Discover Eudora by Sunflower Publishing

winter/spring 2014

discover eudora a community guide

hometown speedster

chase austin w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v

Standard U.S. Postage Paid Permit 8 Eudora, KS 66025

Winter 2014

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a note from the city Citizens of Eudora, As a lifelong resident and current city clerk of Eudora, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the outstanding public services our city has to offer. Our local government includes the following departments: Administration, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Police and Fire. Each of these departments has adopted the mission: “to provide services in an effective and efficient manner to enhance the quality of life for the citizens we serve.” The Administration Department fulfills public information requests; manages utility payments, cemetery plots, dog licenses, and building permits; and maintains city finances, local laws and records management. Currently our Parks and Recreation Department maintains six public parks and a seventh that is under construction. We have a recreation building and aquatics facility that is less than 5 years old and hosts a number of exercise classes, family reunions, parties and celebrations. Our Public Safety Building, located in the downtown district, was completed in July 2013. It houses our Police and Fire Departments. Both departments work closely with Eudora Schools for the safety of our youth as well as the general safety of all Eudora citizens. The Public Works Department maintains our city streets, utility services, infrastructure and a number of other services. You will read more about these services in this issue of Discover Eudora. Each and every staff member has accepted the mission, vision and values of our city. I am honored to be part of such a professional staff and look forward to the future of Eudora. I encourage you to visit our website at www.cityofeudoraks.gov to learn more about what our wonderful city has to offer. Feel free to stop by any of our departments should you have any questions or simply want to introduce yourself. Again, thank you for choosing to reside in and raise your family in Eudora. Serving Eudora—whether it is through administration, public works, parks and recreation or public safety—is a privilege that we take seriously. We strive to make Eudora the best community possible. Sincerely, Pam Schmeck Eudora City Clerk

Winter 2014

Editor Katy Ibsen Designer/Art Director Jenni Leiste Copy Editor Deron Lee Account Executive Joanne Morgan 785.832.7264 Ad Designers Wade Kelly Jenni Leiste Chief Photographer Jason Dailey Contributing Writers Seth Jones Kimberly Stern Liz Weslander General Manager Bert Hull

discover eudora a community guide

www.sunflowerpub.com | lawrence, kansas

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 Ruth Hughs City Manager Michael Press

4 contents discover eudora

departments 6

eat Anthony’s Diner

play Country Spa & Gardens

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10 attend Wild Over Wellness 27 chamber membership listings 30 quick guide

features 12 Austin Takes Turn 3 Professional race-car driver and Eudora native Chase Austin looks to teach his trade

16 A good neighbor Eudora’s Intech Business Park might go unnoticed, but it’s a key to the city’s development

18 Good Works Even when you’re sleeping, Eudora’s Public Works team takes care of business

22 Eudora Schools Foundation Charitable group looks to make a difference for teachers and students

6 eat discover eudora

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Anthony’s Diner This downtown staple is a labor of love for owner Anthony Ferrara story by

photography by

Seth Jones

Jason dailey

There’s no mistaking who is in charge at Anthony’s Diner in downtown Eudora. It would be the booming voice coming from the kitchen. That’s Anthony Ferrara, owner. He’s also the head cook, a frequent waiter, the goodwill ambassador and all-around happy guy. How someone who works so hard (12-14 hours a day, seven days a week) on two apparently bad knees can be so jovial isn’t a mystery: Anthony is just a people person. “I love being around people. I retired a couple times; you isolate yourself when you retire,” Ferrara says. “I like making people happy, giving them what they want, serving them.” He laughs when asked if he could imagine doing anything else. The answer is yes, and he thinks back to the time when he was in the art-supply and pictureframing business. But, as he puts it, “If you’ve got to work, you might as well enjoy it.” Anthony’s Diner specializes in homemade Italian food, along with a few classics. The most popular items include the chicken fried steak, chicken spiedini and the “three way,” which includes spaghetti, ravioli and lasagna. For breakfast, the Mac is for the jumbo-sized appetite: two eggs, two pancakes, two pieces of sausage or bacon, hash browns and a half-order of biscuits and gravy for $9. “We make homemade biscuits for our biscuits and gravy,” Ferrara says proudly. “We keep our prices low because our overhead is not big here in Eudora compared to Lawrence.” Ferrara’s first foray as a restaurateur was 20 years ago in De Soto. He owned and operated Kill Creek Pub and Grill for almost a decade before selling it and moving on. He’s owned and operated his Eudora diner for about five years now. The business inspired him to move here a year and a half ago, to be closer to work and to maximize his naps. “The restaurant is closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. That’s when I like to take my nap,” Ferrara laughs. “We’re the only country in the world that don’t get a nap.” Anthony’s Diner has also added a full bar with an adjoining patio on the rear side of the building. The bar features a pool table, a quality jukebox and flat-screen

Good food, good company and good times at Anthony’s Diner in downtown Eudora. TOP LEFT Anthony Ferrara likes to be around people— so this popular small-town diner was just his calling.

TVs to watch the game. On Kansas University basketball game days he offers $2 well drinks. The regular special is a bucket of five beers for $12. The bar is open every day except Sunday. Ferrara obviously can’t do it all by himself; he has a staff of six employees who work in the restaurant and the bar. He finds time to do his food-prep work throughout the day. On this day, a ham hock is simmering for the evening’s split pea soup. It’s to the point now that many of his customers know his specials by heart. “We have a lot of regular customers. Probably 70 percent of our customers are regulars,” he says. Does he personally come out of the kitchen to talk to every one of them? “I talk to all of my customers. I think it’s real important,” he says. “People want to go somewhere where it’s friendly, not where they’re just a number.”

diner

10 W. Ninth St. (785) 690-7788

Winter 2014

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 C&S Market Grocery 1402 Church St. (785) 542-2727 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

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“The restaurant is closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. That’s when I like to take my nap. … We’re the only country in the world that don’t get a nap.” -Anthony Ferrara

Pendleton’s Country Market Pick your own vegetables 1446 E. 1850 Road (785) 843-1409 www.pendletons.com Penny Annie’s Sweet Shoppe Candies and sweets 704 Main St. (785) 542-2111 Sonic Drive-In Quick bites 1420 Church St. (785) 542-1799 Subway Sandwiches 318 E. 15th St. (785) 542-2626

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Serenity

Now

Country Spa & Gardens offers a special blend of relaxation in a pastoral setting story by

photography by

Kimberly Winter Stern

Jason dailey

Things just don’t get more peaceful than Country Spa & Gardens’ bucolic backdrop. Perhaps a 60-minute massage and, afterward, a walk by the pond to smell the roses would help cure what ails you? Mary Lou Heine, who found her personal Zen spot in Eudora upon retiring after 25 years of service with Union Carbide in West Virginia, has created an oasis on the city’s outskirts with Country Spa & Gardens. Located on the lower level of the home she shares with her sister, the retreat away from the world’s hustle and bustle offers relaxation in the form of massage therapy with a healthy side of gorgeous scenery. Heine moved to Eudora from West Virginia with the intent of ditching the 9-to-5 for a more peaceful pastime to complement her love of gardening. She was busy transforming some of the 12-acre property into lush flower and vegetable gardens, but she needed more. “I wanted to do something in my retirement, but wasn’t sure exactly what when I got here,” says Heine. “It needed to be a job where I could set my own schedule.” After some encouragement from her sister, Heine enrolled in massage-therapy school, where over the course of a year she learned how to relieve tense muscles and ease stiffness, pain and tension. Country Spa & Gardens opened in 2004 and, as the saying goes: “Build it and they will come.” “We have clients from all around the area who come for the many benefits of massage,” says Heine, a nationally certified massage therapist who enjoys helping people find healing through the power of touch. “Everyone from farmers to businesspeople to moms.” The serenity doesn’t end with one of Heine’s massages, though, because outside the door of Country Spa & Gardens is

Mary Lou Heine, a certified massage therapist, wasn’t quite ready for retirement, but she was ready for relaxing when she opened Country Spa & Gardens.

a pond, walking trail, gazebo and wildflowers. Clients often stroll the grounds before their appointment or sit on a bench by the water following their session to breathe in the country air and gaze at Heine’s handiwork, which includes 150 grape arbors. “Eventually we hope to make wine from the grapes,” says Heine, who also harvests the fruits of her labors from orchards with trees bearing pears, peaches, apricots and plums, and bounty from gardens that grow all varieties of vegetables—including peppers, squash and tomatoes. “I’ve started growing almonds, pecans and walnuts, too,” she says. Heine offers spa parties and services that include reflexology, salt scrubs, body wraps, scalp massage and massage paired with foot and hand paraffin treatments. In addition to massage therapy, Country Spa & Gardens is available for weddings and other special events—and Heine and her sister will even do floral design using flowers from the prolific gardens on the grounds. For Heine, whose creativity with her hands is an endless source of satisfaction and accomplishment, it’s all in a day’s work. “I just love what I do here,” she says. “I never imagined retirement could be so fulfilling.”

spa & Gardens

Rejuvenating spa in the country 2152 N. 700 Road (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com

Winter 2014

w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v Amanda’s Dance Academy Dance lessons 104 W. 20th St. Ste. 4 (785) 691-6314 www.amandadanceacademy.com BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1969 N. 1250 Road (785) 542-1764 www.bluejacketwinery.com CLO’s Midnight Farm Horseman day camp 2084-B N. 600 Road Baldwin City (785) 979-1889 www.midnight-farm.org Country Spa & Gardens Rejuvenating spa in the country 2152 N. 700 Road (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com

Eudora Area Historical Society A step back in time 1428 Elm St. (Nottingham Elementary School) (785) 690-7900 www.cityofeudoraks.gov

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Davenport Orchards & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1394 E. 1900 Road (785) 542-2278 www.davenportwinery.com Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. (785) 542-2496 www.eudorapubliclibrary.org Eudora Parks and Recreation For various parks and venues 1630 Elm St. (785) 542-1725 www.eudoraparksandrec.org

“I just love what I do here. I never imagined retirement could be so fulfilling.”

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

- Mary Lou Heine, Owner of Country Spa & Gardens

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Wild

over Wellness story by

katy ibsen

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Returning to Eudora this coming year is the WOW Fest, Eudora Schools’ Wild Over Wellness health fair. Set for March 29, WOW Fest is a celebration and opportunity for all ages to learn more about good health. “A variety of professionals and volunteers will present information ranging from medical and mental health care to nutrition and safety,” says Linda Troutfetter, social worker with the Eudora School District and fair organizer. In early 2003, the district became involved in the Kansas Coordinated School Health Program. With that initiative, the district began creating a Coordinated School Health Model, making the fair a component of the model. Linda notes that research shows healthy bodies lead to healthy minds. The “mover and shaker” of the program, Linda says, “was our school nurse at the time, Kathy Kellerman. Part of the district action-plan goal was: ‘Provide an environment for staff, students, families and the community where wellness is a priority.’” The first festival took place in August 2005. The fair is still facilitated by the school and now encompasses the community of Eudora. This year, support is coming from DCCCA, the Eudora Police Department, the Eudora Fire Department, Eudora Parks and Recreation, and State Farm Insurance. Anywhere from 30 to 40 community agencies sign up to participate, Linda says. “We try to bring in groups from around the Douglas County area who provide supports and services for our children and families,” she says. “It is a great ‘one stop shop’ for gathering information about a wide range of community organizations.”

Saturday, March 29 9 a.m.-Noon Location: TBD

fest

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HOURS Mon. thru Sat. | 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Sun. | 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 1402 Church Street • Eudora, KS

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Open House & Enrollment Sunday, March 2nd Dinner & Trivia Night February 22 Fundraiser for Open Hearts Early Education Program at the Eudora United Methodist Church. Dinner will be from 5-7 p.m.; trivia will follow.

Open Hearts Early Education Program will host an open house for families from 3-5 p.m. Parents and children will have the opportunity to take a tour, visit with staff, learn more about the school and enroll for the upcoming school year. www.eudoraumc.org.

For more information visit www.eudoraumc.org.

Have an event you want to share? Send details to the editor at kibsen@sunflowerpub.com

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Austin takes

turn 3

Professional race-car driver and Eudora native Chase Austin looks to teach his trade

story by

photography by

Seth Jones

Jason dailey

Winter 2014

Eudora native, Chase Austin continues fulfilling his NASCAR dreams and looks to teach others about the automotive world.

Pretty much everything an aspiring race-car driver can experience, Eudora native Chase Austin has experienced. From signing the big sponsorship deal to seeing a deal slip away, he’s been there. After all these experiences, it seems this 24-year-old is all grown-up. The story on Austin used to be about his youth (he became a professional driver at age 14) and about his efforts to make it big in racing as a minority (his father, Steve, is African American; his mother, Marianne, is Caucasian). But that’s old news. The next chapter is being written, and it’s being written on Austin’s terms. He’s not getting out of racing, but he is diversifying. Enter: Chase Austin, the teacher. Beginning in 2014, Austin will create a program in the Kansas City area that teaches young kids about motor sports and auto work—things like fabrication, metals, welding and basic suspension. “I’ve taken a step back, and one thing I’ve noticed—there are a lot of single-parent families that don’t know anything about racing. God has just

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Austin often returns home where he enjoys visiting family and connecting with his roots.

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Winter 2014

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“I still have plans and aspirations, some things in the works, stuff pointed me in this direction,” Austin says. “I woke up one morning and that eventually can put me back in the seat of a NASCAR or IndyCar,” talked to my dad about it a little bit and it took off from there.” Austin says. It’s too soon, Austin says, to go into details. The name of the school Look for Austin to run about 30 dirt-track modified races, mostly in has been bounced around, but nothing has stuck yet. Some sponsors the Midwest, in 2014. have been contacted, but until a lease is signed, mum’s the word. He’s “I was 19, and I was running a Nationwide race in Daytona,” Austin currently living in North Carolina, brushing up on his welding. He knows recalls of one of his favorite personal racing moments. “My spotter came how to do it, but not well enough to be able to teach it, he says. over the radio and told me that ‘the 29,’ “One of the reasons we’re starting it which is Kevin Harvick, was passing me on is because we’ve always had people we’ve the inside, and that Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. helped, especially kids,” Austin says. “My “I’ve taken a step back, and was going to team up with me so we could little cousin—he’s kind of my test subject. one thing I’ve noticed—there get a run on the outside. I was zoned in, He is 12 and wants to learn the trade of so I didn’t stop to think about it too much, it. We’ve got him doing the small things. are a lot of single-parent but there’s a sense of gratitude, for one, That’s how I want the program to go—I families that don’t know and of a dream come true.” don’t want it to be a school structure, but anything about racing. God Austin still has a home in Eudora, as more that they’re coming, hanging out, not has just pointed me in this do his parents. He says he loves the smallrealizing how much they are learning.” direction.” town atmosphere and will always stay near Austin’s students will learn from the town. But he is looking forward to one of the best in the Midwest. He made -Chase Austin opening his new school. history when he was the youngest driver “I’ve been [racing] a majority of my ever to secure a contract with a NASCAR life. I started when I was 8. I started racing team at age 14. He finished sixth at Dover professionally 10 years ago,” Austin reflects. “In the 10 years, I’ve had a International Speedway in 2007. In 2011 and 2012, he saw success on the lot of ups, a lot of downs. The whole span of how a racing career can go, Firestone Indy Lights Series. Most recently, he’s been racing dirt-track I’ve had it. Those trials and tribulations have prepared me and matured modifieds in the Midwest, winning one of his 30 races in 2013. me, made me look out for other people. But another reason I’ve started The new venture does not mean that Austin is looking to wave the focusing on this is I want to make my own way.” checkered flag on his racing career.

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open for business

A quick look at some of the businesses that call Eudoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Intech Park home Glaser Williams A trucking company that hauls materials across the United States and Canada. Locally they employ seven workers, but they work with 30 to 50 contractors regularly. Kingston Printing www.kingstonprinting.com A full-service commercial printing and graphics company. The company employs about 30 and is housed in a 40,000-square-foot facility. HP Pelzer www.hppelzer.com A worldwide company with 30 locations around the globe and 6,000 employees, they manufacture automobile components that minimize noise. EuroTec Vertical Flight Solutions www.eurotecvfs.com A 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility for helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul service. Air Filter Plus www.airfilterplus.com A supplier of air filters to commercial and industrial facilities. The company employs 27 people. ATA Storage www.atastorage.com/ A provider of traditional and climatecontrolled storage, along with boat and RV storage.

story by

photography by

Seth Jones

Jason dailey

Winter 2014

a good

Neighbor Eudora’s Intech Business Park might go unnoticed, but it’s a key to the city’s development Every day, Eudora residents zoom down K-10, many of them to and from Kansas City. With their eyes fixed on the road, they may not pay much attention to the numerous businesses located on the east end of Eudora. Yet tucked between K-10 on the southeast and Eudora Elementary School on the northwest, Intech Business Park—home to several companies—is a thriving industrial park with internationally respected businesses. From helicopter maintenance to printing services, these companies all are happy to call Eudora home. “I like the country setting of it,” says Chris Lewis, human resources manager for HP Pelzer, a manufacturer of automotive components. “We get a good amount of people to work here from the surrounding area.” Lewis says approximately 20 percent of the 150 people who work at HP Pelzer are local to Eudora. The rest come from near and far: Pomona to Liberty, Missouri. And more good news: The company plans on hiring another 20 employees soon, growing to 170. Aside from the school district, the collection of businesses in Intech Park make up the largest employer in the city, says Eudora City Manager Michael Press. These businesses are a big part of what makes Eudora such a livable community. “The ability for us to have good businesses in this park, and to add more businesses to this park, provides the economic sustainability that any community requires both to continue to maintain its infrastructure and to continue to maintain its public safety, which are two critical factors,” Press says. “When you tie in with the ability of schools to draw from that tax base and continue their excellence—it all works together to grow community.” It’s a true win-win: The community benefits from the businesses at Intech Park, and the businesses benefit from their convenient location. Monica Rethman, operations manager for trucking company Glaser Williams, says her company sends trucks all over the country and as far as Canada. “We chose this location because it’s right up against K-10,” she says. “We can get trucks in and out of here easily.” Press notes that the park’s proximity to K-10 is just one benefit. Others include inexpensive land, access to talented employees from the University of Kansas, and buildings that are ready for business. To that last one, Press says he’s looking for additional businesses to call the Intech Park home. “We need businesses to help us sustain economic growth. In return, we offer a safe community where these employees can take their kids to good schools, a safe community, smooth roads. … There’s all sorts of things that work together,” he says.

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Good

Works Even when you’re sleeping, Eudora’s Public Works team takes care of business

Chances are, you can turn on any faucet in Eudora right now and there would be a steady stream of water. The same goes for flushing a toilet or switching on a light—they would all be in working order. Unless, of course, there was no water, the toilet didn’t flush or the light didn’t come on. It’s when things don’t perform, or a winter snowstorm descends, that the 16-strong team making up Eudora’s Public Works Department isn’t taken for granted. As far as Eudora Public Works Director Mike Hutto is concerned, it’s just fine that he and his employees operate most of the time in anonymity. The most crucial role that Hutto’s experienced team plays in keeping Eudora running smoothly is perhaps this: They are ready to jump into action any time of day, any day of the week—rain, sleet, snow or wind. “We have at least two or three employees on call at all times,” says Hutto, who moved from Colorado three years ago to take a position that oversees

story by

photography by

Kimberly Winter Stern

Jason Dailey

Winter 2014

Dirty job

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Daryl Peterson, field operations superintendent for the City of Eudora, and his small crew probably take the prize for the dirtiest job in the Public Works Department. “When there’s a sewer backup, that can get pretty nasty,” says Peterson. “And generally, working at the sewer and water plant gets messy.” But Peterson enjoys the challenges his job presents, sometimes at a moment’s notice. It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

silky soft

“There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that we keep things moving along,” says Peterson. “Most people in Eudora probably don’t realize that we’re constantly working behind the scenes.” Mike Hutto, Public Works director for the City of Eudora, says one of the most noticeable changes he and his staff have made to the services residents receive is softening the water supply. “We had the hardest water in Kansas until a couple of years ago when we made some major adjustments,” says Hutto. “Now we’re in the top tier of water softness.” Hutto champions the diligence of his employees, noting that tests are run to regulate water softness, and that tweaks and improvements are made to ensure the water plant is running at optimum levels of efficiency. everything from the city’s cemetery and road maintenance to storm water, electric and wastewater. “When there’s a problem, we’re there to solve it. If there’s a pothole, we’re there to fix it,” he says. Hutto and his enthusiastic staff thrive on delivering services to Eudora residents in a timely and efficient manner—with the least amount of interruptions possible. Eldon Brown, electric superintendent in the Public Works Department, has worked with the City of Eudora for more than 20 years. Brown and his colleagues’ job descriptions include everything from restoring power following a spring windstorm to trimming trees away from power lines, repairing lines after common culprits— squirrels—accidentally disrupt electrical service, and more. “Our work really goes unseen until, well, someone can’t see in the dark because of a power outage,” says Brown. “Many of the things the

“Everyone complained how bad the water was,“ recalls Hutto. “So we dug deep for solutions. Now Eudora residents not only enjoy some of the softest water in the state, they don’t have to replace their coffeepots every six months.” Have water-softener sales plummeted since Eudora softened things up? “Probably,” chuckles Hutto. We’ll drink to that.

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electric guys and I do are routine and go unnoticed—until there’s an issue.” Daryl Peterson has been Eudora’s field operations superintendent in the Public Works Department for three years. He is in charge of managing the day-to-day operations, maintenance and repairs of the city’s water-distribution system, wastewater and storm-water runoff. Peterson, like his coworkers, takes pride in keeping the city’s utilities in mint condition. “It’s a good feeling that people don’t have to think about what we do,” says Peterson. “That means we’re doing our jobs.” The sense of camaraderie in the Public Works Department is palpable when Hutto, Brown and Peterson discuss Eudora’s newest amenity—the acre-and-a-half Shadow Ridge Park, slated for completion in mid-spring 2014—and their part in bringing it to completion. “A walking trail, shelter, playground equipment and a great place to spend time outdoors,” says Hutto of the new park. “A community benefit, for certain.” And when it comes to providing services to the community such as keeping the lights on, the water running, the grass mowed, the streets cleared and the potholes filled, Hutto and company know how to take care of business.

DID YOU KNOW? The Public Works Department maintains 16 employees under the direction of the Public Works director. Just a few of the responsibilities of the department include: Maintaining the city brush pile Maintaining city sewer lines Maintaining street signs Reading water and electric meters Removing snow Repairing street lights Repairing streets Repairing water breaks Responding to power outages Trimming trees Working on city vehicles and equipment

(785) 542-3100

EUDORA

BY THE NUMBERS

Population Number of employees on Public Works team Miles of maintained roads Snowplows

Mowers Hours of operation On-call employees

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Winter 2014

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2012 Teacher Excellence Grants Recipients

Classroom library for specialeducation students at Eudora Middle School (Rebecca Clark) Van de Graaff generator to demonstrate principles of electricity (Joe Pickett and Morning Pruitt)

TumbleBooks subscription for Eudora Elementary classrooms and families (Angela Fox) Science World subscription for seventh- and eighth-grade students (Roberta Lafontaine)

Teacher and parent resources for behavior programs at Eudora Elementary

(Kacie Olson and the MultiTier System of Supports team)

Hand tools and paint tools for the auto-collision lab at the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center (Chris Paxton)

Picture books to help Eudora Elementary pre-readers learn social and emotional skills (Rosemary Pratt)

Book sets for “Battle of the Books” reading incentive program (Angie Kennedy, Kyle Stadalman and fifth-grade teachers)

Eudora Schools

Foundation Charitable group looks to make a difference for teachers and students

Even in the best of times, very few schools have enough resources to accomplish everything in helping students learn. And these are not the best of times for public schools, says Nancy Jackson, president of the Eudora Schools Foundation. Nancy, who served on the Eudora school board for terms in 2010 and 2011, says dealing with state-mandated budget cuts gave her a sobering look at school funding, and solidified her commitment as a board member of the Eudora Schools Foundation, a charitable foundation that provides support to Eudora schools with private funding.

“The Foundation would exist regardless of budgetary constraints. But having had a very close look at those budgets, I can say that there is no fat there,” says Nancy. “We were cutting vital parts. It was very painful, and it doubled my personal resolve to work with Eudora citizens to do everything we can do to support our schools.” The trend in declining state support for schools is precisely why the Eudora Schools Foundation is stepping up its annual fundraising strategies and looking to establish an endowment that could support Eudora schools on a more ambitious level.

story by

Liz Weslander

Davenport orcharDs & Winery

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“There are a number of folks in Eudora who really feel a strong affinity for Eudora schools,” Nancy says. “Establishing an endowment using estate plans—just simple bequests to the foundation—would provide perpetual support for Eudora schools could make our schools even better.” The primary way that the Eudora Schools Foundation provides support to Eudora schools is through annual Teacher Excellence Grants. These mini-grants fund a wide variety of projects and materials that enhance classroom instruction at all levels of education. In 2013 the Foundation grants totaled nearly $3,500. The 2013 grant-selection process included 19 proposals requesting nearly $17,000. “The great news there is that we had double the applications from last year,” says Nancy. “Teachers are coming up with innovative ideas that range dramatically in scope and size. We are really eager to increase funding so that we can make more grants happen.” Angela Fox, a technology teacher at Eudora Elementary, received one of the 2013 Teacher Excellence Grants. Her grant will fund a subscription to TumbleBooks, an online library of hundreds of children’s books that are aimed at improving reading fluency and comprehension; the books can be accessed by teachers, students and parents. Angela also received a grant

Eudora Schools

Foundation

Board of Trustees

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Nancy Jackson, president of the Eudora Schools Foundation.

in 2011 to purchase a set of classroom timers that students use to monitor their progress in math skills and reading fluency. Angela says the timers are still in use and have been a great motivator for students. “Having an organization in our community that supports our schools is a wonderful thing. It’s very meaningful to me,” says Angela. In addition to the Teacher Excellence Grants, the Eudora Schools Foundation provides a number of small donations throughout the school year that support school-related events such as an all-night prom and a staff- and faculty-appreciation tailgate event.

Na n c y Ja c k so n , p re si d e n t Vi ck i Jo h n so n , vi c e p re si d e n t/ se c re ta ry Ly n n Re a zi n , tre a su re r Da vi d B a rn h a rd t Da ve Du rk i n

The Foundation’s main fundraiser currently is a golf tournament that takes place each June. The remainder of the fundraising comes through donations drawn from direct appeals to parents and the wider Eudora community. Nancy says that building awareness is a key component in growing the Foundation, and that the Foundation Board is focusing its attention on this effort in tandem with fundraising. “We want everyone to know that the Foundation exists,” says Nancy. “Eudora schools are great now, but I think they can be even better, and we will work with Eudora citizens to make the greatest possible difference.”

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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 & Key, L.L.C. 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

chamber membership 27 Auburn Pharmacy Brad Archer 310 E. 15th St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 690-7575 Fax:............................................(785) 690-7577 www.auburnpharmacies.com Benchmark Construction 110 W. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-1400 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 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 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

Country Spa & Gardens 2152 N. 700 Road Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com 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 1800 E. 23rd St., Suite J Lawrence, KS 66046 .................................................(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 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

28 chamber membership Eudora Family Care 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2345 Fax:............................................(785) 542-1239 www.lmh.org

Glaser Williams 1125 John L. Williams Drive Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 690-7381 Fax:............................................(785) 690-7387 www.glaserwilliams.com

Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2496 Fax:............................................(785) 542-2496 Email: eudorapl@sunflower.com www.eudorapubliclibrary.org

H.P. Pelzer 1201 Cardinal Drive Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-5700 Fax:............................................(785) 542-5757 www.hppelzer.com

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 Gene’s Heartland Foods 1402 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2727 Fax:............................................(785) 542-2932 www.eudora.heartlandfoodsstores.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 Honey Creek Disposal Service, Inc P.O. Box 1 Tonganoxie, KS 66086 .................................................(913) 369-8999 Email: contactus@honeycreekdisposal.com www.honeycreekdisposal.com

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Jacque’s Place Salon 1402 Church St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 550-5531 www.jacquesfamilyhair.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 Medicalodges Eudora 1415 Maple St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2176 www.medicalodgeseudora.com

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Mid-America Bank 3220 Mesa Way, Suite C Lawrence, KS 66049 .................................................(785) 841-8055 Fax:............................................(785) 841-8280 Email: dbecker@mid-americabank.com www.mid-americabank.com/ Miller Agency Insurance 711 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2000 Fax:............................................(785) 542-2370 Email: mai@sunflower.com 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 PGP Business Coaches and Consulting 500 E Santa Fe, Suite B Olathe, KS 66061 .................................................(913) 780-1140 R.D. Johnson Excavating Co. 1705 N. 1399 Road Lawrence, KS 66046 .................................................(785) 842-9100 Fax:............................................(785) 842-9113 www.rdjohnsonexcavating.com

chamber membership 29 Rock Family Chiropractic 1402 Church St., Suite E Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2118 .................................................(785) 542-1164 Shepard Plumbing & Construction 717 Main St. P.O.Box 235 Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2737 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 State Farm Insurance Keith Nowland 218 E. 20th St., Suite B Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-3276 Fax:............................................(785) 542-3260 www.keithnowland.com Steelhead Recording 101 W. 10th St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-1405 Sterling Readiness Rounds 112 E. 10th St. Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 764-4545 www.steelheadrecording.com

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Sunflower Publishing 609 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 .................................................(785) 832-7257 Fax:............................................(785) 331-0633 Email: sunpubads@sunflowerpub.com www.sunflowerpub.com Twin Oaks Golf Complex 1326 E. 1900 Road Eudora, KS 66025 .................................................(785) 542-2844 www.facebook.com/twinoaksgolfks 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 Watts Rental Properties 1009 E. 13th Court Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 865-8951 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

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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

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