People of the Public Market: Connie O.

Published on August 07, 2026

A retired teacher of 32 years, Connie O. (photographed wearing hat) has found peace through yoga and connection through the Lenexa civic campus.

Every Monday and Wednesday, Connie and her friend Amy attend yoga at the Lenexa Rec Center before making their usual stop at the Public Market. Their children grew up together, and after unexpectedly running into each other at the Rec Center a few years ago, the two rekindled their friendship.

In retirement, Connie enjoys spending more time with friends and exploring new hobbies, including her latest passion: growing elderberries with her husband. Together, they care for 14 elderberry plants in their Overland Park backyard and on farmland near De Soto.

“We attended a convention and heard from Ph.D. students talking about studies that said a teaspoon in the morning, afternoon and evening, either slowed down the progression of dementia or even looked to be stopping it,” she said. “Antioxidants are the main thing. It’s supposed to help your immune system and prevent colds and health allergies.”

Public Market pick: Kombucha on tap from Homestead Kitchen + Bakery, paired with their breakfast burrito bowl.

Building community and connecting with the people who make the Public Market so special is at the heart of what we do. Our People of the Public Market series highlight these stories, offering a small but meaningful glimpse into the lives of our customers.