Thursday, October 29, 2009

Novembers Are A Blessing At Beauchamp’s Gallery

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

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

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.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Oktoberfest Fundraising Event to be Held at Matrot Castle

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

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.

Friday, October 23, 2009

JUNCTION CITY COUNTRY CLUB ACQUIRED BY GREATLIFE GOLF & FITNESS

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

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

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

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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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

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.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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

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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION GALA TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 20TH

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

"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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

St. Francis to celebrate 100th anniversary with Mass

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.

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