Archive for February, 2011

Harbinger wraps up Olathe deal, Lane4 adds PV eateries, Cassidy Turley team nabs 4 biggies

Monday, February 28th, 2011

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The Harbinger Property Group recently completed an industrial deal in Olathe, said Nathan Anderson, SIOR, CCIM, Managing Principal. The building above at 14830 W. 117 St. will be leased for seven years by Abaxis, Inc., a California veterinary testing and diagnostics company. Its  mission is to supply point of care blood analyzers to the medical market and the veterinarian market and to provide leading edge technology, tools and services that support the best medical practices. The company leased 20,380 square feet of office/warehouse/lab space. The landlord is Lynnco, LLC.  “Abaxis is the perfect tenant to breathe new life into the former Osborn Labs building, ” Anderson said. “They’re on a fast path to double in size, and this building gives them built-in growth and additional land for parking as well.  Tim McKee at Olathe was instrumental in helping us get this done.”

LKQ Automotive leased 118,215 square feet at 555 River Park, Kansas City, KS, from Paul E. Neal, SIOR, CCIM of Grindstone Industrial Properties represented the landlord and Daniel B Jensen, SIOR of Kessinger / Hunter represented the tenant.

Celliance Lawrence, Inc. sold 45,000 square feet of industrial space to Plastikon Industries located at 3780 Greenway Circle, Lawrence, Kansas. Marilyn Bittenbender, SIOR, CCIM of Colliers International represented the seller in the transaction. Cassidy Turley BT Commercial out of California represented the buyer in the transaction.

Bunzl Distribution Midcentral, Inc. has Leased 15,508 square feet of industrial space located at 10809 N. Pomona Ave, Kansas City, MO. Michael R Block, Scott M. Cordes, of Block Real Estate Services, LLC in cooperation with Mark Sonnenberg of Cassidy Turley, handled the transaction.

WMS GAMING, INC. has Leased 6,312 square feet of flex space located at 6101 E. Connecticut, Kansas City, MO. Scott M. Cordes, Kenneth G. Block, SIOR, CCIM, Michael R. Block, of Block Real Estate Services, in cooperation with Doug Hedrick of Colliers International, handled the transaction.

LANE4 opening two new eateries at Prairie Village Shops

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LANE 4 has some great redevelopment plans for the Village Shops (above) in Prairie Village. And boosting the excitement is the opening of two new restaurants: Tavern in the Village (4,418 square feet), a deal by Jeff Berg, which opens this week, and Story,  a contemporary restaurant (2,980 square feet) brokered by Trip Ross of Lane 4, which will open in May. Some big changes are on the way for these shops and the Corinth shops as well because last fall, Prairie Village raised the sales tax at the Village Shops and Corinth by 1 percent to help fund major improvements to the centers. One goal of the improvements is to make the center more pedestrian friendly, a sort of “Norman Rockwell” mood for the Village Shops and a more urban feel at Corinth. New restaurants should increase foot traffic in the Village, Lane4 said. Renovation plans also call for more outdoor seating and making the “mall” area at PV shops more of a destination for shoppers.

Nellies Antiques & Collectibles leased has 46,906 sq ft of the former Hy-Vee located at 65th Street & Quivira Road in Shawnee, Kansas.  Steve Gasperi of Block & Company, Inc., Realtors represented the Lessor, Arnold Development LLC.

Canaan Worship Center purchased the 10,000 sq ft building located in Bannister Square Shopping Center located at I-435 & Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri.  Darren Siegel and David Block of Block & Company, Inc., Realtors represented the Seller, Y Bannister LLC.

America’s Mattress by Serta has leased 3,059 square feet at Quivira 95 Shops in Overland Park, Kansas.  Carl LaSala of LaSala Sonnenberg Commercial Realty represented the Tenant and David Bayer of KC Commercial Realty Group, Inc. represented the Landlord.

Foundation 97, LLC leased 1,800 square feet in Southland Shopping Center located at 1809 Mechanic St. in Harrisonville, MO.  Craig Cooper of NAI Capital Realty negotiated the transaction.

Cassidy Turley finishes up 4 large office deals

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A Cassidy Turley team headed by Michael Mayer, Principal, recently completed four noteworthy office deals, all in the same month. Assisting Mayer were Thomas Houts, associate vp, Jeffrey Winters, associate, and Jackie Jordan, coordinator. Above, Armstrong Teasdale leased 31,867 square feet at 2345 Grand, and the three deals tenant-repped by Mayer were the renewal of 68,090 square feet of space at 400 N. Rogers Road in Olathe to Convergys; a 24,662 expansion for NIC in Olathe at 25501 W. Valley Parkway and TNS, a 17,941 square feet relocation to 7311 W. 132nd St., Overland Park.

“Most of our business is geared now toward tenant rep,” Mayer said. “Convergys had an existing KC  location in the Lindenwood Business Center (below) in Olathe. We went out to the market, but ultimately decided to stay. We worked closely with the building owner, Paul Denzer, to structure the right deal to keep them there long-term.  Then we basically did the same thing for NIC. At Cedar Creek, they ended up expanding and extending their lease out there. And with Armstrong Teasdale, they are staying at 2345 Grand, but going to different floors. All this just happened in the last 30 to 60 days and was signed this month.” And for TNS, a tech company, it was time to downsize and relocate to the Southcreek Office Park.

“We’ve seen a really uptick in activity,” Mayer said. “Confidence is coming back, especially among leadership folks.”

Jackson County Counselors Office has leased 13,000 square feet at 324 East 11th Street from KC Partners Oaktower Limited Partnership, represented by Brian W. Bacon of Cassidy Turley – Kansas City.

Hill & Associates, Inc. renewed and expanded their lease to 9,768 square feet in 99th Street Business Center located at 10053-55 Lakeview Ave. in Lenexa, KS.  Phillip Algrim, SIOR and Erik Lund of NAI Capital Realty negotiated the transaction.

WMS GAMING, INC. has Leased 6,312 square feet of flex space located at 6101 E. Connecticut, Kansas City, MO. Scott M. Cordes, Kenneth G. Block, SIOR, CCIM, Michael R. Block, of Block Real Estate Services, in cooperation with Doug Hedrick of Colliers International, handled the transaction.

FBD Consulting renewed their lease of 2,445 square feet in the Timberlands building located at 4000 W. 114th St. in Leawood, KS.  Jeffrey Kembel of NAI Capital Realty negotiated the transaction along with Mike Levitan of RED Brokerage.

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MetroWireKC: Sight, Zimmer and others win annual awards, young realtor group gathers for some fun, Block Real Estate Services wins big

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Sight, Zimmer and others win annual awards

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It was a night to celebrate.  The RCA-KC annual Commercial Realtor Awards ceremony was held Thursday at the Plaza III Steakhouse wine cellar. During the event, attended by more than 75 of the region’s top commercial brokers, awards were given in 4 categories: Allen J. Block Realtor of the Year; Roger L. Cohen Realtor Salesperson of the Year; Commercial Rookie Realtor of the Year; and the Home Run Award. The region’s top three producers, by volume, were also recognized at the event. Above, Dan Sight is honored with the Allen J. Block award given by Ken Block. Sight was one of Allen Block’s favorite people, Ken said, and one of the most dedicated to the business. With more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience and a long list of leadership roles in the industry, Sight recently began heading up a new venture — Reece Commercial. He is known for his hands-on philosophy and his dedication to long term-relationships with his clients.

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The Home Run Award (above) went to Zimmer’s Dan Musser and Mark Long, and it was presented by Rick Chamberlain of Zimmer. Zimmer was the recipient of this year’s Home Run Award for its role in the land sale and development of the new NNSA/National Security Campus in south Kansas City. Long brokered the transaction in which the land was purchased by CenterPoint Zimmer LLC (CPZ), a joint development venture between CenterPoint Properties Trust and Zimmer. CPZ is developing the $1 billion, 1.5 million square-foot, five-building campus for the United States General Services Administration. Zimmer is also serving as the development manager, managing day-to-day operations of the development and will also serve as the property and facility manager for the campus. “This award is really recognition of a commitment made by our entire company,” Long said. “Zimmer is in a position to earn this type of award because of the talent we have and the depth of services we provide to our clients.”

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In the office category, the third highest volume went to Brent Roberts, CB Richard Ellis. Second place went to Bob Fagan, CB Richard Ellis, and Greg Swetnam with Kessinger Hunter was the first place winner in this category. For investment volume, there was a three-way tie for first place, and all three men work for Block Real Estate Services. Aaron Mesmer (above with Walt Clements) accepted the award that was given to himself and his co-workers Brian Beggs and Grant Reves. In the retail sector, Stephen Block came in first.

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Greg Swetnam, who won first place for highest office volume, presented the 2010 Roger L. Cohen Realtor Salesperson of the Year Award to Sharon Gartin and Kessinger Hunter. “I’ve learned so much from both companies,” she said, adding that she worked by Cohen before moving to Kessinger Hunter. “Thank you so much, I really appreciate this.”  Below, Russ Pearson of Harbinger, last year’s Rookie of the Year, presented this year’s Rookie award to Cameron Duff (left) of Cassidy Turley.

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Evologic hosts happy hour in Waldo for young real estate professionals

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Kenny Beall with Evologic (left) hosted the YREP Happy Hour last week at The Gaf in Waldo. He had a big turnout, and enjoyed mingling with guests including Brian Votava of Briarcliff Realty and Scott Zigler of Elucidate Real Estate. Evologic’s goal it to make workspace change simple, and the company specializes in project management, space planning/design, relocation services, construction management/finish, workspace procurement, warehouse/asset management, and furniture reconfigure and refurbish.

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Matt Hanson with MAI Capital Realty, Jason Schoonover with Fishman & Co., Eric Mann with MD Management and Lynette Samborski with Copaken Brooks enjoyed networking at the young professionals event.

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Rick Scheurer with Jury & Associates, Joe Oliaro with Copaken Brooks, and RC Jensen with Reece Commercial nabbed a good seat for the party.

Block Real Estate Services wins big

Block Real Estate Services was well-represented at the RCA-KC commercial awards reception. The top three agents in each category were awarded based on total sales/leasing volume.  Below are the representatives from Block Real Estate Services (BRES) who received awards in three of the four categories.

·         INDUSTRIAL – Michael Block, (first place) and Gene Elsas (second place)

·         INVESTMENT – Aaron Mesmer, Brian Beggs, and Grant Reves (tied for first place)

·         RETAIL – Stephen Block (first place) and Kim Bartalos (second place)

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MetroWireKC: with Nick Wright – Dave Duerson’s tragic death highlights ongoing NFL problem

Monday, February 21st, 2011

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I’m a sports talk radio host.  You probably already know this.  You probably also think this means I say things I don’t really mean for reaction or polarization or both.  That is not true.  Do I at times use hyperbole or make extreme statements to drive a point home?  Sure.  But do I ever say something that I don’t really mean?  No, or, at least, I hope not.

This column isn’t about me, however.  I only start with that point because a few months ago I said something that many listeners and local writers—I’m looking at you Joe Tone of The Pitch—thought there was no way I could possibly mean.  I said, and I believe this was the quote in regard to NFL athletes, “I don’t care if a player dies on the field.”

To give this statement some context, it was said in the scope of the discussion of the NFL putting a renewed emphasis on “devastating hits” and helmet to helmet contact.  The NFL, it would like you to believe, was attempting to cut down on unnecessary contact to the head and concussions, because the league cared so much about its players.  I felt this to be a disingenuous attempt by an often disingenuous league to get the public on its side as it was attempting to force an 18-game schedule on the players.

But my statement had less to do with concussions or an 18-game season than it had to do with the overall brutality of the game.  My statement, that I didn’t care if a player died on the field, was based on the following sets of facts: Football, the NFL brand specifically, is quite simply, bad for your body and your health.  Additionally, there is no way—without drastically changing the structure of the game—to make playing professional football “safe.”  And any attempt to make it safer was purely PR, and would do little to help players’ long term.

You see, the real brutality of the game is not in an individual blow to the head.  It is in the repeated collisions that the game must have to survive.  And it was, and still is, my belief that people simply don’t want to see the real impact of the game.  They don’t want to see a player die during the game, but don’t really care if that same player dies a few years later due to injuries sustained in that game. I feel that this is a selfish position to hold.

To simply not want to see the damage done by the game we all love is self-serving.  If I don’t care that football is killing players in the long term, how can I be so self-centered to care that I might have to witness that damage in the short term?  That is where the, “I don’t care if a player dies on the field” statement came from.  Not from a selfish or callous place, but simply from an honest one.

I only bring all this up because this weekend, the damage that the NFL does reared its ugly head once again.  Dave Duerson, former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion, at just 50 years old, killed himself.  This would be noteworthy no matter what, but it’s the manner in which Duerson killed himself and the message beforehand that makes this especially chilling.

Duerson shot himself in the chest.  This was no accident.  Before he killed himself he reportedly texted family members that he wanted his brain studied by a group studying chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE for short.  CTE is something that has affected untold hundreds, if not thousands, of former football players that have seen dementia, impulse management and extreme depression hit them at young ages and at amazingly high rates.

You see, Duerson, unlike many, knew exactly what was happening to him.  He had been on committees trying to help former NFLers who are dealing with CTE from their playing careers—the ugly remnant of a playing career  that stays long after the fame and the money and women are gone.  Duerson saw himself falling into this devastating abyss and couldn’t deal with it.  He avoided it the only way he knew how—with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

The NFL has a lot to deal with this off-season.  The players and owners are squabbling over what to do with the nine-plus billion dollars the league generates, and a lockout is potentially only two weeks away.  We are all hoping that the two sides can come to an agreement so we can have our football.  The reality is, that no matter how difficult this labor disagreement is, it is not nearly as difficult as the problem the NFL will have to address in the future—what do we do with a sport that ruins the lives of the people who play it?

The more I think about it, maybe I was lying when I said I don’t care if a player dies on the field.  Honestly, I’m not sure.  I know that I feel terribly about what happened to Duerson, and even worse about the fact that I clearly don’t care enough, as I will watch and support the NFL—whenever it comes back—knowing that I am undoubtedly watching a player or two or twenty who will be the next Dave Duerson.  And I can’t get past the feeling that dying on the field, doing what you love, not knowing it was coming and not knowing how it happened, is a better fate than what Dave Duerson dealt with last week.

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MetroWireKC: Kansas City Woman – Tracy Hoth turns clutter into clarity, your home’s prime organization spots and can’t-miss events!

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Kansas City-based professional organizer whips space into shape

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As a professional organizer, Tracy Hoth has seen a variety of offices and households in various states of disarray. Regardless of the client, however, Hoth says the most common organizational problem she encounters is paper.

“Everybody has paper issues,” she says.

To combat those, Hoth relies on her go-to organizing supply: a portable action file.

“When you bring paper into the house, it needs to have a place to go so it doesn’t sit in a pile,” she says. “A portable action file is a temporary place for all of the papers to go until they’re put in their permanent place or thrown away.”

An example of Hoth's Portable Action File.

An example of Hoth's Portable Action File.

Hoth has owned her professional organizing business, Simply Squared Away, for about three and a half years, and says she’s always known that she wanted to organize.

When Hoth begins working with a client, the first thing she does is an assessment as she tours the space.

“I ask lots of questions to learn what’s working and what’s not working, learn what their goals are, and find out what would they want to happen if they could have the perfect outcome,” she says. “I can give them a general estimate of about how long the project will take, and from there we schedule organizing sessions.”

As Hoth tackles an organizing project, she relies on resources from The Container Store, See Jane Work, Organized Living and Stacks and Stacks to help get the job done. She also uses basic supplies such as a tape measure, label maker, trash bags and Post-It notes.

When Hoth isn't organizing, she also works as a professional speaker.

When Hoth isn't organizing, she also works as a professional speaker.

Although it’s not surprise that most clients are typically daunted by the task ahead, Hoth says she sometimes experiences a feeling of being overwhelmed. The best way to combat it? Break a task up into small steps.

“One time I organized a garage and was so overwhelmed when we were getting ready to start,” she says. “I couldn’t imagine doing it alone. I kept saying to myself, ‘One thing at a time. One step at a time.’ I like to finish one area at a time so that you can go back to that area, experience the great feeling of having it done and know you are making progress.”

For more information about Simply Squared Away or to inquire about Hoth’s services, visit www.simplysquaredaway.com.

Where to organize

Some areas of your home are more prone to disarray than others. The most common areas in need of decluttering and organization include:

*Basement

*Garage

*Attic

*Home office

*Kitchen

On the Agenda

Altered States: Adult Winter Reading Program, through March 13: How’s this for an incentive to finish some winter reading? Finish five books by March 13 and you’ll receive a free coffee mug and be entered to win a Nook e-reader. The theme of this year’s Adult Winter Reading Program is “Altered States,” including classics such as “Lord of the Flies,” “The Road” and “The Man in the High Castle.” Visit www.kclibrary.org/reading2011 to download your official reading log and check out book recommendations.

Benefit Performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” 7 p.m., Feb. 17: The University of Missouri-Kansas City presents a student performance of this famed play at the Student Union Theatre (5100 Cherry St., Kansas City.) Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for non-students at the door, and all proceeds benefit the UMKC Violence Prevention Response Project and V-Day’s 2011 spotlight campaign. For more information, visit http://www.umkc.edu/womenc/vday2011.asp.

YFA Art Trivia Smackdown, 6-9 p.m., Feb. 18: Want to test your trivia skills? Round up some friends and head to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City) for a Young Friends of Art competition. Questions include art, general Kansas City trivia and movies. Prizes will be awarded for best team name, round winners and overall winners. Entry is $12.50 and includes pizza. A cash bar is available. Visit http://www.nelson-atkins.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Betsey Johnson Trunk Show, 8 p.m., Feb. 18: Craving a dose of spring fashion? Head to Luna (1520 Grand Blvd.) for a Betsey Johnson trunk show that will highlight the spring line. Once you’ve planned your wardrobe, dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Shaun Duval. Visit www.lunakc.com for details.

AMC Best Picture Showcase, 10 a.m., Feb. 19: The first half of AMC’s Best Picture Showcase begins Saturday with “Toy Story 3,” “127 Hours,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “True Grit” and “The Fighter.” The second half of the showcase will be held Feb. 26. Admission for both days is $60 and includes a $20 concession gift card. Single-day passes are $35 and come with a $10 gift card. For participating locations and more information, visit http://www.amctheatres.com/bps.

–Katy Ryan

Photos in lead story courtesy of Tracy Hoth

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MetroWireKC: Another empty building in Midtown finds a buyer, BOMA hands out leadership award, Zimmer gives keynote speech in New York

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Another empty building in Midtown finds a buyer

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More good news for Midtown: The Whole Person has purchased the property at 3710 Main St. (above), after a yearlong search and evaluation. The 38,000 square foot, three-story structure was built in 1929, and TWP intends to completely renovate the vacant building that is on the National Historic Register. The renovation will incorporate universal design and environmental friendly principals to create a comfortable, accessible and welcoming workplace for employees, consumers and volunteers. “We were fortunate to find such a nice space. I don’t think we could have found a better location for our future home, said David Robinson, The Whole Person’s executive director. “The new location will help us continue to grow and evolve to keep pace with our consumer’s needs, allowing us to provide superior service along the way.”

TWP is an independent living center for people with disabilities on both sides of the state line, and the new state-of -the-art headquarters will consolidate staff and operations and improve accessibility. The Whole Person issued an RFP from selected architects and is in the selection process. In addition, predevelopment construction services are being provided by Kurt Pycior of Pycior & Co., general contractor. The project is expected to begin this summer and to be completed within 18 months.

BOMA luncheon focuses on award for leadership, mentorship

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The Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Kansas City (BOMA Kansas City) held its monthly meeting last week at The Kansas City Club, and the highlight of the luncheon was the awarding of The James Ruffini Leadership & Mentorship Award, which BOMA gives annually to someone in the industry who has demonstrated a long history of leadership, mentoring , is involved in preparing young professionals for their careers, is actively involved in local and national BOMA activities, and has a code of ethics that demonstrates “personal conduct above reproach.”  Above, the awards committee at the podium: Emily Dolence with Copaken-Brooks, Lisa Randall with Block Real Estate Services, LLC, and Clo Whitaker with Servpro of Olathe/Lenexa, Blue Valley, Greater Shawnee/Merriam. Below, Ruffini presents the award that was named in his honor to C. David Grosdeck, RPA, FMA with Cassidy Turley.

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BOMA was established in 1926 as the trade association for the area’s office building industry.  It is an independent trade association which is federated with the Building Owners and Managers Association International, headquartered in Washington, D.C. BOMA Kansas City is made up of the companies and individuals who own, manage, supply and provide services to the metropolitan area’s commercial, corporate and government office buildings. BOMA offers a year-round schedule of services, programs, and activities designed to support the professional development of its members, represent their common interests, and provide them with a means of building and maintaining industry business relationships. Below, Grosdeck thanks BOMA for the award. Then the luncheon wrapped up with speaker Sharon M. Taegel of the Kansas City District, Missouri Department of Transportation, who talked about issues affecting the group.

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Zimmer gives keynote speech in New York at IOREBA gathering

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Just days after attending the 10th SIOR Luncheon Series in London, Zimmer President David J. Zimmer presented the keynote address for the Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. Above, he’s pictured at the event with Kevin C. Geenty, North East Regional  Director of SIOR, CT Chapter; Howard Greenberg, SIOR Designee, NJ Chapter;  (center) David Zimmer, International President of SIOR, FRICS, Kansas City; Tom Hill III, CCIM, SIOR, CT Chapter, Waterbury, Conn.; and Sean Brady, 2011 President of IOREBA, NYC.

Zimmer, who is currently serving as the 2011 International President of the Society of Industrial and Office Brokers (SIOR), spoke of his goals for SIOR for 2011 and beyond which include a heavy emphasis on expanding SIOR’s global membership. Zimmer provided numerous statistics on the economy and commercial real estate including vacancy factors, absorption rates and others. He also told the audience, many of whom were SIOR and CCIM designees and some of whom would like to be SIOR designees, that the Society currently has over 3,000 members.  Each member does an average sales and leasing volume of $33 million dollars per year, he said, and added that in 2010 the SIOR membership was directly responsible for in excess of 78,000 commercial real estate transactions.

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MetroWireKC: with Nick Wright – Royals fans, be patient for one more year

Monday, February 14th, 2011

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Pitchers and catchers report today.  That’s right, baseball season starts, for all intents and purposes today.  Which, of course, begs the question, do any of you actually care?

Assuming you’re a Royals fan, you’ve been conditioned to think about one thing over the past few years, and one thing only, that thing being a number, of course.  That number?  2012.

And that would be awesome, you know, if it weren’t 2011.  But, alas, 2011 it is, and what does that mean for Royals fans?  Does it mean another year of losing?  Well, if by “losing” you mean losing more than you win, than the answer is almost certainly yes.  But past that, what does it mean?

Here’s the tough part—I don’t really know.  Is it fair to judge this team on wins and losses? Sure, I guess, but what would that accomplish?  Not much, unless you just relish the opportunity to give out Fs.  So how do we judge this team, if it won’t be on wins and losses?

Here’s the best idea I can come up with: Judge this team on its dedication to “the process.”  We’ve heard about the process for years, and now we are incredibly close to seeing it start to pay dividends, even if the Madoff-like returns are at best three or four years away.  The only possible tragedy of this season would be if the Royals get cold feet at the last moment, and start worrying about this year’s record.

I know it’s a difficult pill to swallow for fans, especially for fans that spend money on tickets, but this year’s record can’t matter.  What has to matter is identifying the guys currently on the roster that have a chance of being here long term, and getting them at bats and innings pitched.

What has to matter is not rushing up any of the young players, no matter how far behind the Royals fall in the standings or at the box office.

What has to matter is having the strength to fight through one more tough year—despite what Ned Yost and Dayton Moore tell us they are expecting—and allow “the process” to fully mature heading into next year.

I know that the opening of Spring Training is supposed to be a time when everyone is optimistic about their ball club, and I don’t mean to rob you of that.  If you want to believe that a rotation led by Luke Hochevar and a lineup led by Billy Butler can win a division, then I’m not here to stop you.  But if you’re more like me, and more realistic about the hopes of this team, then I ask you one thing.

Be patient, for one more year.  Don’t demand to see the young players, at least not yet.  We should see Mike Moustakas before the All Star break, but we shouldn’t see many more of the guys that were a part of Baseball America’s number one farm system until September or this time next year.  That’s okay.

I don’t know if this rebuild will go better than the ones in the past, but I do know that the team has to give it every chance to succeed, and that means not doing a single, solitary thing with the year “2011” in mind, not when we are so close to “2012.”

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MetroWireKC: Kansas City Woman – Sara Paxton turns tragedy into awareness, Bottoms Up celebrates one year + Valentine’s Day events!

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Local entrepreneur turns personal tragedy into a campaign for awareness

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Sara Paxton accepts a Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week proclamation in Lenexa. Photo courtesy of Sara Paxton.

Sara Paxton knows how to seek the silver lining in a terrible, heartbreaking, unimaginably painful situation.

The managing partner and CTO of Evans Media Group, Sara has spent the last several weeks seeking proclamations from local, regional and national government officials to honor Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week.

“I was inspired to seek these proclamations from Feb. 7-14 after my daughter, Jadyn, was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect,” Sara says. “She was born on Feb. 11, 2004, and only lived for about 15 minutes.”

Jadyn also suffered from congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which Sara says allowed “organs to herniate into the chest cavity. In Jadyn’s case, her stomach crowded her heart into the right side of her chest, and it didn’t have room to form correctly.”

While she was pregnant and dealing with Jadyn’s health issues, Sara realized she had a limited familiarity with birth defects “and didn’t realize how common they were in our society.” This year, she decided to take action and increase awareness. She created a formal letter detailing the request and provided supplemental links with additional information, which were then sent to area mayors.

Lenexa Proclamation

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week proclamation issued by the City of Lenexa. Photo courtesy of Sara Paxton.

“I sent e-mails to everyone and completed one online form,” she says. “Overland Park responded in less than 12 hours, and Lenexa within one day. Kansas City took a few phone calls and e-mails, but it was fairly simple as well.”

During the last week, Sara has attended city council meetings in Lenexa and Overland Park to receive the proclamations. The Kansas City proclamation will be presented at 3 p.m. today. Sara is motivated to continue raising awareness of congenital heart defects and other birth defects, but more importantly, is proud of the message she’s sending to her daughter during this significant week.

“This is a great tribute to Jadyn at such a special time of year,” she says. “She would be turning 7 during the week of Feb. 7-14, and we laid her to rest on Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day will always have a different meaning to me than many others. It is more about matters of the actual heart than the figurative one.”

Bottoms Up Antique Market celebrates one-year anniversary

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Despite last week’s inclement weather, a sizable crowd turned out to celebrate the one year anniversary of Bottoms Up Antique Market, which is open the first weekend of the month. During a sneak preview sale on Feb. 3, guests browsed a variety of antique wares while sampling cupcakes, mulled wine and other treats. Above, Gwen McClure (left), owner of Bottoms Up, is joined by her sister, Teri Elliott, with whom McClure owns French By Design.

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Above (from left to right), Claudia Gronniger of Just Claudia; Ann Huffman of A Vintage Mood; and Debbie Verbeck of Debbie’s Do-Overs mingle near their booth at Bottoms Up.

On the Agenda: Valentine’s Day edition

Valentine Artists Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 12: Are you in need of some thoughtful Valentine’s Day presents? Browse a wide array of gifts created by local artisans and crafters at the Valentine Artists Show (Main Street Goods and Goodies, 16 N. Main St., Liberty). Participating artists include Dirty Laundry, Flora Chang, Cindy Ross and Diane and Madeline Tompkins, among others. Click here for details.

Anti-Valentine’s Day, 8 p.m., Feb. 12: Not in the Valentine’s mood? Head to Mosaic (1331 Walnut St., Kansas City) for an Anti-Valentine’s Day bash. A date auction with Mosaic staff members kicks off the party at 8 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation. Enjoy a Korbel champagne cocktail hour from 9-10 p.m., as well as music by DJ Mike Scott and Spinstyles. By the time you’re done, you’ll be saying “Cupid who?” Visit www.mosaicmo.com for details.

La Bodega Valentine’s Day Feast, Feb. 11-14: Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an exotic location? Entice your tastebuds with the flavors of Spain–no passport required! La Bodega offers a sumptuous, four-course meal (complete with champagne aperitif) for $60/person. Enjoy the meal at both La Bodega locations: 703 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City and 4311 W. 119th St., Leawood. Reservations are recommended. For more information and a complete menu, visit www.labodegakc.com.


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MetroWireKC: with Nick Wright – Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers “played nearly perfect football”

Monday, February 7th, 2011

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The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl 45, but you already know that.  There’s some nice symbolism here, as well.  The Packers win the Super Bowl in Brett Favre’s final year (hopefully) in the NFL.  The Pittsburgh Steelers’ seemingly always clutch quarterback had a miserable game and wasn’t able to drive his team down the field in the final two minutes and we don’t have to hear even more stories about his so-called “redemption” off the field thanks to quality play on the field.

There’s also my favorite piece of symbolism: With a potential lockout looming, and one of the biggest pieces of contention between the players and the owners being the owners’ refusal to open up their financial books to the public, the Super Bowl Champion is the publicly owned Green Bay Packers.  You know, the only team in the league that has their books open to the public.

But forget all that symbolism for now, and just embrace this one simple football fact—Aaron Rodgers is the best football player on the planet.  Not just the best quarterback, not just the best skill position player.  No, to put it bluntly, Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the NFL right now, and it might not even be close.

Darrelle Revis is the league’s best corner.  Ndamukung Suh might be the league’s best interior lineman, and he’s only played one season.  Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald is the league’s best wide receiver.  And the league’s best running back, Jamaal Charles, plays right here in Kansas City.  But the league’s best quarterback, and the league’s best player, is Aaron Rodgers.

He completed over 60% of his passes, threw for over 300 yards, had four touchdowns, and a quarterback rating better than 110.  And he did all of this despite his receivers dropping at least a half dozen passes and another 100 or so yards and at least one more touchdown.  He played nearly perfect football, and he did it on the biggest stage imaginable.

Aaron Rodgers is 27 years old.  He’s only played three full seasons.  I’ve already told you he’s the best player in the NFL.  But I am going to take that one step further.  If every player in the NFL were a free agent, and you had the number one pick to start a franchise with everyone available, you would take Aaron Rodgers.  He’s the rare guy who is the answer to both questions, “Who is the best right now?” and, “Who would you take for the long term?”

The Packers are one of the youngest teams in football.  They had over a dozen players go on injured reserve this year, including their starting running back and brilliant young tight end.  They won’t have Charles Woodson—one of the ten greatest defensive backs ever—much longer, but they won the Super Bowl despite not having him in the second half due to injury.  And, oh yeah, they have Aaron Rodgers.  There’s no reason they can’t be one of the Super Bowl favorites for years to come.

Three years ago the Packers made a very difficult decision.  They were sick of waiting on their legendary quarterback, local legend—in fact, legend isn’t strong enough of a word to describe Brett Favre in Green Bay—and local Messiah to make a decision.  So they made a decision.  They were going to part ways with Brett Favre and move on with Aaron Rodgers.  The young man who many thought would be the number one overall pick of the 2005 draft, but wasn’t, and instead slipped to the Packers at 24.  Favre wasn’t happy.  Some local and national analysts said the Packers were being foolish, and disrespecting a legend.  Well, six year later, Aaron Rodgers has won as many Super Bowls as that Messiah Brett Favre did, and he is something Brett Favre never was—the hands-down best player in the NFL.

TEAMS WHO HAVEN’T HAD CONSISTENT QUARTERBACK AND ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A QUARTERBACK,

AND WHO THEY TOOK IN THE 2005 DRAFT INSTEAD OF AARON RODGERS

49ers- Alex Smith

Dolphins- Ronnie Brown

Browns- Braylon Edwards

Bears- Cedric Benson

Titans- PacMan Jones

Vikings- Troy Williamson and Erasmus James

Redskins- Carlos Rogers

Panthers- Thomas Davis

Jaguars- Matt Jones

Ravens- Mark Clayton

Raiders- Fabian Washington

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MetroWireKC: with Nick Wright – LeBron James the “best basketball player in the world” – in the regular season

Friday, February 4th, 2011

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LeBron James is the best basketball player in the world… at least until the spring hits.  LeBron confirmed that again Thursday night, when he threw up a nice, tidy 51 point, 11 rebound, 8 assist game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, helping his team improve to 35-14.

During the regular season, LeBron is quite simply the best player on the planet.  No disrespect to Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron’s teammate Dwayne Wade, or Dwight Howard or anyone, really, but not only is LeBron James the best player on the planet during the regular season, it’s not even close nor is it up for debate.

In fact, the only real debate is whether or not LeBron James is the best regular season player ever. Wilt Chamberlain is in the discussion, as is Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabar, but that’s about it.  And those three guys?  Oh, they’re just three of the five greatest players of all time.

We can debate about LeBron’s “decision” and about his ability to raise his game in the postseason—something he clearly has not done since the 2007 NBA playoffs, when he carried a team that started the likes of Eric Snow and Drew Gooden to the NBA Finals—and about whether or not he passes the ball too often in the clutch.  We can debate about all that.  What we cannot debate about is this simple fact: From November until April, LeBron James is the best basketball player in the world.

In fact, maybe the best evidence for LeBron’s greatness isn’t how well he and his team are doing this year, but rather how historically awful his former team is doing.  For the previous two seasons the Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record in the NBA, averaging over 63 wins a season.  But that was with LeBron James.

Without him?  Well, they are a historically bad 8-41.  They’ve lost 22 straight.  They’ve lost 29 of their last 30.  They’re a complete, utter, embarrassing mess.  Losing LeBron didn’t just demoralize them, it absolutely devastated them.

But, all of this, is just regular season accomplishments and accolades.  And NBA greatness is determined on postseason greatness.  If LeBron can find a way to harness his regular season abilities, and take them into the postseason, well, then he could be not just one, but the greatest player ever.  LeBron is already, due to what he has accomplished and barring injury what he will accomplish, one of the twelve greatest players in league history.  He adds some rings to that resume?  Well, then the sky is the limit.

Who is ahead of him, you ask?  Well, here’s the eleven greatest players ever.  Almost everyone agrees on these eleven names, but you can argue about the order for hours.

1-      Michael Jordan.  6 Championships and  6 NBA Finals MVPs, the consensus greatest player ever.

2-      Bill Russell. 11 Championships in 13 seasons, arguably the greatest team player in sports history.

3-      Magic Johnson. Magic could be anywhere on this list from 3-8, but he was the most fun player to watch in league history, won five Championships, three MVPs, and could play all five positions on the court.

4-      Kareem Abdul-Jabar.  More points than anyone in the history of the league, won as many rings as MJ (Six), also won six MVPs, was playing at MVP level into his late 30s, and had maybe the most unstoppable shot in league history—the Sky Hook.

5-      Wilt Chamberlain.  Averaged 30 points, 20 rebounds for his career. Won a scoring title and an assist title in back to back years.  Averaged more than 50 points per game for a season, once.  Had such cartoonish stats that his two NBA Championships seem almost embarrassing in comparison.

6-      Tim Duncan.  Seeing him here probably shocked you, but it shouldn’t.  He’s the greatest power forward ever.  He’s won four rings, and only had someone else on his team playing at a Hall of Fame level for one of those (David Robinson for his first ring.)  Will go his entire career without playing with one other consistent All Star.  Four time NBA Champion, and his Spurs currently have the best record in the league.  Three time NBA MVP.

I’m very confident that those are the six best players in the history of the league.  The next five could go in almost any order, but here’s the order that I would go with.

7-      Kobe Bryant. 8-  Oscar Robertson.  9-  Larry Bird.  10- Jerry West.  11-  Shaquille O’Neal.

And that brings us to number 12, LeBron James.  With one ring LeBron fights his way into the top ten.  With two rings he leap frogs Larry Bird and the Big O.  With three or more, we might have to make room for him in the top 6.

But for now, he’ll have to settle for the title he currently has—the best regular season player in the world.

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MetroWireKC: Kansas City Woman – Treat yourself at In The Pink, keep your heart healthy + upcoming events!

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Treat yourself at In The Pink

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Need a little pampering? In The Pink, a skincare studio owned by Beth Anne Corbett, specializes in a variety of services including waxing, hair removal, facials and corrective and restorative peels. Yet Corbett says she specializes in one service in particular.

“I’m kind of known for my Brazilian wax,” she says. “A lot of women are afraid of the procedure, but it’s really not that painful, and the results are well worth it.”

Corbett has been in the esthetic industry for 15 years, 11 of which she’s spent as a business owner. She was introduced to the trade while living in Los Angeles, pursuing a film career.

“My best friend, Marie, was an esthetician, so she taught me how to wax,” Corbett says. “When I moved to Kansas City, I needed something to do. Kansas City isn’t exactly a film mecca,” she adds with a laugh.

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Corbett attended school and worked at a couple of salons before opening In The Pink, a relaxing, “very Zen” place that Corbett says offers a relaxing respite from the typical traffic of a salon or spa.

“Women love to come here and relax before their appointments,” Corbett says. “And because we’re in a professional building instead of a salon, it’s a quieter, more discreet environment that women love.”

Corbett says clients have praised her on her “uncanny ability to make people comfortable,” an ideal trait given Corbett’s work in sensitive areas. She also describes herself as detail-oriented, thorough and fast, qualities that result in expertly performed services that quickly earn her long-term clients.

For a limited time, prospective clients are urged to take advantage of Corbett’s new client special—20 percent off any service. To book your appointment, call In The Pink at 913.488.3535 or click here for a complete list of services.

Health corner: Keep your heart healthy

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Spokeswomen for Go Red for Women. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.

The statistics are stark, but research shows that heart disease remains the number one killer of women. According to the American Heart Association, one in three women dies from heart disease each year.

February is Heart Health Month, and as a part of raising awareness, the American Heart Association has launched its Go Red for Women awareness campaign, the celebrity spokesperson of which is Jennie Garth.

The AHA encourages women to wear red on Feb. 4, National Wear Red Day, to bring visual awareness to the cause. The organization also encourages women to reach out to five friends or family members and encourage them to visit GoRedForWomen.org for more information on heart disease and prevention.

To help prevent heart disease and strokes, follow these tips:

  • Stop smoking
  • Improve diet and nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Talk with your doctor about genetic or other risk factors you may have, as well as ways to reduce your risk.

On the Agenda

Altered States: Adult Winter Reading Program, through March 13: How’s this for an incentive to finish some winter reading? Finish five books by March 13 and you’ll receive a free coffee mug and be entered to win a Nook e-reader. The theme of this year’s Adult Winter Reading Program is “Altered States,” including classics such as “Lord of the Flies,” “The Road” and “The Man in the High Castle.” Visit www.kclibrary.org/reading2011 to download your official reading log and check out book recommendations.

First Friday Wine and Tequila Tasting, 5-8 p.m., Feb. 4: Kick off your first Friday celebration with a tequila tasting at Los Alamos Market y Cocina (1667 Summit, Kansas City.) A selection of wines will also be available to taste. While you’re there, enjoy Los Alamos’ menu of traditional Mexican dishes, which includes a savory array of homemade salsas. The wine and tequila tasting is $5/person. For information, call 816.471.0450.

Saturday Irish Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Feb. 5: Wishing St. Patrick’s Day was here? Help ease the wait with a traditional Irish breakfast at Browne’s Irish Marketplace (3300 Pennsylvania, Kansas City.) The menu includes rashers, bangers, eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, Irish soda bread, Bewley’s Tea, juice and The Roasterie’s 1887 Blend coffee. While you’re there, browse Browne’s extensive array of Irish merchandise, pick up a case of Irish beer and enjoy Valentine’s Day specials on a variety of merchandise. Visit www.brownesmarket.com for more information.

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