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Writers WINTER 2022
MANAGING EDITOR Ann Niccum
OLIVIA BRIEN
JAYNI CAREY
Entrepreneur and Communicator
Cookbook Author / Former Cooking Show Host
LONITA COOK
JULIE DUNLAP
DESIGNER / ART DIRECTOR Joaquin Miles DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Trenton Bush CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jason Dailey
Film Critic
Storyteller
SOCIAL MEDIA Tracey English EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Jon Niccum EMAIL COMMENTS TO editor@KSWomensLifestyle.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Meredithe McCormick VP of Business Development Meredithe@KSWomensLifestyle.com SUBSCRIPTIONS KSWomensLifestyle.com/subscriptions DISTRIBUTION Baldwin City, KS Eudora, KS De Soto, KS Lawrence, KS Lenexa, KS Shawnee, KS Topeka, KS PUBLISHER KMG Marketing PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Kern KSWL Magazine is published quarterly by the Kern Marketing Group Inc. It is distributed via US Postal Service mail to households in Topeka, Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin, De Soto, Lenexa and Shawnee, Kansas. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted or reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Kern Marketing Group. The Kern Marketing Group does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in KSWL Magazine is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
TRACEY ENGLISH
KIM GRONNIGER
Personal Fitness Trainer
Writer / Marketer / Explorer
CATHY HAMILTON
PRITI LAKHANI
Old Journalist / New Grandma
JENNIFER SMITH Horticulturist
Global Citizen
MEGAN STUKE
Non-Profit Executive / Writer
To learn more about our writers, visit KSWLMagazine.com/writers
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10 | DIY Succulent Garden
INSIDE
Brighten Your Home this Winter
Winter 2022
22 | My Favorite Room 30 | The Height of Success Lynette Woodard Pg. 10
44 | Turning a Side Hustle Into a Profession 48 | National Charity League Non-Profit Highlight
49 | Hostess 101 Form Matters at Functions
50 | Winter Warmup with Flavors of the Southwest Pg. 22
Pork Green Chile Stew
54 | The Last Word
Pg. 30
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features 14 | The Daily Grind Women in Media Share their Stories
26 | 22 Things to Try in 2022 36 | Body Work Demystifying Plastic Surgery
Haley Harrison
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DIY SUCCULENT GARDEN brighten your home this winter by Jennifer
Smith // photography by Trenton Bush
Succulents took over the indoor plant market over the last decade because they require little care, enhance indoor living spaces in a variety of settings and are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures. They are fun to grow and require little knowledge of plant care. Mixed succulent planters — sometimes called succulent gardens — are groupings of varying plant species in the same pot. These mixed planters are living works of art with endless options for design. Creating your own for an expressive project also allows you to connect with nature during the cold winter months. The term “succulent” refers to plants with thick leaves and stems that store water. Cacti are succulents, but many succulents are completely unrelated. Aloe vera, jade plants and sansevieria are examples that might be more familiar than others. Hundreds of new species and varieties have entered the market or enjoyed renewed popularity in the last decade thanks to the overall interest in succulents.
THESE MIXED PLANTERS ARE LIVING WORKS OF ART WITH ENDLESS OPTIONS FOR DESIGN.
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To create a mixed succulent planter, start with the essentials: plants, a planter and potting mix (soil). If the planter has drainage, get a pot saucer or cork mat to set underneath. Decorative rocks, glass beads, moss or other materials to cover the soil surface are optional but offer additional opportunities for creativity.
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Shop for plants with the container in mind or vice versa. Set plants in the container prior to purchasing to confirm fit and appearance. When selecting plants, pick them up and set them next to each other. Rearrange or re-select until a likeable grouping is achieved. Try plants with varying heights, colors and textures. Aim for an odd number of plants in the completed grouping for best aesthetics. Use a regular plant pot or be creative with unconventional items such as bowls, baskets, metal boxes, etc. Containers with drainage holes are ideal. For pots that lack drainage: 1. Drill a hole(s). 2. Find a slightly smaller container with drainage that fits inside the desired non-draining pot. Plan to lift the interior container out periodically to empty excess water. 3. Use the pot as-is. Water sparingly and diligently monitor moisture levels to avoid plant health problems.
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CONTINUED P. 12 »
12 For potting mix, select a high-quality product designed for succulents to ensure adequate drainage. When planting, add potting mix to the container first, leaving room for plants and decorative materials. Tap the pot on a hard surface to help settle the soil. Repeat as needed. Remove plants from nursery pots, loosen roots and set them gently in the new container. Add or remove potting mix from the container as needed to hold plants in place and fill the container.
Water plants only when needed. Water use varies with temperature changes, humidity, day length, plant type and other factors. Soil moisture meters are highly recommended to aid in decision making.
Add decorative materials last. When complete, the pot should be full nearly to the brim.
Light: Place succulents near a window or other location where they receive natural light. Use grow lights to supplement if necessary.
Set the planter where plants receive direct natural light from a window, or use grow lights. Overhead lights and standard fixtures are inadequate for succulents. If grow lights are needed, look for modern decorative grow light fixtures that are more attractive than standard shop-light fixtures.
Diagnosing problems: Inadequate light and excessive water are the most common culprits for succulent stress. If plants are unhealthy, try improving the environment first. Online plant groups and communities are helpful resources for more complicated issues. Get multiple opinions and seek reputability before taking action.
Water plants only as needed. Succulents hold water in their leaves and are prone to root rot when overwatered. Use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels and determine when/if watering is necessary. When watering, wet the soil rather than the plant.
Planting: Use high-quality potting mix designed for succulents. Gravel and other items in the bottom of the pot (below the potting mix) are unnecessary and raise the water table, making plants prone to root rot.
Succulents have few requirements beyond light and water. They generally prefer low fertility, making fertilization unnecessary. Pests are rare. If insects or signs of disease are observed or suspected, confirm the problem before attempting treatment. Avoid spraying unnecessarily and be careful with home remedies, as both can cause more harm than help.
THEY GENERALLY PREFER LOW FERTILITY, MAKING FERTILIZATION UNNECESSARY.
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Dana Wright (top left, clockwise), Brooke Lennington, Christel Bell, Haley Harrison
15
BY
CATHY HAMILTON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON BUSH
A relentless onslaught of bad news can overwhelm, depress and unnerve, causing many of us to power down our devices in a desperate attempt at self-care. But what happens when you can’t turn it off because the news is your full-time job? KS Women’s Lifestyle hosted a meeting of the minds with three area news anchors: Christel Bell (FOX4, Kansas City), Haley Harrison (KMBC 9, Kansas City) and Brooke Lennington (27 KSNT, Topeka) to ask that and other timely questions: KSWL: I want to talk first about your dads because all three of you have fathers who have impacted your respective careers in profound ways. Christel, let’s start with you. CB: My dad was the custodian at the FOX station in Houston, and sometimes he’d take me to work with him. They had a FOX Kids Club then, and I’d get huge boxes of Kids Club pencils to take home and pass out to my little friends. It was my first time in a newsroom and my first memory of “This is what I want to do.” KSWL: Brooke, you were estranged from your father, but he’s now become an important part of your life and your work. How did that happen? BL: My dad was an abusive alcoholic, and my parents divorced when I was nine. I went to court at age 12 and told the judge I didn’t want to see him anymore because he was a very bad dad. It wasn’t until I was in college — after he had health problems — that I realized you have to forgive people. Not for them but for you. He had a major stroke at age 50 and had to go live in a nursing home, so every year we both attend Stroke Camp in Junction City for survivors and caregivers. He loves it there, and I always file a story about it.
CONTINUED P. 16 »
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Christel Bell (from left), Brooke Lennington, Haley Harrison
KSWL: Haley, your dad’s health was a major reason you decided to leave a job in the D.C. area for a position closer to home? HH: Dad had gotten cancer. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it and was very torn about being 1,000 miles away from Kansas. Then, in 2012 we lost my grandpa, and I just thought I was missing too much. Meanwhile, I was driving all around D.C. alone, shooting stories and not always feeling safe. I felt pulled toward home. KSWL: Let’s go back to March 2020. What was the moment you realized that this thing called COVID was a big deal? BL: I was sitting in the news room, and our sports guy ran in and said, “They’ve canceled the NBA until further notice!” Now I’m not into sports at all, but I thought, “Wow, that’s huge.” That’s when it hit me. HH: We heard they canceled the Big 12 Tournament and were telling everyone at the Sprint Center to go home. My husband and I were in the process of selling our home and had an open house scheduled the week they canceled school for our two girls. So that was fun.
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CB: I was working in Texas and on vacation because it was spring break. Growing up, we’d always go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I tried to take my daughter so she could experience it. When we got there, it was canceled. I knew it was serious because they had never canceled that event in 90-plus years. KSWL: So the pandemic started building and becoming oddly political, and it’s almost a shoot-the-messenger situation. How did you deal with the stress of that? CB: It was exhausting. I’ve been in news for 15 years, and I’d never seen so many people leave the business. And I considered doing the same. Then a viewer would say, “I’m getting through this because of you. You tell me things as a parent that I need to hear.” And it helped define my purpose, which was about giving people hope. BL: We were so busy trying to keep the train on the track because things were changing every day. But, with my dad in a crowded nursing home that’s not allowing visitors, yeah, it was stressful. I remember ad-libbing about that on the news, and I broke down a little bit, which I’d never done. HH: I tried to remember that our viewers were under stress, and their lives were chaotic. And it’s human nature to want to direct some of that hostility back at the person who’s telling you what you don’t want to hear. So I try to have a little understanding and kindness when people lash out. But there has to be a line. CONTINUED P. 18 »
Christel Bell
18 KSWL: Social media is a double-edged sword. How do you deal with the negativity and people who feel free in telling you how you can improve yourself? HH: I think if I were a private citizen, I wouldn’t be on Facebook or Twitter. Obviously, it serves a wonderful purpose and helps get information to my audience right away. But if you cross the line with me, I’ll block you. I don’t have to put up with that. BL: When my husband and I were going through fertility treatment, I had gained some weight. A guy reached out and said, “You look pregnant. Are you?” I told myself to let it go, but it really struck a nerve. So I wrote the guy back and said, “I’m not actually. I have fertility issues so be careful with words like that.”
Brooke Lennington
CB: I used to feel like I should respond to some of it, but at this point, I just say exactly what I want to say when I want to say it with no apologies. And if the trolls come, not today! KSWL: Another big story in the last few years is the MeToo Movement. Has anything changed since you started in news? CB: I see more women leadership, more diversity. It’s not quite where I’d like it to be, but we’re getting there. More women, including myself, are feeling more comfortable standing up for ourselves and saying, “No. That’s not okay.” BL: I think we definitely feel more empowered to speak up when someone crosses the line.
Christel Bell
HH: Yeah, there have always been behaviors that we’d been taught to normalize. Stalkers, for example. Like that’s just the price you pay to be a woman in this business. I don’t know any male colleagues who have had a stalker like I have. Men never receive emails with vitriol about their physical appearance. We’ve learned that is not normal, and we don’t have to tolerate that behavior anymore. I’ve also noticed male colleagues becoming more actively engaged in amplifying my ideas, making sure I’m being heard. I even had a male colleague want to have a conversation about the gender pay gap. That’s big! But just because I have good relationships with the men in the newsroom, that doesn’t mean everyone does. I have to be aware of that.
Haley Harrison
Dana Wright
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Wright on radio In 2011, Dana Wright was at the top of her game. The 18-year TV news veteran had ascended to the anchor chair at KCTV5, a dream job for the University of Kansas grad who switched majors from pre-law to journalism after becoming inspired by Topeka broadcaster Amy Lietz. But her grueling schedule left little room for family.
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“I had 4 young kids,” Wright says, “and as everyone who works in TV knows, it’s a wonderful career, but the hours are brutal. I would get up at 2 a.m. to go in for the morning show or stay until midnight. It’s a very difficult job with multiple children.” So, with the encouragement of her friend, Scott Parks, she made the leap to KMBZ radio at a time when most of the voices on the airwaves were much lower. “Radio was basically a bunch of old white men screaming at each other,” Wright says. “I told them, ‘Look, I voted for Obama. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my hero in life. I just don’t think you want me.”
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20 But with Parks’ endorsement, the station launched “Dana and Parks” in the 2-6 p.m. weekday afternoon slot with carte blanche to talk about anything under the sun.
content, and sometimes it gets personal. I’ve talked about my ADD, getting gray hair. I even talked about my colonoscopy-in-a-box experience,” she says, laughing.
“I’d never considered ‘opinion talk’ before, but I said if we’re going to do this, let’s talk about things that affect everybody — and that’s not stuff going on in Washington,” Wright says. “Within three weeks, we looked at the names of the people calling into our show and they were Beth, Ann, Tracy and Kim. Women were calling in! Because they started to feel safe.”
“It’s a 4-hour therapy session for me. It allowed me to find my voice. And it’s okay as a woman to have a voice. I use it, and people respond to that.”
Parks believes the pair had conquered one of the main problems in “traditional” talk radio. “It was too male-centric. Angry,” he says.” One of the reasons I wanted to do the show with Dana was to change the way talk radio was done.” Ten years later, “Dana and Parks” is the #1 afternoon talk show in the country with 100,000 unique downloaded podcasts per month. “We have a rich, diverse, enormous group of listeners with thousands of different opinions. And we can disagree but in a way that’s not confrontational. We don’t talk guns, abortion or politics ... and now vaccines. We cherry-pick our
These days, Wright has more time to spend with her kids and husband, Kris Ketz, evening news anchor at KMBC 9. “We spend every morning together playing golf. That’s where I don’t think about the news. I follow that stupid little ball around, and it’s my Zen,” she says. Wright’s handicap is 13 and she’s logged 3 — count ’em — holes in one. “The best part is I come to work wearing a Callaway golf hat, jeans and flip flops every day,” she says. “That’s a freeing, beautiful gift. It really is my dream job.”
Dana Wright
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by
Priti Lakhani // photography by Trenton Bush
kitchen
Claudia Larkin From C-Suite to Culinary Sweet From C-suite to Culinary Sweet. Flying in a corporate jet, wooing clients and working as a C-suiter were all a part of Claudia Larkin’s day job. Trading in her corner office for a chef’s knife, Larkin returned to her Italian roots in 2011 when she started Pink City Catering, a high-end catering business in Topeka. She grows her own tomatoes for the homemade sauce, kneads the bread by hand and decorates beautiful baked goods with fresh flowers from her garden. After swapping power suits in for a chef’s apron, she hasn’t looked back! For Larkin, food is love!
by
Priti Lakhani // Photography by Trenton Bush
studio
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Leah Terranova
Jurisprudence to Jewelry
Leah Terranova has a very full-time job as the assistant dean for academic and student affairs at the University of Kansas School of Law. Noticeable about her is the fabulous jewelry she wears … she also makes. Terranova creates jewelry which is inspired by nature and her proud heritage, both Indian and Sicilian. Utilizing different kinds of mediums such as polymer clay, porcelain, precious and semi-precious jewels, wood, leather, shells and acrylic, she makes everything from bracelets to earrings. Nothing escapes her artistic expression which you can find it in Instagram @ lillymoondesigns! CONTINUED P. 24 »
Daphne Bascom
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gym
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Wellness Warrior
Ask Daphne Bascom for a meeting and she will ask you if you’d like to take a walk with her. We all have our sanctuaries, and for Bascom, who works as vice president of population health for St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, it’s a place with weights, treadmills and kettlebells. Aside from being an MD, Ph.D. and a head and neck surgeon, Bascom is an all-natural bikini body builder, a vegan and a wellness warrior. She started her health journey in 2006 and loves to share her healthy life hacks via her webpage, wingmanwellness.com.
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BY JULIE
DUNLAP // ILLUSTRATIONS FROM VECTEEZY .COM
If you are reading this, congratulations. You made it to a whole new year! Whether you galloped, skipped or limped your way here, 2022 brings 365 days and nights to shake off the past two years and shake up your next chapter. Whether you pick something from the list to try this year or choose your own adventure, we wish you a happy new year and hope you will share your experience on social media using the hashtag #TrySomethingNewIn22. You may even learn to love something new about yourself in the process.
Think Local. 1. READ A LOCAL AUTHOR’S WORK Hot off the press is New York Times bestselling author Jen Mann’s “Midlife Bites.” Not your mother’s midlife crisis, Mann tackles everything that bites about midlife with her infamous humor and no-nonsense approach. Grab your copy at: https://www.jenmannwrites.com Kick off the new year with “Blind Bake,” the first book in a new series by New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank. Learn more about this humorous romance mystery series and all of Swank’s books at: www.DeniseGroverSwank.com Discover how to live more fully with Tara Renze’s book and accompanying journal “Be Who You Came To Be,” available at: www.TaraRenze. com 2. SHOP LOCAL Reduce your carbon footprint and keep your dollars in your own community by shopping at a small local business. According to research produced by Econsult Solutions, spending $50 per month at a local shop — from hardware to clothing to home decor — adds an additional $150 per year of economic activity back into the local community. With that kind of benefit to your city, why not try a new shop each month in the name of retail therapy?
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3. LISTEN LOCAL Bars, coffee shops and restaurants are teeming with local musicians eager to recoup a living after stages went dark during the pandemic. Check out events in your area to snag a front-row seat for what very well might become your new favorite performer. Not in the mood to put on your dancing shoes? Cozy up at home with these local podcasters, available across most podcast platforms: “The Dana & Parks Podcast” “The History Chicks” “Radiate Wellness” 4. GIVE LOCAL sdoolb et
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ad tcefrep
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If the phrase, “Do we have any volunteers?” sends you into a panic, fear not. Choose an organization you believe in, an activity you feel comfortable doing and a time limit that fits your schedule. Only have an hour? Donate blood through the Community Blood Center, where your blood just might save your neighbor’s life: www.savealifenow.org Looking for a regular gig? Check out your local United Way, your local school district or your local religious center for ideas. 5. CATCH A LOCAL SHOW The Midwest is rife with opportunities for the theatre and film lover to get a one-of-a-kind entertainment fix. Ditch your streaming device for a night or two and check out a local offering (popcorn not required, but always recommended): KC FilmFest International: www.kcfilmfest.org Free State Film Festival: www.freestatefestival.org Kansas City Fringe Festival: www.kcfringe.org
6. LOCAL ANIMALS Contact your local pet shelter for opportunities to lend a little love to furry babies waiting for a new home or check out feathered, finned and scaled friends at your local pet shop. Looking for more of a mammoth-sized experience? Unwind from the human grind at an area wildlife park: Rolling Hills Zoo: www.rollinghillszoo.org Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center: www.topekazoo.org Prairie Park Nature Center: www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/ppnc 7. LOCAL CULTURE Can’t quite swing a trip to the Louvre anytime soon? Expand your worldview with an afternoon of culture at any of the dozens of museums Kansas has to offer. From Evel Knievel to the history of salt to ancient and modern art from around the globe and more, you can explore something new every week, no passport needed. Check out one these local treasures or find more at www.travelks. com: www.haskell.edu/cultural-center/ www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/ mulvaneartmuseum.org/ 8. EAT AND DRINK LOCAL Grab a friend and hit a different locally owned restaurant, distillery, winery, brewery or market each month this year. “You are going to be happier with the local product that was produced by a master of their trade and, in many cases, did all the work from start to finish,” says Bryan Harpel of Yoder Meats in Lawrence. “It’s good for the local economy. Local retailers live in the community, do business with other local merchants and support local schools.”
CONTINUED P. 28 »
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9. BECOME A TOP CHEF Padma Lakshmi may never come over for dinner, but you can still wow your friends and family by making this the year you develop a signature dish. Taking a class from a local chef is not only an efficient way to learn to cook but always delicious and interesting. Check out your local kitchen supply store, grocery store, specialty foods market or community center for upcoming classes.
13. PICKLEBALL Born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball has grown from a family game created by three dads in the backyard one summer to an international sport with more than 3 million players. Pickleball is an easy sport to learn to play at a variety of age and fitness levels. Find one of the dozens of pickleball facilities in Kansas at: www. places2play.org
10. GO ON A FOOD QUEST This is a fun one to do as a group: Decide on a quest for the best donuts? Brussels sprouts? Greasy cheeseburgers? The subject doesn’t matter, as long as it is one your group enjoys eating. Then set a schedule and stick to it, from a Saturday morning cookie run with the family or a monthly Pad Thai lunch with friends. Keep a journal and enjoy crowning a winner at the end of the year.
14. POLE DANCING Those seeking to increase stamina, flexibility and upper body strength will find all of that and more at an area pole fitness class. If you have not tried flinging your body into a spiral around a pole since you were a kid on the playground (remember how fun that was?), it’s time to give it another spin. You will be amazed at what your body can do if you suspend your fear one foot at a time:
11. FORM A DINNER CLUB Want to try new foods from around the world but don’t like to leave your neighborhood? You are not alone. Find your fellow food mates and form a dinner club, treating each other to a homecooked meal from a different part of the world every month. Immerse yourselves in this trip-totable experience with music and photos from your menu’s region, taking photos at each gathering for your dinner club’s travel log.
15. FOREST BATHING Spending time in nature enhances the health and wellness of every living body, but experiencing nature with guided intention benefits the body in a uniquely holistic way. Treat yourself to a few hours of uninterrupted tranquility year-round, immersed in discovery of nature and yourself with local practitioners:
12. USE THE NICE PLATES Whether you finally learn how to braise short ribs to perfection or spend the year mastering the art of meal delivery, elevate any meal by breaking out the fine china and crystal tucked away for special occasions. This simple change can boost brain activity not only by altering your normal routine but by eliciting fond memories associated with your collection. Raise that (fancy) glass to yourself and enjoy your meal in a new way.
www.sihkaanndestroy.com/ www.poleworx.com
www.divinenaturetherapy.com www.blueriverforestexperience.org
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16. DISC GOLF Bring your family or join a group for a round of golf … with a frisbee. Suitable for a wide range of fitness levels with an added benefit of time spent outdoors, disc golf can be as competitive or laid back as the people who play it. Plenty of opportunities abound in Kansas, though Emporia stakes its claim as “Disc Golf Disneyland.” Learn more through the Professional Disc Golf Association: www.pdga.com 17. BECOME A RIVER BOAT QUEEN With more than 10,000 miles of rivers and streams and 120,000 lakes, reservoirs and ponds in Kansas, this could be your year to give paddling a try. Grab a buddy, pack a cooler, pick a watercraft at one of the many rental facilities across the state and enjoy the adventure. For information on rentals along the Kansas River, visit: https://kansasriver.org/ paddle-and-fish/canoekayak-rentals/ 18. TEST DRIVE A FERRARI The Kansas Speedway is known for its fast and furious auto racing, but non-race days offer just as much excitement with a variety of luxury and race cars available for the public to take for a few spins around the track. Search “Kansas Speedway driving experience” and buckle up! 19. CHANGE YOUR SCENT At some point this year you will likely run out of body wash. This will be the perfect opportunity to try something new. Just as new sights, sounds and tastes can stimulate brain activity, so can new smells. Next time you’re stocking your shower or tub, pick a seasonal scent or one that reminds you of that really fantastic vacation you took in the Before Times. And be sure to treat yourself to an extra lathering in your new aroma.
20. CHANGE UP YOUR PLAYLIST The benefits of listening to music are as endless as a stairway to heaven, but Northwestern University researcher Patrick Wong found those who listen to different types of music actually engage a wider network in their brains. Just in time for awards season, the 2022 GRAMMY Awards nominee list is the perfect place to find artists to add to your queue, available at: www.grammy.com 21. CHANGE UP YOUR WALKING ROUTE Already an avid outdoors fan and regular exerciser? Give your brain and body an added boost by switching up your routine. This can be as simple as changing your regular route from clockwise to counterclockwise or as adventurous as hitting a different trail every week. No matter what you choose, be sure to take in the new sights, sounds and smells deeply with every step. 22. CHANGE UP YOUR DECOR Each new year brings new furniture and home goods sales, which are all fantastic ways to freshen up the home. But sometimes simply rearranging your existing furniture, swapping out photo frames or moving your own art collection from one room to another can give a home a whole new feel without spending a dime. “Here is a test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.” — author Richard Bach, “Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah”
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BY LONITA
COOK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON BUSH
Everyone knows the atmosphere of the court. Sneakers skidding, buzzers sounding, whistles blowing. Raucous cheers and grumbled groans. The nearly audible thumping of racing hearts not heard but felt by everyone, from the coaches leading their first team to the couple on their first date to the dad taking his little girl to her first game. This is basketball. For sports icon Lynette Woodard, basketball is the landscape of her childhood, the road winding from Kansas to the world gym, the pumice polishing her athleticism, and today, the evolving relationship of an old friend. Woodard is lauded for her 1984 Olympic Gold medal, unsurpassed 3,649 points, her retired University of Kansas Jayhawks jersey, her Basketball Hall of Fame membership and that megawatt smile announcing her remarkable character. What is this magic that overcame her even as a girl playing neighborhood ball that propelled her to international superstardom? “Joy,” Woodard exclaims. “I can describe it now, but I couldn’t describe it then. And I would just beg to go play. I never walked to the court. I ran! I just couldn’t wait to get there. And I could stay all day. It was heaven.” That joy has been her beacon even as the road was not always yellow-bricked.
CONTINUED P. 32 »
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“The beauty of it is I’m from Kansas. My mother’s name was Dorothy. She had a dog named Toto. We were indoctrinated with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ so I’m all about the dream,” she says. But the storybook path was sometimes fog-riddled. “I can remember the first time I went to a recreation center. About four girls had come by. They were a little older, and I asked my mother if I could go. It was my first time in a gym. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was almost like a dream,” Woodard recalls. “They’d say, ‘Hey, what position do you want to play?’ I knew nothing. I didn’t even know how to say it. I just said, ‘I want to do what she does.’ I didn’t know that was a guard. I just wanted to bring the ball down the court. But I was afraid.” By the end of the game, she worked up enough nerve to play, and she was put into the game.
“I can’t even tell you what happened. I just know it was over and I wish I had gotten in earlier,” she says. They never came back. I waited, but it never happened because that was the one day they had for girls at the gym. Girls didn’t get the gym. Boys got the gym.” Her ability to dream, pray and be guided by joy helped catapult her into history in 1985 as the first woman to play with the previously all-male Harlem Globetrotters. “Everybody on the court pretends to be somebody,” the former athlete says. “The kids today, they’re LeBron. We were Dr. J, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. You’re never yourself. You’re always somebody else. And for me, once I found out it was beyond individuals, but (rather) it was different teams we would be, the team that I loved was the Harlem Globetrotters.”
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The Globetrotters were not a distant dream. Her cousin, Hubert “Geese” Ausbie,” was a member. Whenever the team played Wichita, that meant the family went to the Kansas Coliseum, and he’d stop by the house. She says, “I remember a picnic (Geese) came to. I was very young. He was spinning the ball. It was a little plastic ball that you’d get at a drugstore, and he was spinning it on his finger. I was looking up and felt so happy that he was doing this. Whatever this magic was, it hit me. So I love the Globetrotters. That was my team.” Woodard had a Globetrotters poster over her bed in high school. She didn’t realize then, but that was a vision board for her. When she got to college, Burger King released a poster of a burger with the Globetrotters, and she took that poster and put it over her locker for all four years (197781) she played at KU. Things she had on her wall came to pass. “I didn’t even know the power of prayer. I thought it was something that you do when you get discouraged. Say, ‘Okay, Lord, I’m done with the Olympics, I’ve got a Gold Medal, I’ve got a college degree, everybody says you’re supposed to stop now. If I’m supposed to stop, can you please take it out of my heart?’” Woodard was ready to make real her next dream. But this time, she had to hold this dream almost entirely alone. “The only person who believed me — and this is why I love my coach so much — when I told her, she didn’t just say, ‘Uh huh,’ and pat me on the back, but she said, ‘Let’s write them a letter.’ Once I became a Globetrotter, I realized how many letters come through that door. Everybody wants to be a Globetrotter, but it was enough to keep me believing. Somebody took me serious,” Woodard says. Woodard played with her childhood heroes and got to show off the tricks she’d practiced for years – whether having learned them from her brother, Darrell, her Globetrotter cousin or even from watching Scooby-Doo cartoons.
CONTINUED P. 34»
34 Today, that sense of joy brings her home to Kansas where she continues to practice faith and her love for the game. “I know now that if God gives you the vision, He is going to make provisions,” Woodard says. Nowadays Woodard spends her time as a Wichita State TRIO Upward Bound Empowerment mentor, Northeast Kansas realtor and sought-after motivational speaker. With the hiring of a pair of local filmmakers to adapt her life to the screen, she has turned her eye to film production in the first of a series of creative projects she’s working on bringing to the region. On Dec. 3, 2021, the Wichita North High basketball complex — where she became a twotime state champ — was dedicated to Woodard in a packed-house naming ceremony where family, friends and adoring fans from near and far traveled to celebrate her historic and lasting contributions to the game of basketball … and to her great state of Kansas. Woodard says, “If you’re looking for your way, you know what you want. You just have to determine how you’re gonna get there. It’s not always clear, but you do what you do for today.” Location for Photoshoot Courtesy The Jayhawk Club
Woodard at her court-naming ceremony Photo Courtesy Khalid Abdulqaadir
Your Year-End Financial Checklist
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Aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. Provided by Christopher A. Adams
BRUCE
Y o u r F i n an c i a l W o r l d In Or d er
The end of the year can help remind us of last-minute things we need to address and the goals we want to pursue. To that end, here are some aspects of your financial life to think about as this year leads into the next. Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Make certain to contact a tax or legal professional before modifying your tax strategy. The ideas presented are not intended to provide specific advice. Your investments. Set a goal to review your investments with your financial professional. You’ll want to come away from the meeting with an understanding of your portfolio positions. Look over your portfolio positions and revisit your asset allocation. Remember, asset allocation and diversification are approaches to help manage investment risk. They do not guarantee against investment loss. Your retirement strategy. You may want to consider contributing the maximum to your retirement accounts. It’s also a good idea to review any retirement accounts you may have through your work. This is also a great time to decide on making catch-up contributions if you are eligible. Your tax situation. It’s a good idea to consider checking in with your tax or legal professional before the year ends, especially if you have questions about an expense or deduction from this year. Also, it may be a good idea to review any sales of property as well as both realized and unrealized losses and gains. Look back at last year’s loss carryforwards. If you’ve sold securities, gather up cost-basis information. As always, bringing all this information to your financial professional is a smart move.1 Your charitable gifting goals. Plan charitable contributions or contributions to education accounts and make any desired cash gifts to family members. The annual federal gift tax exclusion allows you to give away up to $15,000 in 2021, meaning you can gift as much as $15,000 to as many individuals as you like this year. Such gifts do not count against the lifetime estate tax exemption amount, as long as they stay beneath the annual federal gift tax exclusion threshold. Besides outright gifts, you can explore creating and funding trusts on behalf of your family. The end of the year is also a good time to review any trusts you have in place. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.1,2 Your life insurance coverage. The end of the year is an excellent time to double-check that your policies and beneficiaries are up to date. Don’t forget to review premium costs and beneficiaries and think about whether your insurance needs have changed. Several factors could impact the cost and availability of life insurance, such as age, health, and the type of insurance purchased, as well as the amount purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, you may pay surrender charges, which could have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Finally, don’t forget that any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments. Life events. Here are some questions to ask yourself when evaluating any large life changes in the last year: Did you happen to get married or divorced this year? Did you move or change jobs? Did you buy a home or business? Was there a new addition to your family this year? Did you receive an inheritance or a gift? All these circumstances can have a financial impact on your life as well as the way you invest and plan for retirement and wind down your career or business. Citations 1. turbotax.intuit.com, October 16, 2021 2. irs.gov, October 14, 2021 This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
DMBruce Associates, 4911 Legends Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049. Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a broker-dealer member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. DMBruce Associates and Cambridge are not affiliated.
Christopher A. Adams may be reached at
785-832-2600 chris@dmbruce.com
Adrianne Nunez
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Demystifying Plastic Surgery BY
MEGAN STUKE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAsON DAILEY
Ever since I was a size 6, folks have asked the hypothetical of “would you ever consider plastic surgery?” When I was young and thin and knew I didn’t need any “work” done, I still always said I’d consider it. My feeling was that people should do what they want with their bodies. That goes for all kinds of things: tattoos, piercings, clothing (or lack thereof) and medical procedures. But what is complicated, particularly in the realm of plastic surgery, is beauty culture. While I always believe that people can and should do what they desire, we have to ask ourselves “why” we feel the need to physically alter what we were born with. The answer is both personal and cultural. The reality is that there is societal pressure on everyone to look a certain way. Some folks feel that pressure more than others, for many reasons. As I aged and my body changed, I became less and less satisfied with not only what I saw in the mirror, but the clothing options available to me. No amount of gym or dieting was going to change what two pregnancies, C-sections, breast feeding and thyroid disease left me with. Even if it would, not all of us are cut out for the rigor of workouts and dieting. And not all of us are physically able to participate in it.
As I began to consider plastic surgery options, I also had many conversations with myself about body positivity, and “why” plastic surgery may or may not be the right thing for me. It’s complicated, to say the least. And yet, at the end of the day, it’s my body. What I do (or don’t do) is for me and no one else. Spoiler alert: I did have a surgery. I had abdominoplasty with liposuction to rearrange my midsection and remove extra skin that was plaguing me after having babies. As I have journeyed through this process. I’ve met and spoken to several other women who have made other choices regarding body work and weight management. Several themes have emerged and enlightened me. CONTINUED P. 38 »
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manage expectations Paul Leahy, a surgeon at Monarch Plastic Surgery (with offices in Leawood, North KC and Lee’s Summit), says it’s of utmost importance to plan carefully for any procedure. Not only does the patient need to be very comfortable with the doctor, but the “time of life” is also important. Leahy says, “I’ve noticed that there can be some bit of disappointment —maybe even depression — that sets in around week two for most procedures. I think that’s because they are not recovered yet, feel guilty about spending money on themselves or taking a risk, and don’t see the results yet. Please know this is common! Stay in touch with your surgeon to help guide you. Usually, it takes 3-6 months to truly feel back to ‘normal’ where you don’t think about the procedure on a daily basis anymore.” Leahy also suggests looking at “Before & After” photos at this stage in order to remember where it all started and reassure that progress has been made. I can attest that the results, while often dramatic, are also not always exactly what you might imagine. Talking to the surgeon at length about what to expect and the timeline for changes is so important. Lydia Terry, who has undergone abdominoplasty, breast lift with reduction and liposuction on her outer thighs, says even almost a year after surgery, “It’s still an adjustment. I often don’t recognize my own reflection. I have noticed that I move with more ease on the tennis court!” Overall, patients are happy with their results, and even happier if they are well prepared for what to realistically expect.
Kay Traver
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plan carefully
know the difference
Leahy says some treatments recover after a few weeks, but most patients are not fully “back to normal” for three to six months post-surgery. Knowing beforehand that the recovery is painful — and often there are stitches, bruising, and in some cases, even external drains to care for — makes the process better in the long run. Surgery candidates should have extensive conversations with their loved ones, families, and potential caretakers. It is common to need assistance lifting anything over 10 pounds for a couple of months after surgery. Having support lined up for doing even basic tasks like carrying laundry baskets, bringing in groceries and doing lawn care is key.
Bariatric surgery is not the same as cosmetic surgery. Like the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, bariatric surgery is intended for weight loss. Cosmetic surgery is not weight loss surgery – it is intended to reshape or even remove skin, but not to remove significant pounds.
Kay Traver, who is enjoying the results of her mastopexy (breast lift) and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), says. “You have to be fully aware of recovery time and really take care of yourself. Don’t overdue it. It’s also not a miracle — you won’t suddenly look like you did when you were 20. And, of course, there can be side effects. I had significant nerve pain for a bit, but a friend who had the same procedure didn’t have any.”
Adrianne Nunez recently had gastric sleeve surgery. She chose this option primarily for health reasons. While she was comfortable with her size and loved being part of the “body positive movement,” eventually her health concerns prompted her to look at her options. “I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and have a lot of symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome),” she explains.
Every patient is different, but everyone agrees that the extent of the recovery presents a bit of a surprise.
Kay Traver
Megan Stuke
CONTINUED P. 40 »
Adrianne Nunez
“When my husband and I decided to have a baby, we got pregnant pretty quickly, but then had a miscarriage. I went to some specialists to see what I needed to do to hopefully get pregnant again and not lose the baby. I started a nutrient-dense diet and took some medicine that helps with insulin resistance. We decided to wait about six months before trying again, and then we got pregnant pretty quickly and had no complications. Our baby was born at the beginning of the lockdown of the pandemic. So all of my plans of eating healthy postpartum pretty much flew out the window.” Without the close support of her family and community, working and being a new mother in a pandemic proved to be too much for Nunez to also abide by a strict or complicated diet. She followed the progress of a friend with similar health problems who opted for gastric sleeve and liked what she saw. “I did have concerns about getting COVID and being overweight since that seemed to increase my likelihood of hospitalization and dying, and wished I could have gotten it sooner,” she recalls. “In December of 2020, I lost my dad to Parkinson’s and my grandmother to heart issues. We had just been feeling like we were getting out of survivor mode a bit and finding our new normal. Their deaths sent me back into survival mode. I think I put on 30 pounds immediately. My body felt like it was no longer working.”
Eventually, Nunez’s desire to be mobile and active with her child helped her make the decision. “My husband is amazing, and he’s made me feel loved at any size I’ve been. I was starting to not feel like myself though and I was ready for a change. After hearing about my friend’s experience, I felt that surgery was the best option for me,” she says.
“After hearing my friend’s experience, I felt that surgery was the best option for me.” - adrianne Nunez
41 To date, Nunez has lost 75 pounds and is feeling great. “I walk on the treadmill every morning and have energy that I haven’t had in a very long time,” she says. “I try not to focus on numbers and more just on how I feel. I don’t count calories, but I do try to make sure I’m consuming enough protein each day. I’ve had less sugar cravings, and fast food no longer sounds good.” Nunez concedes that eating with her “new stomach” is not as fun as it used to be, and therefore has required some changes in lifestyle. Eating out, celebrations and general family meals look different now. She says, “As difficult as it was and still is, I don’t regret it and would still do it in a heartbeat. When I eat now, I am much more mindful and pay attention to my body and feeling full, which was definitely something I struggled with before.”
take it Personally Above all, it’s been very clear to me that this is personal. Some people I spoke to made these surgical moves simply for their own enjoyment of clothing and self-confidence. Some did it because they wanted to be more healthy and mobile for their children and families, or reduce back pain caused by large breasts. Some did it to change negative self-talk or depression issues they had been battling. There are people who are happy to talk to anyone about their procedures, and some who prefer to maintain their privacy. Our reasons and handling of the process vary – and all of it is “the right way.” As for stigma, the chorus was resounding: Basically, there is nothing about a woman’s body that doesn’t produce stigma. Too thin? Too heavy? Too short? Too muscular? Nothing is without scrutiny – so the answer is to do what is best for you and try mightily to block out the noise.
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Abby Lanum
Song lyrics and movie plots often entail yearning themes of quitting corporate careers and embracing entrepreneurial endeavors, yet few people have the gumption to go for it. Here are the stories of three women who did.
“I often joke that Blue Cross paid me to leave, but the experience I had there and in other business roles has helped me with my shop,” she says. “My former colleagues are some of my best customers.”
The aha moment for Alicia VanWalleghem, owner of Leaping Llamas in Topeka, came after completing a personality test for a leadership program that underscored that corporate life wasn’t going to be a good fit.
Before launching Leaping Llamas, the lifelong crafter and traveler conducted extensive research and sought assistance through Washburn University’s Small Business Center, which will honor Leaping Llamas as its Small Business of the Year at the state capitol in the spring.
The college business major soon left her position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and opened Leaping Llamas, an eclectic gift shop showcasing the work of area artists and those she’s befriended during travels to Kenya and Haiti. Items available include jewelry, artwork, candles, soaps, bags and more. She also offers workshops ranging from 90-minute sessions to 15-minute Friday craft breaks, often conducted on the sidewalk when the weather allows.
Leaping Llamas, a name inspired by the realization of VanWalleghem’s dream to hike Peru’s Inca Trail in 2015, provides her with creative and social outlets, travel opportunities and ample time with her 1-year-old son, August. “I’m excited about the education he’ll get accompanying me on road trips across the state and also abroad to find art,” she says.
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Abby Lanum
by
Kim Gronniger // Photography by Trenton Bush
She advises people who want to work for themselves to create a solid business plan and determine how little they can live on, and then take 10 percent off that amount. “No one thought this was a good idea, but being frugal and debt free helped me get to where I am today with Leaping Llamas,” she says. “We all have to march to our own drummer.” Karen Taylor spent decades variously working as a teacher, marketer, fundraiser, legislative liaison in New Mexico and a community liaison officer at the U.S. Embassy in Poland. Hooked on knitting as a child in 4-H, Taylor revisited a dormant aspiration to own a business after being sidelined by a broken leg a few years ago. Recollections of the satisfaction she felt teaching neighbors to knit while also teaching GED classes on a military base in Germany inspired her to open a yarn shop in Topeka, hoping it would fill a niche.
Yak ‘n Yarn turns eight in March. Each year Taylor celebrates with a Souper Bowl event the first Saturday in February, giving each attendee a bowl of soup and a skein of yarn to convert into approximately 2,500 scarves, afghans and other items that Taylor collects and distributes to 15 nonprofits. “Knitting and crocheting are relaxing and good for your mental health,” says Taylor, who enjoys facilitating open-stitch opportunities and other craft classes to forge community connections. “The best part of owning this business is meeting so many nice people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise, whether it’s a customer or a recipient of a handmade item,” she says. “It combines skills I learned in previous jobs and supports my desire to help people.”
CONTINUED P. 46 »
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In 2019, Abby Lanum left a corporate cubicle to operate a flower shop out of a 1964 F-100 Ford truck she named Fiona. “After 10 years as a digital marketer, I was burned out, and that restlessness drove me to launch something creative on my own,” she says. “People often mention the financial rewards I left behind but happiness has costs, too.” In college, Lanum occasionally treated herself to grocery store bouquets she would arrange, but she was stunned when a mandatory dorm survey suggested a career as a florist. “It wasn’t on my radar before then,” she says. Through Top City Flower Truck, Lanum sells bouquets she’s fashioned using locally sourced flowers May through September at events and pop-up venues around Topeka. Fiona is also available for bouquet bars at bridal events, baby showers and birthday parties, and for rent by photographers, companies and event organizers seeking a fun, nostalgic backdrop for portraits.
Alicia VanWalleghem
Sunflowers are Lanum’s favorite flower, but she also appreciates the attributes of “the often-overlooked carnation” — inexpensive, long-lasting, adaptable and colorful, an apt metaphor for Lanum’s blossoming business and growing confidence “in making big decisions and succeeding.” “If you want to start a business, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you do it,” says Lanum, who purchased Fiona without knowing how to drive a stick shift. “Just go.”
“If you want to start a business, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you do it.” - Abby Lanum
Karen Taylor
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National Charity League Made possible by
Photo Courtesy National Charity League
The Lawrence Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) formed a chapter for women and their daughters in July 2019 to serve Douglas and Shawnee counties. The Lawrence Chapter is composed of nearly 150 members that have volunteered just under 775 philanthropy hours to date for 10 local philanthropic organizations in the community, including the Ballard Center, CASA, Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, Heartland Community Health Center, LINK, Lawrence Community Shelter, Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority, Lawrence Farmer’s Market, Lawrence Parks and Rec, Pinckney Elementary PTO, as well as several national organizations. Established in Los Angeles in 1925, and incorporated in 1958, National Charity League is the nation’s premier mother-daughter non-profit organization. By incorporating mission-based programming, National Charity League develops socially responsible community leaders and strengthens the mother-daughter bond through philanthropy, culture and leadership. National Charity League recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Currently, the philanthropic organization has over 200,000 members and alumnae in hundreds of chapters across the nation. Last year, members contributed more than 2.7 million volunteer hours to more than 6,000 local philanthropy partners and their chapters, resulting in a $68.7 million fiscal impact. National Charity League proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Do you want to make an impact in your local community?
NCL’s Lawrence chapter announced its Annual Membership Drive and has begun accepting applications from women with daughters currently in 6th through 9th grade. “We are excited for the opportunity to welcome new mothers and daughters into our chapter as we continue to create life-long philanthropists who graciously serve the community,” says Dre Knapp, Lawrence Chapter President. For more information, prospective members are encouraged to visit the Lawrence Chapter’s website at https:// www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/lawrence/ or email the membership director at membershiplawrence@ nclonline.org. Membership Drive Details: * Timeline: Applications for membership are only accepted during the Annual Membership Drive from October 1 to January 30 each year. * Eligibility: A prospective member shall reside within Douglas and Shawnee counties and have a daughter currently in 6th through 9th grade. * Prospective Member Meeting: Interested mothers are encouraged to attend one of the prospective member meetings on January 13 or January 19, 2022. To receive an invitation, please contact the chapter at membershiplawrence@nclonline.org. * Applications: Completed applications are due by Saturday, February 19.
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Form Matters at Functions BY
MEGAN STUKE
Hosting a group of friends or family is fun … and stressful. It’s common to labor over the menu; we think hard about just the right recipes, dietary needs of guests and variety of foods. But what I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes “what” we serve isn’t even as important as “how” we serve it. Once, I took a beautiful pear galette to a family reunion and no one touched it. I realized that big buffet table crammed with things was overwhelming, and people won’t attempt to cut into something while also holding a plate and cutlery in line. The arrangement was the problem. If I’d pre-cut it into small bites or raised it on a higher platter, it would have gone better. So here are some hints for serving things in a way that not only look amazing, but help folks feel like putting it on their plates. Levels. Use cake stands and other pedestals to create varied heights on your serving tables. If you don’t have them, a box with a napkin or tablecloth covering will work well, too. Serving dishes. Stay away from a haphazard mix of casserole dishes or mixing bowls. Transfer things into pretty serving bowls and trays of varying shapes, and even use tall goblets or vases to hold some things. Color palette. Think about the overall aesthetic of your buffet. I love to use mostly white dishes and intersperse some metallic and wood. Or I might pull out things that are all brightly colored and embrace the rainbow. Regardless, give the cohesiveness of your servingware a thought. Arrange the food. For example, if I’m serving a big salad, I make sure I layer one ingredient on the top, like a fan of sliced pears or a sprinkle of herbs over cheese – something to give it a finishing touch. You’ve seen a million charcuterie boards at this point. The trick to that is the beautiful arrangement and layering of foods. More is more! Don’t be afraid to garnish heavily and let foods touch.
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WINTER WARMUP WITH FLAVORS OF THE SOUTHWEST
w e t S e l i h C n e Pork Gre BY JAYNI
CAREY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON BUSH
On a frosty winter night, I like to bring the warm and spicy flavors of the American Southwest into my kitchen. A favorite at our house is a New Mexican-style pork stew with green chiles. It is sure to take off the winter chill! I prefer to make an authentic version of the stew with fresh-roasted Hatch chile peppers, but they don’t arrive in the grocery stores in the Midwest until late August, and only for a very short time. The best solution is to do what cooks in New Mexico do: Buy green chiles when they are available, then roast, peel and freeze them so they are ready to go for a winter stew. When fresh chiles are not available, you can still make a satisfying stew by using good-quality canned Hatch green chiles. I like to add hominy to the stew for flavor, color and texture. If time is not an issue, I purchase dried, prepared hominy (aka posole) and cook it myself, as you would cook dried beans. If you are short on time, canned hominy may be substituted with satisfying results. After this spicy stew has simmered on the stovetop for about two hours, thicken it with masa harina, which is corn flour made from dried masa. The corn flour adds another level of flavor to the mix. Garnish servings with cilantro and sour cream and serve with warm corn or flour tortillas. And consider serving a pitcher of margaritas — the perfect complement!
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Pork Green Chile Stew 2-2 ¼ pounds pork stew meat, trimmed of excess fat 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 cup onion, ½-inch dice 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon cumin seed, coarsely ground 1 teaspoon dried oregano One 11-ounce can tomatillos, drained, reserving ¼ cup of the brine 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or 2 cups each chicken broth and beef broth) 8-10 ounces roasted Hatch green chile peppers,* or three 4-ounce cans Hatch chopped green chiles, hot or mild salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup dried, prepared hominy (a.k.a. posole), cooked,** or one 15-oz can white or golden hominy, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour made from dried masa) ¼ cup broth or water fresh cilantro, snipped sour cream corn or flour tortillas, warmed
Pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches (do not crowd). Place the pork in a large pot or Dutch oven, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Heat the reserved drippings, plus 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and caramelized. Add the garlic, cumin and oregano and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer the onion mixture to the pot. Put the tomatillos and ¼ cup of reserved brine in a blender and purée until smooth. Add to the pork mixture. Stir in the chicken broth and green chiles. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Partially cover the pot with a lid and simmer the stew over low heat for 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Stir occasionally. In a small bowl, combine the masa harina with ¼ cup broth or water and whisk as much as needed into the simmering stew to lightly thicken. Add the cooked or canned hominy and simmer for 5 minutes more. To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with cilantro and sour cream. Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas. Serves 4 to 6.
*If using fresh green chile peppers, char and blister about 1 pound on the grill or under the oven broiler. Immediately enclose them in a plastic or paper bag and let them “sweat” for 20 minutes. Peel the chiles, remove stems and seeds and chop into ½-inch dice. Use 8-10 ounces, or add to taste. **To cook dried, prepared hominy, rinse and soak 1 cup of hominy for 6 hours or overnight. Drain the hominy and place it in a pot, cover with water and simmer for about 2 hours or more until the kernels bloom and are chewy and tender. Drain and add about 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked hominy to the stew as directed. Recipe for leftovers: I like to make a lasagna-like casserole by layering flour tortillas in a lightly greased baking dish with the leftover stew and topping each layer with sour cream, chopped onion and pepper jack cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more, until hot and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Enjoy. I help people enjoy eating without guilt by empowering them to ditch dieting and learn how to trust their bodies again! Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation
Heather Fiore, MS Ed, RD, LD, CDCES 785-331-6435 info@freestatenutrition.com freestatenutrition.com /heatherfiorerd
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Last Word BY
OLIVIA BRIEN // ILLUSTRATIoNS BY VECTEEZY .CoM
New beginnings can be liberating and exciting, but they can also be stressful or scary. Accepting all of these complex feelings is an important part of growth through change. With the closing of 2021 and the start of 2022, we are forced to recognize and contemplate other endings and beginnings. As one door closes, another opens. We asked some local women about the new beginnings in their lives. Here is what they shared: Linda Powers, Prairie Village “After leaving teaching in 2020, my new beginnings have been mostly focused on changing from full-time to part-time work. While I miss my students, I’m very much enjoying new challenges working for an animal chiropractor, and enjoying more time to devote to my family and to developing my hobbies.”
Missty Slater, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Topeka “I recently got divorced. At first, it was terrifying to totally upend my life in the middle of a pandemic, but I now feel lucky to get to embrace my new path in life in pursuit of happiness and self-love. I have discovered my love of solo traveling. In my normal day-to-day life, I have a hard time ignoring others’ expectations of me. But when I travel, my only goal is to do what makes me happy, and I hope that others get to experience that freedom as well.”
Carol Bahr, Lawrence “My husband and I have hoped to centralize Mindfully Made, my company, and our family on some land. In June of 2021, our incubator kitchen closed permanently, and that closure was a catalyst to transition swiftly. In July of 2021, our ‘right’ property showed up ... a 10-acre plot in Lawrence, Kansas, located next to a creek, on fantastic soil, with the original farmhouse and ‘Old MacDonald’-style barn. We are now settled in, and I feel an enthusiasm bubbling over for all that is ahead in this next chapter: growing elderberries and a wide variety of native plants and herbs, hosting honey bees, expanding our herbal offerings and building a Mindfully Made maker’s studio to create all our preparations here on the farm. New beginnings, and so much good to come!”
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