Topeka, KS September 2023

FIGHT THE FLU

KNOW THE SIGNS

SEEK EMERGENCY CARE IF YOU HAVE:

• Difficulty Breathing

• Chest Discomfort

• Dehydration

• Numbness

• Weakness in Extremities

• Difficulty Swallowing

• Compromised Immune System

We now offer MeMed BV® blood test to distinguish viral from bacterial infection within 15 minutes! This state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory technology impacts patient recovery time and combats antimicrobial resistance in children and adults.

At The Dirty Dog Pet Services, we understand that no two pets are alike. Like us, they are individualseach with their own individual personalities, preferences, abilities, and needs. While we aim to be your one stop shop, offering a wide variety of services: Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, and Training, we know there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to pets. We take the time and put in the effort to listen to and understand each pet as an individual and curate a service plan to meet their specific needs for 1. Safety and 2. Enjoyment!

DIRTY DOGS HAVE MORE FUN!

Each of our highly trained, and certified, Pet Care Professionals are passionate about what they do - PROVIDING THE ULTIMATE PET CARE EXPERIENCE!

Style Issue - Find Your Authentic Expression

This month’s magazine is all about style! Style is a funny thing. It’s a signature way of doing something. That particular something can be as simple as the way you dress to the way you style your hair to the way you listen to music. It’s subtle, nuanced, and it becomes personal over time.

I worked 29 years for Premier Designs Jewelry. Jewelry is definitely a personal thing. I learned to listen to my clients. I learned who they were, what they did during the day, and got a feel for their individual personalities. From working professionals, to stay-at-home moms, to retired women who wanted to volunteer, they were all so different and I had to get a feel for their particular style in order to help them make the best selections.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate. Style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives. It evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value.

In this issue, we will highlight style in our Golden City. Style exists in our past, present, and future and we’ll take a look at all three. So jump into our pages, learn a little about our city and maybe a little bit about yourself as we celebrate style!

Many blessings to you,

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com, Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com, Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com, Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com, Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Emma Highfill Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE

UNPLANNED PREGNANCY Facing an

GET THE HELP YOU NEED

Connect

You Have Options. | All Services Are Free

It all starts with a phone call I will listen, learn, ask questions, and talk about your options If it feels right to you, we will create an adoption plan that will start putting the pieces of your life back together

Financial Help

If adoption is the best choice for you, you can receive living expenses during your pregnancy, which we will pay. What does that mean, help for rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other pregnancy related expenses

Whatever I can do to help you and your baby, I will

Medical Help

We can get you set up with a medical card and an appointment with a doctor of your choice to care for you and your baby during the pregnancy

You are in charge of all of your medical decisions and of what is best for you and your baby

Transportation Help

If you are considering an adoption plan for your baby and need help getting to doctor’s appointments, meetings with the adoptive parent(s) or to come to see me, I can help. For more information about how I can help you, contact me day or night

Our empowering boudoir sessions celebrate your strength and beauty, inspiring confidence in every woman. With our talented photographer capturing your essence, you’ll discover a fearless and powerful version of yourself. Embrace your uniqueness in a supportive environment that cherishes every curve and smile.

Doubts? Don’t worry – Our professionals ensure you feel at ease throughout the process.

BE STRONG, BE YOU!

Boost your self-assurance and book your empowering session now with an exclusive 20% DISCOUNT ON SESSION FEES through the month of September. Limited slots available in Topeka.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Mix - Styles For Everyone

Topeka’s newest women’s boutique, The Mix, is located at 921 S. Kansas Ave in historic Downtown Topeka. The Mix has clothing for many occasions, including active wear, leisure and weddings, while featuring tops, sweaters, jackets, dresses, jeans, pants, and also home gifts, bags, sunglasses and jewelry. With four owners, all with different styles and preferences, The Mix will have “something for everyone.” Visit us in person or online at themixtopeka.com .

Meagan's Beauty Haven - Sakred Salon

Meagan Sayler has been providing services in the beauty industry since 2012. She specializes in hair blonding services and other hair color treatments. She is certified in 3 types of hair extension installation methods, and a five-time certified lash extension artist. She enjoys using her platform behind the chair to empower women and help them feel and look beautiful inside and out. Meagan's Beauty Haven is located inside of Sakred Salon . To schedule, visit meagansayler.glossgenius.com .

New in TownDrip Therapy

Drip Therapy is a new, locally owned business, offering supplemental vitamins, minerals, and amino acids via intravenous infusion. Designed to help you feel your best, an infusion will optimize your energy, improve hair, nails, and skin, or boost your brain power! Talk to Jodi Wulfkuhle, owner/operator, she will develop a unique blend specifically for you. She is a certified family nurse practitioner who loves helping others. Positive effects last up to two weeks. Visit driptherapyNP.com .

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

THE BLOSSOMING WORLD OF SAFELY SUNNING AND ITS MULTIFACETED SALON

RADIANT EVOLUTION

ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/ WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

A remarkable transformation has occurred in Safely Sunning in downtown Topeka. Founder, Heather Souther, orchestrated a move to a new location and significant expansion, with the introduction of a full-service salon.

Sakred Salon offers an array of services, from spray tanning and teeth whitening, to Botox, fillers, and various skin treatments. Permanent makeup, hair services, acrylic and gel nails, body treatments, facials, cupping therapy, lash extensions by a five-time certified lash artist, and more.

The salon’s atmosphere is a blend of Heather’s personal style, boho-chic, with functionality, while also feeling bright and airy. A deliberate choice of black ceilings complements the brown spray tan application process. Light neutral gray walls ensure the accurate representation of tanning hues and hair colors. Heather’s favorite touch is a heartfelt message on the wall in her handwriting, conveying gratitude and the promise of a nurturing space for clients’ body, mind, and soul.

Heather’s vision extends beyond aesthetics; it was important that she find the right group of professionals to join her. To Heather and the team, the salon’s mission is to make everyone feel loved, invited, and included.

“I never want anybody to not feel great coming in and being here with us,” Heather says. “When they leave, I want them to feel like Beyonce in front of a fan. Like they can take on the world. Like nothing can stop them.”

Visit vagaro.com/safelysunningsakredsalon

MORE THAN LENGTH: THE POWER OF EXTENSIONS

Since joining Sakred Salon in October 2022, Nichole Mitchell has felt right at-home in what she describes as a calm, relaxing, and family-friendly environment. Nichole brought with her a decade of experience as a hair stylist, offering services that include hair extensions, coloring, cutting, and body waxing.

As fall trends emerge, Nicole says her clients are asking to transition their look from light summer locks to cozy autumn vibes. Clients opting for darker tones are not necessarily changing the color of their natural hair, but are adding darker hair extensions to gain depth, volume, and length.

“With hair extensions, you can do anything and everything,” Nichole explains. “People think of hair extensions just for length, but I have one client, for example, with very fine hair and we added her extensions mainly for volume.”

Clients should consider proper upkeep and be prepared to have a good shampoo, conditioner, and serum on-hand. “If you’re going to invest the money in yourself, we want to make sure you’re going to take care of the investment,” she explains.

Nichole says one client came to her after battling medical issues that caused her hair to begin falling out. She received extensions to give her hair length and volume, and received a profound confidence boost in the process.

That, Nichole says, is what it’s all about. “Style to me is what makes you feel good, what makes you feel confident, and what makes you go into the world and be your best self.” To book an appointment call/text the salon @ 785.600.0979.

“STYLE IS WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT, AND WHAT MAKES YOU GO INTO THE WORLD AND BE YOUR BEST SELF.”

- NICHOLE MITCHELL

Nichole Mitchell

NAILING IT: THE LATEST GEL NAIL TRENDS

Meticulous and detailed, the art form of gel nail art requires ample practice to master. But it has proven to be a much sought-after skill that manicurist Kailee Hoeffner has mastered. Since joining Sakred Salon in May, Kailee has been booked and busy.

The landscape of nail art trends is as dynamic as it gets. Presently, 3D designs are all the rage, while airbrush techniques are back in vogue after a hiatus, and the timeless chrome finish remains a consistent favorite. Almond-shaped nails are enjoying the spotlight, embodying elegance and versatility.

“The way clients express themselves through their nails varies so much,” Kailee explains. “People usually change their nails every few weeks, so it really gives them freedom to go as out-of-the-box as they’d like.”

Navigating the realm of nail aesthetics can be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers. Kailee stocks an abundance of photos to help inspire those clients who are looking for a bit of direction. When it comes to choosing a shape, Kailee says the nail bed is key.

From hand-painted marvels to varied designs on all ten nails, Kailee thrives on unleashing her creative prowess. She takes pride in crafting nails that mirror each client’s distinct personality and personal style.

“Nail art is such a fun way to express your style and everyone does it so differently,” she says. “I love seeing clients’ personalities come out in their nails and you can tell they leave feeling beautiful, confident, and wanting to showcase their fresh set.”

To Kailee, style signifies the physical embodiment of self-expression. Her job’s joy lies in catering to diverse individuals, and designing nails that resonate with their unique style preferences. With every set she creates, she contributes to the tapestry of individuality that weaves through personal appearances. Visit vagaro.com/safelysunningsakredsalon.

Kailee Hoeffner

THE ART OF CONFIDENCE

Sakred Salon owner Heather Souther recognized Alicia Carrier’s talent as a permanent makeup artist before they ever discussed a potential working relationship. Heather saw the eyebrows of one of Alicia’s clients and knew she wanted her and her skill set as part of the salon.

“Heather’s salon struck me because of the women empowerment,” Alicia recalls. “All the girls are so supportive and there is a great, positive atmosphere. You want to be at work every day. It’s truly incredible.”

Alicia began permanent makeup two years ago in California before moving to Kansas. With a mission centered on restoring women’s confidence, Alicia can help clients address eyebrow concerns. Overplucking trends have left many with thinning brows, prompting a desire for revitalization. Offering makeup-like shading or natural hair strokes, Alicia tailors each approach to her clients, making every appointment unique.

“A good brow is a face lift for the face – lifts the eyes and whole expression,” Alicia explains.

Witnessing clients shed tears of joy upon seeing their brow transformation is a humbling experience, one that still makes Alicia emotional. She recalls a cancer survivor who, after chemotherapy took all of her hair, found solace in Alicia’s artistry.

Alicia’s scope extends beyond brows – she has delved into eyeliner artistry and even contributed to breast cancer survivors’ journeys by recreating areolas. Alicia’s passion translates into rapid confidence changes for her clients.

“Your style is your statement in life,” she says. “It’s how you walk with confidence and show it to others.” Visit finelinebeautystudio.com .

“YOUR STYLE IS YOUR STATEMENT IN LIFE. IT’S HOW YOU WALK WITH CONFIDENCE AND SHOW IT TO OTHERS.”

- ALICIA CARRIER

Alicia Carrier

Closets Designed for Your Life-"Style"

FUNCTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL SPACES FOR ALL YOUR FASHION

NEEDS

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA HIGHFILL PHOTOGRAPHY

When you have a lot of great clothes, you also need an amazing closet that will keep them organized and that will work for your lifestyle. If this closet is also a place that exudes luxury and beauty, all the better.

Thiessen Design & Construction in Topeka can custom build the right closet for your needs, using high-quality materials, lighting and those little extras that can make a big difference. The main focus of the design process involves asking a lot of questions, such as, Are you someone who likes to fold their clothes or do you prefer to hang them? How many pair of shoes do you have? Do you travel often?

“We make sure that the overall design accommodates exactly how that specific homeowner functions,” says the owner, Tammy Thiessen. For example, for those who prefer to fold most of their clothes, she and her team will include more built-in dressers with drawers.

Adequate shoe storage is often a big issue in most closets. “You don’t want them cluttered on the floor, so we're able to use the square footage people have and design it in a more efficient way to accommodate footwear by using angled shoe shelves,” she says.

For people who like to travel, she and her team like to include an island big enough to hold a suitcase. This makes it much more convenient to pack items right in your closet instead of carrying them into another room. A valet rod is another helpful addition. “People use this rod during packing to see what they have before loading it all into a suitcase, or if they’re the type of person who wants to set their outfit out for the next day.”

A pull out built-in laundry bin is also a plus. Homeowners just open it up, throw in their dirty clothing and then pull it out when it's laundry day. There’s no need to have additional hampers taking up space in the bathroom or elsewhere. Other features she thinks are important to include in every closet are a full length mirror and a bench or stool so people can sit down to put on their shoes.

Great lighting in closets is not only important for functionality, but can also add some glamour. This is why Tammy loves using sparkling chandeliers and other amazing light fixtures.

Many people may think their closet is too small for a makeover or it will cost too much money, but there are products now such as melamine that look great, are durable, and cost a lot less than custom wood cabinetry. “This is a nice in-between product that still allows you to have doors and drawers and use a lot of accessories like valet rods,” she says. For those who want to spend a little more, they can have more upscale additions such as crown molding.

“Stress levels go down if you feel like you have a place for everything and can keep things organized,” says Tammy. “I feel like it helps you function so much better in all areas of your life.” TDesignCompany.com

International SCENTSATION

Since childhood, Chris Paez has been fascinated by fragrances. “When I was young, growing up in Paraguay, I would see perfume commercials and I loved the way they used romance and emotions to sell their scents,” he remembered. He was always intrigued by the psychology involved in the marketing. So when he came to the US on a scholarship to attend Washburn University, he decided to study psychology.

He was also fortunate enough to have a strong hands-on business background after years of being mentored by his parents while helping with their family-owned business in Paraguay. “I grew up seeing how a business is run. I started thinking, ‘I should start my own business - a fragrance business,’” he said. So he changed his major to Entrepreneurship. “Everything started when I made the transition to entrepreneurship and began competing in business events,” he said.

Encouraged by the feedback he received from the judges in business planning competitions at Washburn and other pitch competitions outside of the university, he continued to sharpen his business skills with a focus on perfumes. Through Washburn, he was able to obtain a grant that led him to a program to learn the art of creating fragrances. “Finally, all of my passions began to align and it all started to make sense,” he shared.

CONTINUED >

HOW AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FROM PARAGUAY FOLLOWED HIS PASSION FOR PERFUMES

Paez says creating a fragrance requires imagination. “l start by trying to match a feeling with a scent. First, you have to imagine what you want the scent to represent. “I wanted to create a scent that transmits freshness - something soft and sweet yet empowering at the same time."

His fragrance combines the soft feminine scent of vanilla with notes of sandalwood which give it a warm earthiness. Cocoa adds an undertone of richness, and clary sage, a flower, provides the sweet musky intensity that makes it very sensual. Clary sage is known to stimulate libido in both men and women. “When a guy smells clary sage, he goes crazy,” he laughed. As an added bonus, both sandalwood and clary sage are known for their aromatic longevity helping the fragrance last all day or night.

Creating the perfume was only one challenge. Creating the brand was another. The brand, Atlantis, was inspired by the ancient philosopher Plato. “Because the goddess Gaia was the first being alive, I decided it would be the name of my first fragrance. Gaia means the beginning of everything,” Paez explained. “I chose this goddess to personify the fragrance because she reflects freshness, freedom, and power.”

Even the bottle reflects the brand. “Gaia represents gold. So that's it. It's black and gold,” Paez said. “When women wear this fragrance, I want them to feel feminine, elegant, and powerful.” Now, after three long years of working on his passion project, Atlantis’ introductory scent, Gaia - Mother Earth, is ready for its debut. Paez is very excited. “Everything that has happened in my life has led me to this moment,” he said.

So where can you find Gaia - Mother Earth? Paez is working with retailers in Topeka and Kansas City and you should see it popping up on shelves in stores around town soon. But if you just can’t wait to get your hands on this scintillating scent, you can order it directly through the website at AtlantisFragrances. shop and/or on Etsy. “I would like to put Kansas on the map of perfumery, creating opportunities for Kansas people and sharing our knowledge nationally and internationally,” Paez said.

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

Don’t Miss Casting Crowns 20th Anniversary Tour

A Live Symphony Experience at TPAC

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR MADE CONCERTS

Casting Crowns

Celebrating 20 years in the music industry with a 20-city tour, the popular Grammy-winning Christian rock band Casting Crowns is scheduled to play at TPAC on October 6th. We talked with Megan Garrett, vocalist and keyboard player, about this special anniversary tour.

TCL: YOU ARE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF CASTING CROWNS. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE BAND?

Garrett: I was playing in a youth band at a church in Atlanta when Mark Hall, (lead singer) came from Daytona Beach to be our youth pastor. He brought some of his band members with him and they just sort of engulfed me in who we are and here we are 20 years later.

TCL: YOU SAID THE GROUP NEVER SOUGHT OUT FAME.

Garrett: No. The way we got started was a total God thing. We were just a church band in Atlanta and the families in the church liked our music so they paid for us to go to a recording studio so they could have the songs for themselves. Then, one day, Mark Miller, the lead singer for Sawyer Brown visited a basketball camp and got a CD from one of the kids who was attending. He was just starting a record label, Beach Street Records, and he popped it in the car and listened to it on his way to the beach. He liked it and we became the first group he signed to the

label. Nobody is chasing the dream out here. We’re just saying “Yes, Lord” and going where He takes us. It’s been an incredible trip!

TCL: THE BAND WILL BE JOINED ON TOUR BY A LIVE ORCHESTRA. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

Garrett: We did an acoustic tour 10 or 12 years back and it was just so awesome. Getting to hear the music live adds emotion and depth to the songs. I think the fans are gonna love it. We love it!

TCL: WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEING PART OF CASTING CROWNS?

Garrett: We’re just a bunch of normal people. There’s no rock-star mentality or the stress that comes with that. We just have a dynamic and talented group of people and we are all truly best friends.

TCL: WHAT CAN TOPEKA FANS EXPECT?

Garrett: We’re just so grateful for all the fans. We’ve heard so many stories over the years of how these songs minister to people’s hearts. This concert is going to be a celebration of those people, like sitting down with friends and reflecting on how good the Lord is. We’ll share personal stories and all of the songs that we know they want to hear. It’s going to be really special.

Casting Crowns tickets are on sale at topekaperformingarts.org/events

“THIS CONCERT IS GOING TO BE A CELEBRATION, LIKE SITTING DOWN WITH FRIENDS AND REFLECTING ON HOW GOOD THE LORD IS.” - MEGAN GARRETT

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/ WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Fall Fashion Tips

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT, AND HOW TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FASHONISTA

Fashion not only changes every season, it evolves over time, so it’s easy to fall behind in the style game. Have no fear! We teamed up with local Topeka wardrobe specialist, Sara Schultz, not only to find out what’s in this autumn, but to give us some style tips that will keep us looking our best season after season. Let’s start with what’s hot this fall:

TCL: WHAT COLORS ARE IN?

Schultz: Dark romance: blacks, browns, wines, plums, and metallics are all the rage. Red will also be a hot color this season! And believe it or not, butter yellow will be popping up amongst all the darks.

TCL: LET’S TALK TOPS.

Schultz: White button up shirts are on trend for fall. Bralettes are on the must-have list and turtlenecks are back too.

TCL: WHAT ABOUT FABRICS?

Schultz: Look for chunky sweaters, especially cardigans. Leather will be everywhere - as separate pieces or head to toe.

“Your closet is bursting, yet you have NOTHING to wear. That’s because you purchase pieces instead of outfits. My best advice - don’t buy a piece unless you can wear it three different ways.”

“There’s a difference between fashion and style. Fashion is timely and trendy. Style is timeless; it’s in your DNA. Everyone has style.”

TCL: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE ON BOTTOMS?

Schultz: Denim is all over the map. Skinny jeans are still around, but straight leg and wide leg are in. We’ll also be seeing tights of all kinds from fishnet to geometric shapes to opaque.

TCL: WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE?

Schultz: Outerwear is finally back. Warm and cozy will rule. Oversized statement coats will be making an appearance and the classic trench coat will reign supreme. It’s going to be cool to be warm.

TCL: WHAT’S AFOOT WHEN IT COMES TO SHOES?

Schultz: You can’t go wrong with boots this season. Ankle boots, knee-high boots, and even thigh-high boots rule the runway. Fashion sneakers, loafers, and clogs are hot too.

TCL: IF YOU HAD TO PICK SOME KEY PIECES, WHAT SHOULD WE INCLUDE IN OUR WARDROBES THIS FALL?

Schultz:

• A pair of straight leg denim jeans in a dark wash

• A chunky cardigan

• A crisp white button-up shirt or a basic T-shirt

• A favorite piece of leather - jacket, skirt, pants, boots…something, anything leather.

TCL: CAN YOU SHARE SOME LONG-TERM FASHION TIPS?

Schultz:

1. Here’s the skinny on looking thinner: One of the tricks is to create long lines. V-necklines, pants with a slight flare, pointy-toe shoes, long necklaces, and monotone outfits all help in the visual lengthening game.

2. Women get hung up on color analysis. It’s a great tool, but don’t be so strict with it. If you have a favorite color that doesn’t fit in your color palette, don’t ban it from your wardrobe altogether. Just keep it away from your face. Try it in a belt, purse, or shoes. Style is more about personality than palette.

3. Your style is a reflection of who you are on the inside. If you are in a wardrobe rut, hire a professional stylist who can make getting dressed fun again.

For more fashion tips, follow Sara Schultz on Instagram @sara.schultz.styling . For a personal styling session, email her at SaraSchultzStyling@gmail.com or call her at (785) 845-5963

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

For The Record

ONE MAN’S SPIN ON WHY VINYL HAS MADE A RESURGENCE

Topekan Ben Alford has been collecting vinyl records for as long as he can remember. “When I was young, in the early 90s, we had a record player and records were being phased out, so you could pick them up for a few dollars. That started my journey down the music rabbit hole. I kept picking up records and just never stopped,” Alford said. Fast forward 30 years, and his collection numbers more than 2,000. It’s clear that this love of vinyl has become more than a hobby. It is a lifelong obsession.

“Vinyl is my preferred medium. It always has been. I like the way it sounds. I like the listening experience. I even like the packaging,” he said. “I think an album tells a story. It's all about the artist painting that picture in your mind. And the package sets the tone.”

With the popularity of vinyl records on the rise (vinyl surpassed CD sales again this year), we asked Alford to tell us why he loves them so much and why he thinks they’ve made a comeback after all these years. “There’s just something about records. Just listening to a bunch of things on shuffle is…I'm not going to say it’s pointless, but it's kind of disjointed. I think it's more of an experience to put on a record and just listen. It sets the mood,” he explained.

According to Alford, it has a lot to do with how records are sequenced. “If you notice, they'll start off louder and then the last track, the one on the inside of the record, is usually something quiet and more intimate. That's because they have to put the grooves closer together back there so the music can't be as loud or the needle would jump. So you have this ebb and flow on every album. When CDs came out, they were just loud all the way through,” he laughed.

Alford talked about the fact that records are a more tangible medium as well. “A vinyl record is an actual etching of a waveform on that disc. So in a hundred years, I'll be able to take a paper cone and a sewing needle, put the needle in the groove and spin the record and still hear it. That's all you need to play a record. After that, it's just getting the right speed. We didn't need electricity to listen to records. The old Victrolas were wind-up and they just used the big horn to amplify the sound. But a CD… it's encoded bits. You've got to have a laser to read that. For me, it loses something. It just doesn’t have the personality and permanence that vinyl does.”

Alford not only collects old records, but he creates new ones as well. He has a recording studio in his home and has started his own record label - Moon Tower Records. “My house sits toward the top of a hill. We used to listen to music in my attic. So that’s where the

name ‘Moon Tower’ came from,” he explained. “We're putting out our first single soon,” he said. They're being pressed in Salina, home of one of the few remaining record plants in the US. Underscoring the new found popularity of vinyl, Alford said, “They were busy for months pressing the Fleetwood Mac Rumours Live album for their anniversary, so we had to wait.”

So it looks like this resurgence isn’t just “Second Hand News.” Vinyl is winning the popularity contest by a “Landslide.” While some thought we were “Never Going Back Again,” it looks like vinyl will keep the “World Turning.” Sorry. We couldn’t resist!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

1920s Inspiration

ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND

KRISTOL

SISTERS RESTORE HISTORIC BUILDING

Restoring an old, historic building is a labor of love. It’s a challenge that sisters Courtney Stemler and Shelby Irick, and their husbands Chris and Nic, were eager to undertake.

“We had discussed owning an event venue for a while, sort of as a pipe dream,” Shelby remembers. Their dream began to become reality when Courtney noticed a for-sale sign in front of what was being used as a state office building in downtown Topeka. Intrigued, she and her husband, Chris, began to do their research.

They discovered that the building, located at 9th and Topeka Boulevard, was originally constructed by the Topeka Woman’s Club in 1925 and was the largest Woman’s Club clubhouse west of the Mississippi River. When it went up for auction in 2020, the two couples submitted the winning bid and set to work turning that pipe dream into reality. With their passion for event planning and community engagement, they saw the potential for transforming the space into an event venue.

“It felt like a shame for this landmark of a place to continue to be used as an office building,” Shelby said. “I was excited to uncover everything underneath, including the barrel ceiling in the ballroom, the ornate stage in the theater, a couple of hidden stainedglass windows, and the wood floors throughout. It was an opportunity to bring this piece of Topeka history back into the public eye.”

With these historical elements as their inspiration, they knew they had found the perfect venue space. They pictured wedding ceremonies in the Theater with a stage, balcony, intricate

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY

plasterwork, and nine ornate stainedglass windows. They imagined large receptions and banquets in the 1920s Ballroom, where guests would stroll over the original hardwoods, under the art deco lights and barrel ceiling. What was once the Topeka Woman’s Club living room, the Founders Room was converted into a speakeasy-style bar and lounge, complete with rich leather seating, lounge furniture, and the building’s original fireplace.

While they had never embarked on such an ambitious project together before, the sisters agreed on a vision for the space: to restore the building’s design, maintaining the integrity of the space and its original features. Most of what you will see in the building today reflects the building’s original design, which was an eclectic style by Frank Squires.

“We knew we needed to do some modernizing to make it usable for events, like adding bathrooms and adding back some kitchen space,” Courtney explains.

During this project, the sisters discovered hidden treasures and clues to the building’s past. They found a secret compartment with a drawing of a couple dancing in 50s-style clothing, as well as a tobacco pouch from the 1920s.

“I think the coolest discovery we made was when we found the proscenium arch above the stage in the Theater,” Shelby said. The arch was not shown in the original blueprint and had been covered by a drop ceiling for the office space. The sisters were excited to find the intricate arch so well preserved.

The architectural details share the building’s history. Each window of stained-glass was privately donated, honoring a woman who was in the Woman’s Club. The staircase was the backdrop for many grand entrances. “Being good stewards of the building was part of our plan from the start,” Courtney affirmed.

Many of the sisters’ style choices revolved around that mission. “The style of the building is free eclectic,” Shelby said, adding that the building’s old-world charm is one of the things that attracted them to it.

“Buildings aren’t constructed this way anymore,” she added. “We wanted

to pay homage to the history of the building, but we also just love those breathtaking details and found that our guests do, too.”

Now, the future of The Beacon is a space for the community once again. Courtney and Shelby want to help people celebrate life’s big events between these historic walls. “We want to continue to serve our community by being

“BUILDINGS AREN’T CONSTRUCTED THIS WAY ANYMORE. WE WANTED TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE HISTORY OF THE BUILDING, BUT WE ALSO JUST LOVE THOSE BREATHTAKING DETAILS AND FOUND THAT OUR GUESTS DO, TOO.”

the place they go to celebrate, meet, and gather. Everyone has a story to share, and we just like to be a part of that story.” As they reflect on the renovation process, the sisters can’t help but smile at how far they’ve come. From navigating the challenges of the project – and each of them adding a baby girl to their families during the process! – to learning valuable lessons in perseverance and teamwork.

the DETAILS

DETAIL ONE The 3-story brick building at 420 SW 9th St. was originally built for the Topeka Woman’s Club, in 1925. Frank Squires styled the building in a free eclectic design. It housed the philanthropic and social club’s events and was the largest Woman’s Club clubhouse west of the Mississippi River.

DETAIL TWO In the early 1980s, the building was purchased and converted into office space, which was leased to – and eventually purchased by - the state of Kansas.

DETAIL THREE The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

DETAIL FOUR The Stemlers and Iricks purchased the building at auction in 2020.

Today, The Beacon stands as a shining example of what passion, dedication, and a love for history can achieve. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who enter its doors. To see the space, visit beacontopeka.com

SIP 'N SAVOR

The Golden City's Food & Drink Guide

Paisano's serves southern Italian foods with homemade sauces and were voted Topeka's best Italian restaurant.  Romantic, upscale restaurant & bar features hearty portions of Italian classics, wine & a patio. Reviews boast; "Beautiful restaurant, great atmosphere, exquisite service and excellent food". Paisano's is a full-service restaurant. Services include dine-in, carry-out, delivery, catering, banquets, meetings and special occasions to include weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. You can order online, have it catered, or stop in to try their daily specials. www.paisanoskansas.com

Pesce Seafood Florentine

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL/ EAGLE AERIAL SOLUTIONS