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discover eudora
Standard U.S. Postage Paid Permit 8 Eudora, KS 66025
a community guide
Ee u d o r a b e c o m e s aA
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a note from the city Welcome to the City of Eudora, an emerging metropolitan frontier that has everything you and your family need to live life to the fullest. While maintaining a small-town atmosphere, Eudora boasts a premier location close to big-city amenities. Eudora city officials are committed to providing effective and efficient public services that enhance your quality of life. We provide services to you through five extremely committed departments, including the Parks and Recreation Department, which maintains seven beautiful parks for your recreational pleasure. We also have an attractive community center next to our family-friendly aquatic-center facility. Our Police and Fire departments work closely with the schools to provide the safest environment possible for the youth of Eudora and all residents. The Public Works and Administration departments ensure reliable and high-quality utilities so you can focus on what matters to you. Check out our website at www.cityofeudoraks.gov to find out more about our great city services and facilities. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and download our free mobile app to let us know how we can better meet your expectations and needs. Here in Eudora we are committed to transparency in government because we believe the best citizens are well-informed and fully engaged citizens. Learn how you can become more involved in making this city the best place to live, work and raise a family. We can help you “plug in” to meaningful volunteer work in our growing and dynamic business community through membership in the Eudora Chamber of Commerce, or with the Eudora Area Historical Society, the library, schools, etc. We are all in this together, and it is up to us to bring about the Eudora we want for ourselves and our families going forward. Contact us and find out why we call Eudora “a place to grow”! John Fiore, Mayor
summer/fall 2014
Editor Katy Ibsen Designer/Art Director Shelly Bryant Copy Editor Deron Lee Advertising Sales Joanne Morgan 785.832.7264 Ad Designer Jenni Leiste Chief Photographer Jason Dailey Contributing Writers Seth Jones Kimberly Stern General Manager Bert Hull
discover eudora a community guide
www.sunflowerpub.com | lawrence, kansas
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Chamber Board of Directors President Linda Langston, Eudora Wine & Spirits Past President Amy Durkin, Attorney at Law Secretary Angie Miller, Eudora Community Learning Center Member at Large Tim Bruce Member at Large Jason Oelert Member at Large Tracy Trefz Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Shaun Musick City Liaison Barack Matite
City of Eudora Administration Mayor John Fiore City Manager Gary Ortiz
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4 contents discover eudora
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10 attend Happenings in Eudora 27 chamber membership listings 30 quick guide
features 12 Eudora Farmers Market Takes Root Small but mighty, Eudora’s shopping social blooms with crowd appeal
16 Congrats to the Eudora boys basketball team 18 Welcome to Eudora, Superintendent Splichal Career educator has had diverse experiences, tied together by hard work
20 Picture Perfect Eudora’s brilliant fall shines in images shot by hometown girl Baylee Schmeck
22 Page Turner Like a Kansas storm, author Isla Morley’s newest work of fiction thunders into the spotlight
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W arren -M c e lWain Mortuary and Cremation Services
Owned and operated by Eudora and Lawrence families since 1904 www. warrenmcelwain.com Phone: (785) 843-1120 Lawrence, KS (785) 542-3030 Eudora, KS
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Good eats:
Funky Monkey Summer is muy caliente at Eudora’s hot new Mexican restaurant story by
photography by
Seth Jones
Jason dailey
Take Mexican staples, such as fajitas, enchiladas and fresh salsa. Then throw in some unusual dishes, such as “Vegas fries” (a layer of French fries with steak, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo) or the Funky Monkey burrito (a steak burrito with French fries inside, topped with cheese sauce). Add in a handful of flat-screen TVs, a fully stocked bar and the biggest stuffed monkey you’ll ever see. Welcome to Funky Monkey Mexican Cantina. Located at East 10th Street, the Funky Monkey opened in March, just in time for a late snowstorm. The cold weather may have resulted in a slow start, but once the town finally shook off the winter weather, things heated up for the Mexican restaurant. The Funky Monkey is co-owned by Alberto “Beto” Aguilar and Larry Sinks. Aguilar found his calling managing Mexican restaurants just a few years ago while working at El Mezcal in Lawrence; for Sinks, this is his second venture into the restaurant business after owning the Brass Apple in Lawrence in the late 1990s. “I love Eudora; I have a lot of friends here,” says Sinks, who also owns a T-shirt printing shop. “We felt like there was a need for a good Mexican restaurant here.” Aguilar says the Funky Monkey prides itself on affordable, quality food. “The food is the best in this area, and the margaritas are great,” he says. “It’s not expensive here. You can come in here, get a big burrito and a drink and only spend $10.” Sinks says the chicken fajitas are his favorite, but he’s proud of their fresh salsa as well. Aguilar is also a fajita man, but he suggests there are other gems on their expansive menu. “We have what we call the molcajete, which is a traditional Mexican dish. It includes steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, rice, beans and cactus,” he says. “It’s so big you have to take it home with you. And it all goes great with a margarita.”
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Speaking of margaritas, they’re on special on Tuesday and Thursday for only a dollar. Wednesday nights are $2 beers, and on Sundays there are half-price margarita pitchers. For food specials, Tuesday is, as it should be, Taco Tuesday, featuring dollar hard and soft tacos. Kids eat for half price on Sundays, and chimichangas are on special on Fridays. And what about that unusual name? “We wanted to stand out. If someone is going to make it in Eudora, it’s going to be us,” says Aguilar.
monkey
www.funkymonkeymexicancantina.com 601 East 10th Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. every day
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Anthony’s Diner Diner favorites 10 W. Ninth St. (785) 690-7788 Black Cat Cafe Breakfast and lunch 726 Main St. (785) 690-7084 Cami’s Cake Co. Custom cakes and sweets 724 Main St. (785) 207-2103 www.facebook.com/camiscakeco
Rock Family Chiropractic
• Workers’ Comp • Auto Injury Cases • New Patients Treated Same Day • Walk-ins Welcome! • Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare and All Major Insurances Accepted “We have what we call the molcajete, which is a traditional Mexican dish.”
Our mission is to help as many people as possible, especially our children.
Ryan Rock, D.C.
1402 Church St., Ste. E • 542-2118 rockfamilychiropractic.com Check us out on the web and Facebook!
-Larry Sinks
Cutter’s Smokehouse & Catering Company Barbecue and entertainment 218 E. 20th St. (785) 542-1100 www.cutterssmokehouse.com Dairy Queen Frosty treats 1502 Church St. (785) 542-5050 Gambino’s Pizza Original pies 1402 Church St., Ste. D (785) 542-2121 Gene’s Heartland Foods Grocery 1402 Church St. (785) 542-2727 Jasmin Restaurant Mexican and Chinese fare 719 Main St. (785) 542-1111
Pendleton’s Country Market Pick your own vegetables 1446 E. 1850 Road (785) 843-1409 www.pendletons.com Sonic Drive-In Quick bites 1420 Church St. (785) 542-1799 Subway Sandwiches 318 E. 15th St. (785) 542-2626
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
1415 Maple Street • Eudora • 785-542-2176 (Just off K-10, between Johnson County & Lawrence)
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Bike
Eudora Cycling enthusiasts enjoy the trip story by
photography by
seth jones
Jason dailey
Sitting on Gary Scott’s desk is a large, three-ring binder. Inside is a master plan for extensive walking and bike trails that the city commission approved in 2012. One problem: Residents will have to wait until the funding comes in—if it ever does. (It’s always about funding, isn’t it?) Currently there is one walking/cycling trail by the high school, connecting the Shadow Ridge area with 20th Street. But despite the lack of dedicated trails, that doesn’t mean cyclists don’t love Eudora. “A lot of people don’t realize how many people who cycle come to Eudora,” says Scott, Eudora’s director of Parks and Recreation. “Eudora is a hub for cyclists. … People come from Kansas City and the Olathe area, to Lawrence. They travel one way or the other. They are coming to our town, and making a quick stop at Kwik Shop or Casey’s. That helps our economy.” One of those cycling visitors is Rod Kosa, who lives in Shawnee. Last year he was one of almost 2,000 participants in the MS 150, which ran through the town. “I’ll be honest with you, Eudora was one of the better stops we had,” Kosa says. The race hosted a “SAG,” or “Support and Gear” stop, at CPA Park, where riders were offered bathrooms, snacks,
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Options are expanding for Eudora’s two-wheel warriors. Many bike paths are underway with more to come, but for the time being, local residents share where they love to ride.
water and a place to take a quick rest. It will again be a SAG stop in 2014. “There was a lot of room for us there. Sometimes at other stops we’re stuck standing in someone’s front yard.” There are also many leisure riders in Eudora, as evidenced by a recent wellness festival, WOWFest. At the event, attendees could learn about the benefits of cycling, as well as pick up a free bicycle helmet. “I didn’t think it was, but Eudora is very much a cycling community,” says Scott. “We gave a lot of helmets out. There are more bicycles and helmets in Eudora than I ever realized.” Scott is quick to point out that the city’s Public Works team has been great about considering cyclists whenever they improve a road. Take the work done on 10th Street a year ago, which included a dedicated bike lane. Another improvement soon to take place will be a bike path on the south side of the elementary school playground leading to 12th Street. This path will enable kids to have a safe route to school every day. But for now, Scott’s three-ring notebook is filled with hopeful plans for even bigger and better cycling in the town. “The objective the City of Eudora has is to make the community safer for bicycles and pedestrians,” says Scott. “The City of Eudora is working hard to provide safe paths for their citizens.”
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w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v Eudora Area Historical Society A step back in time 1428 Elm St. (Nottingham Elementary School) (785) 690-7900 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index. aspx?NID=100
Amanda’s Dance Academy Dance lessons 104 E. 20th St. # 4 (785) 690-7200 www.amandadanceacademy.com BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1969 N. 1250 Road (785) 542-1764 www.bluejacketwinery.com
Davenport Orchards & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1394 E. 1900 Road (785) 542-2278 www.davenportwinery.com
CLO’s Midnight Farm Horseman day camp 2084-B N. 600 Road Baldwin City (785) 979-1889 www.midnight-farm.org
Twin Oaks Golf Complex Hitting the links 1326 E. 1900 Road (785) 542-2844 www.facebook.com/twinoaksgolfks Quilting Bits and Pieces For all your quilting needs 736 Main St. (785) 542-2080 www.eudoraquiltshop.com
play 9 “Eudora is a hub for cyclists. … People come from Kansas City and the Olathe area, to Lawrence.” - Gary Scott, Parks and Recreation
Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. (785) 542-2496 www.eudorapubliclibrary.org
Country Spa & Gardens Rejuvenating spa in the country 2152 N. 700 Road (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com
Eudora Parks and Recreation For various parks and venues 1630 Elm St. (785) 542-1725 www.eudoraparksandrec.org
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Happenings in
eudora Discover events, meetings and happenings occurring in Eudora.
Eudora Farmers Market
Open Hearts Early Education
Adult Volleyball Leagues
Open House Every Friday from 5-7 p.m., May 16 to September 19, 2014
August 3
Eudora Schools
Fundraiser at Gambino’s Pizza.
Cardinal Craze back-toschool and enrollment fair
September 16
July 31 and August 5
October 14, 6 p.m.
Fall Carnival
First full day of school for grades 1-12 August 15 First half day of kindergarten August 18 First full day of kindergarten
September 29-October 3
Beginning: September 14 Registration Deadline: September 7
EudoraFest
The fall women’s league meets Sunday afternoons at the Eudora Community Center.
Eudora’s 18th Annual Fall Celebration.
October 4
Eudora Area Historical Society
First half day of school for grades 1-9 August 14
Eudora High School Homecoming Week
Annual Eudora Bar-B-Q Cook Off and Charity Event Saturday, September 13 Enjoy a folk art festival, country and bluegrass music, and the fan-favorite barbecue contest at the beautiful downtown CPA Park. View the antique autos as well as historical reenactments.
August 21
September 18 and November 20 at 7 p.m.
The Great Pumpkin Hunt
Enjoy speakers and education from the local historical society at Eudora City Hall. Topics TBA.
October 30, 7 p.m. A fun, family-friendly event at Lucy Kaegi Park.
Eudora Schools Foundation Night September 19 Eudora High School football game versus Paola. Downtown Art Walk Coming this fall, details TBA.
Have an event you want to share? Send details to the editor at kibsen@sunflowerpub.com
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Don’t miss the CPA Picnic! July 24-26 Three-day festival celebrating the heritage of Eudora, including a carnival, two parades and a host of other activities for the entire family.
Patrick Jankowski, DDS
Candy Cane Hunt December 13, 1 p.m.
Eudora Schools Thanksgiving break
Bring the kids for this fun search at Lucy Kaegi Park.
November 24-28
Christmas Hayrides December 2-18, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Winter Break December 19-January 4
recurring meetings City Commission Meetings
December Dash 5K December 13 Registration 9 a.m., race begins at 9:30 a.m.
Every second and fourth Monday of the month. Planning Commission Meetings Every first Wednesday of the month.
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Eudora Farmers Market
takes root Small but mighty, Eudora’s shopping social blooms with crowd appeal
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story by
photography by
Kimberly Winter Stern
Jason dailey
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It might be small potatoes compared to the seasonal outdoor markets in Lawrence and Kansas City, but the Eudora Farmers Market boasts bushels of plucky personality. In fact, Eudora Parks and Recreation Director Gary Scott notes that the social component of the Farmers Market—which debuted in July 2013—is as vital to its success as the local produce and artisan products sold. Now in its second year, the Eudora Farmers Market offers the community an opportunity to gather more than just the earth’s bounty. “We were really excited about the turnout at last year’s Eudora Farmers Market,” says Scott. “It’s a great place for neighbors to meet and greet, and purchase fresh and homemade products.” This year Scott is adding picnic tables for people to sit and enjoy food from vendors such as Bill Frenzel of Frenzel’s BBQ.
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For more information on the Eudora Farmers Market, email
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When: 5-7 p.m. every Friday through September 19. Where: Nottingham parking lot in the 1400 block of
All you need to know about the Eudora Farmers Market:
What:
Why:
Church Street. Local farmers, producers and food artisans, plus vendors selling barbecue and other items. Seasonal market plus old-fashioned socializing.
“We want to encourage people to linger and enjoy the festive atmosphere,” Scott says. One reason the Farmers Market convenes on Friday evenings is to encourage shoppers to patronize surrounding area Saturday morning markets. “We’re very proud of our farmers, growers and food artisans,” explains Scott. “Plus, it’s a good kickoff to the weekend.” Frenzel’s BBQ did a brisk business at last year’s market, selling bottles of signature sweet sauce, to-go ribs, brisket and sides along with grilled burgers and brats that market-goers munched on while perusing vendors. “My wife, Pam, and I enjoy selling in a smaller market setting,” says Frenzel, who has lived in Eudora for 10 years. “It gives us a chance to engage people in a family-friendly atmosphere.” The Frenzels’ grandsons—Dustin, age 17, and Jacob, age 11—assist Bill and Pam in waiting on customers and serving up the ’cue. The couple also shops for vegetables such as cucumbers and peppers to supplement the small garden they tend at home.
“And we always leave with homemade jellies and breads,” Frenzel says. Jim McGee and his wife, Sue—proprietors of Orchard Hill Farm, three miles south of Eudora—grow apples, peaches, bedding plants and vegetables including tomatoes, beets, carrots, summer squash and more. A former Overland Park Fire Department battalion chief, McGee retired in 2011 following 40 years of service. “We have planted 250 trees on 10 acres, in addition to the plants and veggies,” says McGee. “We got a favorable response last year at the Eudora Farmers Market, and look forward to supporting its future growth.” Scott knows the seeds planted in 2013 to launch the Eudora Farmers Market will yield a good crop. “People in Eudora are hungry for this type of thing,” he says. “We know the community will continue to make the Farmers Market a part of their weekly routine throughout the summer.”
HOURS Mon. thru Sat. | 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Sun. | 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 1402 Church Street • Eudora, KS
We are your local community connection for high quality foods, friendly service and great prices. Our family-owned store offers a convenient one-stop shop where you can find everything you need from the everyday essentials to specialty items from around the world. We take pride in our community and appreciate your business.
www.eudora.heartlandfoodsstores.com
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Standing from left to right: #20 Griffin Katzenmeier, #30 Austin Wellman, #11 Laken Straub, Trey Byrne, Andrew Ballock (holding trophy), Mitchell Ballock, #53 Mason Fawcett, Zhade Wray, #15 Grant Elston and #10 Skyler Schockley. Holding basketballs: Austin Downing and Zach Scroggin.
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udora Boys Basketba to the E013/2014 Class 4A State Chall team
ir 2 for the
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mpionsh ip!
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Welcome to Eudora,
Superintendent Splichal Career educator has had diverse experiences, tied together by hard work
It’s 5:20 p.m. on a Thursday. Steve Splichal, superintendent at McClouth School District, is still hard at work in his office. “I’m not a guy who punches out at five o’clock every day because that’s quitting time,” Splichal says. “I work until the job is done and done right because that’s what students, staff members and families deserve.” That attitude has served him well his entire
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career—from writing parking tickets in college to serving as assistant superintendent at Hiawatha School District. Now, he looks forward to bringing that work ethic to Eudora, as the school district’s new superintendent. He replaces Don Grosdidier, who retired after having served as superintendent since 2008. Splichal and his wife of 19 years, Julie, have had Eudora on their radar for several years now.
story by
photography by
Seth Jones
Jason dailey
“In Eudora, I found a community that has a passion for schools that very much value their children and the tools they need to be successful.” - Steve Splichal
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When the position came open, Splichal says he did his homework and knew Eudora would be a great place for him and his family. “In Eudora, I found a community that has a passion for schools that very much value their children and the tools they need to be successful. It’s just a good community, a good place to raise a family,” he says. Splichal relocated his family to Eudora as soon as possible. “The biggest key for me is to establish a strong relationship with the community and the school district. I want people to know who I am and have a conversation with me at the coffee shop, at the grocery store,” he says. “I value relationships. I have an open-door policy. I want people to come knock on my door and have an open, twoway conversation.” Splichal has had a diverse career. Along with the ticket writing, he also has fixed equipment at a rendering plant, worked as a first responder and volunteer fire fighter, taught middle school in Beloit, taught master’s courses at Benedictine College in Atchison, served as principal at Hiawatha Middle School and assistant superintendent at Hiawatha School District and, most recently, has worked at McClouth as the superintendent since 2011. Splichal has a master’s degree from Benedictine. It all leads to Eudora, a city he says has been well served by its superintendent, school board and community. “Don has been a great superintendent,” Splichal says. “The school board has supported the process by being forward-thinking, which you can see evidence of in the fine facilities, the technical education center and, most importantly, the excellent and dedicated staff members.” If Splichal has any concerns, they wouldn’t be from Eudora. They would be from Topeka. “I need to do a good job advocating for Eudora in Topeka. With all the uncertainty with school finance … will the state stick with their commitments, or will they change the rules of the game?” Splichal asks. “It’s important that the superintendent is an advocate for the school district. That will be necessary throughout my tenure.” Splichal and Julie look forward to finding a home in Eudora. Julie teaches science at McClouth, and hopes to land a teaching position in Eudora or nearby. “We’re going to look at every opportunity. No position is currently open,” Splichal says. “They don’t open every day in Eudora. That’s because people don’t want to leave. That’s good—that speaks to the passion and quality of the school and the community.” New superintendent Steve Splichal goes by the book to support the school district.
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Alexander Road
Picture
perfect
“Although I grew up here, I like to take a closer look and see the real beauty that sometimes I just take for granted,” says Schmeck. “Fall is a good time to do that, when the landscape is bathed in beautiful light and drenched in color.”
Eudora’s brilliant fall shines in images shot by hometown girl Baylee Schmeck
As a photographer who snaps portraits of school kids, Eudora resident Baylee Schmeck knows the importance of capturing a moment in time. “I’m the school picture lady,” says Schmeck, whose mother, Pam, is Eudora city clerk. “The images I snap live on forever. Maybe they’re hung on a family room wall along with a collection of photos that depicts a lifetime of memories.” Schmeck’s passion is photography—not just cajoling squirmy school students into a camera-worthy pose, but documenting life around her. So when the Eudora city website needed updated pictures of seasonal scenes,
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Schmeck was enlisted to point and shoot her familiar surroundings. “I’m taking photos of each season,” Schmeck says. “I just have summer left.” The result is a stunning series of spectacular scenes from around town that defines Eudora’s unique personality and offers the viewer a sense of place. Unlike the often-reluctant subjects Schmeck photographs in schools, Mother Nature provides the lighting, a breezy personality and built-in props such as trees bursting with seasonal amber and caramel-colored leaves. Eudora: Get ready for your close-up.
story by
photography courtesy of
Kimberly Winter Stern
The city of eudora
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“I love living in a small town—the flavor, the fact that everyone knows everyone else, the sense of community,” says Schmeck. “I especially like the neighborhoods—they’re distinctive and cozy.”
Residence at 14th and Cedar
Chief Paschal Fish Statue, CPA Park “This is such a great Eudora landmark,” says Schmeck. “The story about Chief Paschal and his daughter Eudora is one I remember from my childhood. It should be in the center of town, in this park that gathers people from the community.”
CPA Park, 900 Maple St. Fall is Baylee Schmeck’s favorite season. “You turn a corner and there’s a sea of orange dripping from trees,” she says. “Turn another corner and the foliage is bright yellow, like sunshine.” CPA Park is a destination familiar to people living in Eudora; memories are created here with community festivals and carnivals. “Anything in town happens here.”
C h e c k b a c k e a c h s e a s o n to s e e w h at n e w i m a g e s a r e p o p p i n g u p.
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Page
turner Like a Kansas storm, author Isla Morley’s newest work of fiction thunders into the spotlight
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story by
photography courtesy of
Kimberly Winter Stern
Carol Saggese/TrueShotPhotos
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We’re equipped to do site grading, ditching, drainage, land clearing, add topsoil and fill dirt, wrecking and demolition for residential, commercial, and light industrial projects. We provide trenching for water, sewer and power duct lines. We offer asphalt paving, utility line installation, sidewalk construction and more.
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1705 N 1399 Rd. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785.842.9100 Fax: 785.842.9113
Isla Morley may have grown up halfway around the world in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and lived in London and Honolulu, but her literary talent has brought to life a riveting story using Eudora and Lawrence as backdrops. Above is Morley’s second book, a thrilling novel that has received critical acclaim and buzz. The book unfolds in Eudora, the hometown of Morley’s husband, Bob, a place that tickled her imagination as she familiarized herself with its personality and history through many visits. Morley, who resides in Los Angeles with Bob, a Methodist minister, created a story in which her main character—a teenager named Blythe—is kidnapped and held captive by a survivalist in an abandoned missile silo in Eudora for 17 years. “All my life I’ve lived in big cities, mostly coastal,” Morley says. “Eudora’s size and salt-of-the-earth residents, who have lived in the same place for generations, resonated with me.” Although Above wasn’t written in Kansas, Morley channeled Eudora through pages of observations she carefully recorded and rough sketches
Isla Morley’s Above is a suspenseful novel set in Eudora.
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Morley was inspired by her visits to Eudora with her husband, who is originally from the area.
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she made in notebooks during different visits. “Every trip we made to Eudora to see Bob’s parents, I soaked in my surroundings: the weather, the houses along the street, the daffodils growing in flower beds, the American flags flying at front doors, the trees at CPA Park,” she says. “I took lots of pictures, and when Bob would come back without me, he was my ears and eyes too.” Sometimes during the writing process Morley was concerned that Eudora natives would be offended at the liberties she took, nipping and tucking and embellishing the town’s reality and history. “I worried that I don’t have the right to write about a place where I haven’t lived or belong,” she says. “But my agent told me that often a writer has insight to a place where people who live there day in and day out perhaps miss.” For Morley, an award-winning author who at one time was among South Africa’s youngest magazine editors, Above is a work in which readers may find a captivating tale of survival, resilience and hope. “There are universal themes in the book that are truths no matter where you grew up or live,” she says. Isla Morley’s latest book, Above, has all the makings of a popular book club selection. What if Morley was part of a fictional Eudora book club where Above was a selected title? What kind of conversation would she
imagine around her well-crafted characters and the pageturning, heart-pounding story? “I hope book club members will talk about the collective theme of the human spirit’s resiliency and the very nature of motherhood—that is, going to any extent to protect one’s
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Q&A with author Isla Morley
w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v Discover Eudora: You grew up in South Africa during apartheid. Did that notion play into the storyline of Above, in which the protagonist was denied her freedom for 17 agonizing years? Isla Morley: Throughout my life, the injustice and disparity between power and people with no power have shaped my heart and mind. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed in South Africa following the abolition of apartheid, in which a court-like restorative-justice body held hearings in communities around the country, where perpetrators of crimes heard firsthand from victims the impact and fallout of their actions. DE: But perpetrators of apartheid also had the opportunity to give testimony, and request amnesty from prosecution, correct? IM: Justice is not the period at the end of the sentence following a crime. Forgiveness is. Unless you forgive, you are still tied to the wrong done and the wrongdoer. That plays into Above. DE: The world you have created in which Blythe is forced to raise her child in captivity 200 feet underground in an abandoned missile silo is haunting and unimaginable. You said you haven’t been in a missile silo, but have you ever been in a confined place that you channeled while writing Above? IM: As a young child, I was once accidentally locked in a chest before my parents located the key. And I have been in situations where there was no hope, which can be defined as confinement. One time, in Hawaii, Bob fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent surgery. I had nightmares whether or not I would get the man back that I married. There was a long period of healing and recovery. Personal experiences of hopelessness helped me explore what it means to be free.
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DE: You said in a recent interview, ‘None of us can go back to our childhood home.’ This is something that Blythe faces in Above. Why can’t we go back? IM: Some of this has to be my experience as an immigrant—a sense that I don’t feel I fit in anywhere, no place I go is ‘home.’ But I have met many people who live in the same town all their lives and have that same experience of loneliness and displacement—even though you live in a familiar place, the dynamics, relationships, even physical surroundings inevitably change. As we leave home and go out into the world and experience joys and hardships, we realize that home is represented by who we are with; it resides in the hearts of people we love. DE: So in Above, Blythe discovers the meaning of home? IM: Absolutely. She thinks she can return to her childhood home and that everything will be perfect, how it used to be. She comes to the realization that home is within herself and her child. islamorley.com
children,” says Morley. “And of course, I hope a Eudora book club would delight in discovering the familiar hometown landmarks and claim some of its wonderful lore.” One thing Morley cautions against: Don’t try to match characters in Above with real-life Eudora residents. “They’re simply not there,” she says.
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The Eudora Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization founded in 1992. The chamber was organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Eudora area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper. The chamber is committed to community success in economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests. Learn more about membership at www. cityofeudoraks.gov.
A&A Lock and Key and Overhead Door 2064 N. 900 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (913) 302-7500 Fax:.............................................. (913) 221-0380 Email: aandalockandkey@hotmail.com www.aandalock.com Air Filter Plus, Inc. 1205 Cardinal Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (800) 733-8011 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3900 Email: customerservice@airfilterplus.com www.airfilterplus.com Amanda’s Dance Academy 104 W. 20th St., Suite 4 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7200 Email: amandadanceacademy@gmail.com www.amandadanceacademy.com Ameriprise Financial Vestana Ahlen, CFP 4550 W. 109th St, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66211 ................................................... (913) 239-2525 Email: Vestana.ahlen@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/vestana.1.ahlen/ Amy L. Durkin—Attorney at Law 702 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1234 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1235 www.durkinfamilylaw.com
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chamber membership 27 Auburn Pharmacy Brad Archer 310 E. 15th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7575 Fax:.............................................. (785) 690-7577 www.auburnpharmacies.com
CLO’s Midnight Farm 2084 N. 600 Road Baldwin City, KS 66006 ................................................... (785) 979-1889 Fax:.............................................. (785) 865-5695 Email: farm@clokan.org www.midnight-farm.org
Benchmark Construction 110 W. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1400
Country Spa & Gardens 2152 N. 700 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 1310 Winchester Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 843-9192 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-2219 Email: talktobert@bertnash.org www.bertnash.org Bloom & Associates Therapy, PA 924 Locust St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3333 Fax:.............................................. (785) 865-3555 www.bloompt.wix.com/bloom-associates-physicaltherapy#!.com Judi Branine - Realtor 21648 Midland Dr. Shawnee, KS 66218 ................................................... (913) 825-2100 Fax:.............................................. (913) 963-2921 judi@judirealestate.com Byrne’s Pharmacy 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2533 Email: contact@byrnespharmacy.com www.byrnespharmacy.com C-Hawkk Construction, Inc. 527 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1800 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1025 City of Eudora 4 E. Seventh St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2153 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1237 www.cityofeudoraks.gov ClearCloud 6110 N. 9 Hwy Parkville, MO 64152 ................................................... (866) 642-9202
Cutter’s Smokehouse 218 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1100 www.cutterssmokehouse.com Douglas County Bank 1402 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 865-7676 www.DouglasCountyBank.com Edward Jones Jeff Peterson 730 New Hampshire, Suite 212 Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 843-1371 ................................................... (877) 296-1373 Eudora Auto Parts 1006A Ash St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2230 www.eudoraautoparts.com Eudora Animal Hospital 1905 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3265 Email: info@eudoravet.com www.eudoravet.com Eudora Baptist Church 525 W. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2734 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2037 Email: churchoffice@eudorabc.org www.eudorabc.org Eudora Community Learning Center 1310 Winchester Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1278 Email: angie.miller@greenbush.org www.greenbush.org
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28 chamber membership Eudora Eye Care 101 W. 10th St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5522 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1013 Email: barnhartod@hotmail.com www.eudoraeyecare.com Eudora Family Care 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2345 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1239 www.lmh.org Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2496 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2496 Email: eudorapl@sunflower.com www.eudorapubliclibrary.org EudoraReporter.com Eudora, KS 66025 editor@eudorareporter.com www.eudorareporter.com Eudora School: Unified School District No. 491 1310 Winchester Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-4910 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-4909 www.eudoraschools.org Eudora United Methodist Church 2084 N. 1300 Road P.O. Box 520 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3200 www.eudoraumc.org Eudora Wine & Spirits 218 W. 20th St., Suite A Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7500 www.eudorawine.com Eurotec Vertical Flight Solutions 1040 OCL Parkway Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 331-2220 Fax:.............................................. (785) 331-2221 www.eurotecvfs.com Gambino’s Pizza 1402 Church St., Suite D Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2121 Fax:.............................................. (785) 841-1926 www.gambinospizza.com
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Gene’s Heartland Foods 1402 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2727 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2932 www.eudora.heartlandfoodsstores.com
Honey Creek Disposal Service, Inc P.O. Box 1 Tonganoxie, KS 66086 ................................................... (913) 369-8999 Email: contactus@honeycreekdisposal.com www.honeycreekdisposal.com
Glaser Williams 1125 John L. Williams Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7381 Fax:.............................................. (785) 690-7387 www.glaserwilliams.com
Jacque’s Place Salon 1402 Church St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................ .. (785) 550-5531 www.jacquesfamilyhair.com
H.P. Pelzer 1201 Cardinal Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5700 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-5757 www.hppelzer.com Hair, Nail, & Tanning Company 800 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7468 www.hairnailandtanningco.com Hamm Quarry, L.L.C. 609 Perry Place Perry, KS 66073 ................................................... (785) 597-5111 Fax:.............................................. (785) 597-9914 www.nrhamm.com Heads or Nails 713 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7272 Hi-Tech Antifreeze 530 South Main Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1230 Email: antifreeze@sunflower.com www.recyclingantifreeze.com His Hands Clothing 736 B Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7220 Holy Family Catholic Church 311 E. Ninth St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2788 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1908 Email: hfceudora@sunflower.com www.holyfamilyeudora.com
Jayhawk Dental, L.L.C. 826 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 843-9122 Email: jayhawkdental@sunflower.com www.jayhawkdental.com Kansas Secured Title: Douglas County 1410 Kasold Drive Suite A-18 Lawrence, KS 66049 ................................................... (785) 843-2830 Fax:.............................................. (785) 749-3129 www.kstdouglas.com Kaw Valley State Bank 739 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-4200 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2148 www.kawvalleystatebank.com Kenneth O. von Achen: Chartered Architects 40555 W. 103rd St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2410 http://kovaca.com Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St. Lawrence, KS 66025 www.lmh.org LMH Eudora Therapy Services 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 505-2712 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1239 www.lmh.org Mateo Chiropractic 1402 Church St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5400 www.mateochiro.com
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Medicalodges Eudora 1415 Maple St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2176 www.medicalodgeseudora.com
Shepard Plumbing & Construction 717 Main St. P.O. Box 235 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2737
Twin Oaks Golf Complex 1326 E. 1900 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2844 www.facebook.com/twinoaksgolfks
Miller Agency Insurance 711 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2000 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2370 Email: mai@sunflower.com
St. Paul United Church of Christ Karen Troutman 738 Church St. P.O. Box 722 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2785 Email: stpaulucc@sunflower.com
Warren-McElwain Mortuary 1003 John L. Williams Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 843-1120 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-1182 Email: info@warrenmcelwain.com www.warrenmcelwain.com
State Farm Insurance Keith Nowland 218 E. 20th St., Suite B Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3276 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3260 www.keithnowland.com
Watts Rental Properties 1009 E. 13th Court Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................ .. (785) 865-8951
Minuteman Press of Lawrence 501 Gateway Drive, Suite B Lawrence, KS 66049 ................................................... (785) 842-2656 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-9027 www.minutemanlawrence.com Mutual Savings Association 801 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2123 www.mutualwave.com R.D. Johnson Excavating Co. 1705 N. 1399 Road Lawrence, KS 66046 ................................................... (785) 842-9100 Fax:.............................................. (785) 842-9113 www.rdjohnsonexcavating.com Rock Family Chiropractic 1402 Church St., Suite E Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2118 ................................................... (785) 542-1164
Steelhead Recording 101 W. 10th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1405 www.steelheadrecording.com Sterling Readiness Rounds 112 E. 10th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 764-4545
Westerhouse, Inc. 104 E. 20th St. #1 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2707 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3002 www.westerhouse.com WOW! 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 301 Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 841-2100 www.wowway.com
Sunflower Publishing 609 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 832-7257 Fax:.............................................. (785) 331-0633 Email: sunpubads@sunflowerpub.com www.sunflowerpub.com
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quick guide Resource
Website
Emergency & Medical Kansas Poison Control Lawrence Memorial Hospital www.lmh.org Kansas Crisis Hotline www.kcsdv.org Tip Hotline (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) www.accesskansas.org/kbi Child Abuse Hotline www.srs.ks.gov
Telephone
911 (800) 222-1222 (785) 505-5000 (888) 363-2287 (800) 572-7463 (800) 922-5330
City Services City Offices Fire & Medical Department Police Department Water & Electric Municipal Court Animal Control Building, Planning & Zoning Atmos (Gas)
www.cityofeudoraks.gov www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=67 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=77 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=79 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=75 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=92 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=65 www.atmosenergy.com
(785) 542-2153 (785) 542-3653 (785) 542-3121 (785) 542-2153 (785) 542-4113 (785) 542-3121 (785) 542-3124 (888) 286-6700
Douglas County Services Douglas County www.douglas-county.com Douglas County Sheriff http://www.dgso.org/web/index.php (785) 841-0007 Douglas County Fire & Medical (785) 832-5259 Douglas County Health Department www.ldchealth.org (785) 843-3060 Douglas County Youth Services (785) 331-1300 Douglas County CASA www.dccasa.org (785) 832-5172 Cottonwood Inc. www.cwood.org (785) 842-0550 Bert Nash Community Health Center www.bertnash.org (785) 843-9192
Lawrence Information Lawrence CVB Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
www.visitlawrence.com www.lawrencechamber.com
(785) 865-4499 (785) 865-4411
www.cityofeudoraks.gov
(785) 542-1212
Living in Eudora Eudora Chamber of Commerce
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208 W. 20th Street | Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-5152 www.wolffauto.com
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