seveneightfive magazine: March 16 - April 30, 2015 by seveneightfive magazine

Topeka’s guide to art, entertainment, lifestyle + local flavor

K N

March 16 - April 30, 2015 • Vol. IX Issue VI

NABIS Puff, Puff...or Pass?

FREE

DOM - exercise your voice

in this issue THE GREEN ISSUE

VOL IX Issue VI March 15 - April 31, 2015

PARTY IN STYLE!

WE TAKE A GOOD NIGHT AND MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE.

Five Star Limo

#785ART

#785LIFE

11 10 11 18 26

kansas music stories

3 bike share 21 kannabis culture

theatre chicanitas

#785LIVE

lit

art from cheech marin

great minds think alike

installation artists / bros

#785SHOP

green gals

14 boom comics 20 tradepost

art shows female inmates future potential

#785FLAVOR 4 6 13 28

8 events 12 bb backyard concerts

mug shot

oculto

taste bud

hanover pancake house

menu proc

guacamole mexicano

food ninja:

prize package

cover graphics by Kerrice Mapes

EXTRAS 5 rup - physic chicken 9 heard + noted 16 daily drink specials Topeka’s guide to art, entertainment, lifestyle + local flavor

K N

March 16 - April 30, 2015 • Vol. IX Issue VI

NABIS Puff, Puff...or Pass?

FREE

DOM - exercise your voice

For All Your Tranportation Needs & Specialized services for Topeka & Lawrence.

785-840-7126

contributors PUBLISHER/OWNER

Kerrice Mapes kerrice@seveneightfive.com

PHOTOGS | WRITERS | DESIGN | RESEARCH

Rio Cervantes-Reed, EJ Drake, Ali Hanlon, Gary Krohe, Michelle Leivan, Jessica Matheis, Trisha Mark, Noah Neff, Gary Piland, Amanda Reynolds, Ashley Reynolds, Martie Rison, James Robinson, Julie Velez, Tom Wah + Stephanie West

DISTRIBUTION

Sunshine Blue, Megan Mapes, Ni’Cole Revell + James Robinson

BUSINESS DIRECTOR Liz Bell

EDITING

D O’Brien + Rebecca Radziejeski

ADVERTISING

Kerrice Mapes and Ni’Col Revell

about us seveneightfive magazine is a free niche magazine highlighting entertainment, art, local businesses and more in Topeka, Kan. seveneightfive was created in June 2006 to inform area residents and visitors about a+e events in Topeka. Today, we continue to be a catalyst for cultural and art enhancement in Topeka. seveneightfive is made possible due to ad revenue and only allows locally owned businesses to be represented in print. seveneightfive magazine and its social media incarnations are not intended for readers under 18 years of age.

@seveneightfive

pick up seven places to pick up 785 next issue: • • • • • • •

Pigskins Boom Comics Dutch Goose Joletta’s The Brass Rail Oddfellow’s Books + Collectables Topeka + Shawnee Public Library

BIKE SHARE

by Julie Velez

#785LIFE LIFE STYLE

The goal: 100+ bikes to change the landscape of Topeka commuting. Spring of 2015, Topeka Metro will be launching the Bikeshare Program. Topeka Metro Bikes will be located at various hubs, allowing Topekans access to a reliable and fun form of transportation. They will offer several affordable subscription plans -- even an hourly plan for those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to subscribe and a discounted plan for Washburn students, staff and faculty. aseveneightfive

TopekaMetroBikes.org

#785FLAVOR #785MUGSHOT

OCULTO REVEALS LAYERED FLAVORS

looks for new beer drinkers

ith a growing beer market competing for the attention of sophisticated drinkers, it’s not surprising that brewery giant Anheuser Busch (AB) of St. Louis, MO turns to a gimmick. In the case of Oculto (Spanish for hidden) they reveal a sparkly beer infused with blue agave nectar and aged on tequila staves. If that sounds familiar to you, it’s because others have done this before, including Heineken’s Desperado, a beer which is blended with lager that has been aged in tequila barrels. AB even had Tequiza a few years back, which was made with blue agave nectar. In liquor stores now, you can find Coors’ label Blue Moon Agave Nectar Ale, and Agave Wheat from the very formidable Breckenridge Brewery.

With a sugar skull label, Oculto is an attractive bottle, and will be an easy pick for upcoming Cinco de Mayo parties, backyard fiestas, and Dia de los Muertos gatherings. But let’s go inside the bottle. You’ll be happy to know that the blue agave infusion and the hints of tequila make for a very refreshing beer. The mild smoky tequila gives way to the citrus-y blue agave flavor. This golden pour is a natural to sip on with spicy Mexican menu items, or to enjoy on a hot day. But beware, the 6 percent ABV will sneak up on you. If you tend to be a margarita drinker, rather than beer, here’s a seveneightfive tip: Make this beer a little more special by pouring it over ice with an ounce of Rose’s Lime Juice in a salt-rimmed glass. Stir and drink. Salud! aseveneightfive

BREW EVENTS

TRY THESE SUMMER SEASONAL BEERS: • • • •

Shock Top Lemon New Belgium Skinny Dip Odell Treeshaker Tallgrass Halcyon

beer releases, local beer events + more @TopekaBeer Follow Strathman Sales on Facebook for even more local beer news.

ACT_Boeing_Boeing_QuarterAD_785.pdf 1 3/4/2015 1:13:17 PM

Prognosticatio with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus, The Psychic Chicken TM

Mar 16 - Apr 30

2015

Yo,Yo, Rupe... Rupe... C

CMY

LostLost mymy girl,girl, mymy jobjob andand mymy best best friend friend thisthis week. week. (Yes, (Yes, I I worked worked for for himhim andand I caught I caught herher doing doing thethe horizontal horizontal boogie boogie at his at his apartment.) apartment.) Is the Is the worst worst over? over? - Paranoid - Paranoid for for a Reason a Reason Dear Dear PfaR, PfaR, That That absolutely absolutely sucks, sucks, Bucko Bucko (although (although I’veI’ve known known about about it it for for some some time). time). Yes,Yes, thethe worst worst is over—for is over—for you. you. She’s She’s in for in for some some nasty nasty surprises surprises later later on,on, tho.tho. Turns Turns outout sheshe isn’tisn’t his his only only work-hours work-hours hobby. hobby. - RR - RR ____________________________ ____________________________ A R A IR EI SE S Yes,Yes, 25% 25% of yer of yer year year is just is just about about toast toast as you as you read read this.this. Remember Remember how how fastfast 2014 2014 was? was? 2015 2015 willwill be be wayway faster. faster. T AT U A R UU R SU S I know I know what what yer yer thinking, thinking, but,but, riddle riddle meme this,this, Batman... Batman... whywhy would would you-know-who you-know-who choose choose barbar food, food, badbad teeth teeth andand binge binge drinking drinking over over Barbados, Barbados, beaches beaches andand bikinis? bikinis? Yeah, Yeah, meme either. either. G EG M E M I NI IN I Here’s Here’s thethe good good news: news: yer yer parole parole officer officer hashas a really a really lousy lousy memory memory andand tootoo many many cases. cases. TheThe badbad news? news? He’s He’s yer yer father-in-law. father-in-law. C AC N A C N EC RE R There There areare really really badbad odors odors andand then then there there areare stenches stenches from from thethe depths depths of hell. of hell. YerYer feetfeet do do notnot fallfall in the in the former former category. category. L EL OE O Fashion Fashion Rule Rule #650 #650 [#649 [#649 is is under under review] review] - Leather - Leather jeans jeans cancan be be super super hothot on on a perfectly a perfectly shaped shaped bottom. bottom. ButBut needing needing more more than than oneone cow cow to make to make a a pairpair cancan lead lead to yer to yer friends friends mistaking mistaking yeryer shrankebutte shrankebutte for for a Lazy a Lazy BoyBoy recliner recliner stuffed stuffed with with dead dead weasels. weasels. Avoid! Avoid!

V IV RI G RO G O As we As we have have discussed discussed in the in the past, past, it’s it’s notnot cool cool for for people people to to take take a phone a phone callcall when when yeryer talking talking to them. to them. ButBut pretending pretending to take to take a call? a call? That’s That’s justjust rude! rude! L IL BI R BA R A After After a long a long winter winter hibernation, hibernation, it’s it’s time time to put to put on on some some shorts shorts andand walk walk outout intointo thethe sunshine sunshine andand discover discover what what unspeakable unspeakable things things have have happened happened to yer to yer thighs. thighs. Sigh. Sigh. S CS O C R OP R IP OI O We’ve We’ve requested requested additional additional adjectives adjectives to describe to describe yeryer amazing, amazing, incredible, incredible, wonderful wonderful awesomeness. awesomeness. Obviously, Obviously, they they haven’t haven’t arrived arrived yet... yet... S AS G A IG TI TT AT R A IR UI SU S ThisThis month month wewe won’t won’t discuss discuss yeryer scary scary sexsex life,life, questionable questionable hygiene hygiene or criminal or criminal past. past. Uh,Uh, guess guess we’re we’re done done here. here. C AC P AR P IR CI O C R ON R N Ya didn’t Ya didn’t winwin thethe lottery lottery lastlast month month when when ya could ya could have, have, butbut multi-millionaires multi-millionaires areare so bland! so bland! Better Better to be to be poor poor andand amazing amazing than than richrich andand boring. boring. (Keep (Keep telling telling yerself yerself that, that, Bucko.) Bucko.) A Q A U QA UR A IR UI SU S TheThe AgeAge of Aquarius of Aquarius hashas come come andand gone gone to be to be replaced replaced by the by the AgeAge of Nefarious. of Nefarious. Explains Explains a lot, a lot, don’t don’t ya think? ya think? P IP SI CS EC SE S Little Little fishies fishies - fear - fear not!not! YerYer luckluck is about is about to change to change for for thethe better. better. TheThe only only question question is, will is, will it change it change before before yeryer present present luckluck runs runs outout or after? or after? Trust Trust me,me, before before is MUCH is MUCH better. better. ___________________________ ___________________________ Question Question forfor thethe Blue Blue Guru? Guru? Something Something on on yeryer mind? mind? Need Need an an answer answer to atoburning a burning (and (and itching) itching) personal personal question? question? I I saysay wewe findfind outout before before it’s it’s tootoo late. late. Don’t Don’t wait! wait! Email Email me!me! Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ ___________________________ * Astrological * Astrological predictions predictions are are about about as as accurate accurate as Bill as O’Reilly’s Bill O’Reilly’s warwar reporting. reporting. Did Did he really he really capture capture Godzilla Godzilla while while hacking hacking intointo the alien’s the alien’s computers computers to to savesave the world? the world? Wow! Wow! What What a guy! a guy!

#785FLAVOR

‘‘

It was colossal in size and flavor to boot.

han‘g’over your cure for breakfast and lunch by The Taste Bud

reakfast for lunch? After a recommendation, I agreed to pancakes at noon at Hanover Pancake House - why not? I was pleasantly surprised by how busy Hanover was, which usually means there will be something good served when the food arrives, so I got pretty excited… and then I saw their expansive menu. They had everything, from bowls to various kinds of wraps to liver and onions. It was a little overwhelming, I must admit, but once I realized what I wanted I was good to go. Pancakes for this luncher, to be determined. To keep with tradition, I tried something new - the Spinach, Bacon and Tomato Eggs Benedict with a side of fried potatoes. That savory dish melted in my mouth and my eggs were cooked perfectly, which is

Hanover Pancake House 1034 S Kansas Ave 232.1111 Order Online: hanoverpancakehouse.com no easy feat for most places. I also had to try the Turtle Pancake and the Red Velvet option. Amazing. I had to ask some questions about the last two options, because they blew my mind. The Turtle pancakes were drizzled with pecans, chocolate and caramel syrup, but on top of that, those ingredients were also mixed into the batter. They didn’t need a single thing added. No syrup for me? Crazy talk. The Red Velvet was equally delicious and even cake-like, and topped with a cream cheese drizzle which was the perfect complement. No mixes here…Hanover makes all their batter from scratch. My partner in foodie crime ordered the Washington Pancake Wrap, which turned out to be the biggest pancake I have ever seen filled to the brim with your choice of meat, cheese, hash browns and egg. It was colossal in size and flavor to boot. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and did a great job accommodating my unconventional requests. This isn’t just a pancake house, or your Saturday hangover cure. Keep this local gem in mind when choosing your next lunch spot. There is something on that menu for everyone. aseveneightfive

This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heaven, it just feels like it.

Backs By Popular Demand

301 Gage Suite 161

785-234-1548

#785LIVE

NO EXCUSES - MAKE PLANS FOR... ONGOING EVENTS

event highlights | april + may Need more (and we know you do), sign up for the seveneightfive weekender at seveneightfive.com.

APRIL 1

1ST WEDNESDAY JAZZ NIGHT

The Breakroom | 6p

POETRY WALK #FFAW DOWNTOWN TOPEKA

APRIL 7

1ST TUESDAY OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT

Skivies Bar | 8p

SUNDAY

DRAG SHOW

Skivies Bar | 10p

TRIVIA TUESDAY

The Brass Rail | 8p

WEDNESDAY

Quinton’s | 7p Pigskins | 8p The Burger Stand | 8p

THURSDAY

AJ’s Pizza | 8p

JAM

TUESDAY BLUESDAY

Speck’s Bar + Grill | 8p

THURSDAY

Lazy Toad | 7p

SUNDAY

ALL AGES JAM

Speck’s Bar + Grill | 5p Late Night Jam | 9p

WEDNESDAY

Lazy Toad | 9p Skivies | 9p The Boobie Trap | 9p

THURSDAY

Abigail’s | 9p Landmark Grill | 7p The Brass Rail | 8p

TULIP TIME

Enjoy over 100,000 tulips and daffodils in the beautiful, landscaped parks in the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, Doran Rock Garden at Gage Park, Botanical Garden at Old Prairie Town and Downtown.

APRIL 11

TOP TOWN INDIE FILM FESTIVAL

Presented by TopCon Quincy Street Conference + Event Center

APRIL 14

WASHBURN BASEBALL TAILGATE

APRIL 17

MOTO IN NOTO ARTS DISTRICT

KARAOKE Joletta’s | 7:30p

APRIL 10 - 26

Hosted by WU Alumni Association

*Watch TSCPL for Friday Trivia Nights

TUESDAY

APRIL 3

FRIDAY

Pigskins | 9p The Dugout | 9p

SATURDAY

Abigail’s | 9p

SUNDAY

Joletta’s | 7:30p Boobie Trap Bar | 9p

Motorcycle night filled with music, art, food and vendors.

APRIL 18

BRIDGE2BRIDGE 5K RUN

Downtown Topeka

APRIL 18

THE FOUR TWENTY FESTIVAL

Lessman Farm + Truckhenge

PARTIES FOR CAUSES APRIL 17

12TH ANNUAL CONCEALED REVEALED ART AUCTION

Benefit: YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment Over 50 donated works by established and emerging artists up for bids. Tickets start at $30pp. Governor’s Row House | 6:30p

APRIL 18

11TH ANNUAL COUTURE FOR CANCER

Benefit: American Cancer Society Unique women’s event combining compassion with fashion. Tickets start at $75pp. Heartland Park | 4p

APRIL 19

50TH ANNUAL BLINTZE BRUNCH

Benefit: Temple Beth Sholom Amazing brunch food in the (primarily Ashkenazi) Jewish tradition. Tickets $10pp Temple Beth Sholom | 9a - 1p

APRIL 21

BRAVO! BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Benefit: Topeka Civic Theatre Enjoy a great meal while learning about TCT’s impact on Topeka, and enjoying fantastic entertainment. Tickets FREE / Donation ask at end Reservations required. 357.5211 TCT | 7:30a + 11:30a

KANSAS MUSIC

#785ART book by Deb Goodrich Bisel reviewed by Martie Rison

stories of a rich tradition

ou know when you see a book on Kansas music you are going to see references to the band “KANSAS”, but did you know that there are many big name musicians that have a connection to the Sunflower State? Even in the past century popular musicians such as Martina McBride, Count Basie, Melissa Etheridge and more have ties to Kansas. Well thanks to Deb Goodrich Bisel their stories are now available in one book. Deb is known to be an outstanding storyteller with previous titles such as “Stories In Stone” and “The Civil War In Kansas”. For her new book, “Kansas Music: Stories of a Rich Tradition” Deb spent time getting to know the talented musicians who rock the state today. And being the ever dutiful historian,

Deb has done a beautiful job of telling the story of musicians no longer with us. The pages are filled with photos of the great musical artists of our state. My personal favorite part of the book is the “Kansas Music Hall of Fame” where you see familiar names and names you want to learn more about. Bands like “The Dinks”, “Junkyard Jazz”, and the “Fabulous Flippers” are just a few that grabbed my attention. Get a copy of “Kansas Music: Stories of a Rich Tradition” online or shop local and pick it up at Oddfellow’s Fine Books and Collectables in Downtown Topeka. And be sure to tune in to AgAmInKansas.com and watch Deb Bisel and Frank Chaffin as they present their weekly TV show, Around Kansas. aseveneightfive

VOTE

In the last city-wide election in Topeka, only 14% of registered voters participated. We CAN and MUST do better.

General Election Day: Tuesday, April 7th

Facebook.com/TopekaVotes

@Topeka_Votes

#785ART LOCAL FLAVOR

‘‘

The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation. -Stella Adler

SPRING THEATRE farces, character studies and classics.

MASS APPEAL Dueling pastoral attitudes are just the start of trouble between two priests. They’ll challenge each other on faith, authority, injustice, alcohol abuse and even the right way to deliver a sermon. Comedy, drama, character study - it’ll make you ponder the complex relationship between our beliefs and actions. March 14 - April 11 |Tickets $38 (includes dinner) | The Break Room

BOEING, BOEING 1960s French farce featuring self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has an Italian, a German and an American fiancee. Each are stunning airline hostesses who have frequent “layovers.” The farce begins when they all show up at the same time in Paris at Bernard’s apartment. May 1 - 10 | Tickets $10 | Auburn Community Theatre 10

THINGS TO RUIN: THE SONGS OF JOE ICONIS An incendiary collection of songs by Kleban and Larson Award Winner Joe Iconis. The theatrical rock concert is about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don’t have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. April 9 - 25 | Tickets $10 | Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble | Serendipity

THE GREAT GATSBY American classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald adapted for stage. Join the party. April 17 - May 2 | Tickets $25 | Topeka Civic Theatre aseveneightfive

#785ART

Thursday, April 23, 2015 6:00-9:00 pm A R T. F O OD. L I BAT I ON S . T OP E K A H I S T ORY. D I L L O N H O U S E 404 SW 9th Street | Topeka, Kansas 66612 Tickets are $25 and include food by the Dillon House's preferred catering team and wines from brand new Kansas wineries! Tickets can be purchased by visiting our website at www.artsconnecttopeka.org or calling Sarah at 785-380-7890.

CHICANITAS: SMALL PAINTINGS

from the Cheech Marin Collection

Mulvane Art Museum | 17th + Washburn March 27 - May 16 | Opening Reception April 3, 5:30p

heech Marin of the well-known comedy duo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cheech and Chongâ&#x20AC;? shares paintings from his collection by Chicano artists. The exhibition includes landscapes, portraits and figure subjects, which range in style from photo-realism to abstraction, averaging 16 inches square. Generally apolitical, the works explore the everyday lives of the artists and express internal or personal sentiments. Artists represent the Chicano art movement of the mid-1960s and 1970s. aseveneightfive

....also at the Mulvane Art Museum Turn over a new leaf. For eight years, Rowhouse owner, Greg Fox and crew, have been dishing up a dining experience thatts truly one of a kind. e ever-evolving tasting menu ensures that every time you visit, it will be like meeting for the rst time.

Country : Prints by Charles Capps and Tom Huck and Prairie Print Makers. Exhibit March 27 - May 30.

LITERARY: Brown Bag Lunch | April 14 | 1-2p Washburn University English professors Tom Averill and Vanessa Steinroetter will discuss literary and cinematic treatments of rural and small town life in Kansas. Averill says these interpretations mirror the approaches of Charles Capps and Tom Huck, current art exhibit.

‘‘

#785LIVE LOCAL

We want to be the most well-known outdoor venue in Kansas.

bands and bbq b+b backyard by Jesse Matheis

opeka’s offerings of outdoor music venues is dismal, to say the least. While a handful of bars offer outdoor music spaces (and we thank you), Topeka truly lacks a larger outdoor venue space inside the city limits (think Kansas City’s Crossroads). That is, ‘til now. Bill Brading and Lee Browning, co-owners of Bill’s Diner, 2134 N. Kansas Ave. have been serving delicious down-home American cuisine to Topekans for the past five years. Last year however, the partners decided to capitalize on the unused land that lies behind the “I would like to be the most well-known outdoor venue in diner and turn it into a music venue for bands all around the area. Kansas,” exclaimed Bill when asked about future plans. This A handful of concerts were produced last year with much success, but isn’t a pipe dream, as people are already traveling from outthat was just a warm-up for this season. Almost half of the season is of-state to come see the venue and experience its charm. already booked with a multitude of musicians gracing the outdoor Bill and Lee have worked hard to bring us something fresh stage (hand-built by Lee) along with delicious barbecue (secret rub and new, so make sure you take a moment and enjoy it this hand-created by Lee) and beverages of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic summer. Concerts are scheduled every weekend with a persuasion. If you visited B+B Backyard’s concert area last year, you jam session on Sunday nights. Find their full calender at might remember that it didn’t have the capability to protect the crowd BBBackyard.com or on their FB page B&B Backyard. If from the beaming hot Kansas sun or the rain - but with an oversized your band is interested in playing at this unique venue, call tent and reconstruction of the barn to facilitate an indoor crowd, that Bill or Lee to set up an audition at 246.6348. aseveneightfive is no longer a concern. Additionally, they now have a full outdoor bar to serve drinks and a trailer that they serve their BBQ from, “It’s really CONCERT SEASON taken off and grown” says Lee.

May 1 - September

#785FLAVOR

MENU PROC guacamole Guacamole Mexicana || Margaritas Jalisco Mexican Restaurant | College Hill

he appetizer guacamole mexicana is typically a bowl of mashed avocados folded in with tomatoes, cilantro, and onions and is a much more enhanced side that will make you dream in green. Margaritas Jalisco’s guacamole mexicana, however, is what food porn is made of. The dip is deconstructed, served on a large serving dish with the previously mentioned ingredients plus the addition of lime chunks on the side and topped with grilled jalapeños. It’s the most amazing guac that you mix yourself table side. Pair it with Ivan’s Tacos (three street tacos filled with chorizo, steak, chicken and topped with fried onions, jalapeños and cilantro, and served with grilled onions, avocado, radishes, cucumbers and rice on the side) and you have the best $16 meal of your life. Margaritas Jalisco, 1616 SW 17th St. aseveneightfive

cafe holliday Not a short second is Cafe Holliday, 800 SW 12th St. Their made-fresh-daily guacamole is creamy and kicking with cayenne and cilantro. Best served with their homemade tortilla chips, which are perfectly seasoned with more cayenne, and their chunky, homemade salsa. Personally, I question if a single order is enough to share - it’s that good. It is, however, the perfect side to their pan fried tacos. Watch their Facebook for $1.50 days. aseveneightfive 13

#785SHOP

[

super power COMIC COLLECTORS REJOICE HAVEN FOR COLLECTORS + GAMERS

Boom Comics by Brandon Rison | photos by Martie Rison

first met Matthew Kreger, owner of Boom Comics, at Topeka’s inaugural comic book convention, TopCon, last September. At that time, Boom Comics was on the drawing board, but Matthew’s charisma was center stage. Several local comic retailers were represented at the event and everyone brought their best wares to show off. Even with all these dealers around, Boom Comics was the hub of the event. Matthew had brought dozens of professionally graded copies of some of the most important books in comic history, along with box after box of great reading copies, toys and games.

I remember thinking, “When this guy opens his store, I want to hang out there.”

In early November, several weeks after Boom had opened, my wife and I went into the store located at 2025 SW Gage for the first time. It was a Friday night and at first glance I saw a lot of activity on the Table Talk Games side of the room (Boom Comics is the new home of Table Talk Games, a great group in their own right, seveneightfive June 2012) and I soon learned that it was Magic: The Gathering Friday and this crowd of 30ish Magic players were meeting every Friday night at Boom. In back of the gaming space I saw a big flat screen TV playing comic book movies in front of a nice comfy couch and flanked by a pair of pinball machines and a couple arcade games. I also saw a nice board game library under the TV for customers to try before they buy. As I gazed across the rest of the huge space that Boom occupies, I saw board games, card games, toys, t-shirts, collectibles, and comics. My eyes stopped at the “epic-wall-o-comics.” There is no other way to describe this floor to ceiling, wall to wall gathering of new comics. I believe quite possibly EVERY current comic book title can be found. Once my eyes could move again they made it full circle to the front counter where I saw Matthew, along with his staff, politely helping the several customers in front of them. Matthew noticed my wife and me and spent several minutes talking with us. The conversation mostly consisted of me stating how awestruck I was by Boom Comics and Matthew calmly playing off his Ark of Geekdom as though it were just your average comic book store. Since that November day, I have been back to Boom Comics several times and have happily observed more comics, more merchandise, and more customers with every visit.

At Boom it’s all about being friendly to every customer.

Matthew is from Berryton, KAN and a 1986 graduate of Shawnee Heights High School, and so is his wife, Lori Ruddle, who works as an agent for Hawk’s Real Estate Professionals when not helping out with the store. Matthew attended a few colleges, finishing with a Master’s Degree from the University of Houston. After college, Matthew began performing professionally as an opera singer, eventually ending in Brooklyn, NY. A loss in his life caused a series of changes which brought him back to Topeka in 2013. As a lifelong comic collector and self-professed geek, the store “just made sense” and Matthew couldn’t be happier than he is at the helm of Boom Comics. Most will agree Matthew is where he should be. “[Here at Boom] it’s all about being friendly to every customer who walks through the door and following through by making promises and delivering. If a customer is looking for something and I don’t have it and can’t get it from a distributor I will go find it and sell it to them for a minimal profit. I think a lot of stores in the area make that promise but don’t follow through. At Boom we follow through.” I personally find this kind of dedication to customer service to be the hallmark of great businesses. But that’s not the end of the story. In fact, it is just the first part of a saga stretching far into the future and who knows how far afield. April 1st will mark the grand opening of Boom Comics Manhattan where Matthew, and Manhattan manager Josh will offer the same great selection of comics, games and other geeky goodies with the added awesomeness of new and used video games and movies. Boom Manhattan will even have a theater room where you can battle it out with your buddies on a huge screen with epic sound. Next, look for Boom Comics Lawrence in July, followed by a store in Kansas City and a possible franchise down the road. Thank you, Matthew, from myself and all the other geeks who now have a place to call home. aseveneightfive 15

food | drink | happy hour

401 NE Emmett St. 232-3332 FB: TheBrassRail

The Brass Rail

3701 SW Plaza Dr. 246.6866 FB: Abigails.Topeka

Abigailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

WEEKLY

16 25oz Dom Cans Two for $7.5 $3 Bloody Mary

$2.5 Dom Bottles $3 Bloody Mary+ Mimosa

SUNDAY

$3 Corona $2.5 Margaritas

TUESDAY

$6 Dom Pitchers $4 Jack Daniels $3 Captain Morgan

$2 Wells $2.5 Dom Bottles

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

$3.5 32oz Dom Draws $3.5 Your Call

FRIDAY

$3.5 24oz Dom Cans $4 Bonzai Bombs

SATURDAY

$3 You Call It Mixed Drinks $2.5 Specialty Btls

$1.75 Dom Bottles TRIVIA NIGHT 8P

LADIES NIGHT Everything 1/2 Priced

KARAOKE WITH KYLE

$1.5 Single Well $7 Double Margaritas

TGIF BUCKETS 4 Dom Btls $8.50 $4 Bomb Shots DJ NIC

$3.5 Dom Headache $4 Craft Headache $1.5 Wine DJ NIC

Everyday 9a - 12p: $1 off all drinks above $3, $2 Dom Pints | M-F: HH 2:30-5:30p: $1.75 Dom Btls and 1/2 price jumpstarter appetizers

Honoring all Tues - Fri Specials All Day

MONDAY

seveneightfive specials

OVER 4,000

$3 Headaches $3.75 German Bierocks

$4.5 Dom Pitchers $2.75 Import Bottles $3.5 Wellers + Coke $2 Fire Ball $5Chburger + Fries $3.25 Big Bottles $4 Frozen Drinks

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints $5.5 Chicken Strip Meal

$3 Local Beers $2 Well $3 Bacardi $3 Bacardi Flavors

HH 5-8p: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (except premium imports)

HH 5-8p: $3 draft beers (excluding premium imports)

$3.5 Import Btls $3.5 Prem. Btls $4.5 Jack + Crown $4 Jager, Tuaca, X + I HH 4-6p: $6 Dom pitchers $4 Double wells HH 5-8p: Working HH 5-8p: $1 off draft Women Wednesday - beers (excluding Special on food, wine premium imports) + cocktails. Wine Wed - $5 off all Btls

$3.5 Calls $2.5 Dom Btls $4 Vegas bombs $3 Barrel bombs HH 4-6p: $2 Dom draws 1/2 price appetizers

$2.5 Dom Draw $2 Dom Bottle $4 Long Island $3.5 Import Btl After 9p w/College ID $3 Captain, Smirnoff $1 Dom Draw and Jim Beam drinks $1 Wells

$1.5 12oz **Cans $3 Bloody Marys $6.5 Wings

$2.5 Coors + Miller Lite Drafts $3 Aluminum Btls $4 Naked Jay Vodka $6.5 Pulled Pork Sand

$3 Juarez Margaritas $2.5 Dom Btls $5 Taco Burger $6 Taco Salad $.75 Tacos

$2.5 Dom Pints $3 Wells $6 Cheeseburger

HH 5-8p: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (expect premium imports)

Kraazy Karaoke w/ DJ Dreux Doty 9p $4.5 Prem singles $2 Dom pints $3.5 Dom jumbos HH 4-6p: 2-for1 Dom Btls $1 off menu cocktails

$3 Aluminum Btls $3.5 Skol Vodka + Energy $6.5 Chicken Fried Steak $4 Jager Bombs / $2.5 Apple Pie Shots

$3 Import Bottles $3 Import Pints $6.5 Philly Sand

$2 Well $4.5 Prem $3 Any Draws $2 Lemon Drop Shot

$3.5 German Bierocks Live Music 9p No Cover

$2.5 Dom Bottles $5 Jumbo Wing’s Basket (8) $2 Fire Ball

SATURDAY

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4 Jack Daniels $6.5 Brisket Sand

HH 5-8: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (except premium imports) 1st Sat. of month: Coffee Bootcamp 10-11a

$2 Dom Pints $3.5 Dom Jumbos $3 Blue Moon pints $3.5 Bouleard pints $4.5 Long Island, Beaches, and Grateful Deads

LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS - NO COVER!

$3 Call $3 All Draws $2 Apple Pie Shot

$3.75 German Bierocks Live Music 9p No Cover

$2.5 Dom Aluminums $4.5 Red Bull Bombs

LIVE MUSIC MOST FRIDAYS CHECK FACEBOOK FOR CALENDER LISTING

FRIDAY

Happy Hour: Mon - Fri | 8-9a | $2 cappuccino | $1 brewed coffee || Final Thurs. of Mo: Spanish Roundtable + drink specials 7-10p

Sunday Brunch 9a-4p Special Menu $6 Mimosa $6 House-mixed Bloody Mary

$1.5 16oz Draws Karaoke 7:30p - 12:30a

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $4.5 Goose Sandwich + Fries

$6 Dom Pitchers $2.5 Wells $8 Import Pitchers $3.5 Jumbos $3.5 Calls $1 off House cocktails $5 Speciality Shot HH 4-6p: HH 4-6p: $4 Microbrew jumbos $2.5 Microbrew pints 1/2 price appetizers

$4, $5, $6 Martinis $4 House Wine

$2.5 1Dom Bottles $4 Frozen Drinks

$3.5 Big Cans Karaoke 7:30p Free Pool 12 - 5p

$3.5 Zing-Zang Bloody Mary $6 Dom Pitchers $8 Import Pitchers $3 Breakfast Shots $3.5 Captain

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday | 4 - 6p | Check bar for daily specials

$2.5 Wells $5 Cheeseburger + Fries

ALL WEEKLY DRINK SPECIALS excluding College night specials

TUESDAY

DAILY SPECIALS FROM 4 - 6P GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU HAPPY!

MONDAY

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints or Bottles 75c tacos

CLOSED

SUNDAY

21st + Urish 272.1432 TailgatorsTopeka

Tailgators

17th + Washburn 408.5675 @PTSCollegeHill

PT’s @College Hill

2833 SW 29th St 273.7300 FB: Boss-HawgsBBQ-and-PigskinsSports-Bar

Pigskin’s

605 SW Fairlawn Ramada Hotel 272.8040 ext 360 TopekaLandmark

Landmark Grill

600 NW Paramore 232.5511 FB: Joletta’s Bar

Joletta’s

3203 10th St. 357.8474 FB: Dutch Goose @thedutchgoose Established 1935

Dutch Goose

118 SW 8th Ave 235.2138 FB: The Celtic Fox

The Celtic Fox

WEEKLY

#785ART

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE

installation sculpture artists / brothers co-create and expand their own imagination and perception by Michelle Leivan | ArtPrint Express

lthough most artists work in solitude, installation sculpture artists and brothers Byron Goodspeed (Topeka) and Joshua Markley (Manhattan) have discovered that two minds are better than one. “We discovered a few years ago that we were both born with the exact same mind,” Byron explains. “We were having one of our daily discussions, and it progressed to us expressing our artistic ideas to each other. Through those exchanges, we developed ideas, and amplified those ideas with a healthy dose of imagination. We are able to build upon each other’s imaginations, until an art idea

becomes something neither of us imagined on our own. There isn’t anything we have developed that we were not able to create, no matter how large we needed to create it. Our passion becomes the fuel, our ideas and imagination the driving force, and our surroundings our canvas.” Their dedication to their art has brought them together for thousands of hours to create their combined visions, which are seen on a variety of mediums, from pushpins to found objects. Starting with their first sculpture in 2013, they created a pointillism artwork, the 47,000 pushpin sculpture “The World In Pushpins.”

Joshua remembers their first work: “We wanted to create something that had never been done before, taking a very large object and making it smaller, as opposed to how the pointillism art form normally works. We were attempting to find the limits of the art form. After 1000 hours of work, we still have not found those limits. What ended up materializing, however, was a seven foot, fully custom, one-of-a-kind sculpture of the world in pushpins. It was a test of patience, and it started us on our artistic path.” One might think that two people working together would create an impasse, but the two of them do not have that problem. “We start with an idea, a dream, anything in our minds. We share it with the other, and the building up of the idea starts, like a snowball rolling down a mountain, building bigger and grander,” Byron explains. “We bounce ideas back and forth, over and over, until the artwork concept becomes so big, we don’t know where it began or where it will end. That’s when we stop, and create what we have seen - a frozen moment in time.”

building the bot

‘‘

Our passion becomes the fuel, our ideas and imagination the driving force, and our surroundings our canvas.

Since their first combined works, the duo has stretched beyond pushpins to found objects. “Our favorite piece by far, and the genre of art we most enjoy, is “Building The Bot,” a seven foot long by 4 1/2ft tall mixed media/kit-bash art piece. We spent an entire year finding objects to use and putting the artwork together. Electronic items, found objects, miniature scale figures, a prosthetic leg, and even a sink drain and an Easter egg are on the artwork, even though you would never be able to tell they are there. As we built the piece, every idea we had for it, even on a day to day basis, or a spur of the moment, went into the artwork.” Even though their work has not been publicly displayed very often, they are award-winning. Last year at the Aaron Douglas Art Fair, they received the Best Emerging 3D Artist Award and the People’s Choice Award. It seems that the public has spoken, and as for me, I would encourage you to keep an eye on these two, because their work is definitely worth seeing. The easiest way to watch their progress and look out for the next opportunity to see their work on display is by liking their Facebook page, joshua.byron.artists. aseveneightfive

#785SHOP

‘‘

TRADEPOST TODAY N

ot all that long ago, I was a 90s teen who would spend hours listening to CDs. I was always trying to keep up with what MTV told me was cool, but I also listened to a lot of classic rock and older jazz. So in addition to mail-order companies (remember those?), I was always on the hunt for someplace to buy the old stuff locally. In 1998 that place opened, and soon became a strip-mall oasis for Topeka music lovers. The first CD Tradepost, 1570 SW Wanamaker, offered little more than row after row of used CDs - but that was okay, I wanted used CDs (and lots of them). I guess I wasn’t alone in my wants, because the place was always busy and soon began to grow their offerings. I can remember buying new music from local bands there in the early 2000s, along with used DVDs and video games. But then, sadly, I stopped going to Tradepost. Maybe it was because I started listening to digital music. Maybe because I began streaming most of my movies. Either way, my old friend CD Tradepost and I lost touch. That is, until recently. New owner, Travis Youngblood, is a retail veteran with a vision for the future that starts with the name: CD Tradepost is now Tradepost Entertainment. The name is the first of many changes being made by Youngblood. He is updating and improving Tradepost’s movie, music, and game selection while adding brand new titles and, as he

I am passionate about entertainment and believe that if you are going to do something, you do it right. Travis Youngblood Tradepost Entertainment

youngblood brings new life to a once aging Topeka business. by Brandon Rison | photo provided

says, “doing a better job of stocking what people want to buy.” To that end, Tradepost is now offering a selection of new vinyl records at the Wanamaker store which they expand every week. Currently that store has over 200 LPs that reflect a wide variety of genres, from classics to new releases. Tradepost also has a smaller selection of vinyl at every store that will also continue to grow. There are plans to revamp their website during this year and remodel stores, starting with Downtown, 826 S. Kansas Ave, which is slated to be complete within the next 90 days. Youngblood is working with HTK Architects on all the remodels and said that he is using as much local material and labor as possible in creating the new looks. “I am passionate about entertainment and believe that if you are going to do something you should do it right,” said Youngblood when asked about his expansion plans and future. They will remain focused on their 12 current stores throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa for the near future, improving their traditional valuepriced relevant offerings plus introducing and testing new products like t-shirts, gift merchandise, and anything else suitable for their customers. Once the mix is perfected, Youngblood plans to further extend Tradepost regionally. aseveneightfive

K N HEARD + NOTED

NABIS

OH@Babydoll’s | JD Nash || “That’s why they call it lip liner, stupid. It’s like crayons, you have to color inside the lines.”

topeka’s four twenty festival,

OH@DutchGoose || “Kansas hasn’t lost on senior night since 1983...” “I don’t appreciate your facts right now.” Maxie Havens

the future of pot in ks

#785HEARD NOTED @785HEARDNOTED

OH@Oscars | Kate Bower || I’m not mean...I’m crusty. OH@Oscars | Tish Barnes-Colon || What do you think of that beer? Well if it went along with a boat and lake, it would be a winner. OH@(bar undisclosed) || My rule is if a dog is small enough to accidentally step on and kill, it’s not really a dog.

and opinions

around the smoke

OH@#FFAW || “I hate artists.” “But you’re an art teacher.” “Correction: I hate living artists.” OH on Facebook || Who directed the #McCormick taco seasoning commercial? That kid is eating the taco wrong! The taco doesn’t come to you. You always go to the taco. OH@CelticFox || We didn’t have kids, not because we thought we would be bad parents, but because we thought they’d be terrible people. OH @PTsCollegeHill || I’m feeling rather ballsy, I think I’ll have a teabag! OH@OnTwitter || I’m gonna have to change these underwears before I get on the bike, these keep digging in my butt.

by Kerrice Mapes

#785LIFE

topeka supporters unite

THE FOUR TWENTY FESTIVAL ON 4.18 O

ver fourteen years ago, Klay Bayless’ mother was diagnosed with cancer. Like a huge percentage of Kansans, she had no insurance. Klay watched helplessly as his mother finally found the pain relief she needed: marijuana. Klay watched, knowing that his mother was out on the street procuring the natural remedy that helped her get through the day and the pain, and knew it wasn’t legal. He knew the legal dangers. The moral dilemma weighed on his mind, as did his mother’s safety, but his understanding and gratitude for her comfort kept him silent. Klay’s mother passed in 2001. That same year, 2001, the US. Supreme Court rejected the common-law medical necessity defense to crimes enacted under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, regardless of their legal status under the laws of states, such as California, which recognized a medical use for marijuana. (United States v. Oakland which happened to coincide with 4/20, so they decided to also allow Cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative) the event to be an open forum for people to show their support for This year, just 10 hours after marijuana became legal in D.C. legalization. The second year, Rudy joined forces with Klay, and over (loosely stated), I sat down with Klay Bayless, better known by 1,000 people attended the event. This year, with Klaloc’s involvement, some as DJ Youngtree, to learn more about his role in the upcoming they anticipate over 2,000 people and more support from sponsors “The Four-Twenty Music Festival,” which will take place on April and advocacy groups, which will line the 420 Midway (better known 18 - 19 in Topeka. as the “shake down street”). Klay, Rudy and Klaloc Arzate have been hard at work creating a The “4/20 team” has also partnered with FireItUpKansas, an initiative third annual festival which celebrates the 420 cannabis culture. out of Wichita. More importantly, however, they have been hard at work on a festival which paves the way to abolishing feelings like Klay once Klay believes there is not enough support in the Capital city compared had by giving an audience and voice to local advocacy groups to Wichita and Kansas City, respectively, which is the main impetus that support the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana for the festival. The team has invited local politicians to come speak, as well as representatives of FireItUpKansas, who will help patrons crimes in Kansas. learn how they can contact their legislators and give support. The weekend-long festival features live bands, a hip-hop tent, an overnight EDM stage and opportunities for advocates to learn “The green wave is growing momentum,” said Rudy. “It’s just a how to exercise their American rights (pro/con). The festival takes matter of time.” Klaloc’s influence has been valuable as well, both reaching out to and representing the millennials. The 4/20 team’s place on Lessman Farm and Truckhenge. future goals include hosting shows and rallies in Downtown Topeka. The festival began two years ago with the simple notion to bring “There are advocates everywhere; we aim to bring the message to different music styles and music scenes together for one big party. them.” aseveneightfive Three hundred people attended. They picked a Saturday in April,

100 people responding to a survey posted on seveneightfive’s facebook page. Below are the results.

house and senate bill introduces legalization

WILL KANSAS GIVE WEED THE AX?

his isn’t the first time a Kansas House or Senate Bill has been introduced to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, however, it is the first time a bill has moved this far into the session. Well, that is until March 15, when the bill (just days before publishing this) was stalled in the Kansas House.

Representative Gail Finney introduced the Kansas House Bill 2011, The Cannabis Compassion and Care Act, and Senator Dave Haley introduced its companion bill, SB 9, which permits qualified patients to engage in cannabis therapy. Qualified patients could possess up to six ounces of cannabis and/or home cultivate up to 12 plants for their own personal therapeutic needs. Patients would have the option to obtain cannabis from licensed ‘compassion centers.’ The legislation stipulates, “States are not required to enforce federal law or prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by federal law. Therefore, compliance with the Cannabis Compassion and Care Act does not put the state of Kansas in violation of federal law.” Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have enacted statewide provisions allowing patients access to cannabis therapy. The second part would decrease penalties for an offender’s first two marijuana possession convictions. Currently, if you are found in possession of any amount of marijuana, it is a misdemeanor and you could be incarcerated for one year and fined up to $2,500. (Norml)

Are you familiar with House Bill 2011 (HB2011) and Senate Bill 9 (SB9)? Yes: 44% No: 24% Some: 32%

How much interest do you have regarding these bills? (We are not asking in regards to support, only interest, which can go either way.)

Extreme Interest: 38% Fairly High Interest: 34% Some Interest: 20% Very Little Interest: 6% No Interest: 2%

Do you support House Bill 2001 (HB2011) and Senate Bill 9 (SB9)? Yes: 80% No: 9%

Don’t Care: 11%

According to the Marijuana Policy Project, 2012 figures reported by Kansas state law enforcement to the FBI, said there were over 4,700 arrests or citations for marijuanarelated offenses during 2012 in Kansas, most of them for possession. During the same period, over 92 percent of all burglaries, including home invasions, and over 66 percent of all reported rapes went unsolved by law enforcement. If there was a Carry Nation for the prohibition of marijuana, it would be Topeka physician Dr. Eric Voth, Chairman of the Institute on Global Drug Policy, who has admittedly refuted the positive effects of marijuana for decades. Most recently he was quoted in an article stating “Marijuana has serious toxic and long-term effects. As a smoked drug, it damages the lungs. Its use is associated with violence and spousal, domestic (and) dating abuse.” (The Topeka Capital-Journal January 22, 2015.) Despite your stance, thankfully Kansas isn’t the last state to have considerable and meaningful dialogue on the topic. With State elected officials weighing in and asking questions, they are also listening to their constituents. So please take a moment and learn more, send an email, and keep the conversation moving. Check out OpenKansas. com to find who to write. Norml.com has a mock letter if you are for the bills. Either way, read the bills and follow session notes at kslegislature.org. aseveneightfive

LOCA L VOCAL

WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED

what are your thoughts on HB2011 and SB9 / do you support it - why or why not? This is a trend that is occurring on a nationwide basis. Kansas should join with other states and come up with a REAL solution. Medical marijuana should fall in the same category as the Right to Try Act.

Marijuana should be legal, taxed and regulated. Right now it’s like prohibition - current drug laws just make for a thriving black market.

bad policy. More revenue would be great - and so would helping sick people. A win-win.

The use of medical marijuana has been proven to reduce nausea and some pain for individuals with cancer and multiple sclerosis. 24

Because it isn’t evil. Next, let all mandatory minimum marijuana offenders out of jail. Who are we, healthy and able adults, to tell people in need what they do and do not need for pain? We have a daughter who has been diagnosed with a rare disease. Her Pcp has recommended the use of medical marijuana to help control pain instead of narcotic pain medications. Since it is still against the law and she is old enough to be responsible for the consequences, we have chosen to wait and support legislation. Thanks for all you do!!! Want to start a business within the industry.

Studies show that use is detrimental and it shouldn’t be allowed. I’m for pot legalization. I am against industrial prison for profit. I am for industrial hemp.

Support the use of medical cannabis. It has made way to much fuss over keeping it illegal. It seems silly when tobacco and other substances that have worse side effects are legal.

All human beings should have the right to choose their own medications and treatments.

Time to regulate and tax this stuff. Colorado is taking in the cash no reason we can’t as well. Legalize it. And then spend the damn tax money on schools.

It doesn’t make sense. Rational people wouldn’t make these decisions, unless they were influenced by special interest groups.

Good medicine I think McDonalds is worse for our bodies, to be honest. I realize it opens the debate for other illegal substances to come into question and I say good. The unfortunate part is too many people believe what they are told versus thinking for themselves.

It will be beneficial for medical conditions and should be able to legally obtain I’m all for the legalization of marijuana, but I don’t use it myself. I only think it’s a waste of tax money to continue to criminalize it.

PUFF PUFF

or PASS

#785ART

Green Gals incorporates life lessons into crafting projects at the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prison. The female inmates are learning that they are more than their past mistakes or circumstances.

GREEN GALS

crafting with a cause

by Stephanie West | art by Buck Reist

imberly Daugherty founded Green Gals in 2012 as a way to fulfill a desire in her life to grow and learn. After working in corrections for over 10 years, Kimberly decided to focus on her family and step away from the prison system. Her time “out of prison” so to say was short lived. After developing crafting skills from recycled materials and selling items to raise money for charity, Kimberly knew she needed to expand her passion. She soon realized she had the ability to combine both her passion of expanding herself through learning to make new items from recycled materials and also teaching, counseling, and empowering inmates. In July of 2013, she presented the idea to the prison to give the inmates the opportunity to pursue knowledge and utilize their time in a way that reminds them that they are people and they have something valuable to contribute to society. Within a month, she was given a building and Green Gals took on a whole new identity. In the Green Gals program, Kimberly incorporates life lessons into the crafting, although they aren’t always aware of it. As any crafter knows, the frustration that goes along with trying to learn a new skill requires patience and the ability to problem solve. Similar skills can be used in life. “It’s the same idea as sewing a blanket. You don’t just get pissed and give up on yourself. You get pissed, you take a breath, and you keep going.” When she teaches these life lessons in the crafting environment, it takes on a totally new, non-threatening avenue.

The ladies are responsible for the pricing and choosing what items they want to make. The money earned goes to a project the inmates choose. For Christmas this past year, the ladies decided they wanted to make gifts for children of the inmates. The gift included a notebook and pencil (to write a note to their incarcerated parent), and a chocolate snowman. The ladies made 250 bags from recycled materials and used Green Gals proceeds to purchase the other items. As they continue to grow and become more profitable, the inmates are making way for exciting opportunities for their futures. Kimberly just received approval from the warden to allow the program to start paying for college courses. An education was never an option for the majority of the women in the program, and now through their own hard work and dedication, they will be able to advance their life in a productive and positive way. Because of Kimberly’s passion to enrich and inspire, Green Gals has opened a door for women to learn they are more than their past mistakes or circumstances. Every day she shows them they are more than a sentence and have so many talents and skills to offer the world. One inmate at a time, Kimberly is making our society a better place. aseveneightfive

The ladies are also given a new way to express their feelings and emotions, something sometimes dangerous to show in a maximum security prison setting. “They can’t verbalize ‘I’m afraid’ but they can paint fear. Or they can paint that I’m hurt or I’m feeling betrayed. They can’t just walk around with feelings like that.” Green Gals produce items such as coasters, jewelry, artwork, and most recently tutus and simple children’s dresses. Items are sold at Gravity in NOTO and Oddfellows Bookstore in Downtown as well as various fairs and festivals. 27

#785FLAVOR

FOOD NINJA Harold's Prize Package 3.9 Fists

t is midday; the sun beats hot against my face as I approach my foe. This unassuming adversary stands alone, waiting, it seems, to be taken by surprise and fall before the might of this ninja. Hand upon my weapon, I enter…

FRIENDLINESS I enter and am immediately greeted with an enthusiasm that is only matched by that of the village children when I have returned from battle with gifts and stories to regale them with. The fierce tenacity with which I approached this foe is knocked out of me straight away. Have I entered some enchanted land where niceties are thrown with such ease? Nay, I have entered Harold’s Prize Package and I am taken by surprise by my enemy… I must regain the battlefield.

Ninja’s Recommendation FUNNEL CAKE FRIES

Food Superb. A solid western burger if ever I have encountered such a thing. Savory, flavorful, and filling, Prize Package deals another blow to my senses and defenses that leaves me staggering and struggling to catch my wind. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned American beef.

MENU The variety of wares available for consumption is impressive. This adversary is worthy indeed. Plenty to choose from and no two items the same, including a selection of tonics and tinctures (sodas and the like) that would rival the most accomplished apothecary. Another blow that leaves me disadvantaged and struggling to gain the upper ground.

ATMOSPHERE

Funds

This small and dated establishment holds no seating, and limited waiting area. At first this appears to be the advantage I need, but upon further assessment of my foe, I realize it is the establishment that has the advantage. Although I would like to dine in, I see the benefit of the set up. Faster cycling of the customers is a plus and with food of their likes, the line is long for vittles. Outdoor seating seems to be an option in the summer months.

What can be said? The prices are the last attack I can withstand. So low and affordable are they, I have the notion to double my order just to feel as though I’m not taking advantage. The portions you receive for the low cost is unmatched in any land to which I have travelled. For less than $5 an entire meal is purchased. My usual funds would have procured me enough to feed myself and two apprentices. I will be returning to Harold’s Prize Package, not for retaliation for their victory over this ninja, but for another chance to enjoy the experience! aseveneightfive

POP UP GALLERY for May: Scott Dual Language Magnet School 401 SE Market Street

First Friday

north topeka (noto) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

artwalk map

GORDON

13 12

& shopping guide

12 13

7 3 6 4 1

14 15

15 10 8

16 17

downtown topeka

2 5 16

1 2 3

KANSAS

AVE

STREET

complete exhibit information available at artsconnecttopeka.org

5 6 7 8

LANE

WASHBURN

GAGE BLVD

OAKLEY

6TH

8 6

10 1 4 3 12 11 3

17TH

6TH

15 16

10TH

2 3 4 5 6

CALIFORNIA

1 2 3 4 5

21ST

29TH

The Hub Home At Last Sweet! Kitchen Gallery Cafe Barnabas Topeka Art Guild Yak 'N Yarn

surrounding

First Friday Art Walk Shuttle Schedule

APR

fairlawn plaza

29TH

21ST

FAIRLAWN

GAGE BLVD

TOPEKA! 5 3 4

westboro/midtown

8TH QUINCY

KANSAS

AVE

HUNTOON

JACKSO

MAY

JUN

1 NOTO 5:30 5:45 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15

4 2

Warehouse 414 5:34 5:49 6:04 6:19 6:34 6:49 7:04 7:19 7:34 7:49 8:04 8:19

Downtown 8th & KS 5:39 5:54 6:09 6:24 6:39 6:54 7:09 7:24 7:39 7:54 8:19 8:24

Downtown 10th & KS 5:40 5:55 6:10 6:25 6:40 6:55 7:10 7:25 7:40 7:55 8:10 8:25

TSCPL 5:45 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15 8:30

Westboro 5:49 6:04 6:19 6:34 6:49 7:04 7:19 7:34 7:49 8:04 8:19 8:34

1 * Times subject to change Topeka Metro shuttle buses will begin at NOTO at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the schedule shown above with a new shuttle arriving every 15 minutes. The ﬁnal shuttle will leave NOTO at 8:15 p.m. arriving at Westboro Mart at 8:34 p.m.

Help Topeka’s thriving 1 1 art community!

www.artsconnecttopeka.org/donate

BBQ, BEER & BASKETBALL 1/2 PRICE APPS MONDAY - FRIDAY 4 - 6 PM 10 - 11 PM

ENTERTAINMENT: KRAAZY KARAOKE FRIDAY DJ DREUX DOTY | 9 TO CLOSE

SUNDAY: $3.50 Zing Zang Bloody Marys / $3.50 Captain / $3 Breakfast shot / $6 Domestic pitchers, $8 Import MONDAY: SIN NIGHT: $3.50 Calls / $6 Domestic pitchers, $8 Import / $5 Speciality shot TUESDAY:$2 Wells / $3.50 Domestic jumbos/ $1 off House Cocktails / $4 Batman shot / $3 Liquid Marijuana shot WEDNESDAY:$3.50 Calls / $2.50 Domestic Bottles / $4 Vegas Bombs / $3 Barrel Bombs

THURSDAY: LADIES NIGHT: $3.50 Import & Premium bottles / $4.50 Jack & Crown drinks / $4 Jager, Tuaca, X & Irish Car Bombs FRIDAY: $4.50 Premium singles / Domestic draws: $2 pints, $3.50 jumbos / $3 Ruby Slipper shot / $3 Fireball / $3 Washington Apple SATURDAY: Domestic draws: $2 pints, $3.50 jumbos / $3 Blue Moon & Boulevard pints / $4.50 Long Islands, Long Beaches, Grateful Deads / $3 Orchata shot

MONDAY: $2.50 Microbrew pints TUESDAY: $4 Microbrew jumbos WEDNESDAY: $2 Domestic draws THURSDAY: $6 Domestic pitchers / $4 Double wells FRIDAY: 2-for-1 Domestic bottles / $1 off drink menu cocktails **** MONDAY SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT, TUESDAY STUDENT SPECIALS AND THURSDAY LADIES NIGHT EXTRA SPECIALS START AT 9PM

FOR THE LADIES

DAY

RS U H T Y EVER

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Night! (9pm) $.99 Margaritas $3 Martinis $3 Pink Panty Droppers $3 Lemon Drops $3 Jolly Ranchers AND ALL SHOT SPECIALS!