenge
your mental and physical handling skills necessary for successfully completing each race.
With the heightened popularity of F1, thanks to a return to the US in 2000 and the Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, racing has never been more en vogue than it is today, making the addition of this recreational destination even more exhilarating.
Owner and KC-native, Todd Dieffenbach is a self-proclaimed F1 fanatic, most recently attending the November 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix: It is here that he made the connection of a lifetime with World of Racing founder Donovan Janus who invited him into a firsthand experience of his premier sim racing technology as part of the event’s adjacent festivities, which quickly led to conversations about franchising the country’s first location right here in Leawood.
The opportunity to give adrenaline junkies and racing fans a highly realistic driving experience is the mission, therefore all simulators are equipped with motions that absolutely nothing else can compare to. Plus, the World of Racing encompasses a relaxed vibe sporting vintage car-themed accessories and a showstopper carpool table.
Headsets add to the experience, drawing drivers into the cockpit as if the engine’s intensity is right there in front of them. While visitors can race solo, part of the fun includes racing against others, eliciting some good old-fashioned trash talk and friendly competition.
Bring your crew and book your sims ahead of time, or consider renting the paddock out for a private event. And, in the words of Ricky Bobby, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” See you all at the paddock!
Website: worldofracing.com
Instagram: @worldofracingkc
Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.
If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.
On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.
As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.
Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.
02.
We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.
03.
There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads: Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz
Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs
Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)
04.
You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.
Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.
Instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first.
The “Best Bourbon” Is Truly Up To The Individual and Occasion Under
ARTICLE BY ANTHONY ADAMSWe were recently asked to suggest the Best Bourbon under $150 and as I reflected on my list of favorites, providing a single answer wasn’t as straightforward as it appeared. Think of it like this. If we asked 100 people in our community what their favorite restaurant is—the answers would be varied based on the individual’s personal palate or even the moment you asked them in!
Here is our list of favorites that will have you covered at any price point and occasion.
Blanton’s is recognizable on sight due to the round bottle with a brass horse and jockey for a stopper. Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon.
— BlantonsBourbon.com ($100-$150)
In a sea of cask-strength offerings, Basil Hayden’s stays true to its 80 proof roots. The high rye content of its mash bill charges the nose and palate with notes of caraway and spice, while 10 years in the barrel have added leather and an attractive nuttiness. If you aren’t looking for high proof, this is a remarkable bourbon.
— BasilHaydens.com ($75-$100)
Pinhook pulls 150 barrels from a special lot to create this straight bourbon whiskey with a lively nose of butterscotch,
cinnamon stick, licorice, and vanilla. These aromas set the stage for a robust palate of cherry, chocolate, toasted brown sugar, and chicory. With the additional 5th year of age, what was tropical fruit transitions to darker fruit flavors and what was brighter candy is now rich and caramelized; hints of smoke now start to appear for the first time.
— PinhookBourbon.com ($75-$50)
Eagle Rare 10 Year lives somewhat in the shadow of its 17-yearold elder sibling, but don’t let that shy you away. This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with definite signs of maturity and its orange peel and toffee aromas are a little shy, but the palate serves sturdy sweet and spice notes and a toasty finish.
— EagleRare.com ($30-$50)
While others in Old Forester’s impressive lineup claim the hearts of bourbon geeks (such as the 1920 Prohibition Style), this bottle stands head and shoulders above everything at this proof and price point. It oozes aromatic charm and follows with a palate that is lithe but in no way lacking flavor.
— OldForester.com ($20-$30)
Sometimes you find a $20 laying around or just need a good mixing bourbon. Benchmark Old No. 8 is made at the same distillery as Blanton’s and the ever-coveted Pappy Van Winkle! The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak, and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
— BuffaloTraceDistillery.com (Under $20)
USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.
A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.
SOMETHING SWEET
This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.
SOMETHING TANGY
Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.
SOMETHING SPICY
This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.
SOMETHING LIQUID
It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.
SOMETHING TOMATO
You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.
THE SPICE COMBINATION
This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
EVERY THURSDAY IN JUNE
Mission Market
5635 Johnson Dr Mission, KS | 4:30 PM
Thursdays in Mission are thrilling during Mission Market season! June 6 kicks off the 10th year of the community supporting local makers and growers every Thursday through August. Walk Johnson Drive and shop the best of Kansas products and produce, while sipping your drink of choice and indulging in delicious food options. Mission Market updates are online at missionks.org
EVERY FRIDAY IN JUNE
Friday Night Smash
SERV | 8:00 PM
End the week with a smash at SERV in Overland Park! Socialize and exercise the night away with pickleball and friends from 8:00p.m. to 11:00p.m. every Friday throughout the year. For only $10, drop in and play ball or kick back and sip on a signature cocktail. Visit servfun.com/openplay for a full list of events.
6TH – 9TH
Shawnee Town 1929 | 5:00 PM
Celebrate 56 years of Old Shawnee Days with a full weekend of fun and feasting in the heart of downtown. All are welcome to enjoy free rides, jive with the live music, shop around a variety of vendors and usher in one of Kansas’ largest parades on Saturday at 10:00am. Visit oldshawneedays.org for a full schedule and list of vendors.
JUNE 7TH
Meadowbrook Park Festival
Meadowbrook Park | 4:00 PM
A night of celebrating art and parks, the third annual Meadowbrook Park Festival is the perfect event for every member of the family to enjoy. A puppet show and bubble parties await the kiddos, while live Bluegrass fills the background for shoppers and browsers. Come hungry and ready to feast in food truck alley!
JUNE 11TH
Kansas City Kansas Public Library South Branch | 6:30 PM
Enjoy one of the Kansas City Symphony's Mobile Music Box stops this spring and prepare to be serenaded in the fresh air. These free performances are family-friendly and happening throughout the Kansas City Metro area throughout the month of June. Pack lawn chairs and blankets for the lawn and check kcsymphony.org for weather updates.
JUNE 14TH – 15TH
Downtown Overland Park Art Fair
Downtown Overland Park | 4:00 PM
Going strong for its third year, the Downtown Overland Park Art Fair is one of the most anticipated events for art enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike. Food trucks, vendors and musical acts will line Santa Fe Drive from Thompson Park to 79th Street on Friday evening and Saturday morning. More information and vendor applications can be found through downtownop.org