Hutchinson Magazine Summer 2010

Restoring the past: Johnson Antique Furniture

Hyde Park’s enchanted cottage

Monarchs are a hometown hit

Summer 2010

Clowning around at the

Kansas State Fair

Summer 2010

$3.00

Hutchinson Volume 03 / Issue 01

Magazine

dear readers, About a year ago I was reading a submitted story about J.B. Holdren. I realize many of you have no idea who this is, while others know the legendary figure all too well.

The writer had suggested a story about Holdren a couple times, and I hesitated because of the many factors that would come into play. We’d have to work a year in advance, and I wondered how many local readers we would reach with this story and how we would handle the photography.

However, there was little harm in sending the writer to do some reporting.

And when I read the story of Holdren, I realized what makes Hutchinson and its people so special: their spirit.

Holdren, better known as Bardo the clown to some fans of the Kansas State Fair, is the epitome of this. It’s no coincidence that he’s worked with the fair for 65 years. He loves it.

Bardo and others know there is no better place to savor the flavors of Kansas than at the state fair. We toured the concessions and tasted the fare—from fried green tomatoes to stuffed Jaffle to funnel cake—to dish about what’s delicious.

While these fair-driven, homegrown stories kick off our summer issue, a few other spirited reads offer even more motivation.

The ever-popular Cosmosphere makes an appearance this season with its to-the-stars approach to education. Attracting children and adults to Hutchinson, the Cosmosphere is a Kansas original that continues to celebrate space exploration, the history of NASA and what lies beyond in its many summer camps. Learn how the campers go from dreamers to astronauts.

Meanwhile, America’s pastime is swinging once again in Hutchinson. Reno County is peppered with confident supporters and those who love the game of baseball, making the state a regional hotbed for young players. Hutchinson Monarchs owners Kim and Marc Blackim appreciate the praise and interest they have received in the team’s two-year existence.

Possibly channeling the same well of dedication that Bardo drank from are Paul Nisly and Mike Johnson.

Nisly, of Nisly Auction Co., found his passion on the auction block, but his perseverance to get there makes him an admirable neighbor. We gladly share his story along with a few tips for the next sale you find yourself at vowing not to buy anything.

Building a business with his own two hands is Johnson, who creates and restores furniture at Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse. Whether you are after an original handmade dining set or a motorcycle, Johnson has them both and guarantees everything about them. For him, ethics are as important as the craftsmanship.

Maybe I am excited as summer fast approaches with so many celebratory events, or maybe it’s just time to acknowledge a few well-known characters.

Either way, I have no doubt you will enjoy this issue, packed with plenty of feel-good stories and feel-good folks.

Publisher John Montgomery Advertising Director Leslie Shea Advertising Sales Manager Darren Werth For Advertising Rates and Information

(620) 694-5700 ext. 210 sales Executives

Robyn Bayless Tammy Colladay Shelby Dryden Tyler Goertzen Mitch Hixson Anita Stuckey Sam Wilk ad designers

Jenny Burgett Kim Hoskinson Scott Oswalt Rebekah Starkey Photographers

Aaron East Deborah Walker Contributing Writers

Amy Bickel Amy Conkling Brad Evenson Gloria Gale Pam Lyle Edie Ross Richard Shank Jeanette Steinert Production and Editorial Services for Hutchinson Magazine provided by:

Editor Katy Ibsen Designer Tamra Rolf COPY EDITOR Susie Fagan Art Director Darby Oppold GENERAL MANAGER Bert Hull Coordinator Faryle Scott Editorial comments (866) 655-4262 Subscriptions

$15 (tax included) for a one-year subscription to Hutchinson Magazine.

Katy Ibsen, Editor

Send your comments and suggestions to hutchinsonmagazine@sunflowerpub.com Follow us on twitter @hutchinsonmag find us on facebook: facebook.com/HutchinsonMagazine

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

For subscription information, please contact:

The Hutchinson News Circulation Department Elizabeth Garwood 300 W. Second | Hutchinson KS 67501 (620) 694-5700 ext. 115 | (800) 766-5730 ext. 115 egarwood@hutchnews.com

Contents

Departments

Summer 2010

Features

hutchinson living 6 A sound shelter

The dB extreme home experience serves as a showroom for one couple’s musical business

10 Out to the ball game

14 58

Baseball fans cheer as Hutchinson Monarchs return for another season

hutchinson businesses 22 On the auction block Salesman finds a career deal in the business of bidding

26 The savvy shoppers

Two moms save tons with their coupon program—and teach others to do the same

local profiles

34 Mom and dot designs

Mother-daughter duo create mini-masterpieces with glass

36 Friends in Action

28

at work Support for

seniors in Hutchinson goes beyond weekly visits

health & fitness

38 Fabulously fit A fitness instructor knows from experience that the road to wellness isn’t easy

14

Kansas State Fair

Get our behind-the-scenes look at the 2010 event

28

Restorative spirit

Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse continues to woo customers

58

Cottage comforts

Gayle and Gary Ford foster their little hideaway

travel ideas

42 Desert attraction A vast topography of raw

beauty sculpted by ancient seas and desert winds shapes awe-inspiring natural wonders

family

48 To infinity and beyond Cosmosphere

space camps are all the rage this summer

54 Keep on giving

The Volunteer Center of Reno County is a summer hot spot for community service

In Every Issue On the Cover

Chris Robinson and his son Markus enjoy roasted corn on the cob at the Kansas State Fair.

(Photography by Deborah Walker)

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

2 dear Reader 40 Q&A 64 best Bets

Correction

In our winter 2009 issue, Betty Hayes, member of the Hutchinson Town Club, was incorrectly identified as Julia Ehling in our opening photograph.

hutchinsonliving

A Sound Shelter The dB extreme home experience serves as a showroom for one couple’s musical business

Story by R ichar d Shan k Photography by De bor ah Walke r

R

ick and Rondi Caywood are entrepreneurs, event planners and entertainers. They are spotted at weddings, parties and even golf tournaments. But their unique home is a perfect example of the drive this couple have for their business.

Nestled in the sand hills overlooking Hutchinson north of the city limits is a metal building that gives new meaning to the words “home office.”

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

Rondi and Rick Caywood are masters of lighting techniques that enhance special events.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonliving

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Living in the country, Rondi and Rick keep an American Gothic sense of humor. Small details in and outside create a homey environment. Their cozy home in the warehouse is only temporary as they plan for their dream home.

Rounding out the family are their three dogs and two cats.

Where it began

While Rick and Rondi grew up in the Hutchinson area and were to use DJ in the business name. So dB ties into the sound aspect, classmates at Buhler High School, they never dated. It wasn’t until and I guess that extreme describes my hair,” says Rick. their 10-year reunion that their relationship developed. The two Rick and Rondi soon found themselves assisting with weddings, later married in 1994. receptions, holiday parties, the But they share a life2002 Women’s Open Golf Tour“By fulfilling the clients’ vision long love of music. Rick even nament and the 25th anniverplayed the bass guitar in sevof Fun Valley. of their dream day, that will help saryThanks eral area bands—a time when to what Rick calls Rondi jokingly referred to us fulfill our long-term goal for “accent decor lighting techherself as a “groupie.” While niques,” they are able to make our dream home.” - Rondi Caywood the band days are over—Rick even a bland table look fabulous. works as a printing press “It is an honor to assist peooperator in Wichita while ple with the most memorable Rondi is employed with State Farm Insurance in Hutchinson— day of their lives,” Rick says. “There is a lot of trust, expectation they’ve hardly lost their shared enthusiasm for music. and responsibilities placed with dB extreme, and that is something In 1999, the Caywoods took a leap of faith and formed their own we gladly accept. You can’t redo a wedding.” company, dB extreme. They work as musical event planners and For clients Shasta and Jason Sowers, their wedding included a fill many roles: master of ceremonies, DJ, wedding coordinator, flashing floor light with their names. “The Caywoods are phenomhost and hostess. enal people and great to work with,” says Shasta.

The letters dB are an abbreviation for decibel, which expresses The business brought quick success, allowing Rick and Rondi to the relative intensity of sounds or a degree of loudness. “I didn’t want begin focusing on the future, which would include plans for a home

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

hutchinsonliving

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Various lighting techniques are what set dB extreme apart from other event planners. After finding the property of their dreams, they built a warehouse that is part home and part office. The lighting effects of dB extreme dazzle students attending the Buhler prom in Hutchinson. Rick and Rondi also act as host, hostess, DJ and master of ceremonies.

that also incorporated the business. “Rondi and I decided that we laundry rooms—one for their use and the other for their three dogs would build a new home and started searching for a site close to and two cats. A second-floor loft provides storage space, a workout Hutchinson,” says Rick. area and the second laundry room.

The shop area acts as a warehouse of sorts. It is an open space, By 2006, the Caywoods learned that an 11-acre tract of land was for sale north of Hutchinson and needed only one visit to seal so Rick and Rondi can set up tables and demonstrate accent decor the deal. lighting and other special effects for customers.

The property was barren, with no home or outThe Caywoods’ long-term vision for their propbuildings, but offered a great view of the surrounding erty is to construct what Rondi calls a “dream home” MORE INFO area and dozens of evergreen trees on the landscape. to the east of their current residence. “By fulfilling There was no shortage of wildlife, including deer, dB extreme the clients’ vision of their dream day, that will help www.dbextremedj.com coyotes, rabbits and turkeys, plus numerous birds us fulfill our long-term goal for our dream home,” flying over the property. she says.

The Caywoods hired a Hutchinson company to “Our building is a warehouse and office space construct a metal building and later divided the structure into two arrangement that provides space for us to do live demonstrations,” sections: home and office. says Rick. “In the long term, once our dream house is built, we will Rick carved out 640 square feet on the north side of the building convert the living quarters of our current residence into an office for living quarters with the remaining 2,200 square feet reserved area that will provide space for Rondi and I to meet with our clients for a shop display area where they demonstrate dB extreme to in a relaxed atmosphere.” prospective clients.

A framed poster above the office desk reads “Enjoy the At the end of the 2,100-foot-long driveway is the one-bedroom Journey,” which seems a fitting motto for this high-energy home, which includes an office space, living room, kitchen and two couple.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonliving

Out to the Ball Game

Baseball fans cheer as Hutchinson Monarchs return for another season Story by B r ad Eve nson Photography by a aron east

H

utchinson’s boys of summer—the Monarchs, a semipro baseball team—are back for a second season.

For the players and the fans, the team represents a pastime that fuses the old park with the sentimental taste of peanuts, the view of a pristine green diamond and summer’s sunshiny days. Best of all are home runs by a hometown team.

The introduction of the Hutchinson Monarchs in 2009 filled a 20-year void that existed

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonliving Hobart-Detter Field is home to the Hutchinson Monarchs and a large group of fans.

since the Hutchinson Broncs left town. Once again there is a sum- showcase traveling teams. “Marc was asked to be on the board of mer baseball team that the community can call its own. The Mon- directors of the showcase league,” says Kim. “I was involved in helparchs woke the town in their inaugural season and are poised to ing the organization run and doing a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff. build on their momentum in 2010.

That way I can just be a fan at the games.”

Team owners Marc and Kim Blackim are part of the cure. The From there, Marc became active with the Park City Rangers open and honest couple could talk about their love of the game in the semipro Walter Johnson League. “I did a little coaching for for hours. “Baseball is Park City but mostly pretty much our lives concentrated on the in the summertime,” operational side of “We just loved the baseball and doing says Marc. things there,” he says. things for the players, so I was tickled Marc grew up play“I would generate funds ing golf at Hutchinfor the team and find to death to see when the Monarchs son High School and host families for the came in.” - Fred Patterson later for Hutchinson kids that are coming Community College. in to play for us.”

The Blackims’ sons— Eventually Barry Landon, 21, Brenton, 23 and Dustin, 25—played baseball for Wich- Newell, president of the Walter Johnson League, thought it was time ita Northwest High School before moving on to other levels. Their to expand the league and bring a team to Hutchinson. After initially daughter Morgan, 20, also played softball at Northwest and Hutchin- taking on another team’s responsibilities, Newell quickly agreed son High School. It appears to be of little exaggeration when Marc when Marc asked if he could help out by taking over the expansion. says, “Baseball has really been a way of life for us.” “[Kim and Marc] have done so much for the kids, giving in every The evolution of the Blackims’ baseball management careers aspect of the game,” says Newell. “The opportunities they have crebegan when they became involved in the operations on their sons’ ated to assist young men in getting ahead in life cannot be ignored.”

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

hutchinsonliving Marc and Kim Blackim have managed the Monarchs since their inaugural season in 2009. Baseball runs in their blood and working with the Monarchs was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

Monarch games are among the most well-attended in the league, having drawn more than 250 fans at every game in the team’s first season and almost 900 on the opening night in June 2009.

The support serves as a satisfying reminder of why the Monarchs came to Hutchinson.

For Fred and Trini Patterson, the Monarchs bring more than just baseball back to Hutchinson. “We became baseball fans when the Broncs played in town,” says Fred. “We got so involved in it that every year we had a chili and taco feed for the team at our place.”

Now they are responsible for Monarchs fan apparel and merchandise. Fans are able to get outfitted with everything from T-shirts, caps and children’s clothing to hooded sweatshirts for the off-season.

“We just loved the baseball and doing things for the players, so I was tickled to death to see when the Monarchs came in,” says Fred. “If it’s a weeknight game in the summer, you can probably find us at the ballpark.”

Of course today’s baseball is far from the games of yesteryear.

With advancing skills and techniques, the Monarchs are competing at top form for their fans. Players make the most of the opportunity they are afforded by playing in summer leagues and staying fit year-round.

Head coach Andrew Ehling and coaches Zane Ehling and Deron McCue stress the importance of his team’s health and have trusted trainer Hiroki Yoshimoto provide a program and guidance. “He builds up the strength and conditioning program to make sure the guys stay healthy on a daily basis,” Ehling says of Yoshimoto. They know how important it is for players to build a strong core.

“It’s a lot of stability ball workout where very little of the workout involve using actual weights,” says Ehling. “It’s using a lot of body weight and strengthening the shoulders, back and chest while maintaining flexibility in the legs.”

Having players in game shape is essential to the Monarchs, who struggle if team members sustain injuries that cost them even a few days of playing action. In the season-opening month of June alone, the Monarchs have 31 scheduled games plus community events.

“Baseball is about grinding it out, and you’re going to have to work through some soreness,” says Ehling. “That’s another place where Hiroki comes in and tries to find a way to prevent that from escalating into something worse.”

Marc keeps a steady team and assures them it’s all worth it.

Such was the case in 2009. “As the opening-day game was starting, I had an older gentleman in the crowd come up to me who said, ‘I just wanted to thank you for bringing baseball back to Hutchinson.’

That made the whole season worth it right there,” says Marc.

upComing Events

The Walter Johnson League includes the Lindsborg Knights, Newton Rebels, Park City Rangers, Salina Bluejays, Valley Center Diamond Dawgs, Wichita Elite Sluggers and Wichita Wheat Kings.

Events include: June 7-9 | First Annual Rookie League Baseball Camp june 16 and July 4 | Season Pass Exchange with Salt City Splash Aquatic Center June 23 and June 25 | Highway 50 Baseball Battle against Newton June 26 | Salt City Splash Autograph Session July 7 | Fire, Military & Law Enforcement Night:

Show your military, law enforcement or firefighter ID to get in free.

July 13 | REV UP the Crowd Biker’s Night: Ride your

motorcycle to Hobart and rev up the engine to start the game.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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This summer we take a closer look at the popular Kansas State Fair, which celebrates another year on the plains and attracts approximately

350,000 visitors.

September 10-19

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Westmoreland Concessions

Foodie Fair Longtime favorites and newer fried options make for a scrumptious buffet at the Kansas State Fair Story by E die Ross

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Photography by De bor ah Walker

he Kansas State Fair is full of wonders, including the delicious, wacky and wonderful food selections.

We sampled some of the fair’s longest-serving vendors to find tasty treats that delight visitors every year. Here’s what to look for and what they think you will enjoy.



Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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AMBUCS

his group of volunteers peddling Blue Bunny ice cream and homemade waffle cones go about their work with smiles, heartily greeting every customer who walks through the door. Their joy might come from knowing that for every cone they serve, more money goes toward their mission of helping individuals with developmental problems. The nonprofit organization’s efforts include raising scholarships for people pursuing a career in therapy, says Bob Bush, AMBUCS member. AMBUCS has been at the fair for close to 20 years and also serves ice cream sundaes.

Zag’s Popcorn Frank and Glenda Hockridge, Fessenden, North Dakota

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rank can’t think of one item he makes that he wouldn’t recommend to fairgoers. “I don’t sell a bad item,” he says, smiling. This will be the Hockridges’ 36th year at the Kansas State Fair, 310 Fort Riley where Frank met Glenda and Boulevard where his son and daughterin-law met. “My caramel corn is made from scratch, and the cotton candy is probably my top seller,” he says. “We’re family operated and put our name on the line that we put out the finest products around.”

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Gene and Elaine Griffin, Hutchinson

304 Fort Riley Boulevard

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Hoof ‘n’ Horn

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Nonprofit organization, Hutchinson

Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

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Across from Oz Gallery in the Bison Breezeway

ene and Elaine Griffin’s charcoal-grilled hamburgers are among the first scents greeting fairgoers as they enter the grounds from the south. The aroma entices, and the Griffins’ hospitality seals the deal, giving the Hoof ‘n’ Horn concession stand a measure of success for 23 years. “The charcoal gives our burgers a better taste,” Gene says. “And you can’t beat our prices.” The Hoof ‘n’ Horn is also one of the few stands open for the early-morning crowd. The Griffins serve biscuits and gravy, sausage, egg and cheese biscuits, or plain-old doughnuts with coffee.

Westmoreland Concessions Chantay Crews, Queen City, Texas

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his stand, located prominently in the middle of the fairgrounds, has been run by three generations of Chantay’s family and marks 39 years at the fair in 2010. “You get drafted at an early age to work the booth,” says Chantay. “It’s like the Army.” The food provider offers a longstanding favorite for fairgoers: Polish sausage.

“We also use fresh-cut vege300 Grandstand tables and fresh ingredients Avenue that we buy locally,” she says.

“And we make the food fresh every day. Nothing is warmed over.”

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Connie’s Funnel Cakes Deb Brock, Wichita

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he 2010 Kansas State Fair will mark 30 years that Connie’s Funnel Cakes has shared its scrumptious treats, says owner Deb. The stand’s top seller is—you guessed it—funnel cakes, 302 Cottonwood served with powdered sugar and a choice of Avenue strawberry, cherry or cream cheese toppings.

And don’t forget a cool drink. Deb says her funnel cakes stand out because of the way they are prepared. “They’re less greasy than others,” she says, but declines to relinquish the secret behind that.

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Zag’s Popcorn

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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DJ’s Pronto Pups

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Southwest corner of Fort Leavenworth Boulevard and Cottonwood Avenue

Rusty Allen, Midlothian, Texas

302 Fort Riley Boulevard

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usty Allen has been roasting corn at the Kansas State Fair for more than two decades.

He sells two items at his pint-size stand: corn on the cob and cold drinks. That’s enough to keep him busy for 10 days of the fair. Allen roasts his corn in the shuck for about 20 minutes at 600 degrees. When it comes out, he dips it in butter and—voila!—a Kansas State Fair staple is served. Fairgoers can add a number of toppings including cayenne pepper, ranch dressing, mayonnaise and plain old black pepper.

Hope Concessions Mark and Kim Hopengardner, Hutchinson

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The Original Roasted Corn

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Just east of the House of Capper on Pride of Kansas Avenue

he Hopengardners, in a cheerful, bright yellow stand, have been peddling their fried green tomatoes, onion blossoms and fruit smoothies at the Kansas State Fair for eight years.

“People really like our fried green tomatoes,” Kim says.

“They are sliced thick, battered, deep fried and served with ranch.”

And as far as anyone knows, the Hopengardners are the only one offering that particular fried food at the fair. The flowering onion is prepared much the same way and served with a side of ranch dressing. Those seeking a healthier choice can try a smoothie made from fruit preserves. “They’re killer,” says Kim.

DJ’s Pronto Pups Dwight and Dixie Wedel, Buhler, and Dick Yoder, Hutchinson

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Jaffle Stand Wade and Leanne Russell, Hudson

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ocated inside the Cottonwood Court building is the Jaffle Stand. This will be the Russells’ 31st year selling their flying-saucer-like pizza sandwiches at the Kansas State Fair.

Both the taste and the mystique of the lasting fair food have helped the couple’s success.

The Jaffle, pronounced “yaw-full,” originated in Australia. It features sausage, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce sealed inside a crispy bread crust. The sealing makes all the difference, as it basically creates a portable pizza. The stand also sells regular pizza and pretzels, but its Australian entrée is by far the most unique and popular, according to Wade.

On Grandstand

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Avenue across from Ye Old Mill in Cottonwood Court

erhaps one of the fair’s longest-standing concessionaires is DJ’s Pronto Pups, having served fairgoers for nearly five decades. Fortyseven years ago, Dick Yoder started selling the corndoglike treat, and now his daughter and son-in-law, Dixie and Dwight Wedel, lend a hand.

The Kansas State Fair without Pronto Pups would be like Kansas without sunflowers. A special flour mix from Portland, Oregon, is used to make the batter, which is behind the pups’ signature taste, according to Dixie. The dogs are found locally at Jackson Frozen Foods in Hutchinson.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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Kansas’ Personality Bardo the clown remains a legend at the

Kansas State Fair

Story by R ichard Shank Photography by A aron East

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fter 65 years of continuous employment with the Kansas State Fair, J.B. Holdren—affectionately known by his legion of fans as Bardo—has achieved iconic status in Hutchinson as a jack of all trades and a master of many.

No job description exists on paper at the Kansas State Fair for Bardo. But if you ask, he may describe himself as a “show painter,” which may mean the signs that he paints are more than just letters; they all have character.

Beginnings

Bardo was born 90 years ago in El Paso, Texas, and arrived two years later in Hutchinson with his father and grandfather, both accomplished carpenters who had heard of a building boom in the city and migrated in search of steady work. Apparently, Hutchinson was a nice fit for the family and they all stayed.

Early in young Bardo’s life, it was apparent that he was gifted with a creative mind and the ability to draw.

At age 12, he entered a contest to design a display for crispy crackers and took top honors and a prize: a shiny new scooter without the motor.

At the start of World War II, he found himself in basic training in California and was befriended by a rather humorous serviceman named Red Skelton. The meeting would result in a lifelong friendship.

At the war’s end in 1945, he headed home to Hutchinson in search of permanent employment.

The Fair

The Kansas State Fair of 1945 was a six-day event, and a staff of three worked from Memorial Day to

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

ABOVE An artist by hobby, J.B.

“Bardo” Holdren paints in his workshop on the fairgrounds of the Kansas State Fair, shown with a bison picture he is touching up.

Right Bardo is a jack of all trades and has not only performed at the fair during the last 65 years, but also tweaks, carves and paints items on the grounds to keep them shipshape.

Bardo has created carousel horses that are replicas of those at the fair.

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As he prepares for his 65th Kansas State Fair, Bardo seems philosophical about a life well lived and points out more than once that retirement is not a word in his vocabulary.

September to administer the annual activities. Immediately after the fair closed, the grounds were padlocked until the following summer.

Even then, the Kansas State Fair needed a “show painter” to prepare the signage directing fairgoers on where to enter, eat and park and how to find the exhibits. Also, vendors needed signs to advertise their products.

Bardo was hired in the summer of 1945. He says the job was a great fit in that it provided the opportunity to hit the road to pursue other jobs after the fair.

In the off-season, he would travel the nation as Bardo the circus clown. Apparently in need of a new challenge, he even signed on as part of a daredevil car stunt that he would find to be exciting and dangerous.

In 1979, while participating in a car stunt at a show in Sheldon, Iowa, he narrowly escaped death. The stunt was called the “Slide for Life” and placed him on the back of a fastmoving car through a fire. Not all went as planned and Bardo was transported to a local hospital with a broken back.

“The car event, along with a cancer scare and open heart surgery in 1997, leads me to think that I may have already lived four lives and, hopefully, still have five to go,” he humorously says.

A walk through his shop is much like taking a trip down memory lane—the walls covered with decades-old circus posters, autographed photos of state fair performers and a feature story about his life that was published in a Tucson, Arizona newspaper.

The memories

By the nature of his position, he has worked with most of the entertainers who have performed at the fairgrounds during his more than six decades of employment and is not shy to share his opinion of each.

“I found Bill Cosby to be a very considerate person, and Garth Brooks is what I would call a good Okie,” Bardo says with a laugh.

In advance of a Smothers Brothers performance at the fair, he fielded a call from Tommy Smothers.

“Tommy asked me to construct an 18-inch stool that he would use during the Grandstand Show,” Bardo said. “After building the stool, I painted a picture of the two brothers on the top of the seat.”

His memories of Bob Hope and Jimmy Dean are less than flattering, and he recalls one performer who had trouble remembering his lines as a result of too much alcohol consumption.

“And some of their managers thought they were hot stuff,” he continues.

Still, Bardo leaves little doubt that his favorite performer was Red Skelton, his good What remains friend from the military.

These days, Bardo can be found from early To advertise a Red Skelton performance at morning to late afternoon in his shop in the new the fair, General Manager Bob Gottschalk asked maintenance center on the northeast corner of the Bardo to paint Skelton’s likeness on a trash barrel Holdren as Bardo the clown. fairgrounds. for display on the fairgrounds.

He is up bright and early every morning at 4:30 When Skelton arrived at the fairgrounds, he in his fifth-wheel camper trailer, which is parked on the fair- stopped at Bardo’s shop. grounds, and one hour later is hard at work in his shop. Bardo During a walking tour of the fairgrounds, Bardo pointed remains on duty until late afternoon. out the trash barrel to Skelton and couldn’t resist needling the Bardo calls it a seven-day-per-week job and seldom leaves the famous comedian. fairgrounds, except for early Sunday morning when he fires up “I said, ‘Red, it looks like you have now made it to the top,’” Bardo his 1991 GMC pickup for the two-block drive to Dillons to shop recalls, and, according to him, they both enjoyed a good laugh. for groceries.

“It can be said that Red Skelton enjoyed life,” he continues.

These days, the job has become a year-round profession in that As he prepares for his 65th Kansas State Fair, Bardo seems philthe Kansas State Fair is more than a 10-day annual event. The fair- osophical about a life well lived and points out more than once that grounds are big business and host more than 300 events annually, retirement is not a word in his vocabulary. It’s just not an option. including everything from wedding receptions to horse shows.

“I can’t sit and waste time,” he says while scurrying around In his summer attire of cutoff jeans, a Kansas State Fair T-shirt the shop surveying numerous projects that he must complete and well-worn shoes, Bardo makes the rounds painting signs of prior to opening day of the Kansas State Fair. upcoming events and, in his spare time, will design and build bird “My Dad told me that God put us on Earth to make people houses and stick toys. With that accomplished, he may under- happy,” Bardo says. take the labor-intensive task of carving carousel horses where After a short pause and seeming more reflective than usual, his precision work is nothing less than outstanding.

Bardo says, “We all need to do our best to make that happen.”

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonbusinesses

HIGH BIDDER

On the Auction Block

Salesman finds a career deal in the business of bidding

Auctioneer extraordinaire Paul Nisly.

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Story by Amy Bicke l Photography by A aron East

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aul Nisly has the gift of gab.

It’s evident on this early morning in the heart of auction season.

Nisly’s rapid-fire chant has more than 500 people circling the rings at a consignment sale in Pleasantview, a small business community just outside Hutchinson. His singsong voice can be heard across the large parking lot packed with farm trucks.

On this day, Nisly is selling everything from old farm machinery to parts, tools and lawn equipment. On another auction day, though, he could be selling used cars, antiques, homes, pasture or cropland.

“You have to know a little bit about a lot of things,” he says with a smile. As an auctioneer for more than 35 years, Nisly’s knowledge brushes more than the surface. Name an item on the auction block and Nisly, 63, who has a real estate license and is a certified appraiser, knows the use, the item’s era and how much it is worth.

“Experience is the best teacher,” he says.

Using psychology and the art of a showman, an auctioneer requires lingual dexterity and endurance. It’s what draws in buyers like Lloyd Kelsey, 73, who has bidder number 277 in his pocket—just in case something catches his eye.

“He’s fun to listen to,” Kelsey says of his friend Nisly. “He just gets excited about selling stuff.”

Nonetheless, there’s more to an auctioneer than a chant. One needs confidence, knowledge of the auction items and a handle on the crowd.

“There a psychology around the auction,” Nisly says. In his office, which is packed

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonbusinesses

Tips from a seasoned auctioneer Speed matters.

Two auctioneers taking turns to sell can speed auctions, which keeps patrons at the sale. Paul Nisly sells an average of two and a half items every minute.

LEFT Managing an estate sale, Nisly is known for quick calling and a fair deal.

BELOW Having called auctions since his 20s, Nisly learned from experience and eventually created his own business, Nisly Auction Co.

Psych up for the sale. Auctioneers

have to know how to deal with people and stand their ground.

“Some of the main things Joe [Davenport] taught me were to have confidence and to know the value of the item you’re going to bid,” Nisly says.

Mind the merchandise.

Knowing what an item is used for and its value are important in having a sale that makes buyers and sellers happy. This also helps the auctioneer lead the sale instead of the crowd leading the auctioneer.

Work with honesty and integrity.

Nisly prides himself in building his business around these two aspects. “I truly follow the Golden Rule,” he says. “I want to treat people like I’d like to be treated.” http://kansasauctions. net/nisly

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full of books, paper and auctioneer calling awards, he continues: “It’s not the chant that makes the auctioneer, but knowing the values of everything, knowing how to read people, knowing what to expect and to lead people.”

There is no turning off the call of the business, he says, even once the last item is auctioned. There’s always another sale for which to prepare, items to assess, sale bills to print and even the scheduling of a local group or business to prepare and sell food.

Moreover, in his office, the phone is always ringing with clients on the other end.

It’s obvious selling comes natural for Nisly. He sold storm windows before moving up to farm machinery for local companies. But it was a different sort of dealer occupation that Nisly felt called to do. In the early ’70s, at the age of 25, Nisly asked local auctioneer Joe Davenport if he needed help with the small consignment auction he had on weekends in South Hutchinson.

Although Nisly had virtually no auctioneer experience, Davenport gave him a job. He told him he didn’t need auctioneer school; instead, Davenport would train him with all the tools he would need to be successful.

“He told me, ‘If you get good enough in two years, I will take you out on farm sales,’” Nisly reminisces.

Four months later, he earned the spot.

Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

During the next four years, Nisly soaked up all the information he could from the old-time pro. Then he decided it was time to venture out on his own and start Nisly Auction Co. That was nearly four decades ago. Today the business, based in his farmhouse on Broadacres Road, includes three other auctioneers as well as a handful of people who do clerical work, including his wife, Frieda. Their three children, Matt, Tanya and Sondra, helped with the business when they were younger.

Yet on sale day, it’s Nisly’s voice that gets the attention of the crowd—a change that produces an auction ambiance and emotion. “I like to create a situation where people want to buy something,” he says.

Pretty Prairie farmer Merlin Krehbiel says he comes to Nisly’s auctions planning to buy nothing but typically heads home with something. “I don’t even have a good answer for my wife,” Krehbiel, 74, says with a laugh. Today he’s already purchased a part for an older-style tractor he uses on his farm.

“He’s obviously good at his job,” Krehbiel says.

Nisly is just glad when everyone is happy; it’s why he stays in the business. “I enjoy people,” he says. “For me, it’s a challenge to keep the buyer and the seller both happy and to keep them coming back.”

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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hutchinsonbusinesses

DEALS

The Savvy Shoppers

Two moms save tons with their coupon program— and teach others to do the same

Story by Amy Con kli ng Photography by De bor ah Walke r

G

inger Keele and Cindy Guffey were penny-pinchers long before a dwindling economy put coupon clipping and other frugal lifestyle choices on a pedestal.

The two Hutchinson women, stay-athome moms to four children and each a pastor’s wife, find every way to stretch each dollar, from groceries to holiday gifts to everyday household items. It’s what led Keele and Guffey to start their business, Savvy Shopping Moms.

Savvy Shopping Moms mirrors the simplistic lifestyles of Keele and Guffey.

It anchors on the duo’s Seven Secrets to Savvy Shopping, which they present during seminars at churches, schools, recreation centers, businesses, mothers’ groups and more. To complement the business, they blog almost daily on everything from the hottest deals to tips that incorporate their secrets.

“We started this for the everyday person,” Guffey says. “If we can help cut a person’s household budget and make things more manageable for them, then we’ve done our job.”

Seeing the need

Two years ago, Keele and Guffey saw it coming.

Their husbands, along with several other employees across the area, weren’t getting raises. Friends they knew were getting laid off. The economy started putting a major crunch on everyone’s household budget.

As a result, Guffey led an informal meeting called Frugal Fridays with Friends.

The group of about 10 women gathered at Crossroads Christian Church to share tips on how to cut their family budgets. Keele

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hutchinsonbusinesses Ginger Keele knows the value of a good deal and shares her understanding of shopping with other thrifty moms via Savvy Shopping Moms.

RIGHT Creators of Savvy Shopping Moms, Cindy Guffey and Keele, saw the need for seminars that would help families save money on all shopping trips.

They have even managed to buy $100 worth of groceries for only a few dollars.

OPPOSITE

MORE INFO

Savvy Shopping Moms www.savvyshoppingmoms.com caught on quickly and approached Guffey about expanding the weekly meetings.

After creating the Seven Secrets for Savvy Shopping, they assembled them in presentation format. Then Keele and Guffey pitched their idea to area churches, businesses and anyone who found interest in what they had to say. They slowly began to branch out by giving presentations to child care and day care providers, as well as county food service programs for a minimal charge of $15 per class—perfect for their savvy ways.

“We don’t have an advertising budget, so it was mainly by word of mouth,” Keele says. “We also have our website, which attracts readers from all over the place, like California, Pennsylvania and of course this area.”

Online they post articles, recipes and deals they’ll find at area stores such as Walgreens, Target, Kmart and Dillons, as well as stores for out-of-town readers, such as CVS Pharmacy.

“I sign myself up for every e-mail and website under the sun so I can learn about the best deals,” Guffey says. “Then I sort them out and let people know through our website.”

They often post pictures of their shopping trips and what they spent on the trip, plus a stepby-step guide on achieving their final bill. Other times they post upcoming special sale events at retailers, such as Kmart’s double coupon days or promotions at places like Starbucks. They will even include coupon rules from each retailer so shoppers know what they can and cannot do when it comes to saving a buck.

Beyond food and groceries, the women post deals for clothing, pictures and other retail items. Their primary focus is answering the “how” question. “You see so many news stories about people who clip coupons and search for sales and walk out of the grocery store with $100 worth of groceries and only pay a few dollars,” Guffey says. “But you don’t ever see how they actually do it. That’s what we want to do—explain the ‘how.’”

Behind the secrets

Guffey strives to feed her family of six on $10 a day and save at least 50 percent with each grocery visit. Keele often makes an

$80-plus shopping trip for just $35-$40 and has similar percentagesaving goals.

All it takes, they both say, is a little planning and effort.

“Everyone wants to know how much time it takes,” Guffey says.

“It’s really up to the person and how much time they want to dedicate each week. You can make yourself crazy, and it’s easy to spend six to eight hours at a time just trying to save money. That’s not what we’re about. We just encourage people to do what they can.”

Julie Steen gets excited to see the money she saves during each trip to the grocery store. The Hutchinson woman participated in a Savvy Shopping class in 2009 and has since saved hundreds of dollars each month. It took one to two months to stockpile sale items such as diapers, toothpaste and cereal, but once she did, she saw an immediate savings.

“I show my husband my receipts regularly, and he is very encouraging to me. I once got over $80 worth of items at Walgreens for about $20 because I had bought things on sale and used manufacturer’s coupons as well as the rapid rewards coupons they offer,” says Steen, stay-at-home mom to three.

One of the biggest perks, Guffey and Keele say, is they can save money and still buy namebrand products. Steen has changed her perspective on buying only generic brands or shopping at the “serious” discount stores.

“Once I heard about Savvy Shopping, I changed my outlook,” Steen says. “I put coupons on my Dillons shopper’s card, use paper coupons, plan my shopping by looking at ads before I go and write up weekly menus that correspond with items in my freezer or items that are on sale that week. It saves me much, much more, and I’m buying name-brand items more often than not.”

In the future, Savvy Shopping Secrets might use webinars, in hopes of reaching a wider audience, and expand its community seminars.

“It’s amazing how many people just go to the store and buy items without even looking at the price and then are shocked at their final bill. Some people we meet don’t even have a store Plus Card and always pay full price for items,” Guffey says. “We’re trying to give them tools to use so they’re prepared when they shop to make their household budget a little more manageable.”

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

story by R ichar d Shan k

Photography by De bor ah Walke r

Restorative Spirit Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse continues to woo customers

M

ike Johnson is typically surrounded by a myriad of restorations that are works in progress.

One can find the quick-witted Johnson working in his shop, Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse, where he continues his 40-year labor of love: restoring furniture and motorcycles.

“I have been in every kind of business known to man,” Johnson says with a hearty laugh while taking a rare break in his storied Nickerson shop.

He has lived in half a dozen cities and towns, including a stop to study industrial arts at Hutchinson Community College. After working for a lumberyard in Guymon, Oklahoma, he found himself back in Hutchinson during the ’80s, operating the Gypsy Wagon business known for buying, selling and restoring antique furniture.

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Johnson’s collection dates back centuries, and there is no item he won’t try to restore.

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Establishment

By 1990, Johnson was ready to put down roots and bought a 15,000-square-foot, 107-year-old lumberyard on the south end of Nickerson’s main street. Soon Johnson and his wife, Marcia, decided that living above the store, as the old expression goes, wasn’t such a bad idea after all. So he made a home by creating a second floor on the building.

The phrase, “If you build it, they will come,” proves true for Johnson, as customers from all over find their way to Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse. “Quite honestly, they just don’t make high-quality furniture anymore,” he says of today’s manufacturers. “Much of the furniture manufactured these days is simply not worth repairing.”

On the other hand, Johnson has nothing but admiration for century-old pieces made from maple, white oak, cherry and walnut trees, labeling them “top quality.”

As a result, Johnson often can be found at a farm sale or auction, standing in a crowd not to purchase used farm equipment but old wood. Such was the case when he acquired several loads of wood from a 19th century depot in Ellsworth.

“No one should throw away old wood,” Johnson admonishes his customers. “It is like gold.”

The tools

George Sanders, Johnson’s independent business associate of 15 years, first visited Johnson Antique Furniture as a customer. He sees his retirement job as the fulfillment of his lifelong interest in furniture restoration.

“Mike gave me a chance to expand on my interest,” says Sanders, whose great-grandparents were furniture manufacturers in Leavenworth. “He is the finest craftsman that I have ever known.”

Those expecting to see modern, high-tech tools in Johnson’s shop might want to think again. Johnson’s tools are, by his own admission, simple, including a lathe sold new in 1929 and a 66-year-old table saw. Each is living proof that, in this case, age produces beauty in the final product.

Johnson’s advertising strategy is mostly word of mouth; customers from 20 states have made their way to Nickerson to contract business. It’s also common for a tourist to purchase items after a stop in Nickerson during a summer vacation.

TOP Mike Johnson stands with an antique barber’s chair, a delicate find restored to near original quality.

RIGHT It’s a swinging door of projects at Johnson’s.

ABOVE Business associate George Sanders pursued his interest in furniture under Johnson’s guidance.

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“It’s the satisfaction of doing this kind of work that I enjoy.”

– Mike Johnson

Johnson has owned 45 motorcycles and continues to sell bikes and accessories.

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TOP Restoring motorcycles is an unlikely but harmonious business pairing at Johnson Antique Furniture.

MIDDLE A view of the showroom and warehouse reveals the number of items that have gained new life.

BOTTOM Interesting and fascinating details are trademarks of century old furniture.

The profit

Many of his restorative projects have resulted in lifelong friendships.

Tom Heintzman, a furniture collector for 43 years, calls Johnson the best at what he does. “His work is second to none, and anyone who wants furniture refinished the right way should do business with Mike Johnson,” he says.

In 1992, Hutchinson entrepreneur Larry Cole literally sawed a 4,000-square-foot home in five pieces and moved it to the mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he reassembled the home for sale. “We then furnished the home with 100-year-old furniture from Mike’s shop, all of which was extraordinary quality stuff,” Cole says.

“We became great friends. I admire him for thinking outside the box,” says Cole.

While building a new home in Hutchinson, Michael and Sally Bridge decided to add a sentimental touch to the structure by using a pair of old doors from a home that Michael’s parents had lived in decades earlier. Their plans were complicated by the fact that the doors had been badly damaged in the 1951 flood and for more than 50 years had been stored in a barn, where the elements and rodents caused additional deterioration to the wood.

A visit to Johnson convinced the Bridges that there was hope. When they arrived to pick up the doors, Sally was quick to note that they looked even better than new. “Mike is a master craftsman,” she says.

The extras

Johnson Antique Furniture Warehouse 2 S. Nickerson St. Nickerson (620) 422-3225

These days, Johnson’s customers get the privilege of also viewing a showroom floor full of used motorcycles for sale that sparkle like new.

For Johnson, flying down a dusty western Kansas road atop a motorcycle was an interest born almost before he thought of working with wood. “I have owned 45 motorcycles in my lifetime,” he says of his collection, not counting ones he has sold.

And to hear him tell it, each produced a story worth telling.

Those who visit with Johnson leave with the perception that he is a happy and contented man who has his priorities in order. “I will be working until they throw dirt in my face,” Johnson says.

“I am not in this business for the profit,” he says. “It’s the satisfaction of doing this kind of work that I enjoy.”

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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localprofiles

Mom and Dot Designs Mother-daughter duo create mini-masterpieces with glass story by Amy Con kli ng Photography by De bor ah Walke r

S

usan Allam and Lindsay Powell have a great relationship.

Not only do the mother and daughter have the same interests in arts and crafts, but they have used that interest to create a fused glass business, Mom and Dot: Art That’s Hot. Susan, 57, the “Mom” behind the name, and Lindsay, 27, “the Dot,” joined forces two years ago when they couldn’t get enough of the area’s latest and hottest art form—fused glass. Now they create and sell their signature wares together.

“It’s special to think that we love doing the same thing and are able to do it together,” Susan says. “It’s nice to be able to have our family around while we travel and go to different shows promoting our business. Not many mothers and daughters are able to share the same passion or work together like this.”

Fusing passion

TOP Lindsay Powell and Susan Allam are the duo behind Mom and Dot: Art That’s Hot. BOTTOM The fused glass art form quickly became a passion for the mother and daughter, who now teach classes.

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Susan came across fused glass about five years ago while working for the Hutchinson Recreation Commission. As the organization’s superintendent for leisure arts, she would annually attend an art show in Arkansas to check the hottest trends in arts and crafts.

While there, she saw a couple selling fused glass and was hooked instantly. She came back and took classes in Wichita so she could become an expert in the field and teach classes for the Recreation Commission. She started small in those first years, teaching individuals how to create colorful tiles, attractive small plates and trendy pendant jewelry. It was as simple as putting shards of colorful glass together on a mold or plate and fusing them together by sticking each project in a kiln for several hours. Overall, Susan says the process takes about two days from start to finish.

She couldn’t get enough of it. Soon Susan taught her daughter, who also has a passion for arts and crafts, and she too caught the fused glass craze. “People love it because you don’t have to really think about it and you end up with beautiful pieces that you can give as a gift or keep in your home,” Susan says.

While Susan continues to teach several popular classes geared toward adults, Lindsay teaches the art to children and teens at the Recreation Commission. “Our fused glass classes are for inexperienced and experienced people alike,” Lindsay says. “It’s so easy to pick up on; even the kids love it.”

localprofiles

Because creating fused glass is an easy, creative, fun process, Powell and Allam have plenty of materials to make jewelry, home décor and much more.

“It’s special to think that we love doing the same thing and are able to do it together.” - Susan Allam Budding business

Susan and Lindsay were enjoying making fused glass so much, they had a surplus of items. In spring 2008, the mother-daughter duo decided to sell and feature their items in arts and crafts shows across the state and region, and launched their website, www. momanddot.com.

Susan prefers making plates, tiles and themed items, while Lindsay enjoys creating plates, frames and business card holders. They have branched out to include home décor items such as cabinet knobs and drawer handles. Their work has been featured at local businesses such as Coming Home and Masterpiece Studio and Gallery in Yoder. They’ve even turned their business into an entertaining one, as Lindsay offers youth birthday parties and girls’ night out get-togethers.

“It’s great, because all you need is a table, and we provide the materials and everything else,” Lindsay says. “We’ll do the setup and cleanup while guests enjoy themselves, creating something unique they can take home and display.”

In November, Trudy Littlestar of Haven had Lindsay put on a fused glass birthday party for her daughter Shelby. The group of five girls and one boy, ages 9 to 10 years old, enjoyed making pendants and magnets.

“I was struggling to find a birthday party that would be appropriate for both girls and boys at that age,” Trudy says.

“That’s why I decided to call Lindsay and do the party. The kids loved it. My daughter always wears the pendant necklace she made.”

Trudy raves about the party and says she enjoys watching her daughter and friends create the fused glass projects. She now wants to have a girls’ night out party with her friends.

The biggest perk, Lindsay and Susan say, is the small amount of time and cost involved in several of their fused glass creations.

Projects are simple and economical—something that often surprises customers.

“So many people think that since we work with glass, our items are going to be expensive,” says Lindsay. “They’re surprised to see what we can create and keep it affordable—that’s just one of the many pluses of fused glass.”

MORE INFO

Visit www.momanddot.com or call (620) 259-6143 for additional information on parties, to purchase items or find local shows featuring Mom and Dot. Special orders also are accepted.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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localprofiles

Friends in Action at Work Support for seniors in Hutchinson goes beyond weekly visits story by Pam Lyle Photography by A aron East

above Community members view items at the silent art auction, reception and card sale benefiting the Reno County Friends in Action volunteer program. below Deb Hagen, Friends in Action coordinator, believes in the mission to match caring volunteers with frail and isolated older people in the community.

D

eb Hagen recalls it was a gloomy day.

“The houses were tiny, and I remember seeing her little face peering through the curtains of the window as I drove up,” she says. “I wondered how long she’d been there waiting for me to arrive for my visit, a visit that should have taken 30 minutes and lasted two and half hours.”

Hagen, Friends in Action (FIA) coordinator, tells story after story of interviews with aging Reno County residents that help determine if they qualify for the program, which helps those 65+ maintain their independence and home residence.

These interviews often lead not only to getting the required questions answered but also running to fill a prescription or helping with a daily chore.

More importantly, it’s about “socialization and showing you care, as some have no family here and we become their family. It just brightens their whole life,” says Hagen.

FIA began in 2002 and now matches 20 Linda McCullum, left, volunteers with 22 frail or isolated seniors and senior Verla Whitney in the program. have been matched for five “Finding volunteers is difficult. My dream years under the program. for FIA would be to have a long list of vol- Photo by Deb Hagen unteers. With that, every time a senior was referred, I would immediately be able to set up a match,” says Hagen.

Weekly visits consist of at least one hour for grocery shopping, medical or beauty shop appointments, playing board games or going out to eat. Some just sit and visit. “Socialization is so important to many of them,” she says.

The match

Jean Smith, volunteer and former FIA board member, was interested in keeping the elderly in their homes as long as possible because of experiences with her mother. “I have learned so much from my senior. She’s led a very enriching, involved life and

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volunteered at the library up until last year,” says Smith of Adelyn Dean Emery, 101 years old.

The two have met faithfully on Wednesday afternoons for the last six years to run errands, have tea, attend appointments and go shopping. Because Emery has no family nearby, Smith has enjoyed a special relationship while helping her when she can.

Senior Verla Whitney has also been with the same match for five years. She appreciates the service because she has macular degeneration and depends on the eyes of her match, Linda McCullum, to read labels and watch prices. “I’m quite the shopper, so those things are so nice,” says Whitney.

“I like going to different stores and places, depending on what I want that week. Linda McCullum is so flexible with my time, and I try to be the same with her. We just work so well together,” says Whitney.

“My dream for FIA would be to have a long list of volunteers.

With that, every time a senior was referred, I would immediately be able to set up a match.” - Deb Hagen McCullum gets Whitney after her appointments, saving her lots of time waiting for public transportation. McCullum agrees that the relationship is compatible. “Even if I were not involved with FIA, Verla and I would remain together. I’ll always have Verla. We joke and get along so well,” says McCullum, who has volunteered since FIA’s beginning with other seniors. “I’ve lost several friends. It’s always so hard; I still miss them,” she says.

The support

Jade Piros carefully places plastic around her five pieces of artwork purchased at the spring FIA fundraiser. “How fortunate for me. I just bought a house, and I followed the Friends in Action fundraiser on Facebook and loved the art pieces on there. I want local artists’ work in my home, and now I have it and have contributed to a good cause,” she says.

Over 20 artists contributed 32 art forms for the third annual Friends In Action Art Auction Fundraiser, bringing in approximately $1,300 on the evening of March 4. “The board has a responsibility to keep the funding going and promote the program to keep it visible. As our population continues to age, we not only want them to live longer but to have a higher quality of life—on both sides, the volunteers and the seniors,” says FIA board member Kelly Hutchinson.

In her third year with FIA, Hutchinson offers presentations to seniors on identity theft and fraud with the support of her employer, Central Bank & Trust Co. She also emphasizes that FIA volunteers need not have medical knowledge, “just a desire to make a difference for homebound seniors in need of human connection and companionship.”

MORE INFO

For more information on volunteering or donating to Friends in Action, visit www.fiavolunteer.org or call (620) 665-4960.

Friends is Action is part of The Volunteer Center at Hutchinson Community College.

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health&fitness 4 | HEALTH NUT We continue our series of articles on “Health Nuts” from Reno County

These individuals, young and old, seek a healthier lifestyle through many forms of well-being and exercise. Our fourth installment focuses on January Jackson, personal trainer.

Fabulously Fit A fitness instructor knows from experience that the road to wellness isn’t easy Story by Amy Con kli ng

Photography by A aron East

W

ell before her fitness class begins at the Hutchinson YMCA, instructor January Jackson weaves her way in and out of the gym, flashing her big grin to a familiar face and giving a boisterous laugh to a classmate who cracks a joke. Then she finds a new face and introduces them to

January Jackson leads a Turbo Jam class at the Hutchinson YMCA.

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

the rest of the class.

It’s a familiar scene for the 33-year-old fitness instructor. Regardless of the type of class or time of day, Jackson’s energy comes from those she instructs.

That’s why it can be hard to believe that the petite bundle of energy at one time was the heavier woman in the back of the room, struggling to go through the motions or looking at the sunken face in the mirror.

“Weight has been a lifelong struggle for me,” Jackson says. “It’s hasn’t been until recently when I’ve felt happy with where I’m at.”

health&fitness

“January’s classes are so intense. I have the option to work out in different ways, and with a bunch of people it makes the time pass very quickly.” - Stephanie Franz Growing pains

Jackson knew early that she had a weight problem. As an 11-yearold, she was the exact height she is now, 5’2”, and weighed about 165 pounds. She couldn’t blame her parents for lack of physical discipline. In fact, her father and mother laced up their shoes for daily runs near their Hutchinson home.

“Rain or shine, snow or ice, my parents went on that 6-mile run every day and never missed,” Jackson says. Her older sister also maintained a normal weight, which made it all the more frustrating that Jackson seemed to have weight issues.

“Besides the weekend, though, we hardly ever ate as a family on the weeknights,” she says, which led to her unhealthy eating habits.

During her teen years, Jackson recalls her father making her run or walk one loop around Rice Park every day. She worked her way up to two, then three laps. Jackson says her weight would fluctuate between 130 and 150 pounds—mostly from the park workouts along with yo-yo diets. Nevertheless, she couldn’t remain consistent with a healthy number.

Then she became pregnant at the age of 17. She and her family had moved to Alaska by then, and Jackson felt lost. “I thought that since I was pregnant, I was going to eat and enjoy it all,” she says. By the time she had her son, Elijah, Jackson weighed 210 pounds. Within two years, her weight ballooned to 235 pounds. That’s when the lightbulb—and drive—turned on.

She also had a little push from best friend Marsha Akins.

“I said, ‘Forget it. I can’t do this anymore,’” Jackson recalls.

“It was 1998 when I really started working hard, mainly because I saw myself headed toward health problems.”

Franz takes several of Jackson’s classes because she enjoys the variety. “I have the option to work out in different ways, and with a bunch of people it makes the time pass very quickly,” she says.

When Jackson’s not teaching, she prefers running and weightlifting. “It’s a time when it’s just me and the pavement. I do a lot of meditating when I’m running.”

When Jackson does leave the gym, she can be found singing and enjoying a life with Elijah, who’s now 14. “It’s all about mixing it up,” Jackson says. “I have a hard time if I don’t mix my workouts up, and this allows me to do so. I encourage people to do the same—it not only helps their bodies but clears their minds, too.”

MORE INFO

Interested in one of January Jackson’s classes?

Visit the Hutchinson YMCA. 716 E. 13th (620) 662-1203 www.hutchymca.org

Gym rat

Jackson moved back to Hutchinson and quickly joined Elmdale Wellness Center. It was there that she was introduced to fitness classes and soon fell in love.

She took aerobics and kickboxing classes three to four times a week. In between she would head to the cardio and weight room. The pounds started dropping. Jackson joined the YMCA and, like at Elmdale, fell in love with the variety of fitness classes. Then, six years ago, YMCA fitness director Suresh Menon asked her to fill in for an absent instructor.

“I laughed at him because I never thought I could actually teach and do it in front of people,” Jackson says. She recalls her first class, where she almost passed out right before due to her nerves. Halfway through her routine, she blanked out in front of the class and just stopped.

Eventually Jackson worked through her nerves and became a popular, energized instructor. Now she spends her time between classes perfecting moves, creating new routines and finding the best exercises to torch calories and burn fat.

She attends certification seminars in Wichita and Kansas City to complement the Turbo Jam, Zumba, Pilates, Boot Camp and Muscle Pump classes she teaches on a daily basis.

“January’s classes are so intense,” says participant Stephanie Franz. A freshman at Hutchinson Community College,

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Q&A Photography by a aron East

Q&A with Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy director

David T. Patterson HM: How did you get involved in Career and Technical Education?

HM: Any tips for the

DP: When I went back to school, I attended

workforce development centers that are normally located at their community colleges and finding out what types of skills— a lot of times people don’t even know what type of skills they have. What type of jobs that can help them with. So that whole career development piece is huge.

The hard part is to a lot of people it’s intimidating. Just to show up on a college campus and say, ‘Hey, I need some help,’ is not an easy thing to do. But they can call and ask who to talk to and set up a time for an appointment. And those institutions are what they are all about. Encouraging people is a big thing.

unemployed?

DP: Getting tied in to their local training

the University of Nebraska at Kearney for the credits … so that’s how I obtained my vocational teaching license. So I got involved that way, and then as a business instructor I sponsored FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) while I was at Nickerson and DECA while I was at Hutchinson High School.

We’ve always had strong, relevant vocational programs, and that was part of the reason why I think the community supported building an additional building for new programming and growing existing programming.

HM: What is the curriculum?

DP: We’ve got several programs, and we

D

avid T. Patterson used to be the

assistant principal at Hutchinson High School, but in some respects he almost wasn’t.

If it had not been for a college coach who inspired his work ethic and mentoring spirit, Patterson may never have become a teacher at all. He was prepared for a career in marketing, but opportunity and student teaching lead him to career and technical education, also known as vocational training.

“I really fell in love with teaching and coaching, and [I] student-taught in marketing and business classes. … Once I started that, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” says the Chicago native.

Eventually Patterson’s series of teaching, coaching and inspiring moves landed him at the brand-new Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy that’s part of Hutchinson Public Schools. “The focus of my job this year has been, oh, dealing a lot with construction and also with programming and increasing student participation in our programs and our funding.”

We spoke with Patterson to learn a little more about the young academy’s big efforts.

are now in what we call career pathways. … We have several: transportation, architecture and construction, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing, science technology, engineering and math, communications, education and training, business marketing and management, business technology, human services. We did start a health science program this year at the academy. We have a nursing lab that is—I don’t think there is anything comparable to it anywhere.

It is fantastic.

What people are starting to understand is, it used to be the old stigma that vocational education is for kids that aren’t going to college. And what they are finding out is that when you are in Career and Technical Education, you’re actually in college because of all the articulation agreements and relationships that come with secondary [education]. So students in a lot of our programs are obtaining dual credits or tech credit while they are in high school.

HM: What’s been the best part about your involvement in the academy?

DP: The best part for me is seeing students

that in the past may have gone through school without a plan and seeing them develop a plan of study that fits who they are. And then they have more purpose in school; their motivation is there. That’s just exciting to see.

HM: What are your hopes for the academy?

DP: I am a strong believer in “it’s people, not programs,” but you still have to have what students in the workforce need. And so having those and having agility and being able to add programming when and where it’s needed is a challenge. …

We are going through budget cuts and staff reductions due to the lack of funding from the state. We’ve got some programming that we still want to implement, we know is relevant and we know would draw participants because of what they can do with that training, but we can’t offer it.

Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Katy Ibsen.

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travelideas story by G lor ia Gale

Desert Attraction

s

teeped in spirit and unabashed natural beauty, Arizona is a radiant destination ablaze with breathtaking marvels.

One of the grandest is the Grand Canyon. With so much majesty en route, there’s a considerable amount of terrain to cover.

Here’s a look at an action-packed five-day journey.

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— —

Five Days in the Grand Canyon

Photograph courtesy of Mona Mesereau, Mesereau Public Relations

A vast topography of raw beauty sculpted by ancient seas and desert winds shapes awe-inspiring natural wonders

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travelideas Day 2: Rock and roll Sunshine is virtually guaranteed as you

No longer the scene of tumbleweeds and lonesome

cowboys, Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in America, has grown into a sophisticated metropolis brimming with culture and shouldering a strong Southwest character.

Vistas in the Valley of the Sun drive home the notion of just how big, bold and bright this city is. Before heading north, take a day to experience this desert oasis, where more than 200 golf courses, acres of shopping and dining, world-class history and art and science museums await.

Dip in your toe and begin with a city tour. Don’t miss the Heard Museum for an in-depth look at American Indian art, culture and history. Dinner is easy. Dine on what The New York Times describes as “maybe the best pizza in America” at Pizzeria Bianco.

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Day 3: Chakras aligned H ead out early to Je rom e , 28 m iles

southwest of Sedona, for a half-day visit.

Once called “the wickedest town in the West,” this former copper mining town was notorious for its saloons, brothels and gambling. Today this charming hamlet, perched a mile high on Cleopatra Hill, attracts far more civilized folk to its numerous art galleries, studios and budding wineries.

Photography courtesy of ThinkStock

Day 1: Southwest sprawl

head north for a two-hour drive on Interstate 17 toward Sedona.

The shimmering Sonoran Desert, dotted with saguaro cacti, shifts dramatically as you climb into the lush terrain of the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau. Just ahead looms Sedona’s red rock landscape.

It’s been said, “God created the Grand Canyon, but he lives in Sedona.” This 25 square-mile enclave of plains, canyons and astonishing red hued cliffs is steeped in mystery surrounding the rugged limestone outcroppings.

Since the Anasazi Indians chose to settle here centuries ago, Sedona has long been a magnet for spiritual practitioners, artists and nearly 3 million travelers, rivaling the Grand Canyon as a world-class destination.

Sedona’s mild four seasons assure good weather for outdoor exploration, especially in Oak Creek Canyon. This 16-mile gorge filled with sheer red rock monoliths, termed as one of the eight most scenic drives in America by Rand McNally, provides endless excursions by foot, hot air balloon, jeep or horseback.

After a half-day exploring Oak Creek Canyon, stop for lunch at the Cowboy Club, one of Sedona’s original restaurants, featuring rattlesnake and cactus fries as menu mainstays.

Save the afternoon to embrace your spiritual possibilities. Relax at a spa or seek a soul journey at one of Sedona’s “vortexes,” also known as spiritual power centers.

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travelideas Day 4: Rock of Ages

Day 5: Earthly delights

The road rises gently as you travel north 155 miles but offers

Dawn provides a spectacular sunrise from numerous vantage points across the canyon. One

of the best is Yavapai Observation Station just one mile from the park’s hub of activity, Grand Canyon Village.

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a three-hour mule ride as it descends to Abyss Point—an exciting excursion through juniper woodlands and ponderosa forests.

In the afternoon, try a guided tour with a park ranger or a scenic drive along the South Rim’s west route. This 7-mile stretch provides nine designated viewpoints ending at Hermits Rest outpost, home to park architect Mary Jane Colter.

Or drive the opposite direction, 26 miles east along Desert View drive. Explore ancient Pueblo life at Tusayan Ruin and Tusayan Museum, then travel a few miles farther to Desert View Watchtower. This 70-foot structure modeled after ancient Indian towers is the highest point on the south rim with an excellent vantage point to view the Colorado River below.

On the way back, stop by Kolb Studio perched on the canyon rim to see early photographs by pioneering photographers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb.

Finally, find time to be alone and soak in the experience of this iconic Southwestern journey featuring nature’s masterpieces ... overwhelmingly grand.

Photography courtesy of ThinkStock

little preparation for the spectacle that’s about to unfold.

Suddenly, an immense chasm a mile deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide yawns before you. You have arrived at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Upon approach, the scale of the canyon is so vast, it’s hard to fathom that it was formed more than 1.8 billion years ago.

Start the South Rim Trail hike. This will give you outstanding views and a chance to stretch your legs along the mostly level, paved path lining the canyon rim.

Descend into the canyon from the South Rim on the Kaibab Trail, a 1.8mile round-trip journey with views such as Ooh-Aah point, 600 feet below the rim.

Along the way, listen on a cell phone to a two-minute audio recording by park rangers explaining geology and American Indian history.

Best bets for lodging and dining include historic El Tovar Hotel or Bright Angel, both only a few feet from the canyon rim. But before calling it a day, step outside and view the night sky filled with stars. Schedule a full moon walk or star talk with a ranger at Mather Point.

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family

To Infinity and Beyond Cosmosphere space camps are all the rage this summer STory by E di e Ross

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Photography by A aron East

Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

family

Tom Holcomb, interim director of education at the Cosmosphere, shows off the realistic Mission Control Center.

U

nder the glow of red lights, a group of teenagers works furiously at a bank of computers.

Their job is an important one—to effectively communicate with astronauts in a space shuttle flying hundreds of miles above Earth and help them complete their mission safely and successfully. All of a sudden a group of teenage reporters bursts into the room and begins asking questions. Now the team must effectively communicate the mission and how it is handling any roadblocks.

These young students are part of Mission Control at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. And if their task sounds intense, imagine how the “astronauts”—upstairs in the Falcon III space shuttle simulator—feel.

The Mission Control and Falcon III training activities are only two of the many lifelike NASA scenarios that participants enjoy in the Cosmosphere’s internationally recognized Future Astronaut Training Program (FATP).

These summer programs for sixth-graders and older see about 1,000 campers annually. In addition, age-appropriate day camps for younger students are designed to spark their interest in space.

Out-of-this-world experience

The Cosmosphere touts the FATP as “not just a camp—an experience,” and for good reason.

The FATP is developed from authentic NASA astronaut training and includes simulators like the Falcon III that are not only educational and exciting, but also emphasize teamwork, leadership and problem solving. “The camps are educational, but I think a better word for them is ‘inspirational,’” says Tom Holcomb, interim director of education at the Cosmosphere.

Camps take place in a sprawling room boasting the types of space artifacts the Cosmosphere is famous for, such as a console from the old NASA mission control center at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The FATP headquarters is also home to some exciting space travel simulators. The Falcon III is the most realistic space shuttle simulator outside NASA, according to Cosmosphere officials. Campers simulate a launch, orbit, satellite deployment and re-entry in the motionbased simulator for level one; missions become incrementally more difficult.

The 4-G centrifuge tests campers’ reactions to the forces astronauts experience during launch and re-entry, and the multiaxis trainer spins riders 360 degrees in various directions.

It helps them understand the type of ride that might be encountered in space flight.

The simulators are a draw for all ages.

“Our oldest participant was 85, and he came from Maine,” Holcomb says. “His daughters forbade him to ride the centrifuge. But he pointed out, as he climbed into it, that they weren’t here to stop him. He had absolutely no problems with it.”

A classroom is part of Mission Control at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. It’s used for the various camps offered throughout the year and over the summer.

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family

The training facility includes a series of classroom exercises followed by hands-on activities with simulators and games.

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family A view inside the Falcon “shuttle” simulator, the most realistic space shuttle simulator outside NASA.

For the Parents In her time at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Marisa Honomichl has learned that local residents sometimes need to be educated about what is in their own backyard.

“In many cases, people in the community know about our museum but are not aware of the full scope of what we do here,” says Honomichl, vice president of marketing and development at the Cosmosphere. “We truly are doing things to live up to our mission of inspiring the future of space exploration.”

Outside of its activities for children and young adults, the Cosmosphere has an array of adult programming. Coffee at the Cosmo, which began about a year ago, is scheduled for the third Thursday of every month. The event features Cosmosphere staff presenting fascinating facts, fun space stories and a look at authentic artifacts from the vault.

The free program began with a group of about 20 participants and now is drawing upwards of 70 people. Oftentimes nationally recognized speakers are brought in, such as NBC News space consultant James Oberg, an author and expert on the Russian and Chinese space programs.

The adult programming goes beyond special events. For six years the Cosmosphere has offered intergenerational camps for grandparents and grandchildren. This year, those camps have evolved to include parents as well.

“We were finding that more and more parents were asking if they could pay to participate,” Honomichl says. “We think this is a great opportunity for people to enjoy what the camps offered and also have an experience they can share with their kids.”

Coffee at the Cosmo

9 a.m.-10 a.m., third Thursday of each month

Upcoming presentations June 17 | In this Episode of MacGyver:

NASA’s Use of Off-The-Shelf Technology to Fly in Space July 15 | As Seen on NASA TV:

NASA Sources for Spin-Off Technologies August 19 | What is That?:

Liberty Bell 7 Unrestored Components September 16 | Like an Old Pair of Slippers:

Comfortable In-Flight Clothing in Space October 21 | Goodbye Old Friend:

Farewell to the Shuttle Program For more information, call (800) 397-0330.

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Hutchinson Magazine | Summer 2010

Camp activities

Local teachers and college students from all over the nation staff the FATP camps. “The quality of our counselors is ridiculous,” Holcomb says. “This year we have one from the University of Southern California, one from Notre Dame, one from Baylor and then K-State, KU and Wichita.”

Campers also come from all over. “We’ve had campers from as far away as South Africa, and this year we have a counselor from Argentina,” he says.

Campers begin in the smaller Endeavor classroom, outfitted with models of Russian and American space suits, or the larger Discovery room, which includes models of the international space station. Here large groups of campers receive the educational basics on which the camps are built. Then they are broken into smaller groups and begin going through various training activities set up within the Cosmosphere’s FATP headquarters.

One such training activity is a rescue simulation, which includes getting a team of students from a disabled space shuttle (a platform) to a working space shuttle (another platform) through the use of a large, hollow metal ball hanging from the ceilCosmosphere Space Camps ing by a cable.

To register for camp, inquire about All activities lead up to the Falscholarships or be placed on a waiting con III simulation, which Holcomb list, contact the education coordinator at says is a camp favorite. “If we just (620) 665-9323 or (800) 397-0330, ext. 323. threw the kids into the Falcon For more information on the camps, immediately, they’d think it was visit www.cosmo.org/camps.cfm. cool but would look at it as kind of a video game,” he says. “We build toward it all week, so when they are completing that mission, they really buy into the experience.”

The Cosmosphere encourages campers to get the most out of the experience by giving them some independence in how they complete activities rather than telling them how to do it. “We try to have the kids create as much as possible,” Holcomb says. “We have a list of procedures that must be completed, but not a script.”

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family

Keep on Giving The Volunteer Center of Reno County is a summer hot spot for community service STory by J ean et te Ste i n e rt Photography by De bor ah Walke r

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Reins of Hope is one of many organizations that uses individuals from the Volunteer Center of Reno County.

Bonnie Hughbanks rides a horse while being led by volunteer Eldon Gray.

Summer 2010 | Hutchinson Magazine

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family

Galen Hughbanks helps his wife, Bonnie, get onto a horse during their visit to Reins of Hope.

MORE INFO

The Volunteer Center of Reno County (620) 665-4960

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N

ow that it’s summertime and the living is easy, why not make it a time for families and teens to add community service to their laid-back schedules of warm weather activities?

The Volunteer Center of Reno County makes finding service opportunities simple. Leah Chandler, assistant director, talks with volunteers to learn their interests, skills, time availability and other variables. “Some know exactly what they want to do; some want to explore the options,” she says.

That’s what Kristin Burling and son Erik, 13, did about a year ago. They settled on volunteering Saturday afternoons at Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson. Mennonite Manor is one of more than 100 Reno County government and nonprofit organizations that use the volunteer center’s resources.

Sponsored by Hutchinson Community College and funded by a variety of sources including grants, foundations and the United Way, the volunteer center began in 1973 with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program or people over 55. In 1983, the Volunteer Action Corps, an umbrella encompassing all the programs,

was added for those 54 and under. Last year about 1,000 volunteers in Reno County were connected to volunteer opportunities through the volunteer center.

The Burlings’ activities at Mennonite Manor include helping with bingo, music, crafts and special events, as well as visiting with residents.

“It’s really been good for Erik to talk with people of a different generation,” says Kristin.

The Fairfield Middle School eighth-grader admits that when he began working with the elderly residents, “I felt kind of awkward at first.

I was just used to being around my grandma, but I caught on fast how to help. Now it’s pretty cool. They’re all just really nice,” says Erik.

Their volunteer efforts also have been a bonding experience for mother and son. “As he gets older, it’s harder to make time to do things for the two of us. A set activity makes the time,” says Kristin. Based on the benefits, she wishes she had done something like this with her daughter Alix, 18. “It gives them time to think about someone other than themselves and recognize there’s a whole big world out there,” she says. Mother and son agree Erik has become more responsible and is learning more patience through this experience.

family Debbie Berndsen, left, directs The Volunteer Center with help from secretary Rosalie Harper, center, and assistant director Leah Chandler, right.

Not all volunteer center opportunities are assistant at Reins of Hope. Opportunities for youth- or family-oriented. Ages vary for volun- “Volunteens” at Promise Regional Medical teering, but 16 generally is the minimum. With Center include clerical work like assembling family groups like the Burlings, the volunteer information, forms and permission packets, age can go a bit younger, according to Chandler. and assisting with patient activities.

Younger volunteers or families can get The benefits for teenagers include listing involved in one-time activities like the community service on resumes, references or Hutchinson Recrescholarship appliation Commission’s Younger volunteers or cations. Time as a annual Salty Dog Boys and Girls Club and Salty Pup Tri- families can get involved volunteer recently athlons, which take in one-time activities. helped a young man place in August. Volclinch a scholarship unteers for the swim, bike and run race help to Ottawa University, according to Volunteer along the course. The Hutchinson Library Sum- Center Director Debbie Berndsen. mer Celebration in June usually needs about 20 The volunteer center also welcomes new volunteers, 10 of which are typically teens. Con- nonprofit or governmental organizations. “They tinuous opportunities include delivering Meals convey to us what they need, the experience on Wheels and helping at the Hutch Zoo, the and qualifications needed. Potential volunteers Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Reins of Hope. are then interviewed and screened for each volReins of Hope is a therapeutic horse-riding unteer opportunity,” says Chandler. program for children and adults with physical, “There was a time when women not in the workemotional or mental disabilities. “Many of the force were the primary volunteers in the commuriders do not have enough balance to sit by nity,” says Berndsen. “Today, men and women of themselves on a horse. They need sidewalk- all ages are engaged in volunteer service. These ers, someone on each side of them to help them include teens, families, retirees, individuals, as be stable,” say Barbara Gray, administrative well as church and employee groups.”

top Learning the value of volunteering is Erik Burling, who calls the game of bingo with the help of Mennonite Manor activity director Carolyn Buhler. above Kristin Burling, volunteer, plays a game of bingo with Della Wedel at Mennonite Manor.

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cottage comforts G ay l e a n d G a r y F o r d foster their lit tle h i d e a w ay ST o r y b y A m y B i c k e l Photo gr a ph y by Debor a h Wa lk er

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from left An early summer peek at Gayle and Gary Ford’s garden suggests a beautiful oasis is soon to bloom. The house is filled with antique and cottage details. The yellow bungalow has become a landmark in the Hyde Park area.

nestled

by a white picket fence, Gary and Gayle Ford’s Hyde Park cottage is proof that with time and ingenuity, a beautiful home can evolve.

When the Fords purchased the home in 1997, the cottage was just a ho-hum sort of dwelling with a yard void of landscaping and a dull gray exterior. The inside wasn’t much better, says Gayle: “The whole house was a study of beige.”

The Fords, however, saw potential to turn something ordinary into a quaint but enchanting residence—the sort of place one might find down a quiet country road.

“There was just something about it that was interesting,” Gayle says from her office with a cathedral ceiling and large windows overlooking the budding garden—one aspect of the 13-year project.

And, she says with a smile, “By no means are we done. It’s an ongoing process.”

calling hutchinson home The Fords lived in Hutchinson back in the ’60s for a time before their jobs took them to Oklahoma, then to Atlanta.

For more than 20 years they lived out of state, though after a while the couple yearned for a quieter lifestyle.

“We didn’t want to stay in Atlanta forever,” says Gary of the decision to move to Hutchinson in ’97.

Longtime friends were another reason, Gayle says. “For some reason, the group of friends we always stayed in touch with was those friends we made all those years ago,” she says.

Gayle continued to travel back and forth to Atlanta for her job with an advertising agency until last year. Today, she works from home as a freelance copy editor for the same firm.

Gary serves as the church sexton at Grace Episcopal Church.

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Gayle has an eye for design and carries it into all aspects of the home, including her tableware.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The fireplace and mantel make for a perfect display of art and sentimental items. Gary crafted these delicate carvings. The open cabinets add a punch of color with Fiestaware. The antique kitchen cabinet often is used for displaying handpicked flowers. The dining room shows off built-ins made by Gary.

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LEFT Serene cottage details continue throughout the home, even into the bathroom.

RIGHT A beautiful antique chandelier is never missed by visitors.

bungalow lifestyle For most who travel down 20th Street, it’s hard not to notice the charming yellow cottage with the crisp white and dark avocado trim and sea of flowers. “It just has this inviting look,” says good friend Sally Russell.

The single-story structure includes two bedrooms, two and a half baths, an office and a dining room next to the small but spacious kitchen. Other highlights of the home built in 1942 for Johnny Dillon are a renovated sunroom off the back patio, Gary’s basement workshop and the living room with solid oak floors.

However, Gary notes, it took years of renovation to get their home into the shape it is today.

Handy at carpentry, Gary soon dove into the renovation project—on the inside and the outside. Rooms once washed in beige were painted. Outdated carpet was torn out in several rooms, including the bedrooms, to reveal the original hardwood flooring. In addition, they replaced windows and stripped wallpaper from one bathroom ceiling, replacing it with beaded board.

One of the largest undertakings was the kitchen. They refinished the room’s hardwood floor, which was found covered in several layers of linoleum. They removed the dark tile on the walls and cabinet tops, replacing it with white.

Cabinets were painted white and the doors removed so Gayle could display her colorful Fiestaware. Gary also put in a white beaded-board ceiling.

Later the couple turned two small rooms in the back of the home into a sunroom featuring a 12-foot glass doorway leading to the garden. Gayle says she wanted a wood-plank ceiling in this room but stuck to their budget and settled for a near look-alike—plastic soffit.

filling the space Amid the remodeling, Gary says they didn’t go out and buy expensive items to fill the home. Instead, they display the collectibles and furniture accumulated during their more than 40 years of marriage.

Antiques, many of which were purchased for little or nothing, accentuate several rooms. They traded a black-and-white television for the classic oak armoire displayed in the master bedroom, but Gary doesn’t remember where they found the late-1800s oak ice chest that is now used as a nightstand.

a budding garden

They traded a blackand-white television for the classic oak armoire d i s p l ay e d i n t h e m a s t e r bedroom, but Gary doesn’t remember where they found t h e l at e - 1 8 0 0 s o a k i c e c h e s t t h at i s n o w u s e d a s a n i g h t s ta n d .

The couple’s gardening hobby resonates throughout the home. In the living room, floral paintings hang from the grass cloth-papered walls, including one of purple irises above the fireplace. A Georgia O’Keeffe book rests on an antique desk, and in the dining room white bookcases that Gary built display some of Gayle’s McCoy flowerpots, punctuating the deep blue magnolia wallpaper.

The most noticeable transformation may be the home’s exterior, where flowers, vines and bushes flow on both sides of a winding brick walkway. Using his woodworking skills, Gary built the picket fence, along with a gate arbor and a pergola.

Gayle discovered the idea on a trip to nearby Swedish community of Lindsborg, where a pergola canopies famed artist Lester Raymer’s courtyard.

White window boxes spill with colorful flowers all summer. Adirondack chairs built by Gary rest on a wood deck around the corner.

“In their mind, they could see a palace,” says longtime friend Alice Hayes. She adds that Gary’s wood skills and Gayle’s artistic eye are what changed the home. “We say she can take crud—something we would throw away—and turn it into something that we’d go ‘wow’ over.”

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bestbets

|

jun-aug 2010

june June 8-13 | Kansas High School Rodeo State Finals. Watch some of

the best high school riders, ropers and calf wrestlers at the 2010 High School Rodeo State Finals. Teenagers from across the state participate in everything from barrel racing to bull riding. Events take place at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. (620) 378-3716. www.khsra.net

June 10-13 | If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The Family Children’s Theatre

presents the children’s story If You Give a Mouse a Cookie during its 21st season.

(620) 662-7469. www.familychildrenstheatre.com

June 11-12 | South Hutchinson Salt Fest. This annual two-day event is

filled with activities including a parade, car show, mud volleyball, tractor pulls, bands, fireworks, food and fun. Events at various locations. 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. (620) 694-6050.

June 17 | Downtown Art Tour. Stroll through downtown Hutchinson

taking in the sights and sounds during the Third Annual Downtown Art Tour.

Coinciding with the popular Third Thursday, the Art Tour will feature more than 90 artists and 40 locations as well as live musicians. 5 p.m. (620) 694-2611. www.downtownhutchinson.com

June 20 | Dads Get in Free at the Cosmosphere. Take dad to the Kansas Cosmosphere to celebrate Father’s Day. (800) 397-0330. www.cosmo.org

july July 2-4 | Hutchinson Rockin’ Rollin’ Rod Run. Two and a half days of

fun and hot rods are to be had at the third annual Rockin’ Rollin’ Rod Run at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Friday and Saturday check out the displays and demonstrations, enjoy some barbecue while listening to live rock ’n’ roll and take in the 54th Annual Grand National Stock Car Races. Daily tickets $15.

(620) 966-3315. www.hutchrodrun.com

July 2-4 | HutchFest 2010. Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend at the annual community festival with live entertainment, food, crafts and a fireworks show on the evening of the Fourth. $4 buttons required for some events. Events take place downtown, at the Hutchinson Mall, Carey Park as well as the fairgrounds.

(620) 663-7448. www.hutchfest.com

July 21-24 | Pretty Prairie Rodeo. A 73-year-old tradition, the Pretty Prairie Rodeo is Kansas’ Largest Night Rodeo. Bring the family and enjoy the petting zoo and carnival booths along with traditional rodeo activities. 202 N. Elm St., Pretty Prairie. $8-$25. Begins at 8 p.m. (620) 459-4653. http://pprodeo.com

august August 6-8 | Hutchinson Emancipation Day Celebration. Enjoy a

weekend full of activities that include a basketball tournament, parade, picnic, dance, GospelFest concert and an ice cream social at various locations.

For more information, call (620) 663-6673.

August 14 | Salty Dog Triathlon. Sponsored by the Hutchinson Recreation Commission, the ninth annual Salty Dog is a sprint triathlon with a 400-meter swim, 10.5-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run. For kids ages 8 to 15, there is the Salty Pup Triathlon with a 100-meter swim, 4.2-mile bike ride and 1-mile run.

(620) 663-6179. www.hutchrec.com

August 28 | Yoder Heritage Day. Celebrate the history of Yoder by joining

the tractor pulls, quilt auction, buggy races, food, live music and annual parade down Main Street. Activities begin with a 6 a.m. pancake feed and end at 10:30 p.m. after a fireworks show. (620) 200-0427. www.yoderkansas.com

August 28 | Starry Night Party. Make your way out to Hobart-Detter

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Field at Carey Park to take part in this Cosmosphere-sponsored event.

Activities include rocket demonstrations, a moonwalk, food, mobile gift shop, presentations and telescopes to look to the sky. 5:30 p.m. (620) 662-2305. www.cosmo.org

Please submit event information to: hutchinsonmagazine@sunflowerpub.com (Dates and times subject to change)