TK Magazine

Robert Erickson Named St. Francis Health Center’s President, Chief Executive Officer

2010-03-05T16:42:00.002-06:00

Robert J. Erickson has been named president and chief executive officer of St. Francis Health Center. He will join St. Francis March 25.

Erickson is currently the regional chief operating officer for Aspirus Inc., Wausau, Wis. He joined Aspirus in 2000 as vice president of administration and was promoted to senior vice president of ambulatory services and senior vice president of business development. Previously, he worked for rehabilitation facilities in Arizona and in administrative capacities, including interim chief executive officer for Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services, Simi Valley, Calif.

Erickson has a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., and a master’s degree in speech and hearing science from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. He completed all coursework with honors for a doctorate in cognitive psychology in 1994 before making a career change to business administration.

Erickson served as president of the Wausau Early Bird Rotary and the Boys and Girls Club of Wausau and as a director for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Board of Advisers and the Centergy Alliance for Economic Development.

Erickson and his wife, Cindy, have three children.

MAXIMUS TO OPEN A NEW SW LOCATION

2010-03-02T13:52:00.000-06:00

Maximus Fitness and Wellness announced a new SW Maximus Fitness and Wellness @ Wood Valley is opening on March 3 at 2909 SW 37th, Topeka. The expanded SW Maximus will feature over 35,000 square feet of of fitness luxery, eight fitness studios, executive locker rooms, the only Induro Cycling-Enhanced Theater in Topeka, Les Mills Body Pump, and a professional and friendly Kids’ Klub.

Maximus invites the public to a free ribbon cutting with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 5, 4:30PM with free food and beverages, prizes and to the grand reopening on Saturday, March 6 from 10AM-2PM at the new SW Maximus at 2909 SW 37th. The grand reopening will feature free classes, free tours, prizes and drawings.

The new SW Maximus is located with Wood Valley Racquet Club, Northeast Kansas premiere tennis and racquet center featuring six indoor tennis courts, Olympic size swimming pool, racquetball and the new Double Bagel Café.

Maximus is the fitness club voted number one three years in a row in “Best of Topeka.”

St. Francis Health Center Among Top 5 Percent in Nation According to Quality Study

2010-02-12T09:41:00.001-06:00

St. Francis Health Center has achieved HealthGrades’ 2010 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM based on its clinical quality performance. Mary Sweet, a HealthGrades representative, will present Grant Wicklund, St. Francis interim president and chief executive officer, with the award at a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the St. Francis Auditorium.

According to the HealthGrades study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving this award are, on average, 29 percent less likely to die and 9 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication. This year, only 269 of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals will receive this distinction.

“At St. Francis, we have a skillful and dedicated team of physicians, clinicians and employees,” Wicklund said. “It is because of their hard work and commitment that our patients and their families in northeast Kansas receive high-quality health care that is among the best in the nation.”

“The hospitals that have been designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ have, across the board, been leaders in their commitment to delivering the highest quality patient care. Consumers can choose where they receive their health care and our study again highlights the tremendous disparity in quality between hospitals,” said Rick May, MD, HealthGrades senior physician consultant.

St. Francis Health Center is one of three hospitals in Kansas to receive the Clinical Excellence designation. The other hospitals are the University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kan, and Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita.

Additionally, St. Francis is:
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI services
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI medical treatment
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) in Kansas for coronary interventional procedures
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) for overall orthopedic services
• Ranked among the top five (No. 2) in Kansas for treatment of stroke
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) in Kansas for overall critical care
• Five-star rated for treatment of heart attack for three consecutive years (2008-10)
• Five-star rated for treatment of pneumonia for four consecutive years (2007-10)
• The recipient the HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™ two years in a row (2009 and 2010).

This is the eighth year that HealthGrades has independently analyzed the clinical quality performance of all nonfederal hospitals across the country in 26 procedures and diagnoses. In the Distinguished Hospital Study, the company reviewed 40 million hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. Participation is not voluntary, and no hospital can opt out of being rated. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. Hospitals that receive the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM are those hospitals that rank in the top 5 percent when all 26 individual scores are aggregated into an overall score.

A full copy of the study can be found at www.healthgrades.com.

Heartland Visioning to Hold Community Meeting to Discuss Downtown Redevelopment

2010-01-28T12:01:00.000-06:00

Heartland Visioning would like to invite the community to join a discussion about downtown redevelopment of Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the Regency Ballroom of the Ramada at Sixth and Madison.

In the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, an overwhelming majority of the community wanted downtown redevelopment and revitalization. Heartland Visioning is creating an opportunity for the community to come discuss redeveloping downtown Topeka, particularly Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

William Beteta, Executive Director of Heartland Visioning said, “Our goal at Heartland Visioning is to provide opportunities for community collaboration in the implementation of the strategic plan, and we want to make sure the community is included in the discussion of downtown redevelopment from the beginning.”

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.

For more information please contact the Heartland Visioning office at 785.231.6006 or info@heartlandvisioning.com. We are also on facebook.com/HeartlandVision and twitter.com/HeartlandVision.

GO TOPEKA ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY RELEASED

2010-01-27T11:12:00.000-06:00

Projects resulting from GO Topeka’s 2009 efforts will have a net benefit of more than $15 million for the City of Topeka and Shawnee County over the next ten years, according to a report issued by Impact DataSource, an Austin, Texas, economic consulting, research and analysis firm.

GO Topeka, a subsidiary of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, is funded by the countywide half-cent economic development sales tax, which generates around $5 million annually, as well as private funding for attraction of new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and acquiring and managing assets necessary to support and retain primary jobs. The dispersion of that money is overseen by the Joint Economic Development Organization, comprised of elected officials from both Shawnee County and the City of Topeka.

The announced projects in 2009 included the new Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center, the purchase of the former Payless ShoeSource Distribution Center by PTMW, Inc. and expansions at the existing U.S. Foodservice, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Frito-Lay plants. Together, these projects retained 1,575 jobs and created 463 new jobs with a combined average wage of $48,250.

The study estimates that the benefits will continue to grow over the next ten years, with 3,770 direct and indirect jobs added, resulting in 762 new residents in Shawnee County. Of those 762 new residents, 254 will be from direct and indirect workers moving into the county, with 64 new residential properties to be built for those incoming residents. The salaries to be paid to direct and indirect workers over the next ten years exceeds $2 billion, with nearly $777 million worth of taxable sales and purchases expected in the county over that decade.

“These are exactly the sort of results voters expected when they passed the half-cent sales tax for economic development, the Topeka Blvd. Bridge and specific ballot listed road projects,” said Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “The efforts of GO Topeka have always been to ensure the promising future of Topeka and Shawnee County, and we will continue to do so for the people of the region.”

After the extraction of all incentive costs and the cost of services resulting from announced projects, the City of Topeka is expected to see nearly $10.8 million worth of net benefits over the next ten years due to the operations of GO Topeka’s 2009 announced projects, while Shawnee County is expected to net approximately $4.4 million. The study estimates Washburn University will see just over $5 million in net benefits over the ten-year span, while the Auburn/Washburn school district will see about $1.2 million and Seaman school district would see just over $1 million. Impact DataSource also predicts about $104.5 million in net benefits to the State of Kansas in the next decade.

“This is a great return on the investment for economic development and is worth celebrating,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “In addition to the benefits to other taxing entities and the wages being added to the community for the next decade, we continue to see a growth in the primary job sector that drives growth of small businesses and improvement of the community’s quality of life. This is what the community envisioned when the sales tax for economic development was passed by the voters.”

Resurrection debate: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

2010-01-26T14:11:00.001-06:00

Michael Licona, author and New Testament historian, and Richard Carrier, author and speaker, will debate the question of the resurrection - if Jesus rose from the dead - at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in Washburn Room A, Memorial Union, Washburn University. The event is free and open to the public.

Licona wrote “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.” He also was interviewed by Lee Strobel in his book, “The Case for the Real Jesus,” and Stobel’s video, “The Case for Christ.”

Carrier is a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American free thought movement. He has appeared across the country and on national television defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular nationalism.

Washburn University’s student organization, Christian Challenge, and the Atheist Community of Topeka are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Craig Freerksen at (785) 806-4255.

Topeka Edward Jones Branch Office Supports Project Topeka - Community Food Drive

2010-01-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

Jonathan Didde, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Topeka, is supporting Project Topeka by using his office as a drop-off location for a food drive.

Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from January 27th to February 28th.

The branch address is: 5844 SW Huntoon, Ste 300 in Topeka.

ERC selects 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse Sites

2010-01-25T08:58:00.001-06:00

ERC Resource & Referral announces sites for the 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse, an annual grassroots fundraiser for the non-profit, community service agency. The event raises critically needed support for ERC though a partnership between ERC, local home owners, and area designers and craftsmen. This year, ERC has select two homes with unique features to transform and showcase for public tours and activities:

A historic, Victorian home at 1621 SW Boswell, in the College Hill neighborhood --- The home built by the Sweet family in 1922 has been a private residence, a home for unwed mothers and was recently purchased by the United Methodist Church as a campus ecumenical ministry center. The first and second floors are identical, however, the first floor will be transformed into a gathering room, small group conference space, offices and fellowship areas. The second floor will be transformed into communal student residences featuring bedrooms; bathrooms; and kitchen, dining and living room space.

A new construction home at 5029 NW Derby Drive in North Topeka --- This 3400 square-foot home is being built in the Sterling Chase housing edition by Russ King Homes for a Topeka family. The home will feature "green," or environmentally friendly, construction techniques and energy efficiencies, and will be rated as an Energy Star home. This project will help educate the public about the latest in "green" building, as well as showcase the creativity of area decorators and interior designers.

"This year’s event is a little different from the previous 29 Showhouses. We are featuring two homes. We have never featured ‘green building’ before. The timing seemed right as our society is becoming more aware and interested in green building techniques and learning ways to conserve energy. The north home will create public awareness and entertain at the same time," said Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director. "The Topeka Home Builders Association Green Council is heavily involved with the project."

"The home on Boswell is interesting because of it’s history and intended use as a campus ministry and student residence. It will create new and interesting design challenges for our interior designers as they help transform the space into a functional, livable, yet fun environment that appeals to the college crowd and young-at-heart," said Wywadis.

Because the home on Boswell is an ecumenical ministry with limited funding, ERC is encouraging local businesses and philanthropic community members to consider adopting a room to provide the funding necessary to makeover the property. "We really need the support of the community on this showhouse property. Community support will benefit two local non-profits---ERC and Campus Ministry at Washburn University."

"We have a lot of space this year to design and decorate. We need area designers to help us transform both properties with the latest and greatest design trends, while keeping the intended purpose of both properties," said Wywadis.

Local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project and area designers interested in decorating a room at either property are asked to contact Reva Wywadis at ERC Resource & Referral at 785-357-5171 as soon as possible.

A "bare bones" showing of both properties is scheduled for February 18-21, 2010. The Bare Bones Preview kicks off the Showhouse event by giving the public the chance to tour both properties for $5 before work begins. Special events at area showrooms are also being planned this year in conjunction with the Bare Bones Preview showing.

Visit www.ercrefer. org for updates on the 30th Annual ERC Designers’ Showhouses and associated events.

Taxpayers Shouldn’t Be Burdened with Solving Government’s Spending Problem

2010-01-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity released the following statement in response to Gov. Mark Parkinson’s 2010 State of the State Address:

“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.

“Contrary to the Governor’s claim tonight, Kansas is a high tax state in nearly every measurement. When compared to our neighboring states, Kansas has the second highest personal and corporate income tax rates, second highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second highest in property tax collections per capita. Kansans simply cannot afford more taxes. The only state with a higher tax burden is Nebraska. However Nebraska’s state debt per capita is $22, while Kansas’ is $1,202.

“Now more than ever is the time to implement true fiscal reform in how we spend taxpayer dollars. I encourage the Governor and Legislature to not only avoid increasing taxes, but also to seriously consider passage of key measures that will impose some fiscal sanity in Topeka.

“Kansas needs to enact spending constraints, zero-based budgeting and budget stabilization fund legislation this year. When our state government entirely exhausts a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion in two and a half years, it’s obvious these measures need to be taken.

“Now is the time for our Governor and lawmakers to look in the mirror, not in the pockets of Kansas taxpayers when searching for answers. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business in Kansas by getting control over the reckless way we spend taxpayer dollars and ultimately, changing the reputation of our great state from being considered a high tax state to one that cultivates economic growth and prosperity through reductions in spending and tax rates.”

Beauchamp’s Gallery to Feature Colorists Diane Lawrence and Debra Clemente

2009-12-28T11:14:00.000-06:00

Fans of bright colorful artwork will see plenty to like in Beauchamp’s upcoming exhibit- New Works by Debra Clemente and Diane Lawrence. Both artists utilize bright pure color to inject energy and emotion into their paintings. Clemente applies heavy colorful oil paints on canvas with a pallet knife. Her works have a textural quality that seems to be influenced by the impressionists like Van Gogh. Lawrence applies thin layers of equally colorful pigments to delicate silk fabric. And though the color is just as striking, the surface quality of her work is much different than Clemente’s. Lawrence’s use of silk gives each painting a shimmering effect that is unique to the medium and a nice contrast to Clemente’s heavy oils.

For Clemente, much of her inspiration comes from the landscape. However, she is in no way focused on an exact interpretation of a particular scene. Rather, she is much more interested in using color to express the emotions that she feels. Similarly, Lawrence puts it this way, “Forms that radiate vibrant color energize my soul and lead me into a delightful journey into expression….” In the past, Lawrence’s focus has been florals and depictions of colorful Koi fish and this show has good examples of such work. However Lawrence, like Clemente, will also present a number of works influenced by the landscape.

New Works by Debra Clemente and Diane Lawrence can be seen at Beauchamp’s Gallery starting December 31, but an opening reception for both artists will take place on Friday evening, January 8th at the gallery. The public is invited.
Beauchamp’s is Topeka’s premier provider of original fine art, classic custom framing, art restoration/repair, and consulting. Located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart, Beauchamp’s has been a mainstay of the Topeka arts community for over 35 years.

2010 Leadership Greater Topeka Class Announced

2009-12-15T08:47:00.000-06:00

Thirty-six individuals from Topeka and Shawnee County have been selected to participate in the 2010 Leadership Greater Topeka program. Leadership Greater Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce since 1984, identifies outstanding potential leaders from various components of the community. There are 776 alumni of the program.

Class members will attend a retreat and seven day-long sessions between January 28-29 and May 7 to learn about challenges facing the City of Topeka and Shawnee County and how they, as individuals, can work to influence community issues and problems. The 2010 class was chosen from more than 300 nominees representing a variety of backgrounds and a cross section of the community.

Members of the 2010 class are:

Erin Aldridge, marketing manager, Topeka Performing Arts Center; Jose Arimany, associate manager, Business Analysis, Hill's Pet Nutrition; Gregg Burden, supervisory program specialist, VA Health Resource Center; Tyrell Carstarphen, student, Highland Park High School; Aaron Classi, commercial banking relationship manager, U.S. Bank; Shelley D'Attilio, laboratory manager, Stormont-Vail HealthCare; Kristina Dietrick, president, Creative Business Solutions; Mary Anne Durall; assistant vice president - global services/operations, se2 - div. of Security Benefit; Amber Gentry, vice president, Networks Plus; Brenda Guilfoyle, director resource development, United Way of Greater Topeka; Brian Haug, account executive, WIBW-TV; Julie Hinrichsen, vice president information services, CIO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; Captain Shane Hoobler, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office; Dracy Jenkins, executive director, Distribution Power Delivery, Westar Energy, Inc.; Dean Roxanne Kelly, Washburn Institute of Technology; Amanda Lanum, news anchor, WIBW Channels; Chris Lipp, cirector of cardiology/vascular surgery service line, St. Francis Health Center; Larry McCoig, regional president, Citizens Bank & Trust; Katie McCollom, development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka; Bill Naeger, senior project manager, Bartlett & West; Jenny Oxandale, assistant director, Kansas Volunteer Commission, KSDE; Nancy Riegle, interpreter/translator, Spanish Solutions International, LLC; Cody Robertson, associate attorney, Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP; Angel Romero, resident assistant (RA), Washburn University Residential Living; Ginger Spivey, programming associate, KTWU, Washburn University; Captain Jerry Stanley, Topeka Police Department; Shelly Starr, chief of litigation, Topeka City Attorney; Brandi Studer, associate attorney, Henson, Hutton, Mudrick & Gragson, LLP; Bob Swafford, owner/president, ColorWorks Paint & Supply; Bob Trepinski, executive director, Marian Clinic; Angela Valdivia, administrative assistant, Student Activities & Greek Life Office; Washburn University; Monte Weathers, Brigade S4 (Logistics Officer), 69th Troop Command, Kansas Army Nat’l Guard; Dana Wethington, chief executive officer, American Red Cross, Kansas Capital Area Chapter; Abbey Wostal, vice president/business development, Fidelity State Bank and Trust Co.; Corrie Wright, HND manager, City of Topeka - Dept. of Housing & Neighborhood Development; Tyson Yager, business analyst, Capitol Federal Savings.

Wells Fargo Advisors Topeka, Kansas, and The Topeka Rescue Mission helping to give back this Holiday Season

2009-12-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

Wells Fargo Advisors Topeka, Kansas, announced today a new project with The Topeka Rescue Mission. Throughout the holiday season and the coming year, Wells Fargo Advisors employees will provide support to the Mission by having food and item bins at their office, volunteering hours in the warehouse, and serving meals over the course of 2010. A $3,000.00 grant from The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation has been provided to leverage their efforts.

“We know that many more of our neighbors have been hit hard by the economic downturn and our team members want to do what they can to help,” says Neta Jeffus, Branch Manager and Sr. Vice-President. “Our project with The Topeka Rescue Mission to provide food and supplies will help to make a difference in the lives of many.”

The project is one of 200 throughout the U.S. managed by Wells Fargo Advisors as part of the firm’s Investing in Our Communities initiative.

“As a leader in our industry, we recognize that investing in our communities is a responsibility we have as a result of doing business there, and we understand that our firm is only as strong as the communities where we are located,” said Danny Ludeman, president & CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors. “To that end, through our team members’ volunteer efforts, corporate philanthropy and community involvement, Wells Fargo Advisors is showing its commitment to building strong and vibrant communities, improving quality of life, and making a positive difference where we live and work in a very hands-on way.”

To be eligible for foundation funding, projects had to outline how the firm’s employees would get involved in hands-on projects ranging from stocking food pantries and serving meals, to conducting clothing drives and re-painting shelters.

Both Wachovia Corporation and Wells Fargo & Company have strong legacies of giving to the community. In 2008, the combined company contributed $226 million in grants to 22,000 nonprofit organizations and 1.4 million team member hours volunteering in communities across the United States.

Washburn University School of Business students score high on national business exam

2009-12-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

Fifty-two students attending the Washburn School of Business received a score on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) Major Field Test in Business that would place the School in the top 15 percent of all schools administering the exam.

Given at approximately 600 colleges and universities across the country, the MFT is a comprehensive outcomes assessments designed to measure the critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in a major field of study. The tests go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge by helping business programs evaluate the ability of the students to analyze and solve problems, understand relationships and interpret material from their study of business.

Washburn students consistently score in the top 20 percent each year.

“We are very pleased with the performance of our undergraduate students” said David Sollars, dean of the School of Business. “It reflects the dedication of our students, faculty and staff to provide a high quality business education for our students. It is also a reflection of the support provided by the university, the Washburn Endowment Association, our alumni and other supporters who have provided resources to support student learning.”

The Washburn School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the premier accrediting body of business programs. The School was also included in Princeton Review’s 2010 Best 301 Business School List for its high quality MBA program.

Washburn students who individually scored at the top 75th percentile and above are:
Anthony: Aaron Podschun
Berryton: Sarah Sims
Chanute: Heath Bideau
Council Grove: Jesse Morgan
Glen Elder: Jessica Winkel
Ness City: Dillon Schwindt
Ottawa: Matthew Neff
Overland Park: Ben Bianchino
Quinter: Grady Kesler
Sabetha: Daniel Tramp
Topeka: Megan Allen, Nicholas Armstrong, Douglas Boleski, Jared Bryant, Kevin Etzel, Marshall Ferguson, Lindsay Heil, John Imming, Robert Seitz, Nathan Stillings, Thaddeus Taylor

Designed by Educational Testing Services (also known for the SAT, PSAT and other nationally known tests), the ETS Major Field Tests are comprehensive outcome assessments designed to measure the critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in a major field of study. The Major Field Tests go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge and help students analyze and solve problems, understand relationships and interpret material from their major field of study.

SCOTCH SHARE THE WARMTH® COAT GIVEAWAY

2009-11-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

Thousands of clean, warm coats in good condition will be given away at the 23rd Annual Scotch Share the Warmth® program. Scotch Cleaners and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary have announced that the public coat giveaway will be Monday, November 30 through Saturday, December 5. Hours are 1 – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The giveaway is at the Salvation Army, located at 1320 SE 6th in Topeka. Coats are free to anyone in need. Individuals should be there in person to try on coats before selection.

Groups needing special times or individuals needing assistance may make an appointment for getting coats by contacting a social worker at the Salvation Army in Topeka at (785) 233-9648.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Opens Today at Kansas Expocentre

2009-11-27T09:21:00.002-06:00

The opening performance of "Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic" at the Kansas Expocentre will be today, Friday, Nov. 27 at 1:00 p.m. (show runs through Sunday, Nov. 29).

Ticket prices start at $14 and are available at the Kansas Expocentre box office, at all Ticketmaster locations, and online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic is a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate, eye-dazzling sets and beautiful costumes. More than 60 of Disney’s characters and 18 unforgettable stories will be featured in this commemorative celebration when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Mulan, Timon, Pumbaa, Stitch, the beloved Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Nemo, the Incredibles and many more!

To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Show Dates: Friday Nov 27 – Sunday, Nov. 29. Friday, Nov. 27 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm; Saturday, Nov. 28 at 11:00 am. 3:00 pm; Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1:00 pm.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE

2009-11-24T11:22:00.001-06:00

Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy has announced three wonderful events to help celebrate the holidays! Fans of live theatre will be able to experience a classic holiday film brought to life with singing and dancing, a beloved children’s literature character brought to life on stage, and improv comedy to ring in the new year!

Beginning this weekend and running through December 20, 2009, It’s a Wonderful Life is being performed on the Sheffel Stage at TCTA. Frank Capra’s classic holiday film is lovingly brought to the stage with a faithful script and charming music. Through the gift of his guardian angel, Clarence, George Bailey discovers how wonderful his life has been by being granted the privilege of seeing what the world would have been like had he never been born. The show features almost 50 actors, ages toddler through senior citizen, performing delightful holiday music for families to enjoy!

Opening December 11 and playing through December 20, 2009, the new TYA series with adults performing for children brings the stories of A.A. Milne to the stage with A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail. On a Christmas Eve not too long ago, Eeyore, the old gray donkey, was absolutely miserable. He had lost his tail and Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet gather all their friends to organize a search to find it! This show is packed with fun and excitement and is appropriate for kids of all ages.

Adults can ring in the New Year laughing at TCT as the Laughing Matters Improvisational Comedy Troupe brings a night of outrageous comedy sketches and improvisational games to the stage. This show contains some humor not suitable for all audiences. The show begins at 10pm and ends with a midnight countdown by the comedy company from the Sheffel stage.

For more information about any of these holiday activities and more, please visit TopekaCivicTheatre.com or call Chelle Decker, Marketing Director at (785) 357-5213.

St. Francis Health Center has lower mortality rate than national average, according to national study

2009-11-24T11:02:00.000-06:00

St. Francis Health Center received recognition for providing high-quality care in several service lines, according to a comprehensive annual study released by HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization. The HealthGrades study annually assesses patient outcomes – mortality and complication rates – at virtually all of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.

St. Francis received recognition in 25 areas, including:

• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI services
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI medical treatment
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) for coronary interventional procedures
• Five-star rated for treatment of heart attack—three years in a row (2008-10)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) in Kansas for overall orthopedic services
• Recipient of the HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™—two years in a row (2009 and 2010)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 2) in Kansas for treatment of stroke
• Five-star rated for treatment of pneumonia—four years in a row (2007-10)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) in Kansas for overall critical care

“St. Francis has invested significantly in process improvements, patient satisfaction initiatives and technology to enhance the quality of our patient care,” said Grant Wicklund, St. Francis interim president and chief executive officer. “This recognition from HealthGrades across multiple service lines underscores our commitment to improving the health of our community and is an appreciated acknowledgment of the expertise and effort our staff and partnering physicians apply at St. Francis every day.”

According to the 12th annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study, top-rated hospitals had a 52 percent lower mortality rate than the U.S. national average when looking at the patient outcomes of 17 procedures and diagnoses ranging from bypass surgery to treatment for heart attack. When the top-rated hospitals were compared to the poorest performers, there was an even greater difference, 72 percent lower mortality.

The new 2010 HealthGrades hospital ratings are posted at www.healthgrades.com, HealthGrades’ public Web site.

Library receives national four-star ranking from Library Journal

2009-11-20T12:45:00.000-06:00

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has been recognized as a high-performing library in a time of need. This week, the library was given four out of five stars by Library Journal, by the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field.

Libraries across the nation are playing a key role in their communities in this current economic crisis, and your library is no exception. Libraries were judged on number of visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.

“Each month since the economic downturn, we’ve broken circulation records. More customers are coming in looking for job search tips or looking for free entertainment. We’re happy to fulfill their need and be recognized as a library of distinction,” Paul Brennan, collections manager, said.

Each day more than 3,000 visitors walk through the doors of the library. The library has experienced a 19.3 percent increase in the number of people coming into the library this year compared to last. In 2008, we checked out 2,453,453 items. This year, checkout is up 7 percent.

The library provides free computer and Internet access and training. We offer about 500 computer-training classes each year. Our instructors say attendance at computer training programs has increased as the unemployment rate has increased.

258 libraries from across the United States earned a star ranking. To find out what other Kansas libraries were awarded stars, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6705870.html#KS.

Heartland Visioning Inaugural Report, 2009

2009-11-19T11:45:00.000-06:00

Today Heartland Visioning released its inaugural report. The report, which is promised every year, will provide a look at what has been accomplished in the year toward achieving the community-wide vision. The efforts put in by the dedicated vision partners and over 500 volunteers from around the community are what make the success of Heartland Visioning possible.

There are changes taking place in Shawnee County. In 2008, Shawnee County grew by 0.8% only 0.2% away from the 1% annual growth target.

The average earnings per job increased 1.6% in Shawnee County during the first quarter of 2009 versus a decline of 2.5% nationally. This is 3.35% over our benchmark target of being 0.75% over the national average for average job earnings.

Lastly, from 2006 to 2007, crime in Shawnee County declined by 12%, a greater decrease than the U.S. average. Additionally, crime in the City of Topeka has dropped 6.4% from 2007 to 2008.

These Key Benchmark results show that change is happening for the better. From here, the goal for Heartland Visioning is to keep these changes going in a positive direction. The Key Benchmarks are used as indicators, letting the Strategic Alliances and everyone know that what we are doing is working.

“There are a lot of wonderful things happening in our community,” said William Beteta, Executive Director, Heartland Visioning. “This was a learning year for all of us. One thing we learned was about all the great people and programs that exist and are working on things the community said it wants.”

In learning about existing programs, Heartland Visioning’s mission is to help like minded individuals and organizations build collaboration and make what they do even better for the community.

A copy of the report is available by contacting the Heartland Visioning office 785.231.6006, info@heartlandvisioning.com or go to the Website www.heartlandvisionoing.com.

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, or 20 years.

AFP-Kansas prepares transportation policy primer for legislators, taxpayers

2009-11-17T15:08:00.001-06:00

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has prepared a ‘policy primer’ to help Kansans understand what Kansas spends on transportation in the state, and how our state compares with others in the region.

Derrick Sontag, AFP-Kansas state director, said Kansas has had a comprehensive highway or transportation plan for twenty years now.

“There are many in Topeka who believe that the simple act of building new roads and highways spurs economic growth, but the numbers suggest otherwise,” he said. “For example, between 2002 and 2006 Kansas ranked eighth in the country in highway spending per capita, yet our Gross State Product growth lagged at 33rd.”

Sontag said that generally speaking, economic research studies have not found that increased spending and building more roads will lead to a larger economy and to more private capital in a given state.

“Kansas’ rankings in highway spending and GSP growth, as well as other economic measurements, suggest there is no direct correlation between increased government spending on highways and economic growth,” he said.

Sontag also noted that the state’s annual population growth has averaged less than a half percent.

“With lagging Gross State Product and population growth, one has to wonder just what economic measurements the proponents of implementing a new highway plan cite in making their claims that simply building new roads will lead to an economic recovery in Kansas,” he said. “Reducing the tax burden and government spending will best assist the private sector, not increasing our tax and debt burden.”

Sontag said it would be irresponsible for the Legislature to do anything further than authorize an appropriate maintenance plan during the upcoming legislative session.

“Kansas’ roads and highways are in great conditions, and AFP-Kansas supports the implementation of a responsible maintenance program,” he said. “However, with the state facing a $500 million shortfall and Kansans already facing an uncompetitive tax and debt burden the last thing the Legislature should do is embark on a massive tax and debt plan that further places Kansas families and businesses in a financial bind.”

The AFP transportation policy primer outlines the state funding for highway plans, which has traditionally involved taxes and debt. It also compares the Kansas tax rates to those of neighboring states.

St. Francis Health Center named on Top 100 Hospital: Best in Value Hospitals™ list

2009-11-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

St. Francis Health Center was recently named by Data Advantage LLC as a Top 100 Hospital: Best in Value Hospitals™ list from the 2009‐2010 Hospital Value Index™, the first and only national study on U.S. hospitals and the value of care they provide.

The hospitals in the Top 100 list represent nearly every state in the U.S. St. Francis was the only hospital in Kansas that was named to the list.

“These are the hospitals that set the bar for the nation when it comes to value. If every hospital performed at the level of the Top 100, we found that more than $60 billion per year could be saved,” said Hal Andrews, chief executive officer of Data Advantage.

“We are honored that St. Francis has been recognized for its stewardship in delivering value to patients,” said Grant Wicklund, interim president and chief executive officer of St. Francis. “We appreciate the efforts of our physicians and staff and the work they do to provide care that is both high-quality and cost-effective and acknowledged as such by national consumer health organizations.”

“The Hospital Value Index™ winners are a geographically diverse group of hospitals that have a proven ability to deliver high value care to their communities and represent a model of care that other U.S. hospitals should look to,” Andrews said. “As legislators consider health reform, we believe that it will be increasingly important to recognize and reward those hospitals that deliver outstanding value.”

These results are part of the findings from the 2009‐2010 Hospital Value Index™ study, an analysis of the value of care provided at more than 4,500 U.S. hospitals.

New Residence Providing Assisted Living and Memory Care Services Planned For Topeka, Kansas

2009-11-11T15:12:00.000-06:00

Legend Senior Living today announced plans to construct a free standing assisted living and memory care residence in Topeka, Kansas. Legend at Capital Ridge Assisted Living and Reflections Memory Care will be located at 1931 SW Arvonia Place and consists of 51 private apartments for Assisted Living and 15 private suites dedicated for Memory Care.

Legend at Capital Ridge will provide daily assistance to older adults who can no longer live alone, but don’t require the advanced level of skilled medical care provided by a nursing home. The care model emphasizes a homelike residential design and programming developed to help older adults maintain a rich quality of life.

Reflections Memory Care Residence at Legend combines beautiful private suites with state of the art life enrichment programs and trained staff to meet the needs of individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

WDM Architects, Wichita KS, designed the residence. The Law Company, Inc., Wichita KS is the general contractor and Roger Mullanax (316-268-0200) is the project manager. Construction is scheduled to start immediately. The Legend at Capital Ridge is planned for completion in late 2010.

Legend Senior Living is a privately held company founded in 2001 by Timothy Buchanan and is dedicated to providing quality services and housing to senior adults. Legend Senior Living owns and operates Independent Living and Assisted Living Residence in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Florida.

TIBA ANNUAL MEETING TO HONOR TOPEKA INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

2009-11-09T06:38:00.001-06:00

The Topeka Independent Business Association will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at The Shawnee Country Club, 913 SE 29th Street in Topeka. The annual meeting will include the installation of the new TIBA board members, and the presentation of the Top TIBA Businesses of 2008 in three categories and the Ron Stryker Key Member Award.

Those being honored as the Top TIBA Business of 2009 include E2 Communications in the 1-5 employees category; Kendall Construction, Inc. in the 6-50 employees category; and St. Francis Health Center in the 50 + employees category. The awards are based on business growth, community involvement, activities which enhance the small-business climate in Topeka, active involvement in TIBA, and leadership in the community.

“The TIBA Annual Meeting is our opportunity to celebrate independently-owned businesses and business owners in Topeka,” said Tara Dimick, TIBA chair.

The Ron Stryker Key Member Award will be presented to the key member of TIBA in 2009 and is chosen annually by the TIBA chairperson. The award was created to honor Ron Stryker who passed away in May of 2008. Ron was an advocate for independent business and a founding board member of the Topeka Independent Business Association. He started his career as an entrepreneur in the heating and air conditioning industry and acquired twelve related businesses. The winner of the Ron Stryker Key Member Award will be announced at the TIBA Annual Meeting on November 10, 2009.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, email tiba@topekaiba.org or contact Sharon DuBois at (785) 783-2897.

The Topeka Independent Business Association (TIBA) is the voice for independent businesses in Topeka and Shawnee County. TIBA members are locally-owned businesses that want our community to grow and prosper; and have their voice heard on taxes, health insurance, and local and state issues.

TOP TIBA BUSINESSES
E2 Communications is owned by Tara Dimick. E2 a full service strategic planning company focused on effective and efficient communications in marketing, advertising, public relations, proposal and grant writing, board facilitation, and company and organizational training.

Kendall Construction, Inc. was started in 1994 by Richard and Sheri Kendall. Kendall Construction provides general, renovation, specialty and design-build construction. Their mission is to establish and maintain positive customer relationships by meeting and exceeding customer expectations in regard to quality craftsmanship, safety, budget and deadlines.

St. Francis Health Center has 378 licensed beds, a medical staff representing nearly all specialties, adult and youth volunteers and a thriving auxiliary. Skillfully integrating unparalleled technology in an environment steeped in Christian values and compassionate care, St. Francis and its employees have fostered a premier regional hospital featuring the newest medical innovations and state-of-the-art equipment.

###

Washburn University student a contender for prestigious scholarship

2009-11-05T17:16:00.001-06:00

Washburn University senior Garrett Love, of Montezuma, was recently nominated by the university to compete for the prestigious Rhodes Scholar Award.

“Garrett has excelled in the academic and extracurricular arenas and has distinguished himself as a leader,” said Robin Bowen, vice president of academic affairs. “He is a positive role model for other students and is very deserving of the nomination.”

Currently president of the Washburn Student Government Association, Love is, according to university archives, the first Washburn student to be nominated for the award in more than 100 years. In 1904, the first year nominations were accepted for the Rhodes, Washburn senior Frank Mohler was selected and completed his studies the next year at Oxford University. Merrill Templeton, a 1909 graduate, was selected for the honor, but became ill and had to withdraw before he began coursework in England in 1910. In 1910, Philip Whitcomb became the third Washburn student named a Rhodes Scholar. He began at Oxford in 1911.

Prior to being elected president of Washburn Student Government Association, Love served for two years as a senator. He currently is a member of the Kansas Board of Regents Student Advisory Council, a student representative of the Washburn Budget Reduction Task Force and the Washburn Strategic Planning Committee and is a member of the Topeka Heartland Visioning Steering Committee.

Love holds a 4.0 grade point average and is majoring in economics, management and finance. He was a member of the Washburn men’s basketball team for three years and was twice named Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Presidential Scholar. His honors include membership in Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Mortar Board and Sagamore honor societies and participation in the Washburn Leadership Institute.

A Rhodes Scholarship provides the opportunity to study at Oxford University for two years, with all tuition fees paid and a living allowance provided. American Rhodes Scholars are selected from all over the nation to pursue a course of study of their own choosing at Oxford; students may work toward a master's degree or a second bachelor's degree. If named to the program, Love plans to research methods through which theories of justice and freedom of choice can be incorporated into the analysis of optimal taxation.

Established in 1902 through the will of English-born businessman and politician Cecil John Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholar Award is the oldest fellowship program in the world and is bestowed to only 90 students each year. A nominee must possess a high standard of intellectual and academic achievement, exhibit integrity of character, display interest in and respect for fellow beings and display the ability and desire to lead. Applicants must also demonstrate physical vigor that will enable them to make an effective contribution to the world around them, which can be achieved through participation and success in athletics.

St. Francis Physician Receives National Award

2009-11-05T11:20:00.000-06:00

A national organization has recognized James J. Hamilton Jr., MD, FACS, a St. Francis physician, for his work in cancer care in 2008 by awarding him the State Chair Outstanding Performance Award in October, becoming just one of three physicians to receive the honor nationwide.

The Commission on Cancer, an affiliate of the American College of Surgeons, gives the honor, which recognizes individuals who provide extensive leadership and support to their physician volunteers and cancer programs in the state. They are collaborators, innovators, and experts working with cancer programs, professionals and state coalitions to improve the quality of cancer care.

The award is bestowed on individuals who exhibit excellence in the following areas:
Consistent and innovative communication methods used for maintaining relationships with the cancer liaison physicians
Support and initiation of Commission on Cancer activities at the state and regional Level
Collaboration with American College of Surgeons Chapter, American Cancer Society and Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalitions

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922, the Commission on Cancer is a national consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Its members include 96 individuals who are either surgeons representing the American College of Surgeons or representatives from 46 national, professional organizations or Commission member organizations. These individuals direct the activities of the Commission through committee work.

Hamilton is chairman of the St. Francis Comprehensive Cancer Committee. He is board certified in general surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is employed at Tallgrass General, Vascular, Thoracic and Bariatric Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his surgical residency at Harvard Medical School.

Sunflower Showdown Benefits Topeka Rescue Mission

2009-11-04T12:05:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow night a very reliable indicator of the outcome of the “Sunflower Showdown” will be revealed. Clients of Wells Fargo Advisors will be bringing food items and other contributions to score points to show their loyalty for their favorite team—including KU, K-State, Washburn and Emporia State. In the past 5 years, the team with the most donations has also been the winner of the Sunflower Showdown between KU and K-State!

This year’s beneficiary is the Topeka Rescue Mission. As a warm up to the KU/K-State game on Saturday, Wells Fargo will be hosting a fun-filled event at the Great Overland Station between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm on November 4th. Clients of Wells Fargo will be greeted with much fanfare as they are enthusiastically cheered to see which team can bring in the most food pantry item donations and monetary contributions for the Topeka Rescue Mission, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing services to individuals and families in need or in crisis. The team that has the most points (for items and donations) at the end of the evening will have all contributions for the Rescue Mission made in on behalf of either KU, K-State, Emporia State or Washburn’s name.

For every food pantry item donated, the team will receive one point towards their score. Making a monetary donation scores a touchdown for 6 points. The team with the highest number of points will represent who has the best school and Rescue Mission spirit.

“We are proud members of the Topeka Community and are looking forward to the “Are you Ready for Some Football” challenge. We hope this will really help the Topeka Rescue Mission and the families they assist and that this event will be a fun and exciting way to kick off the pre-game rivalry”, says Neta Jeffus, Branch Manager of the Topeka Wells Fargo Advisors office. “We are looking forward to getting the teams rallied around the Topeka Rescue Mission”.

“We are excited about this event”, states Barry Feaker, Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission. “Many families are in need right here in Topeka and this is a great way to show support of the Topeka Rescue Mission, the community, as well as team spirit”.

The event is expected to have well over 150 in attendance.

Local Pharmacy Achieves Health Care Quality Accreditation; Pharmacist Receives National Award

2009-11-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

Topeka: An engraved plaque pledging to “Never Stop Improving” hangs in the owner’s office. Clearly it sums up Michael K. Conlin’s philosophy about his work, his patients and his business—Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply. There’s no question that his commitment to quality improvement has been instrumental in helping him achieve recent recognition of national significance and local notoriety.

For more than 20 years, Conlin, R.Ph., F.A.C.A., F.I.A.C.P., has been delivering personalized cu stomer service from behind the counter of Jayhawk Pharmacy. As a boy he sat in the original store and watched Pharmacist Bob Drumm deliver prescriptions to the folks in the Brookwood neighborhood. After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in 1978, Conlin returned to the community to work and later buy the Topeka company.

Jayhawk Pharmacy took the spotlight this summer in achieving the Award of Accreditation from the Health Care Quality Association. This recognition means the pharmacy successfully completed a yearlong process documenting their high level of consistent patient care. Beginning September 30, 2009, suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) must be accredited to continue to serve and bill Medicare Part B patients. The accreditation process included a three-day site visit during which credentialing staff held in-depth interviews with patients and medical providers regarding the quality of care provided by Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply.

The purpose of national accreditation is to ensure the highest quality of patient care is provided as well as state of the art medical and oxygen equipment to address all aspects of patient home care. In order to retain Medicare billing privileges, all DMEPOS suppliers must comply with the Medicare program's supplier standards and quality standards to become accredited. Nationally, the accreditation requirement applies to suppliers of durable medical equipment, medical supplies, home dialysis supplies and equipment, therapeutic shoes, parenteral/enteral nutrition, transfusion medicine and prosthetic devices, and prosthetics and orthotics.

“At Jayhawk Pharmacy, our commitment has always been to our patients. We compete with mass merchandising, by doing what’s best for our individual patients,” Conlin said. “I saw the “never stop improving” phrase in a manufacturing plant in China. It stuck with me. I am dedicated to improving our business, our community. This national accreditation is improving service to our patients.”

The accreditation is only one of two national awards garnered by Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply and Conlin.

Last year, specialized credentials and outstanding customer service earned Conlin
The National Award for Innovative Pharmacy Practice in 2008 presented by the Kansas Pharmacist Association on behalf of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. The award is made to an association member who consistently demonstrates innovative pharmacy practices resulting in improved patient care.

Conlin’s nomination by pharmacists from throughout the state of Kansas noted his efforts in improving, broadening and diversifying the services that are provided by all Kansas community pharmacies providing individualized patient care. In addition to owning and operating Jayhawk Pharmacy, Conlin has been instrumental in providing durable medical equipment training to his community pharmacy colleagues throughout the Midwest. He also is nationally recognized as a Certified Menopause Educator by the North American Menopause Society and provides individualized patient hormone consultation to menopausal women throughout the Midwest.

Conlin is a Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries (F.A.C.A.) as well as a Fellow of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (F.IA.C.P.).

Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply has three locations in Topeka: 2860 SW Mission Woods—Clinical Pharmacy and Patient Supply; 6730 SW 29th—Custom Prescription Compounding; and 2620 SW 6th-- Medical Equipment and Patient Supplies.

3nd Annual Westboro Plaza Glow Shines Brighter Than Ever

2009-11-04T10:01:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow night, there will be hundreds of glittering new lights winking in the Topeka sky. On Thursday, November 5, the Westboro Plaza will hold its third annual Westboro Plaza Glow, ushering in the holiday season.

Once again, the Westboro Mart will be the most festive spot in Topeka—filled with the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays. Hear the Topeka High Jazz Band play holiday music amidst the twinkling lights, along with activities galore:

6:30 pm—activities begin
Glass blowing demonstrations at the Haute Shop
Surprise fun from Gizmo Pictures
Santa photos at Centerpiece Photography
Food vendors will be selling delicious treats

7:00 pm—lighting ceremony
The switch is thrown and hundreds of lights come ablaze

Merchants and galleries will be open until 9 pm to entertain customers and friends with prize drawings and treats of their own.

“The Plaza Glow is growing into the kickoff for Topeka’s holiday season,” said Pat Gideon of Sliver Lake Bank, and co-owner of The Westboro Mart. “We have a wonderful neighborhood and thriving arts culture here. Of course the night after the Plaza Glow is First Friday, so there’s much to see and do. We invite the whole community to join us.”

Porterfield’s Flowers is a business that’s been in the Westboro Mart since 1981. Owner David Porterfield also loves helping make the historic district shine even at holiday time. “The area is full of history—and was the first shopping center in the city. It just makes sense that we welcome the season right here in the Westboro Mart,” he said.

The Plaza Glow is the brainchild of Frank Johnson, DDS, whose office is on the northeast corner of Huntoon & Oakley. His early vision has caught on in the neighborhood and Plaza Glow is quickly becoming a Topeka tradition. The event is open to the public, with many free activities for all ages.

Heartland Visioning Announces Dates to Report Back to Community

2009-11-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

As promised Heartland Visioning is reporting back to the community regarding what has occurred over the past year. You can join Heartland Visioning from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009, in Washburn Room A in the Student Union at Washburn University or from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2009, in the Rotunda of the Topeka and Shawnee County Library.

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.

It has almost been one year since the release of the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan. Implementation began immediately and the Foundation Teams and Vision Partners have been working diligently to make the vision a reality.

Heartland Visioning will discuss the accomplishments of the past year and the community will have the opportunity to interact with Vision Partners and Foundation Team members from each of the six Foundations: Education, Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Private Sector Leadership and Government. The community will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding strategies that are being worked on and the priorities that each Foundation Team has set for the future. In addition, the community will have the chance to provide Heartland Visioning with feedback.

We hope that you can join us to learn more about the exciting things that are taking place in Topeka and Shawnee County.

MIRACLE ON KANSAS AVENUE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING

2009-11-02T16:40:00.000-06:00

The Community Christmas Tree has been chosen! After much deliberation, the Westar Energy Women's Association in conjunction with the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Committee has chosen a tree.

The 2009 Christmas Tree is currently located in rural Shawnee County and belongs to Ms. Jean Riley. A crew from Westar will be cutting it down on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

The tree will then find its downtown home at the Westar Energy building at 818 S. Kansas Avenue. The tree will, again, be decorated by the Westar Energy Women's Association beginning Sunday, November 8, 2009 and the official tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 pm on November 28, 2009. The Miracle on Kansas Avenue Christmas parade will kick off shortly thereafter, at 6:00 pm.

Topeka Home Builders Association Hosts Nationally Recognized

2009-11-02T16:39:00.001-06:00

The Topeka Home Builders Association is proud to announce that for the first time in Topeka, we are hosting the National Association of Home Builders Professional Designation of Certified Green Professional (CGP) . Nineteen (19) area Builders, Remodelers, Heating and A/C companies, Realtors, City Officials, and Home Energy Auditors are attending this three day course to earn a professional, nationally recognized designation for Green Building.

Attendees at this conference will learn how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance, a more comfortable indoor environment and greater long-term value. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with energy and resource efficiency. This three day course for building professionals discusses strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.

Dawn Wright, CEO of Topeka Home Builders Association, states “ We are very excited to be able to bring this level of education to local companies, that are striving to become more educated on the process of green building. This professional designation of CGP from the National Association of Home Builders is the highest level of green building education that a professional in the building industry can receive. This is also the first time that Topeka has hosted a nationally designated course. The National Association of Home Builders University of Housing also has professional designations for Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).”

Novembers Are A Blessing At Beauchamp’s Gallery

2009-10-29T13:58:00.001-05:00

It was November, 1975. Paul Beauchamp had recently moved his business to the Westboro Mart and was exhibiting the artwork of old friend Bob Sudlow. In those days, teenagers still bought eight track tapes and wore bell bottom jeans. President Gerald Ford lived in the White House and politicians argued about America’s dependence on foreign oil. Earth Day was still a new idea and Bill Gates had just launched a little venture called Microsoft. Things have changed somewhat since then……but not everything. You can still buy those bell bottom jeans. That nasty “oil problem” is still with us and the whole idea of “saving the planet” seems to have really caught on lately.

And something else remains the same- a November exhibit of Sudlow paintings at Beauchamp’s Gallery. At 89 years young, Bob Sudlow’s age is catching up with him a bit. He doesn’t paint as much in the fields as he’d like, but he still paints. That’s because painting is not just what Sudlow does, it’s who he is. And if the weather, (or those damn knees), keep him from venturing into a spring pasture as he would prefer, he can still be found toiling away in his studio; working amidst wafts of oil paint and stacks of drawings. Sudlow is a blessed man and he knows it. After all, how many people discover their calling so early in life and also have sense enough to answer the call? Sudlow did and did. And his blessing has been that for nearly 70 years he has been able to do exactly what he was born to do – paint.

And Sudlow’s paintings have been Beauchamp’s blessing. This November, Paul Beauchamp will once again welcome his old friend Bob Sudlow to an artist’s reception. The two will sit and reminisce. They will talk about the first Sudlow painting Paul ever bought…. over 50 years ago. They will talk about that canoe trip long ago when Paul made the best eggs anyone ever had. Paul will comment about what a great selection of art is on the wall this year and Sudlow will scoff and say he should have done a little better. But regardless of Bob’s humility, Paul will be right. There will be a great selection of art on the wall this November and Bob Sudlow will still be one of the best artists in Kansas……just like in 1975.

This year, the reception for Bob Sudlow will be held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk on the evening of November 6th. His show is called Sudlow; Paintings & Lithographs and the public is invited to stop by an visit with the artist. Included in the exhibit will be older ;landscape paintings, newer landscape paintings and a good selection of stone lithograph prints. The show will be displayed through December. Beauchamp’s Gallery is Topeka’s premier provider of original fine art, classic custom framing, art restoration, and repair. Located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart, Beauchamp’s has been a mainstay of the Topeka arts community for over 35 years.

Arts Survey

2009-10-29T13:35:00.001-05:00

The Topeka Symphony has been asked by ARTSConnect of Topeka and the Heartland Visioning Project of Topeka to share their Arts & Culture Satisfaction Survey with you. This survey has been developed by the "Happiness" Survey committee serving the Arts & Culture Team of Heartland Visioning. The committee hopes to gain insight into the satisfaction of our community as it relates to the arts. This survey also explores how the Topeka community finds out about arts events, which will be a key component to future arts marketing efforts.
Please help by taking this short survey! This online survey is the committee's only method of gathering information so your participation is critical. If you have any questions about the survey, please direct them to Kathy Smith, Executive Director of ARTSConnect of Topeka.

YES! I WANT TO TAKE THE SURVEY!

DOWNTOWN TOPEKA HALLOWEEN COSTUME BASH

2009-10-29T13:21:00.001-05:00

Over $3,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the First Annual Halloween Bash, Saturday, October 31, 2009 in Downtown Topeka. Ten downtown bars will be participating with their own frightful parties, ghoulish drink specials and creepy costume contests with cash and prizes at each bar.

Then at 11:00 participants will gather at one of the qualifying bars, The Celtic Fox, The Office, and Seabrook Bar and Grill, for the semi-final round.

At the stroke of Midnight the winners of the semi-final round will advance to the Finals, held on stage at 120 SW 8th St. The Grand Prize winner will receive cash and prizes of over $500.00, Second Place receives $250.00 in cash and prizes and Third Place receives $200.00 in cash and prizes. The cash and prizes have been donated by bars, restaurants and merchants in Downtown Topeka.

Oktoberfest Fundraising Event to be Held at Matrot Castle

2009-10-28T11:58:00.001-05:00

The Kansas Heritage Foundation is sponsoring a Halloween Oktoberfest Fundraising event beginning Thursday, Oct. 29 and concluding Saturday, Oct. 31 with a Halloween Family Fun Day. This event will raise money for Washburn University student athletes. The Washburn “Williams Fund,” similar to the Williams Fund established at Kansas University many years ago, has been created for this purpose. The program is to help the athletic program at Washburn University compete in the tough MIAA conference.

On Thursday and Friday, at 10 a.m., the gates of the Matrot Castle and Vineyard, 6424 SW Huntoon, will open for a huge garage sale. Gates will close at 5 p.m. Washburn Alumni have contributed art and property including antique automobiles, rustic cabins and rustic wood carvings, bronze statuary, Yoder Amish wood furniture and wood products, paintings, sculptures, Artesania (Molas) from Panama, as well as clothing, furniture, household items, and much more. We will also feature the Kansas State Fair chainsaw artist who has carved many of our bears, and other rustic art.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, we will conclude our Oktoberfest with a Halloween Family Fun event. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. The Chainsaw artist will be offering his art for sale at an auction to be held on 4:30 p.m. as a fundraising event to benefit Washburn students and interns and other Kansas Heritage projects. There will be art/crafts on display and for sale in addition to the wood carvings, and the Matrot Wine Cellar will be open for free wine tasting!

We will host tours of the Matrot Castle to see the “ghosts of Matrot” in the attic of the Castle, free wine tasting in the Matrot Wine Cellar, woodcarving activities, costume events, kids games, music, etc. There will be fun and games for all ages with the Wittmer “Der Wiener Wegen” to serve brats, wieners, crout, etc.

The Washburn “Williams Fund” invites anyone who would like to donate property to the fundraiser to call 785.272.8989.

For media information, contact: Jill Bronaugh, 785.224.1851

TOPEKA LOCKSMITHING GRAND OPENING

2009-10-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

The Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for Topeka Locksmithing will be held tomorrow, Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1400 S. Kansas Avenue in beautiful Downtown Topeka.

Jon Abernathy, Owner of Topeka Locksmithing Company has more than 37 years experience in the Locksmithing industry ranging from simple lock out assistance to a complex Nuclear Power Plant. He has installed lock systems in companies as diverse as Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to St. Francis Hospital. From 1986 to 1993 he ran Schlossmeister Lock & Key, which has now reopened as Topeka Locksmithing Company, or TLC.

JUNCTION CITY COUNTRY CLUB ACQUIRED BY GREATLIFE GOLF & FITNESS

2009-10-23T15:54:00.000-05:00

GreatLife Golf & Fitness announced today that they have acquired the Junction City Country Club in Junction City, Kansas. The new addition to the GreatLife family will include a 9-hole golf course and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

“Renovation and golf course maintenance have already begun,” said Rick Farrant, owner of GreatLife Golf & Fitness. “We expect to have the course ready to play by next April or May.”

The Junction City Country Club was shut down last year after approximately 80 years in operation.

GreatLife Golf & Fitness is committed to providing their members and guests with great golf and great fitness in a considerate, professional manner maintaining an atmosphere of relaxation and fun. Additional locations include: Western Hills, Berkshire and Prairie View in Topeka, Kansas; Lake Perry in Meriden, Kansas; Maple Creek in Kansas City, Missouri; River Oaks in Grandview, Missouri; and Chisholm Trail in Abilene, Kansas. More information on www.greatlifegolf.com.

AFP-Kansas statement on Topeka Planning Commission nomination

2009-10-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has questions regarding Topeka Councilman Jeff Preisner’s move to block Mayor Bill Bunten’s nomination to the Topeka Planning Commission.

Last month, Mayor Bunten nominated Topeka citizen and local radio host Raubin Pierce to the planning commission. Earlier this week Councilman Preisner introduced a resolution seeking to block Pierce’s nomination, claiming he is “unfit” for the position. AFP-Kansas released the following statement in response to Preisner’s resolution:

“I was disappointed to learn of Councilman Jeff Preisner sponsoring a resolution that states Raubin Pierce is “not fit or is unqualified” to serve on the Topeka Planning Commission,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag.

“Mr. Pierce has been an advocate for the taxpayers of Topeka for a number of years now. During this time he has consistently expressed a desire to see Topeka improve and become more prosperous. His willingness to express his opinion on matters involving the city in which he lives and works in should be used as an example to encourage a more active citizenry, rather than being used against him in his nomination for an important role in our city government.

We applaud Mayor Bill Bunten and Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz for their efforts to put on the Topeka Planning Commission a community member who consistently works to improve the Capital City.

What kind of message is Mr. Preisner sending when he works to defeat the nomination of an opinionated individual who is well educated on the matters of his city government and who asks the questions that others might not dare to ask? It seems to send the message: ‘keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself if you’re going to stir the pot.’

Perhaps this is simply a case of rejecting any nominee stemming from Mayor Bill Bunten, who soundly defeated Mr. Preisner in the last mayoral election.

Of course we don’t know the exact reason why the resolution was introduced and it is important to note that council members aren’t required to elaborate on the reasoning. But perhaps Mr. Preisner will have the decency to publicly state his reasons for rejecting the nomination of a well-respected member of the community. He not only owes it to Mr. Pierce, but to all Topekans who dare speak their mind on issues involving their city.”

SCOTCH SHARE THE WARMTH - PROJECT KICKOFF

2009-10-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

As the temperature begins to drop, once again Scotch Fabric Care is making sure that the less fortunate stay warm. Beginning OCTOBER 21 through NOVEMBER 25, Scotch will be collecting coats for their 23rd annual Scotch Share the Warmthâ program. Since its inception in 1986, they have collected and cleaned more than 182,011 coats in Topeka and Lawrence. For many, this program is the only source for a warm coat that is clean, fresh, and ready to wear; for families it is sometimes the only way they are able to obtain age and size-appropriate coats for growing children.

Anyone wishing to donate coats, in good condition, may drop them off at any Topeka or Lawrence Scotch location. Scotch cleans the coats and works with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary to distribute them to the needy. Groups interested in collecting coats for the program are asked to contact Marlene Showalter, Topeka Manager, to make arrangements. As in past years, there is always a need for additional children’s, as well as men’s and women’s larger size coats. Blankets, scarves and matched gloves will also be accepted and cleaned for distribution. Coats will be given away the first part of December – additional information will be announced at a later date.

2nd Annual Uncorked Fund-raiser

2009-10-23T10:18:00.001-05:00

EVENT: 2nd Annual Uncorked Fund-raiser
DATE/TIME: Friday, October 23, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Millers Glenn Village Hall
2234 SW Village Hall Road, Topeka, KS 66604

Topeka South Rotary continues its high level of service and giving through the down-turn in our economy. Recently on a perfect day in September Topeka South Rotarians participated in their 16th Annual Golf Tournament which raised more than $7,800 for TARC and Let’s Help. Golf Chair, Kip Slattery, said, “2008 was our best year ever. With the down economy we were anticipating a fall off and were surprised to see such outstanding giving and participation to make 2009 so successful.”

In their continued service and support, Topeka South Rotarians will celebrate their 2nd Annual Uncorked wine tasting fund-raiser Friday, October 23rd, from 6:00 - 9:00pm at Millers Glenn Village Hall.

Last year TSR began its annual wine tasting fund-raiser, Uncorked, which benefits the Topeka Rescue Mission and Rotary International’s mission to eradicate Polio. TSR is looking forward to its second successful year.

Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this event. Other individuals are invited to attend. For more information contact Sheri Taylor at 785.224.5798. For additional information about Rotary please visit www.topekasouthrotary.org.

Topeka Urology at St. Francis Forms with Dr. Iloreta and Dr. Hsu

2009-10-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

St. Francis Health Center has announced that Topeka Urology Clinic PA is now Topeka Urology at St. Francis. Board-certified physicians Alfredo Iloreta, MD, and Cheng Hsu, MD, FACS, and nine staff members are now part of the St. Francis family.

Hsu received his medical degree from Taipei Medical University. Iloreta was graduated from the University of Saint Thomas, College of Medicine and Surgery.

“Both physicians are experienced urologists with a demonstrated commitment to caring for patients in our community. We value their expertise and extensive relationship with St. Francis and look forward to a collaboration that will further solidify our national reputation for clinical excellence,” said Grant Wicklund, interim president and chief executive officer, St. Francis Health Center.

Topeka Urology at St. Francis is located at 1516 SW 6th Ave. and the phone number remains 785-232-1005.

GREATLIFE GOLF and FITNESS GRAND OPENS WESTERN HILLS AND ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION

2009-10-20T11:01:00.003-05:00

GreatLife Golf & Fitness has completed the renovation of the GreatLife Golf & Fitness at Western Hills Fitness Center, 8533 SW 21st Street in Topeka. The ribbon cutting for the new facility will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM.

"We are excited to have both floors of the fitness center open to the public," said Tina Hawkins, fitness manager of Western Hills. "We hope that we have created a place that Topeka will be proud of."

Rick Farrant, owner of GreatLife Golf & Fitness, will announce another newly acquired location to join the GreatLife family at the ribbon cutting. The new facility will be the eighth GreatLife location and will offer both golf and fitness to GreatLife members.

"We are continually growing and making GreatLife the best option for golf and fitness in Topeka and all of Northeast Kansas," said Farrant.

The public is invited to attend the Grand Opening on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The family event will include hourly prizes and competitions, as well as free initiation fee for new members that enroll during the event.

GreatLife Golf & Fitness has seven locations offering fitness and golf. Locations include: Western Hills, Berkshire and Prairie View in Topeka, Kansas; Lake Perry in Meriden, Kansas; Maple Creek in Kansas City, Missouri; River Oaks in Grandview, Missouri; and Chisholm Trail in Abilene, Kansas.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION GALA TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 20TH

2009-10-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

The 2009-2010 American Heart Association Heart Gala, presented by Sunflower Marketing, Stormont-Vail HealthCare and St. Francis Health Center is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, February 20 at the Ramada -Downtown. The annual black tie optional gala is one of the premier charitable events in northeast Kansas.

Dr. Babak Marefat is chairing this year’s event. Dr. Marefat is an Ophthalmologist at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. He knows the importance of the mission of the American Heart Association.

The evening will include a silent auction and cocktail hour from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., followed by an elegant dinner and live auction. Light musical entertainment will be provided by Heart Strings. The silent and live auctions will include a wide variety of items, large and small, donated by Topeka area businesses and celebrities. We will also be holding an “Open Your Heart” appeal during the event to raise dollars for our children in the Topeka and Shawnee County community to fight childhood obesity.

The 2009 Heart Child also will be recognized at the event. Each year, the Heart Gala planning committee selects a child who has been affected by heart disease to be an ambassador for the event. This year’s Heart Child is still to be determined.

Proceeds raised by the Heart Gala assist in funding cardiovascular research, education and community service programs in our area. Research funded by the American Heart Association has led to such advances as CPR, coronary bypass surgery, artificial heart valves and techniques to repair heart defects. Heart disease and stroke are the number one killers in Shawnee County, causing more than 38 percent of all deaths.

Seats to the gala can be purchased individually or by the table. Sunflower Marketing, Stormont-Vail HealthCare, St. Francis Health Center and Capitol Federal Savings along with many other companies are corporate sponsors for the gala. For ticket information on the Heart Gala, call 228-3435.

Hedge funds to be focus of business research seminar series at Washburn University

2009-10-19T11:36:00.001-05:00

"Hedge Fund Performance, Risk and Fees: Additional Evidence"
will be the topic of a Washburn University School of Business research seminar set for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in room 104 of Henderson Learning Resources Center.

No admission is charged and the public is welcome.

Speakers will be School of Business faculty members Rob Weigand and Rosemary Walker who will analyze the relation between hedge fund alpha, or the return earned due to manager skill, and hedge fund exposure to systematic equity risk factors.

The event is part of the 2009-10 research seminar series hosted by Washburn School of Business and sponsored by Kaw Valley Bank.

For information, call 785-670-1603.

St. Francis to celebrate 100th anniversary with Mass

2009-10-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

What: 100th anniversary Mass with Archbishop Joseph Naumann as celebrant and local priests as concelebrants

When: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13

Where: Second floor Auditorium of St. Francis Health Center, 1700 SW 7th St., Topeka

Why: St. Francis employees will celebrate 100 years of service to the Topeka community during Mass with Archbishop Joseph Naumann as celebrant and local priests as concelebrants. Sisters of Charity are also invited to attend the Mass.

Local Brewery Strikes Gold in Colorado!

2009-09-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

On Saturday September 26th the Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant won a Gold Medal at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. The Great American Beer Festival is the largest beer competition in the world and is the National Championships for the United States.

This competition recognizes the most outstanding beers produced by all brewers, large and small, throughout the United States. The top three winners in each beer style category were announced September 26th at the 28th Annual Great American Beer Festival Awards Ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant was the Gold Medal winner in the American Style Wheat Beer category with our County Seat Wheat Beer. This beer was brewed by John Dean, Brewmaster, and Alvaro Canizales, Head Brewer, and is on tap at the Blind Tiger Brewery every day of the year.

Our County Seat Wheat beer is brewed with both unmalted wheat and traditional barley malt. John describes County Seat Wheat as smooth in character, clearly filtered, light in hops, with a slightly dry finish.

Jay Ives, majority owner of The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, said, “The competition is incredibly stiff with amazingly great beers from many breweries across the United States. It is a real tribute to John Dean and Alvaro Canizales that the Blind Tiger beer has been chosen for such a prestigious award. Here we are, a small local organization competing with the big boys of beer, and winning! Come by the Blind Tiger Brewery and have a taste of our Gold Medal winning beer!”

The 2009 Great American Beer Festival winners were selected by an international panel of 133 Certified Beer Judges who are brewing and beer experts. Judging takes place through five rounds of blind tasting so that the judges focus on the taste, aroma, and appearance of the beer and are not influenced by the brand names.

Nancy Johnson, Festival Director with the Brewers Association said, “The Great American Beer Festival is the premier judging event for the American Craft-Beer industry. Everyone in America who has a good beer brings it here.”

Great American Beer Festival Statistics:

78 Categories
495 Competing Breweries
133 Judges from around the world
3362 Beers Judged

The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant has been brewing and serving great Hand-Crafted beer and wonderful food at 37th St. and Kansas Ave. in Topeka since May of 1995. The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is the only Brew-Pub in Topeka and features a full, delicious menu, and about a dozen great tasting Hand-Crafted beers on tap at any given time.

John Dean has been the Blind Tiger Brewmaster since 1999. The Gold Medal awarded to him this year is in addition to ten awards from past years for a total of eleven National and International awards!

Jay Ives, majority owner of the Blind Tiger Brewery said, “John Dean is a true treasure, brewing is an art and we have Rembrandt!” John Dean is by far the most award-winning brewer in Kansas.

Beauchamp’s Gallery Goes Beyond Realism

2009-09-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

For better or for worse, Ye Wang is a man caught in the middle; straddling two dramatically different cultures . Having moved from China to Canada about 10 years ago, he has yet to fully acclimate himself to western culture. Even since coming to the United States in 2004, he still feels separated by a kind of “glass wall” from the world in which he lives. At times, the glass is absolutely clear. But sometimes, reflections in the glass distort his understanding of the culture he is experiencing. In fact, even when his perception of the culture is perfect, he still has difficulty interpreting what it is he is perceiving.

Ye’s latest collection of paintings provide a metaphor of his personal issues with cultural perception. At first glance, his artwork seems to be a well executed example of photorealism, a type of painting so precise in its dedication to realism that it appears more like a photo than a painting. But Ye’s art goes well beyond realism. He uses multiple photo references in each painting, purposely adding reflection and distortion where it doesn’t really exist. And a glass barrier is always present in Ye’s work- a window, door or mirror. Some elements of his paintings are presented with unnatural clarity while other elements are deliberately blurred. The end result is a type of art that exists somewhere in between Ye’s classical painting roots and the type of abstract painting so prevalent in his adopted western culture. The viewer sees an image that is at the same time both perfectly clear and frustratingly confusing- just like Ye’s cultural experience.

Beginning the first week on October, Beauchamp’s Gallery will be exhibiting Ye Wang’s paintings for 5 weeks. Also, being shown with Ye’s work will be the “trompe l’oeil” or “fool the eye” paintings of Robert Swain and the popular figurative soft sculpture of Beverly Dodge Radefeld. All three artists will be on hand for a Friday evening reception that will be held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk on October 2nd.

Clayton Financial Services, Inc Celebrates Financial Planning Week® with Series of Events

2009-09-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

Clayton Financial Services, Inc of Topeka, Kansas will celebrate Financial Planning Week October 5 – 11, 2009.

Clayton Financial Services, Inc., in conjunction with the Financial Planning Association’s nationwide network of local chapters, will be holding events aimed at helping individuals discover the value of financial planning and understand the financial planning process.

Mark your calendar now!
Clayton Financial Services, Inc, serving Topeka and the surrounding area, will host the following Financial Planning Week events:

Launch of Facebook Fan Page on October 5
Clayton Financial Services, Inc. will officially launch its professional Facebook page on the social networking site. The site will feature financial planning information and resources as well as events, pictures, and financial links.
Ice Cream Bar & Open House on October 6 & 8
The public is invited to stop by the Clayton Financial Services office anytime between 11:30am and 1:30pm to grab a bowl, get some ice cream and choose their favorite toppings.
The financial planning team at Clayton Financial will be handing out educational information on financial planning and demystifying some common financial planning topics such as whether or not a person needs a lawyer to draft a valid will, how credit scores can affect insurance rates, the pros and cons of purchasing long-term care insurance and what is considered an acceptable withdrawal rate from a portfolio.
Shadow Day on October 7
Students from Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning Program will be given the opportunity to get a glimpse of how financial planning really works by following a Certified Financial Planner™ from Clayton Financial Services for the afternoon.

Clayton Financial Services, Inc. is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Topeka, Kansas. Their experienced team of professionals takes pride in helping to provide our clients with the knowledge they need to make responsible decisions about their future. They sell services, not commission-based products. And, unlike many other advisors, they are held to a Fiduciary Standard, which means they provide objective advice based on the client’s best interest. Clayton Financial Services, Inc. works directly with the other advisors in your life including estate, insurance, and accounting, to help you meet your goals.

The Financial Planning Association is the leadership and advocacy organization connecting those who provide, support, and benefit from financial planning. FPA is the Heart of Financial Planning™ and represents a promise of financial well-being, hoping to create a world where everyone thrives and prospers. FPA has 96 chapters throughout the country representing more than 28,500 members involved in all facets of providing financial planning services. FPA is the community that fosters the value of financial planning and advances the financial planning profession.

For more information on FPA’s Financial Planning Week, please visit www.FinancialPlanningWeek.com.

Public Involvement Sought for Education in Heartland Visioning

2009-09-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Come participate in the public forum held by the Education Foundation Team of Heartland Visioning from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, at the Marvin Auditorium 101BC, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library.

The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on what the Education Foundation Team and its Alliances have been working on and then ask for feedback. You will hear about:
1. How Washburn Institute of Technology will benefit our community,
2. What is being done to prepare students for work at local companies,
3. What is being done to encourage graduating college students to stay in the Greater Topeka Area,
4. Other ideas on how education can become a part of a better Topeka.

“The spirit of having a community-wide vision is that the community is involved throughout,” said Patrick Woods, member of Topeka Public Schools Board of Education and co-chair of the Education Foundation Team of Heartland Visioning. “The Strategic Alliances have been working hard and now it is time to reflect for a moment.”

As indicated in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, the vision for education in our community is to “promote development of broad based skills to prepare students for lifelong learning that is globally competitive: intellectually, socially, economically, culturally and personally.” The Education Foundation Team has been working on the strategies in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan since November of 2008.

“The community created the plan and it has to be the community that makes the vision happen,” said Bill Moore, co-chair of Heartland Visioning. “We encourage all foundation teams and alliances to go back to the community regularly. By doing so, we just might find another solution not yet identified.”

Heartland Visioning is working to make the Greater Topeka Area a growing, dynamic and trusting community that maintains a superior quality of life.

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.

A copy of the plan is available online at www.heartlandvisionoing.com or by contacting the Heartland Visioning office at (785) 231-6006.

St. Francis Baby Fair to showcase area businesses and services for new and expectant parents and grandparents

2009-09-18T09:02:00.001-05:00

What: St. Francis Baby Fair

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

Where: Second floor of St. Francis Health Center, 1700 SW 7th St., Topeka

Why: The public is invited to attend the Second Annual St. Francis Baby Fair, which will feature maternity and baby fashions, drawings for prizes, vendor displays, educational programs, safety tips, NewLife Center tours and more. Various businesses that cater to babies, toddlers and new and expectant parents are invited to participate in the Baby Fair. Educational sessions will be presented by La Leche League of Topeka and Parents as Teachers. Last year’s event drew about 250 participants. Interview and photo opportunities will be available.

Artful Dining: A benefit for the Mulvane Art Museum

2009-09-14T17:20:00.002-05:00

Artful Dining is a new annual series of gatherings to benefit the Mulvane Art Museum. Eleven hosts have been recruited for the 2009 events. The line-up of both homes and artists is a spectacular mix that will satisfy food and fine art tastes alike.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Mulvane Art Museum office at 785-670-1124.

Sunset at Sherwood, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25

Enjoy an autumn evening at the lakeside home of Steve and Mary Hutchinson where you will experience festive cocktails and hors d’oeurves as the sun sets over Lake Sherwood. Larry Peters and Barbara Waterman Peters are the featured artists. 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 6748 SW Aylesbury Road, Topeka. $60 per person. Limit 50 guests.

Brunch on the Plaza, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27

Brunch on the Plaza will feature works from the talented artists of the Topeka Art Guild and eclectic fare, such as sweets from the Copper Oven, Classic Bean blintzes, El Mezcal Margaritas, specials from Kiku’s, Dillon’s, Juice Stop and the Kitchen Gallery. Hosted by Randy Austin and Fairlawn Shopping Center Plaza. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2114 SW Chelsea Drive, Topeka. $35 per person. Limit 75 guests.

Kansas Prairie, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17

Come celebrate the prairie inspired works of art by local artist Cally Krallman in the lovely Westboro home of Mike and Katy Franklin. You will dine on delectable edibles while listening to music from Prairie Glimpses. 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, 3200 SW Westover Road, Topeka. $60 per person. Limit 100 guests.

Fantastic Fall Fare with a Twist, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13

Sip award-winning California wines as you savor a variety of edible and artistic creations throughout a unique Topeka home. The wooded setting is a perfect autumn venue to enjoy new paintings and drawings by Mike Henry and visit with special guest artist Patrick Dougherty, who will be building a sculpture for the Museum in November. This event is hosted by Richard Ross, Lora Carlson, Kevin Eaton and Ken and Jeanne Bertelson. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, 2600 SW Randolph Court, Topeka. $75 per person. Limit 40 guests.

Proceeds from Artful Dining 2009 events and artwork sales benefit the exhibition and education programs at the Mulvane Art Museum. All costs are underwritten by the event hosts. Your total payment for an event is a tax-deductible gift to the Museum. Thirty percent of the proceeds from the sale of art work supports the Mulvane Art Museum and is tax deductible. Artful Dining is organized by the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum.

Artful Dining Committee members are Mary Hutchinson (chairwoman), Konni Flynn, Lynda Miller, Phyllis Dvorak, Jeanne Bertelson and Marion Cott.

PodCamp Topeka Provides How-to Guide for New Media

2009-09-14T10:41:00.000-05:00

Think tweeting is just for the birds? If your answer is yes, you may be missing out on a free venue to market yourself or your company.

Twitter – where one can post tweets – will be one of the many social networks and new media outlets discussed at PodCamp Topeka, a free unconference scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The event is scheduled from 9am to 3:30pm.

PodCamp Topeka will bring techies and non-techies together to learn about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to new media. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at http://www.tscpl.org/podcamp. Free food and a t-shirt will be provided to the first 150 registrants.

International Web 2.0 speaker David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager, will lead a session on connecting to communities through commenting on web pages. Commentors are not just geeks who stay up all night hanging out in front of their computers, and therefore people shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss what they say, King said.

“Comments create an open forum and usually interesting insight as to what customers want or think about you. Are you in on the conversation or are you out of the loop? I urge people to open their minds to this forum as a valuable social networking tool,” he said. “PodCamp will help you figure out how to use it to your advantage.”

Other topics at PodCamp may include RSS feeds, marketing with Facebook and producing a vlog, or video blog. PodCamp’s schedule won’t be determined until the day of the event – hence the unconference label – so expect some surprises at this casual event.

People interested in leading a session, can add their names to the list at the following site, http://podcamptopeka.pbworks.com.

YWCA Commemorates 9/11

2009-09-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

Governor Mark Parkinson and First Lady Stacy Parkinson will recognize the anniversary of September 11, 2001 as a “Day of Service and Remembrance,” Friday, Sept 11, at 11 a.m. at the YWCA of Topeka offices.

The Governor and First Lady will take a tour of the facilities at the YWCA of Topeka before the ceremony to get a first hand view of the volunteer and service opportunities that exist at the YWCA. Refreshments will be served after the press conference.

Governor Parkinson issued a proclamation declaring September 11 as a “Day of Service of Remembrance” to call on Kansans to commit the day and the future to community service. The proclamation is in conjunction with the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which includes the authorization and Federal recognition of September 11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance,” a bill signed into law by President Barrack Obama on April 21, 2009.

“One of the most important things we can do as we look back on the tragic events of September 11 is to give back to our communities,” said Governor Parkinson. “I am asking that all Kansans take some time out of their busy schedule to not only remember this sad part of history, but to also build our state and our country for the future.”

The Governor and First Lady are both actively involved in several community and charitable organizations. They were named the 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year by the United Community Services of Johnson County. First Lady Parkinson is spearheading “United We Serve” in Kansas, the national serve initiative that encourages Americans to become active in their community to help meet the growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Reaches $5.2 Million Milestone!

2009-09-09T15:52:00.001-05:00

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center raised over $500,000 in August leaving only $600,000 more to be raised by September 30th to qualify for a $500,000 matching challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation that will allow the Discovery Center to break ground in 2009.

Recent gifts that have put the campaign over the $5.2 million milestone include generous commitments for Kan-ed, Jody and Stan Teeter, D.V.M., Stormont Vail HealthCare, the Sunflower Foundation and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

In addition to supporting our Kansas schools through economical field trips, the Discovery Center will offer unique distance learning programming, as well.

“Kan-ed is excited to partner with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. The Discovery Center will be an asset and resource for all K-12 children in the State of Kansas, regardless of social or economic conditions. We are thrilled to have the ability to use some of our federal grant funding to invest in the future of K-12 students on Kansas. The importance of children having access to, understanding and utilizing technology cannot be understated in today’s environment. The technology that we install will support and enhance exhibit areas, encouraging children to ask why, explore, investigate and problem-solve. This state-of-the-art technology is much like what Kan-ed has already provided to schools, libraries and hospitals throughout Kansas since 2001.” said Brad Williams, Executive Director of Kan-ed.

“Stormont-Vail HealthCare is excited about the development of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. In addition to the Discovery Center being a wonderful community resource, it will draw visitors and children from all across the region. The “Amazing Me!” medical exhibit provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn about health and the human body. The entire facility is a promotion of health education and healthy lifestyles. The health of our community is enhanced by the health of our young people; we are pleased to join in sponsoring the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center,” said Maynard Oliverius, President and CEO of Stormont Vail HealthCare.

According to Billie Hall, Executive Director of the Sunflower Foundation, “The Sunflower Foundation is pleased to support the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center with a grant of $75,000. We are excited to see the Discovery Center’s emphasis on play and physical activity – factors that contribute greatly to growing healthy children. The Discovery Center will offer a variety of creative outdoor and gross-motor opportunities through exhibit areas such as the Sunflower Climber and the Yellow Brick walking Paths. We applaud the Discovery Center’s commitment to children and are happy to invest in the development of a facility that will be a lasting resource for Kansans.”

“The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation strives to provide the best possible programs for the education of children. We are excited about our partnership with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and are happy to award a grant of $20,000 to support this wonderful, educational facility for children that will provide high quality programs and alternative activities for young children,” said Steve Ortiz, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman.

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will be a showcase facility about discovery and exploration to encourage critical and creative thinking in math, science and the arts. It will regularly serve the 204,000 children ages ten and younger who live in the region.

Ribbon-Cutting Scheduled for Renovated Whiting Field House

2009-09-03T17:09:00.001-05:00

Washburn University will celebrate the completion of major renovations to Whiting Field House during a public ribbon cutting at 2 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2009 on the Washburn campus.
Built in 1928, the renovated field house now includes a 9,258 square foot strength and conditioning facility, team locker rooms, offices for the School of Nursing, an 80-seat classroom and two seminar rooms, and new basketball and volleyball courts.

“This is another tremendous example of the impact private support from our alumni and friends has for the students and programs at Washburn University,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “A leadership gift from the Capitol Federal Foundation was important in making this project a possibility and with the remarkable financial support from many others this project is a success.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place outside the north doors of Whiting Field House. Following the ribbon-cutting, visitors will be able to tour the facility.

Officers, board members named by Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum, Inc.

2009-09-03T10:28:00.002-05:00

A slate of new officers and board members has been named by the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum, Inc. for fiscal year 2009-10.

Officers elected are: president, Lora Carlson, secretary/treasurer, Title Midwest Holdings, Inc.; vice president and president-elect, David Heit, architect, Schwerdt Design Group; treasurer, John Hutton, attorney, Henson, Clark, Hutton, Mudrick & Grayson, LLP; assistant treasurer, Patricia Hurwitz, community volunteer; corresponding secretary, Katy Franklin, community volunteer; and recording secretary and immediate past president, Dick Carter, executive director, The Carter Group.

New board members are Dan Billen, graphic artist, Jones Huyett Partners; Jeanne Cohorst, president, Mulvane Women’s Board; Carrie Jo Gros, national sales account executive, WIBW Channels; Lynda Miller, adjunct art instructor, Washburn University; Laurie Niehaus, administrative assistant, Capital City Bank; Chris A. Schultz, president/CEO, Schultz Development LLC; and Olivia Simmons, president/CEO, Visit Topeka, Inc.

Board members currently serving also include Mark Boranyak, lobbyist, Capitol Strategies; Marion Cott, founder and former director, Kansas Humanities Council; Phyllis Dvorak, community volunteer; Rick Ellis, director, The Center for Community Service & Service Learning, Washburn University; Patricia Hurwitz, community volunteer; Cindi Morrison, director, Mulvane Art Museum; Carrie Riordan, managing director, member programs, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; and Joe Scranton, political director.

Honorary members are Jeanne Bertelson, Carol Jory, Richard Ross, Judith Sabatini and Elizabeth Wunder.

The purpose of the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum, Inc. is to provide services to the community through the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University; to foster interest in art and artists through educational means, and to encourage art in everyday life in the community. The Mulvane Art Museum is located on the campus of Washburn University, at 17th and Jewell Streets.

KBS Constructors Receives Award for Excellence in Service

2009-09-01T14:15:00.001-05:00

KBS Constructors, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading commercial construction companies, is proud to have received the Johanna Lyle Excellence in Service Award for their contributions to Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.

The award is given annually to recognize individuals or groups that have contributed volunteer leadership, resources, time, and tasks to the Meadowlark Hills mission to serve elders.

Meadowlark Hills CEO, Steve Shields, presented KBS with the award at the Manhattan Retirement Foundation Board of Trustees Banquet and Awards Ceremony, held July 14.

KBS has served as a contractor on several projects for Meadowlark Hills, a retirement community located in Manhattan, KS that is dedicated to building healthcare households that feel like a home not a hospital.

“I believe that much of the project’s success is owed to KBS’s early involvement,” said Shields. “Having the designer and builder together from the get-go, with a clear purpose and mission, has really paid off for the residents of Meadowlark Hills. I commend them for their part in the success of this project.”

Dan Foltz, Matt Charvat, and Jason Phillips were on hand to accept the award on behalf of KBS.
“Meadowlark Hills has been wonderful to work with,” said Foltz, the President of KBS. “And this recognition adds to the pride we already feel for having helped them move their mission forward.”

CoreFirst Awarded Business of Excellence Award

2009-08-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

CoreFirst Bank & Trust, a member of the Topeka financial community for more than 50 years, was recently nominated and received the 2009 Business Excellence Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Main Street nominated CoreFirst for the honor. The entries are judged by region in four different categories.

The award, established by the Department of Commerce, was created to honor and thank Kansas businesses for all that they do to keep the Kansas economy strong. Kansas owned businesses continue to be the foundation of our local economy, community and overall quality of life. During a time when our nation is facing economic challenges, Kansas businesses are more important than any period in recent history.

CoreFirst celebrates a 50-year legacy of tremendous growth with total assets now exceeding $1.2 billion.

“Receiving the Business of Excellence award is a great honor,” said John Fager, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing officer of CoreFirst Bank. “It supports all that we stand for. We remain true to the traditional values on which we were founded; integrity, quality, commitment to community, excellence in service and to make a difference to all we serve.”

Wood Valley and Maximus Team with Shawnee Country Club

2009-08-31T10:57:00.002-05:00

Three of Topeka’s premier fitness and social organizations are partnering to expand opportunities for their members.Maximus Fitness & Wellness, Wood Valley Racquet Club & Fitness Center and Shawnee Country Club members will now be able to utilize all three facilities, a creative step to offer more value and entertainment for members.

Maximus and Wood Valley members can attend social events and dine at Shawnee Country Club and, for a discounted membership price, utilize the facility’s “Best of Topeka” private golf course. Shawnee Country Club members will benefit with complete access to Maximus three Topeka locations (including Lawrence and Leavenworth Maximus clubs) and all of Wood Valley’s amenities.Join us for a public reception and ribbon cutting to launch our new partnership!

2 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2009
Shawnee Country Club
913 SE 29th St.-Topeka

“We’re excited about working together to increase opportunities for our members,” said Scott Huston, President/CEO of Maximus. “In this economy, businesses have to be creative in their marketing to stay competitive. I’m impressed that three such premier Topeka businesses found a way to work together and offer worthwhile and healthy services to their members. This new partnership matches Maximus, the fitness club voted “Best of Topeka” three years in a row in 2009 with Shawnee Country Club, the Topeka golf course voted best private golf course in Topeka in “Best of Topeka” in 2009.”

Maximus brings the most state-of-the-art equipment, five locations and over 10,000 members. Wood Valley is the area’s premier indoor and outdoor tennis, swimming and fitness facility; and the Shawnee Country Club features a Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf course, two driving ranges, a putting green, swimming and casual and fine dining.The ribbon cutting will feature officials from all three clubs, representatives from the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor’s office. We’ll have light snacks and free drawings. It is open to the public.

Library, community partners build Toolkit 4 Life

2009-08-31T10:45:00.002-05:00

Whether you are out of work or simply wanting to learn about proven, money-management techniques, nine classes beginning in September will provide you with tools needed to enhance your life.

“It is no secret to all individuals from every walk of life to attain quality in their lives requires knowledge and education so they will be able to succeed and reach their goals,” said Nancy Johnson, Community Resources Council executive director and coordinator of the Toolkit 4 Life series.

Toolkit 4 Life classes are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month. Topics range from credit cards and payday loans to how to spend leisure time with your family on the cheap. Parents will share their money-saving secrets at the final workshop, Money Strategies that Work, in May.

Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. representatives provide resources for many of the sessions, including “Grow Your Dough” and “Is Debt a 4 Letter Word?”

In December, David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager and international Web 2.0 speaker, presents a beginner’s class on social networking and how to use social media outlets to market yourself or your business.

“Your customers are already talking about you – about your business, about your products, about you. Do you know what they’re saying, and more importantly, do you know how to join in the conversation?” King said. “This session shows you how to do this, by using social networking tools like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.”

The Toolkit 4 Life series is the “second semester” follow-up to the popular Financial Guide to Planning and Security.

“We had a number of people ask us if we were going to offer it next year,” Johnson said. “People are struggling out there. They are wondering what’s out there for them.”

Toolkit 4 Life schedule
(All sessions are 7-8:45 pm)
2009
Sept. 2 Stop Squeaking By HCCI
Oct. 7 Grow Your Dough HCCI
Nov. 4 Is Debt a 4 Letter Word HCCI
Dec. 2 Social Networking Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library 2010 Jan. 6 Taxes HCCI/Shawnee County Extension Office Feb. 3 Getting By on a Dime HCCI/TSCPL March 3 Fun 4 Less HCCI/TSCPL April 7 Go Green to Keep Green Topeka Water Dept./Kansas Gas/Westar Energy May 5 Money Strategies that Work HCCI/Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday.

KU grads spark creativity in young library customers Library to debut kids’ movie

2009-08-26T15:48:00.001-05:00

From filmmakers to engineers, professionals of all types often struggle before their creative ideas come to fruition. But for several local children that sense of accomplishment arrives August 30.

Children spent part of their summer becoming mini-moviemakers during Project Littlefoot at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The children and their families will watch their movies for the first time at 6:30pm, Sunday, Aug. 30 in Marvin Auditorium.

The premiere of “The Sunken City” and “The Green Ball Trilogies” is free and open to the public and will include a short presentation on the story behind Project Littlefoot.

"Working with the library has given us a chance to put all of our design research to use. We hope that our program can serve as a model for a new way of thinking about education,” Meredith Tack, University of Kansas alumna, said. “We are proud of all the hard work the children put into their project, and would love for the community to support these kids by attending the event.”

Tack and two other recent industrial design graduates, Patrick Guy and Carey Spesard, developed Project Littlefoot. Participants, ranging in age from 5 to 8, learned about story development, teamwork and problem solving during the eight-week program. Then, the design grads took the kids’ work and created the two short films.

The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday. For information on other movies showing at the library, pick up a copy of connectnow magazine or log on to www.tscpl.org/programs and click the connectnow magazine link.

Topeka Among Five Strongest Housing Markets in Median Price Tier

2009-08-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

An article appearing in the July 27 issue of The Title Report speaks to Topeka being one of five strongest housing markets for major metro areas among single family residences in the median price tier. The source of the statistic was Vero Real Estate Solutions, and the document was their quarterly annual forecast showing expectations from July through June 30, 2010. The predicted five strongest markets are Lubbock, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Waco TX; Topeka, KS and Springfield, MO. They project that markets already hit hard will stabilize over the next year.

The central part of the nation has thus far been largely unaffected by the rapid price appreciations that were seen in many other geographic areas. Consequently, this region is moving forward without distress from the depreciation felt elsewhere and is experiencing minor growth. While our year to date sales are behind 2008 year to date we have seen an improvement over the past two months. Other indications of a strong market in Topeka are the days on market which is the same as 2008 and an increase in the average sales price of 3.2%.

There is still time to take advantage of the first-time homebuyers tax credit where qualified buyers can receive up to $8,000 towards the purchase of their home. Interested buyers should contact a local REALTOR® soon as properties must be bought and closed by November 30, 2009.

From the Veros website –(explains briefly how they do their forecasting):

“We’ve been releasing results over the past five years, in both up and down markets,” Darius Bozorgi, president and CEO for Veros explained, “and our models are consistently accurate in both. Our models forecast market swings and changes better than any product on the market.” The forecasts, based upon the VeroFORECAST models, reflect projected market gains and declines for single family residences in most major metropolitan areas and some non-metro areas, reflecting 75 percent of the nation’s population. These forecasts are not based on a single variable. Veros applies more than 50 factors in its analytics to develop these trends, including interest and unemployment rates, inflation, current housing inventory and other economic and geographic factors. This contributes to making VeroFORECAST results the most accurate forecasts in residential real estate markets. The Topeka Area Association of REALTORS® Inc. serves more than 440 members in all phases of the real estate industry.

VisionBank Launches Free Checking Account with Free iTunes

2009-08-26T15:22:00.001-05:00

Today, VisionBank launched VisionTunes—the first northeast Kansas free checking account with downloads from iTunes and ATM fee refunds.

VisionTunes is a free checking account with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, refunds on downloads from iTunes and ATM fee refunds when simple criteria are met. VisionTunes was developed by bank technology partner BancVue to support both community financial institutions and account owners. New technologies maximize bank efficiency and reduce operating expenses with a suite of online solutions. Because of the efficiencies, VisionBank can pass along savings in the form of music downloads to the customer.

While anyone can sign up, VisionBank anticipates that this account will be most popular with high school and college students. And to reach them, VisionBank has employed targeted non-traditional and social media tactics that will maximize the visibility to students.

“This product is designed with students in mind. It has such wonderful, widespread appeal,” said Gary Yager, President of VisionBank. “VisionTunes provides a genuine win-win scenario for customers and for the bank. We’re excited to offer this type of online account because we always try to be forward-thinking about banking and what helps our customers. We listen and we bring relevant products that answer their needs.”

VisionTunes offers significant rewards:
• FREE Checking Account with no minimum balance
• 10 iTunes® Downloads when at sign up
• 5 iTunes® Downloads per month
• no monthly fees

VisionTunes requires a few simple actions each cycle:
• Access online banking
• Receive e-Statements
• Make at least 15 debit/check card purchases

iTunes® are reimbursed to the account each month based on a cost of $0.99 per download, excluding taxes. The total number of reimbursed downloads per cycle may vary with applicable taxes.

If the VisionTunes account holder does not meet all the criteria during the cycle, he or she will still enjoy a free checking account with free Internet banking and free online bill pay. There is a $100 minimum balance to open but no minimum to maintain and absolutely no service charge for the VisionTunes account. VisionTunes is for personal checking accounts only.

Koker Promoted to Senior Account Manager at MB Piland Fat Free Advertising

2009-08-18T18:39:00.000-05:00

Andrea Koker has been named Senior Account Manager at MB Piland Fat Free Advertising™. She will take on additional responsibilities of leadership in servicing some of the agency’s major accounts.

“Andrea’s energy and strategic ideas make her an asset to the client teams she serves,” said Alex Reilly, vice president at MB Piland. “and as a past business owner, she brings an excellent entrepreneurial perspective to clients that they truly appreciate.”

Koker has been with MB Piland Fat Free Advertising™ since 2007. She is also active in the community, having served on the board of American Advertising Federation—Topeka chapter and the Heartland Visioning Task Force. She is currently founding member and vice president of Chords & Oil.

MB Piland Advertising and Marketing, established in 1998, is known for its unique Fat Free™ approach that creates hand selected teams of independent talent specially suited to client needs. The firm has certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise and was named Women-owned Service Business of the Year in 2005 by the State of Kansas. It was also named 2006 Small Business of the Year by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

MB Piland Advertising & Marketing has earned numerous local, regional and national awards for its work. For more information, visit www.mbpiland.com

Survey on church and denominationalism in Topeka

2009-08-11T15:09:00.002-05:00

Talon Communications Group and Metro Voice are surveying Topekans on their attitudes toward church and denominationalism. Results will be published in the September issue of Metro Voice. To take the short, six-question survey, go here.

PRESS CONFERENCE & ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS FOR THE TOPEKA TREASURE HUNT

2009-07-13T16:07:00.001-05:00

2 p.m.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Visit Topeka Office
1275 SW Topeka Blvd.

Visit Topeka Inc.’s 1st Annual Topeka Treasure Hunt will end Wednesday, July 15th. This year’s “hunt” was very popular and we look forward to repeating this event in the future. Visit Topeka feels this program is an ideal way to inform Topekans about all the great things we have to be proud of and a great experience for visitors too. The support from participating attractions and local businesses that donated prizes to the event was phenomenal. With the positive support of these people combined with the excitement of the participants, this is an event that can only get better.

Please join us Monday, July 20th at 2 p.m. for the drawing and announcement of winners of the Topeka Treasure Hunt packages.

Let’s Help Counts Down 40 Years

2009-07-13T16:06:00.001-05:00

Let’s Help of Topeka is celebrating 40 years of service to the Topeka community. To mark this occasion, they’re counting down the top 40 things you didn’t know about their amazing organization!

“We’re more than just a soup kitchen,” says Karen Taylor, executive director of the organization. “We do so much more than people in our community realize."

On July 17th Let’s Help will open their doors to celebrate and educate. Ticket holding guests will receive a meal in the style of Let’s Help clients, going through the soup kitchen prepared by Topeka Chef Luiz Guillen.

The evening’s program will consist of a series of testimonials and fun facts guests may not have known about the organization’s efforts. Other items on the evenings agenda include guided tours of the facility and a plethora of donated silent auction items up for bid all night.

For more information on how to donate or get involved please contact Let’s Help by phone at 785-234-6208 or e-mail at LetsHelp@letshelpinc.org.

You Never Have To Stop Reading

2009-07-06T14:41:00.000-05:00

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) announces its plan to merge Red Carpet Services and Talking Books on October 1, 2009. Dedicated to serving the lifelong needs of library users, the staff will work as one unit to reflect its mission to give those with special adaptive needs, “red carpet service.” Red Carpet and Talking Books customers will benefit from the combined staff expertise, and increased awareness of the wide-range of services available.
Improved benefits to Talking Books customers include easier and expanded access in the Red Carpet Service area, which is located close to the front entrance of the library. The hours of operation have also increased to the same hours as the rest of the library, Monday-Friday, 9 am-9pm; Saturday 9 am-6pm, and Sunday 12-9 pm.

The merger prepares TSCPL for the August 2009 introduction of the new digital talking book machines for the blind and physically limited, which replace the cassette books and players that have been used since 1931. Talking Books operates on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System, but it has experienced decreases in usage of the Talking Books tape format. Over the past two years, Talking Books material use experienced a 10 % reduction of use in 2007-2008, and 18% decrease to date in 2008 - 2009.

“Given the current budget situation and the need to decrease expenses, it is essential that the Talking Books program operate on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System,” says Gina Millsap, TSCPL executive director.

Because of changes in technology and decreased usage in current Talking Books materials, staffing needs have also decreased. Changes include the transfer of two public service specialists to Red Carpet services October 1, and the elimination of three fulltime and two part-time positions September 30.

Students to celebrate diversity and the arts

2009-06-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

Monday, June 29, marks the kick-off of the YWCA R.A.C.E. (Resource and Advocacy for Change and Equity) Committee diversity mural and art project. This project will be held at Highland Park High School pulling together over 100 students from the Topeka community. Student groups participating include the YWCA Adopt-a-School Program, YWCA Kids Quest Summer Adventure Camp, and students from Topeka’s first Freedom School.

This six week mural and art project will provide students from different backgrounds an opportunity to learn how differences are assets and not hindrances to working together. Each week, students will be exposed to different cultures, customs and traditions while working on the main mural. The mural will be a collage of different ethnicities, genders and abilities with words that encourage unity and diversity.

In addition to the mural that will be displayed at Highland Park High School, each student will participate in an individual art piece focused on “celebrating diversity” that will be displayed at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and the YWCA of Topeka.

“This project will give these students a sense of accomplishment partnered with a new appreciation for the arts,” said Lover Chancler, YWCA Racial Justice Director.

This mural and art project will also allow accessibility to the arts to families that may not otherwise have exposure. Of the students participating, at least half will be of low to moderate income families. Additionally, the mural will be located in at high school with at least 85% of its student population at or below the poverty line.

Farmer’s market crops up at your library

2009-06-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

The recipe for a healthy diet can be found at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and now the ingredients can be too! The library, in partnership with the Capital City Wellness Initiative, announces the launch of Monday Market @ your library•.

Licensed vendors will set up in our parking lot (10th and Garfield) from 7:30am–11:30am each Monday morning from July 6 to October 12.

The main goal of Monday Market is to increase access to fresh, locally grown, high-quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grain products and honey.

Carol Mongold, library representative to the Capital City Wellness program, said the primary goal of the Monday Market is to encourage the estimated 35,000 employees who work within a 2-mile radius of the State Capitol to walk to the market and include fresh produce in their diets.

“Once again, we are looking at ways to better serve the community. A farmer’s market is a perfect extension of our library services. It has a natural tie in to our popular cookbook and health and wellness collections,” Mongold said. “Working in partnership, we are able to foster a healthier Topeka.

To our knowledge, we know of no other libraries that have offered that to their customers and neighbors, and we are so grateful we can.”

Monday Market @ your library• is part of Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Capital City Wellness program.

In response to the health-conscious environment we live in, the library offers a consumer health collection housed in the west wing. Our massive selection of cookbooks can be found in the library’s west wing in the 641.5s. The library also offers one-on-one appointments to discuss health and wellness with a consumer health librarian. Call 785-580-4555.

Who Says There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch?

2009-06-11T14:53:00.002-05:00

The Roundabout Café at 21st and Urish in Topeka will be making another contribution to the economy by offering a free lunch with no purchase necessary on Tuesday, June 16, from 11 am to 2 pm.

The free lunch is also a thank you to all of the Roundabout’s loyal customers and hopefully some new ones. The free lunch will consist of ½ of our “World Famous” Chicken Salad sandwich and a bag of chips.

“I’ve had to be creative in bringing in customers,” Jill Bronaugh, Roundabout owner, said. “With the economy the way it is, I wanted to do something positive.”

The economy has been tough on everyone and the café would like to help in a small way.

“It makes people happy to get something of value for free, and it helps our business too.”

The Roundabout Café opened in February of 2008. In May, the construction of a roundabout at 21st and Urish was started and was not finished until the end of November that same year. Business dropped severely during the construction and is slowly starting to pick up.

The Roundabout Café serves breakfast and lunch and has daily specials. The hours of operation are 6:30 am to 3 pm.

Chamber Promotes China Trip

2009-06-10T22:53:00.001-05:00

Topeka area business people, their families, colleagues and friends will have the opportunity to learn more about an important trading partner, China, during a nine-day tour sponsored by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce next March to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.

There will be a free orientation session Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Ramada. Mr. Leo Liu, owner of Citslinc International, Inc., a California-based company that promotes economic growth and trade through cultural and business missions, will be present to answer questions and familiarize attendees with details of the trip. There is no charge to attend the orientation, but RSVP is requested by calling Marsha Sheahan at 234-2644. Anyone interested in the trip is invited to attend.

Participants will depart Friday, March 12, 2010, and return Saturday, March 20. The itinerary emphases Chinese history, culture and arts, and there will be bus tours through key economic development zones in two of the cities.

“Chinese business people build relationships first,” says Liu. “This cultural exchange is a great opportunity for Topeka’s current and future business leaders to learn more about China and to begin establishing the connections needed to successfully navigate the market.”

The trip is all-inclusive and costs $1,899 per person for double occupancy accommodations. Along with lodging, the fee covers round trip airfare from LAX to China, bus and air travel in China, three meals per day, English-speaking tour guides and entrance fees to tourist attractions.

Registration is open to the general public. Passports and travel visas are required, along with a non-refundable deposit of $200 at the time of registration. Full payment is required by December 1, 2009. Marketing partners include Jade Travel and Cruise Holidays.

“China has an economic growth strategy that we can learn from,” says Doug Kinsinger, president & CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “They like the rest of the world, are searching for ways to keep momentum going given the economic downturn. For companies wanting to invest and do businesses there, the Chinese have specifically targeted the automotive, textile, technology and ship-building industries. The bio-medical, petro-chemical, finance and retail segments are also a primary trade focus.”

Library Board of Trustees votes in new officers, welcomes new member

2009-06-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library announces the addition of Topekan Bob Harder to the library’s Board of Trustees. Harder was appointed by the mayor and approved by the Topeka City Council. He will serve the unexpired term of a previous board member, which expires in 2011.

The board has also recently elected new officers. Michele Henry replaces Kerry Onstott Storey as the board’s new chairwoman. Dan Guenther will serve as the new vice-chair. Elizabeth Ross was elected secretary and Terry Kimes treasurer.

Onstott Storey was recently reappointed to the board by the mayor. Her new term will expire 2013.

Regular board meetings convene the third Thursday of each month at 4 pm.

The current Board of Trustees are Michele Henry, Dan Guenther, Terry Kimes, Elizabeth Ross, Karen Nicolay, Kerry Onstott Storey, Jim Rankin, Suzanne Robb, Melissa Masoner and Bob Harder.

8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine

2009-05-28T10:44:00.001-05:00

The purpose of the 8 Wonders series is to help the world get to know Kansas and to encourage the public to explore Kansas. The Kansas Sampler Foundation, located at a farm in Inman, KS identified architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people as the 8 rural culture elements.

There are 24 finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine, and two are from right here in Topeka.

Visit Topeka, Inc. would like to encourage all of Topeka to vote for Porubsky’s and Bobo’s Drive In. This is a huge honor that we have two restaurants in Topeka that are being featured.

"To vote go to our web site at VisitTopeka.org. Click on the 8 wonders of Kansas Cuisine which is located at the bottom of the page. Click on the link and follow the instructions. Each e-mail address can vote three times and you have to vote for 8 restaurants for your vote to be valid."

The deadline is June 15.

The 24 finalists were determined by a combination of public nominations along with knowledge and research of the Kansas Sampler Foundation Selection Committee. The 8 Wonders of Kansas will be determined by popular vote so we are encouraging you to vote for our Topeka restaurants along with other favorites around the state of Kansas.

Criteria for a place to be selected for Cuisine was that the restaurant had to be open for 10 years or more and that it must be iconic in some way and originated in Kansas.

TARC’S DAY/SENIOR SERVICES TO PRESENT ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

2009-05-27T10:51:00.001-05:00

TARC’s Day/Senior Services will be hosting their annual Spring Fashion Show Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. This year marks the first time the event will be held at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library and will take place in the Marvin Auditorium.

The fashion show, which will feature fun and colorful spring attire, will include Kelli Stegeman, of KSNT/FOX43 as the emcee and Mitch Weber, 27 News anchor volunteering to escort the models along the runway.

TARC is a not-for-profit service organization that works to enhance the lives of people with developmental and related disabilities and their families, with service, support, advocacy and community involvement.

TARC TO HOST SEND-OFF FOR SPECIAL OLYMPIANS

2009-05-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

Friday, June 5th, TARC will host the official send-off celebration for the Topeka and Shawnee County Special Olympians. The 2009 Summer Games will be held in Wichita June 5 – 7th.

The 2009 send-off will honor Mr. Marshall Blosser, long time supporter and former member of the TARC Board of Directors. Special activities will begin at 7:45 am at the TARC Administrative offices, located at 2701 SW Randolph Avenue. The community is encouraged to attend and show support for these dedicated athletes. Highlights of the event will include appearances by Topeka Police Chief, Ron Miller and the Kansas Koyotes Football team. The Topeka Police Department, Topeka Fire Department and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department will also be participating and assisting with the celebration and send-off.

Plans Announced for 17th Annual Kansas Women’s Charity Shoot and Couples’ Fun Shoot

2009-05-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Ravenwood Lodge in Topeka, Kansas will be hosting the 17th Annual Kansas Women’s Charity Shoot and Couples’ Fun Shoot. The proceeds from this event allow us to encourage, educate and mentor women’s responsible participation in the recreational shooting and hunting sports while benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of pediatric specialty hospitals, founded by the Shrine, where children under the age of 18 receive excellent medical care absolutely free of charge. There are 18 orthopaedic Shriners Hospitals, three Shriners Hospitals dedicated to treating children with severe burns, and one Shriners Hospital that provides orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury care.

The Women’s Charity Shoot event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009, from
9:00-11:00 a.m. and women shooters will be furnished with shells, shooting, lunch, goody bags, and prizes. Cost is $60. Shooters must be on course by 11:00 a.m.

A Couples’ Fun Shoot will be held Sunday, July 12, 2009, 9:00-11:00 a.m. and includes lunch, shooting, and prizes. Cost is $70 per couple.

We welcome event sponsorship and those interested in making contributions towards sponsoring a station, donating prizes, trophies, food or refreshments, gift certificates, merchandise, or cash donations should contact Beverly or Ken Corbet at 785-2566444 (ravewoodoutdoors.com) or Jamey Warren at 785-230-6786.

Eyes Wide Open Golf Classic to Benefit the Blind and Visually Impaired

2009-05-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

With your own Eyes Wide Open, you can help the blind and visually impaired. If you enjoy the feeling you get while watching that little white ball, you can feel even better knowing that your game will help a person who is blind or visually impaired.

The Topeka Lions Foundation and the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI) have teamed up again for the 2nd Annual Eyes Wide Open Golf Classic at Cypress Ridge Golf Course on Monday, July 20, with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. In case of a rainout, the course is reserved for the Monday following as a backup. Golf registration is $60 per person and includes refreshments at check-in, greens fee, golf cart, free driving range balls, three drink tickets, and dinner afterwards at the awards presentation. Check in starts at 11:00 a.m. Participants can enjoy testing their skill in the “Monster Short-Shot” contest, which offers lots of fun for a great cause.

Both the Topeka Lions Foundation and KABVI share a common mission to help the blind and visually impaired, with services and adaptive technology to increase the quality of life and health for persons with eye diseases or blindness. Funds generated from this event will help to benefit the more than 40,000 persons in Kansas with significant visual disabilities or blindness.

Participating golfers are encouraged to bring old prescription eyeglasses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses to the EWO Golf Classic, to be recycled for use in 3rd world countries. Both the Lions Foundation and KABVI are 501(c) (3) organizations, and a large portion of one’s entry fee is tax deductible. Download a registration form at www.kabvi.com or www.vocshop.com/lions. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Beauchamp’s Presents Three Points of View (Take Two)

2009-05-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

There’s nothing like late spring in Kansas. New wheat turns the fields vivid green, wild flowers dot the Flint Hills, and children start counting the days ‘til summer vacation. And of course there are the thunderstorms. On any given afternoon, they might roll in off the prairie bringing with them buckets of rain, breath taking lightning and sometimes even hail or twisters.

However, as much as the folks at Beauchamp’s Gallery love a good gully washer, the storms do have a way of putting a damper on an artist’s reception. On Friday, May 15th that’s exactly what happened. Though a hundred or more brave souls did venture out that night to meet artists Mike Henry, Steve Denny and Colleen Gregoire, at least as many more chose not to venture away from the safety of their basements. And so…. Beauchamp’s will host a “re-reception” for all three artists in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk on June 5th.

The show Three Points of View features artworks by Henry, Denny and Gregoire, three veteran artists who have been “visually connecting” with Kansas art patrons for over 25 years. With his new collection of drawings, Mike Henry seems most interested in understanding the light and space that surround and define the world in which he lives and works. Mike’s drawings are especially compelling when depicting unusually strong light, which adds an element of drama to his work. Steve Denny contributes a group of watercolor paintings to the show. His subject matter often deals with the intersection of human works and nature; especially animals. Like Denny, Colleen Gregoire’s oil paintings sometimes depict a similar intersection. For this exhibit, however, Gregoire focuses most on the light, color and beauty of the natural world; notably the Kansas landscape. All three artists have a straightforward way of communicating their vision. Their work holds no hidden meaning or underlying psychological element. Either you “get it” or you don’t. And with the artwork of Mike Henry, Steve Denny and Colleen Gregoire, Kansans definitely “get it”.

All of the artists will be on hand for the First Friday reception at Beauchamp’s Gallery from 6-8 PM. The public is invited. Their artworks will be on display through the month of June.
Beauchamp’s is Topeka’s premier provider of original fine art, classic custom framing, art restoration/repair, and consulting. Located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart, Beauchamp’s has been a mainstay of the Topeka arts community for 40 years.

AFP Viewpoint: Gov. Parkinson chooses local government control over people of Kansas

2009-05-22T12:03:00.001-05:00

The free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity-Kansas released the following statement in response to the veto of Senate Bill 51:

“Today, we learned that the Governor has vetoed a measure to restrict the power of annexation of cities,” said Americans for Prosperity Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “AFP supported this bill, as it would have given local residents more control in the annexation process by allowing them to vote to approve annexation in certain instances.

“The legislation was viewed by AFP and others as taking a critical first step towards providing the ultimate safeguards from over-zealous annexation by government bodies.

“Property rights and freedoms should not be trampled in the name of supposed ‘economic development’ by the public sector. Economic development is best left for the free market to determine without government intervention.

“The consent of the governed is the backbone of this country yet today, despite receiving more than 450 emails in support of this legislation within the last week, Governor Parkinson violated that right.”

Sunflower State Games opens online registration

2009-05-22T07:29:00.001-05:00

The Sunflower State Games announces online registration is now open for the 20th Anniversary of the Games. Those interested are encouraged to visit www.sunflowergames.com for sport information and to register. All participants who register online will receive a discount off their entry fee. The amateur multi-sports festival will be held July 10-26 at sites throughout Topeka.

Athletes will compete in a record 43 different sports including five new sports: Fencing, Gymnastics, JR Rodeo, Paintball and Strongman. The Games will officially kickoff with the Athlete Festival held on Friday, July 17 at Hummer Sports Park. The festival is open to all athletes and volunteers and will include the annual lighting of the torch, the 5K/10K Governor’s Cup Road Race, free picnic and much more!

“We are extremely excited about what’s in store for the 2009 Sunflower State Games. The addition of five new sports will provide more opportunities for Kansas athletes to compete at a high level,” says Executive Director, Mitch Gross. “I am looking forward to celebrating our 20th Anniversary with our participants and supporters,”

The Sunflower State Games is a non-profit organization based out of Topeka, Kansas. The Games are held annually in July and its purpose is to promote physical fitness, personal health and well-being for Kansans of all ages and skill levels.

TARC TO RECEIVE GENEROUS DONATION FROM KANSAS GAS SERVICE INFORMATION CENTER

2009-05-22T07:28:00.000-05:00

Kansas Gas Service will be making a generous donation to TARC’s Children’s Services Division Monday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. at TARC’s Administrative Offices, 2701 SW Randolph Ave., Topeka, KS.

Tina Harmon, Supervisor for the Kansas Gas Service Information Center organized an entire month of fundraising activities within Kansas Gas Service to raise funds for much needed items to assist individuals and families receiving services through TARC. TARC’s Children’s Services Division serves and supports over 537 families each year.

TARC is a not-for-profit service organization that works to enhance the lives of people with developmental and related disabilities and their families, with service, support, advocacy and community involvement.

Westar Helping Real Estate Companies Go Green

2009-05-22T07:08:00.002-05:00

On June 4 in Wichita and June 11 in Topeka, Westar Energy’s EfficiencyWorks will launch a new program for real estate agents to learn more about “green” real estate. The program provides agents a more detailed understanding of what constitutes an energy efficient home and how to market its benefits. They will learn what to look for when building or selling an existing residential property in terms of its energy efficiency.

“The more understanding they have about how insulation, windows, building materials andheating and cooling equipment affect a home’s energy use, the better they will be able to servetheir efficiency-minded clients,” said Sherii Farmer, account manager, consumer services. “Morepeople are paying attention to the energy efficient qualities needed in a home. The benefits tobuying green include a healthier home, lower energy bills and the knowledge that you’re benefiting the environment.”

Ninety-one percent of people buying a home today say they favor an energy efficient homeover one that doesn’t have energy efficient features and is two to three percent cheaper, accordingto the National Home Builders Association Consumer Preference Survey.

Real estate agents, recognizing that there is a increasing market for “green" real estate, aretaking courses to learn more about home building and remodeling that increase energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water efficiency and are gaining credentials as certified green agents.

The certification course will be offered on a quarterly basis in both Wichita and Topeka.By completing the course, real estate agents receive four continuing education units (CEU) forrenewing their licensing requirements. The cost for the course is $55 and registration forms areavailable on the Westar Energy Web site under Energy Efficiency or by calling 1.888.WORKS.50.

Other course dates are September 10 and December 3 in Wichita and September 3 and December 10 in Topeka.

“We are really excited to offer this opportunity for real estate agents. It’s another audiencewe can provide our energy efficiency message to, and they gain additional experience to benefitthem in their career,” said Farmer.

Leadership Greater Topeka Class Graduates

2009-05-22T06:58:00.001-05:00

Thirty-six individuals from Topeka and Shawnee County will graduate from the 2009 Leadership Greater Topeka program on Wednesday, May 6. A luncheon honoring their participation will be at noon at the Ramada in downtown Topeka.

Leadership Greater Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce since 1984, identifies outstanding potential leaders from various components of the community. There are 740 alumni of the program.

Class members attended a retreat and seven day-long sessions between February 5-6 and May 1 to learn about challenges facing the City of Topeka and Shawnee County and how they, as individuals, can work to influence community issues and problems. The 2009 class was chosen from more than 300 nominees representing a variety of backgrounds and a cross section of the community. Members of the 2009 class are: Barbara Barnard, vice president, Community National Bank; Matthew Bevens, student, Topeka High School; Paul Bossert, marketing manager, Premier Executive Recruiting; Diane Burton, administrative director of laboratories, Stormont-Vail HealthCare; Irene Caballero, community mobilizer, Safe Streets; Braxton Copley, deputy city attorney, City of Topeka; Randy Edwards, chief actuary, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; Sarah Fizell, senior director, marketing and public relations, Strategic Communications of Kansas; Carl Frazier, auditor, Kansas Health Policy Authority; Natalie Garcia, student, Highland Park High School; Andrew Gerstner, front desk staff, Topeka Rescue Mission; Gwen Gigous, project architect, Schwerdt Design Group; Becky Greer, curriculum director, USD 450 Shawnee Heights Schools; Carrie Jo Gross, national advertising, WIBW-TV; David Heit, associate/senior project manager, Schwerdt Design Group; Kevin Kongs, assistant controller, Westar Energy, Inc.; Miriam Krehbiel, president & CEO, United Way of Greater Topeka; Tim Krueger, vice president of commercial lending, VisionBank; Camille Lafleur, YDP-psychosocial team leader, Family Service & Guidance Center; Quentin Martin, desktop manager, Jostens Printing and Publishing; Gina Ochsner, president & CEO, Century Health Solutions, Inc.; Miranda Owens, associate attorney, Goodell Stratton Edmonds & Palmer, LLP; Ronnie Padilla, community volunteer; Jay Phillips, commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Personnel Service Center; Marie Pyko, public services manager, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library; Dan Schemm, director, existing business, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka; Ed Serrano, economic development representative, Kansas Department of Commerce; Angela Sharp, senior project manager, Bartlett & West; Ehren Sherrod, executive director, Community First, Inc.; Steve Siler, assistant vice president, human resources, Security Benefit; Sarah Strydom, account executive, Midwest Single Source; Travis Stryker, vice president, CAS Construction, LLC; Deborah Swank, realtor, Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair; Drew Switzer, meteorologist, WIBW Channels; Renee Wiggins, first vice president, Topeka Branch NAACP; and Kathleen Williams, financial advisor, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.