Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

The Holiday Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com

A festive end to a long year

EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’RE WRAPPING UP 2021?! It has felt like the longest year ever. But I’ve had such a lovely time telling all the wonderful stories that make up the Northland.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Sara Minor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

This month, we highlight the magic of the winter season, with holiday celebrations,

Katie Currid, Diana Lambdin-Meyer, Kim Antisdel

festive light displays and gifts galore. Speaking of gifts, we’ve compiled a gift guide

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

with hyperlocal goodies for anyone on your list — even if you’re just buying for

Katie Currid, Ashley Elwell

yourself (it's okay, I'm guilty of it, too)! We also loved looking back at the season in the area with Diana’s story on the Christmas crowns at Zona Rosa. I had so much fun digging through Kansas City archives and looking at historic photos of our city during the holidays. If you’re entertaining this time of year, then check out our beautiful hosting tips in our Local Experiences section, or let Kim give you some great party ideas in her party round-up guide! As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for you, dear reader. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to another great year ahead of celebrating our community.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Happy holidays to you and yours,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Katie Currid, Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Fulk's Tree Farm in Platte City

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID 4

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 16 Give Big, Shop Small The best gifts to buy for everyone on your list — all from Northland businesses

22 Christmas in Crown Town The history of the big crowns over Zona Rosa

26 Holiday Parties Yule Never Forget Make up for lost time by throwing an epic holiday bash

22 26

30 Creating Community How local senior citizens coped with the pandemic

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Local’s Choice

30 Locals Only 34 Giving Back 38 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES

Barham Family Farm opens storefront The Store at Barham Family Farm opened on Saturday, Nov. 6 in Kearney at 16800 NE 128th St. The Barham Family Farm supplies many of Kansas City's top chefs with pasture-raised, non-GMO Black Angus beef, chicken, pork, lamb, rabbit, and more — now available at their store!

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

AROUND TOWN

LIBERTY HOSPITAL RANKS HIGHEST FOR SAFETY IN THE NORTHLAND Liberty Hospital has received an “A” grade for its dedication to patient safety from The Leapfrog

HALLMARK EXPANDING ALREADY MASSIVE LIBERTY LOCATION Hallmark is investing in Clay County with a new, 850,000 square foot facility in Liberty.

Group, which rates how well hospitals protect

The Kansas City-based company broke ground

patients from preventable medical errors, injuries,

on the new facility Oct. 6. “Hallmark’s decision to

and infections. Among hospitals in the Northland,

grow in Missouri is a true testament to our state’s

it was ranked the highest for safety.

position as a leader in distribution and logistics,”

"We appreciate being honored for the commitment

said Governor Mike Parson. “Our strategic location

of our providers and staff to keep our patients safe,”

in the center of the United States provides compa-

said President and CEO David Feess. "This award

nies like Hallmark with easy access to global mar-

is one of the highest possible for a hospital, and we

kets. We are proud to be the home of Hallmark’s

work tenaciously to provide high-quality care.”

headquarters, and we will continue to provide

The Hospital Safety Grade is compiled under the guidance of leading experts and administered

Missouri businesses with the tools they need to be successful in the state.”

by The Leapfrog Group, a national, nonprofit hos-

The new facility is an expansion of the current

pital safety watchdog. The score is free to the pub-

Liberty distribution center, one of the largest build-

lic and designed to give consumers the information

ings under one roof in the world. It will grow the

they can use to inform themselves and their fami-

company’s footprint in Liberty by 50 percent.

lies when facing a hospital stay. More than 2,600 acute-care hospitals nationwide are graded twice each year, and grades are based on the review of 27 measures.

NKCPL RECEIVES AWARD North Kansas City Public Library was recently given the Defender of the Collection award, an accolade related to how the Library manages and maintains its physical collection. This award indicates that NKCPL was able to work with our patron

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

community to recover a high volume of overdue

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

items, which ensures the availability of useful and

com/Northland using the Get In Touch link and let

critical materials for all patrons.

us know what you think.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WINTER AND REVEL WINTER IS A TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, the memories made will be cherished. Photography by Katie Currid.

THINGS TO DO IN WINTER + Snow Creek Inc: Does winter even officially start without a ski trip to Snow Creek in Weston? If you're not much for skiing, they have sledding, too! 1 Snow Creek Dr. Weston, MO + Noah's Cupboard: We love the cooking classes with chef Nick Martinkovic at Noah's Cupboard in Weston! 521 Main Street Weston, MO + Embers Candle Bar: Spending a lot of time at home is made better with a nice candle. Make your own at Embers Candle Bar in Lee's Summit. 315 Southeast Douglas Street Lee's Summit, MO + TWA Museum: Discover a bit of Kansas City history at the TWA Museum at the downtown airport. 10 Richards Road Kansas City, MO + Line Creek Figure Skating Club: Did you know there was ice skating in the Northland? Check out the rink at Line Creek! 5940 Nw Waukomis Dr Kansas City, MO

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + Union Station: Union Station goes all out every year with their "Holiday Reflections" exhibit, and, of course, the classic model train exhibit gets a holiday revamp. 30 W Pershing Rd # 850 Kansas City, MO + Pleasant Valley Baptist Church: The Liberty Light Show at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church is a holiday tradition now, and runs from Dec. 3-Dec. 23. pleasantvalley.org/libertylightshow/ 1600 N State Route 291 Liberty, Mo + Legends Outlets: Load up the kids and blast the tunes as you drive through the Holiday Light and Magic light display near Legends. 1843 Village West Parkway Suite 127 Kansas City, KS + East Valley Park: Take in all the holiday lighting displays from the warmth of your car at the Lane of Lights at East Valley Park in Excelsior Springs. Lovers Lane, Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Longview Lake Park: After 34 years, a Kansas City Christmas classic is Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake. Admission is free. Kansas City, MO

HOSTING HOLIDAY DINNERS WITH LOCAL MAKERS + We love cutting boards and wooden bowls by Dei Campi Woodcraft! Their boards are perfect for charcuterie boards. Find them at local markets or Etsy. Dei Campi Woodcraft, Kansas City, Kansas 66012 + Fiore Florals makes beautiful, modern arrangements that would make the perfect centerpiece on your holiday table. 5715 NW Union Chapel Rd, Parkville, Missouri 64152 + We love making fancy cocktails for our guests, and Boozy Botanicals syrups make it so easy. We even use them for flavored coffees and teas! 4155 N Mulberry Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116 + If you love the new dried floral trends, we love the fun installations and arrangements made by Floraloom. 519 E. 18th St. Kansas City, MO 64108

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Good Stuff China: If you're looking to change up your dishware a bit for hosting, we love Good Stuff China's glassware and style! 3175 Terrace Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

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GIVE GIVE BIG, BIG, LOCAL’S CHOICE

OUR ROUND-UP OF THE BEST GIFTS TO BUY FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST — ALL FROM NORTHLAND BUSINESSES

Treat your foodie friend with olive oil from Heavenly Olive Oils & Vinegars at Zona Rosa. We love the one infused with cayenne!

SHOP SHOP

EtchLife in Liberty is a great place to buy for the faith-focused person in your life. They have great coffee mugs and tees.

Give the idea of a nice date night package — like tickets to a movie at Screenland Armour and an elegant dinner, perhaps at the Summit Grill in Gladstone, or Cafe Les Amis in Parkville.

SMALL SMALL

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

J. Rieger & Co. is committed to Kansas City history, and we love that they just released their straight rye whiskey — the first whiskey distilled in Kansas City since Prohibition.

ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID AND JANIE JONES

Whether the person you’re gifting to has a simple style or loves to make a statement, EB & Co. at Zona Rosa has something for everyone — like these fun football earrings for a Chiefs diehard!

Instead of giving a physical gift, give a gifted experience and take the kids in your life somewhere! Our favorite winter kid-friendly places include Above All Trampoline Park, Fun Run, or The Rush Funplex.

If you’ve been missing Hammerhand Coffee as we have, you can gift their specialty roasted coffee from their website (they’ll ship or drop off) until their new location in Liberty opens.

We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home lately, and candles are the key to coziness. We love Weston Bend Candle Company’s holiday scents, like Fraser fir and mulling spice. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Do you love giving super sentimental gifts? The custom picture framers at Art & Frame Kansas City can help you frame photos and art, or even make a special shadow box.

Who doesn’t need to relax these days? Give a gift card to a locally-owned spa like The Spa at Briarcliff, packaged with a bath bomb.

If you know a grill enthusiast, the new Northland Outdoor Cooking Company is owned by a local teacher!

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

It’s hard to pick from all the beautiful pieces and patterns inside Renditions, the Polish pottery shop in Weston, but we love their bubble mugs and baking dishes.

We always ask for extra peanut sauce when we order takeout from Tasty Thai, but you can actually buy a bottle of it to take home for yourself — or gift it, of course.

Everyone loves a full freezer this time of year, especially when it’s stocked with local meat. We love Kearney's Barham Family Farms, Weston's KC Cattle Company and Green Grass Cattle Company

Have a teen that’s tough to buy for? Skip the physical gift and spend some time with them. Take them for a day at Zona Rosa — share a meal, do some shopping and visit the Fresh Factory selfie boutique or the Draftcade.

You gotta have specialty popcorn during the holidays, and Popculture in Parkville has the best holiday flavors.

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

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Christmas in C r o w n To w n ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN-MEYER

THE HISTORY OF THE BIG CROWNS OVER ZONA ROSA SHOPPERS

PASSING

UNDER

THE

MASSIVE

CROWNS SUSPENDED OVER THE STREETS OF THE

town Kansas City throughout the 1960s and 70s.

ZONA ROSA TOWN CENTER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Hoot Mann remembers them. It was his family’s com-

MAY BE TOO BUSY TO LOOK UP AND APPRECIATE

pany – Manneco in Independence – that created not

THEIR CONNECTION TO KANSAS CITY’S PAST, BUT

only the Zona Rosa crowns but the original nine crowns

SOME PEOPLE DO.

commissioned by the Downtown Merchants Association

Those are usually the folks who have lived in Kansas City for the past 50 years or so – the ones who remember

Postcard from 1962 at 11th Street and Walnut along Petticoat Lane. Courtesy of the Kansas City Public Library archives.

the big crowns that helped ring in the holidays in down-

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

to help celebrate the holidays in a city where crowns shine throughout the year.

“I remember being about 10 years old and going up in a bucket to help my dad with the lights,” says Hoot, who received his fun nickname at birth and has never been called anything else. “It was a lot

from the third floor of each corner building of the intersection. Drilling

of fun for a kid.”

a hole through the walls, workers then bolted steel corner braces to

As Hoot tells it, the merchants wanted crowns to celebrate the connection to the American Royal, Hallmark Cards, the Royals baseball team, the Crown Drug Store that operated downtown, and the Christian holiday season of the Prince of Peace.

the walls. The cable run continued to the basement where it was bolted to the concrete floor. Back in those days, blue laws prohibited shopping on Sundays, so that’s when police blocked the downtown streets, allowing Hoot’s

Each of the crowns weighed in at an even ton. They were 12 feet

father, Frank Mann, and employees to safely hang the crowns. They

tall and 15 feet in diameter, made from solid steel and painted with

came in four parts and were assembled in the air by workers in

reflective white paint. Kansas City Power & Light installed an elec-

bucket trucks on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

trical transformer for each crown to power the rotating yellow, red, and blue lights.

In addition to the nine big crowns, Manneco built 180 smaller crowns that hung on downtown utility poles. By 1976, those smaller

Keeping such a monstrosity safely hung required some serious engineering and 3⁄4-inch aircraft-grade cables were suspended

crowns were sold to the Kansas City Kansas merchants’ association and celebrated many Christmases just across the state line.

Photo by Nicole Bissey Photography Photo by Ryan Bruce

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

CHRISTMAS IN CROWN TOWN (CONTINUED) Photo by Nicole Bissey Photography

“I remember being about 10 years old and going up in a bucket to help my dad with the lights.” The big crowns came eventually down as well and were sold to the city of Holton, Kansas and turned into jungle gyms. Fast forward to planning for holiday celebrations at the new Zona

10 years ago, Zona Rosa ordered three more crowns, but these are known as royal crowns. With rounded tops, they are the style Queen Elizabeth wears.

Rosa shopping center in 2005, and someone remembered the beau-

Last year, Hoot pulled out his dad’s original crown design to create

tiful crowns of downtown Kansas City. They contacted Hoot, who

an imperial crown that now hangs in the lobby of Commerce Bank at

still has his father’s original prototype in storage in Independence.

10th and Main downtown during the holiday season.

Zona Rosa ordered two crowns, which are identical in shape and

While the Mann family and employees are emotionally connected to

size to the originals. However, they are made from aluminum and

the history of the Zona Rosa crowns, they are kind of proud of a new light-

lit with LED lights. They weigh a slim, svelte 800 pounds, yet are

ing project they did last year in Kearney. It’s an elf in a bucket lift putting

anchored at Zona Rosa with the same support mechanism as their

the star on a Christmas tree outside of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative.

predecessors downtown. Those original crowns are known in the design world as imperial crowns. They have pointy tips, like the one Burger King wears. Then 24

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

While he didn’t say so, it’s quite possible Hoot was remembering his childhood self in a bucket with his dad in downtown Kansas City all those years ago.

Photo by Ryan Bruce

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

ARTICLE BY KIM ANTISDEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

HOLIDAY PARTIES YULE NEVER FORGET MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME BY THROWING AN EPIC HOLIDAY BASH

IT’S CHRISTMASTIME AND I AM READY TO PARTY. The recent pandemic has put my already over-the-top approach to the holidays into massive overdrive. I’m not talking about past Christmas seasons where people drink a sad cocktail and play a lackluster game of Pictionary. I want a party, complete with theme and effort and surprises around every corner. Do I have time to throw one of these extravaganzas with a Kindergartner running my home? Probably not, but perhaps you do, so here are some holiday party suggestions to make your Christmas season extra jolly!

CHRISTMAS MOVIE THEME: We’ll start with an easy one. We all love Christmas films. Choose your absolute favorite and center your party around it! Create invites, encourage costumes, and provide themed eats and treats. To complete the effect, you must play the film in the background. Bonus points if you create a game centered around the movie. For example, play movie trivia, or craft BINGO cards. If you’re not sure where to start, there are a variety of game templates online to keep you from re-creating the wheel. Need some ideas on movie themes? Here’s an easy go-to list: + Christmas Vacation – So many characters to choose from! Clark and Ellen Griswold, Todd and Margo, Cousin Eddie, and even the kids. Beautiful, Clark. (Don’t forget the eggnog in Marty Moose drinking glasses!) + How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Who doesn’t want to see Whos singing “Welcome Christmas”? If your friends are super creative, this one is a slam dunk because the sky is the limit. Go Who-crazy! + Elf - Grab your pointy shoes and giant black belts and get your Christmas on. This theme is a great one to include fun “elf-sized” food as well. Additionally, kids make the perfect elf, so a party that includes children is ideal for this theme.

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

CONTINUED >

“ N O M AT T E R W H AT F O R M Y O U R C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y TA K E S , U N D E R S TA N D T H AT T H E W H O L E P O I N T I S T O G E T H E R N E S S .”

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

HOLIDAY PARTIES (CONTINUED)

POP CULTURE CHRISTMAS THEME:

ite Mariah Carey outfit and set up karaoke for this

your theme, don’t feel limited by that requirement.

music-themed party. Warning: not everyone loves

Choose a movie, TV show, or any pop-culture theme

a karaoke night, so choose your guests wisely. But

and simply add Christmas! Two years ago, my hus-

with the right mix of people, you will be up all night!

band and I hosted a “Schitt’s Creek” Christmas party

+ Norman Rockwell Christmas – If you’re in a nostalgic

based on the hit show. Everyone dressed as their

mood, consider bringing back slow-cooked casseroles,

favorite character, and we simply centered it around

long scarves, and rosy cheeks! Have your party par-

Christmas. Voila!

ticipants dress in their most wistful costumes as a call

Here are some ideas for your very own 2021 Pop-

+ Mariah Carey-oke Christmas - Dress in your favor-

While it’s great to include Christmas movies in

back to the days of yore. Create a playlist with staples

Culture Christmas Extravaganza:

like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, and Judy

+ Kris-mas with the Kardashians – Reading or

Garland, and slow dance the night away! No matter

watching anything around the Kardashians is the

what form your Christmas party takes, understand that

guiltiest of all pleasures, so why not celebrate their

the whole point is togetherness. In a time when things

extravagance? Get your vocal fry on point and

are uncertain and unprecedented, a little holiday cheer

choose any Kardashian (or Kardashian-adjacent)

will go a long way. Don’t forget to take pictures so you

person to show up. Laughs will be guaranteed.

can look back and remember your incredible night!

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

GET INSPIRED

PROTECTION FOR WHAT'S NOW, AND WHAT'S NEXT.

BundLe and save!

EAT + DRINK

Bundle your home and auto policies to save, and add on life insurance to opt for convenience, so you can keep dreaming towards what’s next.

Let’s talk about your insurance needs today.

SHOP LOCAL Toby Breedlove, Agent

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

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LOCALS ONLY

HOW SENIOR CITIZENS AT ANTHOLOGY COPED WITH THE PANDEMIC

Creating Community ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ELWELL

LAST YEAR, PARKVILLE RESIDENT GARELD BUTLER’S FATHER, DUANE, FELL WHILE HE WAS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY. Gareld had no choice but to place his father, who lived in his hometown in Nebraska, in an assisted living facility there — hours away from him. The year was rough on Duane, who couldn’t see his son due to pandemic-related restrictions at the facility. Duane actually contracted COVID-19 in November of 2020 and was bussed to an offsite facility where they housed residents who tested positive in complete isolation. Gareld never even saw the inside of either facility where his father was living, and, as a result, had a limited understanding of his father’s health. In early 2021, Gareld was informed that his father had fallen again and his leg was broken in three places. After his time in rehab was up, Gareld had to find a place for him and knew something needed to change. So in February, he called Anthology at Burlington Creek in Kansas City and asked if they had room for his father. He knew it was a long shot. His father was in rough shape — his doctors weren’t even sure he could handle the trip between Lincoln and Kansas City, and Duane required a two-person transfer, which other places struggled to accommodate. But Anthology found a place for him and Gareld says his new home has made a world of a difference for his 93-year old dad. 30

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

CONTINUED >

“ To see the ga i ns he’s made, it was proba bly one of the most successf u l stor ies.”

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LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED)

“He was getting stronger after he’d been here about a month or two,” says Gareld. “He’s flourished, he really has.” Gareld says his father has made huge improvements at Anthology compared to his last facility. Throughout 2020, his dad was alone for extended periods of time, only able to see visitors through his apartment window in the cold winter months. “The emotional side of that is severe,” says Gareld. “You can see all kinds of issues, mental health-wise, from being isolated for so long.” But Gareld says he’s seen such an improvement in his father. He says his dad has never lived more than 3 miles from where he was born in Nebraska, and Gareld was really worried about moving him away from there to Kansas City. But within months of living at Anthology, his health has improved so much that he even had his organ moved back into his room so he can play music from the comfort of his own home. “Just the ability to be able to have eyes onto those

Bob and Sherry Padley

” You a lways l i ke to be i n you r home, a nd th is is a cha nge that ’s t u r ned out to be good.”

situations means so much,” says Gareld, who now lives just a 10-minute drive from his dad. “[I have the] chance to see him every day, which I haven’t been able to do in almost 50 years.” Gareld visits his father almost daily now. Jennifer

Leonard,

the director of sales and marketing for Anthology, was really warmed by Duane’s progress. “This story has just meant so much,” says Jennifer. “Hearing the things they were saying — in their words, telling us — and to see him, knowing he’s never lived anywhere else, and he was so weak. To see the gains he’s made, it was probably one of the most successful stories.” Jennifer knows that the pandemic has been hard on everyone, but especially hard on senior citizens and residents of assisted living facilities and nursing homes. With senior citizens in the age group that was the highest risk for COVID-19, many places shut down

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

Duane and Gareld Butler

completely, not allowing family members inside, or even allowing residents to eat and spend time together.

Sherry says selling their home two years ago was one of the hardest things they’ve ever done — the house had stairs

“Anthology’s mentality is to not shut down or lockdown,”

that would’ve made living there difficult after Bob suffered

says Jennifer. “If we’re testing negative, we’re opening the

a stroke — but they’re thankful they found a place where

doors. We know what it’s like to be isolated and separated

they’re comfortable.

from your families.” Anthology residents Bob and Sherry Padley also found

”You always like to be in your home, and this is a change that’s turned out to be good,” says Bob.

a great community at the residential facility throughout the

Sherry agrees.

pandemic. Thankfully, the two always had each other, even in

“I think we lucked out pretty good,” says Sherry. “This is a

the darkest days of lockdown, so they were never completely

good place.”

isolated. But they’ve also made great relationships there. The two enjoy trivia nights and Sherry enjoys crafting with other residents, like making mats out of plastic bags for the local homeless population.

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. Anna Sarol

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy 36

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

The Northland’s newest ice rink is back at Zona Rosa this winter season. The Rink at Zona Rosa is open

daily through February 2022 for public ice skating, pond hockey, special events, and more.

ALL MONTH HALL OF TREES

Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs

Come experience the magic of

Christmas by touring the Hall of Trees

located around the Hall of Waters’

Water Bar. This magnificent display

includes over 30 trees stunningly decorated by local businesses, civic groups and friends.

ALL MONTH LETTERS TO SANTA Platte City City Hall

Residents can drop off letters to Santa in the red mailbox located outside City Hall at 400 Main Street. All letters will be answered before Christmas Eve, provided the return address is included and legible.

Your family’s comfort is important to us here at Gladstone Furnace & A/C Co. That’s why we only install the very best Heating, Air Conditioning, and indoor air quality products available in Kansas City, MO. Our trained and seasoned staff is fully equipped to handle your HVAC equipment and indoor air comfort questions and needs.

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Enjoy festive shopping, food, and drink from local independent makers during Merry Market every weekend

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CONTINUED >

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

DECEMBER

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3-4, 10-11, 17-18

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

HOLLADAY DISTILLERY TOURS Holladay Distillery in Weston

Distillery tours are back at Holladay! You’ll step inside the stillhouse that

dates back to the mid-1800s when Ben Holladay first started using lime-

stone water to make bourbon. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and include a bourbon tasting.

10-12 SECOND WEEKENDS

Downtown Excelsior Springs

We Now Have Art

There is no better time to experience the magic of downtown Excelsior Springs than during one

of our Second Weekends! Shops are open late, and artists, live musicians, demonstrations and great eats

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Stop by the old school house for a a Candyland map which will take you downtown businesses in search of goodies and treats.

10-12 AN OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS

Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum

Experience

and

old-fashioned

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pepperspoolandspa.com 40

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

for children 12 and under.

DECEMBER

10 FREE DRIVE-IN HOME ALONE Vineyard Church

Get the whole family in the car, even Kevin, and come join us for a free drive-in Christmas movie. We'll be projecting Home Alone onto a giant screen on the side of our building. Simply tune your radio to the designated station and enjoy this holiday classic.

11 CURBSIDE NATIVITY

2700 Ensign Drive Platte City, MO

Celebrate the birth of Christ with your family and friends from your vehicle.

11 HOLIDAY HERITAGE MART Heritage Middle School

Heritage Middle School hosts 100+ vendors annually on the 2nd Saturday in December. Come support local small businesses, community, and a local middle school

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$10 per person.

CONTINUED >

5.0

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Need the Perfect Gift?

18 PARANORMAL GHOST TOUR

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs

Prepare yourself for an evening of fun, scares, and paranormal activity as

you are guided through the Historical

Hall of Waters. You will hear history

and tales before the sun goes down. Experience the unseen spirits, lost

souls, and more that linger around every corner. Anomalies have been

seen in photos, such as shadows and figures when no one else is in sight! More info at visitexcelsior.com

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PLATTE CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE Platte Valley Park

Santa Claus is coming to Platte City for a Christmas parade! The parade starts at Platte Valley Park on Ensign Drive, and will travel to Kentucky

Avenue and Fourth Street, ending at Harrel Ferrel Park.

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8642 N Boardwalk Ave KC MO 64154 816-584-8009 www.artandframekc.com 42

Northland Lifestyle | December 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Northland using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

DECEMBER

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