All I want for Christmas . . .
On the road with Diana Lambdin-Meyer Diana isn't just an avid traveler--she's a travel writer, living the dream and make her travels work as a career. She and her husband, Bruce, have quite the collection of Christmas ornaments they have gathered from their world travels, making their tree unique. When she isn't writing for major newspapers, in-flight magazines, and Northland…
Lost Wax
If you're looking for a party, there's no other place to be this New Year's other than The View at Briarcliff. Why? Because that's where Lost Wax will be playing! The band, which includes a pool of 30 musicians, has been performing together since 1998 to play hits from all genres. On New Year's Eve, the lineup will feature seven…
Gather
It's been a whirlwind year and we want to say thank you for making it so worthwhile! 2018 welcomed a lot of new blood--Aaron Blair, our new publisher infused very welcome energy into the magazine. My newest addition, Indra Leimkuehler, has taken me back to the simple things--the beauty of a fleeting smile, the true value of uninterrupted sleep (Thank…December 2018 Around Town
Linden Baptist Church Hosts Small Mall A Northland tradition will be revived at Linden Baptist Church on December 7 and 8. In the heyday of Antioch Shopping Center, every Christmas season meant that children had a chance to shop at the ‘Small Mall,’ a collection of affordable small gifts that children could purchase for their … Continued
Toddies and Tomes
With winter's early onset this year, there's nothing to do but curl up in a cozy corner and get lost in a book. Here are a few recent releases that will hopefully get you through until spring. And what makes a solo session with a book even better? A cocktail. Whip up a Louisburg Toddy, made with locally produced J.…
A Bit of Holiday Cheer
Happy holidays, dear readers! It’s the most wonderful time of the year around my house–I’m already behind on the baking but the shopping is going well and I’m anticipating lots of family time as the big event draws close. This year, I have even more to celebrate. My daughter, Indra Selene, was born on November … Continued
9th Annual Champagne and Chocolate
On November 3rd, guests gathered to celebrate the work of the Southwest Boulevard Family Health CARE, hosted by Lauren and Aaron Blazar. Guests enjoyed chocolate from the city's best confectioners as well as champagne. The event raised more that $100,000 to support affordable health care services for SBFHC.
Celebrate: Imaging For Women’s Survivor Event
Imaging for Women hosted their 4th Annual Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration on September 21st at their Northland location. This yearly gathering honors their patients who have battled breast cancer and won, as well as the families and friends who support them. Guests enjoyed food from Chuy’s Mexican, sweets from Nothing Bundt Cakes, a pink champagne … Continued
One Fire: Three ways to spark!
Robert Girard of Wolfe Sweeney & Courtney sees a lot of beautiful homes in his line of work, but one of his most recent listings stands out. This home, featured on the 2018 Homes of Note tour to support the Symphony Guild, has many stand out features, but this mantlepiece is one of his favorites. Designer John Shackleford of Shackelford…
(Not) Home for the Holidays
As we all tuck into turkey and all the fixings, we can assume a reasonable level of safety. But what if Aunt Marge drops a tea towel on an open flame or someone has an allergic reaction to the cranberry sauce? Without first responders like our police, fire departent and emergency room nurses and doctors, many would find themselves in…
A Side of Comfort
Sometimes a healthy helping of comfort food is exactly what takes your holiday to the next level! Northland home cook Susan Garcia has just the dish for that. Her corn casserole is a cinch to throw together and can be customized to any preference easily--vegetarian, vegan, or ominivore. It also doubles well to feed a large crowd. Try it out…
So very thankful
Happy holidays, dear readers! I’m thrilled to go into this holiday season with a new addition to my family, a new daughter, soon to be born as of this writing. Additions like this are big life moments but every year and every family is made up of myriad small moments that make each year special … Continued
Night of Hope Gala
Hillcrest Hope donors and supporters gathered for the annual Night of Hope gala, celebrating 40 years of generational impact for families in need in the Northland. The celebration of a generous community and the graduate families of Hillcrest Hope took place at the beautiful View at Briarcliff. Photography by Larry F. Levenson Photography.
November 2018 Around Town
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament Revealed The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments and Crown Center will debut the 38th edition of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament, “All Aboard,” which was designed this year by Hallmark Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson. Made with recycled wood from last year’s tree, the ornament goes on sale November 23 with all proceeds donated to … Continued
Ban the Box!
Are you one of the masses that loves standing in line in the wee hours of the morning to snag a cheap TV? If so, more power to you. The life of a bargain warrior is a lonely one. But let me present an alternative--get up at a reasonable time, have a liesurely cup of coffee, and then go out…
22nd Annual Adorn Style Show: An Evening at Meierotto Jewelers
It was a memorable night filled with fashion, food and fun at the Adorn Style Show, hosted by Meierotto Jewelers. Money raised from the event will go towards funding grants for 22 Northland charities. Harvest Ball Society’s mission is to respond to the evolving needs of the Northland through inspired philanthropy.
Where Chefs Eat
If you think that figuring out dinner every night for your family is tough, try doing it when your job is figuring out dinner (or breakfast or lunch) for your patrons--that's every chef's dilemma. That's why we asked three Northland chefs where they go when they just can't cook anymore. Their answers may be a godsend for those of us…
October 2018 Around Town
NKCH Welcomes New Medical Staff President Michael W. Farrar, MD, a cardiologist with Meritas Health Cardiology on staff at North Kansas City Hospital, is the hospital’s new medical staff president. Dr. Farrar earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 1979. He completed his internal medicine residency, for … Continued
Third Annual Fill The Bus Event
The third annual Fill the Bus event sponsored by Gary Crossley Ford was held on August 4. School supplies and cash donations were generously donated to Assistance League of Kansas City's Child In Need Program. Backpacks were donated by Attic Salt and First Student Transportation.
A Day at the Orchard
For some, an apple is simply the punchline to an old proverb about healthcare or an afterschool snack. For others, apples are the culimination of a lifetime of work and the symbol of time well spent. Curt and Kristy Alldredge fall firmly in the second camp. As owners of Alldredge Orchards in Platte City, they have decades of experience cultivating…
Insta-Inspire
Article and Photography Fashion. We think of big cities when we think of the style makers--New York, Paris, Milan, and even L.A. But there is plenty of style right here in Kansas City as well, and you only need to go to Instagram to find it! We've rounded up our favorite style bloggers, the men and women searching out the…
STATES
Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Stephen Shireman Soccer (or football everywhere else in the world) is known as 'the beautiful game'. The finesse, the speed, the agility necessary to move the ball continuously for 90 minutes creates a ballet of athletic ability. No one knows this better than the members of Sporting KC, Kansas City's MLS team. Two of…
September 2018 Around Town
King of Kings welcomes new pastor KING OF KINGS WELCOMES NEW ASSISTANT PASTOR King of Kings Lutheran Church proudly welcomes Rev. Daniel Clemens as Assistant Pastor and Erin, his wife. The installation service for Rev. Clemens was held on July 1, 2018 at King of Kings. Sunday Worship Services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 … Continued
Herbert Harris: Raising Canes
Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Ashley Elwell Idle hands are the devil's workshop, or so the saying goes. Perhaps that works in proverbs, but sometimes idle hands offer untold opportunities as well. Such was the case for Herbert Harris. While recovering from back surgery in 2014, this paraprofessional in the Northwest Middle School and co-director of the Kid Zone…
Life with Style
We can all thank Vogue for making the September issue of any lifestyle magazine synonymous with fashion. And while I may not be Anna Wintour, I’m not immune to the pull of the changing seasons of both fashion and nature. So I hope that you enjoy our annual Style issue! We are thrilled to see … Continued
Food Styling 101:
Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider Chef Chervan Desaugauste knows a bit about styling. As the chef/owner of Mesob, an African/Caribbean fusion restaurant in midtown, he sends out beautiful plates full of flavor. But this Northlander also says that the days of sticking a random sprig of rosemary on for garnish are gone. Now plate styling is all…
Fur Friends Forever
Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider They call dogs 'man's best friend' but as these Northlanders can attest, there's no gender to the camaraderie that our canine friends provide. We asked four Northlanders to introduce us to their furry friends and they willingly obliged. Meet the happiest citizens in the Northland! Name: Shannon Bowman+Pita
A Six-legged Team
Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider Anyone that has seen a cop movie knows that an officer is only as good as his partner. For Officer Kenneth Davis of the Kansas City Police Department, he knows he can rely on his partner. After all, he's man's best friend. Meet one of KCPD's K-9 teams! Officer Davis has served…
Dogs bring peace to veterans still fighting their own war
Article Matt Smithmier | Photography Provided Nani notices Mike’s growing anxiety even before he’s aware of it. From the end of her leash, she gently leads him to a quiet spot in the room and leans her tall frame against his legs. He sits, and she climbs into his lap to comfort him. Even before he left the Army, Mike…
From the Library of The Giffords
Article and Photography Shannon and Justin Gifford know a thing or two about children's books. With twin boys, Aiden and Ewan, almost 4, and Ava, 1, they spend a lot of time reading with their crew. Their shelves have variety but a few of them stand out as favorites for all. Here are their top three favorites. 1. Let's Play…
A Safe Home
Article Rachel Murphy | Photography Provided A room isn't complete without a treatment for the windows, for both practical and aesthetic reasons. When you have little ones around, whether human, feline or canine, safety comes first. Pets and babies can get tangled in cords and strangle themselves. Here are five options for keeping your loved ones safe, according to the experts…
The Little Lemonade Stand that Could
Article Rachel Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider What's more American than a kid opening a lemonade stand to earn some pocket money? That's what Gladstone resident Gina and her son, Jacob, thought when they decided to try their hands at small business this summer. After eyeing a lemonade stand at Sam's Club for weeks, Jacob's older sister surprised him with…
August 2018 Around Town
Park University Lights Up Mackay Hall As the fireworks finale of the Parkville Fourth of July Celebration came to an end, Park University’s historic Mackay Hall was lit up in LED red, white and blue lights to honor “Old Glory.” The lights, permanently installed by DuraComm Lighting, a Kansas City, Mo., based business, will allow … Continued
Little love can be awfully big
Kids and pets–two things that are particularly close to my heart! That’s our theme this month–the people and animals that make us smile each day. This issue practically writes itself because the Northland is such a family and animal-oriented area but I’m still happy to be able to steer the ship a bit! Over the … Continued
Friends of Children’s Mercy Pickleball Classic
On June 7th, the Friends of Children's Mercy gathered for a little friendly competition for a good cause! The tournament raised money for the auxiliary of the hospital that engages a community of friends, neighbors, families and business partners committed to educate, invest in and nurture the health of all children.
Valor Recovery Program open house
150 people celebrated the expansion of the Valor Recovery Program at Signature Psychiatric Hospital. 1105 Dr. Brian Barash and Lisa St. Aubyn, CEO of Signature Psychiatric 1070 Kimberly Barlow, Carmen Patty, Jill, Teresa Owens, David Strother 0150 Claire McCaskill office interns Emma and Kelly Reed and Eric Martinez
Play the Part
What You Need to Create Unique Play Areas Perfect for Your Kiddos’ Unique Interests Nicolette Martin What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question we were all asked as kids—one that was so innocently answered with whatever our obsession of the week was. Maybe today your child wants to be … Continued
A Morning Indulgence
Article Rachel Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider Lazy mornings are part and parcel with summer fun. And what's more fun than an indulgent breakfast? If you're feeling industrious, whip up this classic recipe from the White Horse Cafe in Parkville, Mo. If you're feeling a little more lazy, stop in and have them do the hard part for you! Smoked…
The Peaceful Patio
Article Rachel Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider If there's one thing that I love in the summertime, it's a cold glass of rosé, a nibble of strong cheese, and a bit of shade with a breeze. Luckily, the Northland is rife with beautiful patio spaces where friends can gather for laughs at dusk or the lone wolf can hide out…
Tiny Houses Hold Big Dreams for Homeless Vets
Article Peggy Parolin | Photography Joel Schneider The headlines abroad read, “The US Spends Trillions On Wars, But Veterans Sleep In Streets.” Locally, retired Army Specialist Brandonn Mixon, co-founder of the Veterans Community Project, (VCP), works on moving homeless veterans off the streets and into tiny houses. He wants Kansas City to be an example of what can happen when…