Category Archives: Waldo Community News

Locally Owned Craft Beer Bar Proposed for Brookside

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John Couture

Remember this face?  Longtime Brookside residents will…it’s John Couture, former employee  of SRO Video.  It was so much fun to stop in that store, let the kids play with the rubber animals and browse the videos.  The staff was always friendly and knowledgeable.  SRO has been closed for a few years…but John is proposing an exciting new operation for Brookside–a craft beer bar/restaurant at the intersection of Gregory and Rockhill.

John met with the Armour Hills Homes Association board last night as the venue would be in Armour Hills at 120 E Gregory. He wanted to explain the concept, answer any questions we had  about his proposed operation and hear our opinions on a few issues.  Although it is the position of the AH board to not take a  position on  issues such as this, we all were impressed with John’s enthusiasm and commitment to being a good neighbor in Armour Hills. 

The Bier Station will offer high quality craft beers for purchase and consumption on site.  John described it as a ‘tasting bar /bottle shop’ — similar to a wine bar, with international beers on tap and some packaged beer for take out purchase. He’s committed to partnering with locally owned businesses, such as Farm to Market Bread Company for the soft  pretzels.  Other menu items will include  cheese plates, sandwiches and desserts.  Capacity will be under 100 persons, proposed hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday – Saturday 11am-midnight.  There will be a partially enclosed rooftop area, possibly some lighter live music, and a ‘contemporary and European art deco’ decor with long picnic tables to encourage conversation with other beer drinkers.  John  hopes  neighborhood residents to walk or bike to the Bier Station, welcoming kids too  as the parents stop for a cold brew.

The concept sounds great, something different for the area:  a casual, comfortable  place for beer lovers to grab a beverage, enjoy a light meal and chat with friends.  He promises  all  employees will know about the craft beers served, and which beers pair up with various menu offerings.  It’s not a done deal yet, though.  John is asking KCMO for a parking variance for the site (although he does have the ok from nearby Townsend Publications to use their parking lot evenings and weekends) and he is still working out a lease agreement with the landlord.  If all goes according to plan, the Bier Station will open in December.

John grew up in KC, is a Rockhill Gardens resident and a graduate of the Kaufman Urban Entrepreneur program.  And he is committed to not only providing a quality, service oriented establishment but promises to ‘always’ be responsive to any neighborhood concerns.  Even though I’m not a beer drinker, I’m always supportive of locally owned, neighborhood friendly businesses and look forward to welcoming John and the Bier Station  to Brookside!

Brookside Events this Week

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It can be a challenge to keep up with all the Brookside events I want to attend!  This week there are two especially important meetings, so I’m blogging about the details below:

Tuesday (March 20) is the monthly board meeting of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  We’ve been discussing raising the annual dues to pay for private security a few hours a day as a response to the increase in crime.  This topic will again be discussed in more detail.  All residents of Armour Hills are welcome.  The meeting is at 7pm at the Country Club Congregational  Church, 205 W 65th St.

Also Tuesday night is the first of two meetings regarding proposals related to ‘repurposing’ nearby closed Kansas City MO schools. Prospective buyers for the Bryant School (319 Westover),  will present their ideas at 6pm at the Country Club United Methodist Church, 400 W 57th St. Proposals for the Bingham School (7618 Wyandotte) will be presented at 9am Saturday March 24 at the Broadway United Methodist Church, 406 W 74th.

I’ll report back via blogs later in the week with a summary of both meetings…wish I could clone myself for the night so I could be both places at once!

 

 

Brookside’s 32cd Annual St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade 2012

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We are just a few days away from one of the most fun events of the year in Brookside:  the St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade.  It begins at 2pm on Saturday March 10, and lasts around 90 minutes.  The parade starts at 65th and Wornall, heads north on Wornall to 63rd St, east on 63rd to Main St, south on Main to Meyer, west on Meyer to Brookside Blvd.  The weather should be great!

2012 Brookside Warm Up Parade

2012 is the 32cd year for the parade.  According to LaDene Morton’s book, The Brookside Story, the first parade was started on a lark by the owner and patrons of Hogerty’s Tavern.  Virginia Kellog was running the merchants association at the time, and she decided to make the parade an official Brookside event.  The downtown KC St Pat’s parade was gaining in popularity, and Brookside would piggy-back on the celebration by having their parade a week early.

At first the ‘parade’ wasn’t very big.  It was mostly children from the neighborhood church and school groups who participated. One car would chauffeur the Grand Marshal of the parade.  Eventually, the parade grew in size and length to what it is today.  In the 1980s, the merchants started giving awards for various categories, including best music, best float and best theme.  The parade now has to limit entries, currently over 100, and regularly attracts local media coverage.  Local politicians and dignitaries to join in the fun, creating their own floats or walking along with residents.   This year’s Grand Marshals are Bob and Darlene Drummond, owners of Drummond Cleaners–a Brookside business since 1919.

One of the best things I like about the parade is that it’s a very easy parade to watch–you aren’t far back from the street so you get a good look at the floats and the riders.  It’s a true family affair, with many folks making it a party day on the front porch or lawn so friends can gather and socialize all afternoon.  The parade is one of the special annual events that makes Brookside such a special place to live.  Just be aware of the traffic closures and avoid the route area from late morning until late afternoon!

When Clients Become Friends

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Last night I took two clients to dinner.  This couple recently closed on their home purchase in Overland Park, and I enjoy spending time with them…so I invited them to dinner to celebrate their new purchase. My husband came along for the evening.

When I first met the wife, Diann, I knew we would get along great!  She’s a happy, sparkly, positive person.  A retired English teacher, we had a lot in common as my daughter plans to be an English teacher.  Jeff is an employment lawyer who used to be a pharmacist—he has a calm and honest manner about him.  We shared stories about our kids, books, home décor, restaurants—a very easy conversation.  I know we will share more social time together now that the business side of our relationship has closed.

This is one of the best benefits of being a real estate agent—getting to know so many interesting people, and becoming friends with (some of) them.  When first meeting a customer, it’s a great feeling to  ‘click’ over certain shared interests:  love of travel, kids the same age, political leanings, current events, favorite TV shows and movies.  Besides talking business, I enjoy taking a break and sharing conversation about these other topics we all like.  And after the business is over…continuing the relationship through social events and meals is a huge benefit.

At the start of each year, I think ‘who am I going to meet this year through real estate that will join my circle of friends?’.  At the end of every year, I look back and smile, relishing those new customers-turned-friends.  It’s one of the joys of life, making that circle of people in your orbit a bit larger..and real estate has done that for me!

Free Home Security Check from KCMO Police Department

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Last week I had KCMO police officer John Trainor come to my home for a free security check.  This is a complimentary service for homeowners–and so very useful!  It took about thirty minutes, and was easy to schedule on-line by directly emailing John (john.trainor@kcpd.org) to set up a date.

Many of his suggestions and comments were common sense:  don’t leave ladders near your home; keep windows locked, keep storm doors locked, don’t keep purses, laptops and other items of value visible near windows (to prevent a ‘smash and grab’ burglary).  He also recommends keeping bushes trimmed (can be a hiding area) and plenty of lights outside the home–near the garage, between homes, and in front and back areas.  Bars on basement windows help, but according to John, many thieves (50%)  enter through the front door:  they will knock, if no answer–they  kick the door in.  There are many safety devices you can install on doors to reinforce them:  jambraces, 1″ deadbolts with a reinforcing collar, strikeplates with longer nails — all available at your local hardware store.  John also left a helpful brochure “Burglary Prevention for Homes” with references and details on other suggestions for improving home security.  I highly recommend scheduling one of these visits to your home–then take the time to implement the suggestions discussed.

Having two daughters, I also asked John about self-defense for women.  He suggested the girls and I attend one of the free self-defense seminars operated by the department.  This is a four hour class that includes hands-on demonstration and lecture.  Go to www.kcpd.org and click on W in the A to Z headline for more info.

It’s a terrible, personal violation to experience a home burglary or assault.  And it’s easy to say you don’t have time to follow through on preventative measures.  But just by reading this blog, it’s on your mind!  So put ‘improve home security’ on your to-do list.  It’s worth it!

Holiday Gift Ideas from Brookside!

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What makes the best holiday gifts?  To me, it’s receiving something that’s a bit of a splurge that I wouldn’t normally  buy for myself.  Most everyone is more conservative with spending these days, so a little luxury type  gift that lifts spirits is so appreciated.  On my splurge list:  top quality coffee, a beautiful Christmas serving dish, fragrant soaps and lotions, pretty patterned leather gloves, a pedicure, hand made earrings.  As you are rushing around this week looking for those last minute presents, keep the splurge gift idea in mind.  And of course…shop Brookside!  Lots of splurge  —  and practical — gifts here.  Plus, the service is so much better than a cranky generic mall clerk and many shops offer free holiday wrap.  Read on for a few last minute gift suggestions from my neighborhood:

For Mom:  A night off from cooking!  Pick up a gift card from Carmen’s Cafe , Bella Napoli or Cosentino’s.

Jewelry  — or just about anything–from Stuff

Christmas decor from The Fiddly Fig

For Dad:   A massage from Massage Point, haircut from Brookside Barber Shop, services from Rydell Tailor.

For Grandma:  Scarf, jewelry or scented soaps from Worlds Window

Glass dishes from Shop Beautful

Scented candles from 5B Candlemaker

For Gen X and Y:  Gift card to Julian or The Roasterie

For kids:            Books from Reading Reptile

Card Games from Brookside Toy and Science

Bunch of hair ribbons from The New Dime Store

Gift card from Baskin Robbins/Topsy’s

I hope you find these suggestions helpful.  Shopping in Brookside isn’t a dreaded chore–you’ll find just about everything you need right here, with your dollars staying in the local economy.  Happy holidays and I hope your stocking is stuffed with a splurge gift for you!

Protect Your Brookside Home from Burglaries

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Last night I attended a Brookside/Waldo networking event at the Metro Patrol division of the KCMO Police Dept at 7601 Prospect.  The first bit of news I heard on arrival was that the cops had caught the guy who robbed McClain’s Bakery–twice!  They were waiting for him on the second event and picked up the perp the same day.  Thank you, officers, for your diligent policing of Brookside and our neighborhood shops.

I also talked to office John Trainor, who runs the Residential Surveys program for the department. This is a complimentary service, where John comes to your home and spends thirty minutes or so surveying your property from a security perspective. He will offer suggestions on ways to discourage burglars from making your house a target.  Usually these appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 11am-2pm, contact John via email to schedule a visit:  john.trainor@kcpd.org.

Another interesting fact I learned last night about break-ins:  50% of burglars go through the front door!  First they knock to see if anyone is home–if no answer, they will kick in the front door.  I asked about these thick, old Brookside doors–John said they are relatively easy to kick in, especially if the deadbolt is less than one inch long.  Also, most burglaries occur during the day rather than at night–I thought just the opposite.  Finally, approximately twenty cars per day are broken into in Kansas City MO.  Lock your car and don’t leave anything inside of value!

I hope this information is helpful to you–I’m going to schedule a visit with John at my own home.  Be proactive about protecting the contents of your home and vehicles–it just takes a little extra effort!

Thanksgiving 2011–Community Events near Brookside

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Happy Thanksgiving weekend!  It will be over before you know it.  Take some time with your family to visit one of these big community events over the next few days.  Yes, there will be crowds..but as the years pass, it’s these activities you do with family and friends that make such great memories!

Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony, tonight 6-7pm.  Erin Stonestreet from “Modern Family” will flip the switch this evening. The mild weather will bring out larger crowds.  Don’t try to park on the Plaza–leave the car along one of the residential streets nearby and walk over to the ceremony.  Or stop by later this evening after dinner…the walk feels especially good after a big meal.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center, Friday at 5:30.  Crown Center is stunning lit up for the holidays!  Remember the Ice Terrace is open as well.  Parking is trickier in this area–arrive very early or park along the street and walk to Crown Center Square.

Luminary Walk at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Friday 5-9pm.  This is my personal favorite outing over the holiday weekend.  Such a simple idea–placing luminaries along the walk–produces a magical scene visible from the streets as you drive by.   It’s a leisurely walk, and you usually see someone you know on the path.  Again, park on one of the residential side streets to avoid the frustrations of trying to park in the garage.

And what about Brookside??  The lighting of the Brookside Christmas Tree is Thursday, December 1 from6-8pm.  Refreshments, prizes and a choir will really get you in the holiday mood.  Near 63rd Street and Brookside Blvd.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Gift Baskets Featuring Trader Joe’s Products!

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Trader Joe’s…the newest hot spot in Kansas City!  Everybody loves Trader Joe’s..but did you know, they DO NOT offer gift baskets??  But we do!

A friend and I are making gift baskets full of Trader Joe’s products for the holiday season (or any suitable occasion!).  Prices range from $30 up to $100..we have several themes (Italian Feast, Breakfast Basket, Snack Attack, Coffee Lover’s..) and we can customize to your specifications as well. We even have a basket for your favorite pooch!

It’s the perfect gift idea this year…for corporate gifts, client appreciation, a hostess gift or for that someone who’s difficult to buy for–kids like TJ’s snacks, older adults appreciate the quality of the quick fix meal offerings, guys who want munchies during football season–endless possibilities!

All of our baskets are made to order and are wrapped in shrink wrap.  We do request 48 hours notice for orders. 

Interested?  Contact me for more information and a brochure.  It’s an easy gift that anyone will appreciate!

Free Energy Conservation Workshop in Waldo

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Quick!  Before the weather turns really cold!  Attend the free Energy Conservation Workshop this Saturday, Oct 22 at Habitat ReStore, 303 W 79th St, 9:30-11:30am.  You’ll learn easy ways to save energy in your home–some free, some low cost.  There will also be information about other programs and incentives available to you.  Space is limited, you can register at:

www.marc.org/habitat

Also this weekend, the final Waldo Community Market at Hale Cook Elementary, 72cd and Pennsylvania, Saturday Oct 22 at 8am.