East Wichita News December 2017

December 2017 - 2

I INSIDE

Volume 34 • Issue 12 December 2017

ON THE COVER Sounding joy | 20 Members of the Wichita Chamber Chorale pose on one of the bridges to the Keeper of the Plains. The choir group is celebrating its 40th season.

Explosion of color | 6

Contributed photo

Features Wichita Homes.................................. 3

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From the Publisher’s Files.............. 5 People & Places................................. 9 Holiday Shopping Guide......13-18 Focus On Business...................24-26

Youth theater leader began her career in the courtroom | 33

East Wichita News

Dateline..............................................27 Performing Arts Calendar............37 Movie Review...................................38

Editorial

Publisher Paul Rhodes Managing Editor Travis Mounts Production Abbygail Brown Reporters/Contributors Sam Jack, Philip Holmes, Toni Blair

Sales & Billing

Sales Valorie Castor, Shelby Riedel Billing/Circulation Briana Bade A Division of Times-Sentinel Newspapers 125 N. Main • P.O. Box 544 Cheney, KS 67025 Phone: (316) 540-0500 Fax: (316) 540-3283 © 2017 Times-Sentinel Newspapers LLC

Now in our 34th 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. Single copies are available in a variety of Eastside locations. One copy per person, please. Visit our website for more - www.eastwichitanews. com.

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

Change is in the air, and it’s not the election Change is in the air.

This has nothing to do with last month’s elections, which brought changes to some governing bodies in the metro area.

No, this has to do with the little dictatorship known as “my house.”

You see, the number of citizens there is declining by 1.

My oldest son, Isaac, is moving out.

(And there was much rejoicing.)

This is a happy time, for him and and for me.

For him, this is his first real taste of freedom. He spent his first year of college on campus in Hutchinson, but he shared a place with two other people. For the second year, he was back at home, splitting time between my house and his mother’s house.

This summer he wrapped up his degree, and just a few weeks ago started a new job in the Hutchinson area.

He works early, so the drive was a bit much. On his own, he found a place to rent, got the utilities moved over and began moving his stuff in.

On a recent Sunday, after we went to the Wichita Thunder game along with his brother, Isaac decided to go spend the first night at his new place. Independence is his.

It took me a couple weeks to see his new place in person, thanks to an overly busy work schedule. I had seen the picture, and now that I’ve been, I feel like he chose well.

He’s already learning some of the ugly lessons of adulting, like how much it costs “to adult.”

After his first full two weeks of em-

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

ployment, he brought home a pretty nice paycheck, thanks in part to a lot of overtime hours.

“This should last me a couple weeks,” he texted me immediately after he got off work that Friday.

When he got back to my house the next day, most of that check was already gone, thanks to rent and the deposit. It was a harsh welcome to adulthood.

He’s ready, though. I’m excited for him. I remember the first places I had in college, and then when I moved to Tulsa after completing my degree.

Plus, it’s just time for him to go. Our relationship is very good, but there reaches a point where a kid needs his own place, and you need for him to have his own place. It helps preserve the relationship.

So, I wish my son the best. I’m glad he’s a short drive away. It will make for easy visits in both directions.

The weather has cooled, the leaves have changed colors and are mostly on the ground now. I’m down to just one kid at home instead of two.

Change is in the air. And that’s OK.

Wichita Homes

Philip Holmes | Interior Designer

evenly disbursed throughout the room.

Avoid center fixtures that are “glare bombs” – the ones that make you immediately squint when you flip the switch. If you are not doing recessed lighting, use globes, shades or anything else that will calm and diffuse the light.

Chandeliers and ceiling mounted fixtures work best in entry ways and dining rooms. Choose them wisely because chandeliers will become the focal point of the room. Besides the aesthetic qualities, the proper scale and proportion need to be taken into account. As a rule of thumb, the diameter of the chandelier in inches should approximate the diagonal dimension of the room in feet. For example, if the diagonal dimension of the room is 20 feet, the ideal chandelier diameter would be about 20 inches.

Bathrooms can be the forgotten area in terms of lighting but are among the most important areas. This is the first and last room the average person sees on a daily basis. Lighting over the mirror is best complimented by sconces on either side in order to avoid shadows. Flush mounted fixtures work best for the other areas.

Incorporating the correct light fixtures into your interior design will make everything else in your home look better. It also will provide more enjoyment by being able to illuminate the right areas at the right time in a way that just feels comfortable.

But don’t think that you just can hang a fixture and be done with it.

Positioning the fixture to its best advantage is key. Installing dimmers, where applicable, is always a good idea for added control and flexibility. Selecting the proper light bulbs will make a difference too...but that’s a topic for another day.

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Choosing the right light fixture has a huge impact on the overall interior design quality of the room.

It can make or break the entire presentation and functionality of the living space.

Besides proper illumination, lighting can enhance the other design elements in the room by highlighting their form, color and textures.

Even the best-designed room can be a let down when lighting fails to make a good impression. Keep in mind that the fixtures themselves are also a part of the design scheme. Fortunately, there are almost unlimited light fixture styles and finishes available that will coordinate and complement nearly all decor styles.

Lighting experts suggest that you set goals for the lighting in your rooms. In other words, determine how you plan to use the room and what type of lighting is required.

An optimum plan is to use a combination of different types of fixtures (also known as layered lighting) that will serve different purposes. In this way, you can change activities as well as the mood of the room with the literal flick of a switch. This provides more flexibility for how the room can be enjoyed.

The kitchen is well known as a gathering place for friends and family as well as a place to prepare meals. Bright general lighting is needed in addition to under counter, focused task lighting for preparing food. As the meal and clean up is completed, your kitchen should be able to switch gears to a conversational area with lighting that transitions as such. Layered lighting that includes a small lamp or other ambient lighting is a nice way to change the tempo of the kitchen.

Family rooms and hallways require a slightly different approach. In many homes, particularly those with open plans, the family areas are simply extensions of the kitchen. And in both cases, general lighting is important. Recessed (can) lighting does a good job because it will illuminate a large area without the fixtures themselves being seen. The unobtrusive recessed lights are an especially nice solution for large rooms because, when the cans are arranged properly, the light is

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Light fixtures can make any space livable

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December 2017 - 4

From the Publisher’s Files

Bring your pet to get a picture with Santa while the adults sip on wine and the kids decorate ornaments!

Paul Rhodes | Publisher

filled with visitors, including family members from Nebraska where my aunt was born and raised.

A cousin from Nebraska had stumbled across a number of old family photos, including ones of my brother and me as kids.

He had left the photos to share, and in turn, Denise asked me to take what I wanted from the treasure trove of pictures.

Those family images brought back waves of memories for all of us, and as the evening clock ticked away, we filled the room with laughter as we shared stories from many, many years ago.

We all have managed to stay in touch over the years, thanks in no small part to my Aunt Erma, and the sparks of those reminiscences quickly ignited the memories of those precious family connections.

All of this positive energy was seemingly good medicine for my Aunt Erma, who – as we were saying our goodbyes – heard my booming voice and started whispering to me.

We shared a touching goodbye of our own, and I kissed my Aunt Erma one last time on her forehead as I held her hand.

By early Sunday morning, my Aunt Erma had said the rest of her goodbyes, and she was gone.

She leaves behind a family that will miss her dearly, but as a Thanksgiving evening visit attests, she leaves so much more in the wake of her death.

She leaves behind a legacy of family ties that she helped stitch.

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We shared Thanksgiving Day with my girlfriend Kim’s family in Hutchinson, and it was an enjoyable and memorable holiday.

Our morning was spent in the kitchen, finishing up side dishes as the turkey roasted in the oven.

We were in charge of the stuffing and the gravy, in addition to the bird, and I even made a small batch of whipped turnips and cheese…just for the adventurous eaters in our gathering.

Needless to say, I had turnips left over at the end of the day.

The turkey was gone, and the stuffing and gravy had been hit hard.

But the turnips were a garden oddity that were best tasted, gingerly, and then left for someone else to sample.

After our afternoon meal, there was lots of visiting to be accomplished, a little resting that needed to be done… especially for yours truly, and a generous round of photo opportunities as family members said their goodbyes and headed home.

But for Kim and I, there was one more stop to make.

Just prior to Thanksgiving, I had learned that my Aunt Erma Meyer, the last remaining matriarch on my mother’s side of the family, was in failing health and probably didn’t have long to live.

She and my Uncle Don had been living in Hutchinson for the past couple of years so they could be close to one of their daughters, and now they had been transferred to a care facility on the north edge of town.

We found my Aunt Erma resting peacefully, with the help of some strong medications, and she was seemingly oblivious to our arrival. That was not a surprise, from what I had been told by her family.

Kim and I settled in for a nice, long visit with my Uncle Don, and later in the evening we were joined by my cousin Denise.

She recounted that the day had been

Sunday, December 17 1:00 - 3:00 pm

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A touching Thanksgiving visit

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Explosion of colors

P h o t o s b y Tr av i s M o u n t s Wichita’s trees put on quite a show for a few days in mid-November, turning a rainbow of colors in a sign that autumn was finally here and winter is around the corner.

Why do leaves change and turn different colors?

Here’s some information, from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

The Splendor of Autumn Every autumn we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the tree as the seasons change from summer to winter.

During the spring and summer, the leaves have served as factories where most of the foods necessary for the tree’s growth are manufactured. This food-making process takes place in the leaf in numerous cells containing chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green color. This extraordinary chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used in transforming carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates, such as sugars and starch.

Along with the green pigment are yellow to orange pigments, carotenes and xanthophyll pigments which, for example, give the orange color to a carrot. Most of the year these colors are masked by great amounts of green coloring.

Chlorophyll Breaks Down But in the fall, because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.

At the same time other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments. Some mixtures give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of trees such as dogwoods and sumacs, while others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange.

The autumn foliage of some trees show only yellow colors. Others, like many oaks, display mostly browns.

All these colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll residue and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season.

Weather Affects Color Intensity Temperature, light, and water supply have an influence on the degree and the duration of fall color. Low temperatures above freezing will favor anthocyanin formation, producing bright reds in maples. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color. Rainy and/or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors.

The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cool (not freezing) day.

The colors of leaves in many East Wichita neighborhoods hit a crescendo in the middle of November.

ABOVE: Red contrasted with greenish-yellow tints in the College Hill area, along Roosevelt between 1st and 2nd avenues.

LEFT: Yellow was the featured color of many trees in College Hill Park.

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Fall leaves made for a colorful walk in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

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These images were captured in mid-November in the area of Doulgas Ave. and Belmont Place.

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Ha pp y Holid ay s

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• Several Eastsider were in the cast and crew of “Frankenstein: A New Musical,” a musical version of Mary Shelley’s classic novel staged by Butler Community College’s theater department. Performances were Nov. 16-18 in El Dorado. The cast included Derek Alcorn, Tessa Seybert and Valorie Falo of East Wichita, and Levon Mathis of Andover.

• The names of 1,050 graduates from the University of Kansas this summer — representing 37 Kansas counties, 42 other states and 23 other countries and territories — have been announced by the University registrar. Some graduates have participated in school and departmental recognition events. Others will choose to participate in KU’s annual commencement ceremony, which will take place Sunday, May 13.

That information will be available at commencement. ku.edu. Following are the Eastsider who earned degrees.

East Wichita: Johnie Curtis Frank IV, Margaret Joan Jackson, Lan Quynh Ly, Henry Mamalis, Mohamad Sinno, Vandana Varma, Bryson Hollingshead, Roger Allen Klein, Sylvester Marshall III, Kelsey Berlin Neitzel, Connor David Fleming, Michael Heiland, Michale Kalkhoff, Diana Angela Plucker, Stefanie White, Brandon Alleman, James William Bush, Brandon Cole, Heather Datsko, Bradley Stucky, Charles Armstrong, Tala Belbeissi, Kwasi A. Porter-Hill, John Schantzen, Salam Kadhem, Jonathan Daniel Pankow, Kristi H. Williams, Maaz Iqbal, Atieh Stasi Jibbe, Derek Alan Young.

Andover: Madison Rene Berberet, Aminder Kaur Dhillon, Theresa M. Pacitti, Kieran T. Ritchie.

• Jennifer McDonald, owner of Jenny Dawn Cellars, has announced that Union Station will be the location of an urban winery that she plans to open in 2018.

Jenny Dawn Cellars was founded in 2016.

• Wheaton College student Elise Alexander of Wichita is a member of the Thunder women’s cross country team, which recently won the 2017 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championship. This is the team’s second consecutive CCIW championship,

• U.S. Air Force Airmen Adam B. Gilmore, Marissa Cyphers, Abbigail R. Bracken, Justice R. Delarosa, Skylar L. Craft and Cami Saville have graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. 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 also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Gilmore is the son of Michelle and Ronald Gilmore of Bel Aire. He also is the brother of Tyler Gilmore and husband of Kayla Gilmore.

Cyphers is a 2016 graduate of Northeast Magnet High School, Bel Aire.

Bracken is the daughter of Amanda and step-daughter of Paul Hovorak of Wichita. She is a 2017 graduate of Andover High School.

Delarosa is the son of Hilari A. Delarosa of Wichita. He is a 2017 graduate of Northeast Magnet High School, Bel Aire.

Craft is the daughter of Kelly Fugate of Wichita, and granddaughter of Jerry Fugate of Madisonville, Ky., and Dottie Craft of Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Andover High School, and earned an associate degree in 2017 from Butler Community College, Andover.

Saville is the daughter of Danny Saville of Wichita, and Gwen Saville of Andover. She is a 2017 graduate of Andover High School.

• Cargill Protein, headquartered in Wichita, has donated $350,000 to the Greater Wichita YMCA to help bring a new YMCA to the Wichita State University Innovation Campus. Wichita State University and the Greater Wichita YMCA announced earlier this year that discussions were underway to bring a YMCA to the University’s Innovation Campus. The new Y would provide comprehensive health, wellness and education services on campus. In addition, it is anticipated to serve more than 22,000 students, faculty, staff, Innovation Campus workers and neighbors in the Fairmount community with key programs to help strengthen students and the underserved surrounding neighborhoods.

• Ron Matson, dean of Wichita State University’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and associate professor of sociology, has announced his retirement effective June 30. Matson was appointed in-

terim dean in 2013 and named dean the following year.

He has led the college through difficult budget times, spearheaded the strategic plan for the college, provided college leadership for strategic enrollment management, developed the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council, supported increased externally-funded research and contracts, and directed an increase in online credit hour production. Matson began teaching at Wichita State in 1970 as an assistant professor of sociology and served twice as department chairperson for a total of 17 years. In 2011, Matson was selected as the Kansas Professor of the Year. Presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only nationally competitive award to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. He considers this honor a highlight of his career.

• Bob Workman, director of the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University, has announced his retirement, effective June 30. Workman began his current position at the Ulrich in January 2013. During his tenure, Workman oversaw the completion of the conservation and reinstallation of Joan Miro’s mural “Personnages Oiseaux,” as well as the purchase of 125 photographs by Gordon Parks, making WSU the second largest holding of this artist’s work. He also brought Tom Otterness’s sculptural group “Makin’ Hay” to WSU and led the efforts to commission a related work by Otterness titled “Shockers” for permanent installation next year.

Workman secured funding and launched the multiyear project for the digitization of the nearly 7,000 works of art in the Ulrich collection, anticipated to go online in 2019. Future digital access to the collections of the Ulrich will be the cornerstone of expanded integration of the museum’s holdings with classroom teaching across campus and within the public schools. Prior to his role at WSU, Workman oversaw the 90,000-square-foot expansion of the Amon Carter Museum. He oversaw the design for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, Ark.) with internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie and was founding director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kan.

Do you have an item for People & Places? Please email news@tsnews.com by Dec. 20 for consideration for the January edition.

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• Heartspring’s third-annual Light Your Heart with Heartspring fundraiser, held on Nov. 4 with 360 people in attendance, raised $131,000. The event benefits the Heartspring Financial Assistance Program. Light Your Heart took place at the Wichita Marriott. Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, live music from Ernie Biggs dueling pianos and live and silent auctions. A VIP after-party capped off the evening. For more information about the event go to lightyourheart.org. For more on Heartspring, visit www.heartspring.org.

and the team’s 17 points is the lowest point total in the history of the CCIW women’s cross country championship.

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East Wichita News People and Places

December 2017 - 10

Drop Off Your Letters to Santa Cambridge Market is teaming up with the North Pole to collect Letters to Santa.

Letters may be dropped off until December 9 at Cambridge Market

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Visit Cambridge Market for those wish list items!

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Remember to put your return address and age on your letter to receive a response from Santa!

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December 2017 - 12

Wichita Community Foundation provides grants to local schools

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

Students and teachers at six high schools and four middle schools were surprised with grants valued between $500 and $1,600 as part of The Next Generation of Philanthropy partnership with the Wichita Community Foundation.

The grant competition was created to teach high school students about philanthropy. Students had to develop an idea for a grant that would benefit their school, address the need and the impact of their idea, and design a budget for the grant. The students made a 30-90 second video to demonstrate the need for the grant as part of the application process.

Student groups from Coleman, East, Mead, North, Northwest, South, West, and Wilbur were surprised with the grant presentations between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1.

Following is the list of grants awarded.

East High School: • $700 to Principals of Marketing Class to update Senior Hall.

• $1,500 to Principals of Marketing Class to provide First Aid kits for 165 classrooms.

• $1,000 to the East Conservation Organization for the creation of a school garden.

Mead Middle School: • $1,500 to STUCO for the creation of an outdoor classroom.

South High School: • $1,600 to Leadership Advisory Council to create a Titan Sculpture.

• $1,000 to ICTeens in Mind to support a student mentoring program.

• $1,000 to Leadership Advisory Council for the creation of a school garden.

Wilbur Middle School: • $950 to Wilbur Workshop for the startup costs for Wilbur Theater Club.

• $950 to Wilbur Workshop for a movie screening to address mental health.

• $650 to Wilbur Workshop for the school’s courtyard beautification.

• $850 to School Spirit to motivate students to attend sporting events through promotional items.

Northwest High School: • $1,000 to Be Unstoppable to educate and create friendships with students with disabilities.

• $1,000 to Project Laundry, which expands a program that allows students to do laundry at school if needed.

• $1,000 to DECA for a campaign to increase awareness and participation in DECA. Coleman Middle School: • $1,000 to World Changes Club to make improvements to the Mindfulness Room.

• $900 to the Chicken Coop Group for the creation of a chicken coop to support their science classes.

West High School: • $500 to Advanced Business Development group for a cell phone charging station at the school.

North High School: • $900 to Recycle North to add recycling bins and biodegradable liners throughout the school.

13 - December 2017

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East Wichita News Church Directory

Christian Science Services - Second Church of Christ, Scientist -

4501 E. Douglas, (316) 684-3121, christiansciencewichita.com. Sunday service, including a Bible based sermon, prayer and singing: 10:30 am; Sunday School, helping children and teens apply Bible lessons to their lives and our world: 10:30 am; Wednesday testimony meeting, with Bible readings and a time for sharing how the teachings of Christ Jesus are practical today: 6:30 pm; Child care available for all services. You are also welcome to call or visit the spiritual resource center we maintain for the public for individual Bible study, prayer and inspiration at the Christian Science Reading Room, 702 W. Douglas, (316) 262-7864, Mon.-Sat., 11-5:30.

College Hill UMC - 2930 E. 1st St. N. Wichita, KS 67214; (316) 683-4643; 9:00 a.m.

Traditional Service in the sanctuary, includes Chancel Choir and monthly communion; 10:15 a.m.

Contemporary Service with monthly communion; First Sunday of each month our children attend this service with their family; 11:20 a.m. short service in the Ward Chapel, weekly communion and small group service; Nursery is available during all three services; Sunday School classes for all ages from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., this includes adults, youth and children; for more information visit www.collegehillumc.org.

East Heights United Methodist Church - 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218;

(316) 682-6518; www.ehumc.org; Rev. Craig Hauschild, Senior Pastor; We are called to love God and our neighbor, trusting that Jesus Christ will use our efforts to transform the world. Three styles of Sunday worship: Chapel 8:45 a.m., Spirit Alive 9:45 a.m., Sanctuary 11 a.m.; Facebook: East Heights UMC; Twitter: @EastHeightsUMC.

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita - 7202 E. 21st Street N, Wichita, KS

67206; (316) 684-3481; www.firstuu.net; Rev. David Carter; Service Times: 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, 11:00 a.m. Children’s Religious Exploration, 9:45 a.m. Adult Religious Exploration; Facebook Page: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita; First UU Wichita, founded in 1887, is a caring, joyful, spiritual, and diverse congregation. First UU is a welcoming church that respects each individual’s spiritual journey and life direction.

Friendship Baptist Church - 2209 E. Pawnee (Pawnee & I-135) Wichita, KS 67211; (316) 263-0269; FBCwichita.com; Dr. Ray Melugin, Pastor; friendshipbaptist1@sbcglobal.net; Offering fully graded Sunday School; Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.; Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m.; Sunday evening service at 6:00 p.m.; Wed. Bible study & Prayer at 6:00 p.m.; Music ministry / personal & family counselling; Services are Bible based, traditional, conservative, KJV; Child Care & Development Center, ages 2 1/2 - 12; Security code & camara protection.

Contact Shelby at the East Wichita News for more information on how to have a Church Directory listing.

316-540-0500

Hillside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - 8330 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67206;

316-683-6577; Fax 316-682-8302; Dr. William H. McConnell, Sr. Minister; Rev. Deborah Elwick-Assoc.

Minister; Worship Services-8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; Church School-9:30 a.m.; Wednesday Night Programming 6:00 p.m.; Youth Meetings-9:30 Sunday School; 6:30 each Wednesday evening; Weekend fun activities; onchurch@hillsidecc.org; Connecting People To Jesus And To Each Other.

Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church -

3700 E. Mt. Vernon; (316) 734-4447; We offer a biblically grounded worship service at 10:30 am each Sunday. Serving the southeast area of Wichita for over 60 years. A Food Pantry is open on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9-10am. Kid’s and Youth Club, Wed. evening during the school year.

Facebook: Mt. Vernon Church.

Progressive Missionary Baptist Church - 2727 E. 25th St. N. - Wichita, KS

67219; (316) 685-1328, (316)681-0081:fax; www. pmbaptist.net; Pastor, Roosevelt K. DeShazer, Sr.; Sunday School: 9:30am; Morning Worship: 11am; Wednesday Night P.B.I (Progressive Bible Institute): 6:30pm; Facebook: @progressivembcpastor; “A People Following Jesus Christ, the Waymaker”

St. James Episcopal Church - 3750 E.

Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67207; (316) 683.5686; www.stjameswichita.org; Rev. Dawn Frankfurt; Pray: Wednesdays 12:15 pm; Saturdays 5:30 pm; Sundays 8:30 and 10:45 am; Learn: Faith Formation (Sunday School) for all ages-Sundays 9:40 am; Grow: Wednesday Supper 5:30 pm; Fellowship-following Sunday AM services; Youth Groups (high school & middle school)-Wednesdays 5:45 pm & 6:45 pm; Bible Study-Wednesdays 6 pm & Thursdays 10 am; Small groups, classes, & opportunities for community engagement throughout the year, including summer Vacation Bible School!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church - 925 N. Waco Ave., Wichita, KS 67203 (Located in Midtown Wichita); (316) 263-0810; Pastor David C. Fulton; One Spirit Alive Worship 9:30 a.m., alternating traditional and contemporary worship forms.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.; ESOL Classes for adults M-Th 9:30 a.m. - 12; Kid’s Kingdom Learning Center Ages 3-5 M-Fri 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. year-round (316-263-2433); stpauls-wichita.org; stpauls. wichita@gmail.com; Facebook: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Wichita, KS; God’s Work. Our Hands Making Disciples to Make Peace.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 7404 East Killarney Place, Wichita, KS 67206; (316) 634-2513; The Rev. Dr. Mary J. Korte, Rector; www.ststephensec.org; Facebook at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wichita, KS; Sunday Services: 8:30 am, Traditional Service (No Music); 10:30 am, Contemporary Service (Music & Choir) followed by “Coffee, Tea and Thee” Fellowship; Nursery provided for both services; 10:15 am Children’s Sunday School, 3 yrs - 5th grade. Resuming in September - 10:15 am St. Stephen’s Sensational Youth Group (5th – 12th grades); 5:30 pm Wednesday “WE” Wholehearted Eucharist, the first Wednesday of each month an IONA Service followed with a potluck dinner. We are a Christ-centered caring community, living out the Gospel for all people.

Ways to get your home ready for the holidays

Whether you’re hosting or just trying to get into the holiday spirit, preparing your home doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive.

Check out these tips for getting your home in tip-top holiday shape on any budget.

Deck the dining table Get your dining table holiday-ready by purchasing staple décor pieces that can be rotated throughout the year. Fill glass vases with seasonal items such as ornaments, holly, faux snow or pinecones.

Add extra light and warmth to the table with a flameless LED pillar candle. Place tea lights in small vases filled with cranberries, holly and water for an inexpensive and festive way to decorate the table.

Decorate the tree If you’re looking for a fun way to get kids involved in holiday decorating, purchase plain ornaments for them to design with paint or pens. Clear ornaments can be filled with glitter or tinsel to create a unique look for your tree.

Decorated ornaments also make great and thoughtful gifts.

Embellish your tree by adding red or burlap ribbon from the top of each side and adding a topper. Then, consider coordinating the color scheme of your tree with gifts, using those that were wrapped early as decor throughout your house.

Deck the front door Make a DIY wreath by gluing bows

or pinning ornaments to a foam wreath.

Designing your own door decor doesn’t have to be expensive, and it will allow you to add your own personal touch to your home’s entryway. Complete the look with festive outdoor lighting. Affordable options are available at variety stores and other locations.

Design a festive mantle Decorate your fireplace mantle for the holidays without spending much time or money. Wrap a garland in mini string lights and hang leftover ornaments to continue the theme from your tree. Create handmade bows to place at each end of the mantle using your choice of ribbon. If you don’t have a mantle, you can create a fireplace-like space with a cluster of string lights or LED candles in a nook of your home. Then, remember to hang the stockings.

Create a cleaning game plan The holidays can be fun, festive and messy. Create a day-by-day cleaning game plan, focusing on one area of your house at a time. This will save you stress and allow you more time to get organized. Be sure you’re stocked up on all your holiday prep cleaning supplies, including sponges, microfiber cloths and wet mop refills.

Remember, getting into the holiday spirit doesn’t have to break the bank.

Save time and money decorating your home, so you can spend more stress-free moments with friends and family.

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years. Their annual Christmas show at Chapel Hill with other veteran musicians lifts up the joy of the season with toe-tapping American bluegrass music.

The ensemble has toured Kansas many times, recorded numerous CD projects and appeared on television channels including The History Channel, The Nashville Network and The Fox Network as part of the Grammy-nominated “Music of the Wild West” project.

Richard Crowson also plays regularly with Burress and Hardin in another configuration, Pop & the Boys, described as an “unapologetic accordion tinged jamgrass band.”

Many people know Richard Crowson as cartoonist, artist and banjo player.

Richard Crowson is the editorial cartoonist and an editorial commentator for KMUW Radio, 89.1 FM. His political commentary airs on National Public Radio (NPR) on alternate Wednesdays.

For many years, he was staff cartoonist for The Wichita Eagle; he still contributes cartoons to the paper. He and his wife, Karen, perform at Watermark Books & Café, and Pop & the Boys plays at The Artichoke Sandwich Bar. Chapel Hill United Methodist Church was founded in 1995 by the Rev. Jeff Gannon and members of Bethel United Methodist Church, who shared a vision to reach the growing outer northeast area of Wichita. In 2002, Chapel Hill opened its doors in a new home on a 43-acre plot of land at 1550 N. Chapel Hill Drive.

For more information, visit https:// chapelhillwichita.org.

Richard Crowson plays a 2015 concert at Watermark Books in Wichita.

Crowson, an Eastsider, is known for his editorial cartoons, his banjo playing and his appearances on KMUW radio.

www.eastwichitanews.com

How often do Wichitans have the chance to hear fiddle, mandolin and banjo turn favorite Christmas standards into rollicking, joyful harmonies, all free of charge? The Music Sessions at Chapel Hill celebrates the Yuletide season with “A Prairie Bluegrass Christmas,” an annual evening of holiday music featuring Richard and Karen Crowson and friends.

The concert takes place at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 14, in the sanctuary of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N. Chapel Hill Dr. Admission is free; a goodwill offering will be taken.

With a combination of traditional favorites and original songs, the program ranges from classical to bluegrass to country-rock. Tuneful music springs to life on mountain string band instruments played in bluegrass style by Richard Crowson, banjo; Karen Crowson, guitar; Phil Burress, bass; Dennis Hardin, guitar and mandolin; and Rob Loren, fiddle, mandolin and dulcimer.

Each performer take turns singing solo and blending voices in the bluegrass style of vocal harmonizing.

“Over the years, I’ve had the honor of promoting the Prairie Bluegrass Christmas at several venues including at Chapel Hill,” said Kent Kellams, who organizes Music Sessions at Chapel Hill.

“I promise you a delightful and joyous evening of Christmas music, bluegrass style. The musicians are simply amazing on their respective instruments and with their talented voices.”

Richard and Karen Crowson have been performing folk and bluegrass music in the Wichita area for many

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Free concert to feature Richard and Karen Crowson

December 2017 - 20 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Sounding Joy

Wichita Chamber Chorale celebrates 40th season Story and photos by Sam Jack

he Wichita Chamber Chorale opens its 40th anniversary season with its annual “Sounding Joy” holiday concert, Dec. 9-10. Since its first concert, at East Heights United Methodist Church on April 23, 1978, the volunteer ensemble has been committed to performing choral classics, and contemporary works, at a high level.

The 40-voice choir is made up largely of music professionals – teachers and performers – plus some committed amateurs. What the members have in common is a desire to master and perform challenging choral music.

“We have a lot of people who stick with the choir over many years,” said Dr. Mark Bartel, director of choral music at Friends University and the Chamber Chorale’s artistic director. “We continue to attract among the most advanced singers to participate. More difficult music requires a well-rounded approach to musicianship, and those are the people we’re looking for.

“That doesn’t mean all our music is highly advanced; some of what we sing is simple. But it’s about doing any kind of music really well,” Bartel added.

Recent highlights for the group have

included performances of Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil (the “Vespers”); and of Thomas Tallis’s 450-year-old sacred piece “Spem in alium.” In the Tallis, the chorale divided itself into eight five-person groups. No two singers sang exactly the same music.

“It was exciting, and it was challenging, for sure,” said Wyatt Sheeder, a baritone in the group and the current president of its board. “There’s a reason it’s not performed much. Everybody needs to be autonomous and secure in their part, and it’s quite an undertaking.

People travel to festivals to hear or participate in that piece in particular, so the fact that Dr. Bartel brought it to Wichita was pretty unique.”

When they performed “Spem in alium” at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the singers encircled the audience. Groups of singers joined one another in cascades imitation and contrast, creating a 3D soundscape that is impossible to replicate on a recording.

Championing choral masterpieces that are rarely performed is an important part of the group’s mission, but

See CHORALE, Page 22

ABOVE and OPPOSITE: Members of the Wichita Chamber Chorale perform during last year’s Christmas concerts. The group opens its 40th season this month with performances Dec. 9-10 at Plymouth Congregational Church.

Contributed photos

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T

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December 2017 - 22 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Chorale Continued from Page 21

Bartel also wants to engage with contemporary society, and with contemporary music.

“As our society evolves, and our understanding of how art functions in society, I think we’re evolving with it,” Bartel said. “Concert programming is getting a little more eclectic. People use the word ‘classical’ to describe what we do, but it’s maybe not really appropriate. There’s going to be a healthy dose of classical, but there might be world music, folk songs, spirituals. It ends up being whatever will serve a certain theme or purpose, and that draws from different pools of repertoire.”

Bartel drew on the composers and cultures of the global north for this year’s “Sounding Joy” concert, entitled “Northern Lights. “Northern Lights” is also the title of the program’s central work, an intensely dramatic five-minute piece that features wine glasses made to ring with a

wetted finger.

Traditional Christmas music from Scandinavia, along with familiar American holiday favorites, rounds out the wide-ranging concert program.

• • • • • Soprano Gretchen Bixler met her husband Steve (a bass) when she joined the Wichita Chamber Chorale 19 years ago, and both are still members of the group. This is Steve’s 30th season. Now an East Wichitan, Gretchen Bixler lived an hour away in Nickerson when she first joined. Several of her friends were part of the group, but she hesitated to join them, and commit to a long weekly drive.

Then Dr. Michael Pohlenz, the chorale’s director for its first 25 years of existence, announced that famed choral conductor Robert Shaw would lead a workshop at Bethel College in Newton. Shaw, who died in 1999, was one of the most significant figures in 20th-century American choral singing; he trained and influenced multiple generations of conductors and performers.

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“I said, ‘How do I get to sing with Robert Shaw?’ (Pohlenz) said, ‘You have to be in Chamber Chorale,’” Bixler recalled. “I said, ‘OK, I’m going to audition.’”

Bixler now directs choirs at Eisenhower High School in Goddard and is the current president of the Kansas Music Educators Association. She, like several other long-time choir members, has sung under all three of the group’s directors: Pohlenz, Dr. Robert Glasmann, and since 2010, Bartel.

Pohlenz and Glasmann both studied and performed with Shaw, and they employed rehearsal techniques Shaw popularized, such as count-singing, and focusing in turn on each artistic element (pitch, rhythm, enunciation, phrasing) of a performance.

Glasmann, professor of choral music at Wichita State University from 1987 to 2010, favored a more romantic, sweeping sound for his choirs, according to Bixler, while Pohlenz aimed for a leaner, purer tone and tended to program more technically difficult repertoire. Since taking over, Bartel has mixed “big sings”

See CHAMBER, Page 30

The Wichita Chamber Chorale’s holiday concert, “Sounding Joy: Northern Lights” will be performed at Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton Ave., at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Visit www. wichitachorale.com to buy tickets online, or buy in person at Senseney Music, 2300 E. Lincoln. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors, $5 college students, and free for K-12 students.

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The annual Cedar Crest Celebrate the Season Party hosted by the Friends of Cedar Crest Association and the Governor and First Lady of Kansas is at 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. This annual fundraiser is open to the public.

The primary function of Cedar Crest, the Kansas Governor’s residence on the National Register of Historic Places, is to serve as the residence for the First Family of the State of Kansas.

The Friends of Cedar Crest Association exists to cooperate with the First Family of the State of Kansas and the Governor’s Residence Advisory Commission for the

preservation, restoration and enhancement of Cedar Crest and to encourage public awareness of and contribution to the historic and cultural importance of Cedar Crest.

Tickets for the party are available by sending a check made payable to Friends of Cedar Crest Association, One SW Cedar Crest Road, Topeka, KS 66606.

Tickets are $150 per person.

Guests will enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, spirits and the beauty of Cedar Crest. The event is being catered by The Olathe School District’s Culinary Arts students.

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Tickets available for holiday party at Cedar Crest

December 2017 - 24 www.eastwichitanews.com

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Featured this month Lighthouse Music............................Page 20

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.

Kitchen Tune-Up...............................Page 21 Wichita Grand Opera........................Page 22

Let Lighthouse put you in the perfect instrument Fred Sullivan knows that right now is the perfect time to make the switch from a rental instrument to owning your own instrument.

And Sullivan, who owns Lighthouse Music Services in Bel Aire, can help you make that happen for less money than you might think.

“I’ve got a great selection of used instruments here in the shop,” said Sullivan, who has been involved with band and orchestra instrument sales and repairs most of his life. “And in many cases, I can help a family come out way ahead by purchasing an instrument, versus continuing to rent.”

At Lighthouse, all of the used instruments that are for sale are name brand, and have been completely overhauled

by Sullivan. His attention to detail, the pride in his craftsmanship, and Sullivan’s dedication to customer service leave little to worry about when an instrument leaves the Lighthouse shop for a new home.

And now is just the right time of year

for a family to consider switching to ownership from a rental instrument.

Most rental commitments that started in the fall can now be dropped, and a chance to save money on a student instrument over renting is a huge plus.

And if you’re shopping for a first instrument, it’s also a great time with Christmas right around the corner!

Sullivan’s shop may be small on space, but it’s big on other ideas for Christmas, too. In addition to instruments, Sullivan also carries all kinds of instrument accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

A native of Arizona, Sullivan grew up playing clarinet and struck up a friendship with a neighbor and master craftsman who ran a similar in-home instrument repair business. Several years later, Sullivan started working for that repair shop while attending community college.

“That’s how I learned the trade,” said

See LIGHTHOUSE, Page 25

Fred Sullivan at Lighthouse Music Services has a well-stocked shop featuring accessories and lots of used instruments that can help families save money over rentals.

Lighthouse

and his family to Kansas. In 2003, determined to strike out on his own, Sullivan opened Lighthouse Music Services.

“I really hope that the repair work I do here in my shop enhances the desire for someone to keep playing and growing as a musician,” said Sullivan.

For more information about purchasing a used instrument, accessories, or to have your instrument serviced, contact Lighthouse Music Services by calling Fred Sullivan at 316-744-8530.

Continued from Page 24

Sullivan. Later, Sullivan earned an industrial arts degree, and split his time over the years working as a teacher and as a repairman for music stores, along with receiving additional training and continuing education.

One of those jobs, at a music store in Wichita, brought Sullivan

ABOVE: This revamped kitchen in West Wichita features a whole new look for the homeowners. New ivory cabinets and lots of grey tones provide a warm and inviting look and feel. LEFT: A tile feature over the stove boasts new flaskshaped tiles, and the design element helps draw people into the kitchen.

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

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helps draw you into the kitchen.

A pocket door was added between the kitchen and laundry room, also helping with the feeling of more space. And, a wrap-around cabinet with glass doors at one corner of the kitchen helps extend that space and connect it with the living room.

“This is a good example of how a space can help with zone entertaining,” said Rachel. “Now, the space can help accommodate more people comfortably.”

Sara said that was exactly the case over the Thanksgiving holiday as their family entertained guests. Now, she’s looking forward to Christmas and more entertaining!

The experts at Wichita’s Kitchen TuneUp can provide customers with finished projects ranging from easy and inexpensive to breathtaking and cutting edge.

Kitchen Tune-Up has remodeled hundreds of kitchens since the local franchise was launched in 2005 by Adam’s parents. The company’s services range from One-Day Restoration or “TuneUp” of cabinets or any interior wood surfaces, to cabinet refacing projects to complete custom kitchens.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call Kitchen Tune-Up at 316-558-8888. You also can find more information at www.kitchentuneup.com.

Be sure to check out the company’s extensive BEFORE/AFTER portfolio on Facebook! When you visit the local Kitchen Tune-Up Facebook page, be sure to “LIKE” Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Sara Roberts jokes that she’s wanted a new kitchen for about 10 years.

In other words, about the whole time she and her husband John have been in their WestSide home.

“We’ve loved the location because of its proximity to our kids’ school, so instead of thinking about moving, we settled on some serious remodeling,” said Sara. The latest project focused on that all-important new kitchen, and friends referred the Roberts family to the experts at Kitchen Tune-Up. With some direction from the homeowners, Kitchen Tune-Up owners Adam and Rachel Phillips were able to bring this project to completion…and with a wild thumbs-up from John and Sara.

“We are over the moon happy,” Sara said, grinning from ear to ear.

Designer Rachel Phillips’ first goal was to brighten up the kitchen space. All new ivory-colored cabinets made a huge difference, and warm greys on the walls, countertops and backsplashes completed the fantastic new look.

“The trend in home design is going back to warmer colors,” said Rachel. She used quartz countertops and oversized subway tiles to help with that warm and open feeling in the redesigned kitchen space.

Even though only minor adjustments were made in the kitchen space – a poorly designed pantry was removed – the space now feels much more open and inviting for daily use and entertaining.

A tile feature over the stove boasts new flask-shaped tiles, and the design element

25 - December 2017

Kitchen Tune-Up helps brighten up another home

December 2017 - 26 FOCUS ON BUSINESS www.eastwichitanews.com

The Mann is back on December 9

By Sam Jack Singer Chris Mann rose to fame as a competitor on the 2012 season of NBC’s “The Voice.” He followed up that breakout with acclaimed studio albums, hundreds of concert performances, and, most recently, a two-year, 700-performance run as the title Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Thanks to his non-stop career, Mann has rarely made it back to perform in Wichita, his hometown. His most recent performance here was immediately after his season on “The Voice.”

When he takes the stage of Century II on Saturday, Dec. 9 for “Chris Mann: Home for Christmas,” Wichita Grand Opera’s second Christmas gala, Wichita will see firsthand how Mann has evolved from talented aspirant to seasoned artist in the five years since then. Mann will be joined by Internationally acclaimed maestro Steven Mercurio and WGO favorite Kaitlyn Costello, featuring the Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus.

“Obviously, I’m really excited,” Mann said. “I’ve never worked with Wichita Grand Opera before, so that’ll be a treat for me. My friends and family, everybody will be there. I know the conductor, Steven Mercurio, is quite famous, and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”

Mercurio, who conducted WGO’s 10th Anniversary Gala, featuring Ramey, DiDonato, and Held, with the WGO Orchestra and Chorus, has performed with classical and crossover luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, and the World Tour of Sting and the Royal Philharmonic.

He was music director of five “Christmas in Vienna” concerts that were broadcast on PBS in the United States and European television, featuring guests such as Vanessa Williams and Michael Bolton, highlighted by the 1999 The Three Tenors performance with Pavarotti, Carreras, and Domingo.

Chris Mann

Steven Mercurio

As Maestro Mercurio worked with WGO Artistic Director Parvan Bakardiev and featured artists Chris Mann and Kaitlyn Costello to create

Kaitlyn Costello

the program of “Chris Mann: Home for Christmas,” he drew on that experience, Mercurio said.

“Basically, it’s a combination of tradi-

tional Christmas repertory, plus some modern twists along the way,” he said.

“It’s traditional, classical and popular Christmas favorites, plus a few other interesting surprises.”

Mann, a classically-trained singer who started his career in pop music and then made his mark in the world of musical theatre, is the perfect person to bring that combination to vivid life on stage, Mercurio said.

“He’s an ideal person to anchor this.

I’m looking forward to working with him, and unifying all the performers, choirs and fine orchestra.”

Artistic Director Bakardiev added, “On top of that, most people don’t know that Chris, THE star of Broadway, studied opera at Vanderbilt University.

It makes him an incredibly versatile talent, which led to his starring role in the national tour of ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ widely considered to be a modern-day opera.”

Featured performer Kaitlyn Costello starred with the Wichita Grand Opera in unforgettable performances of “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Barber of Seville,” showing off her comedic prowess, and in the show-stopping title role of 2016’s “The Grand Duchess,” singing Offenbach’s complicated vocal lines while dancing, executing pratfalls and, at one point, sinking into the splits while tossing off a high note.

More recently, Costello performed the dance-intensive “West Side Story” role of Anita, in what she called a career highlight. She hopes to bring some of that character’s high spirits to this exclusive Christmas gala concert.

“I get to do a pretty feisty rendition of ‘Santa Baby,’ which I’m excited about,” Costello said. “I’m hoping to make that have a little flair to it. I always just try to be me.”

“Chris Mann: Home for Christmas” will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Century II Concert Hall.

Tickets range in price from $37 to $85, with student, senior, and group rates available.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.wichitagrandopera.org or call the WGO Box Office at 316-2628054.

Dec. 3 – Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Old Town Square, 6-6:30 p.m. Join city leaders and the community as this tradition continues in a new location (formerly at Kennedy Plaza).

Dec. 3 – Lights on the River, Wichita Boathouse. This free family-friendly event highlights Wichita’s best natural asset each holiday season – the Arkansas River. Trolleys will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. to take you to Old Town from the Wichita Boathouse to see the lighting ceremony in Old Town Square at 6 p.m. Attendees can purchase floating lights for the floating light launch, enjoy wagon rides, visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, partake in yummy food from local food trucks and more.

Dec. 8 – Holiday Sweater Social, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the downtown Pop-Up Park, 121 E. Douglas. Prizes awarded for the “best” ugly sweaters for both individuals and groups, as chosen by local

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judges. Food will be available from local vendors. Attendees will receive free hot chocolate from Sunflower Espresso.

Dec. 10 – Ark Church’s Celebrate With Family, 6 p.m. at Ark Church, 5501 N. Maize Road. Enjoy family time with Christmas classics featuring members of the Wichita Symphony, Generation’s Kids Choir, Oneighty’s Weathervane, a comedy act, and the Christmas story read to a musical drama. Free event, refreshments will be served. More information at 316-721-6688 or www. arkchurch.net.

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Investigate manufacturing and engineering – what we do right here in Wichita – with the all-new, permanent, aviation exhibit “Design Build Fly” at Exploration Place, opening Saturday, Dec. 2.

“Design Build Fly” will take guests on an interactive journey to discover what happens in aircraft facilities like the ones located right here in the Air Capital of the World. Visitors will: • Test landing gear and repair a wing.

• Examine the inner workings of a plane and discover what each part does as they watch exclusive videos.

• Sit in the cockpit of a jet and experience flying all over the country.

• Pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle.

• Design an airplane seat.

• Lounge in a luxurious private jet.

• Watch exclusive behind-the-scenes videos of the aircraft industry inside the Fuselage Theater.

• Plus much more.

“Design Build Fly” is included in general museum admission, free for members.

This exhibit was designed and produced by Roto Group, LLC., Dublin, Ohio.

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

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Dec. 2, 9, 16 – Holidays in Old Town.

Enjoy brick-lined streets and converted brick warehouses dated to the late 1800s.

Enjoy decorations, live music, shopping, Santa Claus and more. Free carriage rides 5-7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 12-5 p.m. Dec. 16.

December 2017 - 28

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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!

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group, posted a video and message on Facebook.

“They didn’t have enough food, no one took care of them, they were not loved,” someone from the group wrote. “Most of these dogs will have to learn that people are not going to hurt them but that they can trust.”

Both Hiebert and Rouse took exception to that description of the dogs’ living conditions.

“We did not have to wear huge leather welding gloves to move these doggies,” Hiebert said. “They were scared, because they were being taken from their owner, but they were not bite-y, not growling, nothing.”

Unleashed later withdrew its initial post and replaced it with one that noted the dogs were inbred, had overgrown nails and were under-socialized.

Both Goddard Police and Sedgwick County Animal Control knew nothing about the 50 Chihuahuas until the rescue was reported in the media. Spokesperson Kate Flavin said that Sedgwick County Animal Control is now investigating but does not know the man’s identity.

Hiebert said she wants people to know that private rescuers can often help when people end up with too many animals – before government agencies have to get involved.

“Some (cases), yes, do warrant the authorities, because the person isn’t reaching out for help,” Hiebert said. “But it doesn’t have to be a bad situation. These rescues took all the pets, and I feel confident that they’re going to get spayed, neutered, and into loving homes.”

Both WAGS and Unleashed will be putting Chihuahuas up for adoption in the coming weeks and months (Hiebert declined to name the other four rescue groups). For more information, visit www.wearegratefulsanctuary. weebly.com and www.unleashedrescue.com.

Help for hoarding can be hard to find S t o ry b y Tr av i s M o u n t s

The recent news that a Goddard-area resident had been housing 50 Chihuahuas was not surprising to one professional organizer.

Geralin Thomas has appeared on the television show “Hoarders.” She’s also author of the book, “From Hoarding to Hope: Understanding People Who Hoard and How to Help Them.”

She said people who hoard animals have a different disorder than people who hoard things, such as books and magazines, or dolls, for example.

“It’s one of the toughest hoarding disorders to treat,” she said by phone Monday. She previously adopted a dog from a hoarder.

“The whole topic is kind of mysterious. There’s still tons we don’t know.”

Not all hoarders have 10,000 books or magazines, or newspapers. Hoarding becomes a problem when it begins to negatively impact your daily life.

Hoarders often focus on specific things. Thomas had a client who had dolls. The client’s motives were good: She collected broken or damaged dolls with the idea of fixing them and giving them to needy kids. But the dolls never got repaired.

She offered some advice to people who have a hoarder in their lives.

“Do no harm. You don’t want to send them on vacation and then clean their house while they’re away,” Thomas said. She said that can cause trauma and further complicate existing trust issues.

Go slowly, she advised. Take care of safety issues first. That means clearing off sinks and stoves, toilets, and stairways. Safety can be an issue for the hoarder as well as first responders.

“Make sure public areas like the kitchen and bath are open,” Thomas said.

There are few resources specifically for hoarders, especially in rural areas. Thomas said to start with a therapist who deals with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Professional organizers also can help. Some areas, Thomas said, have hoarding task forces that you can turn to.

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On Saturday, Nov. 11, members of six different animal rescue groups met in the Goddard Walmart parking lot to take delivery of 50 Chihuahuas.

A Goddard man had been keeping the dogs at his home.

According to animal rescue volunteer Lesa Hiebert, the man lacked the financial resources to spay or neuter his pets. Over time, the situation got out of control.

The man voluntarily turned the dogs over to Hiebert, and she then coordinated the meet-up at Walmart.

That procedure allowed her to keep the man’s identity a secret, and to shield him from potential legal trouble.

Goddard city ordinance permits residents to keep no more than three dogs per household, plus no more than one litter of puppies. The dogs rescued earlier this month included multiple litters as well as pregnant mothers.

“It’s an elderly owner. The owner loved all of them, and he cried. They had all of their rabies shots, and some of them even had little clothes, dresses, collars,” Hiebert said. “Most of them were on the plump side, but they were all very well taken care of. It was just an overwhelming situation.”

Jennifer Rouse volunteers for We Are Grateful Sanctuary (WAGS), one of the rescue groups involved. She said the dogs were well-cared for compared to five other animal hoarding cases her group has encountered in the past year.

“I don’t want to say ‘hoarder.’ I would say a man that got in over his head,” Rouse said.

“Every one of (the dogs) had names. ... Sometimes people get in a tough spot, and when they realize it, they get help.”

The rescue became public when Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption, a Mission, Kan.

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50 Chihuahuas rescued from area home

December 2017 - 30

Chamber Continued from Page 22

like Bach’s “Magnificat” and the Rachmaninov Vespers with smaller, more harmonically-adventurous pieces by contemporary composers.

• • • • •

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Befitting a group made up largely of educators, the chorale is committed to teaching as well as performing.

The choir invites high-school students from the local area to its annual Heartland Festival, coaching young singers and performing alongside them. The choir also has presented several “Children’s Classics” concerts over the years.

For spring 2018, the choir is planning one of its biggest outreach efforts to date. For “Solid Ground,” April 8 at East Heights United Methodist Church, Wichita Chamber Chorale will join forces with the 60-voice Wichita Community Children’s Choir, in a concert

built around the topic of homelessness.

Family Promise, a charity that helps homeless families find temporary shelter in Wichita churches, also will participate and benefit.

“I think there’s a trend for arts organizations to see themselves as participating in those kinds of needs of society,” Bartel said. “Helping people confront the issue in a way that’s not as didactic as, ‘Here’s an article to read,’ or, ‘Here’s a town hall meeting.’ The idea is that we’re all touched on some level when we listen to or experience music, and that might predispose us to look at issues differently.”

From the Wichita Symphony Chorus to countless church choirs to the Air Capital Chorus and Sweet Adelines, Wichita is a singing town.

Regardless of skill level and repertoire, the appeal of choral singing is community.

“Everybody has a voice,” Bartel said.

“There’s something about the act of coming together and singing that does symbolize community. We’re trying to break down barriers and draw people in so we can extend that feeling of community to our audiences.”

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Dr. Mark Bartel leads the Wichita Chamber Chorale at one of the “Sounding Joy” Christmas concert perfornances last year.

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LEFT and ABOVE: Members of the Wichita Chamber Chorale take part in a recent rehearsal. The group is getting ready to open its 40th season with a holiday concert this month. Shows will be at Plymouth Congregational Church.

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Eastsiders take the stage in ‘Bethlehem, Kansas’

The cast of “Bethlehem, Kansas” includes a number of young Eastside actors. The show will be performed Dec. 8-10 at the Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II.

Music Theatre for Young People will present “Bethlehem, Kansas,” a holiday-themed show, on stage at Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II Convention Center.

A Christmas Eve blizzard in western Kansas strands travelers at the Bethlehem Motel.

The Motel proprietors, Jack and Rachael, struggle to meet the needs of the unexpected crowd while coping with the coming holiday, which holds painful memories for them. The blizzard strands four members of the Topeka Stargazers Club in search of a special star, four cowboys caught tending their herd and a busload of not-so-angelic

kids from the Oak City Church Children’s Choir.

Just as the guests pitch in to help Jack and Rachel make do with the limited rooms and provisions Joe and Mary arrive, and Mary is very pregnant. The children panic about missing Christmas, the Stargazers grouse about missing a unique astronomical event because of the storm, one of the cowboys falls for the children’s choir director, and Jack and Rachel find themselves finding room for the expectant mother.

Just when all seems under control, Mary goes into labor. Bethlehem, Kansas is the

musical story of people who find love and peace in the miracle that is Christmas.

The cast includes a number of WestSide youth, including: Will Meyer, Maggie Steele, Allison Thomas, Grace Cornwell, Thomas Higgins, Jacob Crabtree, Abby Hoglen, Gracie Lane and Ryan Zavala.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and students. Tickets at the door are $15. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wichitatix.com, at the Century II box office or by phone at 316-303-8100.

Youth theater leader began her career in the courtroom S t o ry b y Tr av i s M o u n t s

in middle school and high school shows.

Some have regional experience.

“We run the full gamut of experience,” she said. “Our staff tries to meet them where they are and move them to a higher level. All of the kids get the shared experience of working with professionals, putting a show together and performing at Century II.” MTYP shows are performed in the Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II. Vines estimated 100 to 150 different youth take the stage during at least one of the four shows that Music Theatre for Young People produces each school year.

There is a core of actors who appear regularly each and every season, and those who may do just one or two shows. One show per season is a teen show. Vines said some of the most loyal actors are the pre-teens.

“Every show has new and familiar faces,” she said.

Vines got involved with MTYP the same way so many people get pulled into arts and volunteer organizations – through an acquaintance.

“The best man from our wedding was president of the board of directors. He started talking to me,” Vines said about Drew Bogner. “And he didn’t get me right away.”

Soon, though, Vines’ children became involved, and she started to get involved as a volunteer. That led to a spot on the board of directors, which lasted for 14 years. She served as president several times, and held nearly every role there was to hold. She stepped down from the board to become executive director 4-1/2 years ago.

Vines explained what she loves most about the job.

“The stories. It’s an opportunity to learn about other peoples’ lives,” she

See VINES, Page 34

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For more than four years, East Wichita native Kim Gee Vines has been leading Music Theatre for Young People (MTYP), a nonprofit that features that talents of young thespians from across south-central Kansas.

That role is Vines’ most recent in a long relationship with MTYP. She’s been a theater parent, and she spent 14 years on the board of directors.

It’s a different kind of role for Vines, an attorney who spent the first part of her career as a prosecutor in the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office, and who also served as a judge in the juvenile court system.

The stage and a juvenile court room are very different situations, but Vines sees a common calling in both roles.

“I have a passion for seeing young people reach their greatest potential, and I enjoy working with kids,” she said at a recent rehearsal for MTYP’s upcoming Christmas show, “Bethlehem, Kansas.”

She did note that her role in MTYP is different than her role as a judge.

“I make fewer kids cry here,” she said with a laugh.

Like other local arts organizations, MTYP continues to work to let the public know it exists. But for people whose kids are into acting and singing, MTYP is considered a premiere opportunity.

It’s also an organization that caters to both the experienced child actor and the newcomer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for youth from the surrounding area, not just Wichita,” she said. “What I like best is the kids and watching them grow through their involvement with MTYP...

We get kids from all levels of experience.”

For some, MTYP is their first time on stage. Others have been in church youth group performances, or have been cast

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From the court to the stage

December 2017 - 34

Vines Continued from Page 33

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East Wichita native Kim Gee Vines grew up with theater in her blood, but started her career as an attorney, including stints with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office and as a juvenile court judge.

said. “(And) the kids. There’s no second.”

Theater is in Vines’ blood. She performed in high school and college dramas. She apprenticed back stage at Music Theatre Wichita during that organization’s first year of the program.

Vines is a native East Wichitan who grew up in the Murdock and Edgemoor area. She attended Murdock Elementary, Robinson Junior High School and Southeast High School.

She attended Kansas State University, spent her junior year at the University of Bordeaux in France. She picked up 31 credit hours in France, helping lead her to a French major.

After graduation, she spent a year as a “ski bum” in Keystone, Colo., she said.

She had always thought about being an attorney, so after bumming around on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, she went to Lawrence and the University of Kansas Law School. Law school, she said, provides a different perspective than other graduate

programs.

“Law opens up a wider vista of opportunities. And it’s interesting,” Vines said. She noted that most graduate schools narrow your career focus into more of a specialty.

After graduation, Vines returned to Wichita. She spent 3-1/2 years in the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office. She started in the appeals division.

“I wrote briefs and argued the cases to the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals,” she said.

From there, she spent 6-1/2 years with Kansas Gas and Electric (KG&E), the company now known as Westar Energy. She left KG&E when the company merged with Kansas Power & Light and the legal department was moved to Topeka.

Vines taught business law as an adjunct professor for five years at Newman University. She also served pro tem with the City of Wichita municipal court’s domestic violence docket.

“It started as a summer thing. They added the equivalent of a position by adding pro tems,” Vines explained.

She then received a special appointment to the district court bench. Somebody else held that position initially, but then Vines was appointed, and the position was extended. She worked in the juvenile court,

at KU, where Monte also was studying law. Their children are Matthew and Christine.

Vines sees her role with Music Theatre for Young People as more like an artistic director.

“It’s getting the shows up and running, and keeping the organization running at the same time. It’s a pat-your-headand-rub-your-stomach thing,” she said.

“We have a very dedicated board and I couldn’t do this without them.”

The current show held auditions on Oct 22, and the curtain goes up Dec. 8. It’s a tight time frame, but not that much shorter than normal. Some of the most well-known local names in Wichita theater play roles. Karen Robu, who is known for roles with just about every stage group in the city, is directing “Bethlehem, Kansas.”

Vines said once children take part in MTYP, they become part of a larger family.

“One big thing I want kids to take away from MTYP is, knowing that they are part of a community – a community that cares about them and is cheering them on wherever they may go,” she said.

Kim Gee Vines, executive director for Music Theatre for Young People, addresses the crowd before a recent show. Vines has been a theater parent and served on the MTYP board for 14 years before taking on the director’s role.

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handling all of the county’s young offenders.

The children who came through the court fell into one of two categories: Defendants who were minors, and child in need of care (CINC) cases, where children were the victims of emotion, physical or sexual abuse or had been neglected. She did that for about a year, helping clear a backlog of cases.

Vines has a long history of working with youth. At age 11, she began babysitting neighborhood children who lived across the street. She spent two summers as a day camp counselor at Camp Hyde, southwest of Wichita. She then was a resident counselor at Camp Weidemann, the former Girl Scout camp about 45 minutes east of Wichita.

That property was sold more than a decade ago.

“You never know which kids will make the best of their opportunities, so you have to address every one as if they will be the one. And that’s true of both places,” Vines said about juvenile court and MTYP. Through all of that, Vines and her husband, Monte, also raised a family.

Monte is a native Wichitan, but they met

December 2017 - 36 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

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(StatePoint) According to one festive and fun annual economic indicator, the cost of this holiday season for shoppers is not expected to rise a significant amount over last year.

For more than 30 years, PNC has calculated the combined estimated price of the gifts from the classic carol “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Known as the PNC Christmas Price Index, the results can indicate what holiday shoppers might expect at the register. This year, the index calculated the total price of all 12 gifts to be $34,558.65, a modest 0.6 percent increase over last year.

While the average consumer is unlikely to shop online or at the mall in search of geese-a-laying or a partridge in a pear tree, the Christmas Price Index can be informative for those planning their holiday shopping, as the cost for these gifts often increase or decrease at a rate consistent with the U.S. Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The U.S. economy is growing at a sustainable pace, fueled by higher consumer confidence, low unemployment, modest wage gains and low interest rates,” says Thomas P. Melcher, chief investment officer for PNC Asset Management Group. “However, The PNC Christmas Price Index rose at slow steady pace of 0.6 percent in 2017, as companies appear hesitant to pass through price increases to the consumer.”

A few factors largely have driven changes in the index over the years. The Internet makes it easier to find the gifts from the song online, but these goods and services tend to be expensive, mainly due to added shipping and handling costs. The price of services overall has increased, while the price of goods has slowed. Fuel costs, which have been especially volatile over the last few years, have a major effect on the cost of shipping.

So, while you may have no need to buy anyone on your list any maids-a-milking, it is good for jewelry lovers to know that the price of golden rings jumped more than any other gift that may be on their true love’s wishlist this year.

Through Dec. 17 – “A Christmas Carol,” staged by The Forum Theatre Company. Shows at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Created especially for The Forum Theatre, “A Christmas Carol” returns in a newly conceived production.

Starring Shaun Michael Morse as Scrooge and Karla Burns as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Tickets $23-$25, www. forumwichita.com. Shows at The Wilke Center, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway.

Through Dec. 23 – “The Maltese Partridge in a Pear Tree,” Prairie Pines Playhouse Mystery Theatre, 4055 N. Tyler Rd. Tickets $34.95, www.prairiepinesplayhouse.com or 316-303-2037.

Through Dec. 23 – “The Kyle and Monte Christmas Musical 2,” Roxy’s Downtown, 412-1/2 E. Douglas. Shows at 8 p.m., with dinner served 6:30-7:15 p.m. The boys are back and the good cheer is all new. Seating $20-$30, dinner $15. Reservations at 316-265-4400. Uncensored show on Dec. 27.

Through Dec. 30 – “Fist of Furry Reindeer, or Angry Santa Claws,” Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley St. Written

by Tom Frye. Tickets $30 for dinner and show, $26 for seniors/children. Show only $20. Reservations at 316-263-0222.

Dec. 1-3 – Friends University Christmas candlelight concert, Sebits Auditorium.

Shows at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3.

Adults $15, seniors and students $12.

Dec. 2-3 – Cirque de la Symphonie Holiday Spectacular, Century II, presented

Rachel Copper at broadwaydaydreamer@ gmail.com or 316-217-6307.

Dec. 8 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra, INTRUST Bank Arena, 8 p.m. The band has traveled for more than two decades, bringing holiday shows full of energy and special effects. Tickets $48-$78, www.instrustbankarena.com.

December 2017

by Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Shows at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

This holiday show is perfect for the whole family and comes equipped with acrobats, aerial flyers, contortionists, dances, jugglers, balancers and some of the strongest men and women you will ever see. These gravity-defying stunts are professionally-choreographed and set to classical masterpieces recognizable for all ages. Tickets $25-$73, www.wichitasymphony.org.

Dec. 1-3 – Christmas candlelight concert, Friends University. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Sebits Auditorium. Tickets $15, $12 seniors and students. Tickets at friends.edu/finearts, 316-295-5677 or at the Riney Fine Arts Center (Office A2).

Dec. 8 – “Judy, Gene and Julie,” the songs made famous by Judy Garland, Gene Kelley and Julie Andrews will be performed by the Wichita Broadway Singers at Botanica Illuminations. Ticket prices are $7 and $5. Enjoy MGM hits like “Singing in the Rain,” a Mary Poppins medley, and “Get Happy,” as well as seasonal favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Two more performances will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Senseney Music, 2300 E. Lincoln (free show) and at 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 in The Independent School, 8317 E. Douglas (donations accepted). The Wichita Broadway Singers, under several names, have been entertaining Wichitans for 25 years. The group specializes in the music of the theatre, film, stage and TV. Performances are in December and May each year, with rehearsals starting in September or January. No auditions required.

Those interested in joining should contact

Dec. 8-10 – “Bethlehem, Kansas,” presented by Music Theatre For Young People, Century II Mary Jane Teall Theater.

Shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets $12 adults, $10 children and students; $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wichitatix.com, at the Century II box office or by phone at 316-303-8100.

Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 – “The Nutracker,” Friends University Sebits Auditorium.

Tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. Tickets at friends.edu/finearts, 316-295-5677 or at the Riney Fine Arts Center (Office A2).

Dec. 9 – Chris Mann: Home for Christmas, Century II Concert Hall. Wichita native and opera superstar Chris Mann comes Home for Christmas in an enthusiastic performance with Wichita Grand Opera.

Mann rose to fame on NBC’s “The Voice,” and is most well-known for his Broadway Tour as the Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera,” where he was hand-selected for the part by the author who wrote the production. Tickets $37-$85, www.selectaseat.com.

Dec. 9-10 – “Sounding Joy: Northern Lights,” presented by the Wichita Chamber Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton Ave. The human story is bound up with the presence, mystery and beauty of light. Whether coping with winter darkness, marking the December solstice or celebrating the “light of the world” at Christmas, the people of northern climes have given musical expression to the idea of light. The 40-voice chorale will feature Latvian composer Erik Esenvald’s evocative “Northern Lights” for voices, power chimes and water-tuned glasses; a choral suite from

Disney’s animated feature “Frozen”; and seasonal favorites from Canada and Northern Europe. Tickets $20 for adults; $15 for seniors; $5 for college students; free for K-12 students. Buy tickets online at www. wichitachorale.com, in person at Senseney Music, or at the door.

Dec. 14 – A Prairie Bluegrass Christmas featuring Richard and Karen Crowson and friends, 7 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N. Chapel Hill Drive. A freewill offering will be taken.

Hear fiddle, mandolin and banjo turn favorite Christmas standards into rollicking, joyful harmonies. The concert will feature a combination of traditional favorites and original songs, ranging from classical to bluegrass to country-rock. Additional performers include Phil Burress, Dennis Hardin and Rob Loren. The concert will be in the church’s sanctuary. Cartoonist, artist and banjo player, Richard Crowson is the editorial cartoonist and an editorial commentator for KMUW Radio, 89.1 FM. His political commentary airs on National Public Radio (NPR) on alternate Wednesdays. For many years he was staff cartoonist for The Wichita Eagle; he still contributes cartoons to the paper. He and his wife Karen perform at Watermark Books & Café, and his accordion jamgrass band, Pop & the Boys, plays at The Artichoke Sandwichbar.

Dec. 15 – “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour,” 8 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Presented by Murray & Peter, featuring contestants from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on VH1, including Shea Coulee, Kim Chi, Aja, Latrice Royale, Naomi Smalls, Chi Chi DeVayne and Eureka O’Hair, and hosted

by Trinity Taylor. Tickets $20-$50, www.

WichitaOrpheum.com or 855-755-7328.

Dec. 15-17 – “Nutcracker Ballet,” presented by Ballet Wichita at Century II Concert Hall. Shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. For ages 3 and up. Tickets at the Century II box office or www.wichitatix.com. Prices start at $25.

This holiday favoried is based on the 1816 book by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to music

by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

If you have a submission for the Performing Arts Calendar, please email news@tsnews.com by Dec. 20 for consideration in the January edition.

www.eastwichitanews.com

Dec. 1-2 – Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre fall concert, 7:30 p.m. at WSU’s Wilner Auditorium. The Kansas Dance Festival presents an eclectic evening of dance featuring ballet, modern and jazz dance.

Performing Arts Calendar

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Through Dec. 10 – “A Dog’s Life (musical),” Wichita Community Theatre.

Tickets $14 for adults, $12 for students/ military/seniors. For reservations, call 316-686-1282.

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‘Thor, Ragnarok’ stands out among super hero movies

Editor’s note: This month’s movie review is by Toni Blair, who is filling in for Jim Erickson.

Comic book super hero movies seem to be the rage this year. “Thor, Ragnarok,” and “Wonder Woman” are probably the best of this genre to see this year.

Despite the overuse of special effects, “Ragnarok” has exceptional moments.

Taika Waititi superbly directed this epic adventure where the audience is shown that there is more to life than things.

“Thor, Ragnarok” is both side-split-

tingly funny and intriguingly exciting.

Jeff Goldblum made a true “comic” villain as Grandmaster – so lacking in humanity, yet so funny. You love to hate Grandmaster.

Cate Blanchett made the character of Hela quite unique. The audience is immediately unsympathetic to this female villain. There are no redeemable traits to this insane, haute and quirky maniac.

Her demise seems to take too long, however. The anticipation is just too much.

My pick for best character is Tom Hiddleston as Loki.

Loki kept the audience members on

Happy Holidays from everyone at 107.9 KWLS Radio Two Locations:

6800 W. Kellogg Dr. Wichita, KS 67209 316-945-1079 103 E. 9th St. Ste 211 Winfield, KS 67156

Movie Review

Toni Blair

“All in all, I find that this attempt to save the Asgardian world is a very satisfying and fun adventure.”

- Toni Blair the edge of their seats.

This character had depth and complexity and was also compelling and believable.

Striking performances were given from Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, and

Idris Elba as Heindall.

Each performer really brought an independent spark to the ensemble.

Anthony Hopkins was well suited to his role as Odin.

Thor was, well, Thor. Handsome, powerful.

However, it was interesting to watch the interactions of Thor (Chris Helmsworth) and The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

I think this may have been the finest portrayal of The Hulk I have ever seen.

The transformations between Hulk and Bannon were flawless.

There was a plethora of super heroes that were lost in the background/story of this movie.

They all came together in the end, but one – if one does not follow all of these super heroes – finds that these heroes meld into one unnamed community.

All in all, I find that this attempt to save the Asgardian world is a very satisfying and fun adventure.

S t o r y b y Th e r e s a Wo o d , 4 - H R e p o r t e r The Achievers 4-H Club met at Calvary United Methodist Church on the afternoon of Nov. 4.

The members in the arts and crafts project and the citizenship project painted wooden toys and small bookshelves to be given out at Operation Holiday. Sharron McGill brought the wooden toys, which the Wichita Woodworkers Guild made.

McGill and project leader Keatyn Bull helped the members with their painting.

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Achievers 4-Hers work on holiday craft projects

Members of the Achievers 4-H Club in East Wichita show off the wooden toys they are giving away this holiday season. www.eastwichitanews.com

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