Why Great Bend and this part of Kansas

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

When asked why she loves Great Bend and this part of Kansas, Allene Owen’s answer is a simple one.

“Great Bend and Central Kansas are beautiful places to live,” said Owen, who has been a hair stylist for over 50 years, served on the City Council and has been active in numerous organizations. “The people in our community are friendly, giving, caring and have wonderful values. Opportunities abound for those with the desire to work hard and think like an entrepreneur.”

She was born and raised in Ellinwood. In 1969, she started as a hairdresser, working there until 1976. “A friend encouraged me to accept an opportunity in Great Bend. Now, a total of 54 years later, I can’t imagine living and working anywhere else.”

Professionally, she is a licensed cosmetologist. “During the course of the day, I may do a hair cut, color or style. I may also do specialty facials or facial waxing. Occasionally, I may even work the front desk at Renue (Renue Salon, Spa & Fashion Boutique).

But, her involvement goes much deeper.

• Presently, she is on the board for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We oversee opportunities for tourism including all types of businesses and service organizations. We work closely with the Recreation Commission and school district on sports. Packets are available for the organizations with information on Great Bend and the surrounding area.”

• She sits on the Main Street board. “As part of that I am also on the GB Alive board. I enjoy thinking outside the box for ideas for our downtown area. I help set up on Final Fridays on Forest. If you haven’t attended one you are missing out. Family fun for all ages.”

• Owen is also a member of the Noon Lions Club, which is focused on eye care, both for individuals in Great Bend as well as recycling glasses nationally. “Each week we have lunch with an informative speaker. I have helped with many of their activities – including the Broadway Island redbud trees and the spaghetti feed.”

• She is a past Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. “I helped with many events including the Great Bend Farm Show. Ambassadors also meet with members to get information on how the Chamber can help them. Chamber coffees are attended by the Ambassadors to help with the greeting and door prizes.”

• “I also am a member of the Prairie Godmothers. This organization is all about women helping women,” she said.

• “In the past I have served on the City Council helping guide the community,” she said. “During this time, I was involved with the words, she said Great Bend has been very good to her professionally and personally.

“Professionally, I have had the ability to grow and enhance my skills. It has allowed me to make many friends. In fact, I still do two ladies’ hair that I did 54 years ago,” she said.

“Personally, Great Bend is a great place to build a network of friends and businesses,” she said. “Almost any question or need that I have someone in this network can assist me in whatever the request might be. There are lots of fun things to do in the community, some not so obvious, you might just have to look for them. I stay in Great Bend because it is home.”

Owen has a sister and a brother living in Great Bend and also has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. “I also consider many

Riley Brungardt

Great Bend Tribune

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