East wichita news april 2015

April 2015 - 2

I INSIDE

Volume 32 • Issue 4 April 2015

ON THE COVER Artist, caretaker, student. | 20

w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Dani Medrano is an awardwinning artist and an outstanding high school student. She’s also her mother’s caretaker.

On the button – Eastsider has the winning design for Riverfest. | 5

Features

Suffering and strength, remembered. Author details aunt’s WWII survival. | 24

Focus On Business................ 15

East Wichita News

Performing Arts Calendar................................... 34

Editorial

Publisher Paul Rhodes Managing Editor Travis Mounts Production Abbygail Wells Reporters/Contributors Sam Jack, Amy Houston, Jim Erickson, Philip Holmes, Travis Mounts

Sales & Billing

Sales Sherry Machek, Valorie Castor Billing/Circulation Tori Vinciguerra A Division of Times-Sentinel Newspapers 125 N. Main • P.O. Box 544 Cheney, KS 67025 Phone: (316) 540-0500 Fax: (316) 540-3283 © 2015 Times-Sentinel Newspapers LLC

Dateline.......................................9 Eastside Homes..................... 12 Movie Review......................... 13 Cinema Scene........................ 14

People and Places................ 30 From the Publisher’s Files............................................ 33

Now in our 32nd year!

The East Wichita News is a monthly newspaper focused on the people and places on Wichita’s East Side. It is delivered free to most homes within our coverage area, although distribution is not guaranteed.

Guaranteed home delivery by mail is available for $10 per year. Single copies are available in a variety of Eastside locations. Visit our website for more - www.eastwichitanews.com.

Email story ideas and photographs to news@tsnews.com. Visit us on Facebook.

Of Shockers, letter jackets and more What a difference a week makes.

As we go to press with this month’s East Wichita News, the city awaits word on whether Wichita State men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall will be trading in his grain-based mascot for the meat-themed Longhorns of the University of Texas. Shocker faithful have been worried for several years about Marshallville relocating – basically ever since Marshall started winning in a way that makes fans want to name buildings after you and tempts bigger schools to make obscenely lucrative offers.

And just when it seemed that the University of Alabama was out of the picture, news breaks that Marshall and that school will meet.

And the fear has been that a school like Texas – with huge budgets, name recognition, recruiting advantages AND some tradition of winning – would come calling with an offer that can’t be refused. To his credit, Marshall has spurned numerous offers that included more money. He seems earnest when he says he and his family love Wichita and that he could retire here.

But one more challenge without having to rebuild from the bottom, combined with a mad-money type offer, could be too much to say “no” to.

Of course, by the time you read this, it could all be old news.

••••• It took less than a week’s time for Wichita East High School to go from the post-spring calm that lies between basketball season and graduation to the center of a fury that’s gained nationwide attention.

The situation involves Michael Kelley, a special needs student at East, whose parents purchased him a letter jacket, with a letter, last year.

School officials acknowledged that they have asked that Michael not wear the jacket to school. There is disagreement about a claim that Michael was asked to remove the jacket at school and given a sweater to wear, instead.

It turns out the Wichita School District does not have a standard policy

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

for earning varsity letters. At East, only varsity athletes have a chance to earn letters. There are other types of recognition for students like Michael, who compete on a different team in a different league for special needs students. Some of the other Wichita schools have policies that allow special needs students to earn varsity letters.

What could have been a minor issue has become a big one, thanks to extensive television coverage and social media attention that has gone viral.

It would do everyone some good to show a little tolerance for the other side. Some school officials, including East High principal Ken Thiessen, have been unfairly vilified.

“As the leader of this school, I understand that taking criticism for my actions and decisions comes with the job.

What I can’t accept, however, are the horrible comments from people who have no idea what East High is really all about. Suggesting that our school doesn’t support and embrace special needs students is simply not reflective or indicative of the culture we have in our building,” he wrote in a letter to the community.

••••• We hope you enjoy this month’s edition. It was a pleasure interviewing this month’s cover story subject, Dani Medrano. She is a special young lady.

You’ll also see our feature on Roger Strunk, who designed the buttons and poster for this year’s Wichita River Festival, which will be here soon.

Thanks for sharing your story ideas, and keep them coming.

Andale 316-444-2125

Counter Tops • Fireplaces • Cabinets • Mouldings

7355 W. Taft, Wichita 316-721-1288

www.fisherlumber.net

3 - April 2015

Come & visit our large decking room!

Check out our large selection of cabinets & countertops!

Garden Plain 316-531-2295

www.eastwichitanews.com

April 2015 - 4 www.eastwichitanews.com

Music Theatre for Young People to stage ‘Oliver!’

Music Theatre for Young People will present the classic musical “Oliver!” on Friday through Sunday, May 1-3.

Curtain will be at 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m.

Sunday.

The cast is filled with East Wichita residents. They are: Melissa Reida, Evan Schelton, Sam Castillo, William Compton, Topher Cundith, Pandora Freeman, Ava Graves, Kennedy Staiger, Daniel Carney, Thomas Higgins, Valorie Falo, Grace Malicoat, Kyla Shave, Brianna Bombardier, Juliette Falo, Nick Falo, Lily Kovar, Chase Farha, Edward Sturm, Tyler Treat, Brenna Donnelly, Deena Eichhorn, Clare Heathman and Killian McGaffan.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Reserve seats by calling 316-303-8100 or online at www.wichitaTIX.com. Shows will be in the Mary Jane Teall Theatre at Century II.

The East Wichita cast members of Music Theatre for Young People’s “Oliver!”

5 - April 2015

On the button Riverfest designer has worked for Google, eBay and more STORY East Wichitan Roger Strunk’s winning design for this year’s Wichita Riverfest buttons and poster will become increasingly ubiquitous as the May 29 to June 6 celebration nears. That’s gratifying for the graphic designer, who often focuses on Internet projects with less Wichita visibility.

“I haven’t had a lot of local work; most of it comes from California. I was happy that I won, and excited. Going down to the office and seeing all the art on the walls at Wichita Festivals, I was like, ‘Woah, this is going to be everywhere.’ It’s the first piece of mine with that level, locally,” said Strunk.

Strunk’s work beat out 22 other sub-

SAM JACK

missions and won him $3,500. Inspired by this year’s theme, “Button Up. Have a Blast,” the button design shows Admiral Windwagon Smith using a jetpack to ascend skyward, fireworks exploding around him.

“The flight suit and helmet were styled to resemble the Admiral’s traditional red, black and silver garb, minus the old filigree elements,” Strunk wrote on his website.

For the complementary Riverfest poster design, Strunk added the Arkansas River, styled to call an aircraft runway to mind, plus the silhouette of the Wichita skyline. Accompanying Smith on the poster and on buttons for

children between 6 and 12 is Ace, a corndog-wielding turtle sidekick.

“I don’t think I know a kid that doesn’t like turtles, and it was one river animal that had yet to be included in any of the Riverfest’s past artwork,” Strunk wrote. “So, Pronto Pups in hand, Ace is trailing the Admiral on fun adventures, just like kids and their parents would experience at Riverfest 2015.”

The designs are in a blocky, geometric style that has appealed to high tech companies such as Google, eBay and Oculus VR. “Growing up, I loved Legos, and I still love them,” said Strunk. “That’s kind of how I build these designs. I might have the overall form worked out, but then I start stacking up shapes within it.”

Strunk began drawing at an early age.

He received his first formal training at Halstead High School as a draftsman, following the example of his grandfather, an engineer and draftsman who eventually became president of Advanced Industries.

“I really loved drafting in high school,” said Strunk. “I took drafting classes every year. I didn’t take art classes, but I took a class called ‘Digital Communication,’ which was my first intro to what graphic design was.”

After high school, Strunk studied commercial graphics at Pitt State, but left after a year, finding Wichita State’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program a better fit.

“Pitt State had us out with auto mechanics and other technical degrees. I wanted a program with a more handson approach, and I found that at WSU.

The art program is more heavily integrated with the design program than it was at Pitt State,” said Strunk.

After a year and a half at Wichita State, Strunk stepped away and worked as an independent construction contractor from around 2000 to 2008.

Though that might have seemed like a detour at the time, Strunk now believes the break was essential to both the development of his skills and the development of the markets most interested in his design work.

“I did a lot better coming back into the program. My work was light-years ahead of what I was doing back then,” said Strunk. “I’ve always worked with my hands, and doing construction stuff helps with the way I approach design.

“And it’s interesting, I feel really lucky,” Strunk continued. “I don’t think this could have happened if I’d’ve stuck with my degree right out of the gate.

The Internet wasn’t as big then. Now, I have all these places and opportunities to post my work and get it seen by people all over, while still being based out of Wichita.”

As he was finishing up at Wichita State, his online portfolio caught the eye of editors at Popular Mechanics, leading to an assignment creating infographics for several issues of the magazine.

“When I got the offer to work with them, I thought it was junk mail or something. Fortunately, I looked at it more closely. The opportunity to do See RIVERFEST, Page 6

www.eastwichitanews.com

Roger Strunk designed this year’s Wichita River Festival poster and buttons. The Eastside graphic designer does work mostly for clients in California. This will be his highest-profile local work.

BY

April 2015 - 6

Riverfest Continued from Page 5

something like that, right out of school, it couldn’t have happened without the Internet. Before the Internet, I had to do a lot more footwork to get in front of people,” said Strunk. “Of course it still requires a lot of networking, but I like to be able to make my own hours, work from my home office.”

Projects for Google, Dell, eBay, and American Express, among others, have

followed. Between such efforts, Strunk keeps his creative juices flowing with self-initiated projects, some of which are displayed on his website, rogerstrunk. com.

“I went to WSU recently and gave talks to a couple classes about that, just about how curious they need to be,” said Strunk. “You’re doing work for other people, so it may be the most mundane subject, like pencils or paper clips. How do you make that exciting and interesting? If you’re curious, and you dig into stuff, it’s easy to start getting excited about these things. That’s why I love it.”

Audiology & Hearing Aid Services Inc. 8020 E. Central Ave., Ste. 100 T: 316-634-1100 F: 316-634-2928

www.eastwichitanews.com

10209 W. Central, Ste. 1 T: 316-260-8990 F: 316-260-8993

Licensed Audiologists • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations • Auditory Processing Evaluations • Programmable and Digital Hearing Aids • Complete after sales in-house service Haris Zafar, Ph.D., C.C.C.-A Irene Wagner, Au.D., F., A.A.A.

Until May 7, adult Riverfest buttons featuring Strunk’s design are available at an early-bird price of $5. Buttons can be ordered online at selectaseat.com, or by calling 855-755-SEAT. Starting April 17, early-bird buttons will be available for in-person purchase at the Intrust Bank Arena box office or the Wichita Festivals office.

Starting May 8, full price $10 buttons will be available at button retail outlets, including Dillons and QuikTrip. Buttons for children age 6 to 12 are $3, while children under 6 are admitted free.

Highlights of the festival will include classic disco act the Village People, the Wichita Symphony’s Twilight Pops concert and closing fireworks.

Junior League of Wichita, Inc. (JLW) will host its third-annual Kitchen Tours: A Pinch of Hope, A Dash of Design on Sunday, May 3, at featured homes in Wichita. The tour will run 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The upscale event will feature designer kitchens and entertaining spaces.

Proceeds from Kitchen Tours will be used to fund Junior League’s mission of building a better community.

“Kitchen Tours is a wonderful way to support Junior League of Wichita (JLW) and help us fund our mission of improving our community,” said JLW president Cynthia Schmucker. “This is our third annual Kitchen Tours and it

www.eastwichitanews.com

The Junior League of Wichita, Inc., will host its third annual Kitchen Tours to raise money for the organization.

continues to be an amazing showcase of cooking and entertaining spaces that you can attend with your friends and family for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon.”

JLW combats child abuse through awareness, prevention and intervention.

Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance. The ticket price includes admission to the featured homes and a voucher to purchase one Junior League of Wichita cookbook for $20, tax included. Tickets are available by ordering online at jlwichita.org or by contacting JLW’s Headquarters at 316-682-3901 during weekday business hours.

7 - April 2015

Junior League to host kitchen tours

April 2015 - 8 www.eastwichitanews.com

Eastside students earn art honors More than 825 people attended the Scholastic Open House and Gold Key Ceremony in March at The Wichita Center for the Arts. This year’s scholarship and cash award recipients received more than $2.3 million, surpassing last year’s total by $300,000.

Each year, exceptionally talented high school and middle school artists from Wichita and 70 surrounding counties are recognized and awarded with cash prizes and scholarships. This year’s scholarships were awarded by Mindfire Academy at Bethany College, Bethel College, Cowley CCC, Friends University, Fort Hays State University, Sterling College and McPherson College.

The Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition was hosted by the Elizabeth B. Koch Foundation and The K.T. Wiedemann Foundation, Inc. This year’s master of ceremonies for the Gold Key Ceremony was Ashley Arnold, news reporter at KSN Channel 3, with introductions by Howard W. Ellington, director emeritus at The Wichita Center for the Arts.

A total of 2,700 entries were submitted to this year’s Scholastic Art Awards from 70 Kansas counties. All submissions were reviewed by a panel of art professionals for originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal voice or vision and only 662 student works were selected for this year’s exhibition.

The Scholastic Art Awards offer early recognition of creative teenagers and scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors. The awards are national in scope and administered by the Alliance for Youth Artists and Writers. The process begins as students from across the country in grades 7 through 12, supported by their visual arts teachers and other community mentors, create and submit their best works of art. For more information about The Scholastic Art Awards visit wcfta.com.

Following are the Eastsiders who won awards.

The Gold Key winners who also were American Visions Nominees included

Talah Bakdash and Azim Kamalulrahim, both of Wichita Collegiate.

Gold Key winners include: Jacob Alkhoury, Andover Middle School; Arianna Azri, Northeast Magnet; Liley Bartlett, East High; Loren Baskin-Almazan, Collegiate; Reganne Bundy, Andover High; Rithwick Chary, Collegiate; Jane Chen, Collegiate; Vipavee Chiawchansilp, East High; Mackenzi Cline, Heights High; Surika Dennill, Collegiate; Nathaniel DeWitt, Northeast Magnet; Bayli Ellerman, Andover Middle School; Victoria Emerine, East High; Corbin Gronlie, East High; Jonathan Hayes, East High; Rachel Hermes, Northeast Magnet; Gehrig Hett, Andover Central Middle School; Sam Ketron, Heights High; Jiaxin Lu, Collegiate; Cameron McRadden, Andover Central High; Ella McNeely, East High; Jessica Mitchell, East High; Malar Muthukumar, The Independent School; Mary Nguyen, Southeast High; Isabeau Orozco, Northeast Magnet; Anthony Oyama, Collegiate; Casondra Price, East High; Savannah Redfern, Andover Central High; Matthew Regehr, Collegiate; Lauren Reynolds, Andover High; Elijah Robinson, Andover Middle School; Brock Schaeffer, Andover Central High; Riley Sherwood, Collegiate; Jiawei Shi, East High; Reine Studebaker, East High; Brooke Talbott, East High; Sara Towns, Andover Central High; and Anna Wrinn, St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary.

Silver key winners from the east side are: Ariana Azri, Northeast Magnet; Shakala Babsby, Northeast Magnet; Talah Bakdash, Collegiate; Loren Baskin-Almazan, Collegiate; Lindsay Bateman, Andover Middle School; Audrey Born, Kapaun-Mount Carmel; Reganne Bundy, Andover High; Jacque Cabrera, Southeast High; Sophie Carr, Andover Middle School; Jane Chen, Collegiate; Kiarra Condit, Northeast Magnet; Merick Espinoza, East High; Kaila Fowler, Heights High; Brookyla George, East High; Thomas Giebler, Andover Central High; Madeline Grant, East High; Corbon Gronlie, East High; See ART, Page 10

April 18 – Free Shred-It event. Bring your documents to be shredded, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Cambridge Market, located at 21st Street and Webb Road.

There is a three-box limit per vehicle.

For more information call 316-6361277.

April 24 – The Wichita Downtown Lions Club is again partnering with the Greater Wichita YMCA Child Care/ Camp Branch to serve thousands in Wichita all you can eat pancakes with a side of sausage plus coffee at Century II Exhibition Hall on April 24.

A large portion of the proceeds of this event continues the many decades of the WDLC’s commitment to youth to support clean and healthy activities during the summer at the YMCA’s Camp Hyde.

Tickets are $6 in advance from any Lions member or at the door. Tickets can be obtained by calling the WDLC office at 316-264-4743 or emailing loleta1@aol.com.

The feed will run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and feature local music artists and groups all day.

Through May 10 – The Wichita Center for the Arts will hold the 2015 “National Fiber Directions Exhibition” through May 10. This exhibition features 81 imaginative and beautiful

Dateline

9 - April 2015

April 16 – Project Beauty luncheon and annual basket drawing/silent auction, 2:30 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club, 223 S. Westlink. Cost is $17.

Your check is your reservation; send to Jean Wellshear, 6411 Marjorie, Wichita, KS 67206, by Monday, April 13.

Upcoming events in and around Wichita

works by 63 fiber artists.

Fiber art is uniquely designed functional pieces such as coverlets, pillows, tablecloths, garments, rugs and non-functional tapestries, wall hangings, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works which have been printed, painted, embellished, felted, woven, knitted, twined, cast paper, quilted, stitched or other forms of manipulating fiber for art.

The National Fiber Directions Exhibition showcases a well-diversified collection of subject matter and techniques – from the more traditional approaches to avant-garde explorations of the medium. This year’s exhibit was juried by Barbara Shapiro. Also on display is a concurrent exhibition, Henrietta Holmes dresses, in alliance with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House.

Several pieces of couture clothing from the 1920’s, ‘30s and ‘40s will be on view including Henrietta Holmes’ wedding dress and an original suit by the late designer Christian Dior. For more information visit www.wcfta.com or call 316-634-2787.

Ask About FREE Measuring and Installation (Up to $100)

511 S. Woodlawn

316-681-3361 Mon - Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 www.accentinteriors.net For Hunter Douglas Window Fashions on the West side, Visit us at American Wallpaper – 221 N. West St.

If you have an event for the calendar of events, email details to ewn@ eastwichitanews.com.

At East Wichita News, we’re already working on feature stories for upcoming editions. If you know of someone whose face (and story) should appear on these pages, please let us know! ewn@eastwichitanews.com 316-540-0500 www.facebook.com/EastWichitaNews

www.eastwichitanews.com

FACES WANTED.

April 2015 - 10

Art Continued from Page 8

Say goodbye to gutter cleaning!

www.eastwichitanews.com

re Call befo g the sprin re! e h e r a s n i ra • Premier Gutter Cover System • Affordable • Proven & Attractive • Family Owned & Operated

For a FREE estimate call: (316) 777-1185 WE DO GUTTERS AND GUTTER COVERS! www.theguttercoverofwichita.com

Jessica Gulaskey, Andover Central Middle School; Jonathan Hayes, East High; Rachel Hermes, Northeast Magnet; Gehrig Hett, Andover Central Middle School; Peyton Huslig, Andover Central High; Zoe Johnson, The Independent School; Hannah Kentling-Soderling, East High; Jada Khim, East High; Jack Lynch, Southeast High; Mary McCoy, The Independent School; Ella McNeely, East High; Gissell Medina, East High; Dani Medrano, The Independent School; Peace Mwamunyange, East High; Ethan Nelson, Andover Middle School; Truong Nguyen, East High; Judy Obat, Collegiate; Mikayla Overton, Northeast Magnet; Madeline Pall, Trinity Academy; Erin Peters, Kapaun-Mount Carmel; Peyton Ramsett, Andover High; Shelby Robertson, Northeast Magnet; Nancy Rodriguez, East High; Kortney Rowe, The Independent School; Gabrielle Shawnee, East High; Jack Squires, Collegiate; LaZaria Thomas, East High; Christopher Vick, Southeast High; Christina Walker, Collegiate; Jacob Wasson, East High; Irene We, Collegiate; Trina Williams, East High; Kourtney Zweiner, Andover Central Middle School; and Artem Shukaev, East High.

Honorable mention goes to Juliette Rishell, East High; Natalie Alexander, Andover Middle School; Jacob Alkhoury, Andover Middle School; Connor Allen, The Independent School; Natalie Anderson, Andover High; Talah Bakdash, Collegiate; Amy Bani-Younes, Northeast Magnet; Bethany Bliss, Andover Central High; Reganne Bundy, Andover High; Rithwick Chary, Collegiate; Vipavee Chiawchansilp, East High; Christina Craig, Kapaun-Mount Carmel; Laeh Dean, The Independent School; Amena Elamin, Collegiate;

Thomas Giebler, Andover Central High; Kirsten Gier, Northeast Magnet; Grace Gill, The Independent School; Jonathan Hayes, East High; Shanti Henry, Andover Middle School; Rachel Hermes, Northeast Magnet; Connor Hernandez, Andover High; Azim Kamalulrahim, Collegiate; Essie Keith, Southeast High; Taylor Knight, Andover High; Jackson Laurie, East High; Elise Lindemann, Andover High; William Lundrigan, Andover Central Middle School; David Lusk, The Independent School; Javier Martinez, Northeast Magnet; Lily McBride, Andover Central Middle School; Ella McNeely, East High; Morgan Musgrave, The Independent School; Rebecca Nash, East High; Krissy Navrat, Andover Central High; Mary Nguyen, Southeast High; Yasmin Nur, East High; Katie Nussbaum, Collegiate; Mikayla Overton, Northeast Magnet; Anthony Oyama, Collegiate; Tyla Palmer, Collegiate; Verania Peralta, East High; Sage Pope, Kapaun-Mount Carmel; Casondra Price, East High; Madison Price, East High; Peyton Ramsett, Andover High; Kelsey Rawcliffe, Andover High; Shianne Reaves, Southeast High; Shelby Robertson, Northeast Magnet; Rachel Rojas, Andover High; Veronica Rose, Southeast High; Noelle Schumann, Andover Central Middle School; Jaida Sims, Andover Middle School; Bethany Snow, Andover Central High; Conner Spaulding, Andover Central High; Jack Squires, Collegiate; Diana Talamantes, Heights High; Sara Towns, Andover Central High; Huy Tran, The Independent School; Jacob Wasson, East High; Cara Wenninger, Andover Middle School; Merissa Wilbur, Northeast Magnet; Trina Williams, East High; Sydney Wohlfert, The Independent School; Yujun Ye, Collegiate; Tianyuan Yuan, Collegiate; Arturo Zapote, Northeast Magnet; Rachel Zeserman, The Independent School; Ariana Azri, Northeast Magnet; Emiliano Molina, Northeast Magnet; and Judy Obat, Collegiate.

facebook.com/EastWichitaNews @eastwichitanews

11 - April 2015

Looking for the Perfect Rug?

Events this month will celebrate the opening of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport’s new terminal, pictured above in an architect’s rendering.

Events to celebrate new airport terminal The public is invited to celebrate the new Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport terminal, parking garage and rental car facilities during three community events. They include the dedication gala, the community open house and the first flight/ribbon cutting. The events will all take place at the new terminal, 2277 Eisenhower Airport Parkway.

The dedication gala will be held 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The gala includes self-guided tours of the new terminal, entertainment by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, food and beverages, and

remarks by special guests.

Learn more about the gala and purchase tickets online at www.flywichita. com/gala. Tickets are $125 per person and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The airport will host two additional community events.

One is a community open house 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, April 18.

The time and date for the first flight and ribbon cutting are still being finalized.

For more information about the progress on the new terminal project, visit flywichita.com.

As the name Rug Studio implies, we take every client's individual needs into consideration as a project. And, Rug Studio offers most every style, color, and fabric available in the floor fashion market.

We know you are looking for more than a just a floor covering. It's an expression of how you define your living space. Phillip and Noelle are focused on the latest trends in the industry and are here to help you find the right rug for your personal taste, lifestyle, and budget.

With an extensive inventory as well as unlimited custom rug options, Rug Studio has everything in rugs.

The National Federation Coaches Association (NFCA) has recognized the Kansas coaches for 2014 as NFCA State of Kansas Coaches of the Year Award Winners. The list includes several Eastsiders. These coaches are recognized for their professionalism, leadership and years of service to Kansas youth.

The honored coaches include: Thomas Nykamp, girls soccer coach at Trinity Academy, and Samone Thomas, spirit

coach at Wichita East High School.

In addition, the NFOA has recognized 12 Kansas officials for the year 2014. The officials were honored for their long hours (and miles) logged in service to Kansas youth, as well as their professionalism, high standard of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character. The list includes Diane Smith (volleyball), Klaus Kollmai (soccer) and Lori Regier (gymnastics).

The Shops at Tallgrass • 682-0033 www.WichitaRugs.com

(Just east of Rock Road off 21st)

www.eastwichitanews.com

Coaches and officials honored

April 2015 - 12 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

The garage...Pit stop or oasis?

Garage: The final frontier.

The garage is a part of the home that seems to be last on the list for many homeowners.

Unfortunately, it often becomes a dumping ground for unwanted items and things that a person no longer has room for in the main part of the house.

Yes, a land of unwanted toys that has become an embarrassment to the entire neighborhood when the garage door is opened. This can be especially true during the winter months. The garage seems to be an easy place to set things that should go somewhere else.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

For a growing number of people it is not. It can be a clean, well-organized “happy place” where you can actually find the things you need. And it will look great too. Since most of us rarely use our front doors to enter the house, wouldn’t it be a nice experience to come home to a really handsome looking garage?

Just about anything you can do decorative indoors can be done in the garage. From flooring, wall treatments and lighting all should be considered when addressing the garage. You can go as elaborate or as simple as you prefer.

At a minimum, a garage should be clean, well-lit and organized according to how you use it. Some homeowners go all out and create a themed garage according to their interests. Either way, the effort should be made to customize your space so that it works for you.

The first thing to do is figure out how you want to use your space. This usually starts by purging the stuff that is simply taking up space. It’s good to store sea-

Eastside Homes

Philip Holmes | Interior Designer

sonal items elsewhere, if you can. Then you will get down to the lowest common denominator in terms of what really needs to occupy the space.

From there, based on your specific storage needs, select the best storage systems for those items. There are many cabinet and rack systems available in a wide range of prices. The important thing is go select what is easy and attractive as well as practical. Keep as much off the floor as possible. Peg boards or wall storage systems are good for this. Again, the storage systems should fit what you are trying to store.

Stuffing everything into stack of plastic tubs does not count.

As you design your storage areas and rearrange your stuff, keep in mind that you need to consider traffic flow just as you would in the living room. Sometimes the most obvious things can get overlooked: for example, with that new storage cabinet, can I open the cabinet door with out having to back the car out of the garage? Finally, once you get it organized, keep it that way!

A work bench or work area is an integral part of a well-functioning garage. It’s good for hobbies, gardening

or just working on household projects.

To be effective, it needs to be clean and well lit. Avoid the temptation to let it become a catch-all as then your work area soon disappears.

The addition of flooring may seem like a luxury, but it keeps your garage looking sharp and clean. Options for garage flooring include plastic mats, epoxy paint, liquid granite and concrete stain. You should check around and see what fits your needs and budget the best.

The primary criteria are that the floor should be safe, easy to keep clean, and be able to keep the dust in check.

For security and temperature control take a look at your windows and doors.

It is easy to overlook garage doors and windows because, “Hey, it’s just the garage.” If your garage doors are in bad repair, they affect the appearance

of the entire property. And windows will allow natural light in, which will allow your garage to be less cave-like... if you don’t cover them up with stacks of boxes. Energy-efficient doors and windows will also likely make a big difference in how much quality time you will want to spend in your garage.

Painting the walls will give the garage a neat appearance. It just dresses it up much like the flooring does. And feel free to accessorize all you want. Car themes and the retro/drive-in look look are fairly popular but you could easily decorate with a nature or music theme. There are no particular rules in the garage; it doesn’t have to coordinate with any other rooms. Clocks, refrigerators and all the amenities will transform your garage into a place you like to spend time in. The garage can be much more than just a place to park.

Your garage can be a clean, well-organized “happy place” where you can find things you need and have space to actually use your garage.

www.eastwichitanews.com

If I can judge by Liam Neeson’s “Run All Night” that results is a series of shootouts and bombings and and Sean Penn’s “The Gunman,” I have been wise fistfights, some of them arbitrarily dragged in with in assuming that the new concept of science-fiction insignificant, sometimes one-scene characters. action movies is not to my There is almost no humor Movie Review taste. Two recent viewings of even in the form of villainthe classic “Blade Runner” with ous sadistic glee, and there is Harrison Ford suggest that they surprisingly little sex. The allhaven’t been for quite some encompassing darkness would time. hardly make sensuality exciting The heroes apparently tend in any case. The rivalry between to be embittered ex-assassins Bardem and Penn over Jasmine like Neeson or Penn or continuTrinca in “The Gunman” never ing professional killers who are seems to disturb anybody begetting tired of shooting women yond a cryptic sentence or two.

Jim Erickson in the back, like Ford. (The What softer sentiments are woman Ford shoots is actually portrayed tend to be limited an android, but the androids in “Blade Runner” are to paternal attachments between fathers and sons all but indistinguishable from people, to the extent (in Penn’s and Neeson’s cases) and even villians like that Ford is quite happy with android Sean Young as a Ed Harris in “Run All Night” share those, though girlfriend.) not effectively. Not that even family affections make There is very little effort to make these heroes people sympathetic or even hold them together. Famattractive or even interesting, and the rest of the char- ily members tend to be estranged, and nobody cares acters are stock sidekicks and cameos, without even enough to explain why. With characters as unattractive colorful villains of the James Bond tradition. Though as these, you aren’t likely to wonder why. But the stock the villains tend to become supermen in combat, they relationships are presumably supposed to affect us to don’t represent much except personal ambition, what- some extent. ever larger cause they may represent being perfunctoThe only one of these three movies that is worth rily treated in favor of a great deal of violent action. sitting through is “Blade Runner” for its fascinating The influence of the Western, especially the spaghetti ambiance, especially through its weird though hardly Western, is often evident. credible (or even Even when the enemy is not a government or a consistent) setting. revolutionary group, it remains pretty much a huge, But a review from shadowy background similar in effect to the admitthe San Francisco tedly fascinating settings of “Blade Runner.” Nobody Chronicle says that tries to explain the motives of the villains, who ap“the most consisparently don’t represent causes or beliefs, just pure tently satisfying power-love and villainy. The big conferences Javier thing in American Bardem attends in “The Gunman” never say anything cinema right now important. It makes little difference that Sean Penn is a Liam Neeson is trying to find out who is trying to kill him and why action movie.” while Liam Neeson is in pursuit of old associates, that Oh, how I hope Penn is trying to escape and Neeson to attack. All not.

1 3 - A p r i l 2 0 1 5

New sci-fi action flicks can’t catch ‘Blade Runner’

April 2015 - 14 www.eastwichitanews.com

Wichita theaters to showcase classic (and almost classic) movies Unless the movie scene becomes a good deal less dismal than it currently is for people of my old-fashioned tastes, some of us are going to be thankful for the alternate movie offerings around town now and again. The following lists are not absolutely secure, and are certainly not complete. I won’t be trying to keep up to date, but this is the best I can do at the moment. Quotations are from Leonard Maltin’s “2015 Movie Guide.”

Keep an eye out for a continuation of the independent horror movies that started at John Barleycorn’s. There is a determination to continue the series somewhere, but no information about where or when. You might try www.facebook.com/deadbeatklub from time to time.

Cinema Scene

Jim Erickson

Orpheum 2015 Classic Film Series, Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Murdock Theatre, 536 N. Broadway.

Shows at 7 p.m. except April 25.

• April 16, “A Night at the Opera.” The Marx Brothers at their best.

• May 21, “Sunset Boulevard.” William Holden and Gloria Swanson star in this Hollywood melodrama.

• June 18, “Back to the Future.” Michael J. Fox stars. “Wonderful, wacked-out time-travel comedy.”

• July 16, “Oceans 11.” Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., in the original comedy caper of the series.

• Aug. 20, “Patton.” George C. Scott’s Academy Award-winning movie.

• Sept. 17, “The Seven Year Itch.” Marilyn Monroe at her best.

• Oct. 15, “Psycho.” Alfred Hitchcock’s original.

• Nov. 19, “The Blues Brothers.” John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. “High spirits prevail, especially during infectious musical numbers.”

• Dec. 17, “Christmas in Connecticut.” Barbara Stanwyck, Sidney Greenstreet and Dennis Morgan. “Standard studio corn…but a wonderful treat.”

• April 3, “Groundswell Rising,” documentary about fracking, with a talk by the director.

• April 25, Saturday Metropolitan Opera on screen live, 11:30 a.m. A double bill of Macagni’s “Cavallerria Rusticana” and Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.”

• April 30, “Inspired to Ride.” About a transAmerican bike ride.

Wichita Public Library-Central Library’s Movies at the Library.

• April 16, “King of Kong.” About a Donkey Kong contest, not the giant ape movie. 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

• May 21, “Get On Up.” A biopic about James Brown. 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Tallgrass at the Orpheum • April 9, “The Wrecking Crew.” About the studio orchestra that makes the recordings but gets no credit for it. 7 p.m.

Return of the Cults, retro-cinema series at the Palace Theatre (at varying times) and Warren Old Town Theatre Grill, 7 and 10 p.m. on alternate weeks, alternating Monday-Tuesday and Friday-Saturday. Watch for possible changes.

• March 27-28, “Flash Gordon.” The 1980 version, not the Buster Crabbe oldies. (Palace) • April 13-14, “Conan the Barbarian.” (Old Town) • April 24-25, “Mad Max,” the 1979 original. (Palace) • May 11-12, “Escape from New York.” (Old Town) • May 22-23, “Eraserhead.” Really weird movie from David Lynch. (Palace) • June 8-9, “Blue Velvet.” (Old Town) • June 19-20, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

Keanu Reeves and George Carlin in a time-travel comedy with historical figures. (Palace) • June 29-30, “Big Trouble in Little China.” Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall in a light-hearted adventure. (Old Town) • July 10-11, “UHF.” Full of spoofs by Weird Al Yankovic. (Palace) • July 13-14, “Scarface.” The 1983 Al Pacino version, full of gore. (Old Town) • July 24-25, “Dog Day Afternoon.” Pacino again in one of his best. (Palace) • Aug. 10-11, “Heavy Metal.” Maltin says, “Sexy sci-fi stories and vignettes in a variety of graphic styles set to rock music. Animated. (Old Town) • Aug. 21-22, “Pink Floyd – The Wall.” Gloomy rock video of a mental breakdown. (Palace) • Sept. 7-8, “Repo Man.” Harry Dean Stanton teaches Emilio Estevez how to repossess cars. This is not the 2010 remake about organ transplants.

(Old Town) • Sept. 25-26, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

15 - April 2015

Featured this month Kitchen Tune-Up........................... Page 15 Gross Tile and Concrete Design... Page 16 Wichita Grand Opera..................... Page 17 Sydney’s Pet Resort........................ Page 18

Kitchen Tune-Up: Solutions for any budget customers, and one of the best ways they can help make dreams become a reality is through their knowledge of what Kitchen Tune-Up has to offer in the way of product lines, services for the right look and budget for each project.

“It’s amazing what we can do for tired and damaged wood finishes with our ‘Tune-Up’ service,” said Jim. For other customers, it’s time for a new look. Refacing projects utilize the existing cabinet frames by veneering them, then adding new doors and drawer fronts of the customer’s choosing.

But, for still other customers, it’s time to start over with a completely new custom kitchen or bathroom.

Working as an integral part of the Kitchen Tune-Up team is daughter-in-law Rachel, whose design services are in high demand. She has a strong background in design and customer

service.

“My goal for each customer is to design the most amazing space possible for their budget and make the remodeling process as relaxing as possible,” said Rachel. “Great customer service is the cornerstone to our success. My clients know I will take care of them.”

“In addition to kitchens and bathrooms, we do countertops, back splashes, and floors along with the kitchen or bath cabinet projects,” said Jim. “And when the work is done, clients can rest assured that they’ve gotten the best possible results.”

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call Kitchen Tune-Up at 316-5588888, or visit www.kitchentuneup/wichita-ks-phillips. Be sure to check out the local company’s extensive BEFORE/AFTER portfolios on Facebook, Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita (Jim and Arlene Phillips).

ABOVE: This refaced kitchen was the result of Jim and Arlene Phillips working with their customer to make the most out of the space within the customer’s budget.

LEFT: The kitchen before its Kitchen Tune-Up refacing.

www.eastwichitanews.com

Kitchen Tune-Up has remodeled hundreds of kitchens since Jim and Arlene Phillips started the business in 2005. The company’s services range from the One-Day “Tune-Up” of cabinets or any interior wood surfaces, to cabinet refacing projects, to complete custom kitchens and bathrooms.

Refacing and new construction options are now available to see at the company’s design center at 4057 N. Woodlawn, Suite 1. At the design center, clients can look at samples of new cabinet structure, sample door styles for custom remodels/ refaces/redoors, examples of refacing projects, tile, and many kinds of countertop samples including granite, quartz, and laminates.

“We’re excited for customers to see their options at the design center,” said Arlene.

Jim and Arlene take pride in their active involvement with

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Focus On Business is a monthly feature offered to area advertisers. If you would like your business featured here, please contact our sales office at (316) 540-0500.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Gross Tile builds client base with solid reputation Mark Gross just grins when you ask him about advertising.

He regularly counts on the pages of this publication to help spread the word about his flooring and remodeling company, Gross Tile and Concrete Design of Wichita. But the rubber really meets the road when his satisfied clients ask him back for another job, and they tell their friends who they should hire for their next home improvement job.

Over the years, Gross Tile has grown from a respected flooring company into a leader in bathroom and kitchen renovations, as well as a total remodeling company. It’s a transformation that Mark Gross relates back to customer satisfaction.

“We found that over the years, we had clients who liked our work and wanted us to tackle other projects for them, and we expanded into those areas,” said Mark. “That’s really how we started getting into bathroom makeovers, and then kitchens, too.”

The transformation of Gross Tile has spanned nearly two decades, and the story of how the company got to where it is today – and where it is headed – is an exciting one.

www.eastwichitanews.com

April 2015 - 16

A trusted name

Launching a second location In addition to remodeling projects for his clients, Mark Gross is right in the middle of a major renovation project of his own. Gross Tile is expanding with a new showroom at 1528 W. Douglas in the historic Delano District of downtown Wichita.

The second showroom for Gross Tile will help expand the company’s base in Wichita, and better meet the needs of customers all across Wichita.

The current showroom near Maple Street and Maize Road is convenient and perfect for the company’s customer base in west Wichita, and the additional showroom in downtown Wichita will bring a new level of customer service for clients in the midtown and eastern areas of the city.

“We are so excited about this location,” said Mark as he gave a quick tour of the work being done to convert the historic brick building on the northeast

ABOVE and LEFT: Gross Tile is currently working on a bathroom expansion project that involves combining the new bathroom space with an adjacent utility room. The finished area will include much more room for bathroom fixtures, as well as making the entire area more useable.

corner of Douglas and Fern streets.

There’s a high volume of traffic in the renaissance business neighborhood, and it is easily accessible from all across the city of Wichita.

Gross Tile actually got its start right across the street in 1997. From there, the company moved to Tyler and Maple for a few years before building the current Gross Tile and Concrete Design showroom at 10680 W. Maple, near Maple and Maize Road.

But Mark’s history in the flooring and remodeling industry goes back much further.

While in college, he started working in the flooring business, and stuck with it.

His daughter, Jenna Hill, who has years of experience working with clients at the current showroom, will staff the new Delano showroom when it opens to the public later this year.

“We’ve got a lot of satisfied customers, and we want to continue to focus on our remodeling work, especially with bathroom renovations and custom

curbless showers,” said Mark. “I love it when I can share my ideas with clients and give them the ‘wow’ factor they’re looking for.”

Making dreams happen Right now, Gross Tile is in the middle of a local project that shows what can happen when you dream big – or at least bigger. A client needed an expanded bathroom, and an adjacent utility and laundry room was just the place to turn.

“We were able to take out a couple of walls, reconfigure the elements in both rooms, and are working to make the space much more useable and open,” said Mark. “It’s an exciting project, and by next month we’ll be able to showcase the finished product.”

In this case, Gross Tile is focusing on the function of the space, giving the homeowners a much more open bathroom space that also will now include their laundry facilities. The homeowners are excited about the big change for them, and the look will be fresh and

updated with today’s styles.

One of the most popular bathroom renovation ideas today is the concept of “curbless showers,” which can accomplish many things for new and remodeled bathrooms. Gross Tile has made a name for itself as a leader in curbless shower designs for today’s homes, and these highly individualized shower designs offer roomier spaces for homeowners, modern looks, and easy access for handicapped individuals.

“Imagine a shower that is both beautiful in design and also has easy walk-in access as well as the ability to move a wheelchair in and out of the shower,” said Mark. “It’s a perfect solution for both those who want that kind of look and design, and those who need to address accessibility issues.”

For more information about everything Gross Tile has to offer, call 316773-1600, or stop by the showroom at 10680 W. Maple, near Maple and Maize Road. You can also find Gross Tile on Facebook.

By Sam Jack

Cinderella in her Carriage heading to the Ball in Prokofiev’s Cinderella, April 25.

Wolf ” and other beloved works. The World War II-era version adds many clever touches that will delight audiences with their humor and inventiveness.

As the stepsisters prepare for the ball, a dancing master comically tries and fails to teach them the rudiments of dance.

When the mood transitions from comedic to romantic, fairies representing spring, summer, autumn and winter join the familiar fairy godmother, dancing a sublime representation of the changing of the seasons.

Following the season-opening production of “Cinderella,” the Russian National Ballet returns to Wichita for an encore presentation of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, “Swan Lake,” May 3.

“Though many of the classic fairy tales began as ballets, ‘Swan Lake’ more than others is inseparably associated with the art form,” said Bakardiev.

“That’s because of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, and because the symbolism of the swan transformation is so apt.”

Just as with “Cinderella,” the story of “Swan Lake” has been told and re-told over the years. The evil sorcerer Rothbart curses Odette to transform into a swan with the first touch of each dawn’s rays. Prince Siegfried resolves to save her, but is led astray by Rothbart’s

www.eastwichitanews.com

la, mistreated and downtrodden by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, longs to meet the man of her dreams. When an act of kindness by Cinderella reveals her fairy godmother, Cinderella’s dream comes true. She heads to the Prince’s Ball, but she must find happiness and true love by the stroke of midnight, since all the magic that turned her from downtrodden girl to princess will be reversed. Swept up in love and pageantry, Cinderella runs out of time. She disappears, leaving only a memory and a glass slipper for the prince. He vows to find his one true love, searching the world for the woman who holds the key to his heart. “‘Cinderella’ is truly meant for all, the young and the young at heart,” said Bakardiev. “The dances themselves are pure delight, yet both ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Swan Lake’ are also masterpieces of striking impact and profundity.”

To add to the family atmosphere, the WGO has invited children and adults of all ages to become part of the night’s pageantry by meeting and having their photos taken with members of the Russian National Ballet during intermission and following the production.

The Russian National Ballet will dance “Cinderella” to a score by Sergei Prokofiev, composer of “Peter and the

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

The year 2015 is a very special season for Wichita Grand Opera: The company celebrates its 15th Anniversary this year, and there’s no better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than with a dose of royal pomp. The WGO opens its 2015 Season of Royalty on April 25 with a fairy tale of epic proportions: Prokofiev’s “Cinderella,” live on stage, performed by the Russian National Ballet.

“The 2015 Season of Royalty will be a very memorable one,” said Parvan Bakardiev, Wichita Grand Opera general director. “Each production throughout the season features royal entanglements in one form or another, from the rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella to the prince that has to answer three riddles correctly to win the heart of the icy Princess Turandot. But ‘the Season of Royalty’ also refers to the spectacular array of opera royalty starring throughout the season. Wichita Grand Opera is proud to be bringing the world to Wichita on stage, but we also send Wichita out to the world through our YouTube channel. More than 300,000 people across 193 countries have seen our productions, and have seen Wichita, online in the last 365 days.

“2015 will be our most extensive season to date, with six full opera productions, both here at Century II and throughout the state of Kansas. It all kicks off with two beautiful ballets performed by the Russian National Ballet,” said Bakardiev.

“Cinderella” has become synonymous with fairy tale: magical transformations, a handsome prince, a glamorous ball, a fairy godmother.

Encouraged by the classic animated film, and now by Disney’s just-released live action version, Cinderella’s unjust oppression and miraculous happy ending has captured the imaginations of countless generations of children.

Yet, well before Disney used movie magic to bring the dreamy story to a mass audience, the imperial tradition of Russian ballet used the magic of bodies in sublime, symmetrical motion to enliven fairy tales such as “Cinderella,” entrancing both Russia and the world.

The story is simple: Young Cinderel-

daughter Odile, the “Black Swan.”

Odette’s opposite in every way, Odile attempts to seduce Siegfried away and condemn Odette and her swan maidens to eternal captivity. Heightening the drama of the contrast, Odette and Odile are traditionally played by the same ballerina.

Both productions are directed by ballet luminary Elena Radchenko, who enjoyed a brilliant career as a principal dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre, the high temple of Russian culture. Given a permanent appointment as RNBT’s Artistic Director by decree of the Russian president, Radchenko leads her corps of dancers as they uphold the grand traditions and exacting standards of the Russian ballet.

Later in the season, audiences can look forward to “Casino Royale” – the WGO Opera Ball, this year themed in homage to the James Bond classic – in June. In July, WGO kicks off three Anniversary Concert Productions, first in McPherson, with “A Night at the Opera,” followed by the signature event of the WGO, “Opera on the Lake” at Bradley Fair. August starts with “A Royal Enchanted Evening” at Salina’s Stiefel Theatre. Later in August, WGO will present two performances of a new production of Puccini’s “Turandot,” with performances in Wichita and at Overland Park’s Carlsen Center.

September ushers in two performances of a new production of Verdi’s majestic “Don Carlo,” followed in October by three performances of the only U.S. production of “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein” by Jacques Offenbach: two at Century II and one at the beautifully restored McPherson Opera House.

Tickets to WGO’s performances are on sale now, ranging in price from $40 to $95. Group, corporate, and student discounts are available. As a ballet special, the WGO is offering the Friends and Family Four-Pack: buy 3 tickets at regular price and get 1 free. Just call the WGO Box Office at 316-262-8054, or go online at SelectASeat.com and use the coupon code “FriendsNFamily.” Season Subscriptions are also still available, offering savings of up to 25 percent on multiple productions. For more information on the season or tickets, visit WichitaGrandOpera.org.

17 - April 2015

Bringing the world to Wichita and Wichita to the world

April 2015 - 18 FOCUS ON BUSINESS www.eastwichitanews.com

Sydney’s Pet Resort

Wichita’s finest accommodations for your deserving pet

BY PAUL RHODES Ahhhh…a day at the spa.

You know how important that is for your comfort and well-being. So just imagine how wonderful your pet will feel when you choose Sydney’s Pet Resort for your overnight accommodations, grooming and daycare services.

In March, Sydney’s Pet Resort opened its doors in East Wichita at 96 Highway and Greenwich Road.

The new facility was custom built for Sydney’s Pet Resort, and owner Erin Dean is excited to bring her distinctive brand of “creature comfort” to the Wichita market.

Eight years ago, Dean opened Sydney’s Pet Spa in the Leawood area of Kansas City. The idea of doggie daycare was new at the time, and her concept – multiple services under one roof and a true focus on pet needs – was a huge success. Her next logical step was to launch a location in her hometown of Wichita.

“That was always my goal,” said Dean, who attended Maize schools and has family in Wichita. “It just took a while, but we’re here now.”

Before opening her facility in the Kansas City area, Dean was traveling a lot for work, and often had to board her dog, Sydney.

“There weren’t a lot of options, and I always wondered about something better,” said Dean. In her travels for work, she came across pet spas in other cities, and decided to launch a facility in Leawood.

“It was wonderful to see how people warmed up to the idea,” said Dean. “We give pets a lot of attention, and their owners a lot of options for their care.”

Sydney’s Pet Resort in East Wichita features resortstyle overnight accommodations, grooming services and doggie daycare. The facility is themed throughout the building, and visitors are immediately greeted in the lobby with a look down “Rodeo Drive.” Other themed areas throughout the building include New York City, Asia, Egypt, Hawaii, Australia and Mexico.

“We wanted this to be a fun experience for both our clients and their pets,” said Dean. Accommodations range from regular boarding to luxury and vacation suites, including television. Webcams monitor activities 24 hours a day, and staff members are there to provide a full range of specialized care options.

“If there’s anything extra you want for your pet, we’re here to provide it,” said Dean. Additional services include extra walks, treats, vacation and text photos, and even ice cream.

“For many of our clients, these are their children,” said Dean. “And we can relate to that. We’re here to cater to your pet’s needs…whatever they may be.”

Sydney’s Pet Resort includes a full-service grooming salon, and the staff groomer has 15 years of experience. There’s also a special cat resort area, and Binks, the resident house cat is right at home there.

LEFT: Inside Sydney’s Pet Resort, accommodations for vacation stays, boarding and daycare are all located in themed areas, like Rodeo Drive.

BELOW LEFT: Owner Erin Dean and her dog, Sydney, for whom the facility is named.

BELOW: The new Sydney’s Pet Resort facility is conveniently located at 11024 E. 28th St. North, near 96 Highway and Greenwich Road.

d n a r G g n i n Ope

We Offer Throughout the facility, pets are separated by size, providing the safest and best accommodaDoggie Day Care tions possible. A beautiful, fenced-in outdoor Pet Grooming area including a water feature also is part of April 11, 2015 • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Cat & Dog Boarding the resort’s amenities.

And More!

Featuring a remote “Our guests get outside multiple times a broadcast by Brett Harris day,” said Dean. “This is the kind of facilwith Q-92 Radio Price 1 ity where clients know their pets will receive Complimentary Food, Drawings, 2 Daycare plenty of attention and play during the day, Door Prizes, A Dog Walk Beginning ON WEDNESDAYS at Noon, Dog Demonstrations, whether it’s as a resort guest or a daycare visiPhoto Booth, Free Dog Wash and More! (through April) tor.”

Sydney’s Pet Resort is open seven days a Adoptions Through Learn More Wichita Animal week. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday Action League About Us through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; DIAL: and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on (316) 928-2400 Sundays.

OR VISIT: A grand opening celebration is being SydneysPetResort.com planned for Saturday, April 11, with fun events planned for clients and pets alike, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call 316-928-2400, visit www.SydneysPetResort.com, or stop by the new facility at 11024 E. 28th St. North, 11024 E. 28th Street N. | Wichita, KS 67226 near 96 Highway and Greenwich Road.

/

Spring rides have been approved for the Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club.

Five dates have been set, with three in the Wichita vicinity. There will be two trips from Hutchinson to Yoder on April 18. There will be an all-day excursion from Wichita to Yoder on April 25. And on May 2 there will be three trips from Clearwater to Conway Springs.

Ticket information is still being put together.

The other excursions include WinApril 18 – Hutchinson to Yoder 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Three-hour trip with approx. one hour in Yoder for shopping and dining.

April 25 – Wichita to Yoder 8:30 a.m.

All-day round-trip with approx. three hours in Yoder for shopping and dining.

Tickets $45

field to Grand Summit on May 9, and at Bartlesville on May 23.

Ticket information for all rides will be posted online at www.heartlandstrainclub.org.

The Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club was formed in 1991. The group is dedicated to preserving railroad history and providing short passenger train rides. It operates a museum complex in Carona, Kan., about 18 miles southwest of Pittsburg, and has restored train depots in Cherryvale and Carona.

19 - April 2015

All aboard: Train rides offered this spring

May 2 – Clearwater to Conway Springs 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

May 9 – Winfield to Grand Summit 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Three-hour round trip into the Flint Hills.

Tickets $25 May 23 – Bartlesville 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Three one-hour trips.

www.eastwichitanews.com

April 2015 - 20 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Artist, caretaker, student Dani Medrano is an award-winning artist and an outstanding high school student, all while serving as her mother’s primary caregiver An East Wichita student is in the running for a national award for her glass artwork.

Dani Medrano, a senior at The Independent School, has been named as the 2015 Section 5 recipient of the National High School Heart of the Arts Award, which is presented by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The award was a surprise to Medrano.

“I didn’t even know about it,” she said.

“It was a surprise when they called her into the office and said, ‘Look what you did!’” said Medrano’s mother, Teresa Medrano.

Dani Medrano was nominated by her art teacher, Debbie Johnson, and Jenifer Pence, the head of the Upper School.

Medrano has been drawing since she was little, but most of her efforts now go into stained glass following a glass art class her sophomore year. She still uses her drawing skills, choosing to create her own designs rather than using pre-made patterns.

“I like that I get to do it start to finish,” she said.

She works on her art at home and at Rayer’s Bearden’s Stained Glass in west Wichita, where she is completing an internship. Medrano spends two class

periods each day at Bearden’s. Medrano works on her own art there, as well as on projects for Bearden’s customers and her own.

She hopes to land a job there, as well.

“It’s been mentioned a couple of times,” Medrano said.

Johnson said Bearden’s is a great partner. In addition to learning the ins and outs of glasswork, Johnson said Medrano is learning how to run a business, too. It’s an opportunity that only a select few See ARTIST, Page 22

21 - April 2015

TOP: Dani Medrano’s “Scotland” piece was a Silver Key winner in this year’s Scholastic Art Awards.

Contributed photo

Travis Mounts/East Wichita News

RIGHT: Dani Medrano’s jungle-themed creation has won both the state and Section 5 competitions in the National High School Heart of the Arts Awards. It is on display at Exploration Place.

Contributed photo

OPPOSITE: Dani Medrano works on an art project at The Independent School, where she is a senior.

Contributed photo

www.eastwichitanews.com

ABOVE: Teresa and Dani Medrano.

April 2015 - 22 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Artist Continued from Page 20

students get.

“There are a lot of great artists out there, but there are a lot of artists who don’t know how to market themselves or run a business,” Johnson said.

Medrano’s abilities have grown exponentially, according to Johnson.

“She’s really developed her skills as a glass artist, and it’s such a difficult medium to work in,” Johnson said.

It requires a lot of patience, skill and attention to detail. “She’s doing professional level work. It’s amazing to see that development in such a short time and in someone so young.”

Medrano is an active teenager. Her mother said she is a self-driven young lady, a trait she and her brother inherited from their grandfather.

Medrano is currently taking three advanced placement classes at The Independent School. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She’s also been active in sports, playing basketball

all four years of high school. She’s part of the softball team, her second season with the Panthers. She participated in tennis and soccer as a freshman and sophomore.

Medrano will begin attending Friends University in the fall. She plans a double major in art and business.

“I knew I didn’t want to go far, and Friends has a really great art program,” she said.

Medrano is the type of student who wanted to stay close to home, but she has an additional reason to not travel far.

Medrano is the primary caretaker for her mother, a single parent, who has been battling multiple sclerosis since her diagnosis in 2001.

“She keeps me busy and taught me stuff with the stained glass. She helps keep me occupied,” said Teresa. “She’s pretty self-sufficient, so that’s probably the biggest help to me. It allows me to take things at my own pace…It helps me be as healthy as I can be and allows me to enjoy everything she does.”

Medrano maintains a 3.8 grade-point average. She also is active in community service and gives back to the school.

The fact that she excels in so many things is worthy of praise, but given the work she puts in as her mother’s primary caretaker really makes her special, Johnson said.

And she’s just so likeable.

“She’s so gracious and humble. She’s so deserving in so many ways,” Johnson said. “A lot of people could be embittered but she just embraces it. Her mother is a big supporter of her.

“I don’t think I could be the kind of person Dani is, and with so much grace.”

Medrano’s entry into the NFHS Heart of the Arts Awards is a jungle piece. That piece is on display at Exploration Place through June.

She’s won numerous other art wards, including being recognized multiple years in the Scholastic Art Awards.

A Scotland glass design is a Silver Key winner this year. And she’s won school art awards each year at The Independent School.

Medrano won the NFHS state award in late January, and learned of her Section 5 win just a few weeks ago. The national award winner will be named sometime this summer.

Faces

wanted.

At East Wichita News, we’re already working on feature stories for upcoming editions. If you know of someone whose face (and story) should appear on these pages, please let us know! ewn@eastwichitanews.com 316-540-0500 www.facebook.com/ EastWichitaNews

Shannon Littlejohn

advised her to start working on a journalism degree at Wichita State.

“So many good things came my way through the Elliott School’s excellent faculty,” Littlejohn said, “especially Les Anderson. It’s been a pleasure to watch the school grow and evolve, yet maintain its dedication to real-world experiences.”

Littlejohn wrote and copyedited for The Sunflower student newspaper and Active Aging, and freelanced for the Wichita Business Journal, among others. She served two copyediting internships at The Wichita Eagle, which hired her in 1989 as a copyeditor for the editorial board. She did that job for 11 years before being laid off.

She took the opportunity – and severance pay – to start Shannon Littlejohn Communications, which today has an active client list that includes the Kansas Leadership Center and Wichita State University. She also worked for WSU’s University Communications (now called Strategic Communications) for many years.

Littlejohn serves on the boards of Wichita Professional Communicators and the Wichita Public Library and is a past board member of the Kansas Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Wichita Radio Reading Service. She has served since 1991 as a contest judge for the annual Kansas High School Scholastic Association journalism contest hosted on the Wichita State campus.

W ichita ’ s top 12

teachers teach at c are to D ance !

In the Delano District

1019 W. Douglas • 316-266-4601

www.eastwichitanews.com

Eastsider Shannon Littlejohn, president of Shannon Littlejohn Communications, former Wichita State University writer and editor, and Wichita Eagle section editor, has been selected by the faculty at WSU’s Elliott School of Communication to receive the 2015 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Joining Littlejohn is the Elliott School’s “One to Watch” honoree, Roni Ayalla, a 2008 integrated marketing communications grad, community advocate and founder of Sandpaper Productions, a New York City presentation consulting company. The “One to Watch” award recognizes a graduate from the past 10 years who is engaged in outstanding work in his or her field.

Both honorees will be recognized along with ESC spring graduates, outstanding seniors and scholarship recipients at the annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet Tuesday, April 21, in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Beggs Ballroom. Both Littlejohn and Ayalla have been invited to speak at the event.

“Elliott School graduates are known for their ability to work in multiple communication formats and for their ability to stay ahead of the curve,” said Eric Wilson, ESC instructor and outreach director. “Shannon and Roni embody these characteristics in their work experience, leadership and creativity.”

Littlejohn grew up in a family that was passionate about words, she said, given to reading, singing and conversation, including discussions about good grammar.

After graduating from Wichita High School East in 1969, Littlejohn said she was distracted from college by an early marriage, adventures in California, single life in Kansas City and, finally, a move back to Wichita as a phototypesetter for graphic design and print shops.

She was working as a typesetter at The Wichita Sun when she met and was inspired by a crew of journalists, including the late Les Anderson and Randy Brown. It was Anderson who

23 - April 2015

WSU Elliott School to honor outstanding communicator at Awards Banquet

April 2015 - 24

Suffering and strength, remembered

w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Aganeta Janzen Block was among thousands of civilians who walked from Ukraine to Poland as part of the “Great Trek.”

Author’s aunt survived starvation, forced labor Story

by

Sam Jack

E

astsider Katie Funk Wiebe is a writer, teacher and storyteller. Now 90 years old, she retired from a professorship at Tabor College in 1990 but has kept up an impressive pace of writing and speaking. A 2010 bibliography of her works took up nearly 100 pages.

In her most recent book, “A Strong Frailty,” Wiebe amplifies the voice of one woman among millions whose lives were disrupted or destroyed by the upheavals of the early to mid-20th century.

Wiebe met her subject, her aunt Aganeta Janzen Block, called Neta, on a trip to Russia in 1989.

“I became aware of the stories, great stories she had to tell,” said Wiebe. “I said to her, ‘Aunt Neta, you should write your story. And she said, ‘I’m too old, I can’t do it.’ But then she started sending me letters with one story in each letter.

And that’s how this book came about.”

From 1989 to the time of Block’s death, in 2000, Wiebe received more than 200 letters, all written in a neat German script, filling the pages from top to bottom and margin to margin.

In “A Strong Frailty,” Wiebe translates the letters, arranges

them into a chronological narrative and fills gaps with her own well-researched exposition. The voice that emerges is straightforward, economical, never sentimental or maudlin – all stylistic assets when attempting to describe decades of suffering with hardly any relief.

Neta was born in the Ukraine in 1906. Her family was fairly prosperous, as was Trubetskoye, the German Mennonite settlement she briefly called home.

“Living in the village as a child was wonderful on a Sunday morning,” Neta wrote. “Everyone walked slowly to church.

The atmosphere was quiet. The acacia tree-lined streets were clean and beautiful. Singing rang out from the church.”

Neta and her family’s troubles began with the Russian Revolution of 1917. The wealthiest in her village fled, but Neta’s family stayed behind.

“Anarchist guerrilla fighters overran these German settlements,” explained Wiebe. “A famine followed that, and pestilence. My parents got out of Russia in 1923, along with all of my father’s family. My mother’s family, and they had quite a large family, all stayed.”

As the son of a “kulak,” a land-owning peasant, Neta’s father was disenfranchised and, in effect, declared a non-person, Wiebe said. Neta’s husband, Hans Block, would meet the same misfortune, as the Soviets took up formal “dekulakization” efforts around 1930. Kulak means “fist,” as in “tight-fisted,” and more than a million members of this class were scapegoated, economically destroyed or killed by the Soviet regime.

By 1932, Hans Block was obliged to flee for his life, to a Jewish village in Siberia, leaving Neta behind with their son Johannes. In January 1933, Neta slipped away “in the darkness

chugged off with all its energy. I stood alone, in the dark, rainy night, a stranger, and cried. How long could I stay here? At home our four children were sleeping and waiting for Mama. I never saw my husband again.”

Hans was killed in the Battle of Ardenne, Wiebe writes, a fact Neta did not learn until much later.

Now alone, and with four young children to care for, Neta found herself once again subject to Soviet rule, as the German occupation ended and Poland became a Soviet satellite state.

The family was picked up and “shipped back to Russia,” to the Kirov region, deep into the taiga forest and, finally, to the forced labor camps where they would remain for the next nine years. The journey to the camps was terrifying: First they were left abandoned by a riverside, then later herded onto cattle cars, headed they knew not where.

Neta’s journey is hard to fathom, even with ready access to historical accounts and records. Yet, as Wiebe emphasizes, Neta lacked any real context or understanding of the geopolitical machinations that sent her and her family tumbling around Europe “like dry leaves.” A devoutly religious Mennonite Brethren throughout her life, she never abandoned her belief that God was testing, punishing and bestowing grace through each twist in the road.

Knowing that hers is one voice preserved from the midst of thousands

2 5 - A p r i l 2 0 1 5

of night” to join Hans. In 1942, government officials became aware of Hans’ kulak heritage and sent him and his family back to relatives in Friedensfeld.

Block had only just settled back in Friedensfeld when he was conscripted into the Soviet “labor army.” He left with a column of conscripts, but was able to double back to Neta and his family. Two of Neta’s brothers, Franz and Kornelius, could not escape; they perished as forced laborers.

Next, German occupiers took over Neta’s village, and many villagers were hopeful that they would see better treatment at German hands. Religious freedom was restored for a time, but when German forces had to retreat, a “Great Trek” from Ukraine to Poland began. Neta’s family set out on the trek in October and completed it Dec. 20, 1943. 350,000 made the harrowing journey, including 35,000 Mennonites.

“Anyone who hasn’t experienced this trek can’t begin to understand what it was like,” Neta wrote. “When I think back to that time, I can picture the faces of the people: solemn, thin. The children had nothing to talk about. Even when we cooked food, they looked on, staring into space.”

After six months in a refugee camp, the family was naturalized as German citizens and was able to set up housekeeping. Early in 1944, Hans Block was conscripted into the German army.

“He said good-bye to me quickly,” Neta wrote, “and the officers pushed him onto the train before it quickly

Continued on next page

www.eastwichitanews.com

Aganeta Janzen Block was among thousands of civilians who walked from Ukraine to Poland as part of the “Great Trek.”

April 2015 - 26

Continued from previous page

Painting & Remodeling Big Savings on Replacement Windows!

FREE Estimates!

• Interior and Exterior Painting • Siding and Wood Replacement • Kitchen & Bath Remodel • Window Replacement • Floor Installation • Tile Work

Call 316-262-3905 office 316-993-9949 cell

www.wichitapaintingandremodeling.com

www.eastwichitanews.com

Owner Operated Company Licensed General Contractor

with similar stories, one feels viscerally how much was ripped up and destroyed during the World War II years – how much energy was bent toward destruction and horror. During the war years, Neta’s family was uprooted again and again, conscripted, killed and scattered to the four corners of the world.

The abuse in the forced labor camps, borne by Neta and other Germanspeaking Russians, was of a more sustained and systematic character.

“They used hunger as a tool to control people,” said Wiebe. “They deliberately starved the people. We might find that hard to grasp.”

Historical images of the forced laborers are hard to distinguish from pictures of concentration camp victims, with hollow cheeks and distended stomachs the consequence of starvation rations.

“We received no pay for this work,” Neta wrote. “(Older son) Johannes and I could eat one meal a day in the dining room and get 500 grams of bread.

(Younger daughter and son) Nesa and Viktor got nothing. They were supposed to get 100 grams three times a day, but it didn’t happen.”

One day, overseers brought a large pot of sauerkraut, but Neta warned her children to pace themselves: They had been so hungry for so long that overindulging could be fatal.

Those who did not work did not eat, said Wiebe, and there was little sympathy for twisted ankles or broken limbs. Neta was proud that none of her children had distended bellies. Some widows with as many as eight children were even worse off.

“One question I address in the last chapter is, ‘What did she leave out?’

I think that she left out a lot of the brutality,” said Wiebe. “The brutality of camp life, the death. At one point she does say that someone froze to death on the back of a truck – the lack of medical attention. She never mentions rape. That was something that you didn’t talk about, anything related to sex. She said she was never molested, but she doesn’t talk about those who were.”

The years following Neta and her family’s release from the labor camps were filled with joy and sorrow, as she connected with some relations and confirmed the deaths of others.

By 1991, Neta found herself living in a cramped Moscow apartment, sharing three bedrooms with five relations. Her long suffering was at an end.

“She came to Moscow to look after her daughter’s children. But then with the years, she didn’t have as much work to do, and she couldn’t; when I was there, she was already quite weak. It was an eighth floor apartment, and she’d just spend her days looking down at the thoroughfare,” said Wiebe.

“She loved to watch the Russian parliament in session. She read a lot – Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. I think she was an intelligent woman who just didn’t get any opportunities.”

Late in her life, Neta was finally able to follow the news, able to reflect on the political and historical underpinnings of her past and present.

“Stalin is reported to have killed 40 million,” she wrote. “He was more destructive than Hitler. Whoever hasn’t experienced this should thank God repeatedly. And we who went through the deep waters should thank God for having kept us.”

Wiebe is at work on a companion volume that will focus on her father’s side of the family, the Funks, who immigrated to Canada soon after the Russian Revolution. She hopes to release that work this summer.

“It is a rare privilege to live as long as I do, with a clear mind,” said Wiebe.

“To still be writing, and to look at your whole life in a span. To see where things fit together: OK, this is the way it started and this is the way it ended. It begins to make a whole.”

Katie Funk Wiebe with a copy of her book, “A Strong Frailty.”

places we take them? Think of how many times you see someone talking on their cell phone in places like the bathroom, where microorganisms such as norovirus and E. coli are commonly found.”

If such devices will be used in the kitchen, Sneed recommends treating them as potential hazards and wiping the surfaces with a disinfectant solution frequently.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hopes to conduct further research on the use of cell phones and tablets in the kitchen.

Under the microscope The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service funded the K-State study “Consumer Food Handling Practices Lead to Cross Contamination” to better understand the behavior of consumers with young children and observe the effects of food safety messages.

The 123 participants of the study were randomly assigned to three separate groups. The first group was given an education program on the four national Food Safe Families campaign messages of clean, separate, cook and chill. The second group viewed and discussed the Ad Council public service announcements that focused on the same Food Safe Families messages, and the third group did not receive any food safety education before preparing the meal.

The researchers set up a condominium on the K-State campus to reflect a home kitchen environment and videotaped the participants preparing a recipe using either raw ground beef or chicken and a ready-to-eat fruit salad. The raw meat was inoculated with Lactobacillus casei, a nonpathogenic organism commonly found in yogurt but not naturally present in meat.

The L. casei served as a tracer organism that al-

Beloved Pet Nanny Custom pet sitting and dog walking with lots of TLC! When you are not available, call or text Tara!

316-461-2434

$10 OFF

Starting at 12

for Cats & 15 $

00

FURNACE or A/C TUNE UP SPECIAL

for Dogs!

85

Frank Wille $ Heating & air Conditioning ServiCe, LLC

He’s a Dille.

Phone: 316-744-2599

www.mybelovedpetnanny.com 50

Suggested changes The study found that all participants, regardless of food safety message group prior to the meal preparation, made mistakes in the kitchen that could lead to foodborne illness.

In addition to high levels of contamination in their cloth towels, about 82 percent of participants also left meat-originating contamination on the sink faucet, refrigerator, oven and trash container.

While the study paints a picture of the objects consumers often leave contaminated, it is important to note common mistakes that occur in the kitchen, which are often difficult to change.

“I think these days a lot of people learn on their own how to cook, so they may not know how to be conscious of cross contamination,” Sneed said. “People are becoming more aware of the hazards in raw meat products, but they may not know how to prevent those hazards through things like separation or raw and ready-to-eat foods and sanitation. I think it’s fairly easy to avoid cross contamination, but it’s also easy to cause it.”

For more information about food safety practices and preventing cross-contamination, visit the local extension office, go online to http://www.ksre.ksu. edu/foodsafety/ or visit www.foodsafety.gov.

trust your service to a pro!

When you mention this ad! $

lowed Randall Phebus, K-State food microbiologist and co-author of the study, to track the levels of meat-associated contamination spread throughout the kitchen while preparing these meals.

Phebus and his team of students found that more than 90 percent of the fruit salads prepared alongside the meat dish were contaminated with the tracer organism, suggesting that if the tracer represented a pathogen such as salmonella, a high risk of foodborne illness was generated during the meal preparation.

00

Additional repair, if needed, will be quoted at time of service. Filter, freon, or freon reclaim will be an additional charge.

PO Box: 780262

Licence #5484

Expires 04-30-15

www.frankwille.com

www.eastwichitanews.com

Although only nine percent of reported foodborne illness outbreaks occur in the home, scientists estimate the actual number of incidents is much higher. Research shows a leading cause of cross contamination within the home is actually an object associated with cleaning, the kitchen towel.

A study recently published in the journal Food Protection Trends highlights the work of several Kansas State University faculty and students.

Lead researcher and K-State food safety specialist Jeannie Sneed said the study showed some unique observations and areas of weakness when it comes to consumers’ kitchen behavior.

“First, participants were observed frequently handling towels, including paper towels, even when not using them for drying,” Sneed said. “Towels were determined to be the most contaminated of all the contact surfaces tested.”

Video observation showed many participants would touch the towel before washing their hands or used the towel after washing their hands inadequately. Even after properly washing their hands, they reused the towel and contaminated themselves all over again.

Researchers believe this could be one of the most critical findings of the study, because cloth towels can quickly and easily become contaminated at significant levels, including microorganisms that potentially can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Other researchers found that salmonella, bacteria commonly found in raw meat and poultry products, grows on cloths stored overnight, even after they were washed and rinsed in the sink. This is why Sneed recommends washing cloth towels after using them while preparing a meal, or using paper towels and discarding them after each use.

Another observation from the study was cell phone handling during food preparation and the lack of proper sanitation afterward. While electronic devices are useful tools for communication, entertainment and a method of gathering recipes, they add another potential source of contamination.

“We often take our cell phones and tablets into the kitchen,” Sneed said, “but what about all the other

27 - April 2015

Towels top kitchen contamination hazards list

April 2015 - 28

Former East High School coach among inductees into Wichita Sports Hall of Fame Ron Allen has been inducted into the Wichita Biddy Basketball Hall of Fame plus halls of fame at Wichita East High School and Wichita Southeast High School.

This month he will add another to his list: The longtime boys basketball coach will be inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Despite his previous honors, Allen said he was surprised to learn that he was among this year’s inductees.

“I was shocked,” he said. “It’s humbling, but it’s a good feeling.”

Allen, who coached the East High School team from 1994 to 2012, led the

Aces to State basketball titles in 2002 and 2005. His 301-146 career record made him the second-winningest basketball coach in City League history.

During Allen’s last year at East, he led the Aces to a 57-51 upset of Wichita Heights. Senior Perry Ellis and his Heights teammates went on to win their fourth consecutive State championship that season, but when East toppled the Falcons, it ended the nation’s longest active high school boys basketball winning streak at 62 games.

East was one of only two teams that beat Heights during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons combined.

Interest rates are historically LOW! So if you are thinking of buying a home or selling your present one the timing is GOOD!

CALL ME TODAY! 316.518.0444

JACKIE McCALLON, REALTOR

1635 N. Waterfront Pkwy #150, Wichita, KS 67206

www.eastwichitanews.com

Experience...Integrity...Results

FACES WANTED. At East Wichita News, we’re already working on feature stories for upcoming editions. If you know of someone whose face (and story) should appear on these pages, please let us know! ewn@eastwichitanews.com 316-540-0500 www.facebook.com/EastWichitaNews

20% All Wines R Discount Liquor & OFF

With Coupon Thru 04/30/15

J And Smoke Shop 3015 E. Douglas 681-3761

Not valid with any other offer.

Sale & discontinued items not included.

FARMERS MARKET

Eastside Outdoor Farmers Market Kansas Grown Inc. 8140 E. 21st • Wichita Green Acres

Begins Tues., April 14th 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• General Dentistry • All digital x-rays • Mercury-free fillings • Child-friendly • Crowns & Veneers • Dentures, Partials, Repairs • Nitrous Oxide & IV Sedation • Zoom! Advance Power Whitening • Over-the-chair flat screens • Implants & Extractions

Broadmoor Professional Building

POLO

CENTRAL

1230 N. Broadmoor Suite 300

ROCK ROAD

BROADMOOR

WOODLAWN

13TH STREET

316-630-0002

www.BhargavaDDS.com HOURS: M/W/Th 8am-5pm Tues 10am-7pm Fri 7am-Noon

Neil Bhargava, DDS and Shannon Bhargava, DDS

www.eastwichitanews.com

their athletic program. Without the lead investment into the remodeling of the old Henry Levitt Arena, the Shockers would have had much slower progress in becoming a national basketball powerhouse.

Ernie Moore – The Shockers won 78 games with Moore as a four-year basketball starter from 1960 to 1964.

He averaged 17.4 points per game and scored 1,055 points in his career.

Inducted in the Shocker HOF. Roy Oeser – One of the greatest high school wrestlers of all time, Oeser won four state wrestling championships at Kapaun. He was also a two-time football all-state selection. Inducted into the Kansas Wrestling HOF. Bill Oswalt – He was the head baseball coach at Wichita South High School from 1964 to 1991. During his coaching tenure of 28 years, Oswalt won an astounding 67 percent of his games, going 232-114-4 and winning the City League championship five times (1981, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991).

Don Racine – The head girls basketball coach at Bishop Carroll for 33 years, he became the winningest City League basketball coach in history.

Racine had 565 wins and 180 losses. He won five City League championships and won the State basketball championship in 2004.

Ricky Ross – At Wichita South High School, Ross averaged 32 points during his senior season. He led South to State championships in 1978 and 1979 and a 44-4 record when he was a junior and senior. He was a 6-5 shooting guard and averaged 12.2 points per game as a freshman at the University of Kansas in 1979-80.

Marci Williams – Williams was the Great Plains USBC, GWBA and WWBA Bowler of the Year and Senior Bowler of the Year. She was a member of Great Plains USBC, GWBA and WWBA all-star teams. She served as president, secretary or director of GP-USBC, USBC, BVL, IBHoF and BPAA. Inducted into the Wichita Bowling HOF. Team inductee: 1993-94 Wichita Thunder hockey team (won two straight league championships) Organizational inductee: Wichita State athletic department Fifth annual Mal Elliott Sports Media Award: Bruce Haertl, KWCH/KFH/ Cox.

29 - April 2015

Allen was part of an East boys basketball legacy that has set all-time records in Kansas. From 1915 to 2005, East appeared in State-championship games 15 times. Between 1914 and 2014, the Aces advanced to the State tournament 51 times. East ranks fourth statewide in both categories.

The Aces are also among the top five teams to win multiple State championships in Kansas. From 1915 to 2005, East claimed eight State titles. Allen guided the Aces to two of those State crowns.

“It was just a wonderful experience to have all the great coaches that worked with me and supported me and all the outstanding kids that came through the program,” Allen said. “It was just a blessing and a great time and a time that you’ll remember forever.”

Allen and his wife, Jennifer, have three children and four grandchildren.

He now coaches at Sunrise Christian Academy.

The induction ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita.

Other inductees include: Kirk Doll – A 1969 graduate of Wichita West High School who also graduated from Hutchinson Community College and East Carolina, he is the longest-serving Division I college football coach in Wichita coaching history. He has spent more than 35 years coaching at college football’s highest level. His football coaching career began at Wichita State then Tulsa, Arizona State, Texas A&M (twice), Notre Dame, Louisiana State (where he won a national championship), San Jose State, the Denver Broncos and East Carolina (twice).

Bob Hanson – The president/ CEO of the Wichita Sports Commission promotes events like the Johnny Bench National Catcher of the Year Award, World Volleyball, American Junior Golf, college bowling, national drag boat races, junior college events, WNBA and NBA exhibition games, USATF National Junior Olympics Track & Field Championships and Prairie Fire Marathon Race Series.

Hanson served as the manager for the “Vote Yea” downtown arena campaign.

Charles Koch – He and his family have been instrumental in the development of the Wichita State Shockers and

April 2015 - 30 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

East Wichita News People and Places Armstrong Chamberlin has announced the addition of Jill Laffoon Rose, APR, as director of strategic communication. Rose brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, radio, newspaper and advertising. Prior to joining Armstrong Chamberlin, Jill was director of marketing at Kansas Masonic Home, where she helped raise the profile of the senior living community through multilevel marketing campaigns and public relations strategies.

She also served on the executive leadership team and led the crafting of employee service excellence programming and internal communications.

Friends University has named Amy Bragg Carey, Ed.D, as the university’s 14th president, effective July 1. Carey comes to the university from Saint Paul, Minn., where she has served as the vice president for institutional advancement at University of Northwestern since 2003. Carey said she was drawn to Friends University because she feels a connection to the Christian mission and values represented at the university. “I see exciting opportunities ahead as we move forward to tell the compelling and important story of Friends University,” she said.

INTRUST Bank Arena recently announced the hiring of Ben George as executive chef. Prior to joining SAVOR...

Wichita at INTRUST Bank Arena, an SMGmanaged facility, George served as the executive chef at the Ambassador Hotel in downtown Wichita. While at the Ambassador, George led the team to several accolades, including winning the 2014 Iron

Chef Wichita, being named “Best Meal 2014” by the Wichita Eagle, being voted Wichita’s best gourmet burger and more.

Additional previous experience includes Treat America Dining, Tallgrass Country Club, The Anchor, Warren Theatres and Highland Country Club. In his new role, George will develop recipes and menus to enhance the culinary experience provided at INTRUST Bank Arena and will be responsible for the execution of banquets, catering events and premium food and beverage services.

Baseline Creative Inc. welcomes Michael Spohn to the design agency’s team.

Spohn joins Baseline Creative as architect/ developer. As part of the development team, he will facilitate both front- and back-end web development along with customcode functionalities. An Augusta native, he will graduate from the Butler Community College IT Institute in May. Baseline Creative is a full-service design agency specializing in print, mobile application and web design solutions.

A local student is among the 25 selected to serve as VIP student ambassadors for the 2015-2016 academic year at Fort Hays State University. Ambassadors serve as official representatives for FHSU at a variety of special events including Homecoming, athletic activities, presidential dinners and other gatherings. Krystal Iheme, a senior majoring in biology from Wichita Heights High School, is a returning VIP. Students must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 grade point average and able to assist with nine to 10 events per year.

Students from 19 south-central and southeast Kansas counties were recognized at the recent student recognition program in

Wichita for the scholarships they have been awarded so far by Fort Hays State University for the 2015-2016 year. The annual Wichita SRP serves students from Barber, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Reno, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties. Scholarships awarded at the SRPs include the $2,000 FHSU Presidential Award, the $1,200 Miller Black and Gold Academic Award, the $800 Hays City Silver Academic Award, the $700 Fort Hays Bronze Academic Award and the $500 Copper Academic Award. All are awarded only to incoming freshmen enrolling in college for the first time, but each is renewable provided students maintain the minimum required academic standing. One-time awards recognized at the SRPs are the $1,000 FHSU Transfer Student Award and the $900 or $500 Academic Opportunity Awards, given to scholars by individual academic departments.

The following students earned scholarships.

From Andover: Anna Griffin, a 2015 Andover High School graduate, accepted a $1,200 Miller Black and Gold Academic Award and a $900 Academic Opportunity Award in modern languages. Griffin, daughter of Todd and Shelley Griffin, Andover, plans to major in foreign language.

Carson Lopez, a 2015 Andover Central High School graduate, accepted a $900 Academic Opportunity Award in psychology and an $800 Hays City Silver Academic Award.

Lopez, daughter of Brandi Pruitt, Andover, plans to major in psychology.

Timothy Spradlin, a 2015 Andover Central High School graduate, accepted a $900 Academic Opportunity Award in business and entrepreneurship and an $800 Hays City Silver Academic Award. Spradlin, son of Charles Spradlin, Wichita, and Ann Spradlin, Andover, plans to major in accounting.

From Wichita: Tatiyanna Ray, a 2015 Wichita East High School graduate, accepted a $4,000

Access to Academic Opportunity Grant, a $900 Academic Opportunity Award in justice studies and a $700 Fort Hays Bronze Academic Award. Ray, daughter of Fantasy Thomas, Wichita, plans to major in justice studies.

Catherine Pickle, a 2015 Kapaun Mount Carmel High School graduate, accepted a $900 Academic Opportunity Award in nursing and an $800 Hays City Silver Academic Award. Pickle, daughter of Randel and Mary Rose Pickle, Wichita, plans to major in nursing.

Hannah Karasiuk, a 2015 Andover High School graduate, accepted a $500 Academic Opportunity Award in psychology. Karasiuk, daughter of Kevin and Helen Karasiuk, Wichita, plans to major in psychology.

U.S. Air National Guard Airmen 1st Class Josiah C. Degrado, Jeremy D. Hastings, Stephen A. Gates and Kalen M. Goodman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Degrado is the son of Deidre and Jerry Degrado of Wichita. He is a 2014 graduate of Trinity Academy.

Hastings is the son of David L. and Virginia Hastings of Wichita, grandson of Richard Hastings of Topeka, Kan., and cousin of Alan Longshaw of Towanda.

He is a 2013 graduate of Kapaun Mount Carmel High School.

Gates is the son of Scott Gates and nephew of John Goodwin of Wichita, and father of Andrew Gates.

Goodman is the son of Loree D. and brother of Landis M. Goodman of Andover.

He is a 2014 graduate of Kapaun Mount Carmel High School.

The Wichita Bar Association has announced its officers and board members for its 2015-16 year. The new officers are president Holly Dyer of Foulston Siefkin LLP; president-elect Marcia Wood of Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, LLP; vice president Kellie Hogan of Kansas Legal Services; and secretarytreasurer Gwynne Birzer of Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, LLP. The board of governors includes Rebecca Mann of Young, Bogle, McCausland, Wells & Blanchard, P.A.; Deborah McIlhenny of Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC; Monte Vines of Adams Jones Law Firm, P.A.; C. Edward Watson of Foulston Siefkin, LLP; Michelle Moe Witte of Joseph, Hollander & Craft, LLC; and the Hon. William Woolley, 18th Judicial District.

The Kansas Humane Society has

announced that Marilyn Gray has accepted the position of chief operations officer. Gray served as director in various departments at Koch Industries for the last 12 years. With more than 30 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles, she has a background in organizational leadership, relationship building and has a proven track record for providing clear strategic direction. Gray earned her bachelor of business administration from Wichita State University and a master’s of science in management from Friends University. Gray logged 1,600 hours as a KHS volunteer.

Phyllis Robertson has launched Robertson Enterprises, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to developing leaders and managers in small and mid-sized businesses. The consultancy is based on her more than 25 years of business experience. She will focus on enterprise leadership and managerial development, strategic and operational planning, execution, and evaluation. Robertson previously owned and ran a small business, and held senior leadership positions at a Fortune 100 company. As a consultant, she assisted clients in multiple industries with leadership development, strategic planning, operational planning and

implementation. She served as the vice president of business services for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce for 5-1/2 years. You may reach Robertson at phyllis@robertsonent.com, via LinkedIn or at 913-226-0300.

On March 27, the Wichita Chapter of the National Organization for Women honored longtime member Liz Hicks for her activism in women’s rights in the past and continuing on today. She recently retired from Gessler’s Drugs, where she was a pharmacist for many years. This is the third year for bestowing the honor that is named the Colleen Kelly Johnston She Made a Difference Award, after Johnston, another activist who passed away a few years ago.

The Southwestern College A Cappella Choir will present its Spring Choral Concert on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. in the Richardson Performing Arts Center in the Christy Administration Building on the campus of Southwestern College. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission charge. Eastsider Jenna Goscha is a member of the a cappella choir at Southwestern College. The concert will be the final event of the Founders Day Weekend celebration at Southwestern that begins April 16. The spring concert is titled “SoundScapes.”

Eastside high school student Jocelyn Galicia is one of two Wichitans named as

winners of the 2015-16 Professor Fran Jabara Scholarship in Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University. Galicia is a senior at Wichita High School East. The other winner is Clayton Hicks, a senior at Maize High School.

The scholarship is one of the most prestigious at WSU and one of the largest entrepreneurship scholarships nationally.

It awards each recipient $20,000 over four years. To qualify, a student must have a minimum ACT score of 24, a GPA of 3.5 or better and be a declared entrepreneurship major. The scholarship is named for Fran Jabara, a prominent Wichita entrepreneur who founded the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship and is a former dean of the university’s W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Galicia is the daughter of Teofilo and Maria Galicia. While at Wichita State, she will study business administration with a major in entrepreneurship and international business. She is a member of the Modern Music Honor Society, DECA and orchestra, as well as Musical Crew and the Spirit Cabinet. During her junior year, Galicia was a top 10 finalist in the National American Miss Kansas, YCOA Kansas Karate Tournament Champion and finished in the top three of the National Finish Line Challenge. This year she placed first in the DECA Central Region Leadership Conference and was named a Kansas Honor Scholar.

31 - April 2015

Army Pvt. Marquis M. Blair has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. Blair is the son of Crystal L. Brown and grandson of Ridley E. Carolyn of Wichita. He is a 2013 graduate of Heights High School.

See PEOPLE, Page 38

www.eastwichitanews.com

April 2015 - 32

Paul’s Beef and Veggie Stir Fry This recipe can easily serve four people, so I base my nutritional values on 3 ounces of lean red steak.

Main ingredients: 12-14 oz lean red meat (I used flat iron steak) 1 green pepper ½ cup chopped onion 2 cups “matchstick” carrots 2 cups red cabbage Minced garlic to taste White or brown rice No-sodium teriyaki marinade

www.eastwichitanews.com

Sauce: 2 cups no-sodium chicken broth 2 tbsp fish sauce 2 tsp sugar 2 tbsp corn starch Trim all fat, if there is any, from the steak, and slice across the grain into thin strips. Use a meat hammer to tenderize each slice. Marinate the steak strips in a no-sodium teriyaki sauce (Mrs. Dash makes one, or you can concoct your own) and a little no-sodium chicken broth.

While the meat is marinating, start some rice. Brown rice is slightly more heart-healthy, but with a stir-fry dish I prefer sticky white rice. Cook according to the package directions, but don’t add salt if given the option.

While the rice is simmering, cut up your vegetables. For this dish, I selected carrots, onion, green pepper and red cabbage. Any favorite veggies will work, but this combination is a tried and true winner – excellent taste combinations, and beautiful colors. I used baby carrots, cut lengthwise into “matchsticks,” green pepper sliced in long slivers, chopped onion, and thinly shredded cabbage. For this size batch, cut up one pepper, half a small onion, and the equivalent of two cups each of matchstick carrots and cabbage.

In a small mixing bowl, make the stir-fry sauce with no-salt chicken broth, sugar and fish sauce (which can be purchased at many grocery stores, or any Asian market). Combine, and whisk in corn starch as a thickening agent. None of the measurements with the sauce are exacting – just remember that the fish sauce is the sodium demon in this recipe.

In a wok or skillet, heat a dash of stir fry oil and sauté the onion, carrot and green pepper just a few minutes, stirring often. If you like garlic, add some as you sauté. You want the veggies to still be crunchy, so don’t overcook. Set aside in a bowl, and put the meat into the hot wok or skillet, with just enough oil to keep the meat from sticking initially. Stir constantly until done – which will be just a few minutes. Because of the marinade, the meat will create some juice.

Do not drain – this helps flavor the sauce.

Add the veggies back in, with the uncooked cabbage, and the stir-fry sauce.

Make sure you whisk the sauce one last time right before putting it in the wok or skillet, so the corn starch is mixed well. Stir together and watch for the sauce to thicken…it will only take a few minutes, and the cabbage will soften quickly. If the cabbage doesn’t seem tender enough, keep the heat on, cover the wok or skillet with a lid, and let the cabbage steam another minute or two.

Time to serve up! Plating can be done on a bed of rice, or with the rice on the side. Either way, there should be enough of the stir fry for four large servings.

This recipe is incredibly tasty, thanks to the marinade and the stir-fry sauce, so refrain from destroying the low sodium level of this dish with soy sauce or – worse yet – salt. You won’t need it.

Here’s the numbers: The lean steak, per serving, has about 10 grams of total fat and 3 grams of saturated fat, 70 milligrams of cholesterol and only 30 milligrams of sodium. The veggies are all but void of fat, cholesterol and sodium, and the homemade stir-fry sauce has no fat or cholesterol, and about 400 milligrams of sodium per serving. The rice is another safety net, with no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

I wanted to get some discussion going on the issue of beef in a heart-healthy diet, and picking a good-natured fight with Larry Steckline was a good place to start!

Suffice it to say that Larry – a legendary local radio broadcaster and western Sedgwick County beef producer – isn’t too happy with any effort on my part to promote a heart-healthy diet that does not include lean red meat.

My first line of defense is this: I have not eliminated beef from my diet, but I have cut back on the amount I consume.

I agree that small portions can be handled well in a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium diet.

To that end, I made up an incredible beef stir fry dish, using a trimmed 12-ounce flat iron steak. I create my own stir-fry dishes from scratch, including a homemade stir-fry sauce, and I want to share this most recent dish with you here. It is included here with this column, and I have taken the liberty of calling it “Paul’s Beef and Veggie Stir Fry.”

From the Publisher’s Files

Paul Rhodes | Publisher

Here’s a review of the numbers: This entire meal has well under 15 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 75 milligrams of cholesterol and 500 milligrams of sodium. That’s well within a third of the daily ranges I have tried to maintain since my heart attack a year ago. More detailed numbers are included with the recipe.

Larry Steckline and I are going to continue our conversations about beef, and there’s a lot more to share from what we’ve discussed already. Larry is a big believer in getting your protein from

meat, and I can’t argue with that. He also believes that one of the biggest dangers with food is portion size, and I can’t argue with that, either. We really come together on the issue of sodium – salt – and the need to limit this in your diet.

I still allow myself a steak and a double cheeseburger on occasion, but no more than once a month for each.

Obviously, my favorite – a medium rare fillet mignon wrapped in bacon and seared in butter – is not going to stack up well on the nutrition charts. This is how steak is meant to be enjoyed, and when you pair it up with a baked potato covered in butter and sour cream, it’s possible to ingest as much fat and cholesterol in one meal as you should have in three days.

Similarly, I don’t cook with hamburger much at home, but I never did even before the heart attack...other than meatloaf. Man, I loved my mom’s meatloaf recipe, and always cooked it a handful of times a year. A couple of meatloaf slices, prepared the way I used to make

it, would not be good for me these days.

But again, a lot can be done with portion sizes, good side dishes, and recipe alterations.

Obviously, the use of hamburger at home should be based heavily on the fat content of the grind, and you can learn a lot from nutrition charts produced by the USDA – just Google “usda nutrient list.” A heart-healthy meatloaf will be tackled soon in the East Wichita News test kitchen.

When Larry and I talked, he made it clear he would never put himself on a diet like mine, and I’m not here to tell anyone what they should – or shouldn’t – eat. By the same token, I’m pretty comfortable with the dietary choices I’m making to keep my coronary system functioning properly, and I’m getting a lot of positive encouragement.

And yes, Larry Steckline wants to try my beef and vegetable stir-fry recipe. He got a sneak peek and said it looks and sounds delicious.

On that we both agree.

www.eastwichitanews.com

This Asian stirfry dish was created by publisher Paul Rhodes using lean steak and vegetables.

Rhodes doesn’t shun beef in his heart-healthy cooking…but does limit his consumption.

3 3 - A p r i l 2 0 1 5

Even Larry Steckline wants this recipe…

April 2015 - 34

April 2-May 23 – “Beauty School Melodrama” by Carol Hughes followed by “Fractured Fairytales” musical comedy revue, Mosley Street Melodrama.

Staring Steve Hitchcock, Jenny Mithcell, Megan Parsley and more. Tickets $28, $18 show only; 316-263-0222.

April 9-12 – “Cold Sassy Tree,” WSU’s Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. 7:30 p.m. April 9-11, 2 p.m. April 12. This opera was written

by Carlisle Floyd for Samuel Ramey, who will debut the role with WSU Opera Theatre.

April 10 – Black Violin at the Orpheum Theatre, 8 p.m. Black Violin will bring “violin like you’ve never heard it before,” featuring the classically trained south Florida twosome Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester. They meld highbrow and pop culture, blending classical, hiphop, rock, R&B and even bluegrass.

Tickets $25-$35, www.selectaseat.com, 855-0755-7328, and in person at the INTRUST Bank Arena box office, participating Dillons and plant employee clubs.

CINDY’S DOG GROOMING “We treat them like our own.”

- Cindy Marlier, Owner

Spring Spruce-Up Get Your Dog Ready For Spring! www.eastwichitanews.com

Expires 4/30/15

April 10-May 23 – “The Big Bang, AKA Free Food and Frontal Nudity,” at Roxy’s Downtown. Starring John Bates and Kyle Vespestad. Tickets $40 for show and dinner, $25 show only.

There is no connection to the TV show. www.roxysdowntown.com.

Performing Arts Calendar

February 2014

April 12 – Second City at the Orpheum Theatre, 7 p.m. Chicago’s legendary sketch and improve group returns with “The Second City Hits Home,” a new show featuring sketches, songs and improvisation about Wichita as well as material from the famed Second City archives. Wichita’s history, events and hot button issues and headlines will be part of the show.

Alumni of Second City include Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more.

Tickets: $27.50 balcony and $32.50 orchestra, www.selectaseat.com, 855-0755-7328, and in person at the INTRUST Bank Arena box office, participating Dillons and plant employee clubs.

April 12 – Delano Chamber Brass concert, 3 p.m at West Side Baptist Church, 304 S. Seneca. The show will feature one of the most familiar brass pieces ever written, Aaron Copland’s

Bring in this ad for

10% OFF

580 S. Oliver • 689-8200 Walk-in’s Welcome!

Open Mon-Sat • Flexible Hours

Black Violin will perform at the Orpheum Theatre on April 10.

April 17-19, 24-26 – “Noises Off ” at The Wichita Center for the Arts. Shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Described as a wonderful comedy about a horrible comedy, each of the three acts contains a performance of the play within a play. Tickets $25 for adults, $20 for members and seniors, $15 for students; www.wcfta. com.

April 17-18 – “Brave New World,” spring dance concert, 7:30 p.m. at multiple locations at WSU. An experimental dance theater production written, directed and produced by the School of Performing Arts dance program.

April 18-19 – “Voyages at Sea,” Wichita Symphony, featuring Joyce Yang on piano; 8 p.m. April 18, 3 p.m.

April 19, Century II Concert Hall. Tickets $19-$57, www.wichitasymphony.org.

April 25 – Wichita Grand Opera presents Prokofiev’s “Cinderella,” performed by the Russian National Ballet Theatre. Charles Perrault’s fairytale about a girl transformed into a princess by a benevolent fairy godmother is best known through the Disney movies, but the ballet adaption will leave a lasting impression.

35 - April 2015

“Fanfare for the Common man.” Other pieces include Gabrieli’s “Gloria,” Percy Grainger’s “Colonial Song,” the “Capriol Suite” of Renaissance dances, and Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis.” Free but donations welcome.

April 30-May 3 – “Into the Woods,” 7:30 p.m. April 30 to May 2, 2 p.m May 3, WSU’s Wilner Auditorium. Based on many familiar characters from Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

May 1-3 – “Oliver!” presented by Music Theatre for Young People; 7:30 p.m. May 1-2, 2:30 p.m. May 3. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 316303-8100 or www.wichitaTIX.com.

May 1-2 – Cirque Musica, presented

by Wichita Symphony. Shows at 7:30 p.m. May 1 and 8 p.m. May 2, Century II Concert Hall. Friday general admission tickets $30. Saturday reserved tickets $30-$80. 316-303-8100 or www. wichitaTIX.com.

www.eastwichitanews.com

Second City will visit Wichita on April 12.

April 2015 - 36

Kansas is seeking to have the Arkansas River designated a national water trail.

www.eastwichitanews.com

State seeks national designation for river

You’ve Got Goals.

We’ve Got Solutions.

Nathan Wadsworth

Owner & Trainer 316-200-6620 www.trainwithnathan.com

Following on the success of the Kansas River being named a national water trail by the National Park Service (NPS) in July 2012, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants the same designation for a portion of the Arkansas River in Kansas.

That goal is a little closer thanks to technical assistance KDWPT will receive from the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program to develop the designation application.

The goal is national water trail recognition for the Arkansas River Water Trail from Great Bend downstream to the Oklahoma border, a network of public river access points providing recreational and conservation opportunities, as well as enhancing the prospects for communities and businesses to attract enthusiastic river-goers and boost local revenues.

The Arkansas River is classified as a “navigable water,” so the right of the public to travel on the water is protected by law. The river provides more than 180 miles of publicly navigable water and riparian wildlife habitat in Kansas. The public may use the waterway between the ordinary high-water marks on each bank, but people aren’t allowed to trespass on private property adjacent to the river. As a result,

it is important to establish reasonably spaced public access points at suitable locations. Currently, the Arkansas River Water Trail includes more than 15 public access sites established in partnership with cities, counties and private landowners. KDWPT will work with the NPS to engage additional partners and stakeholders, set priorities to analyze issues and opportunities, improve public information resources and achieve the national water trail designation.

“Designating the Arkansas River as a national water trail will help draw tourists who enjoy leisurely excursions and want to experience Kansas in a unique way,” said KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison. “Many people might not think of our state as a place to take a river trip, but the Arkansas and Kansas rivers offer some really great opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy parts of the state that are often overlooked.”

According to Jessica Mounts, KDWPT district fisheries biologist, the project is community driven and individuals and groups interested in water trail development are encouraged to volunteer. Planning meetings will begin in March 2015. For more information on meeting dates and locations, contact Mounts at 316-683-8069 or email Jessica.mounts@ksoutdoors.com.

Gents old and young are invited to play “base ball” with Old Cowtown Museum’s base ball team, 1870s style.

The Bull Dozers and Red Stocking, authentic teams from 1870s Wichita, will be playing around Kansas soon and are inviting others to their ranks. The new season begins Sunday, April 12, on the museum grounds.

Gentlemen and ladies of “good character” are invited to join in. Uniforms, bats and balls are furnished.

Players need to provide plain black shoes but no mitts are needed. The rules from the 1870s will be taught,

with emphasis on re-enactment first and ball players second. Father-son combinations are welcome; ladies are needed to heckle and cheer the players.

A season donation of $25 helps in purchasing equipment and uniforms.

The schedule now includes Emporia, Hays, Jetmore, Mulvane and Topeka, with an end-of-season regional tournament in October. Other games and towns will be added.

For more information, visit http:// cowtownbaseball.org or email Kurt at kelliott51@cox.net.

37 - April 2015

Cowtown seeks ‘base ball’ players

The

Dermatology Clinic, P.A. Your skin, our care for over 80 years!

Martha Selfridge Housholder, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.D. Krista Shackelford, M.D., F.A.A.D. T. Dawn Schrandt, P.A.-C. Skye D. Lacey, P.A.-C. Leslie Sikes, P.A.-C Kylie Witham, P.A.-C.

Specializing in:

Skin, Hair & Nail Disease, Skin Cancer We File All Insurance Claims

Extension to hold tree festival 8:10 a.m. ICTrees – Replanting Wichita – Barney Barnhard, Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener 9 a.m. Trees for Kansas – Dr. Jason Griffin, K-State John C. Pair Horticulture Center 10 a.m. “ELMS” – No Longer a 4-Letter Word – Tim McDonnell, Kansas Forest Service 11 a.m. Structure Pruning of Immature Trees – Josh Murray, Ryan Lawn & Tree (lecture followed by demonstration outside) Outside demonstratons will be: 9:15 a.m. Composting (in Demonstration Garden) 10 a.m. Pruning Roses (south of 4-H Hall entry) 10:30 a.m. Tree Planting, Mulching and Watering – Bob Neier and Extension Master Gardeners Tours are set for: 11:30 a.m. Tree Tour in Extension Arboretum – Cathy Brady, Brady Nursery 12:15 p.m. Nature Trail Tour – led by Extension Master Gardeners Vendors will have trees, tree- and garden-related products and services for sale. Garden-tool sharpening service will be available.

Activities for kids and a pancake and sausage breakfast also will be held.

(316) 685-4395 Toll Free 800-755-1610 835 N. Hillside Street 8404 W. 13th St, Ste. 220

WICHITA

ProScape: “Building relationships one yard at a time.”

Now accepting new lawn care clients!

• Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials • Design and install • Decks, arbors, and pergolas • Paver patios • Retaining walls • Water features • Seeding and sodding • Outdoor kitchens • Outdoor living • Commercial and Residential mowing • Maintenance packages

5% DISCOUNT

316-250-7241 email: ProScape@ProScapeKS.com

www.ProScapeKS.com

On Maintenance Packages When You Mention This Ad! Like Us on Facebook!

www.eastwichitanews.com

The 14th annual Tree Festival is set for Saturday, April 11, at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center.

The event will last from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. After suffering several years of drought, it’s important to start the replanting of our region, in home landscapes, commercial and public properties. While trees are an investment in the landscape (both financial and aesthetically), choosing, planting and maintaining the best trees for drought conditions is crucial. This event will feature information on choosing, planting and maintaining trees that provide an important element for our quality of life.

Tree care professionals will be on hand at the 2015 Tree Festival to share their advice on these topics and more.

Seminars include appropriate topics for both the homeowner and commercial audience. Plant vendors from around the region will have unique trees and plants for sale. Admission is free.

The Sedgwick County Extension Education Center is located at 7001 W. 21st St. North (at Ridge Road) in Wichita. The Tree Festival is sponsored

by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners and K-State Research & Extension – Sedgwick County.

Seminars, tours and demonstrations include seminars in 4-H Hall:

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT:

April 2015 - 38

People Continued from Page 31

As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2015, Greene will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, May 29-June 6.

East Wichita resident Mike Greene has been named as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLII by Wichita Festivals, Inc. Greene, who retired from the City of Wichita’s public works engineering division in 2010, has been a supporter of Riverfest for 16 years. He has served in a number of capacities, including as the festival’s general chair in 2004 and 2012 and chair of the WFI board of directors in 2006-07. He has been on the operations committee since 1998 and won the volunteer of the year award in 2004.

City Manager Robert Layton has announced the hiring of Ken Evans as strategic communications director.

The strategic communications director is the city’s top communications position, charged with developing, managing and evaluating innovative, strategic and proactive public communications plans that support the city’s mission, vision and goals. Specifically, Evans will develop and implement comprehensive communication plans, serve as the chief media strategist and spokesperson, work closely with policymakers and stakeholders, evaluate and measure communications activities and create an organizational structure for the communications division among other responsibilities. He will report to Layton in the city manager’s office. The city’s communications division includes the public information office, marketing, government relations, legislative programs and the City7 staff.

www.eastwichitanews.com

Blue Moon at history museum The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum will host the 7th annual Blue Moon at the museum, 7-10 p.m. on May 1.

Relive the excitement of the original Blue Moon Nightclub located on South Oliver near the old airport during the mid-20th century. The museum will be transformed into this festive and fun-loving spot where adults gathered to dine and hear great music.

Donna Tucker, internationally renowned jazz singer, and her quartet will entertain with songs of the era as guests enjoy fine food and drink.

Capacity is limited. Contact the museum for reservations and additional information at 316-265-9314. Cost per person is $100 ($50 tax deductible).Visit www. wichitahistory.org.

Before

After

The Sedgwick County Fair’s third annual Fair’s Got Talent contest will be held at the fairgrounds in Cheney on Thursday, July 9, and Saturday, July 11.

Each show begins at 7:30 p.m.

All types of talent are welcome – the bigger the variety, the better the show.

Applicants need to submit an audition via YouTube. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges. There also will be a $50 cash prize each night for the People’s Choice award.

All selected performers will be on stage July 9. The finalists will perform on July 11. Acts can perform the same act/number or a different one in the finals.

Acts must be no longer than four minutes. You will be responsible for your own accompaniment.

The winner will receive $500 in cash and prizes. Second place and third place

Macy Wallace performs at the 2014 Fair’s Got Talent.

are $400 and $300, respectively, in cash and prizes.

For more information, email fairsgottalent@gmail.com. The deadline to enter is June 3.

39 - April 2015

County fair seeks talent

Sam Koehn Mortgage Loan Officer 316-945-9600

Blood donors sought • April 11, 8-11:15 a.m., Bel Aire City Hall, 7651 E. Central Park Ave. • April 15, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., NetApp, 3718 Rock Road.

• April 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., WSU’s Shocker Hall, 1845 Fairmount.

Donations can be made at the Wichita Blood Donation Center, 707 N. Main St., Wichita. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays.

To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

www.eastwichitanews.com

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/ SleevesUp. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767).

Upcoming donation opportunities include: • April 3, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 3202 W. 13th.

• April 9, 2-6 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena, 3636 N. Ridge Road.

• April 10, 8-11:15 a.m., Lee Aerospace, 9323 E. 34th North.

• April 10, 1-5 p.m., WSU’s Ahlberg Hall, 1845 Fairmount.

15 questions for you in 2015 1)

Do you believe you will live to see another major stock market downturn?

2)

Do you remember:

8)

If you want protection for your portfolio if the market crashes, how will you know when to take defensive steps to protect your investments?

a)

when the technology bubble burst and we had a three year bear market

the metrics and the mindset to make timely defensive moves? Did your

b)

advisor do so in either 2000 or 2008? If not, what do you think will be

when the housing bubble burst and we had a financial crisis and a two

Do you understand that Federal Reserve monetary policy was the primary contributing factor for these bubbles?

4)

If you use a financial advisor, are you confident that your advisor has both

(2000 – 2003)? year bear market (2008 – 2009)?

3)

9)

Do you realize that since 2008 the Fed has massively increased the

different the next time?

10) Can you imagine how much money is typically left in harm’s way when markets crumble?

11) Would an investment approach (not annuities!) that allows occasional

size of its balance sheet from roughly $850 billion to about $4.5 trillion

modest declines but actively seeks to protect your portfolio from major

today and that these actions dwarf what the Fed did prior to the other

drops appeal to you?

bubbles?

12) Do you know your own risk score, the implications of your risk score, and 5)

Can you accept the premise that the vast amount of “quantitative easing”

how to compare it to the risk score of your portfolio?

and the extended artificially low interest rates may ultimately herald either a bubble-producing liquidity buildup or rising interest rates, either of which could derail the economic recovery?

6)

Have you noticed that when the stock market is doing reasonably well, many investors and advisors can feel comfortable and be complacent?

7)

When you think about what the Fed and other major central banks around

13) Do you want your portfolio decisions to be made in the context of a personal financial plan which reflects your goals and concerns and is updated annually?

14) Are you interested in learning how the tools and techniques of Coe Financial Services might work for you?

15) Would you be willing to invest an hour of your time for a no obligation

the world have done (a very dangerous and massive experiment of

meeting to learn more about what we do and why? If so, this is your

unprecedented magnitude), do you think there is any realistic chance that

opportunity to call Richard Coe at 689-0900 or email him at jrcoe@

this party will end well?

CoeFinancialServices.com.

Financial advisors Jim DeKalb, left, and Richard Coe help build strong and lasting relationships with their clients. The keys to maintaining those relationships are communication and service.