Life + Culture

Mavericks in Motion

Article by Lauren Powers In the heartland of America, where the Chiefs and Royals dominate the sports landscape, a fresh contender is carving out its place in Kansas City’s athletic lineup: the Kansas City Mavericks. This hockey team is more than slapshots and power plays; it’s a story of community, transformation, and the love of the game. When Lamar Hunt Jr. and James Arkell started this adventure, it wasn’t just a business venture. It was a mission to grow hockey in Kansas City. Lamar Hunt...

Food + Beverage

Healthy Dining In KC

Article by Angela Broockerd Dining out and not being able to find healthy options is a thing of the past, as most restaurants provide options for dietary restrictions and offer healthy alternatives to traditional dishes. Whether it is gluten- free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, paleo or mediterranean there are many restaurants and cafes that exclusively offer a variety of delicious options that don't sacrifice taste and texture.  Whole Harvest This vegan, full-service restaurant makes every...

Wellness

A New Way to Workout

Kansas City-based mobile fitness tool "Fit Truk" makes the gym accessible to all Article by Victoria Moore | Photography by Becca Spears City Gym owner and former professional athlete Hailee Bland Walsh and personal trainer Josh Guffey know what it is like to start businesses from scratch. Together, they have over 40 years of fitness experience, have retained loyal, lifelong clients and have overcome the global pandemic of 2020 that threatened to take it all away.  Walsh and Guffey...

Travel

Where Urban Meets Rustic

Article by Angela Broockerd Nestled on 42 acres along the banks of the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado, sits a quaint little town, South Main, developed by Jed Selby. Discovered while on a kayaking trip, Selby, a former professional kayaker,  envisioned an urban space in a rural setting, with a walkable neighborhood, tree-lined streets and accessibility to everything within walking distance. Jed and his sister, Katie, bought the property in 2003, and while there was skepticism that the...

Life + Culture

The Kansas City Ballet

bringing live theater shows this winter and thoughout the year Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Provided The Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, captivating audiences with its enchanting story, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes and sets. From December 6th through the 24th, the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will once again host this magical production. Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Cheesecake

Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones Graham cracker crust: 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbled 4 tablespoons sugar 5 tablespoons butter, melted Cheesecake filling: 38 ounces cream cheese at room temperature 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 large eggs at room temperature Preheat oven to 350° F.  Mix graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated. Press crust into the...

Food + Beverage

Bizz and Weezy Confections

Article by Judy Goppert | Photography by Bonnie Mitchell Jonathan and Amy Pitcher are the makers and mixers of these dreamy, unique, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Their confectionary story began over 15 years ago when they both tired of their current jobs.    “We like to make truffles, fudge and cookies and give them out as Christmas presents to family and friends. That year, a friend approached us and asked for a custom order and offered to pay for it!” he noted. “We looked at each other and...

Education

Unlocking the Future

Students are grateful for The Blue Valley CAPS Experience Article by Jamie Segall | Photography by Janie Jones As the first Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, Blue Valley School Districts' CAPS is going strong in its 15th year, and for good reason. This program benefits the community by providing opportunities for students, parents, professionals, and businesses. CAPS offers a real-world, immersive learning environment that prepares students for future jobs through...

Life + Culture

Thankful for the Journey

Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Janie Jones Billy Brimblecom Jr. is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation. Having lost his left leg to cancer in 2005, he reflects on his journey with thankfulness, often saying he wouldn’t change a thing about his experience. His trials have paved the way for him to help others facing similar challenges. With that spirit of gratitude, he has turned personal adversity into a mission of hope and mobility for others, especially through his foundation and...

Entertainment

Luminary Walk Celebrates 25 Years

Experience Holiday Magic at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Photography by Andrew Rossi For 25 years, the Luminary Walk has continued to glow, not only as a symbol of holiday wonder but as a cherished community tradition.  Over the years, nearly 300,000 guests have embraced this event, building memories that span generations. Over the most recent decade, Luminary Walk has raised over $2.2 million to support the growth and preservation of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical...