Lee's Summit Town Hall

Some flights of fancy, some shopping, and some conversation about local politics

Everyone relax. Liesl is back home. After what seemed like a way-too-long hiatus, Liesl Hays rejoins Nick Parker for the latest episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast just in time to preview some weekend activities and discuss a recent guest column in Link 2 Lee's Summit discussing the role Political Action Committees are playing in our local elections and governance. Both Nick and Liesl are curious how others in the community feel about partisan political groups inserting themselves into local politics.

From bureaucrat to community volunteer — Steve Arbo talks life after City Hall

If you're feeling down, or a little overwhelmed, Steve Arbo has a suggestion — Find a local organization and volunteer. Service to others, he says, offers a reward of happiness you may not be expecting. Arbo, who has now been retired from his role as Lee's Summit City Manager for a year, entered The Vault this week for a conversation with host Nick Parker on his new life outside the bureaucracy and his dive into a role as community volunteer. Since leaving the northeast corner of City Hall, Arbo has enjoyed extra time traveling with his wife (who is also recently retired) and finding some local nonprofit organizations where he can share his passions and support Lee's Summit in new and profound ways.

Teens step forward to lead community convos on mental health

In a little bit of a twist, host Nick Parker hands the reins to local Lee’s Summit West Senior Ellie Johnson, who talks with ReDiscover’s Jennifer Craig and LSPD Officer Amanda Geno about the upcoming community forum on mental health scheduled for 6 p.m. April 22 at the Missouri Innovation Campus. This episode was edited by Lee’s Summit Junior Charlie Parker. Both Johnson and Parker are part of the I Can Relate podcast project. 

A business with an unexpected, yet rewarding focus on care for special needs kids

Their chiropractic business isn't exactly what they thought it would be. She didn't plan on developing a passion helping young patients and he had no idea the directions his study and budding network would take him. Today, Doctors Alex and Lauren Nelson operate HML Functional Care in Lee's Summit and have a budding practice focusing on providing a holistic and collaborative approach to caring for kids with special needs. The duo drop by The Vault for an open conversation with host Nick Parker on their business and approach to healthcare.

Passion for music and the arts leads new director to Lee's Summit and its symphony orchestra

Listen in on his resume, and you may start to wonder how Gary Good wound up in our midwest hamlet as the new executive director of the Lee's Summit Symphony. First off, we'll apologize, he's not all that new anymore. He's actually been here almost year, Nick and Liesl are just late getting him on the show. Good enters the vault to share his story of a career in music and the path to Lee's Summit. He also previews this weekend's performance at The Pavilion at John Knox Village and offers a bit of his vision for the future of the Symphony.

1, 2, 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock Shamrock!

We're gonna shamrock around the clock tonight… OK, it’s not tonight. But on the morning of Saturday, March 16, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street invites local families to join them for a new St. Patrick’s day event — Shamrock the Block. Events Director Julie Cook returns to The Vault to talk about creating the new event and what entertainment will be available.

Making weekend plans and visiting with an old friend

Liesl's out this week, but Nick's back to highlight a few local events coming up this weekend before kicking back with one of his favorite interviews from the podcast, Theron Denson — aka The Black Diamond. Hint-hint, there's some rumors Theron has a couple of big announcements coming soon so stay tuned. But for now, if you missed it last year, hears a conversation with the Lee's Summit resident and experiences gathered through his life as Neil Diamond tribute artist.

The power of Information, voices and inclusion

"Get over it and tell the stories..." If there's been a theme for host Nick Parker the last week or so, it's been to stop making things about himself. The point was driven home in a conversation with Lee's Summit resident and community activist Vanessa Hickman and his fear appearing phony while featuring black residents during Black History Month. The appropriate reprimand leads to a open and frank conversation between the two in this week's episode kicking off Black History Month in Lee's Summit.

Finding the right spot at the right time

Everyone knows two of the main keys for business success lie in both timing and location. For Sarah Boehnlein and Lisa McConnell, this couldn't have been more true as they moved into a new downtown Lee's Summit home just in time for the holiday rush. Their two businesses, TruKC and Boss Babe Balloon Co. respectively, took over the former Ivy and Sparrow space on Third Street just before the holiday shopping season started and they haven't looked back — of course, the popularity of anything celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs or Taylor Swift hasn't hurt business either. The two visited the vault this week for a conversation with hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays on moving downtown and building their businesses.

Ashley Muffitt and Square One's mission to build a community of resources for area entrepreneurs

In this lively episode of Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hayes bring their dynamic chemistry to the forefront as they explore the vibrant local business scene. Ashley Muffitt, from Mid-Continent Public Library and Square One, joins the discussion, shedding light on a mission to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into the resources offered by Square One, emphasizing the importance of planning and goal-setting for business success. With a perfect blend of entertainment and valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking a dose of local flair and entrepreneurial wisdom.