July 2017 - 2
I INSIDE
Volume 34 • Issue 7 July 2017
ON THE COVER Home on the Range | 12
East Wichita native Ken Spurgeon sees success as a filmmaker.
Contributed photo
Features Dateline................................................ 7
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From the Publisher’s Files.............. 5 Focus On Business............................ 6
Chamber celebrates Wichita Flag Day | 14
Performing Arts Calendar............18 Wichita Homes................................20
EWN’s Summer Activity Guide | 15-18
East Wichita News
People & Places...............................21 Jim Erickson’s movie reviews will return next month.
Editorial
Publisher Paul Rhodes Managing Editor Travis Mounts Production Abbygail Brown Reporters/Contributors Sam Jack, Tessa Castor, Philip Holmes
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.
Opening my wallet for my own gift My boys took me out to an unnamed Italian restaurant in the city for Father’s Day. (Editor’s note: O.K., the place has a name; I’m just not naming it so that I’m not playing favorites. Having more than one child has taught me that lesson). It was a very nice gesture on their part, and the entire evening cost me less than $100...but just barely. It may seem like a lousy Father’s Day gift for me to have to drop (almost) $100 for the gift I’m receiving, but that would miss the point of what I asked for. My youngest son, Aaron, asked me what I wanted as a gift. I really couldn’t come up with any physical thing I wanted as a gift. I had a shopping list of things to buy, but they weren’t really gift-type items or they would be too much for my sons’ budgets: a new pair of shorts, a new set of sheets for my bed, a shower curtain. some laundry soap and drain cleaner. Those items are not really any fun to receive or to buy for another person. My older son had already planned to feed me, either at a restaurant or by cooking something at home. We each had different things planned for that dad-focused Sunday, so our time together came in the evening. We enjoyed Italian sodas and fried cheese appetizer. Isaac and I decided to order a steak and some lasagna to split, because we both had cravings for the same two items and neither of us made a decision. Aaron ordered a chicken dish that was some of the best chicken I’ve tasted. There was salad and fresh bread (a favorite of mine) and some dessert. And we spent time together. We laughed, told a couple stories, and traded a few insults which, in our family, is a sign of affection. It was exactly what I wanted. It also was out my kids’ budgets. So I told them that in the next few days, they could hand me whatever money
Travis Mounts | Managing Editor
they had planned to spend on me, and we’d be good. Of course, that plan immediately went awry. The alternator on Isaac’s truck went out on Monday. He made a late night trek across the city in my car and spent way more money on his truck than he spent on me. He did fill up my car, though, so we’re good. He’s also working and living at home for free as he wraps up college, so he has it kind of good. I got a free tank of gas and didn’t have to buy an alternator, so it was like a second Father’s Day gift to me. Most of Aaron’s income comes from working at our newspaper operation, so while he hasn’t spotted me any money for dinner yet, he also hasn’t asked for any more hours at the office. I consider that a wash. I’ve never been that consumed by the accumulation of things. Good things, too, because I’m in the wrong business for that! But over time, I’ve become even less interested in stuff. Besides, when you get stuff, you have to find room for stuff, and I’m developing a strong interest in decluttering. As my interest in stuff has declined, my interest in experiences has grown, whether it’s food, travel or time with family. If investing a few dollars of my own gives me that experience, it’s well worth it, in my opinion. Happy Father’s Day to me!
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July 2017 - 4
June 29 – Celebrate America Fireworks Show, Bradley Fair Jazz Concert, 7:30-10 p.m. Saxophone player Vincent Ingala plays at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at around 9:30 p.m. Sit in the plaza near the band or on the grassy area by the lake. June 29-July 1 – Red White & You blood drive, Sedgwick County Zoo, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Presenting donors will receive free zoo admission and a discount for members of their immediate families.
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July 1 – Celebrate America at Old Cowtown, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Games, entertainment, an ice cream social and temperance march. Festivities include walkers, tug of war, sack races and watermelon spitting events. Admission is $7.75 for adults and $6 for kids. 316-219-1871. July 1 – Goddard Fourth of July celebration, 6-10 p.m. at Discovery Intermediate School, 301 S. Main. Free hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream and water while it lasts. Play in the bounce house, bring your mitt and bat to play softball. Fireworks show at dusk, bring blankets and chairs. Pool party at the Goddard pool after the show, sponsored by the Goddard Lions Club, Goddard Activities Committee and Goddard Chamber of Commerce. July 2 – “A Musical Salute to Our Freedoms,” 6:30-10:30 p.m. A free community event by Holy Cross Lutheran in conjunction with Wichita Grand Opera. Hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks for sale; everything else is free. The evening will include skydivers, the McConnell Air Force Base color guard, an 80-person chorus and 45-piece orchestra, outside by the lake. The hour-long concert will include biplanes and cannons, followed by a fireworks display. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N. Greenwich. This is a family event; no alcoholic beverages. July 4 – Red, White & Boom! Wichita’s big fireworks show. Celebrate Independence Day with Wichita’s
Dateline
Upcoming events in and around Wichita Parks Foundation downtown on the Hyatt Lawn, at the Lewis Street Bridge and Water Street. Music from Bob FM at 5 p.m., the band Astronauts at 7 p.m. Beer garden, food trucks and a fireworks show over the Arkansas River at 9:45 p.m. July 4 – Haysville Independence Day Celebration. Parade at 8:30 a.m., kids fishing derby, frog races, raft races, water carnival, Stars & Stripes Obstacle Course. Concert with Groove 42 at 7:30 p.m. in Riggs Park, fireworks show at around 9:45 p.m. Most events in or near Riggs Park. Sponsored by the Haysville Park Board. July 4 – Derby 4th of July Celebration. Parade at 10 a.m. starting at Panther Stadium, heading west on Madison Avenue, to Georgie Street, south to Market Street, east to Derby Middle School. Festivities at High Park begin at 7 p.m. with kids activities and food vendors. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free shuttles to the park from Derby High School. Aug. 5 – Barbershop bingo, hosted by Emerald City Chorus at Southwest Presbyterian Church, 1511 W. 27th St. S. in Wichita. Session 1 is 12-3 p.m., session 2 is 5-8 p.m.; doors open 30 minutes early. A suggested donation of $30 includes 30 bingo cards for 10 games, a sloppy joe meal and a chance to win prizes, including $250 cash for blackout. Open to adults and children 12 and up. Tickets must be obtained from chorus members prior to the event. Call 316-773-9300 or go online to www.emeraldcitychorus.org. Proceeds benefit the Emerald City Chorus Music Education Fund.
Tuesdays – Tuesdays on the Terrace at Wichita Botanica, 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday through September. Enjoy local and regional live music, food and beverages available to purchase from Friends of Botanica and Molino’s (every third Tuesday), and more. Admission is $10, tickets at the door. Saturdays – Saturday Late Night Fun, 8:30-11:30 p.m. at the South YMCA. Free for all high school students, the YMCA at 3405 S. Meridian, will be open for high school students only. Free admission, bring your high school ID and a signed parent/guardian form available at www.ymcawichita.org. Enjoy swimming, basketball, Zumba, a dance party, snacks and more. Membership with the YMCA is not required. Saturday Late Night Fun is sponsored by individuals and business through the YMCA’s Strong Community Campaign. The Wichita Tennis Open (WTO) is hosting its third men’s tournament, with a $25,000 purse, July 1-9 at the Wichita State Coleman Tennis Complex. The WTO has expanded to more than just a tournament. Last year, the WTO had three kids’ days, where more than 300 local youth took part in tennis drills, met the professional athletes and watched a tennis
match – the first for many of them. There was a Pro-Am tennis clinic for all players, followed by an opening party. Last year’s tournament won two awards from the United States Tennis Association including Event of the Year. The WTO is run by tennis enthusiasts and staff at WSU. More information is available online at http://wichitatennisopen.simpl.com. This year’s activities include: July 3 – MCB Kids Day, 2-4 p.m.; Pro-Am Clinic, opening party, 5:30 p.m. July 4 – Military Appreciation Day, with free hot dogs and hamburgers, 11:30 a.m. July 5 – High school tennis night, featuring a local juniors exhibition game, 4 p.m.; Free admission starting at 5:30 p.m. July 6 – Sponsor night and art auction, 5:30 p.m. July 7 – Kids’ Day, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and 1-3 p.m., with drills and meeting players, no cost; Champagne and chocolates, 5:30 p.m.; fashion show before evening matches. July 8 – Breakfast at the Open, 3:30 a.m., with strawberries and cream while watching the semifinals. July 9 – Championship Sunday. Breakfast of Champions, 8:30 a.m.; wheelchair exhibition; Singles finals at 9 a.m.
Columnist dies unexpectedly Patsy Terrell, a freshman legislator in the Kansas House of Representatives and a food columnist known to many Kansans, has died. Terrell was found dead June 7 in her hotel room in Topeka, according to the Topeka Capitol-Journal and other news sources. Terrell, a Democrat representing the 102nd House District, was one of several Democrats who pulled off upsets in the November election, part of a wave of anti-Brownback sentiment from voters that increased the ranks of moderate Republicans and Democrats in the Capitol. Terrell was known to readers on these pages for her food column, “Cook’s Library.” That column ran for a number of years statewide in Kansas Country Living, a magazine published by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. When that publication decided to stop publishing her monthly column, she offered it to other publications. It ran most months in the East Wichita News and WestSide Story, and she continued to write the column after taking office. Her final column appeared last month. We extend our condolences to her family, her friends and her colleagues at the Statehouse.
From the Publisher’s Files
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Kim and I often think alike, so I wasn’t surprised when she said, “a little caramel sauce would be nice right now.” I had no more than agreed with her when a voice behind us captured our attention: “Would a little chocolate syrup work?” We both turned in tandem to see the smiling face of Wichita native Michael Loffland, who was sitting in a comfortable lawn chair right behind us. He had heard our musing about ice cream toppings, and was holding a brand new bottle of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Like thirsty travelers in the desert, Kim and I looked at the bottle of syrup and its owner like we were seeing a mirage. But this mirage quickly turned out to be a chocolate oasis. Soon enough, we were enjoying our ice cream with a splash of chocolate, and quizzing our new best friend Michael about this crafty idea. Michael shared that he’s a lifelong Wichita resident who has attended every Riverfest since its inception. Along the way, he’s learned a few things – like bringing chocolate syrup to the ice cream social and instantly making new friends. He also knew exactly when to get up and walk down for his serving of ice cream – no waiting. Michael was a definitive highlight of our evening at Riverfest, which we finished with a leisurely walk along the Arkansas River after our ice cream. And, he epitomized the sense of community that you can find anywhere…even a city the size of Wichita. But most importantly, he schooled a pair of ice cream social neophytes, and you can be sure we’ll pack in some toppings of our own to share next year.
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Enjoying Wichita’s annual Riverfest is not hard work. All you need for nine days worth of excitement is a relatively inexpensive button that admits you to all events, and enough cash to satisfy the cravings that aren’t covered by the button. Like food. Wow…as a regular visitor to Riverfest, I can really get caught up in the frenzy of visiting the festival’s food court. That happened on the opening night of this year’s Riverfest. Kim and I had made plans to catch the Sundown Parade, the Twilight Pops Concert and the fireworks that followed the performance by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. In between those events, I found myself at the food court ticket booth, stocking up on the little tickets you need to consume food at Riverfest. I’ve done this enough years that a couple of general rules tend to apply: It’s more likely that you’ll purchase too few food tickets than too many; and, if you eat at the food court on opening night, odds are you’ll be back. With a little adherence to those rules, it comes as no surprise that Kim and I were back at Riverfest for dinner Wednesday night, and that I had almost enough food tickets in my wallet to buy dinner that night. As we savored and shared our giant beef burrito and a quart-sized mango tea, Kim and I both wondered the same thing: What’s for dessert? Luck was with us as we pondered that prospect and thumbed through our Riverfest guide. Well now, we thought… how about the ice cream social that was gearing up to start in a half hour? In all my years of Riverfest attendance, I can’t recall ever attending the Highland Dairy Ice Cream Social. We made our way over to the event site, watched contestants gorge themselves during the ice cream sandwich eating contest, and then “sandwiched” ourselves in line for our free bowl of ice cream. Servings of the cold and yummy vanilla ice cream were big and delicious, and Kim and I found seats along a retaining wall outside Century II where we could sit and enjoy our free treats.
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Getting ‘schooled’ at Riverfest
July 2017 - 6
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FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Dr. Linda Goodson.......................... Page 6 Kitchen Tune-Up............................. Page 7
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.
Wichita Festivals Inc........................ Page 9 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure... Page 10
Dr. Goodson excited to return to Wichita Dr. Linda Goodson couldn’t be happier about coming full circle in her medical career. That “circle” got it’s start in Wichita several years ago, and now – after a stint as an ER physician – Dr. Goodson is returning to Wichita to join an established practice with Dr. Michelle Louis in the Tallgrass Office Park in east Wichita. “My love and my passion is family medicine,” said Dr. Goodson. “And I want that experience again.” Dr. Louis has been in practice at Tallgrass Family Medicine since 2008. Both are doctors of osteopathy, work in obesity medicine and have similar approaches to patient care and how they want to operate their medical practice. “We have known each other for many years and we are both excited to be a team,” said Dr. Goodson. “This is my home and where my family is, and I’m glad to be back.” Born and reared in Wichita, Dr. Goodson graduated from North High and Wichita State University. She at-
Dr. Linda Goodson has returned to Wichita to practice with Dr. Michelle Louis in the Tallgrass Office Park.
tended paramedic school at Southwestern College in Winfield, and worked as a paramedic for a year. She then returned to WSU and earned a B.S. degree in health science, and worked as a physician’s assistant before being accepted into medical
school. She graduated in 1994 from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and did her residency at Wesley Family Medicine in Wichita, where she also worked as faculty before entering private practice. “I knew in high school I wanted to
get into medicine,” said Dr. Goodson. “I loved being a paramedic and wanted to do more, and that started me down this path.” While she enjoyed the challenges of emergency room work in recent years in Winfield and McPherson, Dr. Goodson was ready to get back to family practice medicine in her hometown. She also is active in the Kansas Air National Guard, and enjoys working with military personnel and their families. Her husband Gary is in the Army Reserve, and her son Scott is in the Army National Guard. She has two other children: Daughter Kelly works in Wichita, and son Garrett is headed to college. Dr. Goodson is accepting new patients at Tallgrass Family Medicine, 8100 E. 22nd St. North, Building 2200-2. Same day appointments are available, and you will see a physician every visit. For more information, call 316-440-8383, or visit www.tgfmed.com.
AFTER
With this project, Kitchen Tune-Up’s goal was simple: Bring in modern elements and conveniences, and retain the integrity of the 137-year-old farmhouse. BEFORE
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
AFTER
BEFORE
This out-of-date kitchen has been updated to include all new appliances, custom shelving for antiques and an exotic granite countertop with chiseled edges.
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This has been a great year for the experts at Kitchen Tune-Up to tackle some unusual projects with very different – and dramatic – results. Recently, Kitchen Tune-Up completed a kitchen renovation project in a rural Wichita farmhouse dating back to 1880. The goals for this project were unique, as designer Rachel Phillips worked to bring in modern conveniences and elements, but also retain the integrity of the 137-yearold farmhouse. “This was not our typical suburban kitchen remodeling project,” Rachel said with a laugh as she and the owners gathered to view the finished product. Rachel owns the local Kitchen Tune-Up franchise with her husband Adam Phillips. She focuses on design work, and Adam heads up the company’s renovation teams. The owners of the farmhouse, Harold and Laurie, could easily be described as antique “pickers.” Harold has collected antiques most of his life, and even sold antiques for a while. Now, he and Laurie concentrate on personal collecting. The couple has been married 23 years, and purchased the farmhouse soon after they were married. Work on the home has been a labor of love, and they felt it was time to do something dramatic with the home’s kitchen. “The kitchen was so out of date, and we were ready for this project,” said Laurie. “I trusted Rachel with everything, she made lots of suggestions, and the results are awesome.” “This was not a typical house to begin with, and it’s still not typical,” said Rachel. A dishwasher was added, and all the other major appliances were replaced. The cabinetry is all new, but meshes perfectly with the farmhouse’s rustic and natural feel. “We went with knotty alder cabinets, and used a café stain and chocolate glaze,” said Rachel. “On the island cabinets we continued with the knotty alder wood, but used a dark truffle stain to create a nice contrast.” Kitchen Tune-Up topped off the island with a custom exotic granite countertop featuring a chiseled edge and irregular shape. In the center of the kitchen, an antique butcher-block table has become a focal point. Custom shelving proved to be the perfect final touch in the new kitchen area, and now the shelves feature some of the couple’s antique treasures. “In addition to giving us the look we wanted, Rachel was able to work within our budget,” said Laurie. “We couldn’t be happier.” If you’re ready to transform your kitchen, it’s time to call Kitchen Tune-Up! Now that summer is here, you can relax a little while Kitchen Tune-Up transforms your kitchen. The experts with Wichita’s Kitchen Tune-Up team 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 “Tune-Up” 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.
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Kitchen Tune-Up helps local ‘pickers’ find right look
July 2017 - 8
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Dwight Yoakam will headline the new Vortex Musical Festival, coming to the Mid America All-Indian Center in August.
See VORTEX, Page 19
Jack Silvers does what he loves: Selling houses
3400 E. Penley, Wichita $199,000 Jack Silvers
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When Jack Silvers launched River City Realty 25 years ago, he was not hoping to corner the real estate market in Wichita. Instead, he just wanted to capture his corner of that market, stay small, and keep selling houses. “That’s what I love,” said Silvers, who has been a Wichitan since he was 4 years old. He started in real estate nearly 40 years ago, worked for other firms, and then went out on his own with River City Realty. He’s always had just a handful of agents working with him, and that’s the way he wants it. He’s been able to work directly with clients selling houses, and have time for his volunteer efforts in Wichita. Over the years, Silvers has been active with the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and a number of its committees, and he continues to be an active volunteer with the Wichita Arts Council. “I love Wichita,” said Silvers. “This is a fantastic city, and I like giving back whenever I can.” Right now, Silvers is selling an incredible slice of Wichita history located at 3400 E. Penley, near Lincoln and Hillside. The Penley House is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Kansas Historic Register, and is on the market for the first time in 50 years. “This is a wonderful, important, historic Wichita home,” said Silvers. “Penley Street used to be the driveway for this home.” The home sits on a half acre of land, and includes an existing guest house and in-ground pool. Priced at just $199,000, the Penley House is ready for a loving new owner, said Silvers. Want more information or would like to set up a showing? Just call Jack Silvers at 316-993-4040.
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Music fans who love to camp only have to travel to the heart of Wichita to enjoy Wichita Festivals’ newest event. Wichita Vortex Music Festival, debuting Aug. 4-5, offers attendees the rare chance to camp in the city at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, while taking in a gem of a concert, Dwight Yoakam’s bluegrass-fueled “Swimming Pools, Movie Stars” tour. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Friday when the music kicks off on two stages -- the headliner stage located between the Mid America All-Indian Center and the Keeper of the Plains, and the lower key campground stage, which will feature local and regional acts. Music will continue until 11:30 p.m., and will begin again at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, when the Cherokee Maidens take the stage for the final performance of the mini festival. A country and popular music favorite for more than 30 years, Yoakam is touring in support of his 16th album, which pays tribute to his Kentucky roots and features some of the top bluegrass musicians in the world. Fans can expect to hear the beloved artist perform his greatest hits as well as some surprising favorites by other artists (the album contains an unforgettable version of “Purple Rain” by the late Prince, for instance) in a bluegrass context. American roots singer and songwriter Pokey LaFarge will open for Yoakam, along with Canadian country songstress
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New event brings Dwight Yoakam bluegrass tour to Wichita
July 2017 - 10 FOCUS ON BUSINESS www.eastwichitanews.com
Komen Foundation fights for breast cancer cure Susan G. Komen is widely viewed as the inspiration and leader of a breast cancer movement that has changed the world. In just 34 years, five-year relative survival rates for early stage breast cancers have climbed from 74 percent to nearly 99 percent in the US. Breast cancer death rates have declined by 34 percent in the US in just the past two decades. Personalized and less-invasive treatments have replaced the radical and often debilitating treatments that were the norm not that long ago. Perhaps most importantly, from a time of silence and shame around breast cancer, Susan G. Komen has built a global community, millions strong, that supports and cares for people with this disease. No woman or man today is alone with breast cancer. Over the past 34 years, Susan G. Komen has invested billions in a mission that funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit, along with community health and education programs that reach millions in the US and across the globe. We educate, screen and care for breast cancer patients. We bridge gaps in the healthcare system to support the most vulnerable women and men. We advocate for them in world capitals, and we work to end breast cancer through partnership programs in more than 30 countries.
Susan G. Komen® Kansas has been an active participant in this movement for the past 27 years. Started in 1990 by the Junior League of Wichita, the Komen Wichita Race for the Cure was the first Komen co-ed Race for the Cure and the fourth Race for the Cure in the series. The 1990 race was the largest first-year road race in Kansas’ history. More than 1,400 participants took part in the first Wichita Race for the Cure. As of result of this initial success, the Susan G. Komen Kansas Free Mammography Program was started. That paved the way for other cities as a model program for their own Komen Race for the Cure Events. The Free Mammography Program was then rolled into the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program which is now overseen by the State Health Department and has received grand funding to provide screening to individuals who do not qualify for the federal program. The programs have provided over 40,000 free mammograms in the State of Kansas. Through events like the Race, the Kansas Affiliate has raised over $6 million to invest in research, education, outreach, and screening services. Up to 75 percent of those net funds generated by the Kansas
Affiliate stay right here in our 95-county service area in the state of Kansas. The remaining 25 percent of funds raised by the affiliate goes toward the Susan G. Komen Award and Research Grant Program supporting research awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. There is still more work to be done. More than half a million women and men around the world will die of breast cancer this year and more than 1.6 million will be newly diagnosed. Our work is essential, and our mission is far from done. We are determined to continue to adapt to the needs of the breast cancer movement, while meeting and overcoming the “impossible” challenges that remain. We will be guided, always, by our true north: To end breast cancer forever.
Envision has announced the formation of the new Wichita Falcons beep baseball team, an official member of the 34-team National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA). Supported by Envision, the team is looking for people to join the team or become a sponsor. The team’s goal is to get the Wichita community behind it in its efforts to make the sport of baseball accessible to everyone. “People who have lost their eyesight can be just as athletic and competitive as anyone else,” said team organizer and Envision employee Arlene Owens, who is visually impaired herself. “We want people who are blind or visually impaired in the Wichita area to have the chance to play in organized sports and to know they are welcome on the Wichita Falcons team. We also encourage the Wichita business community to learn what we are about by joining us for scrimmages.” According to the American Foundation for the Blind, beep baseball is an adapted form of the traditional sport. It consists of a ball that is larger than a softball that beeps consistently so players are able to hit it when pitched as well as find it in
the field. There are two bases rigged with a buzzing sound that is triggered when the ball is hit, so the runner knows which way to go. While the majority of positions are reserved for individuals with vision loss, people who are typically sighted are needed as spotters, catchers and pitchers. During scrimmages or games, anyone other than the pitcher and catcher who is typically sighted wears a blindfold. The City of Wichita Park and Recreation Department has donated use of its soccer fields at Orchard Park for Wichita Falcons practices and scrimmages. The Wichita Falcons intend to begin competitive play next year against teams in other cities and make a trip to the NBBA World Series. Travel will be a necessity, since the closest NBBA teams are in Denver and St. Louis. The Wichita Falcons is part of the not-for-profit Wichita Association of Blind Athletes that Owens hopes will expand to include more team sports. For more information about the Wichita Falcons, contact Owens by email at falcons@nbba.org. Team updates will be available on the Envision Facebook page, facebook.com/helpenvision.
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Beep baseball team debuts
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
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Beep baseballs look very similar to regular softballs, but are slightly larger and have several small speakers.
July 2017 - 12
Wichita native sees success as filmmaker Story
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Ken Spurgeon, center, is pictured with “Home on the Range” co-producers Shawn Bell and Neil Bontrager and actors Matthew Greer and Bill Coleman while producing the film’s 1908 scene.
Ken Spurgeon, a Wichita East High School and Wichita State University graduate, is executive director of Lone Chimney Films, a Wichita-based production company that recently released its fourth feature. Spurgeon grew up in Wichita, where he gained a passion for history from his aunts, two schoolteachers born at the turn of the 1900s. “They weren’t always storytellers,” said Spurgeon. “But they just lit up when something from the past was brought up.” Spurgeon said he soaked up his aunts’ stories and their books. He has pursued history ever since, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in history from WSU. When Spurgeon began his schooling, he assumed he would one day teach, not realizing the opportunities his history degrees would bring him. “History was always a part of me,” said Spurgeon. “I realized history was all me, or I was all it. I felt like I wanted to be a professional historian. Filmmaking was not something I planned.” Before realizing his love of filmmaking, Spurgeon was a Civil War reenactor, which brought him the chance to be an extra in “Gods and Generals.” On the set, Spurgeon became interested in the filmmaking process. His original in-
terest was in documentaries, though his latest film, “Home on the Range,” is a drama – Spurgeon calls it a docudrama. “It’s scary to go to drama,” said Spurgeon. “My interest was documentaries, and still is documentaries.” When it comes to filmmaking, Spurgeon’s favorite part is its ability to tell a story visually. Spurgeon said his desire to tell a story is also what interests him in teaching, his “day job.” Spurgeon teaches history at Northfield School of the Liberal Arts and Friends University. He has taught history for 20 years. “I enjoy telling stories,” said Spurgeon. “You kind of see the lights come on in people’s eyes. Filmmaking was another way to tell a story. To me, the two worlds of history and film come together in filmmaking. In the end, you’re trying to tell a story.” In 2003, Spurgeon and Jonathon Goering founded Lone Chimney Films. By 2005, the company had released its first film, a documentary called “Touched by Fire: Bleeding Kansas, 1854-1861.” In 2006, the company became nonprofit. Lone Chimney has now produced four full-length films and several shorts. Its latest feature, “Home on the Range,” is the company’s largest effort yet. Spur-
geon said the film has been his favorite filmmaking project thus far, and is among his proudest achievements. “It brought together a lot of different things,” said Spurgeon. “I got more of what I wanted, and that put more pressure on the film, but I really enjoyed it. I’m happy with it.” “Home on the Range” is about its namesake, Kansas’ state song, and its history on the Kansas prairie. Some of its scenes were shot at Old Cowtown Museum. The film’s inspiration is rooted in Spurgeon’s love of Kansas history, and he said what he once thought was just a song has a deep history, which he learned from ElDean Holthus. Holthus is responsible for the restoration and care of the “Home on the Range” cabin site in Smith County, Kan., where the song was written. “What I learned pretty quickly was that the story was so much larger,” said Spurgeon. “We started to come up with a script we knew no one had ever heard of before.” Spurgeon and Orin Friesen, a local musician, co-wrote “Home on the Range” with Sharon Black of Smith County. The film was co-produced by Spurgeon, Shawn Bell and Neil Bontrager. It stars Buck Taylor and is 48
minutes long. In January, “Home on the Range” premiered. Spurgeon said he likens filmmaking to parenting, and he gets to see the success of his creation. “It’s a scary feeling, because you can stink and everyone sees, or you can be successful and everyone sees,” said Spurgeon. “I love the element of communicating an idea or a story to a screen. That story can be told and retold through filmmaking. Filmmaking has an incredible way of communicating. I enjoy it so much.” When Spurgeon is not teaching or working on a film, he said he enjoys traveling, reading and running. “I’ve always been a sports guy,” said Spurgeon. “I run when I can. I’m an active, outdoor guy.” Spurgeon’s favorite part of living in Wichita is the people and the atmosphere. Though he moved from the city to live on a farm, he returned two years ago. He said he has had job opportunities to leave Wichita, but the city is home to him. “Wichita’s a nice town,” said Spurgeon. “I think the people in Kansas are good, genuine people. For a big town, Wichita is very nice. It’s home.” Spurgeon’s favorite piece of Wichita history is the city’s founding. He said
stage of new projects. He said he does not want to speak yet on the futures of those projects. “They’re infants in the idea stage at this point,” said Spurgeon. “I’m not sure what I’m going to move forward with yet.” When asked what actor he would work with if he had the choice, Spurgeon thought back to his “Gods and Generals” days, where he had hoped to meet Robert Duvall. When the movie’s filming was interrupted by the 9/11 attacks, he lost his chance to meet the legendary actor. “Meeting Robert Duvall was and is on my bucket list,” said Spurgeon. Spurgeon’s list does not end with Duvall. After his time in historic filmmaking, Spurgeon said Tom Hanks and Daniel Day Lewis are among his favorite actors, and he said he appreciates their work very much. Out of his experiences as a filmmaker, Spurgeon said his favorite was one that happened on the set of “Home on the Range.” Two days into filming, Spurgeon said he and actor Rance Howard “had a moment.” Spurgeon said that, regardless of who
he is working with on the set, he tries to treat each person the same – though he was aware of Howard’s success as an actor. He said that work on a film set can bring stress to the crew and actors alike, and the director needs to be prepared for that stress. “Rance made me realize that I had to empower the actor and he had to empower me,” said Spurgeon. “It was an epiphany. He had been on 200 film sets, but I was coaching him, and he was coaching me.” Spurgeon and his crew for the film “The Road to Valhalla” were awarded the Best Documentary Award at the Western Heritage Awards in 2015. Spurgeon said that award was a boost to his confidence as a filmmaker, at a time when he was not necessarily sure of his success. “I won that award about three years ago,” said Spurgeon. “And it was a big deal. It meant a lot to me.” “When you have a story in your brain and two or three years later you see it on the screen, it’s weird,” said Spurgeon. “I can talk about filmmaking, but there’s nothing that can substitute actually doing it. I get it now.”
Ken Spurgeon won the Best Documentary Award at the Western Heritage Awards, for his 2015 film “The Road to Valhalla.” His most recent effort is “Home on the Range,” which he co-wrote, directed and co-produced.
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that hundreds of early towns were trying to get going at the same time as Wichita, but Wichita thrived in the cattle industry and, later, the aviation industry. These early pieces of Wichita history, he said, stand out to him. When it comes to Wichitans, Spurgeon said they are kindhearted and hardworking, something that has stood out when he travels. “In Wichita, I think you’re looked down on if you’re not a hard worker,” laughed Spurgeon. “And that’s okay with me. The kindness and hard work ethic of Wichitans is next to none.” Spurgeon said that the filmmaking business is centered on Hollywood, but he strives to keep his business as local as he can while still achieving success. He said he tries to keep his identity and stay where he is, but he does not want to limit his projects based on location. “We’re to a place where, if I can make it, if I can succeed, it doesn’t matter where I’m at,” said Spurgeon. “It would be my preference to shoot in the midwest and Kansas as much as I can.” Currently, Spurgeon said he is in the early writing, pre-production and idea
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Through the generosity of numerous sponsors and partners, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated national Flag Day and the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the city’s official flag with a new video and free items that Wichitans can download to share their pride. The Chamber has partnered with World Studios ICT in Wichita to produce a three-minute video highlighting the history and symbolism behind the flag. The video, titled “Your Wichita Flag,” is posted on the Chamber’s Facebook page. The video includes sixteen Wichitans who donated their time and talent to participate: Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell, Jamil Malone, Tammy Allen, Ben Jennings, Madison Harris, Paul Blissett, Angie Elliott, Jonathon Long, Jason Villanueva, Ellen Decker, Courtney Sendall, Royce Stevenson, Jackie Ebert, Jackson Ebert, Cassandra Bryan and Brad Painchaud. Wichita’s official city flag was officially adopted in 1937 and was designed by Wichita artist Cecil McAlister. It was selected from more than 100 entries that were submitted for a city flag design contest and was officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14, 1937, by Mayor T. Walker Weaver. The blue sun in the center represents happiness and contentment. The Native American symbol for ‘home’ is stitched on the blue sun. The three red and white rays that alternate from the off-center blue sun represent the path of freedom to come and go as one pleases.
FARMERS MARKET
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Chamber celebrates Wichita Flag Day
Kansas Grown ! Farmers Market Every Tues. 3 pm - 6 pm 8140 E. 21st St.
Green Acres East- Brittany Square Kansas Produced Products Produce, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Lamb, Bison, Eggs, Jam/Jelly, Baked Goods, Yard Art, Jewelry, Crafts.
Watch or download the video on Wichita’s city flag: www.facebook.com/ChamberWichita/videos/10155214783296263/ DOWNLOADS A website devoted to the promotion of the #ILoveWichita and @WichitaFlag campaign now has three printables that can be downloaded. 1. Coloring sheet with flag facts: https://wichitachamber.org/user/file/Wichita%20Flag%20 coloring%20sheet.pdf 2. 11x17 two-sided printed flag with flag information: https://wichitachamber.org/user/file/WichitaFlagFacts.pdf 3. Copyright information about using the flag: http://wichitachamber.org/user/file/Wichita%20Flag%20 Info.pdf Special note: The coloring sheet was developed as a result of a Chamber brainstorming session with communication students at Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication last fall. After learning about the Chamber’s grassroots pride-in-place initiative, the students recommended instilling community pride at an earlier age and focusing on preschool and grade school children.
15 - July 2017
Summer Activity Guide
East Wichita News
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE
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July 2017 - 16
Faces
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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE
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
Register Now: www.IndustryXperience.com All Dancers Welcome!
Fall Registration/Open House Friday, August 11th from 4 pm- 7 pm Saturday, August 12th from 10 am - 3 pm
KDA offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop and Contemporary. 4 Spacious Studios! Voted Wichita Eagles “Best Dance Studio” 2016 & 2017! Competition and community performance opportunities available!
6615 E. Central, Wichita • 684-2848 www.kdadance.com
July 2017 - 18
Through July 15 – “High School Melodrama,” Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley Street. Written and directed by J.R. Hurst, followed by the musical comedy revue “Rockin’ Through the Decades.” Tickets $20 for show only; $30 for dinner and show, $26 for seniors/ children. Call 316-263-0222 for reservations. June 28-July 2 – “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Music Theatre Wichita, at Century II’s Concert Hall. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday at 7 p.m.; $32-$68. Matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $30-$62. Tickets available online at www.mtwichita.org or call 316265-3107.
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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE
July 7-29 – “Altar Boyz,” Roxy’s Downtown. Tickets $20-$30; 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Dinner $15. Call 316-265-4400. July 12-16 – “Hairspray,” Music Theatre Wichita, at Century II’s Concert Hall. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday at 7 p.m.; $32-$68. Matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $30-$62. Tickets available online at www.mtwichita.org or call 316-265-3107.
East meets West With the East Wichita News and the WestSide Story neighborhood papers, you can target your advertising at Wichita’s most desirable neighborhoods on both sides of the city.
Call today for rates and more information. 316-540-0500
Performing Arts Calendar
July 2017 July 20-Sept. 2 – “School House Don’t Rock, or Brownback vs. the Bored of Education,” Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley Street. Written by Tom Frye. Tickets $20 for show only; $30 for dinner and show, $26 for seniors/ children. Call 316-263-0222 for reservations. July 26-30 – “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Music Theatre Wichita, at Century II’s Concert Hall. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday at 7 p.m.; $32-$68. Matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $30-$62. Tickets available online at www.mtwichita.org or call 316265-3107.
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Vortex Continued from Page 9
Moreland & Arbuckle, above, and Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy, left, are part of the musical lineup coming to the new Vortex Music Festival. The event – sponsored by Wichita Festivals Inc., the folks who just brought you the Wichita River Festival – will take place at the Mid America All-Indian Center.
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Lindi Ortega, homegrown and nationally known Moreland & Arbuckle, and Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy on the headliner stage. The campground stage will buzz with tunes by the Fast Food Junkies, Julian Davis & the Hayburners, and Urban Pioneers throughout the evening. More than an outdoor concert, Vortex will include a variety of water games and activities to beat the heat, games that glow in the dark, a misting tent, sponsor and vendor booths, a midnight movie, and an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast. Hungry and thirsty concert-goers will enjoy a food truck rally in the parking lot of the Indian Center from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., as well as soft drinks and local craft beers. Festival passes (which include concerts and activities) are $65 for the Standard Issue Pass through July 27. Starting July 28, festivals passes will be $85. Spaces are available for either tent campers or those with recreational vehicles for $50 each. Up to four campers are allowed per space, and the camping fee includes breakfast for each. Those who want to chow down on pancakes and listen to the Cherokee Maidens from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday morning, but don’t plan to camp, can purchase tickets for the Pancake Pack-Up Party for $15. A VIP option is available for $100 with amenities that include reserved parking, front section seating, a private cash bar and complimentary water. A limited number of VIP and regular tickets are available. Find more information about Vortex and purchase tickets at WichitaVortexFest.com.
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Better security through enhanced technology...and common sense The summer months are typically the most active for burglaries. One reason is that people are usually out more, and many are taking extended vacations, thus leaving their homes unoccupied. Not only that, but when the weather is nice, people tend to get a little lax by leaving open their doors and windows. There are some basic things you can do to keep your home safe. In this day and age, you always need to be aware of your personal safety. This doesn’t mean you need to be paranoid, just be conscious of your surroundings. You can gain a lot by focused observations around your house. It is also helpful to know how a burglar thinks. In fact, a good place to start is with a virtual break in of your own home: Simply walk around your home and figure out how to get in. If it is easy for you to gain access, imagine how fast a professional could get into your home. Most burglars come right in through the door – no elaborate plan needed. The easiest deterrent is to simply keep your doors locked. Statistics reveal that 40 percent of all burglars gain access through an unlocked door. Even if you do lock your doors, make sure that your doors are strong enough to prevent them from being kicked in when you are away. Burglars also dislike well lit houses. Make sure you have effective security lighting outside. It costs very little to leave a few strategic lights on inside. If your house is well lit, inside and out, the bad guys will probably move on to
Wichita Homes
Philip Holmes | Interior Designer
an easier target. Security experts suggest you vary routine. You may not be able to vary your schedule, but you can vary the way your home appears when you are gone. If your house is being watched, the burglars will know the right time to come visit. As with lighting, it is relatively inexpensive to leave a radio or television on to give the impression that someone is home even when they are not. The good news is that most burglaries are random and opportunistic. The key is to never let your home look unoccupied in the event that you are being scoped out. When possible, enlist someone to look after your house, get the mail, and take care of other indicators of occupancy. When you are home, be mindful of your trash. Do not advertise your purchases by setting the box of your new plasma TV on the curb for all to see. And on the topic of curbside robbery, thieves can be sorting through your mail looking for renewal credit cards and checks. Don’t assume they
are above checking out your trash for useful information, including account numbers. The incidence of fraud and identity theft is on the rise. The criminals are finding new ways to steal all of the time. Incorporating an alarm system into your home security plan puts you at a great advantage against being a victim of burglary. Just the fact that you have a system is a deterrent. Signs in the yard and on the windows will deter most would be thieves. A good home monitoring system makes your system more effective. The alarm can make a lot of noise, but it is the monitoring that will ensure a response. Just think about how many car alarms are simply ignored: They make noise, but people go about their business. Alarm systems come as basic or as advanced as you could want. There are even do-it-yourself kits running around $200 available. You have to decide what level of protection you want. Your best option is to talk to a security expert – not just a salesperson, but someone who can analyze your home’s unique characteristics and security needs. The end result should be a customized plan that addresses the most likely potential threats given your budget. The initial focus should be on the ground floor and basement since that is where most burglars enter. The basic components will include, but are not limited to, door contacts, glass break detectors and motion detectors. Beyond the basics, many companies
offer smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detection in addition to other environmental sensors. Regardless of the features that you select, wireless systems are the way to go. Wireless can mean two different things. First, the components can be wireless. This is especially good for existing homes where wires would otherwise need to be run all through the house. In addition, wireless components work well for detached garages and sheds. The other aspect of wireless refers to the monitoring. Wireless monitoring will enable you to be notified on your mobile device. Not only are land lines becoming used less, but also burglars can cut these lines from outside. There simply is more flexibility and levels of protection by being able to use phone, computer and cellular. But it doesn’t stop there. The basic home alarm has evolved into a total home protection system. They are more interactive and geared towards home automation than ever before. For example, the cost of employing video cameras has decreased, while the sophistication of the technology has increased. You can activate your alarm, turn on your lights and adjust your thermostat from wherever you might be. The trend in automation is expected to continue alongside ongoing developments in both cellular and computer pad innovations. The house of the future is here, as far as security is concerned. Improved technology does a good job helping to keep the bad guys away. But...you still have to lock the door
The Wichita Bar Association has installed its officer and board members for the 2017-18 year. The new officers are: president David G. Seely, Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC; president-elect John E. Rapp, Hinkle Law Firm, LLC; vice president Rebecca Mann, Young, Bogle, McCausland, Wells & Blanchard, PA; secretary-treasurer C. Edward Watson, Foulston Siefkin, LLP. The 2017-18 board of governors are Adam R. Burrus, Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC; Jason W. Hart, U.S. Attorney’s office; Amanda Marino, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office; Mary “Mindy” McPheeters, Spirit Aero Systems, Inc.; Moji S. Rosson, Visit Wichita; and the Hon. Warren Wilbert, 18th Judicial District. David H. Moses of Wichita was reappointed to a three-year term on the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission. Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court appointed Moses to serve from July 1 through June 30, 2020. Moses has served on the commission since 2014. The commission oversees continuing legal education requirements for lawyers licensed to practice in Kansas. Attorneys must earn a minimum of 12 credit hours each year. Moses is general counsel at Wichita State University. He earned a law degree from Washburn University and was in private practice, most recently as managing member of Moses & Pate LLC in Wichita, before joining the university’s executive team.
Benedictine College saw the largest graduating class in its 159-year history on Saturday, May 13, as 440 undergraduate and graduate degree recipients walked across the stage in the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium in Atchison. Eastside students earning diplomas were Wichitans Vequan Clark, Gabriella Ferraro, Natalie Malone, Logan McCully, Blake Torline and Kathleen Wells, and Bel Aire resident Gordon Schmitz.
Missouri State University conferred 2,651 degrees to students at its 2017 spring commencement May 19 at JQH Arena. A total of 1,995 bachelor’s degrees, 554 master’s degrees, 93 doctorate degrees and nine specialist degrees were conferred. Among the graduates was East Wichitan Evan Stamp.
Krista Palmer of Wichita was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Palmer was initiated at Emporia State University.
Two Eastsiders students have been named to the president’s honor roll at Oklahoma City University, maintaining a 3.9 or higher grade-point average. The students are Nicole Vogel of Wichita and Madeline Razook of Eastborough. Additionally, Halston Strange of East Wichita was named to the dean’s honor roll, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Kayla Hicks, an athletic training major from East Wichita, was honored at Buena Vista University’s annual student recognition dinner on April 29. Hicks participated in The Otteman Student Research and Internship program. Every year at BVU, students have opportunities to complete internships that help prepare them for their careers, do significant research in their discipline and travel nationally and internationally.
Genevieve Davis of Bel Aire is one of more than 900 graduates who received a diploma at Harding University’s commencement exercises May 6. Davis received a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner. Davis graduated magna cum laude. Savannah N. Elliott of Wichita was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Samford University. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework. The dean’s list is the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester. Allegria Chisom of Wichita earned a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies during Chadron State College commencement May 6. A total of 254 seniors earned their degrees during the ceremony.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced its spring 2017 semester dean’s list, recognizing students’ superior academic performance. Local students honored include Rickey Nicks of Wichita and Zach Baker of Andover.
Maimouna Dosso of Wichita has been named to the spring 2017 president’s list at Georgia State University. To be eligible, students must earn a 4.0 GPA for the semester and complete at least nine semester hours of academic credit.
More than 1,000 students graduating in the spring or summer of 2017 walked at Emporia State University’s commencement on May 13. Eastside students who earned degrees include Wichitans Jared Scott Bashaw, Delaney Aurora Booth, Courtney Breann Butler, Robinson Nyaberi Choroke, Mary Kate Claus, Kaley M. Ernst, Daniel G. Falk, Anna Laura Fragel, Ruth Anne Hood, Alison Jenele Meeth, Mitchell R. Metzler, Elizabeth Irene Paddock, Andrew James Potter, Torrie R. Rupe, Adam Albert Tebben and Evelyn Wright Washington; Andover residents Amy Bryant, Jake Sims, Jacob A. Snyder, Allyson Noel Spease and Jaden Olivia Strobel; and Bel Aire residents Abigail Ruth Gray and Abbey Marie Hope.
Do you have an item for People and Places? Send your item for consideration by the 20th of the month. Email us at ewn@ eastwichitanews.com
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Sullivan Higdon & Sink (SHS) has recently hired interns for a 12-week, paid summer internship program offering hands-on experience in advertising and communications. Interns are assigned to client-focused teams and assist on client projects. Alex Meza is a copywriting intern and will work with the creative team writing content for sales and branding materials. He earned his bachelor’s in communication from the University of Kansas in 2011 and completed his master’s in communication at Wichita State University in May 2017. This is his first foray into agency life and the world of copywriting, but he hopes his 20 plus years of speaking English will work to his advantage. During his time at SHS, he looks forward to working with designers to create a complete product that the whole team will support. During his lunch break, you might find him wandering Old Town playing Pokémon Go. He is a graduate of Wichita Southeast High School. Jennifer Manning is a reputation and brand management intern, and will assist with writing press materials while also supporting brand management and public relations projects. She previously worked as an SHS intern in the summer of 2016 and is excited for another summer of hating sheep. In the fall, she
will be a senior at the University of Missouri studying journalism, strategic communication. This summer, Manning looks forward to learning more about the fast-paced world of public relations. She loves to travel, and she recently returned from a trip to Taiwan. In her free, time she enjoys reading, watching TV and cheering on the Missouri Tigers. She is a graduate of Kapaun-Mt. Carmel Catholic High School.
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East Wichita News People and Places
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Symphony scenes Annual Symphony in the Flint Hills draws fans from across Kansas Symphony in the Flint Hills took place in early June near Junction City. Kansans from all over the state, including Wichita, were in attendance. ABOVE: Country music star Michael Martin Murphy performed with the Kansas City Symphony. LEFT: East Wichita native Ken Spurgeon visits with a film buff at Symphony in the Flint Hills. Spurgeon spoke about his film, “Home on the Range.” He is the subject of this month’s East Wichita News cover story; please turn to Page 12. BOTTOM LEFT: A young music lover tries out a tuba at the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” which gave children and adults the chance to try out various musical instruments. BELOW: Prominent Wichita businessman Jack Kellogg discusses the finer points of cowboy hats. Paul Rhodes and Kim Swansen/East Wichita News
The Kansas Shrine Bowl will be held at the end of this month, and several Eastsiders will be taking part in the game. This year’s Shrine Bowl – the 44th annual bowl – will be July 29 at Butler Community College in El Dorado. The game brings together recently graduated all-stars from across Kansas to play one final high school game to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children. East Wichita-area players taking part in the game include Ben Adler of Trinity Academy, Cooper Dreifort of Andover High, and Jordan Paul of Kapaun-Mt. Carmel. The West Squad – which includes the entire Wichita area – will have a strong west Wichita flavor on the coaching staff. Goddard-Eisenhower head coach Marc Marinelli is serving as the head coach, Among his assistant coaches are two more WestSide coaches, Brent Pfeifer, the head coach at Maize South, and Scott Vang, the head coach at Goddard High. Other Wichita-area players on the West Squad are Joey Gilbertson of Wichita Northwest, Kody Gonzalez of Goddard High, Sam Nance of Bishop Carroll, Tanner Orand of Eisenhow-
er High, Ethan Richardson of Maize South, Dallin Larlnee of Augusta High, Nate Pauly of Garden Plain and Peerlus Walker of Derby. Each year, the Kansas Masonic Band – an all-star collection of high school musicians from across the state – performs in the Shrine Bowl Parade and in the pregame and halftime festivities at the game. East Wichitan Brayden Coffey, a Wichita East student and trombone player, will take part in the band. Other Wichita-area musicians include Joshua Baugher (trombone) of Augusta, Aaron Mounts (trumpet) of Cheney, Chad Crittenden (trombone) of Derby, Emily Swafford (percussion) of Garden Plain, Savhanna Chrisco (clarinet) of Haysville, and Kristin Clemons (trombone) of Valley Center. More students participate in festivities as members of the cheer squad, but that information was not available at press time. Shrine Bowl events on July 29 include a 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m., a parade at 10 a.m., and the football game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. at the BG Products Sports Complex. More information is available online at www.kansasshrinebowl.com.
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Eastsiders headed to Shrine Bowl
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Elite Training Solutions
National-caliber runner now trains all types of athletes Nathan Wadsworth loves to see his clients excel at whatever it is they want to achieve physically. For some clients, that goal is as simple as getting into better shape. For others, it’s as challenging as placing well in a marathon or long-distance bicycle race. Whatever that goal might be, Wadsworth knows from experience the feeling of achieving those goals. From an early start in middle school and high school, Wadsworth has been running competitively for years, and now is part of a cycling team that takes on courses up to 200 miles in length. But for Wadsworth, the biggest and best challenges in life are still tied to his clients. He helps savor the victory whenever someone he has trained reaches their goal. “In college I really formulated some ideas about how I wanted to start a career,” he said. “I knew I wanted to work with people, and help them in some way.” Wadsworth has been coaching and training clients for the past nine years. He holds a masters of education in exercise science from Wichita State University, where he was on full scholarship as a distance runner. In middle school and high school in Andover, Wadsworth ran track and cross country. His ability – and his determination – landed him his chance to compete at the college level. “I always took two things seriously,” said Wadsworth. “My school work, and running.” He first earned a bachelor of science in exercise science at WSU, with a minor in business administration. During that time, he was a distance runner (up to 10K) for both indoor and outdoor track, and also ran cross country for WSU. He was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference champion, and had numerous runner-up finishes. He also was part of conference title track teams while at WSU. While in graduate school, Wadsworth qualified for the Olympic Trials in the
marathon. He trained in Colorado, and was honored to be a part of that group of nationally recognized athletes. “It was an awesome experience,” he said. “Just to be a part of that process was an honor. You’re running with the best of the best.” Back in Wichita after the 2008 Olympic Trials, Wadsworth went to work as a trainer, and just a few years later was able to launch Elite Training Solutions. From his facility on South West Street, he works with athletes of all ages – from middle school and high school athletes up to senior citizens. “It’s everything from athletes who are training for events to people who just want to get into shape,” he said. He specializes in endurance training, running, triathlons and cycling, but can apply his scientific approach to fitness to any and all situations. As a way to maintain his own athletic edge, Wadsworth started getting involved with competitive cycling three years ago. “Cycling was always my second favorite type of competition,” he said. “I had clients who were doing gravel racing, and liked the adventurous sound of it. “It’s been completely re-invigorating,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed being off the main roads with all the cars and riding on gravel roads and seeing sights I never would have seen.” Now, Elite Training Solutions will be offering gravel cycling conditioning camps and running conditioning camps this June and July. The running camps will be offered based on age and the gravel cycling camps will be open to anyone. Also, new for 2017 is Elite Training Solution Endurance. It is a team of runners, cyclists and triathletes of all abilities who are looking for a fun and motivating team environment. For more information on these camps or Elite Training Solutions Endurance, please follow the Elite Training Solutions Facebook page or call Wadsworth at 316-200-6620.
Elite Training Solutions owner Nathan Wadsworth, a former national-caliber runner, is now involved with competitive cycling.
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One On One Sessions · Group Classes Gym & Off Site Classes Available Coaches- Ask about team rates! Nathan Wadsworth Owner & Trainer 316-200-6620 www.trainwithnathan.com