seveneightfive magazine: Women Who Rock

TOPEKA'S PREMIER 'ZINE FOR ART, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE + LOCAL FLAVOR

WOMEN WHO ROCK - VOL XIII ISSUE II - SPRING 2019

FREE HOW WE ROCK

WOMEN WHO ROCK

A New BEGINNING FOR THE TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB

TO

.

P E K A C.C EST. 1905

Come & Experience

OUR $7.5 MILLION TRANSFORMATION

membership - golf - tennis - health & wellness - swim - dining www.topekacc.org

CONTACT GINA PATTERSON FOR A PRIVATE TOUR (785) 354-8561.

APRIL 20 DILLON HOUSE 7-11P

ARTY PARTY FIRST FRIDAY

ARTSCONNECTTOPEKA.ORG

artwalk

SPRING 2019 | VOL XIII • ISSUE II

INSIDE 785

Improving the lives of women and children in Topeka and Shawnee County through the power of collective giving.

16 // BRENDA BLACKMAN 18 // WU ATHLETICS - 50 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP 20 // THE WOMEN'S FUND Please join us at

22 // ASHLEY B WALLACE

The Women's Fund Annual Luncheon April 24, 2019 at 11:30 AM

26 // VERONICA CRUZ

as we announce our 2019 grant recipients

30 // MARNI SCHLEUNING

Learn more at www.womensfundtopeka.org or facebook.com/womensfundtopeka

31 // DEBRA MAPES 32 // SARAH FIZELL

BALLETMIDWEST.NET

38 // LEXI RODRIQUEZ

B A L L ET

40 // ELENA SANCHEZ 41 // COURTNEY TURCOTTE BOND 42 // ELECTED LEADING LADIES

IN EVERY ISSUE 06 // PROGNOSTICATIO w/RUP 34 // MUSIC + EVENTS CALENDAR 44 // MUG SHOT @TOPEKABEER

NEXT ISSUE: MAY 15, AUG 15 + NOV 15

seveneightfive.com

April 13 & 14, 2019 7:30 pm show Saturday 1:30 pm show Sunday Topeka Performing Arts Center

LACEE SANDGREN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Tickets: TPAC Box Office • Ticketmaster outlets 1-800-745-3000 • www.ticketmaster.com Barbara’s Conservatory of Dance

#785insta takeover

i learned it from watching you...

T

he point of view of a single person derived from their life experiences and values, among other things, shapes their perspective. But are all perceptions reality? With our turbo paced lives, how often do we step back and truly try to understand the point of view of others? At seveneightfive, we are authentically curious about hearing, seeing and learning from others, specifically their perspective of our community. It is from this curiosity #785InstaTakeover was started. Each week we invite a person or group to take over account [@seveneightfive] to show us their Topeka. We believe it's these unique experiences and insights that create conversations and shape our future.

See Topeka from a new point of view, follow us @seveneightfive.

To learn more or takeover, contact Kerrice@seveneightfive.com.

Cheers!

#785InstaTakeover #aNewPointOfView #LocalVocal

[top] Topeka's Midwest Ballet begin in 1977. Their annual Nutcracker Ballet is the longest-running production in Northeast Kansas. [left to right] "My go-to is usually the Monte Cristo kolache, but the cherry and s'more looked too good to pass up today. They [Josey Baking Co.] also have soup, salad, quiche, and much more! They are definitely worth checking out." - eating local from @burgerstandtopeka. "It's been incredible getting to be a part of the team working on this project and knowing that this will alter ones thinking of downtown." @andrewwiechen on the Cyrus Hotel. "Drink coffee. Paint. Drink paint water."

Alexander Lancaster / @two_wolves_studio showing a preview of a 12-foot commissioned piece of art for @happybassetbrewing

#785 LIVE #785LIFESTYLE

PARTY

FOR A CAUSE

WHERE FUN + PHILANTHROPY COLLIDE MARCH 02

COUTURE FOR CANCER

15th Annual; Couture for Cancer is a one-of-a-kind evening featuring great food, dancing and a female-centric auction. Your support through tickets and auction wins support the American Cancer Society who save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and fighting back against cancer.

TOP CITY'S LEADING LADIES CABARET

Directed by Bethany Ayers and stage managed by Jeni Smith, Top City's Leading Ladies Cabaret make their debut performance on MARCH 14 at the Jayhawk Theatre Gallery. A $5 suggested donation will be requested at the door with proceeds benefiting the Historic Jayhawk Theatre.

MARCH 14

THE MENTAL MUSIC SCENE

APRIL 06

A day-long concert featuring regional bands at The Landing Grille + Bar. Produced by Hope Through Headphones, a movement dedicated to providing mental health education and support to students using music to connect and inspire.

CONCEALED REVEALED ART AUCTION

This year Concealed Revealed will spend the evening celebrating the victories seen in the women's movement, with LGBTQ communities, and with victims and survivors of sexual violence. Proceeds benefit the Center for Safety and Empowerment, who work hard affecting change in our communities.

APRIL 06

ARTY PARTY

One of the hottest "party for a cause" events of the year, ARTSConnect Topeka's Arty Party sells out year after year.

The goal of the event is clear; to raise funds to support art programs while having a spectacular evening. This year's event will feature performing artist Calvin Arsenia plus dancing and cocktails at the Dillon House.

APRIL 20

ROAR + POUR WINE FESTIVAL

APRIL 27

Enjoy a variety of wine tastings from local and international wineries as well as appetizer and dessert samplings from local vendors. Live music and animal/artist collaborations

by Amused Gallery round out the evening. Proceeds benefit the Topeka Zoo / Friends of the Topeka Zoo.

“The Worst Kept Secret in Town.”

Private Dinners and Catered Events Friday Dinner Reservations Required Open for Lunch Friday 11am - 1:30pm

CONTRIBUTORS COLOPHON

Wine Tasting & Tapas First Wednesday 5pm

LUIS’ PLACE

5TH & KANSAS | 350.2028

Liz Bell CPA / BUSINESS Sunshine Blue Mandy Daniels William Domme EJ Drake Amber Farmer Jennifer Goetz Marcelino Gonzalez III Andrew Gutierrez Tobias Harvey Daryl Hendrix Teresa Hernandez Martinez Hillard Tom Krebs Kerrice Mapes OWNER Huascar Medina LIT EDITOR Karen Morse Noah Neff D O'Brien Gary Piland Rebecca Radziejeski Martie Rison Angel Romero Keith VanSickle Ashley B. Wallace

COVER #88 (a+b)

FRONT: Former (but forever) Woman Who Rocks, Jennifer Goetz, proudly partnered with the YWCA of Northeast Kansas as their designer for this year's Concealed/Revealed Art Auction. Employed as a multimedia marketing coordinator for Azura Credit Union, past art contributor and active advocate for women, Jennifer is glad to assist the auction with their overall look and feel for this year's sentiments of "Victory" and "Forward."

BACK: Woman Who Rocks Martie Rison has produced all previous Women Who Rock series covers. It is a project near and dear to her heart.

"The Topeka community is full of strong, smart and amazing women, I love being a part of highlighting them one at a time."

Locally and proudly printed at Mainline Printing, Inc. mainlineprinting.com

EST. JUNE 2006 seveneightfive.com MISSION

To be the premier lifestyle guide for adults in Topeka, featuring the finest offerings in entertainment establishments, art and nightlife.

We seek to refine area information and offer suggestions to empower Topekans and guests with a variety of choices.

FUNDAMENTAL VISIONS ARE: • Create an incomparable publication rich in design and content • Positively impact our community • Give a voice to local entertainment, businesses and venues *seveneightfive limits advertising to locally owned businesses

785 IN YOUR PLACE

If you'd like to offer seveneightfive to your clients, please email Kerrice@ seveneightfive.com Business subscriptions are $40 / year.

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seveneightfive is FREE thanks to our advertisers. See their ad in the magazine and be sure to stop by their business next time to pick up an issue (and say thank you).

For a complete distribution list + go to seveneightfive.com CHEERS! THANKS FOR READING.

Prognosticatio with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus The Psychic Chicken

TM

Jan-Mar

2019 Mr. Chicken, My married boss keeps hitting on me, saying how great I look, asking me out for drinks, etc. I keep saying no thank you and I’m not interested. Now I get my yearly review and I’m not getting a raise because of my “attitude”. What should I do?

(I’m a guy, btw.) - Icky Boss Dear Icky, Your phone has voice memos on it? Put it in your pocket and whenever she approaches, turn on the recording. Call her hubby and play it back for him.

If you get fired over this, sue the living crap out of her. - RR ______________________________ A R I E S 2019. Crazy huh? And what have you got to show for it?

One year closer to yer first AARP membership letter. Ugh! T A U R U S So yer dumped. Don’t ya hate it when people say, “There are plenty of fish in the ocean”... Try this response, “Look, I don’t have sex with fish so get back in yer boat and row away.”

G E M I N I I know we’ve had our ups and downs over the years. I’ve said stuff, you’ve said stuff, but in the end, the important thing is that I was always right. Hugs?

C A N C E R Alright already. It lights yer fire, floats yer boat, shampoos yer weasel. Whatever. Just don’t tattoo it on yer body. Why? ‘Cause it’s butt-ugly, that’s why.

L E O Nope, I don’t have any sage advice for ya this issue, but I’m so glad we had this amazingly special time together. It’s all about the memories!

LITERARY EVENTS MAR 17 | 6-8p

INSIDE THE CASTLE FEATURE MAR 1 | 5:30-8p

TWO PONDER: A COLLABORATION NOTO Arts Center

Decade in Lawrence

Small Press, Inside the Castle hosts a reading showcasing published work from Mike Kleine, Grant Maierhofe, JoAnna Novak and Candice Wuehle.

Reading and art show co-hosted by poet Dennis Etzel Jr. and painter Barbara Waterman-Peters.

MAR 19 | 7-9p

MAR 6 | 6:30-8p

Eighth Street Taproom in Lawrence

SPEAK EASY: OPEN MIC

NOTO Burrito (First Wednesday / Month) Longest running poetry open mic in Topeka, hosted by the Speak Easy Poetry Group.

BOOK RELEASE FOR DANNY CAINE Book release party and reading to celebrate the release of Danny Caine's new collection of poems "Continental Breakfast" [Mason Jar Press].

MAR 21 | 7-8p

MAR 12 | 10-11:30a

OPEN EXPRESSION OPEN MIC NIGHT

JOURNALING WITH WORDS + IMAGES

Recorded live by local poetry radio program "Sunflower Sutras"

Topeka + Shawnee Country Public Library Workshop for the use of visual journaling in your personal writing.

MAR 16 | 12:30-1:30p

EXAMINING TRUTH WRITING WORKSHOP

Topeka + Shawnee Country Public Library An interactive workshop examining the truth and honesty in our poetry and prose writing.

Workshop will be lead by Kansas Notable Book Award winning poet Melissa Fit Johnson.

PT's at College Hill

MAR 26 | 7-8:30p

BOOK BITES

Pizagels Pizza + Bakery

Book group for readers in their 20s or 30s. Discussion: the winner of the 2017 National Book Award for fiction, "Sing, Unburied, Sin" [Scribner] by Jesmyn Ward.

APR 3 | 6:30-8p

SPEAK EASY: OPEN MIC

NOTO Burrito (First Wednesday / Month)

MAR 16 | 2-3:30p

Longest running poetry open mic in Topeka, hosted by the Speak Easy Poetry Group.

POET MELISSA FIT JOHNSON

MAY 1 | 6:30-8p

Topeka + Shawnee Country Public Library

Kansas Notable Book Award winning poet reads from her debut collection "While the Kettles On" [Little Balkan Press] and her collaborative work "Ghost Sign" [39 West Press].

RACE AND KANSAS LITERATURE

Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library

MARCH 8 | 5-7p

SPEAK EASY: OPEN MIC

NOTO Burrito (First Wednesday / Month)

Longest running poetry open mic in Topeka, hosted by the Speak Easy Poetry Group.

Celebrate the contributors of African-American writers to Kansas Literature with readings by Annette Billings, Simone Savannah and Gary Jackson plus talk with playwright Darren Canady.

Sponsored by Humanities Kansas.

COMING

SOON

V I R G O Virgo, Virgo, Virgo. I love the sound of that. It really rolls off my beak. But, wait, oh yeah... Stop making fake robocalls to yer ex to hear her voice. She’s on to ya.

L I B R A Words to live by: 1. Covers over your head do not stop under-the-bed monsters 2. Trump is far worse than Nixon 3. Turning on all the lights will not deter the bogeyman S C O R P I O Do that again... yeah, that one thing. Woah. That was amazing.

(I leave it up to yer imagination what that one thing was...)

(785) 235-1700 | RowHouseRestaurant.net

A GIRL'S LIKE BEST FRIEND KANSAS

T

Simone Savannah [Big Lucks, 2018]

he powerful chapbook from Simone Savannah, enlists the erotic as a means of deconstructing the structural oppression around us. Autonomy is reconceptualized through the explicit use of body and language. Much like Audre Lorde, she is aware of the power her eroticism possesses; sexuality becomes sovereignty. In the face of racism, colonialism, sexism, and the everpresent street harasser, dominion over self is retained through feminine force. Simone Savannah holds a PhD in creative writing from the University of Kansas. Her areas of research include black feminist criticism, 20th century African American women's literature and African American poetry. Her poem “Look,” also in this collection, was a finalist for the 2017 Rita Dove Award in poetry. To read more on "Like Kansas" and Simone, visit biglucks.com.

To see and hear Simone Savannah be sure to attend "Race and Kansas Literature" on March 8 at Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library. aseveneightfive

by Huascar Medina

T

by Kerrice Mapes

he spine is worn and cracked with love, proudly displayed atop my cabinet of wine glasses, always an arm's reach away. Greg Fox's cookbook "FRESH: recipes from RowHouse" [self published, 2012] has been like a best girlfriend to me: inspirational, challenging, fun and always there exactly when needed, during some personal, pivotal life moments. Joyful after a successful first date (beef medallions with red wine demi, creamy grits, and lima beans, p81). Comforting, crunchy and tangy when said relationship crashed, hard (garlic and peppercorn crusted beef with Worcestershire vinaigrette, p91). Thoughtfully indulgent as I wooed my Secret Santa at work with homemade treats (mocha chocolate brownies, p131). Celebratory after I won a coveted Judges' Choice at a personally-hosted Soup Off competition (creamy tomato dill, p53). All the recipes in "Fresh" are like my friend, Greg; uncomplicated and respectfully refined, original and heartfelt, and most of all, joyful.

If you don't have a "Fresh" friend in your home, need not cry over spilt milk. "Out There: recipes and stories from The Hamptons" is at the printer and will be available May/ June 2019. The first in its series, be sure to grab a copy and join Greg and the fam as he cooks, tastes and celebrates regional flavors. It's bound to be inspirational for all occasions and locations. aseveneightfive

S A G I T T A R I U S When someone says, “Hey, stop that, it tickles.” Sometimes that’s exactly what they mean and sometimes it means, “Stop touching me you weirdo freak.”

C A P R I C O R N Dang, the “ ” key isn’t working.

See ya next issue!

A Q U A R I U S Some of us are destined to do great things, and some of us are destined to be feckless, useless, cry babies. But enough about Trump. FYI - yer in the former.

P I S C E S Why do some modern writers have two middle initials? Yeah, my thoughts exactly. ___________________________ Question for the Blue Guru?

Something on yer mind? Looking for an answer to a burning (and itching) personal question? Do not hesitate! Fire up an email...

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ Pop Quiz: If Trump is impeached how will Vladimir Putin feel?

A. Sad: his favorite puppy is gone B. Glad: they can spend more time together - shirtless C. Nada: He owns Pence, too D. Hungry: Trump reminds him of orange food E. All of the above There are no bad answers here, Bucko. Only bad questions. – R.R.

THE

atre

MARCH / APRIL 2019 THEATRE IN TOPEKA. CHECK OUT THESE EXCEPTIONAL THEATRICAL WORKS ON STAGE. compiled by Rebecca Radziejeski

IN THE HEIGHTS

CURTAINS

COPPÉLIA

MARCH 1 - 30 | TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE

APRIL 5 - 14 | WASHBURN UNIVERSITY THEATRE

APRIL 13 + 14 | TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

This four-time Tony Award winning musical (with music and lyrics by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda) invites you to share in the lives of three generations of DominicanAmericans living in NYC as they choose between tradition and their future.

This musical comedy is a parody of 1950s "whodunnit" theatre mysteries. Detective Lieutenant Frank Cioffi investigates a series of murders that take place on the set of the cowboy musical, Robbin' Hood, where the cast and crew are all suspects.

Ballet Midwest presents the whimsical tale of an eccentric inventor, life-sized dancing dolls, crafty impersonation, and true love.

AN EVENING WITH

THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP

Hunter, Susan, Heidi + Jeff - Benefit Fundraiser

MARCH 7 - 9 | AD ASTRA THEATRE ENSEMBLE | JAYHAWK THEATRE A cabaret-style fundraiser for the Jayhawk featuring a reunion of the full original 2012 cast of [title of show] to perform a night of music from both [title of show] and their newest production, "Now.Here.This."

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME MARCH 8 - 17 | HELEN HOCKER THEATER This powerful drama based on the novel by Mark Haddon follows 15-year-old Christopher, a boy with an exceptional brain and an aversion to social interaction, as he attempts to solve the mystery of his neighbor’s dog’s untimely death.

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS MARCH 15 | TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The “ultimate Beatles tribute band” returns to Topeka for a concert sponsored by Advisors Excel to benefit youth programming and outreach at TPAC.

APRIL 19 + 21 | TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE

APRIL 5 - 14 | TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE ACADEMY TCT’s Academy kids bring to life classic literary characters in this magical new play. Under cover of night, the characters from the used bookstore’s wares come alive and long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store.

Based upon the book "Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl," TCT, directed by Doug Goheen, presents the renowned tale of survival, persecution, the ubiquitous uncertainty of adolescence, and the tenacity of clinging to humanity in an inhumane world.

SHE LOVES ME APRIL 26 - MAY 11 | HELEN HOCKER THEATER

LAUGH LINES APRIL 5 + 6 | TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE Topeka’s very own improvisational comedy company is back on stage with interactive games, musical stylings, and original sketches for your irreverent enjoyment.

ENCORE

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

This delightful classic has had many iterations since 1937 when it premiered as Parfumerie: The Shop Around the Corner, In The Good Old Summertime, and - perhaps more helpfully to our demographic - You’ve Got Mail. It’s the story of perfume shop employees Georg and Amalia who fall in love via anonymous letters while being far from amorous at work.

ALL-FEMALE VERSION OF SHAKESPEARE'S "TWELFTH NIGHT" MAY 3 - 5 | JAYHAWK THEATRE | JOINT PRODUCTION PRODUCED BY TCT+ AD ASTRA

Auditions for an all-female version of Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" as a fundraiser for the Jayhawk Theatre are 23 March at Topeka Civic Theatre.

#785 ART + MUSIC

Calvin Arsenia is defying genre with his refined eclectic sound and transparent song writing.

HEADS IN THE CLOUDS

Featured artist 2019 ARTYParty

Calvin has consistently delivered genre-bending (and gender-bending) shows that tackle sexuality, religion, and race in a stunningly unorthodox manner. Somewhere between sacred and sacrilege, you’ll find Calvin furiously plucking away at his harp, questioning subject matter that rarely makes it to the stage. It’s this tender approach to songs that has won audiences over, sometimes on the spot, time and time again.

- Fally Afani, 2018

"I FEEL THAT EVERY STORY AND LIFE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD AND UNDERSTOOD."

"ISSUES OF RACE, CLASS, AND SEXUALITY SHOULD NOT EVER DIMINISH THE VALUE OF A LIFE.

WE GAIN A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD WHEN WE ADOPT AND INCORPORATE

THE VIEWS AND PERSPECTIVES OF PEOPLE."

C

alvin Arsenia is an internationally touring artist defying genre with a refined eclectic sound. He captivates audiences at his performances with unrestrained vulnerability and gravitas. Arsenia is a must see live. The raw lyricism expressed in his music rises the occasion from stage to the spiritual realm. A testament to the artist’s ability to emote and convey sincerity. Transparency is truly is his policy.

Arsenia is a gifted singer/songwriter raised in Kansas – adept at merging pop conventions, indie-soul, folk, jazz and classical music seamlessly. As a classically trained vocalist, harpist and multi-instrumentalist, moments on stage elevate from the mundane to the surreal as each emotional experience is invoked through song. His unique arrangements, deep sensuality and lyrical wit places his sound at the forefront of what music can offer us today.

Each album released recants the concept of what is modern and classical with increased captivation. From his debut album Prose and sophomore release Catastrophe, Arsenia has built an international fan base from Canada to the UK. His latest album "Cantaloupe" chronicles the journey a man in love takes through the barriers and boundaries of intimacy and romance. These are

ARTYPARTY APRIL 20 @ Dillon House

a benefit for ARTSConnect Topeka Party for a Cause featuring international artist Calvin Arsenia plus luscious treats, cocktails, beer and wine - all included with your ticket.

Illuminated attire encourage.

TICKETS: $25 and up ArtsConnectTopeka.org

love songs in every sense of the word and are filled with every sensation love stirs. “Headlights” examines the fleeting nature of love. Songs like “Poseidon” and the titular track “Cantaloupe” ruminate on infidelity and marriage. His stunning rendition of Britney Spears’ pop hit “Toxic” intensifies the lyrical context of the song and is an absolute must hear.

Calvin Arsenia will perform a benefit concert at the Dillon House on Saturday, April 20 at 7p. You can purchase tickets to “Arty Party: Heads in the Clouds” now.

Tickets are $45 and a limited number of reserved tables and other sponsorships are available starting at $500. Please contact Sarah at sarah@ artsconnecttopeka.org or 380.7890 for more information. Tickets are $45, but if you create a recurring donation of $10/mo or more, your ticket will only cost $25. All proceeds from this event benefit ARTSConnect.

“You don’t want to miss this performance. Topeka has high expectations when it comes to the performing arts and this event will push that bar even higher,” said Sarah Fizell, executive director of ARTSConnect. “It’s a rare chance to see him in such an intimate setting – and just in time as he prepares to embark on a national tour in May. Plus, we will be kicking off a recurring giving campaign and so we will also be raising funds that will sustain and support ARTSConnect into the future.” aseveneightfive

by Huascar Medina // photo provided by Calvin Arsenia

MOTIVE TO MISSION

O

n a very cold day in March of last year, I was a volunteer in Project Forward, a city-wide gathering at Hillcrest Community Center meant to raise awareness of youth-oriented programs. One of the biggest reasons I participated that day was because of its location at Hillcrest where I grew up just a few blocks south on Virginia Ave. The Highland Park area was, at the time, rather underserved when it came to things like after-school programs and summer activities. Today, the East Topeka Learning Center and Project Forward are changing that. Another reason I was excited to participate was the event’s organizer, SJ Hazim.

I was first introduced to SJ years ago through a mutual friend, who recommended we work on music together. SJ was known to me as an iconic local musician, responsible for inspiring much of today’s Topeka rap scene.

Back when we first met, he was still working on his own musical endeavors, and starting to lead the much younger talent around him. The thing that struck me most with SJ, was that he is always looking out for the youth - which included myself. All of his efforts to help youth through music spilled over into what is now Project Forward, a massive push to raise awareness for programs that continue to provide for the next generation of dreamers and doers.

As an adult, I myself have taken many opportunities to volunteer for youth based programs, but Hazim goes above and beyond the efforts of most, by bridging the gap between the motive and the mission. Through his countless hours of attending meetings, sitting on committees, and raising awareness, the end result is the focused and organized aim of Project Forward.

PROJECT FORWARD

by Tobias Harvey | CULT // CreateUpLift

ProjectForwardTopCity.com

"Project Forward is an innovative way for mentorship recruitment and raising money for the not-for-profits the program is partnered with," Hazim described. The program aims to change the fabric of the community by finding other leaders like himself, and giving them the resources to become mentors across a variety of subjects. Project Forward highlights other organizations such as The Boys + Girls Club, SENT Topeka, AIM5, United Way and Topeka Metro. The first public event will be the annual Bridge to Bridge 5K on April 13.

Receiving support from the city and its larger ‘Momentum 2022’ program as well, Hazim aims to bring more community pride and engagement out of Topeka. When I asked Hazim what his motivation was to start Project Forward, he simply said he had the "gift of bringing people together."

Project Forward exemplifies this not just by bringing people together, but bringing entire organizations together so they can work more cohesively towards a common goal. Not limited by location, Project Forward is a citywide initiative that aims to put all of our neighborhoods and districts on the same page as well.

Aside from having considerably more grey hairs in his beard than I remember, there isn’t much different about Hazim today from when I first met him. His motive has always been genuinely about helping other people, especially when it comes to the youth. While Project Forward is technically just one year old, it is undoubtedly the result of a lifetime effort from people like Hazim who are ready to see Topeka be at its best. aseveneightfive

KNOW S Great Live Entertainment

420 SE 6th Ave | Ramada Downtown Topeka

WOMEN WHO ROCK seveneightfive magazine's sixth annual Top City Ladies / Women Who Rock issue is filled with many amazing woman who are rockin' Topeka day-in and day-out. Whether it’s helping our neighbors, providing great food, art and entertainment or carrying on traditions and community culture. We are humbled to have the opportunity to celebrate and share their stories.

Since 2013 Women Who Rock

FEATURING

64

ROCKIN' LADIES

UncleBos.com For Upcoming Events, Tickets & More!

MARCH 9: Kris Lager Band MARCH 30: Chance Encounter APRIL 5: Zack Mufasa Band APRIL 6: Page 7 APRIL 13: The Instamatics APRIL 26: Americana-Na w/Lori Jo MAY 18: Peter Karp

Sheyvette Dinkens Women Empowerment Martha Bartlett Piland Kelly + Toni Vanderpool Nikki Sloup Jennifer Goetz Poca Kim Kelly Dempewolf Shana Cake Jennifer Pacha Christine Lopez Tammi Lopez Sarah Burtch Noami Kelley Ashley Young Michelle Leivan Jennifer Falley Sylverina Norman Annette Billings Siony Reyes Christina Turner Angie Kearney Wyndi Senogles Charlene Matheny Tess + Maria Cuevas Grace Brown

Zoe Schuman Jam4Justice 9 Marlena Addison Martha Herrick Renelle Aytes Ellie Smith Eva Kathryn Rachel Louise Taylor Marjorye Heeney Barbara Waterman-Peters Lois VanLiew Melanie Burdick Chris Grandmontagne Ginger Park Kacy Simonsen Cap City NOW Kymm Hughes Jamie Hornbaker Ronnie Wooten Jancy Pettit Carrie Proffitt Gale Nation Tara Wallace Christina Valdivia-Alcala Dorothy Thomas School of Dance

#785 LIVE women who rock

SERENDIPITOUS ENCOUNTERS. ARTISTS + WELLNESS

BRENDA BLACKMAN POWER AND SERVICE ARE OFTEN INDISTINGUISHABLE TO THE UNTRAINED EYE, AND THIS WOMAN IS AN INSPIRING EXAMPLE OF A LIFE OF SERVICE, DEDICATING HER INEXPLICABLY INEXHAUSTIBLE ENERGY TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE AROUND HER. -ABOUT BRENDA BLACKMAN

THE NUTS + BOLTS To follow AWE and their ongoing efforts to support local artists in times of need, visit FACEBOOK Artist's Wellness Endowment EMAIL artistswellnessendowment@gmail.com

I first met Brenda Blackman in a serendipitous encounter in a gymnasium locker room on Washburn University’s campus in 2008. I overheard her talking about the dearth of stage managers in the theatre department at that time, and from the anonymity of a toilet stall I offered into the room, “I’m a stage manager.” Without skipping a beat, she replied to this faceless candidate, “Good. Go to the office in Garvey and tell them you want to take a show this season.” So I did. As the two resident stage managers, we quickly realized we had two options moving forward: compete for shows, or collaborate to help each other and the department. We chose the latter. Thus began my term with the WU theatre department, but more importantly, my friendship with this amazing woman.

sudden medical challenges that imposed daunting financial burdens at a time when he was unable to work. Members of the NE KS theatre community came together and determined to hold a fundraiser to help offset those costs. Sally Glassman conceived of the idea, gathered community members Kelly and Sheri Rippel, Karen Bartlett, and Brenda, and together they formed the group that would become Artist’s Wellness Endowment. Brenda is now the Board President of Artist’s Wellness Endowment, which attained 501c3 nonprofit status in January 2017. As part of their efforts for Scroggins, AWE organized the Scroggie and Friends benefit concert with silent auction at the Doug P. Goheen Theatre at Topeka West High School, partnered with Glory Days Pizza, and held Karaoke for a Cause at the Legendary Boobie Trap Bar and the Brass Rail, raising thousands of tax-exempt dollars to go directly toward Scroggins' exorbitant medical costs.

This is all on top of her day job, which is awe-inspiring in its own right. She designed and runs a program for students with EBD - emotional and behavioral disorders - at Robinson Middle School in USD 501. It began as a liaison program with Capital City School to try to help keep students in their home schools and limit the number of referrals to a specialized program such as Cap City, and grew into a full time position. Every day, Brenda faces the challenges of poverty, disability, and instability with her students, dedicating herself to empowering them and providing them with the academic, emotional, and material support they require to continue their education in a conventional learning environment alongside their peers. In addition to her enormous contributions throughout the school day, she works after hours running a performing arts group for the after school program as a part of the 21st Century Learning Grant. She’s secretary for NEATopeka, an Association Representative for her building, and a KNEA State Representative Assembly delegate. She is also on the school improvement team, helps with the Harvesters BackSnack program, serves on the district mental health committee, and is a certified Mandt System trainer. She started to explain to me about the Tier-II intervention work she does, but frankly, I became concerned about our word count.

Artist’s Wellness Endowment opened its nonprofit status to singer and actor (and my favorite Jean Valjean portrayer) Daniel Lassley in 2018, when he incurred unexpected medical expenses following a rare spinal stroke in one of his cervical vertebrae. As of January of this year, AWE has opened its Square Store to raise funds for local artist Wendy Long following her cancer diagnosis, and is in the process of organizing an art auction fundraiser for her at Norseman Brewing Company in NOTO on March 9. AWE will also be working with local artist Skye Reid to organize a cabaret fundraiser for Wendy in Lawrence in late March.

She has always been impressive, but the most recent endeavor she’s embarked on is the reason this story needed to be told. In 2017, local artist and performer David Scroggins was met with

Brenda executes this impressive resume without batting an eye.

“I never thought I’d be running a nonprofit that changes people’s lives,” she reflected recently. “I don’t really do anything, you know?

I just do the paperwork; it’s the people in the community, the ones who share and donate and give so much, they’re the ones that really make it happen.” This humility is characteristic of Brenda, and, I would posit, the source of the strength that enables her to accomplish so much on behalf of others.

It’s easy to see Brenda as a force of nature, a powerful persona influencing organizations throughout the community. But power and service are often indistinguishable to the untrained eye, and this woman is an inspiring example of a life of service, dedicating her inexplicably inexhaustible energy to improving the lives of the people around her. aseveneightfive

by Rebecca Radziejeski // photo by Amber Farmer

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ince the moment I met her, I have never known Brenda to be involved in fewer than ten projects at any given time. She graduated from Washburn with two degrees, in English Education and Theatre, and completed her Masters in Adaptive Special Education in 2015. She has taught classes at the Sheffel Theatre Clinic as well as Topeka Civic Theatre’s summer tech camps, crewed and stage managed productions at TCT and Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble, recruited and organized volunteers for Helen Hocker Theater’s Project Terror: A Haunted House Experience since its inception, and volunteered with Silverbackks’ Silver Sparkle and Uplifting Women Expo. She is currently production manager for Roaring Rat Films, personnel manager for Jinxed Productions, the stage manager for TCT’s production of "The Fox on the Fairway," and the newest member of Ronald McDonald House’s Red Shoe Crew.

Members of the Washburn women's physical education department in 1967.

Pictured from left to right Helen Hocker, Jan Nuzman, Ruth Worley, Phylis Dorman, Shelley Ford, Peg Marmet, Elaine Brady. Photo from The Kaw, 1968

FROM THE GROUND UP

50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S SPORTS AT WASHBURN UNIVERSITY Patty Dick has been building women's sports since elementary school. When she found out boys were able to play basketball during lunch, she asked the principal if the girls could also put together a team. "That ruined me for life, because he said yes, and I just assumed from there on out that everything was going to be that easy."

by Sarah Towle // stowle@wualumni.org // images provided "From the Ground Up: Women's sports at Washburn celebrate 50 years" originally published Winter 2019, "The Ichabod"

IN WASHBURN UNIVERSITY HISTORY Basketball was first organized by women in 1901. Records are not complete but according to yearbooks, they played several colleges in 1903-04 and 1904-05. In the fall of 1905 the faculty declared that they could not play out of town. They tried again in 1910, playing against Emporia, Fairmount and Topeka High, but that was the last year until 1969 when women began competing inter-collegiately again. Men’s basketball started with the 1905-06 team.

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Women’s tennis, basketball, softball and volleyball date back to 1969-70, when Washburn finally decided to apply equal opportunity to athletics.

To her credit, this occurred several years before Title IX passed and it became the law.

"Washburn University History"

by Martha Imparato

atty Dick was no stranger to organizing girls' sports early on, but it was her determination along with many other women that set the pathway for women's sports today at Washburn University.

She, along with female sports legends - Helen Hocker, Peg Marmer and Jan Nuzman - were early advocates and coaches for women's sports at Washburn University.

Paul Marmet, husband to Peg Marmet who passed away in 2012, said it was the women's determination to do a good job and their competitive spirit that kept women's athletics going. Peg was the first coach to win a conference championship when Washburn joined the MIAA, and she coached men's and women's tennis for more than two decades.

Patty played for Nuzman and was under the leadership of Hocker and Marmet while a faculty member in the women's physical education department. Along with female coaches around the nation, they faced obstacles to growing and sustaining women's athletic programs.

Joy Skeens, Washburn bs ' 85, who played softball and basketball, is excited to join former players and boosters to celebrate women's athletics. She remarked that the level of competition has increased dramatically and there are a lot of new opportunities for female athletes, all because of coaches who have continued to push players to be their best over the years.

"I really liked to play, and I wanted to give others the opportunities I didn't have," Dick said. "We found people to play on the teams who were already going to Washburn to get an education. I had to recruit on good luck and charm, because we didn't have scholarship money."

She and the other coaches were educators first and coaches second, but still worked around the clock to schedule their own games and matches, find people to work them, and get the athletes to and from the games. In 1983, Dick was able to offer her first full-ride scholarship to female basketball player.

Carl Nuzman, husband of Jan Nuzman, who passed away in 2014, recalled the work the women did just so women could play. He said before they were associated with conferences, area physical education instructors would arrange to play each other on Saturdays. Bake sales were held for the team's out-of-pocket expenses and personal cars were used for transportation.

"Jan had a volleyball team that won of KU, K-State, Mount St. Scholastica, Emporia State and one or two other small colleges that was the equivalent of a women's state volleyball championship, but there was no audience or media coverage in those days to help them celebrate," he said.

Dick specifically remembers the year she has three fullride scholarships to award. Her team also won its first conference championship that year, and she was able to prove to the administration that the more scholarship money she provided the more the team could accomplish.

"She enjoyed her teaching and coaching at Washburn very much, and I think the biggest thing I would say is that she was able to do it because she had discipline," he said. "The coaching part came natural to her and very few people have that ability."

"Dick was such a great coach, she set high expectations and she was tough," Skeens said.

"She knew your potential, and she made sure you played up to it."

Dick wants current athletes to reflect on how far collegiate women's sports has progressed since starting 50 years ago.

"I'm so proud of the women they have become," Dick said. "It was worth all of the battles to see them go on and coach other teams, and many have even gone on to own their own businesses or are now coaching." aseveneightfive

It Takes A Village, People.

COLLECTIVE Collective action is the most enduring catalyst for making on a large scale. Collective giving is the most positive GIVING change iteration of that type of action.

by William L. Domme

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Learn more at WomensFundTopeka.org

he Women’s Fund in Topeka exemplifies how collective giving can be a powerful catalyst for significant change. Now in it's 14th year, The Women's Fund promotes women's leadership in philanthropy, works to increase charitable contributions and strengthen their value through collective giving and encourages a new generation of philanthropists. To date, the group has granted over a half million dollars to area programs that improve the lives of women and children in our community.

The group currently grants funds to programs that strengthen the economic well-being of women and children in Topeka and Shawnee County through financial literacy; integrate science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in out-of-school programs aimed to improve academic performance; and to mental health programs/projects which serve children in Shawnee County. In 2018 The Women’s Fund awarded $45,000 to 11 organizations. The 2019 grant recipients will be announced at The Women’s Fund Annual Luncheon on April 24, 2019.

"By giving as a group, we as donors are able to achieve a greater impact than we could alone," said Jana Barry, president of The Women's Fund board of directors. "Through our collective giving we have a higher level of engagement and can make significant contributions to a greater number of organizations."

Encouraging a new generation of philanthropists, The Women’s Fund’s iGive U program is designed to help families who are capable of giving time, talent, or money to develop their own personal family charitable agenda by identifying their own areas of social concern and then developing a plan to utilize their abilities to help improve those parts of the community. iGive U sessions are free and focus on kids eight to 13 years, alongside their parents, to learn the value of charitable giving.

As a donor-advised fund with more than 350 contributing members housed under the Topeka Community Foundation, the group designates half of each dollar contributed for grants, while the other half is held in endowment, ensuring the fund will be sustained in perpetuity. A competitive grant application process is used to select grant recipients and all members of The Women’s Fund vote to determine which organizations will receive funds.

The Women’s Fund is committed to supporting groundbreaking solutions to complex problems facing women and children. All women interested in becoming philanthropists through the power of collective giving are invited to join. Learn more at www.womensfundtopeka.org. aseveneightfive

TO PROMOTE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP IN PHILANTHROPY,

INCREASE CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND STRENGTHEN THEIR VALUE THROUGH COLLECTIVE GIVING, AND ENCOURAGE

A NEW GENERATION OF PHILANTHROPISTS. -MISSION OF THE WOMEN'S FUND OF TOPEKA

#785 LIVE WOMEN WHO ROCK

"Bringing burlesque to Topeka has been such a gift to my soul.

The self-acceptance and open mindedness she and Hot In Topeka represents is uplifting.

Women of Topeka are lucky to have her!

"She is changing peoples lives by providing them an outlet where they can be themeselves 100 percent."

"It is important to have a place where you can feel empowered and welcomed by others who have the same positive outlook and won't judge based on looks, gender, sexuality or race."

"She is one of the most fearless, hard-working women I know."

"Ashley is promoting equality and acceptance and having fun while doing it."

"She creates a safe enviornment to celebrate all body types, races and genders. Her drive, character and unwavering inclusion makes her...a Woman Who Rocks!"

Hot inTopeka

by Huascar Medina // photos by Mandy Daniels

Hot inTopeka

H

ot in Topeka is a burlesque and variety show from the creative mind of Ashley Wallace. Conceived in June 2017, Hot in Topeka has produced nine shows to date. "It's a theatrical event," said Ashely. "You sit down, have drinks, there's an emcee, an intermission, the whole enchilada. We feature talented performers from all over, but most folks are from Kansas or Missouri - not just burlesque, though. We've had vocalists, musicians, a rapper, a stuntwoman, comedians, hoopers, poets, you name it."

It is not Moulin Rouge. It is not a strip club. A quick Google search defines burlesque as "an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody’. The word itself derives from the Italian word ‘burlesco’, from ‘burla’ meaning a joke or mockery. "I’ll admit, I haven’t done as much research as I would like to say I have," said Ashley, "but my understanding is that during the Victorian era, it was in fact a joke, making fun of uppity upper-class folks, what with their fancy gloves and such. It’s definitely evolved since then – I can’t explain it much more other than a physical, personal, theatrical performance, full of human emotion, and usually involves the removal of clothing. Other than that, you really just have to see it for yourself."

Ashley was introduced to burlesque in 2015 at the Kansas Burlesque Festival.

"I had no idea what to expect, but I immediately fell in love. In the audience I sat in awe of the costumes, the glitter, the glamour, the talent, and the attention these women were getting. We clapped and applauded and hollered – and these women all had ‘normal’ bodies. I specifically remember watching a performer who had a fair amount of cellulite, something I had myself (still do) and was insecure about at the time. I remember seeing it jiggle back and forth as she moved across the stage. No one in the audience cared. I quickly realized it wasn’t about the cellulite or whether or not she had a flat stomach.

It was about the art, the performance, the visceral beauty of it all."

So, I fell in love, and said to myself, ‘Wow. I want to do this. I’m going to do this.’ By the time the festival had come back for a second run in 2016, I was asked to be a stage kitten and was totally up for it. I discussed it with my husband at the time, and we decided it probably wasn’t the best look. What if people from work saw me? So, I was bummed but still attended the show and had a great time, again, feeling the adoration grow inside me. Later that year, we decided to end our marriage. It was the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life. But, also the greatest thing to happen to me. I was free. I could do burlesque, I could die my hair green, I could do whatever the hell I wanted to do! And that is exactly what I did! I moved into a cool new loft, I planned a trip to Mexico, and I started attending burlesque classes in Kansas City. By the end of November, our class had a student showcase. My instructor/burlesque mama Eartha Delights let me borrow a sparkly red dress and red gloves. She made me practice for like three hours the night before. I was uncoordinated and had two left feet. The performance was pretty bad: I couldn’t get things unbuttoned, one of my pasties flew off, it was a hot mess. yet I still felt amazing and couldn’t wait to do it again.

I want to share something that rings true in many areas of my life, not just burlesque. Something that my ex-husband and I used to say all the time: ‘You’ll never know if you don’t ask.’ Just try it! Just ask. What’s the worst they can say/that can happen? No? Oh well. If you never ask, you’ll never know.

For me, burlesque has been a blessing in so many ways. I am currently the happiest I can ever remember being. I have an amazing, creative partner who supports me in everything I do. What if I had never brought up the idea of a divorce? What if I had never taken control of my life and said, ‘this is how I want to live my life.’ What the hell kind of boring ass shit would I be doing right now? aseveneightfive

by Huascar Medina // photos by Mandy Daniels

“Trust me, you can dance.”

-Alcohol

Fun little factoid – burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee first got her start in a vaudeville act at the Jayhawk back in the 1920s, paving the way for performers.

WHAT MAKES BURLESQUE UNIQUE?

Live Music • Friday & Saturday Karaoke • Sunday & Monday Open at 7am • Close at 2am 600 NW Paramore - 785-232-5511

Burlesque is unique in that, as an individual performer, I have complete control over what I do. I control what song I choose, what costume I wear, what story I want to tell. I control how much I get paid, how far I’m willing to travel, how I remove the costume, how I want to be seen or not seen. Every performer, every act, is different from the next. And guess what? Nothing is off-limits. You want to dress up as the cookie monster? That’s cool. You want to saunter across the stage in nothing but a huge boa? Also cool. You want to create a super serious act to help process your own personal trauma? That is amazing. The only limits are the corners of your own imagination.

Annie Cherry is someone I really look up to, and also one of the first performers I idolized from the festivals. She’s summed it up nicely by stating,

" "You can be who you want to be, and you can do what you want to do, as long as you're fucking entertaining."

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE GO TO A HOT IN TOPEKA SHOW?

To laugh, cry, celebrate, and be entertained. The entertainment isn’t all, though. I believe that art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed. If you find yourself in the audience feeling disturbed by the art in front of you, I challenge you to ask yourself ‘Why do I feel this way?’ By the end of the night, you’ll feel right at home. With each show, my goal is to celebrate body positivity and empower others. Folks of every color, size, religion, age, gender identities and expressions are getting up on stage and bearing it all – not necessarily for the paycheck, but for the sake of art and self-expression.

What are you most proud of? Myself.

Who do you confide in the most? My partner, Tobias.

What do you admire about Anastacia Vulgar? She isn’t scared of anybody or anything.

What separates you from Anastacia? Not much; she is an extension of myself, just with more confidence, rhinestones, and glitter.

How do you define beauty? A Big Mac, extra slice of cheese, no onions, no pickles. Powerade for the drink.

Does beauty lie in the eye of the beholder? No, because that would imply, I am only beautiful if someone sees me and thinks I’m beautiful. I already know that I am beautiful.

What would you say to someone who’s never been told they are beautiful? YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL. And you always have been.

Do no harm but take no shit.

#785 LIVE WOMEN WHO ROCK

MADRE, WIFE, HERMANA + ENTREPRENEUR FOR 21 YEARS

VERONICA CRUZ

by Teresa Hernandez + Kerrice Mapes photo by Marcelino Gonzalez III, Create/Uplift

Veronica Cruz was born in Durango, Mexico and moved to California when she was eight. It was there that she meet and married her husband Armando. The couple moved to Topeka in 1994 deciding that this was a good place to raise their children and provide a better education.

Armando worked at Rosa’s (closed in 2008) and became involved with the community. “We use to host dances at the Expocentre in Ag Hall,” said Veronica. “It was actually there I starting making tacos,” she continued, and the idea for Tacos El Mexicano was born.

Located at 2002 SE California Ave, the restaurant began with a mere four tables and a small kitchen but expanded to encompass the entire building a few years later. In 2000 they began serving breakfast, to accommodate travelers on Los Paisano Autobuses, a service for people traveling to and from Mexico City. (Tacos El Mexicano was the only place to sell tickets before the depot at 200 SE 3rd St.)

When asked if she would do it all over again, knowing what she knows now, Veronica with a slight pause, smiled and said “Yes. I”m used to being my own owner.”

Being an owner comes with its up and downs and Veronica is no stranger to that. Throughout the past 21 years of business she has looked at expansion, opening a location in Emporia without success, changed the status of ownership from two family partners to themselves and felt the pressures of meeting changing community desires like participating in Taco Tuesdays and whether or not to sell alcohol. At the end of the day, Veronica stays true to her roots and vision. “We have such loyal customers,” she explained, "it's what keeps us going. We can’t be a minute late on Sunday, because rain or shine we have a group that is here right at 9am after church.”

Tacos El Mexicano is planted in their location, in their menu and in providing exemplary customer service. When something works it works and we thank you Armando, Veronica and the entire crew for working hard to keep the flavors alive and enhancing the cultural makeup of our city. aseveneightfive

It's hard being a women and working and having kids. There never is enough time. But strong women work hard and learn to do what you have to do. You can't depend on anyone."

"Es dificil ser mujer, trabajar y criar niños. Nunca hay tiempo suficiente, pero mujers fuertes trabajan duro y aprenden hace lo necesario para sobrevivir. Nunca puedes depender de nadie.

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l Paisaje de restaurantes mexicano siempre esta cambiando en Topeka como la variedad de salsa y suestilo de comida. Para un restaurante tener éxito por 21 años en el mismo lugar es un honor.

Tacos el Mexicano es uno de esos lugares con una mjer detras de su éxito.

Veronica Cruz nacio en Durango, Mexico y se mudo a California a la edad de ocho años. En California, fue donde Veronica conocio a su esposa Armando. en 1994 decidieron mudarse a Topeka para pader darle a sus hijos un mejor estilo de vida y education. Armandao trabajo en el restaurante Rosa's (cierro en 2008) y se envolucro en la comunidad.

"Nosotros haciamos bailes en el Expocentre in Ag Hall y ahi fue donde empese a vender tacos" luego nacio el sueño de Tacos El Mexicano.

Localizado en la 2002 SE California, el restaurante abrio sus puertas con ter solo cuatro mesas. Luego expandieron y añadieron mas mesas para poder sostener el trafico del desayuno (Empesaron a servir desayuno) y los que viajaban en Los Paisano Autobuses hacia Mexico. (Tacos el Mexicano era el unico lugar donde padias comprar boletos para el Autobus.)

"Es dificil ser mujer, trabajar y criar niños" dice Veronica. "Nunca hay tiemp suficiente, pero mujers fuertes trabajan duro y aprenden hace lo necesario para sobrevivir. Nunca puedes depender de nadie."

Tomando su etica laboral y cultura Oaxaca. Tacos el Mexicano es un resturante casual con estila de California y fanaticada de cliente fiel.

Cuando le pregunte sobre la comida mas solicitada del menu ella rapido Mexicano el taco de carne asada, tacos al Pastor pera "se entusiasmo cuando hablo de las tacos de pollo diciend nuestros tacos de pollo. A la vez que los puelos, no vaz a pader combiar."

Cuando se le pregunto, "¿Sabiendo los que sabes ahora, 10 harías de nuevo?" Veronica tomo un momento de silencis y com una sonrisa respondio "Si! Estoy muy acostumbrada hacer mi propia Jefa."

Siendo dueña de un restaurante tiene sus buenas y malas y Veronica lo sobre vivio. Con 21 años de propetaria Veronica expandio su resturante, abro un segundo negocia sin exito y adapto a los cambios de la comunidad.

Al final de todo Veronica permanecio fija en sus suenos. "Mia clientes son los que le tengo que agradecer por mi exito, ellos son los que me hacen sigir adelante. Los Domingo no podemos luegar tarde porque depues del culto. Un grup llega a resturante a los 9a en punto."

Tacos el Mexicano permanocera en el mismo lugar continuaran sirviendo comida delíciosa y servicio al cliente ejemplar. Cuando algo funciona, funciona y te damos lag gracias Armando, Veronica y los empleados por trabajar duro, manten er el sabor y cultura vivo en nuestra civdad a traves de la comida. aseveneightfive

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“It’s hard being a women and working and having kids,” said Veronica.

“There never is enough time. But strong women work hard and learn to do what you have to do,” she continued. “You can’t depend on anyone.”

Taking her strong work ethic and some Oaxaca flavors from her roots, Tacos El Mexicano is a California-style, fast-casual Mexican restaurant with droves of raving, loyal costumers. When asked some of her go-to items on the menu she pointed out the carna asade tacos and tacos el pastor, but the raved, “our chicken tacos. Once you have them, you’ll never change.”

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T

he Topeka restaurant landscape is ever changing and in the cuisine niche of Mexican restaurants, the abundance of choices is as varied as their flavors of salsa. For a restaurant to be thriving in the same location 21 years later is a feat on its own merit. Tacos El Mexicano is one of those places with a rockin’ lady behind the food and success.

COMING

SOON

(785) 235-1700 | RowHouseRestaurant.net

#785 WWR SPECIAL

Michael Fiedler's

WORKING JOURNAL A photographic and handwritten documentary of the jobs, professions and endeavors that shape our connectivity to the people and the world around us.

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ichael Fiedler's "Working Journal" is a unique black and white "coffee table book" featuring people in their world and with their unique stories. Nothing too unique or niche, you might think off hand, on the contrary, the journalistic photography in his documentary style is produced in black-and-white from Michael shadowing the subject at their work place. Just an ordinary day. The story, is their story in their handwriting. The marriage of the image and personal storytelling creates a moving, touching and truly collective work of art. Remembering that simple things in life, that make-up who we are, are universal regardless of geographical lines or profession.

Reading the stories, you find the same passion for a baker as a truck driver. On a visit to Topeka last December, seveneightfive had the privilege of working with Michael for a week to capture some of our own local flavor. Subjects featured in "Working Journal" include Matthew Porubsky, Antwayn Hopper and two Women Who Rock: Debra Mapes and Marni Schleuning. Read Debra and Marni's stories on the following pages and go to @MJFielderArt to read others. aseveneightfive

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A photographic and handwritten documentary of the jobs, professions and endeavors that shape our connectivity to the people and the world around us by Michael Fielder. @mjfiedlerart [above] Antwayn Hopper, actor [below] Matthew Porubsky, railroader / poet. Read their stories at seveneightfive.com and follow @mjfiedlerart on Instagram

I

Marni

SCHLEUNING BARTENDER

am a bartender. I make drinks… and then some. It can be tedious and exhausting at times. Very few jobs are the same but different every day filled with familiar faces and several strangers looking for a friendly face. My love for it started when I was little, climbing up on a stepstool to make drinks for my uncle’s and entertaining the crowd.

I loved it and was hooked. Over the past 20 years I’ve worked, ran and owned many bars throughout the US. I have met many unique, wonderful people, famous and not so much.

I get up every day, excited to go to my job. How many people can say that? I’ve changed lives and the lives have changed me. My job isn’t just a job, it’s a part of someone’s life. I’ve watched families grow, and disintegrate over time. I’ve been in the middle of fights over nothing and broke them up before they could start. I’ve been thanked for the life changing advice I didn’t know I gave. I’ve held a new born babies of people I hardly know, and I have hugged people goodbye for the last time. My job on a daily basis teaches me and the people in the bar that we really are all the same. We all have the same basic need to be accepted and loved. I was meant to be a part of people’s lives. Every day I try to make a difference to someone by just being me, and every day I get that back from the people that make up my job. Being a bartender is not for everyone. But the right bartender can be everything for everyone. I love my job and I love my life. I’m grateful for it every day.

Everyone can make a difference every day if you let them. Hug someone every day and don’t take people or life for granted. Life is what you make it.“ aseveneightfive

"EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY IF YOU LET THEM." -MARNI SCHLEUNING, "WORKING JOURNAL" by MICHAEL FIELDER

#785 Women Who Rock

"WORKING JOURNAL" by MICHAEL FIELDER

Debra MAPES CATTLE FARMER

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y job is to be a good steward of the gifts I’ve been given. First, the gift of family, caring for an aging parent, children and grandchildren. Second, managing the land, property and livestock. My great grandparents, parents and grandparents must have enjoyed the daily blessings as much as I do. My passion is caring for livestock. So is it a job when you love what you do? I manage crop ground, mostly growing soybeans, some corn, wheat and alfalfa.

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"MY JOB IS TO BE A GOOD STEWARD OF THE GIFTS I'VE BEEN GIVEN." -DEBRA MAPES,

My favorite time of the year is putting up hay, swathing, raking, bailing and stacking. This time of year is busy with chores and feeding livestock and breaking ice. Soon, it will be time for calving season. Watching to see if anything has trouble and getting the help needed to save the calf and cow. The miracle of life is a blessing. I am learning what round -to-it’s are. There are many things on a to do list to keep busy, fixing fence, building fence, cutting trees, spraying thissles and weeds. I know my family and neighbors benefit from the garden and home raised beef.

My ranch is small, but I know I’m helping to get quality products to others. There are very few days off on a farm. Hard work, sweat and tears.

Every day I am blessed. The miracles I see, the first spring flowers, Summers heat, Falls beauty and Winters glitter. My daughters quote- ‘If it was easy, everyone would do it.’ And I agree.... I feel good to lay down at the end of a day. aseveneightfive

#785 LIVE Women Who Rock

Sarah Fizell

ARTIST PATH BREAKING ART BARRIERS; TURNING WALLS INTO COMMUNITY WORKS OF ART

by Tobias Harvey // CULT | selfie provided by Jason Fizell

When I first met Sarah toward the end of 2015, I was in the beginning stages of building a marketing agency that helped businesses navigate social media. Oddly enough, the first time I met her was in that same coffee shop I just described earlier, the Classic Bean, now in the heart of a rejuvenated downtown Topeka. At the beginning of 2016, ARTSConnect became our first client, and the small amount of money we received helped start a company that now has enabled me to quit my day job, and create other jobs for creatives like me. Sometimes I wonder if Sarah knows how much her belief in me meant back then, and how that belief has spread into what my business is today.

Late nights and early mornings come with the job, and the work that ARTSConnect has done over the years speaks for itself. From painting murals to organizing events to promoting countless galleries and artists around Topeka, Sarah plays a key role in tying our arts community together. The job title she holds requires a lot of socializing and handshaking, as a large part of it is raising funds to continue the efforts of ARTSConnect, but while it looks nice and pretty on the Instagram account we run there is an immeasurable amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.

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tanding in line for coffee one morning, I turn around and Sarah Fizell walks in behind me, wearing her reflective silver coat that I’ve come to recognize. We both share a similar look of tiredness as I talk about frustrations with work and concerns for the community. She listens to me and shares her insight that only someone who has been involved as closely with the Topeka community as her could possess, and I feel relieved. While a good percentage of people we work with are accustomed to a nine-to-five lifestyle, Sarah’s commitment to the Topeka arts community is something that can’t be measured on a timesheet.

Events like the Arty Awards where we recognize impactful artists and art enthusiasts in our city, would probably not exist if not for organizations like ARTSConnect and people like Sarah. Those type of celebrations are easy to say ‘let’s do that’, but making an actual reality requires a tremendous amount of motivation and dedication. While Sarah is not the only one working hard to make Topeka a Great Arts Town, she is the rallying point behind that mantra, because she exemplifies that amount of motivation and dedication to the arts community.

Sarah’s love for arts extends beyond our community, as she has expanded Topeka’s efforts into areas like Lawrence and Kansas City, bridging a gap that should have never existed in the first place.

Art is something that transcends things like location and ideology.

It takes someone who not just understands that, but is willing to act upon it, to create a better scene for everyone. Whenever I am at an event around town, I often feel relieved when I see Sarah walk in, because beyond being a partner or collaborator, the thing I value most about Sarah is her friendship. She has paved the way and enabled hundreds of creative people, including myself, to be in a better position in life. This is why Sarah Fizell is a woman who rocks. aseveneightfive

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Gayle's (Friday + Saturday night)

A CAPPELLA CHOIR / BAYLOR Grace Cathedral

SATURDAY - TOPEKA ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE - 12p

16

NEVER ON TIME Sideways Bar + Grill

THE ORDEAL + FRIENDS Gayle's

SATURDAY

09

PJ MASKS TPAC

KARAOKE FROM A CAUSE

EBONY TUSKS / V.I.S.I.T.O.R. / FLOCK OF PIGS / DRIFTER The Bottleneck

CHANCE ENCOUNTER

J+J Gallery Bar

The Vikings Grille - North (9p)

KRIS LAGER BAND w/Elvin Graves + Ellie

CU/LT EDM SHOW

Uncle Bo's

KARLI SHAE

ALWAYS BET ON BLACK TOUR Kartez Marcel w/NuBlvckCity The Trap

THE VOGTS SISTERS w/ Prospect Blue Grass open Last Minute Folk Concert Series The Jayhawk

SOULD OUT / BIG RIC'S SOUL BAND Gayle's

The Jayhawk Theatre Barrister's Brewing Inc.

17 - 21

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SPEAKEASY NIGHT W/MAHAN Norsemen Brewing Co. - SUN 03.17

LEARN THE CHARLESTON 10 - 14

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The Jayhawk - TUE 03.19

ARNIE AND THE ARNETTES LARRY FULLER TRIO Topeka Jazz Workshop The Ramada - SUN 03.10

TOP CITY'S LEADING LADIES CABARET The Jayhawk Theatre - THU 03.14

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FOOD TRUCK THEATRE THURSDAYS "In The Heights" Topeka Civic Theatre - THU 03.21

FRIDAY PARTY WITH POTTER A grown-up benefit fir KCDC Kansas Children's Discover Center

BLACK TOP THUNDER Gayle's

SATURDAY

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THE WHISPERING WILLOWS The Wheel Barrel

VAL VENTRO + THE MOTORCITY V8 Uncle Bo's

COMEDY SHOW featuring RICK FELT, CRAIG MCGEE + TERRY RICHARDSON J+J's Gallery Bar

JASPER SHRAKE TRIO Happy Basset Brewing Co.

RIC BARRON Gayle's

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ABBIE GARDNER w/DELIBERATE KIN

ANNUAL EVENTS

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THE OUTSIDE VOICES

TULIP TIME.........................APRIL 5 - 22 CAPITAL CITY PET FEST...............APRIL 6 MENTAL MUSIC SCENE................APRIL 6 CONCEALED REVEALED...............APRIL 6 TOPEKA GAMES DAY................. APRIL 13 FARMERS MARKET OPEN........... APRIL 13 ARTYPARTY............................ APRIL 20 ROUR + POUR WINE FEST......... APRIL 27 BLINTZE BRUNCH..................... APRIL 28 GERMANFEST...................... JUNE 1 + 2 MULVANE ART FAIR............... JUNE 1 + 2 BREW AT THE ZOO......................JUNE 1 KS CHOCOLATE FEST.................JUNE 15 ART OF MURDER ......................JUNE 21 SUNSHINE REGGAE FEST............JUNE 29 INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS.... JUNE 29 SPIRIT OF KS BLUES FEST............ JULY 4 FIESTA MEXICANA................ JULY 16 -20

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SATURDAY ERIC WORTHAM II Serendipity Underground Concert

CHANCE ENCOUNTER Uncle Bo's

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GT GARZA J+J Gallery Bar

FOR THE GOOD OF THEM A Praise Dance Opera | TPAC 35

22

FRIDAY

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Old Prairie Town / Ward-Meade

The Lazy Toad

SOUNDS OF STRENGTH WITH SOPHIE OSWALD The Wheel Barrel

RADIANT BONES + LOPAN'S REVENGE The Trap

CALVIN ARSENIA PHILIP BILLARD - A LIFE OF ADVENTURE

FRIDAY

05

TULIPS AT TWILIGHT

ANCHOR + STORIES THROUGH STORMS

APRIL +

ArtyParty - Dillon House

Museum After Hours - Kansas Historical Society

420 SKATE IT TIME EXPRESS

ZACK MUFASA BAND -Uncle Bo's

Rip On Skate Park - 3p (Free Food]

Gayle's

A COMMUNITY BENEFIT CONCERT The Jayhawk

KURT ALLEN BAND -Gayle's SATURDAY

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SATURDAY - TOPEKA ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

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Topeka Civic Theatre (Friday + Saturday)

SWIFT KICK -Gayle's

THE INSTAMATICS

Topeka Jazz Workshop -Ramada - SUN 04.07

FRIDAY

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Uncle Bo's

AMERICANA-NA W/ LORI JO

TOPEKA GAMES DAY

Uncle Bo's

Forest Park Conference Center

SOULD OUT

THE PICKERS

Gayle's

Classic Bean - Fairlawn

Gayle's

14 - 18

SATURDAY

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DJ SMURF

Your Local Tax Champion

J+J Gallery Bar - THU 04.25

SCATBAND KS Music Hall of Fame Liberty Hall

DIEGO FIGUEIREDO + CAROL WELSMAN

GIRLS NIGHT OUT THE SHOW

Washburn University, White Concert Hall

PAGE 7 -Uncle Bo's

SUNDAY - THURSDAY

SUNDAY - THURSDAY

21 - 25

ANDY MCKEE

LAUGH LINES

07 - 11

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20

DEPARTURE SUNDAY - THURSDAY

ANNA P.S.

Roar + Pour Winefest Topeka Zoo

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#785 LIVE Women Who Rock

Lexi Rodriquez

HOPE THROUGH HEADPHONES STRENGTHEN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, THROUGH MUSIC Spreading the music and message beyond campus, the Hope Through Headphones team host the Mental Music Scene, an annual benefit concert. [April 6 at The Landing Grill + Bar.] Beyond a concert, Lexi ensures there are educational aspects behind everything they do. "We have different speakers while we are set-changing. A speaker will go up on stage and we will change it around them," said Lexi. 2019 speakers include Hope For The Day who will speak on suicide prevention; Valeo who presents the importance and power of music therapy and Washburn Counseling who will cover topics of substance abuse and addiction as well as sexual and domestic violence. "There's a back-room, off to the side of the concert, kinda separate, and last year it was filled wall-to-wall with local resources. So if anything you heard from a speaker or musician really affected you and you wanted to learn more, you could go back into that room and find more resources. Take more away from the event, actual physical paperwork, pictures and flyers; to take home.”

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by Huascar Medina | photo by EJ Drake

aising awareness of mental illnesses, promoting mental health and using music as a catalyst for opening discussions of personal struggles with mental illness amongst collegeaged students is the beat of Hope Through Headphones, a nonprofit created by Washburn University student Lexi Rodriguez.

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The nonprofit hosts varied mental health related events on campus [Washburn University] including educational speakers, music therapists and supporting Washburn Counseling open houses and events. But their unique sound is what makes them worth turning up. "We have our Spotify playlist. Different students can suggest or send in different songs to put on those," explained Lexi. "So some songs make you feel better about yourself. Some are like 'we feel we understand you, we relate;' this is a song that can help you express yourself. It says words that you can’t say."

The idea for a mental health benefit concert was inspired while attending Warped Tour. “We realized there were so many nonprofits around Warped Tour and my friend and I just wanted a break from the music and the crowd. So we went walking around and ran into Hope For The Day and Can You Hear Me and all these other nonprofits [dealing with mental health]. . I ended up in the Can You Hear Me bus just sitting and talking with their founder for half an hour on starting nonprofits. From there, I had another friend at Warped Tour and she was talking about all these musicians that are very forward about what they are thinking and how they are feeling. She was like, ‘It would be cool if we could get these musicians involved.’ And so, I thought of having a concert, but also making sure it was educational and supportive. If we got these musicians in an environment that they could openly talk about it, and even encourage them to do it, just imagine how much more the people would relate to their music than they already do.”

Oceanside Hotels | photo by Jake Starr

NUTS + BOLTS photo by Alyssa New

Saturday, April 6 The Landing TICKETS: $10 Music starts at 2p

FEATURING Me Like Bees Captiva Oceanside Hotels Keep Flying Kid Computer Lilac Kings Gold Steps Quite Frankly the Band Tiny Kingdoms Miami Over Moon Something and the Whatevers

Exploring into the mental state of the music is of great importance, and this year's Mental Music Scene concert will do just that. "Just about every band this year is planning on taking time out of their set to talk about the story behind their music and how it affected them," said Lexi. "Last year, the headline band took a little bit to just stop and talk about the story behind this song and it had people in tears. We want that this year.”

“I’ve seen how music can affect someone. I’ve seen how music can just, I don’t want say, ‘save lives,’ but gets you an outlet to kind of save your own life. It guides the way when you can’t think of words to express yourself. You can go through lyrics and these lyrics you’re like, ‘yes this is what I’m feeling,’ or that ‘these lyrics are exactly what I needed to hear.’ That’s how you can uplift yourself. That’s how you can express yourself. And music affected me tremendously

‘‘

in high school and growing up. It helped me through some of my darkest times. So to be able to bring the music closer physically and retrospectively is amazing.”

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 2018 fact sheet, on average, one person dies of suicide every 17 hours in the state of Kansas. In Kansas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 1544. The importance of an organization like Hope Through Headphones can’t be overstated.

Lexi is rockin' her senior year at Washburn University pursuing a bachelor's in marketing. The Mental Music Scene benefit concert will be held at The Landing Grille + Bar on Saturday, April 6. The concert begins at 2p and will rock until midnight.

Tickets are on sale now. More at HopeTheAdPhones.org. aseveneightfive

Learn more of Lexi's story and her personal mission at KansasYoung.com. KANSAS YOUNG: stories of young creatives living and working in Kansas by Israel Sanchez. Special addition to seveneightfive, read his Women Who Rock features on the next two pages.

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THE MENTAL MUSIC SCENE

I've seen how music can affect someone. It guides the way when you can't think of words to express yourself." - Lexi

SUPPORT KANSAS YOUNG WITH A REOCCURING DONATION, STARTING AT $1.50 A MONTH.

WomenLIVE #785 Who Rock [THE STORIES CONTINUE BY ISRAEL SANCHEZ]

KANSAS YOUNG ELENA SANCHEZ Photography at Glass Lantern Photography who is in love with taking pictures since she was a little girl and would go on trips with her family.

She's also my wife and mom to three little ones. This is part one of her story.

Right after my last baby was born, I was in a really, really dark place for months until very recently. I don't think I've ever been in that kind of place before. Even though I felt so much love for my baby and she made me happy, I just felt this unexplainable sadness. The depth of that sadness was more than I bear.

I

would wake up and not want to get out of bed. I would send my oldest daughter off to school and it would just be my son and my baby and I was struggling to function. I didn’t want to get off the couch. I would turn on a movie for my son and I could barely handle getting up and getting him snacks and interacting with me. I felt so guilty about that. I isolated myself and I avoided a lot of social situations. I remember being in a room full of people and knowing that if someone asked me how I was, I would break down crying. That’s how vulnerable I felt. I just could not function. After talking to my husband multiple times, I finally reached out to my OB. I went in for my appointment and told her I was pretty sure I had postpartum depression and even just admitting that to her was a lot and I

started crying. I started an anti-depressant and I’ve been on that for a little while now and it has changed my life.

I feel more like my old self. I feel like I have the motivation to work. I feel like I want to play with my son again during the day and I can be a better mom and wife. I can be a better me. There’s so much stigma around mental health issues and not just that, but medication as well, but there shouldn’t be. It’s such an important thing that people deal with and some times medication is necessary and it’s not a bad thing.

I think more moms go through this than we hear about. I wish it wasn’t like that because you need support and you need other people to tell you that they’ve gone through this, that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

People need to hear that there’s nothing wrong with getting help or needing medication. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re not feeling right or if you need to talk to somebody. There’s nothing worse than being isolated and feeling like you can’t talk about what’s going on with you. It’s okay to get help, whether it’s postpartum or regular depression, or anything. It’s okay to not be okay. For so long I kept denying that something deeper was going on, so I kept putting it off until finally I realized that I needed help. I feel totally, totally different today.” aseveneightfive

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Read Part 2 at KansasYoung.com | by Israel Sanchez | original post MAY 2018

‘‘

SOMEONE ONCE SAID THAT 'COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY' SO I TRY TO REMEMBER THAT." - Courtney

[KANSAS YOUNG BY ISRAEL SANCHEZ]

COURTNEY TURCOTTE BOND English teacher at Washburn Rural High School for 14 years. She’s also the owner of Bondbons, where she specializes in “gourmet cake balls, cake pops, and various chocolate-covered bites.” Her husband Randall, along with their kids, also help out as needed. This is part one of her story.

I did this social experiment three or four years ago, when I taught summer school, where I wore the exact same outfit every single day for four weeks.

It was a black shirt and khaki pants. The way summer school works is just students going at their own pace and they can check out whenever they’re done. So as each kid was checking out, I pulled them aside and said, “Hey, did you happen to notice anything about what I wore during summer school?” And I’m not even kidding, not one kid noticed what I wore.

On the very last day I told the five remaining kids that I wore the same black shirt and khaki pants every single day to summer school and they didn’t believe me. So I wrote about that in my blog and it really stuck with me that we care way more about ourselves than anybody else cares about us. Even thinking about what I was going to wear today for the photo shoot

I couldn’t decide, like what earrings, and then I reminded myself that nobody freaking cares. You’re going to look at whatever picture is posted way more than what anybody else is going to look at you. You’re going to notice more things about yourself than what anybody else notices, so that’s a piece of advice I give my students. Be yourself and don’t worry about what other people think.

Even when people pick up orders at my house you can easily get sucked into, ‘I want my house to look really nice’ or ‘I want the best things and the most fashionable things’ but is anyone even going to notice or care about that? Or if they care, why would I care that they care? So that’s been a large paradigm shift in my life during the last three or four years.

I’m also working on a book and since I’m an English teacher, I feel like I’ll be judged more harshly, so it isn’t coming to me as easily as I thought it would.

I have a lot of writer’s block and I struggle with that because I’m quite a perfectionist, but I try reminding myself that I’m not Nicholas Sparks or a New York Times Bestselling author. I’m sure that Nicholas Sparks’s first book sucked or that he struggled, so I try reminding myself that I didn’t even know how to bake ten years ago and now I made a very successful side business that’s been fun and it’s something I can use to encourage other people.” aseveneightfive

Read Part 2 at KansasYoung.com | by Israel Sanchez | original post OCT 2018

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P

eople have a lot of issues with self-image because they can so easily compare themselves to others especially with social media, which I believe causes a lot of depression. Someone once said that, “comparison is the thief of joy” so I try to remember that. I tell my kids, like for example if they say that something’s “weird,” I tell them that I like weird. Weird should be cool and embraced and more accepted. So if you have a certain music genre that you like, or if you want to dress a certain way, just do that.

Women Who Rock

WOMEN WHO ROCK - ELECTED LEADERS EDITION Ethel Edwards Michelle De La Isla Laura Kelly

Kathleen Sebelius Joan Finney Clarina Nichols

by Sarah Coats-Woods | photo by Chuck Hanna Women's March, Jan. 21, 2017 | seveneightfive archives

W

hat a time to be alive. We are able to learn and read about the women who’ve paved the way for Kansas women while being surrounded by women in political leadership positions within our own town.

To write about the women who are rocking local politics is an honor.

Kansas sits in the buckle of the Bible Belt and yet we have an incredibly progressive history, rich with strong women. From having fought and won to be a Free State, to Topeka being home to the very brave Brown family that fought to desegregate schools; throughout Kansas history our community has had people fighting for progressive ideas, inclusion and equality.

THANK YOU; 1ST WOMEN OF KS Clarina Nichols moved to Kansas in 1854 and began working for womens' rights and civil rights for people of color. She was the recognized leader of the women’s movement and started advocating for Kansas constitutional amendments for women’s and African-American’s right to vote as early as 1859. This amendment called for equal political and civil rights “impartial to sex or color.” She went on to help with the national movement of women’s suffrage to gain all women the franchise in an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that was finally ratified on August 18, 1920. Her work created opportunities for women to be able to run for office and that’s exactly what they did. As early as 1887 women began taking local offices in Kansas. Susanna Madora Salter of Argonia, KAN was the first woman in the nation to be elected mayor.

The work of these women before me is not lost or forgotten. I stand in awe and gratitude of all they fought for and for standing true to their convictions.

They dedicated their lives to opening doors that made it possible for Kansas to be the only state with three women governors, all of whom happened to be Democratic.

LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE-MINDED Joan Finney was the first woman elected Kansas Governor in 1990. She was the first woman in the United States to beat an incumbent governor. Prior to being Governor, she served as the first woman elected State Treasurer in 1975 and held that position until she became Governor.

Former two-term Governor Sebelius was appointed to President Obama’s cabinet. As Secretary of Health and Human services she was an integral part of the Affordable Care Act and advocated for accessible, affordable healthcare for all.

Laura Kelly, our newly inaugurated 48th Governor, served fourteen years as State Senator. She has a long history of advocating for women, families and equal opportunities. As she speaks of fully funding schools, she is including poor rural schools, poor inner city schools, and the needs of children throughout our state.

She advocated for an additional million dollars to go to domestic violence agency funding and it passed. She held a seat in the Child Welfare System Task Force. She asked the challenging questions. She wanted the facts and reports in front of her. And she held others accountable with her strong leadership. She stands by those issues with dedication and shows us she is a woman of her word.

As Governor, she reinstated an anti-discrimination for LGBTQ+ policy for state employees through executive order on her first day of office. She took time out of her day to listen to the people at the People’s State of the State. She spoke to the importance of equality and inclusiveness for all Kansans. She’s less than a month on the job and I am already proud of what she has accomplished.

INCLUSION + DIVERSITY Mayor Michelle De La Isla was the first Hispanic mayor of Topeka. She is a founding member of Hermanitas, a mentor program for Latina girls. Michelle does not hide the hardships she has endured in her life, instead she leans into them and speaks openly and honestly. She speaks about her challenges as a young woman, a young single mother, and being a survivor of domestic violence. She radiates compassion and hope for fellow Topekans in the work she does every day. She spent many years working as executive director of Habitat for Humanity.

She grew the program to include a ReStore, which focuses on home improvement projects as well as building homes. She does not look down on those suffering in our community. She looks for ways to make sure they have their needs met and their voices heard.

As an advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault agencies in our community, De La Isla started a Mayor’s Task Force for domestic violence to bring multiple community resources and responders together to talk about how we can work together to hold offenders accountable and provide safe, confidential services to survivors. She is also the Diversity and Inclusion representative for Westar Energy.

Toepkans can easily stay informed, as De La Isla provides podcasts of what she’s working on and what’s important to her, is active on social media and regularly attends community events. Mayor De La Isla is the standard for an accessible and transparent elected person.

CHANGE; RAISE YOUR HAND The long, grueling and cumbersome amount of energy that goes into successful elections is in part due to the handwork of people at the local level. Ethel Edwards has devoted her life and work to education, labor rights and voting accessibility. Ethel worked many years as an educator and continues to be involved with the Kansas National Education Association. They work with current and retired educators to support teachers, students and their families in the community and political realm. Ethel understands the importance of voting accessibility and works around the clock at the Shawnee County Democrats Headquarters as the elected chair.

She organizes precinct wards and precinct committee persons to help voters know their polling locations, explain absentee voting options, and provide literature about candidates.

She works with local agencies to help with community service projects including Kansas Children and Service League to annually host pictures in the Shawnee County Democrats’ office, located at 17th and Fairlawn, of children in Kansas looking for forever homes.

She organizes fundraising and service projects to volunteer and help our community. Ethel is heavily involved with the League of Women Voters which works to register voters and educate people on their voting rights. Without a woman like Ethel working day and night in our community, we may not be able to celebrate the women leaders we currently have in office.

Let us remember where we came from, where we are, and where we have to go. Let us continue to stand in solidarity with the women before us and next to us and the budding women leaders to come. aseveneightfive 43

EXPANDING THE FRANCHISE IN POLITICAL CAPITAL

KANSAS: A LONG AND WINDING ROAD OUT OF PROHIBITION

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ince the days of William Quantrill, John Brown, and Clarina Nichols, Kansas has struggled with its identity, or maybe people who would impose their identity upon jayhawkers, in more than one political arena. In Topeka, in that boxing ring under Ad Astra, political pugilists and nincompoops duke it out to determine the best path forward for Kansas. Issues ranging from slavery, prohibition, segregation and voting rights commonly draw national attention, for better or worse. The word prohibition conjures black and white images of gangsters and the speakeasy, bathtub gin and bootlegging in the milieu of urban centers during the Roaring '20s. However, Kansas being ahead of the curve on so many issues, we’ve been working our way out of prohibition since 1880 when we became the first state in the Union to outlaw the sale of alcohol. Possession was made illegal in Kansas in 1917 with Governor Capper’s signature on the “Bone Dry Bill.”

No Fooling.

April 1 marks the first day that cities and towns in Kansas may start selling “strong beer,” up to 6 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) in grocery, convenience and drug stores.

In a lengthy battle in the public, factions bellied up to the bar and fought the idea of allowing what so many other states have for decades. Some liquor store owners opposed the idea, fearing profit losses.

Select consumers and grocers supported it for their own reasons. Some arguments called up ghosts of the temperance movement which got its start in this country in 1789 with a group of 200 Connecticut farmers. However, at the Statehouse, no one went on record to offer testimony opposing the proposed statute.

Kansas, by default, is a dry state. Counties have to opt in for allowing alcohol sales. This puts Kansas in the company of only two other states with this status; Mississippi and Tennessee. More on temperance and prohibition later.

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In a sort of trade-off for expected revenue loss to liquor retailers, once grocery, convenience and drug stores begin to siphon off “6 percent beer”

sales, those liquor retailers will be allowed on April 1, 2019 to begin selling non-alcoholic items such as “lottery tickets, cigarettes, and other tobacco products,” according to SB 13 from the state legislature passed in 2017.

In 2018, Governor Colyer signed legislation allowing self-serve beer in watering holes interested in the bandwagon that Kansas is one of the last to jump on. Self-serve beer in bars and restaurants essentially means you’re your own bartender. In a world where human interaction at points of commerce is being erased by automation and slavish devotion to shareholders, the concept of self-serve beer seems at once foreign and inevitable.

The proposition promotes innovation and problemsolving insofar as determining ways to meet the alcohol beverage control laws individualized to specific municipalities across the country. It’s another step in the evolution of how humans imbibe a drink second only to water in human history.

How we do that responsibly brings us back to the early days of Kansas and how outright prohibition of alcohol ended in Kansas in 1948. Well before the nation repealed the 18th Amendment of 1920 with the 21st Amendment in 1933 to end its experiment with prohibition, Kansas voted in 1880, 40 years before national prohibition, 52 percent dry to 48 percent wet, to enact prohibition.

But prior to that, in 1877, Peter Mugler had spent $10,000 to build a brewery in Salina, KAN. After Kansas outlawed the manufacture of intoxicating liquors, including cereal malt beverage which Mugler had been producing, he was no longer able to purchase the permits to do so and was subsequently indicted for violating the law. The issue was taken to the United States Supreme Court in 1887 to determine whether the State of Kansas had deprived Mugler of his property by causing it and his brewery to be rendered useless following the enactment of prohibition, dropping its value from $10,000 to $2,500.

The Supreme Court upheld the Kansas Supreme Court ruling 8-1 in opposition to Mugler’s claims that Kansas had deprived him of his property with illegitimate legislation.

DID YOU KNOW?

WOMEN WHO ROCK BEER

CHANGING THE LAW. "We don’t break the law, we make the law!"

Exclaims the press page on brewbank.com, the official website of Brew Bank. Brew Bank, Topeka's latest bar/pub projects opening its doors at 822 S Kansas Ave June 2019. Winners of Topeka's Top Tank and $100k prize, Brew Bank takes the traditional bar and "catapults it into a new age of innovation." This innovation: digital technology that empowers the hop savant to be their personal bartender as they refill their pint of quality regional beer; An innovation new to Kansas, thanks to current state law (April 1, 2019) passed by Governor Colyer last year. Reported by Tim Carpenter in the Hays Daily News on May 14, 2018, "The bill expanded on current state law allowing for self-serve wine to enable beer to be sold with automated devices at public venues, clubs and drinking establishments. The measure requires video monitoring of the self-pour equipment and maintenance of the recordings for 60 days and guarantees access of the video to law enforcement." Additionally cited was Sen. Bud Estes, R-Dodge City, “Everybody worked quite well together. Good compromises were made. In all, this was a joint effort that people could live with and would be beneficial to the industry.”

T

he fourth-largest craft brewer (11th largest brewery in the US) New Belgium Brewing started in 1991. The pioneer beer and company was co-founded by Kim Jordan who was the CEO for two decades and is currently executive chair of the board.

"Unlike many beer companies, we never sold out to a bigger company. New Belgium Brewing Company is 100 percent employee-owned and proudly independent," states Jordan.

"From the beginning, I’ve said that when you put people before profits, it’s amazing how priorities shift. Because business can, and should, be a force for good. Fat Tire is a testament to that belief. And it inspires how we act as a company."

The craft beer craze gained steam in the '80s and Topeka has seen a burst of local breweries in the past five years. Longstanding grandfather of local craft beer is the award-winning Blind Tiger.

Next came Norsemen brewing in 2015 with Happy Basset the following year and the latest Iron Rail and Barrister's. Three of the five local breweries are lead by women. Cheers to that! aseveneightfive

BETSY BAKER head brewer Barrister's Brewing Inc. MARNE CRAVER co-founder

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Louie's Lounge

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Happy Basset Brewing EMILY RUDY + MELISSA ROSDAHL majority owners and co-founders Norsemen Brewing Co.

KANSAS CONT.

Alcohol in Kansas before 1900 was not exactly impossible to find, but the sale and distribution of it was encumbered by statutes and regulations promoted by vociferous and violent factions of the temperance movement. Governor John St. John successfully worked for the prohibition amendment to the Kansas Constitution during his term as the 8th governor of the state. As an aside, any Kansan knows that the summer heat is no joke here, but Governor St. John died of

heat exhaustion on August 31, 1916 in Olathe.

Likely, he could’ve used a drink. Incidentally, the name John St. John calls to mind a similar sounding name. I’m thinking Les Misérables’ Jean Valjean.

In consideration of alliterative names; upon John Brown’s capture many decades earlier by U.S. officials and the news that he would be hanged for his actions fighting slavery, Victor Hugo penned multiple open letters calling for clemency for the world-famous abolitionist.

Poetically calling upon history to remark upon the impending execution of Brown, Hugo wrote, “Let America know and ponder on this: there is

something more frightening than Cain killing Abel, and that is Washington killing Spartacus.”

Obviously, this is all tangential information, but these types of rambling musings will likely increase with the freeing up of beer sales in a state constantly working to determine its preferred state of mind. Prost! Cheers! Salud!

And let this not be a mirror for how long Kansas will wait to free up laws regarding marijuana prohibition. Some folks say they’d rather have another hole in the head than indulge the high hopes of the “legalize it” crowd, but like alcohol laws, dominoes are falling all around Kansas while we sit and fight the inevitable. aseveneightfive 45

In 1948, after 68 years of prohibition, Kansans voted 54 percent wet to 46 percent dry, becoming the third to last state to open the taps, uncork the champagne, and free up the spirits.

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Kerrice Mapes | provided by Kansas Historical Society

THE STORIES OF KANSAS E

veryone has a story to tell and every story is worth hearing. Stories of life, family, community and times. These very stories root our heritage and transcend our tomorrow; learning from drastically different decades and lifestyles to finding comfort in realizing some core values, woes and celebrations are consistent through time. Since 1875 the Kansas Historical Society (KHS) has been collecting such stories, from all 105 counties in Kansas. These stories are preserved in the thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs and other records in the Kansas Historical Society collections and they are ready to be shared. Now. Today. With you.

"105 Stories, 105 Counties" is a special year-long exhibit at Kansas Museum of History that highlights one story per county in which to illustrate the rich breadth and range of our Kansas history. Open now through February 2, 2020, "105 Stories, 105 Counties" exhibit represents some of the counties' favorite topics including rain wizards, war heroes, artists, business ventures, hard times and happy endings.

105 Stories, 105 Counties ■ Dr. Martha Cunningham of Anderson County was among the first female doctors in the state. She made house calls driving a horse and buggy.

■ Clint Squier of Butler County was a rancher who established the Beaumont Hotel, a destination for ranchers that became the first fly-in restaurant in the state.

■ Wes Santee of Clark County became known as the Ashland Antelope and competed in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki wearing Finnish-made rack shoes.

■ Dick Woellhof of Clay County was a radioman and gunner who gave his life for his country during World War II, a banner with two gold stars hung in his home marked his and his brother’s service.

■ Bertha and Cyle Horchem of Ness County were members of Garver’s Flying Circus performing wing-walking stunts across the country in the 1920s.

■ Danielle Boatwright of Leavenworth County wore a colorful cowboy hat on the television show, "Survivor."

These are among the stories featured in "105 Stories, 105 Counties" exhibit at the Kansas Museum of History. The exhibit includes a four-minute video on the organization of the 105 counties. Visitors can delve into more county stories and share their own stories through interactive portions of the display.

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Clara Barton, born Dec 25, 1821, founded the American Red Cross and was a nurse in the Civil War. Barton County is named after her and is the only county in Kansas named after a woman.

The Kansas Museum of History is located at 6425 SW 6th Avenue. The Museum is open 9a - 5p Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5p Sunday. For admission prices and more information, go to KSHS.org aseveneightfive

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